Backcountry Skills Archives

Learning to Learn (Part 2): Seeking, Accepting, Applying, and Assimilating Feedback

November 8, 2026

Jared reflects on his lifelong passion for learning, embracing beginner’s mind, and pursuing diverse interests with intensity. He emphasizes becoming skilled by seeking, accepting, applying, and assimilating feedback, trusting effective mentors, practicing consistently, and remaining coachable. Age matters less than curiosity, humility, adaptability, and willingness to leave familiar routines.

My First Experience as an Endurance Run Pacer (Part 2): The Last 29 Miles of the 2026 TRTER 100

September 4, 2026

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Jared details a challenging experience as he paced his friend Dave during the last 29 miles of the 2026 TRTER 100-mile endurance race. Dave struggled with fueling and hydration, leading to multiple vomiting episodes. Despite these setbacks, they maintained focus, shared moments of silence, and grew closer throughout the arduous journey to the finish.

My First Experience as an Endurance Run Pacer (Part 1): The Last 29 Miles of the 2026 TRTER 100

August 13, 2026

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Dave, my friend and a seasoned endurance runner, asked me to be his pacer for his third run of the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Run. Despite my limited training and self-doubt, I prepared intensively over eight weeks, logging significant mileage to support him in his quest to finish the challenging 102-mile race.

Learning to Learn (Part 1): Getting Out of the Way of Ourselves

July 16, 2026

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A research scientist recently revealed that aging athletes can maintain performance levels through smart and hard training. Contradicting common beliefs about age-related decline, the discussion emphasizes overcoming mental barriers, setting realistic goals, and breaking routines. Embracing challenges can lead to success in various endeavors, regardless of age.

What’s in a Name? Why I Stopped Worrying about What to Call My Style of Skiing

June 10, 2026

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During the winter of 2025-26, one of my subscribers asked about my use of the term “backcountry cross-country skiing.” Since that phrase is fairly generic and not used regularly, the person hadn’t heard it before. Therefore, they wanted to know how it differed, for example, from cross-country downhill (XCD) or backcountry touring. I see this…

My First Experience with Low Heart Rate Training (Part 3): Experience, Results, and Concluding Thoughts about My Trail Running Summer

November 30, 2025

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Jared reflects on his summer of low heart rate training, recognizing initial lofty expectations that shifted to a more realistic approach. Embracing a run-walk-run method, he ultimately learned to enjoy running again. This experience fostered a deeper connection to nature and renewed commitment to sustainable training practices.

First Experience with Low Heart Rate Training (Part 2): My Goals and Methods of a Trail Running Summer

November 5, 2025

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After reintroducing running in May 2025, Jared began logging 25 miles weekly as part of a long-term health plan to prepare for cross-country skiing. Embracing a more process-driven approach, Jared focused on maintaining a heart rate of 120-140 bpm while enjoying nature and setting mini-goals for a fulfilling experience.

First Experience with Low Heart Rate Training (Part 1): My History of Dabbling in Endurance Sports

October 19, 2025

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Jared reflects on his lifelong journey as an endurance athlete, participating in various sports without competitive aspirations. He shares experiences from running marathons, hiking trails, and cross-country skiing, emphasizing the importance of sustainable training practices over sheer intensity. Recently, Jared decided to reintroduce running into his life to promote year-round health.

FAQs about Waxing Your Waxless Cross-Country Skis

November 26, 2024

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This article answers your questions about waxing waxless cross-country skis! Pretty obvious considering that title, right? Well, I felt compelled to write this FAQ as a stand-alone article because, over the years, I’ve been frequently asked the same questions about waxing waxless cross-country skis. And I wanted to consolidate all of those questions in one…

Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1): Intention, Types of XC Skis, and Whether to Buy New or Used

November 17, 2024

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“I’m new to cross-country skiing. What type of skis should I buy?” Or, “Since I’m new to cross-country skiing, should I just buy a used set of skis?” People have asked me these questions countless times over the years. As a cross-country ski instructor and xc rental shop employee, it’s my duty to know the…

Tahoe Trail Guide

Category: Backcountry Skills

Learning to Learn (Part 2): Seeking, Accepting, Applying, and Assimilating Feedback

My First Experience as an Endurance Run Pacer (Part 2): The Last 29 Miles of the 2026 TRTER 100

My First Experience as an Endurance Run Pacer (Part 1): The Last 29 Miles of the 2026 TRTER 100

Learning to Learn (Part 1): Getting Out of the Way of Ourselves

What’s in a Name? Why I Stopped Worrying about What to Call My Style of Skiing

My First Experience with Low Heart Rate Training (Part 3): Experience, Results, and Concluding Thoughts about My Trail Running Summer

First Experience with Low Heart Rate Training (Part 2): My Goals and Methods of a Trail Running Summer

First Experience with Low Heart Rate Training (Part 1): My History of Dabbling in Endurance Sports

FAQs about Waxing Your Waxless Cross-Country Skis

Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1): Intention, Types of XC Skis, and Whether to Buy New or Used