D&H Rail Trail – Scenery and Ambience

By Dave Kraus

These days more cities are developing urban trail networks for multipurpose use that benefit cyclists, runners, and walkers. But it’s still unusual to find well-developed rural trails that can let you get away from the bustle of the city. Vermont is one of the states that has some beautiful rural trails, and in the southern half of the state, the D&H Rail Trail is the place to go for country scenery and small-town ambience – along the Vermont/New York border, just 15 miles west of Rutland. READ MORE

Join a Nearby Running Club!

By Corey Burdick

Whether you are new to the sport of running or a long-time road or trail racer, daily training can sometimes be a cherished, pre-dawn solo endeavor, but as you’ll read below, there are many benefits to connecting with a local running club! Joining a running club often comes with perks. Many offer race fee discounts and even running gear deals at local shops, but perhaps, the biggest benefit comes in making new friends who share a common interest and the good feeling that ensues from keeping the sport thriving. READ MORE

Somerset Reservoir – A Remote Wilderness Lake

By Rich Macha

Located in the towns of Somerset and Stratton, the 1,623-acre Somerset Reservoir is a six-mile-long impoundment created by Great River Hydro’s dam on the East Branch of the Deerfield River in southern Vermont. Great River Hydro owns the land around the reservoir and there is no development on that forested land. The area is further surrounded by Green Mountain National Forest lands. It is also the southernmost body of water in Vermont where common loons nest. Small motorboats are allowed but I have never seen more than a handful on my visits – they are limited to a speed of 10 mph, and water skiing and jet skis are not allowed. At an elevation of 2,133 feet, the scenic beauty of this area makes it a very attractive location to paddle. A paddle around most of the circumference of the reservoir can easily add up to 15 miles. READ MORE

Greg Durso

By Phyl Newbeck

Greg Durso’s life changed in 2009. The 23-year-old New Yorker had taken a trip to Okemo with friends. After a day on skis, the group grabbed some plastic sleds and returned to the slopes. On one of those runs, Greg went off the trail and hit a tree, shattering his spinal cord and leaving him a paraplegic. Determined not to let the injury keep him from the things he loved, Greg set out to find a way to return to an active, outdoors life. READ MORE

Getting to Know RunVermont’s Anthea Dexter-Cooper

By Corey Burdick

Whether you’ve been a runner, spectator, or volunteer at any road or trail race, big or small, then you know, communication and attention to detail are paramount to a successful event. And at Burlington-based organization RunVermont, executive director Anthea Dexter-Cooper is the person leading the charge. I had the chance to get to know Anthea recently and am excited to share more about her running and career journey. Enjoy! READ MORE

Allium Vegetables How They May Benefit Health

By Paul E. Lemanski, MD, MS, FACP

In the first 126 installments of the Non-Medicated Life, a healthy diet and lifestyle have been shown to accomplish naturally for the majority of individuals most of the benefits of medications in the prevention of the chronic medical conditions mentioned above. As part of a healthy diet, the inclusion of vegetables from the allium family – garlic, onions, leeks, chives, scallions and shallots – possess both bold, enticing flavors and also potent potential health benefits. This article reviews the key benefits including immune support, heart health, antioxidant power, anti-inflammatory effects, and possible cancer prevention. READ MORE