It’s been about a month since we left our job, drove away from Tulsa, and began working for ourselves. Technically it’s not really self-employment since Jackson is working with his dad and I work, but don’t get paid — yet! We made a really bold decision to leave our jobs for a variety of reasons,…
Over the past few years I’ve started to hold a lot more appreciation for my home state. I grew up in the historic town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, just a few miles from downtown. This city, located in the gentle rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains, is known for its natural thermal waters and for…
“We like to be outside, we like to travel, we like to run, and we like to make sure our dog gets to do it all with us.” Whenever possible, we like to take a pet-friendly adventure. Here, I’d like to talk about WHY we like to include Kona and HOW we make pet-friendly adventure…
While working at Gearhead Outfitters, we outfitted many people for all kinds of adventures. A few weeks ago, a couple came into the store to talk about the things they were needing in order to hike the Appalachian Trail next year. Cue Jackson. Jackson spent a good bit of time talking with the couple about…
Four years ago today Jackson set foot on the AT so I thought it only fitting to share a post he wrote upon his return outlining a typical day of thru-hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail was one of the biggest journeys of my life. Stretching 2,189 miles from Georgia to Maine,…
Pun totally intended. I was in Boston last week for a few days and did an interview for the blog with my friend Heather (read that here) before she raced the Boston Marathon. The main point of the trip was to cheer on my friend in the most famous marathon in the world, but we…
A week ago today I was in Boston with one of my best friends and college teammate. Despite living hundreds of miles away from each other, our friendship remains strong. This is because of our shared experiences training and racing together and our dedication to continue doing those things now. A good teammate is your…
I’ll never forget my skepticism when Jackson said, “Tulsa’s pretty cool.” I was still in school in Jonesboro. He had driven from Springfield to check out the Tulsa area so this conversation took place over the phone. “Oh?” I asked, not buying it. Later that year I had moved to Springfield and Gearhead decided to…
While managing Gearhead Outfitters in Springfield, Missouri, we had the opportunity to meet and work with some pretty cool people. During one interview with a potential hire we learned she had done trail maintenance on the Appalachian Trail the very year Jackson hiked. I still find this a delightful coincidence. Aside from her work with…
We quit our jobs and we’re moving back to Arkansas. Now we’re equal parts terrified and excited, uneasy and ecstatic. As 2019 rolled into view and we were in the thick of holiday season working retail, we started discussing our thoughts on leaving the outdoor retailer we work for. It’s easy to think about a…
