Hold up a black piece of construction paper and ask someone what they see. After getting a blank look, tell that person "It's a black cat eating licorice in a coal bin." If you're under the age of ten, that's funny.
While frantically entering the official finishing times of Grandma's Minnesota Mile runners on September 11, 2011, some commotion just past the finish line caught my attention. As I swiftly moved in that direction, someone asked me if I knew who it was on the ground behind the T-shirt table. When I said, "No," I was told, "It's Gene." (1)
I cannot think of a duller description of a trail by a lake than "lake shore path." That phrase narrows down the possibilities to only a half zillion areas of trampled grass along a half zillion lakes. But say the words "Lake Shore Path" to Kelly Hayden, village administrator of Fontana, Wisconsin, and her voice brightens over the phone.
Last June I had the pleasure of attending the Wisconsin High School State Track and Field Championships held at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. For the uninitiated, the Wisconsin state meet is the oldest high school track and field meet in the United States, having debuted in 1895. It's hard to imagine how many thousands of young athletes have competed in the past 104 meets - no meets were held in 1933, 1943 and 1944. Perhaps you, your family members or friends have had the opportunity to test yourself on our high school's biggest stage.
The media can't resist highlighting young daredevils who barrel down snow-covered cliffs, surf off the top of 30-foot waves or plummet toward earth wearing gear that is barely aerodynamic.
Cross-country skiing has experienced a resurgence the last few years. In record numbers families are using forest preserve and state park trails enjoy time outdoors with the kids. Adults who can't afford downhill lift tickets, equipment and travel expenses, find Nordic skiing a reasonable alternative and a great exercise. People of all ages are participating in citizen racing.