Tag: zine

  • 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,”…

  • 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…

  • 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.”

  • Race the North Face

    A few short miles south of the city, the Brandon Hills tower above the surrounding farmland. Equally beautiful and cruel (to the unacclimatized flatlander) singletrack trails weave throughout this impressive landscape, and play host to the annual Race the North Face. I raced the course in 2022, and both thoroughly enjoyed the race and was…

  • Tunnel Island

    Tucked away off the main road as you weave through Kenora is a little gem known as Tunnel Island. After many years of driving past an inconspicuous sign marking the parking lot on our way somewhere else, and at the recommendation of several friends, locals and otherwise, I finally had the opportunity to explore this…

  • Spirit Sands & Devil’s Punchbowl

    In spring we finally hiked the iconic Spirit Sands and Devil’s Punchbowl in the Spruce Woods Provincial Park with the whole family. Recommended as a unique landscape in the area, revealing our province’s glacial past, and the ever-changing nature of the land. In his book, “Lake Agassiz”, Bill Redekop explains the origins of the Spirit…

  • Why I Didn’t Run Today

    When you want to go for a run, you usually find a way. When you don’t want to go for a run, there are plenty of reasons not to. Any words you’d add to this summer word cloud?

  • Old Tom Backyard Race Plan

    In two weeks’ time me and some friends will be exploring Old Tom’s backyard, over and over again. This race format includes running one lap every hour, last man standing. I might not be standing much. I plan on running, walking, sitting, eating, etc. As you can tell my race plan is very dialed in……