“It ain’t gotta be fun to be fun.”
Adventure and outdoor activities have always been about the thrill of the unknown, the challenge, and the sense of accomplishment. Yet, there's a peculiar concept in the world of adventure enthusiasts called Type 2 Fun- moments (or days) when we’re scared, tired, extremely cold or extremely hot, lost, and/ or near death (or so we think). In this blog post, we'll explore the intriguing world of Type 2 Fun and why it's an essential aspect of the human adventure experience.
Enjoying a stroll through the mountains of Patagonia
Defining Type 2 Fun
Type 2 Fun is not your typical amusement park ride or beach vacation. In fact, it's quite the opposite. It's the kind of fun that may not feel enjoyable in the moment but becomes a cherished memory once it's over. It's the joy derived from challenging, sometimes grueling, and often uncomfortable experiences that push you to your limits and test your resilience. These are the adventures where you find yourself questioning your choices, but once you've endured them, you can't stop talking about them.
A sense of accomplishment, type 2 fun, and this face- the rewards 50 miles in.
Examples of Type 2 Fun
Endurance Races: Participating in an ultra-marathon or a long-distance triathlon may not be enjoyable while you're battling fatigue and pushing your body to its limits. But when you cross the finish line, the sense of achievement is unparalleled.
Multi-day Hiking Trips: Carrying a heavy backpack, enduring harsh weather, and camping in remote locations might not sound like a fun vacation. However, the breathtaking scenery, the solitude, and the self-reliance experienced during these journeys are incredibly rewarding.
Mountaineering: Climbing a towering peak involves strenuous physical exertion, freezing temperatures, and life-threatening risks. Yet, mountaineers often speak of the incredible beauty of the mountains and the indomitable spirit it takes to reach the summit.
Rainier: It seemed like a good idea while looking at the map.
Why We Seek Type 2 Fun
Personal Growth: Type 2 Fun pushes us out of our comfort zones and forces us to confront our fears and limitations. It's through these challenges that we grow both mentally and physically.
Memorable Experiences: Ordinary, easy experiences often blur together in our memories. But Type 2 Fun adventures create vivid, lasting memories that we cherish and share with others.
Appreciation for Simplicity: Experiencing discomfort and adversity reminds us of the simple pleasures of life. A hot meal, a warm shower, or a cozy bed become luxuries we appreciate deeply after a challenging adventure.
Tired is good, we’re doing great
Embracing Type 2 Fun
Mindset Matters: Approach Type 2 Fun with the right mindset. Instead of dreading the discomfort, embrace it as part of the adventure. Recognize that the discomfort is temporary and that the rewards are long-lasting.
Build Resilience: Type 2 Fun builds mental and emotional resilience. When you face difficulties head-on and overcome them, you become more capable of handling challenges in other aspects of life.
Learn and Adapt: Each Type 2 Fun experience teaches valuable lessons. Whether it's about gear, preparation, or decision-making, you gain insights that make you a more skilled adventurer.
