Improving by “Halves”: Lessons Learned from Dexter-Ann Arbor 2013

ASK ME TO DESCRIBE MY OUTLOOK ON LIFE IN ONE WORD, and I would answer, "Improvement". New and/or better stuff is fascinating to me, and helping improve things is what I do for a living. Improving myself is certainly part of that. Something didn't go well? Sure, I get bummed out. But next time will …

Continue reading Improving by “Halves”: Lessons Learned from Dexter-Ann Arbor 2013

“Half” Measures

As a competitive runner, there are two main factors I consider when planning a race: speed and endurance. Which one takes precedence depends on the distance. When I run a 5K race (3.1 miles), I don't worry if I will finish, only how fast. I set a target pace for the first mile, then go all …

Continue reading “Half” Measures

Black Star Farms, Part 2: Sirius Winemaking

"I believe in a loving God," Don said, "because he gave us a way to turn unremarkable grape juice into something alcoholic." I don't drink wine - never developed a taste for it - but I enjoy learning about how it's made. And Black Star Farms takes its winemaking seriously. Or perhaps I should say, …

Continue reading Black Star Farms, Part 2: Sirius Winemaking

Black Star Farms: PR Fitness, Pizza, and a Pig’s Life

Marathons, llamas and wood-fired pizzas? Count me in. This past Saturday was the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City, and several fellow PR Fitness runners took part. I did not, as I am running the upcoming Dexter-Ann Arbor half marathon, but I was camping in the area, so after my own run (a measly 9 miles) …

Continue reading Black Star Farms: PR Fitness, Pizza, and a Pig’s Life