The Rhythmic Restoration of Walking
What is it about walking that’s so appealing, and how can walking benefit runners? Spokane physical therapist Jonathan Hook explains, in this Run Wild column.
mental health
COVID Winter Survival Guide
7 coping tips & strategies from regional outdoor-community leaders to provide inspiration, solace, and practical ideas for surviving this hard season.
Adventures in Being Human: Planning Season
Planning is about setting intention and avoiding the insidious sprawl of life to take over. In a world of unknowns, a planner gives a sense of calm stability.
When the Race is Canceled
I’d love to recreate 100 percent of the time out of an intrinsic love for movement and the great outdoors. But the truth is I sign up for races as a way to appeal to my base instinct to avoid shame and humiliation. I pay money and commit to a date, a time, and a crowd, which forces …
Running Season
For my first few years in Spokane, straight out of college and newly entered into the full-time workforce, I had a corporate job I found terribly dull—but that came with access to a basement gym, locker room, and showers. The subtle encouragement to make space for exercise during the workday was a life-changer, and I transformed from …
Insatiable Vortex of the Hungry Runner
Some time ago, I decided to train for a 100-mile running event. I’ve made a lot of bad decisions in my life, but I’m beginning to wonder if this will claim the title of Worst Decision Ever. It may even beat that time I tried to date a communist. Worst. Gift. Giver. Ever. To train …
Way Out There: Extreme Enlightenment
For most of us, modern life doesn’t afford the same hardships it used to. Instead of toil and pain, we face anxiety, depression, and addiction—the ills of a distracted, disconnected, overly stimulated population. Sometimes the antidote to these maladies is choosing the right hardship, such as Vipassana meditation.
Our Love Measured in Six Feet
If we are feeling excluded, or as though we’ve been marked with a scarlet letter, let’s reframe our thoughts and support each other in these efforts. They are ultimately born, not of fear, but of the best intentions to keep each other safe. When this all passes, we’ll be invited to Pictionary Night again.
Pandemic Perspective
Spending time outside in the coronavirus era is more important than ever, but what’s even more critical is doing it safely and responsibly. No matter how bad we think we need a ride, run, or ramble, it’s our job to keep the best interest of our loved ones and community front of mind. I admit …
Relating to Other Humans
I am not a psychologist, but the people who are (which are also the people who get a lot of my money) tell me that it is human nature to want to bond to other humans. Psychologists must generally be surrounded by reasonable humans, and their dads probably never stole bacon off their plates when …