From Road Racing to Ultras with Marathon Legend Des Linden Shelby Stanger|March 31, 2026 Marathon legend Des Linden made history on April 16, 2018, becoming the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years. Over more than a decade at the top of the sport, she raced the biggest marathons in the world, represented the United States at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and set a 50K world record. Last year, on the morning of her 13th Boston Marathon, she announced her retirement from professional road racing. Now she is applying the same discipline and curiosity to new challenges, reshaping what a running life can look like beyond the marathon.
Big Wall Climbing and Ultrarunning with Thomas Bukowski Shelby Stanger|March 24, 2026 In 2022, Thomas Bukowski took a risk that felt personal and professional by applying to The North Face athlete development program and pitching himself as a climber worth betting on. As a queer athlete from Hong Kong who found climbing later than most, he has long carried the feeling of being an outsider, then watched that narrative shift when he earned a place on The North Face climbing team. Since then, he has chased fear into major climbs in Argentina, Alaska, and Pakistan, and in 2024 he pushed into trail running by running the 211 mile John Muir Trail in four days.
In Defense of the Burn Zone Wudan Yan|March 23, 2026 Burn zones are often viewed as eyesores to avoid. One hiker shares an alternate perspective.
Ask an Outsider: What are the Benefits of Ultralight Backpacking? Tips for Dating a Thru-Hiker? Mary Ashley Krogh and Owen Chikazawa|March 23, 2026 Two backpacking experts weigh in on the benefits of going ultralight and how to maintain a long-distance relationship with a thru-hiker.
Breaking the Self Supported Appalachian Trail FKT with Jeff Garmire Shelby Stanger|March 17, 2026 Jeff Garmire is a legend in the world of fastest known times with more than 20 FKTs on routes including the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, and John Muir Trail. On September 21, 2025, he reached Mount Springer after setting a self supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail, completing the route in 45 days, 8 hours, and 37 minutes.
Spearfishing, Motherhood, and Cooking What You Catch with Kimi Werner Shelby Stanger|March 10, 2026 Kimi Werner is a world champion spearfisher, ocean advocate, and chef whose life centers on sustainable fishing, food, and a deep connection to nature. After winning the largest spearfishing competition in the world in 2008, she stepped away from competition to focus on feeding her community and cooking with fish she harvests. Her upcoming cookbook, Kimi’s Kitchen, blends recipes and memoir to explore living well through the ocean, the land, and family.
First Look: The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket Rachel Stottmann|March 5, 2026 One Expert Advice gear tester gives her first impressions of the new lightweight, breathable Ridgelite waterproof jacket from The North Face.
Winning Unbound and Goal Setting for Gravel Racing with Sofía Gómez Villafañe Shelby Stanger|March 3, 2026 Sofía Gómez Villafañe is a leading American gravel cyclist who broke through with a win at Unbound Gravel 2022 on her first attempt. The result cemented her place among the top gravel racers in the United States after a nontraditional start that began with a used bike her brother found on Craigslist. Sofía shares how her success is driven by clear goal setting, small process driven steps, and a systematic approach to long term performance.
From a Life-Altering Accident to Skiing Alaska’s Biggest Lines with Kai Jones Shelby Stanger|February 24, 2026 Kai Jones is one of the most talented young backcountry skiers in the U.S., turning professional at just 13 years old. In early 2023, he broke both of his legs in a backcountry skiing accident, spending months in a wheelchair and questioning whether he’d ever return to the sport. Last season marked a major comeback, as Kai became the youngest skier to descend the Otter Body route on Grand Teton and released multiple ski films that document his evolution as a big‑mountain skier.
The Life We Have Christopher Solomon|February 18, 2026 The REI Co-op film The Life We Have explores runner Rob Shaver’s resilience and grace through decades of illness.
Living The Life We Have with Rob Shaver Shelby Stanger|February 17, 2026 Rob Shaver has been living with stage four cancer for over 20 years. He's had multiple recurrences, been through multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and received more than 60 radiation treatments. In 2020, after he finished chemo to fight his third recurrence, Rob started running and ended up running for 1,175 days straight.
Hiking 4,000 Ft Peaks in Winter with Mardi Fuller Shelby Stanger|February 10, 2026 Adventurer Mardi Fuller made history in 2021 as the first Black person to hike all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000 foot peaks in winter. The White Mountains are defined by steep, exposed trails, deep snow, extreme winds, and rapidly changing weather that demand constant attention to navigation and risk.
