Ellie Watts

Ice & Rock Climber, Back Country Skier, Trail Runner
The Non-Extreme Extremist

From the United Kingdom

Although I can always be found somewhere in the hills or mountains doing something that most other people would never do, I don't do anything overly extreme. I’m just out in places doing things that people find a bit odd.

When I first moved to Canada I lived in Jasper and didn’t have a car. I realised that if I was to get anywhere I was going to have to use my feet. I took up long distance running so I could get further in a day, see more, end up places no one else went to, and get deeper into nature. 

From that start I have become an avid mountain trail runner, rock climber, backcountry skier, and ice climber. I don’t do any of these things particularly well. I just love doing them! ✨

It's important to me that women and girls see others doing activities without being amazing at them.

I struggled for a long time not feeling fit or extreme enough. I negatively compared myself to others and turned my explorations into achievements, rather than experiences.

Pushing myself too hard led to a herniated disc — which still didn't stop me from running multiple ultramarathons. I then re-bulged that same disc 18 months later because I didn't listen to my body's need to pull back.

I now listen to my body (most of the time!) and take the greatest pleasure in being a ‘non-extreme extremist’.

I get the same kick out of someone saying to me, “Why on Earth would you want to walk for 20km on your skis in the rain for no view?” as I did years ago when someone praised me for completing a 60km mountain run. 

Some of my non-extreme accomplishments include:

Mountain trail running: I walk ALL of the uphills.

Rock climbing: I most enjoy long, easy climbs in pretty places over pulling hard and pushing grades. 

Backcountry skiing: my idea of a GREAT outing is walking on my skis for 20km to reach a random point on a map that I decided would be a good destination for no particular reason, and then getting about 3 mediocre turns in.

Ice climbing: I top rope super thin ice over frozen moss using tools I bought for $100 that are too heavy for me to swing efficiently.

Be your own inspiration.
The things you and your body can achieve together are monumental.

✨✨✨

Rad Grrrl rapid-fire

🔥 What’s been your most badass moment so far?

My most badass moment was the moment I flicked that switch inside my brain which stopped me being goal-driven when it comes to pursuing my passions. I now listen to my body, and stop when it tells me to stop (most of the time!) and take the greatest pleasure in being a ‘non-extreme extremist’.

🔥 Do you have a favorite SmashGrrrl design?

I love the Icy Ascent design. The lady is top-roping in the sun having a fantastic time — what isn’t to love about it! I see myself in that picture so much!

🔥 What advice do you have for other women and girls?

Be your own inspiration. The things you and your body can achieve together are monumental. All it really takes is putting one foot in front of the other every day and keeping your eye on the horizon searching for your own next peak.