Everything we do–or recommend you do–comes from these seven principles. It's our way of being in the world and how we find happiness in what we push ourselves to do.
We know that movement is an important part of wellness. We recognize many people are challenged by different things, so movement is defined differently for each person. Whatever your abilities are, we encourage you to find your way to move.
We believe it's important to remember our proper place in nature and respect the environment and the earth that sustains us. Tread lightly, both on the trails and in the cities, and be ever-thoughtful about your impact, both social and environmental. We aim to spread positivity and be inclusive and we seek interested folks to join us and do the same!
We always say that the best part of our job is the awesome people we get to work with. The truth is our community is not just fun and friendly–it's deeply inspiring too! We get to see people of all ages, shapes, and sizes achieving things that many would think impossible. Every person has things to teach and share and stories to tell, if we keep our ears and eyes and hearts open we can definitely learn from others.
Reaching for your dreams and accomplishing big goals requires a lot of work, training, and just plain digging deep–that's a fact. We emphasize mental training as a way to become "comfortable with discomfort" and know from personal experience that the mind is just like any other muscle: the more we work it the stronger and tougher it gets. Try a kind of food you've never tasted, learn a new perspective, put yourself in someone else's shoes, engage in a difficult conversation...going beyond your comfort zone can mean many different things!
Why do you do what you do? What's really motivating you? These are questions worth asking yourself, especially in the social media age. Remember, run your own race, no matter what your chosen activity. Are you enjoying yourself, at least occasionally? If not, it may be time for a check-in.
Getting outside is an absolute must for optimal physical, mental, and spiritual health. Not everyone has the means or the time to drive to the mountains or wilderness, but some–if they make the deliberate choice–can open their eyes to the nature that surrounds them and see the adventure in front of them. Be outside and mindful of what is not "human-made" in the world and take any available moment to consider your connection with nature.
Thankfully the old adage "if you want to run, just run" or "if you want to do X, just do X" has been debunked and people are realizing that you need to do more to stay balanced and injury free. Incorporating cross training, strength training, and functional fitness into your routine will keep you feeling good and doing what you want. Adding playfulness, creativity, and a spirit of adventure will keep you curious and engaged in the world around you.
In 2005, Willie McBride met Tony Barbero in Berkeley, California and they began adventuring tirelessly in the Marin Headlands, pushing the limits of their mental and physical endurance. They felt like animals and they soon put a name to their rag-tag two man crew: Animal Athletics. With that, the journey began.
After moving to Portland in 2011, Willie connected with like-minded animal Yassine Diboun, who was already a highly-respected runner in the area (they literally crossed paths at the junction of Wildwood and Wild Cherry Trail in Forest Park and recognized each other from pictures!) Together the two began honing the vision of their dream business and soon realized the opportunity was there to be seized. A short time later the philosophy and spirit of Animal Athletics became a reality to be shared with all.
In 2016... after an awesome 4 years of business, a transition was necessary—a new name and a new look, even though our heart and soul remained unchanged. From the very beginning we've experienced the greatest parts of adventure—cultivating a wonderful community, finding truly meaningful work, being active and mostly outdoors while doing it. The bold Animal has never gone out of this Wolfpack.
In 2022, Willie and Yassine asked Daryl Freier to join the business as a partner in building new fitness and adventure experiences. From the beginning Wy'east Wolfpack has been here to help people, young and older, create change, find personal fulfillment and experience adventure in making healthier and happier lives. Our future is bright and our plans are big and Daryl is a key part of the work to extend our values into more areas of meaning and impact for our Wolfpack.
Get to know the team that lives and breathes these values every day.