ACE study: minimalist running works (if done right)

Ever since Christopher McDougall sought to salvage his own running career and in the process launched the minimalist running revival with his 2009 bestseller, “Born to Run,” fence-sitters have wondered: Does running barefoot — or nearly so — work? read more

90 Second Escape: Into the Swamp

Monday — never an easy time for the outdoors enthusiast. After a weekend of adventure, returning to the humdrum work-a-day world can make one melancholy. To help ease the transition, every Monday we feature a 90 Second Escape — essentially, a 90-second video of a place you’d probably rather be: a trail, a park, a greenway, a lake … anywhere as long as it’s not under a fluorescent bulb. read more

Walnut Creek Greenway to be done in 2013; Neuse construction begins downstream

Greenway construction along the Neuse River in Johnston County.


Raleigh voters’ approval of a $40 million transportation bond last week means the entire Walnut Creek Greenway should be completed by the end of 2013. The greenway would run from the 28-mile Neuse Trail greenway, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2012, west along its namesake waterway to N.C. State’s Centennial Campus, a distance of nearly 11 miles. read more

It’s a good weekend to plan ahead

Flesh-eating plants at the coast, the perfect three that vanished in the Piedmont, fall color in the mountains. Take your pick.

Coast

Are we recommending this weekend’s back-to-back Carnivorous Plant Hikes just so we can use a picture of Seymour’s carnivorous creation? read more

It’s true! Your teen really does need to sleep in on weekends

I wrote the following story for the Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer in Raleigh; it appeared in both newspapers on Oct. 18, 2011. It appears here in expanded form, with links. Check out yesterday’s post for more on teens and sleep. read more

Explore the outdoors, discover yourself.