Three Scenic Paddles with Hikes in the Adirondacks

By Rich Macha

On online forums and social media, you often see requests for suggested combination paddle and hike trips – the combination allows us to expand our experiences, and also gets us to exercise a greater variety of muscle groups in the process.

A great view, in my opinion, should include at least one water body like a pond or lake, and have minimal sights and sounds of civilization. I have quite a number of favorites in this category and I have picked three of them to tell you about here. READ MORE…

Tweaking Traditional Running Events

By Laura Clark

You know the drill. Just when you discover the perfect running shoes, the powers that be decide to switch things up. Believe me, I get it. As a fairly inflexible runner (physically as well as mentally), I have a tendency to develop brand loyalty, and take comfort in the fact that I know what to expect. Conversely, as a race director, I enjoy switching things up, sometimes to the consternation of faithful clientele. Occasionally, change is inevitable, as when bridges wash out, but often it is an attempt to respond to the suggestions of devoted customers. READ MORE…

Go with the Flow

By Mike Feldman

I’ve heard it again. “Don’t dumb down the trails.” And I’ve heard these statements as well: “The challenge is part of the experience,” and not very helpful, “Learn someplace else.” What is it that I’m referring to? Mountain Bike Trails. This is a debate that is as old as the sport. It used to be, and still is, that if a tree falls across any trail there is supposed to be a council meeting of tribal leaders convened to determine if the tree should remain in play or should branches and sticks be placed to assist lifting the wheels over the log. READ MORE…

Goodnow Mountain and Adirondack Interpretative Center

By Tom O’Grady

June is here and there are many reasons to get outside this month. The days will be getting longer as we approach the summer solstice on the 21st, Father’s Day will fall on the third Sunday of the month, and area schools will let out for summer break. A perfect day trip for families this month is Goodnow Mountain, located approximately two hours from the Capital Region, off NY Route 28N in Newcomb. READ MORE…

Brave the Cave

By Dr. Tom Denham

If you think getting extremely dirty, underground, in the dark, in tight spaces is your idea of quality time, then you might want to explore the neglected art of caving. Insiders know that the Capital Region is one of the sweetest spots for caving in the entire Northeast. At the beginning of my most recent adventure, I was quickly corrected when I called “caving” by its outdated term, “spelunking.” Caving was on my bucket list so I had to do it, but let me be clear, it is definitely not for everyone. Caves are inhospitable and messy places. There are some things you need to know before you go, so you will have a safe and memorable experience. READ MORE…

Karen Dolge

By Michelle Germain McDonald

Fresh off her stellar performance at the Capital Region’s premier Freihofer’s Run for Women 5K, this ‘veteran runner mother’ brings more than a fast time to her sport. Karen Dolge has an extensive history of being a top runner in the region. While she runs her own race, she sports an uncanny ability to encourage people, ranging from the speedster to the caboose, to learn and love to run. READ MORE…

The Benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables

By Paul E. Lemanski, MD, MS, FACP

Medicines are a mainstay of American life and the healthcare system not only because they are perceived to work by the individuals taking them, but also because their benefit may be shown by the objective assessment of scientific study. Clinical research trials have shown that some of the medicines of Western science may reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death while others may reduce certain types of cancer. READ MORE…