News
Hiking Seceda: The Dolomites
The Dolomites in northeastern Italy rank among the most beautiful and iconic mountain ranges in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans a vast area and draws hikers from across the globe. I hiked up to the Seceda ridgeline, known locally as the Torri di Fermeda. Jagged peaks, dramatic vistas, and sweeping alpine meadows […]
What Makes a Great Hike? Planning Beyond the Trail
Planning your next hiking trip but not sure where to start? A great hike takes more than choosing a scenic trail on Instagram. Weather, terrain, food, and route planning can make or break your experience. Here’s what to consider before hitting the trail. Time of year matters Choosing where to hike can feel overwhelming, but […]
Four Days On Portugal’s Fisherman’s Trail
Golden cliffs dropping into turquoise water, stork nests balanced on sea stacks, and miles of dusty coastal trail with almost no one around; the Fisherman’s Trail felt more like a movie set than a hiking route. Read about the complete details of my 4-day trip from Lagos to Sagres. My take After four days on […]
Hit Pause: The Case for Banning Music in Races
Music measurably affects exercise: studies show it can lower perceived exertion, improve mood and pacing, and increase endurance and power, sometimes substantially, by diverting attention from fatigue and synchronizing movement to rhythm (NIH). Since portable music players and iPods made race listening common, organizers and competitors have debated whether that advantage is fair (NYT, 2007). […]
Why Running Outside Trains Your Brain (Not Just Your Body)
I’ve preferred running outside to the treadmill ever since I started running. No matter where I am, there’s nothing quite like fresh air, new surroundings, and the unpredictability of stepping out the door without a fixed path. But running outdoors does more than improve your physical fitness. It actively trains your brain in ways a […]
Collect miles in new cities, not souvenirs
Why sightjogging is the best way to explore Europe What if the best way to see a new city wasn’t a bus tour or a museum ticket, but a pair of running shoes? During my semester abroad, I trained for a marathon by running in a new city every weekend across Europe. What started as […]
Runner’s Guide to Bologna
Whether you’re just daytripping to Bologna or thinking of moving here, the city has much more to offer than just delicious ragu and tortellini. Bologna has plenty of outdoor spaces and opportunities for running; you have to look for them! Giardini Margherita Here you will find many runners weaving through the park. It is roughly […]
Lessons from my first marathon (that has nothing to do with running)
I just finished my first marathon (Run the Rome Marathon), and I can confidently say I caught the ‘marathon bug’. But what surprised me most wasn’t the race itself. It was everything about the experience, outside of running, that taught me about myself and my capabilities. Maybe it’s seeing months of discipline (5 am wakeups, […]
Garmin Coach Marathon Plan Review: Pros, Cons & Results
I ran my first marathon in 3:44 minutes using the Garmin Coach training plan on the Forerunner 255. Here’s my honest review, including what worked and what didn’t. If you’re: Training for your first marathon Want structure without overthinking your plan; Garmin Coach is a strong option. As an experienced, but admittedly ‘lazy’ runner, I […]
Hills: Get Over it!
Why do we run hills? Some might feel that they are the most difficult part of the run. However, research shows that they can be the most effective way to improve performance. You get fitter and faster by tackling hills, and they build strength in your core and lower body. They require your muscles […]
