Run. Hike. Poop.

How-To: Make a trekking pole from a branch

March 2, 2012By y2kemo

On my last backpacking trip, as I made my way to Cold Mountain one of my aluminum Black Diamond trekking poles snapped. The cause baffled me. I planted the pole in the mud, leaned forward, and as I did the pole just went. With over a day and half of hiking to go, I stopped and made a hiking pole from a fallen branch.

The following day I needed to put the stick away, but it was wood and much too long to do anything with so I was forced to carry it. As I walked back, ideas for how to make a trekking pole started popping in my head.

If you’re interested in making your own, keep reading. It’s actually pretty easy. You’ll need a few things, some tools, and about an hour to do the brunt of the work.

Backpacking in NC: Flat Laurel Creek to Cold Mountain

February 22, 2012By y2kemo

In 2010, my buddy, Coop, and I met Chris, a fellow backpacker, at the base of Shining Rock in North Carolina. At the time, Chris had just turned back due to extreme winter conditions, and we were looking for a place to camp before the sky went dark and we froze to death. After surviving the night, the three of us exchanged contact information and suggested we get together again in the future.

This past weekend, almost two years later, the three of us realized the suggestion. Coop and I started at Sam Knob via the Flat Laurel Creek trail off of NC Highway 215/Lake Logan Road on Friday, ran an impromptu 5K to the top of Sam Knob’s 6,055′ peak, and Chris joined us on Saturday morning at the Black Balsam Road parking lot en route to Cold Mountain.

2012 Massacre Marathon Race Report: When running is a team sport

February 13, 2012By y2kemo

runner passing the baton — Taking the handoff from Jim.

A few weeks ago a friend posted a link to a marathon relay at a local park. It was to be a marathon like no other. The first lap is 2.2 miles then 15 laps of 1.6 miles.

For those willing to go it alone the race is a Boston Qualifier, but the majority of the race is comprised of two and four person teams, and every team has a category, including age, weight, and co-ed.

After a five-mile Saturday trail run I asked my buddy, Jim, if he wanted to team up and run the beast. He responded with, “Sure, why not?” Why not indeed. The winter has been mild, averaging 45 degrees in the past 6 weeks. My legs felt good. And I’ve been dying to run 1.6 mile intervals.

The heartiest, meatiest, most amazing chili recipe

February 10, 20124 commentsBy y2kemo

The Super Bowl is usually synonymous with pizza and chicken wings. Since I didn’t want either I deferred to my guests and my wife for main course suggestions. My sister, a vegetarian, wanted chili. My wife, a carnivore, also wanted chili. I decided to make both.

The night prior I made a rockin’ vegetarian chili (which I will divulge in a future post). While it grew more flavorful throughout the day on Sunday, I started in on the heartiest, meatiest, most amazing chili recipe I’ve made to date. Sweet Moses if you don’t try this chili recipe you are doing yourself a disservice.

Turnip Fries Recipe

February 1, 2012By y2kemo

My wife came home with four pounds of turnips the other night. “Yeahhhh, what is that?” I asked. She responded with, “A lady from work dropped them off. Says you cook them just like potatoes.” A light bulb went off and I immediately thought, “Potatoes make French fries. I will make turnip fries!” Trumpet sounds.

Since we had milanesas in the freezer I figured the turnip fries would be the perfect compliment. I grabbed a few spices, some parm, a bit of olive oil, and went to work.

HEADS UP: This recipe didn’t turn out right.

Should You Race to Win or PR?

January 19, 2012By y2kemo

In the height of my running I trained to compete. I ran intervals, hills, speed, and long distance. I did pushups and situps. I ate right. I did all of this to win.

My hard work paid off. First, I began placing in my age group at 5Ks. Then 10Ks. After a while I began placing in the overalls. Third, second, and eventually, and only once I might add, I won a 5K.

Now, years later, I am slowly gaining my competitive fervor. This time around, something has changed a bit. I run each race to win, but not against others. I race to PR.

Download the Internet

January 17, 2012By y2kemo

Run an #Anywhere5K

December 31, 2011By y2kemo

Every New Year’s Eve I tell myself I’m gonna be healthier. I start by saying I’m gonna run every day. Which quickly changes to every other day. And eventually settles on somewhere between three and five times a week.

I didn’t run every day this past year, but I did get my health in order. My running is up and weight is down. For 2012, I’d like to ride that momentum and created something new for all to enjoy. If you’re game, I suggest you run an #Anywhere5K with me.

How-To: Turn your baby jogger into a sleigh

December 15, 20113 commentsBy y2kemo

Dressing up as the Grinch and running in the Reindeer Romp 5K this past weekend was loads of fun. It was great to see the efforts that my friends and family directly and indirectly contributed to the project pay off. The costume was way better than races past, and because it was a team effort, more enjoyable as well.

If you’re wondering how you can misplace your sanity and create a sleigh for your baby jogger in order to fill it with a kid you’ve dressed as a dog so you can dress up as the Grinch and run a 5K then let me enlighten you. You’re going to need a few hours, a craft person (should you not be), and about $20 in supplies.

The Grinch, a sleigh, and a barefoot 5K

December 11, 2011By y2kemo

Ah the holidays. Christmas trees, lighted houses, and the annual Reindeer Romp 5K. Each year hundreds of people gather in Jamestown, NC to freeze their aces off while running 3.1 miles. It’s a welcome event. Not only for the camaraderie, but for the costumes as well.

Two years ago I braved sub-freezing temperatures, and ran the race dressed as a present. This year, I wanted to run in the cold as a cold-hearted character—the Grinch. In order to do so I was gonna need a sled, an antler, and a costume.

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