Bloomington Resident Celebrates 50 Years of Mountain Climbing, Community Sports
Leanne Hansen has called the same Bloomington house home for 50 years, drawn by the city's walkable neighborhoods and proximity to nature centers that fuel her passion for outdoor activities.
The longtime resident has climbed 33 mountains in Colorado and reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,000 feet. Hansen said mountain climbing energizes her and provides a sense of freedom away from crowds.
It's like you're free when you're up there because there's hardly anybody with you," Hansen said during a recent community spotlight. "It really energizes me. You could be feeling bad, you don't feel bad anymore.
Hansen's athletic pursuits extend beyond mountain climbing to include triathlons, adventure races and racquetball. She joined a men's racquetball league due to the absence of a women's league and made the playoffs. Despite admitting she "really hated the swim" portion of triathlons and worried about drowning, Hansen compensated by becoming a faster cyclist and runner.
The active resident also participates in Bloomington's walking club, plays piano since age five, and recently traveled to Las Vegas to qualify for a senior racquetball tournament. Though a knee injury will prevent her from competing, Hansen plans to attend and cheer for fellow players she considers friends.
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Areas of Interest (2)
- The decline of senior-specific athletic tournament opportunities in Minnesota.
- The long-term benefits of accessible urban nature trails on senior resident health.
Notable Quotes (1)
Minnesota doesn't have a racquetball tournament for seniors anymore.
People (1)
Leanne HansenResidentLong-time Bloomington resident, athlete, and piano teacher.
2 quotes
Long-time Bloomington resident, athlete, and piano teacher.
“It's like you're free when you're up there because there's hardly anybody with you. It really energizes me.”
Describing her love for mountain climbing.
“I signed up for a men's league because it wasn't a women's league. I made the playoffs.”
Discussing her experience in competitive racquetball.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- Recent trip to Las Vegas for senior racquetball qualification
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Athletic pursuits and lifestyle
Participation in local walking clubs
Senior citizen sports accessibility in Minnesota
Maintaining physical activity despite aging
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