Valerie Gagne: My Path to Wild Adventures, Expeditions & Self-Discovery

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Welcome to another episode of Adventure Diaries! Today, Chris sits down with Valerie Gagne, aka The Running Panda, an elite athlete turned seasoned adventurer. Valerie’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the transformative power of exploration. From competing at a national level in cross-country skiing and rowing to undertaking solo expeditions in some of the harshest environments, Valerie shares her story of pushing personal limits and embracing adventure as a way of life.

In this episode, Valerie opens up about her early love for sports, her Olympic dreams, and the pivotal moments that shifted her focus from competition to adventure. She recounts the life-changing experience of participating in an Impossible to Possible (I2P) expedition through the Atacama Desert, where she learned to embrace teamwork, vulnerability, and collaboration. Valerie also takes us through her solo ski expedition around the Eye of Quebec, an incredible 190-kilometer journey through challenging winter conditions, where she built confidence by mastering essential survival skills.

We explore:

• Valerie’s early life in an athletic family and her passion for outdoor sports.
• How setbacks in competitive sports led to her transition into adventure.
• The role of I2P in teaching resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
• Mentorship from adventurer Ray Zahab and its impact on her journey.
• The challenges of solo expeditions, including battling slush, injury, and solitude.
• How adventures cultivate mental strength, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills.
• Valerie’s plans for future Arctic explorations and her love for local “backyard” adventures.

Valerie’s story is an inspiring call to embrace both small, local adventures and bold, life-changing expeditions. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or seeking motivation to step outside your comfort zone, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Links and Resources:

• Follow Valerie: Instagram and TikTok - @_therunningpanda
• Learn about Impossible to Possible: Impossible2Possible.com
• Explore Valerie’s Adventures: Eye of Quebec, Lake Baikal, Baffin Island

Call to Action:

Feeling inspired? Start your own adventure—whether it’s a backyard hike or a polar expedition. Sometimes, the biggest rewards come from simply taking that first step.

For more episodes and show notes, visit AdventureDiaries.com. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform!

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