Utahn Grayson Murphy Dominates on Trails and Roads If it seems like world-class runner Grayson Murphy came out of nowhere on the pro running scene, it’s because she did. Grayson grew up playing soccer and ran only for condition, until joining the Santa Clara University track and cross country teams during her sophomore year. “I experienced a very explosive rise to the top,” says Grayson, “going from being the worst on the team to the best,” and soon found that she enjoyed running. Given her relatively short time in the racing scene, Grayson has racked up some impressive wins. At…
Author: Connie Lewis
Connie Lewis
Connie Lewis attended BYU and the U of U and has written for the past 33 years. An avid skier and jeeper, she thinks Utah is the ideal recreational destination for any sports enthusiast.
Stay Fit, but Stay Home: How to Safely Train During the COVID-19 Pandemic There is a rhythm to training. What seems hard at first becomes more than habit the more you do it. At some point, you reach a place where you can’t imagine missing a day of training at the gym. Or it may be that you need to get in shape for the summer running season or next winter’s ski season. But suddenly everything has come to a halt. With gyms, fitness centers, and rec centers shut down from COVID-19 concerns, is there a way to still…
When Wilderness Injuries Happen, Volunteers are There to Help On January 21, 2007, the Korean Alpine Club of Utah sent climbers up snowy Mount Olympus—a 3,500-foot ascent from valley floor. During the climb, three club members fell on the ice and tumbled about 100 feet, requiring a rescue to get them off the mountain. Due to the peak’s steep slopes, the only way to do it was sending a helicopter to the summit where six rescuers were dropped off and climbed down to stabilize the injured climbers. One climber had a suspected pelvic fracture; another was suffering from frostbitten toes.…
Utah’s New Action Sports Resort Go tubing, skateboarding, skiing, BMX riding, mountain biking, jumping, trampolining, and parkour practicing all in one world-class venue at the new Woodward Park City. Opened on December 14, this first-class location combines winter and summer fun into one year-round action sport resort. What’s a Woodward? Fifty years ago, the first Woodward opened in Woodward, Pennsylvania for gymnastics and summer camps. The brand has since expanded into winter and action sports and was acquired by Park City’s Powdr, an Adventure Lifestyle Company®, in 2010. Woodward Park City will become its 5th Woodward facility and flagship location.…
Stories of Utah Dogs, Cats & Their Humans Outdoor recreation isn’t just for humans. Read on about these Utah dogs and cats who love getting outside as much as their owners do. Brody Leven, Katie Boué, And Spaghetti Brody Leven travels the world as a professional adventure skier. He has skied in remote areas of Africa, Central Asia, and the Arctic. Working with sponsors, who fund his expeditions, he writes, produces films and lobbies for climate change solutions. Katie Boue, after leaving a private sector job, creates education curriculum around public land advocacy and stewardship. “People want to do good,…
Jax Mariash: Park City’s World-class Ultrarunner “I’ve been running since I was five, and I’ve always wanted to do something big to inspire the masses to get outside.” says Jax Mariash, a Park City endurance runner who owns the town’s STOKED ROASTERS® coffeehouse, and has spent recent years topping podiums at the world’s toughest races. In the last year alone, Jax Mariash attempted a trio of challenging ultra runs within 7 weeks: the 100-mile Leadville Trail 100 in the Colorado Rockies, 105-mile Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc through the French, Italian and Swiss Alps, and a 170-mile Grand To Grand Ultra a…
How to Promote Injury Recovery & Get Back in the Race Most runners and other athletes experience injuries as part of extensive training. It’s simply unavoidable. But what happens when a serious accident results in surgery and rehabilitation? Is it possible to return to a competitive or intensive level again? With this guide, and tips from local trauma experts, full injury recovery is possible. Dr. David L. Rothberg is an orthopedic trauma surgeon at the University of Utah Department of Orthopaedics who works with patients who’ve sustained traumatic injuries; in other words, he repairs fractures. He treats manly polytrauma patients,…
The Great Salt Lake’s Undiscovered Recreation Oasis To Wasatch Front commuters, the Great Salt Lake is a reflective shimmer west of the freeway. To some, the lake is more a particular smell when the wind blows just right. But for recreationists who’ve explored its wonders, the Great Salt Lake is an outdoor enthusiast’s oasis. To “float like a cork” became a worldwide trademark of the Great Salt Lake. Visitors have long come to swim in this lake where they can’t sink due to the high salt content. Watersports like paddleboarding wakeboarding, sailing, and kayaking are popular pursuits here. But a…
How a Utah-made Shoe is Changing the Trail Running Game Trail running is rapidly gaining traction in the public conscious, but for Utah local and Altra Shoe founder, Golden Harper, it’s been a lifelong hobby. He began running trails at just five years old and defines the sport simply, “it involves running on an uneven, non manmade surface.” Basically hiking with a little adrenaline added. Altras have a huge following among trail runners, and Golden’s lifelong passion for the sport is one of many factors that influenced him to start the company. Altra designs and manufactures innovative trail and road…
Andrew McMahon has two passions in life: helping children and running. Though McMahon had actively participated in charities before with his wife, they wanted to do more, and he hoped to partner a cause with his passions.