The Stubborn Tortoise

Tia Banks is a former professional flag football and basketball player. Injuries caused her to switch gears. She took up hiking and in 2021, summited Mount Kilimanjaro in six days. She was sick with an unknown illness but persevered. She has translated that experience into a career as a resilience coach: helping people of all ages to reframe their negative thoughts. Her story is inspirational. To contact her or read more, go here: ...

It's been a frustrating six or so weeks. Weather and arthritis in my hip and lower back are creating havoc for my return to running.

In the last week, I managed to hike 2 miles until my hip yelled at me to stop. Later last week, I returned to the ol' walk-run format.

It's a start, but not what I envision. Hoping to get back at it gradually until I can knock out a half or 25K without it killing me.

Also, some tales about why you should...

A dozen years ago I happened upon a book in the middle of a dirt road surrounding a cotton field. It was a Bible. In Spanish.

I still wonder why someone who had likely carried it with them across the US-Mexico border suddenly dropped it and left it behind. Were they being chased by border patrol or some law enforcement agency? I will never know for sure.

But it got me to thinking about all of the random things trail runners find di...

A longish story about why I did not volunteer on Sunday at the Bandera trail race, plus some history. Also, why I won't be running Big Bend this weekend.

But the real story involves a terrific indoor rowing event at my favorite workout spot, overcoming mental obstacles and treating it like an ultra.

Oh, and I threw in a couple of journalism references, explained, along with a nod to my Documentary Film History class and the new Bob...

Hey, it's New Year's Eve, and I am looking back a little on the year.

This episode gives you a very brief peek at Snowdrop, but more importantly, a look at some creeps from this past year.

The last of which I skillfully avoided at Snowdrop.

He does not deserve my time or attention, but here I am, outlining his creepy behavior.

For 2025, I only want to meet decent men who aren't social retards or who think they're my last hope for r...

I ran my first race in almost six months. It went well, except for the men who decided not to alert me that they were passing me, or who scared the hell out of me when they passed, or who almost ran me over on the course.

I am a 12-year veteran of trail races.

I am accustomed to the "on your left," courtesy.

Or "good job, runner!"

Yesterday, I seldom heard this, as guys nearly mowed me over because they thought they were going to w...

Deepak Shukla has been a runner since he was a teenager. The sport comes easily to him, although he has had his share of finishes and DNFs.

The 38-year-old digital marketing manager did the Chicago Marathon, his first, in 4:40.

From there, he crossed over to the dark side: ultras. Rather than completing a 50K or 50-mile race, he opted for a 100K.

From there, he tackled the hundo, with mixed results.

In December, he will attempt his...

It's something that every woman will experience, yet we're left feeling overwhelmed, demoralized and confused when this life change hits.

It is especially challenging when you're an active woman and it feels like overnight you've got a swim ring around your middle and your pants don't fit.

Mironda Meyer, a Concord, Vermont-based coach, is one of the administrators of Facebook's Menopausal Athletes page. She has a great website full...

I was fortunate to interview Kenneth Anderlitch in December 2022, shortly after he spent 19 days running 840 miles across Texas to raise almost $57,000 for Pay it Forward SA. This organization provides resources for those in recovery.

On Sept. 20, Kenneth embarked on an even bigger challenge: to run from Washington, D.C. to San Antonio. He expects this 1,800-mile journey to take about six weeks. His goal is to raise money for a new...

I read ⁠an article⁠ about how running clubs in New York City are overrun (ha ha) with singles looking to meet others. The problem is, the subjects said, these clubs are almost as useless as dating apps.

It got me thinking about my own experiences. First and foremost, the trail community is my tribe. I unwittingly found a group of like-minded people who are altruistic, tough and don't mind getting dirty. I have had a few instanc...