Claire Geiger, PhD in Play
Somewhere in Slovenia…
“Life is defined by the moments of magic we create for ourselves. Doing what I love is where I find these moments that motivate me to go beyond myself.” ~ Claire Geiger
At Advanced Recess, we love bringing stories to life of people who inspire us with their version of play. Today we bring you: Claire Geiger, PhD of Play...
When it comes to the actual class of Advanced Recess, few can teach the students as well as Claire Geiger who pretty much hails a PhD in the subject.
I met Claire at a 10x10 pop up booth in Kona at an expo in 2010. The fact that Claire was open to truly exploring the expo is a case in itself. Most athletes in Kona are there to get as much attention as possible while Claire was looking for things that grabbed her attention.
A few days later, she went on to place in the top 10 in her age group. Before that, she excelled at various sports including tennis, soccer and she was part of a Division 1 rowing program in Wisconsin. After our memorable meeting in Kona, she moved to Colorado and began working for World Bicycle Relief. On the side, she was always doing some mountainous adventure which included a few huge circumnavigations around mountains or scaling them. Upon one trip to Jackson Hole, Claire and our friend Becca watched “how to” videos on summiting the Tetons and then they did it successfully the next day.
In addition to her sporting activities, Claire is a stout baker and cook. A handful of years ago, she decided to take on a challenge in the magazine Bon Appetit which grabbed their editors attention and they ended up featuring her in an issue.
Claire is a really special person and everyone she comes in contact with feels her radiance. In her quote she talks about magical moments we create for ourselves. In general, Claire is a rolling series of magical moments and a real ambassador of embracing a life of play. Claire Geiger, you are one in a billion and a PhD of play.
More with Claire:
What do you do for play?
I love to spend time outside, running or mountain biking, getting the dogs out, and spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking.
How do you benefit from play?
I know I am my best me when I get out and move my body, clear my mind, and escape into the simplicity and perfection of nature.
