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…
Fartlek, intervals, tempo, cadence, k’s, 1200’s, etc. etc. etc. What the heck do all of these terms mean? If you are the average runner, you may know some of them. If you are new to running, or looking to get started, you may not know any of them. I have some good news for you…
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…
This blog was born from a multitude of questions. I had just graduated, still didn’t know what to do, and honestly, kind of felt like college failed me. What do you want to be when you grow up? was something I think we were all asked when we were kids. As we got older, that…
Last October we participated in this adventure race in Arkansas called Outback in the Ozarks. One of the teams was made up solely of women, and let me just say it appeared they were having a blast. A few months later, one team member stopped by our store and after following her on social media,…
