Category: Zine

  • No time to spare in Beaudry

    “You’re late.” In 2019 I signed up to run loops of this beautiful little trail along the Assiniboine River west of Winnipeg during the annual Beaudry Fall Classic. This particular year, the race was preceded by a couple weeks of heavy rain, and as I drove out on a dark fall morning, the windshield wipers…

  • Meet Klaaz

    In a town who’s favourite traditional pastime is “The Mennonite Game”, it’s rare to find anyone who’s family history, not to mention whereabouts, is largely unknown. Enter Klaaz, the mind behind the Barkman Marathons. We know little about Klaaz, and it seems he wants to keep it this way. When he started dropping notes about…

  • Walking Distance

    “Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.”– Steven Wright I read this quote a few years ago, and in my memory attributed it to Thoreau. If Thoreau said it, of course, it was automatically profound. Now Thoreau did write a book called Walking, and did have profound things to say on the topic,…

  • Actif Epica

    I’d been curious about the Actif Epica, an annual race along the Crow Wing Trail, for several years, and 2025 was my year to finally be part of it. As the day approached, the forecast continued to promise “classic Manitoba winter” temperatures below -20° C. The race bills itself as a “celebration of human resilience,”…

  • Drifting

    Believe it or not, each of these techniques have been personally tested. And all in one fateful day. My regular running route includes a stretch of park path along the north side of a shelterbelt. Depending on snowfall and wind direction, this path can vary from day to day as snow piles in before plow…

  • Reasons to Run in Deep Winter

    Deep winter divides runners into two camps – those who turn to the treadmill, and those who layer up and brave the cold. Then there’s a third camp, those who hang up the shoes till more reasonable temperatures return… Which are you? For myself, I started in the third camp, avoiding winter running. Then I…

  • Happy New Year

    I’ve done my best in this holiday week to unplug, slow routines, spend time with family, and generally not be “doing” in the regular sense for a bit. Not easy, and our whole family routine’s been off, but I think it’s been good. I hope you’ve been able to have some rest as well. Reflecting…

  • Manitoba Running Posters

    The odd time I shared a doodle over the past year, I’d get a note from my friends over at Big Sky Run Co saying, “Would love to have this one for the shop!” Now, to celebrate the end of a big year of adventures for so many of of you, I’ve printed a few…

  • Pole Dancing

    This time of year, between seasons, I pull out the ol’ Nordic ski poles and do some of what’s known as dryland training. In other words, running up and down Abe’s Hill with ski poles but without skis. (For the record, this kind of workout is out way more fun now while anticipating the arrival…

  • Mountains of Manitoba

    Legend has it, after attempting to answer the call of Manitoba mountains but being defeated by swamps, mosquitoes, and a biting north wind, John Muir headed south. In fact, he is often misquoted. His actual quote is, “The mountains are calling, BUT I must go.”