Laying in the grass with my eyes closed and the deafening roar of whitewater filling my ears, I found myself in an almost out of body experience as I observed my present situation. Frankly, I was a hot mess. Despite the fact that I had been wearing a hat and sunscreen all day, I could feel the exhaustion and tightness in my face and lips that comes after hours of relentless sun exposure. My Continue reading →
Everything you Need to Know about Trail Running and Poison Ivy
Let's get right to the painful, itchy topic: trail running and poison ivy. I imagined I'd be writing this post much later in the season. I did not imagine I'd be ignoring the dull roar of itchy skin while doing so. Alas, it's early April and I'm already covered in a rash from a run in with poison ivy. Ugh. I grew up in the mountains of Vermont, during the era when moms would force you out Continue reading →
Thirty Two Training Posts.
I think the very first time the idea of finishing a 100 mile foot race crossed my mind was sometime in 2015. Geoff and I had signed up for the inaugural Infinitus 48 hour race hosted by our friends at the Endurance Society, equal parts "FOMO" and equal parts on a whim. I foolishly thought "100 miles in 48 hours? That's nothing" assuming that such a long time frame to finish would compensate Continue reading →
When Nature Calls…In Nature. A Runner’s Outdoor Bathroom Guide.
As an adult, I have discovered that there are a number of topics in our society that are considered "taboo"...even though they are something that every single one of us deals with on a daily basis. And one of those topics is going to the bathroom. Heck, as a mom of two little boys, I find it difficult to even sit here and type this post without cracking some potty humor myself. But it's a Continue reading →
Myrtle Beach Outdoor Adventures: “The Hulk” (Horry County Bike & Run Park)
Confession: a large part of me doesn't want to share this outdoor adventure with potential visitors, because I selfishly wish I could keep it to myself. Alas, selfishness is not the purpose of this blog post series...and it's certainly not good trail karma. Besides, I'm pretty sure our hidden trail "gem" here in Myrtle Beach is becoming quite popular without any help from this little ol' blog of Continue reading →
2016 Get In Gear Fest of Western North Carolina
What does "buy local" mean to you? For most people, supporting local business might include purchasing foods from their neighborhood farmers or shopping at food co-ops. Maybe it means buying locally made arts and crafts, soaps, and other handmade items. But when you think of buying local, would you envision world class kayaks, hammocks, backpacking tents, and other high end, quality outdoor Continue reading →
Myrtle Beach Outdoor Adventures: Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
In an effort to “love the one you’re with” or in this case, to love the place you live, we have made it a point to look beyond all of the pavement, neon lights, and massive hotels, and to instead find hidden outdoor gems here in the Grand Strand area. Because South Carolina truly does have its own unique beauty, and it would be a shame to not appreciate it. So until I run out of places to Continue reading →
Cairn – March 2016 Box Review
I blinked my eyes and March is nearly over. The weather here in South Carolina has gotten steadily warmer, and my running injuries have been kept at bay, therefore I've spent nearly every free moment in the great outdoors. It's that magical time of year here where you can enjoy the warmth of the sun without suffocating in the extreme humidity, and it's far too fantastic to stay Continue reading →
Myrtle Beach Outdoor Adventures: Brookgreen Gardens
Foreword: As many of my readers may have picked up by now, Geoff and I have struggled since our move to Myrtle Beach. Vermont was the ultimate outdoor and adventure playground for us. There was never any shortage of trails to explore or parks to visit; the outdoors was equal parts training grounds and playground. Myrtle Beach is quite the opposite, with it's massive sea of concrete Continue reading →
The Endurance Society Frigus Snowshoe Race Recap
Today, on this 33 anniversary of my entrance into the world, I will not wax poetic about the year as a whole, nor ramble on about what I plan to do in the coming year. I try to live every single day thankful for my life and my body that is capable of amazing things; my birthday (while full of cake, frosting, and awesomeness) is no exception. So instead I'd like to tell you a story about that Continue reading →
Snowshoeing for Runners 101
Let's preface this post with a confession I'm sure isn't that much of a secret around here anymore: I'm not very good at winter. This is surprising considering I grew up in Vermont, the winter wonderland of the East Coast. Vermonters seem to have a love for winter sports engrained in their very beings, with a reputation of such that follows wherever they go. I can't even tell you how many Continue reading →
