Welcome to Hunting for Bliss!
Hey, I’m Pawel, the person behind Hunting for Bliss. If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering who I am and what led me to start this blog. Let’s just say it wasn’t always about hiking, trail running, and ultra marathons.
Growing up in a poor Eastern European country, I was always outside, either playing football or exploring. From the age of 6, it was all about the game for me. I had big dreams of becoming a superstar (I guess all kids do 😅), but after knee surgery at 14, those dreams came to a sudden halt. Football was no longer part of my life, and I had to figure out what came next. For a while, it was all about partying and enjoying my teenage years (we’ve all been there). Exercise became an afterthought, and the tech world eventually swept me up.
I entered the world of IT and corporate life, where the focus was more on boring (and often meaningless) meetings than anything outdoors. Despite the steady career and the occasional workout, something still felt missing. Today, when writing this – I think I was craving a challenge, a way to reconnect with nature, and a deeper sense of freedom.
Then came COVID.
It’s pretty wild how the pandemic changed everything. I had no choice but to slow down and focus on something else. That’s when I moved to Madeira to work remotely, and that’s when the hiking bug bit me hard. At first, it was just a way to break free from lockdowns and get outside. But before I knew it, I was hiking every weekend. Soon, I was hiking 3-4 times a week, pushing myself further, exploring new trails, and discovering how much I loved being outdoors. After Madeira, I moved to Tenerife to continue working remotely and kept feeding my obsession with hiking.
The real shift came when I realised I wasn’t satisfied with just hiking anymore. I wanted to move faster, cover more ground, and feel the rush of the trail beneath my feet. That’s when trail running entered the picture, and everything clicked. It was the perfect combination of adventure, speed, and freedom.
Now, Hunting for Bliss is my way of sharing that journey with you. This blog isn’t just about trail running or ultra marathons; it’s about finding the joy of moving through nature at your own pace, whether you’re running, hiking, or simply exploring. I’m not a pro, but I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I want to help you find your bliss in the mountains too.
So, it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned runner or someone new to the outdoors – I’ve got something for you here. If you want to connect or follow my journey, check out my strava and social media, and I sincerely hope I’ll be able to inspire you!
What to Expect?
• Hiking, Long distance trekking, and trail running guides: From detailed trail routes to tips on trail running, you’ll get the real deal based on my experiences.
• Gear tips and reviews: I’ll share my honest thoughts on the gear that keeps up with our rugged adventures.
• Personal adventures: I’ll take you along on my personal experiences – the good, the challenging, and everything that brings the joy of exploring the outdoors.
And who knows what else my compulsive mind comes up with, but let’s make this blog as much yours as it is mine. Share your thoughts, your stories too!
Cheers!