Selected magazine stories
Running in the Dark - Outside
A Top Five Longreads of the Week selection, this story is about professional ultra runner Rob Krar, his battle with depression, and how his training camps for mortal runners are increasingly attracting those who struggle with mental illness. And how those camps have become the one reliable bright spot in his ever darkening world.
The Beast, the Bootlegger, and the Death Ride - Bicycling
This story was a notable mention in Best American Sportswriting 2019. Mike Cimbura was 51 years old, on full life support, and capable of moving only his eyelids. Yet he figured out how to ride a bike again.
The Cure is the Finish Line - The Red Bulletin
Why can’t the spinal cord heal after traumatic injury? This story explored the science behind spinal cord injury and how one researcher’s discovery may someday help paralyzed individuals move again.
Running Back From Hell - Runner’s World
Can running help soldiers heal? Some researchers think so. This story explored the complexities of PTSD and how running can alleviate some of its symptoms. It was a notable mention in Best American Sportswriting 2015.
Hurdles - Runner’s World
As a child, Kellie Wells suffered sexual abuse and the tragic death of her mother, and as an athlete, devastating injuries. Through it all, she had the sanctuary of the track—and an Olympic dream she refused to give up.
A Top Five Longreads of the Week selection, this story is about professional ultra runner Rob Krar, his battle with depression, and how his training camps for mortal runners are increasingly attracting those who struggle with mental illness. And how those camps have become the one reliable bright spot in his ever darkening world.
The Beast, the Bootlegger, and the Death Ride - Bicycling
This story was a notable mention in Best American Sportswriting 2019. Mike Cimbura was 51 years old, on full life support, and capable of moving only his eyelids. Yet he figured out how to ride a bike again.
The Cure is the Finish Line - The Red Bulletin
Why can’t the spinal cord heal after traumatic injury? This story explored the science behind spinal cord injury and how one researcher’s discovery may someday help paralyzed individuals move again.
Running Back From Hell - Runner’s World
Can running help soldiers heal? Some researchers think so. This story explored the complexities of PTSD and how running can alleviate some of its symptoms. It was a notable mention in Best American Sportswriting 2015.
Hurdles - Runner’s World
As a child, Kellie Wells suffered sexual abuse and the tragic death of her mother, and as an athlete, devastating injuries. Through it all, she had the sanctuary of the track—and an Olympic dream she refused to give up.
Selected web stories
For the nonprofit Team Red, White & Blue, I wrote a profile of a Special Forces soldier who lost his family, identity, and sense of purpose and meaning after returning from a devastating deployment.
For RunnersWorld.com, I wrote about the first two women to become Army Rangers; Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter running the Marine Corps Marathon; an Army Reservist and marathoner who donated her kidney to a soldier she did not know; as well as updates on the link between PTSD and running.
I profiled a woman who lost 280 pounds and completed an indoor Ironman. And I wrote a blog for Runner’s World about marathon training that made my beer-drinking husband kind of famous. At least among runners.
For RunnersWorld.com, I wrote about the first two women to become Army Rangers; Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter running the Marine Corps Marathon; an Army Reservist and marathoner who donated her kidney to a soldier she did not know; as well as updates on the link between PTSD and running.
I profiled a woman who lost 280 pounds and completed an indoor Ironman. And I wrote a blog for Runner’s World about marathon training that made my beer-drinking husband kind of famous. At least among runners.