Meagan LoBuglio is a PLAY Roanoke program participant and recently took to social media to talk about a program that has really impacted her. We fell in love with what she had to say and wanted to share her story here.
“She Hikes”
by Meagan LoBuglio
September 2020 marked my one-year hiking anniversary, and I’m clappin’ for my own self. A little over a year ago, I signed up for PLAY Roanoke’s #7PeaksIn7Weeks challenge (A.K.A. Roanoke Seven Summits), and got hooked on climbing mountains.
I’ve always loved the outdoors, and on many past trips, I’ve opted for the most strenuous or remote excursion—like that time we rode bikes down a volcano instead of doing the free spa day, or when I made my husband leave boring ‘ol Vegas for a trip to Death Valley National Park (HIGHLY RECOMMEND).
A little over one year ago, I realized that I had traveled to Tokyo, Japan, but had never hiked the trail 15 minutes from my house. I wanted to change that, so I did with over 500 trail miles this year. There are a million lessons learned on the trail this year, but here are a few quick ones that come to mind:
1. Grow where you are planted. In truth, I used to hate this saying, but I have discovered that what it 
mostly means is enjoy where you’re at. The big bucket-list check will come, but the town next to yours is pretty great, too.
mostly means is enjoy where you’re at. The big bucket-list check will come, but the town next to yours is pretty great, too.2. Outside is NOT scary. You just don’t have enough experience.
3. Some gear is recommended for safety and comfort but you don’t need a lot of expensive gear to start new things.
4. Date yourself. No matter if you’re married, have kids, single etc.—find something that you love and pursue it.
5. The climb is worth it.
6. People litter way more than you’d think—pick up your darn trash (#LeaveNoTrace)! 
The list goes on; I’m truly just getting started. I can’t wait to trek all the big, bucket-list, Instagram-worthy trails all over the world.
Who’s ready to take a hike with me?
