Events
A Golden Opportunity and Stage Debut – The Golden Ultra
“What do you cover?” asked Andy Brown, Communication Manager of Tourism Golden. “Hiking, history, paddling, conservation—and running—especially marathons and ultras,” I replied as we got acquainted at a writer’s conference two years ago. “Well, I’ve got an event for you,” Andy responded. “Have you heard of the Golden Ultra? It’s a challenging three day staged…
Read MoreHitting One Hundred on Mount Hood
Running the Hood Hundred I thought my days of distance running and hiking hard were over when I was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) four years ago. I could barely turn my neck, my arms and shoulders ached, and it was difficult to bend over or lift my legs. At age 59, depression set in…
Read MoreFeeling the Heat!- Smith Rock Classic 50K
Be careful what you wish for! After running Eastern Washington’s Badger Mountain 50 mile in pouring rain with 30 mph winds, Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon in 50 degrees and rain, and then a marathon training run on Northwestern Washington’s Whitehorse Trail in monsoonal downpours—I turned to my running partner with exasperation and exclaimed, “I’d rather…
Read MoreGoing Hog Wild in Cincinnati – The Flying Pig Marathon
“Good job piggies!”and “Go pigs!” exclaimed a myriad of folks lining the streets as I along with more than 4,000 other determined runners plodded down the streets of Cincinnati. Anywhere else but in this city in southern Ohio on this day would those cheers be considered rude and offensive. But not here on this day.…
Read MoreA Badger of Honor — The Badger Mountain 50 Mile Challenge Run
Eastern Washington’s Badger Mountain 50 Mile Challenge Run was never a race I planned on doing! The course is tough and the weather can be a doozy! But, I heard great things about the race director Jason Reathaford and his tireless volunteers. I knew that this race raised money for the Friends of Badger Mountain, the…
Read MoreDirtbag Inspiration at the San Diego 50 Mile Run
Another 50 mile run done! As the evening light faded away I crossed the finish line of the San Diego 50 to the cheers of a wonderfully supportive crew of volunteers, race staff and fellow runners. I collected my finisher’s medal, posed for some pictures and then greeted some of my fellow finishers; some folks…
Read MoreBaker Lake 50K
Running through a landscape of past explosions with an implosion of new ultra-runners! I’ve longed wanted to run the Baker Lake 50K, but every year on race weekend I was committed to being someplace else! But this year my calendar finally allowed me to sign up—and sign up I did! The race has been going…
Read MoreRunning among the Spuds–Skagit Flats Half Marathon
The Skagit Valley has been my home since 2007. My wife and I were lured to the area by its natural beauty, rich agricultural heritage, and easy access to outdoor recreation. We had spent too much time in the big city (although we were both raised in smaller communities) and looked forward to becoming part…
Read More267.7 Miles Hiked and Run and $10,092 Raised!
It was another great Hike-a-thon! Wow! As usual, come September 1st I am physically and emotionally drained after putting in some decent miles on the trail in August and spending two months trying to convince you all why you should make a donation to my Hike-a-thon benefiting the Washington Trails Association. Since 2012 I have…
Read MoreA Hot, Humid and Hilly Homecoming! The Mad Marathon
I left Vermont in April of 1989 and headed west to Washington State not knowing where my life would lead me. It was a woman that led me to the Green Mountain state—and it was because of her I left it. Our seven years together had a few highlights. But it was mostly a dysfunctional,…
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