What Brings Me Joy
Simple Pleasures
A surfer takes solace in the dark before the dawn
With summer here, were getting back into ambitious recreation, and that means a return to grit, sweat, and serious post-fun scrubbing. Cleanliness connoisseur Danielle Sepulveres explains how these wetdowns can create memories all their own.
With inflation on the rise, I scrapped plans for another long summer hike. On little daily walks through South Dakotas Black Hills, Ive rediscovered the surprise and delight of getting back to basics.
Trying to capture the essence of the season? Forget it. Just go running.
Few activities are more self-sufficiently satisfying
When you start a new sport, everything will be hard, perplexing, and intimidating. But your brain will be on fire.
As many trail-running events grow larger, more runners are gravitating toward smaller grassroots events with an intimate, personal feel
You can't beat the beauty of running on mountain trails, but I still sometimes long for the freedom and shared chaos of urban runs
Some runners swear by their pump playlists, but Id rather listen to a great book
Fitness comes and goes. Allow Glen Plake to make a case for prioritizing stylethat elusive athletic skill that endures.
They're a connection to our wildest selves
From surf cams to Fat Bear Week, live nature feeds inspire adventure and offer a break from reality
Its the perfect wilderness vehicle for children who are too small to get far on their own but too heavy to carry
Hot springs are a luxury, even though you're just sitting right there in the ground
Turning puppies into full-fledged dogsledding athletes is a tough endeavor, but all the hard work melts away on that first winter run
When it comes to the nature of attraction, the essayist and novelistwhose dozen books include "The Maytrees," about lifelong love on Cape Codhas learned a thing or two. So when we asked her for some practical wisdom, she didnt hesitate to dish out a little radical honesty.
Extra Grit Required
I really did spend 16-plus hours covering fewer than three miles
Even after a life-changing diagnosis, I can still experience the thrill of adventure
Growing up as a Mexican American kid in an anti-immigrant environment, Eric Arce began a yearslong struggle with anxiety and depression. In this essay, he explains how biking has helped him.
When the outdoor writer organized a long-distance bike trip for her struggling brother, she learned the value of sharing things that bring us joy
Some of you are thinking, Ewww, no way. But open your hearts to the truth: spiders are among the most fascinating creatures on earth, and great neighbors to boot (goodbye, mosquitos!). With climate change putting them in danger, they could use a few new friends.
During her college break, the author went all in on solitudeliving alone on a Down East island and working for one of the areas few female skippers. Luna Soley reflects on a time of loneliness, hard work, and natural beauty.
Why a lifelong outdoor adventurer couldn't resist the siren song of fairways and greens
The messed up rugs, destroyed childhood mementos, and complicated travel plans? Completely worth it.
Eighteen years ago, I was one of the best runners in the country, then a mysterious fatigue took that away. Now Im learning to appreciate the running I still can do.