For this weeks Friends of FINDRA we talk to hillwalking enthusiast Cait Murray-Green to find out what inspiration and motivation she takes from the great outdoors!
Hey, can you tell everybody where are you based and what you do!
I’m Cait Murray-Green from Glasgow. I’m a consultant helping scientists create businesses, and I have a strong interest in bioplastics and circular economy.
How long has the outdoors been a part of your life?
I have loved being in the mountains since I first got the chance to be there on a Geography field trip in my first year of secondary school, going a short distance along the Brandy Pad in the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down.
What’s been your favourite trip or adventure?
I don’t have a favourite walk or even area – there is just so much to choose from and even the same location can change a huge amount depending on the weather and seasons.
How do you find a balance between being active and life’s other responsibilities i.e. work and family?
I’m not great at this, it's something I have to work hard on, but now that my children are getting more independent I will be making more of the opportunities to get out into the outdoors and into the hills.
Is there anyone who inspired your love of the outdoors?
My geography teachers, Colin Baxter’s photos of Scottish Mountains, being a Venture Scout and being able to get access to the hills and do things like abseiling as well.
Do you find that being outside has a positive impact on your wellbeing and mental health?
Yes, I find that a day in the hills, even just doing a low-level walk, helps to ground me, to recharge me and relax me. It’s my happy place.
What is it about hillwalking specifically that you love?
I don’t find an hour in the gym uplifting, but I do find a day in the hills perfect for getting that “exercise high”. It always comes with a sense of achievement, sometimes from the location, sometimes from having survived the weather conditions!
When did you discover FINDRA?
My good friend Maria gave me a voucher for my birthday – she knew that the ethos of the company was something that I would be interested in as much as the products.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
When things are hard, remember to look down and see how far you have come and not be solely focussed on the mountain you still have to climb.
On writing this blog, what do you feel is the key motivational or inspirational message you would like to highlight to our followers that would inspire them to get outdoors more.
Just do it! Get out there and enjoy the space, fresh air and new experiences.
Music of the Week
New Moon by Steve Gunn, an American singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn.
