Lake Placid Hosting World Cup Cross-Country Finals and a Festival of Nordic Sport

By Olympic Regional Development Authority

In a village where Olympic history lives on nearly every street corner, the world’s best cross-country skiers are preparing to write another chapter.

The Stifel Lake Placid World Cup Finals, March 19-22, will bring the FIS Cross-Country World Cup season to a dramatic close at Mt Van Hoevenberg. Crystal Globes will be awarded. Overall titles may be decided by seconds. And some of the sport’s biggest names – including American icon Jessie Diggins – are expected to take their final World Cup laps. READ MORE

Running Towards Spring

By Laura Clark

As I write this, we are currently having a one-inch appetizer snowfall, to be followed this evening by a main event of guessed-at proportions. This takes place after receiving a foot of snow a few weeks ago, not to mention 19 straight days of below-freezing temperatures. For winter sports enthusiasts, things couldn’t be better. However, now we are confronted by another dilemma. Do we hunker down with a warming fire and a hot drink to watch the Paralympics or head outdoors to enjoy what March brings us? Or pray for yet another work-free snow day! READ MORE

Jack Jumping – Vermont’s Homemade Adrenaline Sport

By Riley Momenee

People’s reactions when they first see someone on a jackjumper are often the same. “What the heck is that?” and then shortly after, “How can I get on one?”

Jack jumping is often referred to as “Vermont’s newest old pastime” or a “Vermont secret tradition,” also has enthusiasts in New York and New England. In reality though, any jumper would happily share with you the best spot to shred or the very humble makeup of their rig. That’s what’s special about the sport – it’s scrappy, homespun, and community-driven. READ MORE

Don Applyrs

By Joanne E. McFadden

Don Applyrs, Ed.D. grew up playing baseball and remained physically active in his adult life, given his interest in health and wellness. However, it wasn’t until a decade ago that running captured his attention. He started out with the “Just Do It Sunday” challenge in the Nike Run Club app. “I was doing that for a few weeks and then started picking up a streak,” Don said. That continued for 18 weeks. After he spent almost three years working on and successfully defending his doctoral dissertation in 2018, he decided he needed a new challenge. This changed not only his life, but the lives of dozens of others. READ MORE

Let’s Tri and Thrive Together

By Kristen Hislop

Research has told us how important community is to longevity. Many people come to triathlon to continue their endurance journey with a goal of longevity in sport. A theme for 2026 could be “no one thrives alone.” READ MORE

A Healthy Diet and the New Food Pyramid

By Paul E. Lemanski, MD, MS, FACP

Recently, the US Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Health and Human Services released a new edition of “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” This 10 page document can be summarized pictorially as an inverted food pyramid with the “base” suggesting foods to consume proportionately more of and the “peak” proportionately less of. Some of the recommendations in the pyramid would seem to contradict our recommendations and the recommendations of previous editions of the guidelines. The purpose of this month’s column is to examine the apparent contradictions as well as the available medical evidence, so as to encourage you to make the best health choices. READ MORE