Author: Molly Andersen

Molly writes about fitness and nutrition from her home in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not at her desk, you can find her teaching history, hiking the Gorge, or hitting the archery range.

Essential First Aid Skills for Outdoor Emergencies By Molly Newman You’re three miles from the trailhead on a sunny weekend backpacking trip, basking in warm rays as you begin your first steep descent of the day. Suddenly, a rock slips under your sole, your foot goes out from under you, and you crash to the ground. After the first flash of pain, a little poking and prodding from your hiking partner reveals that the ankle’s probably only sprained, not broken… but you’re still in for a long, miserable slog back that will take twice as long as you’d planned. You…

Read More

Cool down with a frosty drink at one of these hot spots around the state by Molly Newman Summer in Utah means two things: long, sunny days perfect for hiking, biking, or running the river…and temperatures guaranteed to work up a thirst. Fortunately, every corner of the state offers hot, tired athletes an oasis specializing in great beer and tempting food. Check out these refreshment options on your next day trip or weekend adventure.

Read More

Committed vegan? Sworn meat-lover? Whole foods fan? There’s a race nutrition option that’s right for you. By Molly Newman While you may be able to power through a 5K or even a 10K with no more fuel than a few sips of water, longer races require more strategic fueling sessions. A University of Texas study showed that cyclists who consumed 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour had better endurance, stronger performance, and shorter recovery times than those who sipped a sugar-free placebo instead. But overindulging before or during a race can wreak havoc on your digestive system, sidelining you with…

Read More

A Look Back (and Forward) In the summer of 1982, a few friends who loved skiing, climbing, and everything else about the great outdoors decided to take a chance. They knew Utah’s Wasatch Range was hitting its stride as a mecca for outdoor athletes. They knew Salt Lake City was drawing young people eager to get outside and play. And they knew there was a need for information: the best spots, the best gear, the best new trends in the sports they loved.

Read More

Diet and fitness tips for a better, safer ski season. By Molly Newman The first Monday of every ski season brings a plague of snow-related ailments to the office—sore backs, twisted knees, and bone-deep exhaustion. Avoid the curse of the weekend warrior by getting in slope-ready condition before the first flakes fall. With these tips for shaping up your diet and fitness routine, you’ll be set for a stronger, healthier, and safer season.

Read More

Tasty Winter Dishes By Molly Newman In winter just as in every season, a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables is your best bet for getting the nutrients you need. While farmers’ markets may offer slim pickings this season, there are still plenty of simple, delicious ways to fill up on plant-based foods. Try these tasty ideas for fall and winter’s bounty.

Read More

Summer is every outdoor athlete’s favorite season… for the first two weeks or so. But when the temperature’s been stuck above 90 for weeks on end, running, climbing, and biking start to sound less appealing than an air-conditioned room and a frosty drink. This summer, keep your cool by taking to the lake, the river, or even a local swimming pool. We’ve chosen the best waterborne adventures around the state that provide plenty of bang—or splash—for your buck. Beat the heat with these budget-friendly, wet and wild suggestions. Stand Up and Paddle Surf’s up—at the lake! Stand up paddleboarding puts…

Read More

Keeping your Dollars in the Community Matters. Here’s why (and how). By Molly Newman For time-crunched athletes, shopping at a big-box store is just so convenient. You can get your canned tomatoes, your toilet paper, and your garden supplies all in one place. And hey—while you’re there, you might as well toss a new pair of running shoes into the cart, right? Or maybe you’ll just order a case of energy bars from that huge online “bookstore” along with the latest bestseller. You’ll save time for sure, and you might even save a few bucks while you’re at it.

Read More

Run, Walk, or Ride for a Cause TNT-OgdenMarathon-2 By Molly Newman As racing season gets into full swing, runners, cyclists, and walkers are filling out registration forms and eagerly looking forward to their next big event. But for thousands of athletes, participating in a race means more than just building their athletic resumes: it’s also a chance to help contribute to a worthwhile cause. From neighborhood schools to national health campaigns, there’s a walk, run, or ride for just about any big or small nonprofit organization you can imagine.

Read More