Twice a year, I run a trail race. And each time, I enjoy the experience so much that I vow to make trail running a regular part of my training. The trails that host these races are each within a half-hour drive of my house. But it’s just too easy to come up with excuses
Driving from Springfield to Vandalia, I was contemplating which Casey’s to stop at for coffee as I passed through Hillsboro, IL. The town of about 6,000 people supports two of the regional convenience stores and I’m quite familiar with both. The town has been both a destination and a travel stop through the years of
I’ve read about distance runners using mantras to stay focused during long events. I had never used one, or delved too deeply into uncovering the details. I feel like I may have tapped into this resource during the City of Roses Half Marathon in Cape Girardeau, MO. The course features a significant climb around the
A recent trip gave me the opportunity to stop at Wm. Van’s Coffee House in downtown Springfield, Illinois. This was my second visit which gave me a better appreciation for the family-owned café. The shop is located near the state capitol and adjacent to Abraham Lincoln’s home. The interior features a variety of seating options
Supporting local races helps build relationships within the community, promotes growth of the sport and encourages sponsors. Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation put on an excellent late-season triathlon at the Trail of Tears park. A 700-meter swim in Lake Boutin is followed by a challenging fifteen-mile bike ride before finishing with a four-mile run from
A great cause, passionate organizers, community support, challenging course and fun atmosphere all contribute to the Dutchman’s Dash in Chaffee, MO being one of my favorite events of the year. In its sixth year, the Dutchman’s Dash has raised over $50,000 for The Alzheimer’s Association. With family matriarchs affected by this disease, Blaine and Morgan
2019 was my third Iron Abe Olympic Triathlon (now Abe’s Olympic Triathlon) in Springfield, IL. During the pre-race meeting, director Steve O’Connor described the course as undulating. He was talking specifically about the bike portion of the race. I knew from previous years there were rolling hills and gradual elevation changes, but nothing very steep
I don’t normally compare coffee shops, preferring to find the uniqueness and redeeming qualities of each shop, independent of comparison. In some instances I have refrained from reviewing a shop because my first impression may not have been complete enough to commit it to words. Regardless of past practice I am posting this comparative blog
French Truck Coffee is a New Orleans based roaster and coffee shop. The Memphis shop is located in the Crosstown Concourse, a multi-use building originally built as a Sears warehouse and retail space. The shop is attractive and accessible within the complex. French Truck offers coffee, tea and smoothies from one half of the counter,
In a sport that has existed less that 45 years, the Memphis in May Triathlon is among the world’s oldest continuously-running events. This year marked the 37th year for the swim-bike-run event. The weekend event featured a sprint-distance race on Saturday and an Olympic-distance race on Sunday as well as an expo and clinics throughout
