Last week I started training for the Grand Rapids Marathon on October 16th. This will be my first full marathon in four years. The trifecta of new baby + global pandemic + medical nightmare put my running dreams at bay for a while, but I’m back and ready to endure. That word sums it all …
Look Into The Light.
I first heard about the band Oneida during a recent episode of the Best Show with Tom Scharpling. The topic of the show was the greatest double albums of all-time. Along with the expected names (Double Nickels on the Dime, Exile on Main St.), a caller professed his love for Oneida and swore their 2002 …
The Virtue of Being Uncomfortable
"Make friends with pain and you'll never be alone."- Ken Chlouber, Colorado miner and creator of the Leadville Trail 100 Two mildly controversial opinions : (1) running is not therapy and (2) there's no such thing as a runner's high. Running gives you plenty of time to think, unwind, and burn off stress, which can …
It Never Ends.
The last time I updated this blog was August 23, 2019. A few things have happened since then. A global pandemic happened and continues to happen. A president left office and a new president took office and 50% of the country seems cool with that and the other 50% is definitely not cool with that. …
Slouching Towards Enlightenment
I'm sure I'm not the only person who dreads the end of summer. Maybe dread is too strong a word. How 'bout lament? Yes. That's more romantic. Lament, noun, a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. Boom. Nailed it. I'm sure I'm not the only person who laments the end of summer. In Michigan, a …
Running Kzoo.
Borgess Wishes & Oberon Dreams I've participated in the Borgess Run for the Health of It festival of races every year since 2013, with one brief interlude in Pittsburgh which doesn't need to be mentioned. But after all these years, it FINALLY occurred to me why the event has such a bizarre name. "Run for …
What Now?
Guest blog by Jon Schlosser It snowed today. It's April 11th. At least that's when I'm writing this. I don't know when Kato will run it. Maybe never. Who knows. It's impossible. But I like the snow now. I stood out on the porch and the air felt crisp and real. I thought:"The only downside …
Cole.
I was one of Cole’s teachers, and his Cross Country coach. I would like to thank Cole’s family for giving me the opportunity to speak today. I offer my deepest condolences to Lisa, Andy, and Kanaan; all of Cole’s family members, his friends, his teachers and everyone else who loved him. As you can see …
1900 & the Return of Spring.
expect the unexpected in the kingdom of madness We did it. We survived winter. The vernal equinox has brought us the first day of spring and I, for one, will never, ever look back. There may be more snow and ice and treacherous commutes, but I will refuse to honor their meager existence and shall …
Running, together.
Guest Blog by Andee Sampley I think every runner needs THAT running partner. This is the partner that will drop EVERYTHING and meet you for a last minute run; the buddy who always answers “YES!” to every bizarre running adventure idea. It should be someone who makes you laugh, encourages you when everything hurts and …
A Running Life 