Dashing Through the Snow! The Long and Short of It

By Laura Clark

Last season, one of the original Western Mass Athletic Club snowshoers, Bob Worsham reflected, “I miss the longer races we used to have.” Well, Bob, this is your year, as we look forward to offerings ranging from 5Ks, 10Ks and 15Ks, all the way up through the half and full marathon – with a team relay thrown in for good measure. Thankfully, though, the first two races on tap are all 5Ks, designed for an early season introduction, and an opportunity to practice clothing choices and strategy. READ MORE...

Add Nordic Skiing to Your Winter Fun!

By Richard Carlson

Cross country skiing is set to become your new winter season passion! Hey, skiing is skiing, the curly end goes to the front and you slide around on snow. Cross country skiing is sport and fresh air fitness, and it’s a connection with the natural world in winter. If you’re a competent alpine skier you can easily make the switch. All the turning and stopping techniques of going downhill on skis readily translates into XC. Even beginner alpine skiers fare better with cross country ski technique than never-ever skiers. READ MORE...

There’s a ‘Long Path’ between NYC and the ‘Daks!

By Kenneth A. Posner

Imagine stepping off the subway at the 175th Street Station in Manhattan and the next thing you know, you’re setting foot in the Adirondacks. Fantasy? Not quite, for there is in fact a direct connection between these two sites – although admittedly it’s no short cut – rather it’s the “Long Path,” one of New York’s signature long-distance hiking trails. READ MORE...

Make Your Skiing More Fun

By Gail Setlock

Today’s ski gear has made it easier to ski a variety of conditions and terrain. The rockered technology makes a ski more versatile in a variety of snow conditions for all levels of skiers. And to take your skiing to the next level, be more versatile in your tactical approach, technique and style. Your skis, boots and poles are your connection with the snow. READ MORE...

John Bulmer

By Dave Kraus

Whether at work or play, John Bulmer’s life rotates around the outdoors. The Troy native often mixes his fitness pursuits with his work as both a photographer and filmmaker. His latest fitness passion, rucking, keeps him in shape for both of those jobs and his volunteer work with an outdoor rescue group, Adirondack Mountain Rescue. READ MORE...

Skiing in the Central Adirondacks - An Old Favorite, Something Different but Scenic and Somewhat New

By Rich Macha

In most winters you can bet that the Blue Mountain Lake and Indian Lake areas of the Adirondack Park have good snow depths and above average skiing conditions. The Blue Mountain Lake area usually has a few inches more snow than Indian Lake, benefiting a little more from lake-effect snows. Here are three ideas for five to ten-mile backcountry tours in that region. READ MORE...

Role of Gut Microbes in Preventing Disease

By Dr. Paul E. Lemanski, MD, MS, FACP

Emerging research suggests that the non-medicated approach to maintaining health and preventing diseases may also depend on the types of microorganisms that inhabit our gut.

Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria – the gut microbiome – that up to the last several years were not suspected of playing a role in diseases, apart from certain infectious diarrheas. More recently, however, the gut microbiome composition has been associated with disease states including obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and even cardiovascular disease. READ MORE...