Waiting for Winter

By Rich Macha

Anticipation. Back in the old days – I don’t want to age myself, but let’s just say around the turn of the century – it was common for me to have skied a few times before Thanksgiving rolled around. These days, in the age of global warming and climate change, I’m lucky to get out on the skis a few times before Christmas. Nevertheless, I’m still hoping for a long and snowy ski season. Here are some early season thoughts, recommendations and updates. READ MORE

Fireside Reads

By Laura Clark

For many of us, the time change, colder weather and holiday season signals the perfect opportunity to pause, take a reflective break and rejuvenate tired bodies. But for highly motivated individuals who need their running fix, this often proves an impossible task. Enter ‘fun run season’ where the emphasis is on rebuilding and reimagining. I wish I could claim credit for this phrase, but I borrowed it from Runner’s World coach Jess Movold, who coined it for the October 2021 issue of the magazine. Rather than implying a complete shutdown with a struggle to climb back to peak performance, this concept is easier for Type A personalities to deal with. Leave your watch at home, boycott Strava, and run (or do winter sports) as whim and desire dictate. READ MORE

A Buyer’s Guide for Beginners

By Alex Kochon

If you’re among the 24.6 million Americans who recreated outdoors last winter, according to the Snowsports Industries of America’s latest report, you’re in good company as winter sports options continue to expand. Maybe you’re contemplating a new setup to add to your quiver, like alpine touring or backcountry skis or maybe even a fat bike. Maybe you’re trying to convince yourself to come out of the house this season and try skiing for the first time, whether it be downhill or cross-country. Or perhaps you’re looking to buy your kid a snowboard but have no idea what you’re looking for or how much it’s going to cost. READ MORE

An Office with a View

By Dave Kraus

“Wow, you’re gonna be livin’ the dream!” said my friends when they learned I would be working as a cycling tour guide this past summer for Ciclismo Classico (ciclismoclassico.com), an international company based in Arlington, Mass. Go to exotic scenic locations! Stay in luxurious hotels! Eat in fine restaurants! Hang out with great people (who tip well)!... Get paid to ride my bike! READ MORE

Beth Stalker

By Kristen Hislop

Age is just a number. You are only as old as you feel. I toss those around a fair bit these days. As a kid I remember my parents turning 50 and thinking “man that’s old.” Now at 90 I figure my dad has another good 10 years (as his mother, uncle and aunt went past 100). But aging can be tough on athletes as you can’t hit the times you once did. A new distance or sport is typically the only way to a PR. You don’t see 60-70-year-old athletes winning local road races, but that doesn’t mean that we lose our ability. READ MORE

Appalachian Trail – West Virginia to Maine from June 9-August 29

By Miyoko Fulleringer (aka Sunflower)

“Do your best, zero expectations, you’re not here to prove anything, the journey of 1,167 miles begins with a single step.” For me, the scariest part of any challenge is getting to the starting line. Whenever the self-doubt crept in as I booked my tickets, quit my job, explained to my friends and family where I was headed, I repeated those words and it helped to quiet the fears. READ MORE