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Nancy Stanley and the Art of Running – iRunFar

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I met Nancy Stanley when I was running the 2022 Hardrock 100. She walked out of the Ouray aid station with me in the pouring rain, and I loved that not knowing me, she took that moment to say hello! Nancy I consider one of those old souls who — despite being younger than me — I look up to so much.

She runs long distances, has traveled the world, and works as an emergency medical technician — currently studying to be a paramedic — on the local ambulance here where she and I live in Silverton, Colorado. What more?! She’s an amazingly talented artist, putting herself out there and hustling her makings alongside work, school, and training. So, without further ado, here’s Nancy. Also check out her Instagram and Etsy shop if you’re in need of some fun, creative work in your life!

Nancy Stanley - on a run

Nancy Stanley on a run. All photos courtesy of Nancy Stanley.

When/where/how did it all start — making art and running long distances?

I have been drawing since I was a kid, but started painting on longer runs during the COVID-19 pandemic. I found myself wanting to break up a run by making something, especially based on what I had been thinking about on the run.

Tell us about your first 100-mile experience. I like this story!

I was lucky enough to pace my friend Brandon Worthington (an incredible runner and person) at the Cocodona 250 Mile, where I decided to make it my first 100 miler. It was atypical, and it was perfect. I really enjoy the adventure that pacing offers, it’s almost better than racing for me.

What attracted you to painting?

Painting specifically is a stubborn medium, in my opinion. Acrylic paints allow layering, whereas watercolors are thinner but adaptable after drying. I enjoy the versatility of each kind of paint. It’s fun to continually reinvent yourself depending on the medium — your style in a different paint is a different style.

Nancy Stanley - mountains painting

Are there any artists or athletes who have influenced and inspired you?

I have been awestruck by San Juan County locals. The gentle propensity for philanthropy and well-roundedness is very apparent, working in Silverton. The local explorers in this area walk and play in quiet ways, and nothing is more powerful than intentionality.

I enjoy Beau Miles. The first video of his that I saw was one where he went on a 13-mile jaunt with a wheelbarrow to dig up and deliver a boulder his friend had broken his foot on. Seeing how he perceived ultrarunning as connective instead of goal-based was revolutionary for me. He thinks of genius ways to get outside and shift how seriously we take the sport.

All of the folks at Footprints Running are doing incredible work using their voices in running for good pertaining to the environment, which I have immense respect for.

As far as artists, I am a sucker for Renaissance art — many stories in one painting.

What’s the relationship between art and running/being outside for you?

The “so what” of running always comes up — running is a selfish thing. We all like running, have the time and resources to run a lot … so what? Storytelling and using notoriety to try to do good for the environment is a powerful answer. How we interact with our environment matters. How we make discussions with others who may interact or understand differently matters.

Making art while I am outside has come to be a practice to remember why I started running in the first place. I began running more when I needed to get outside when getting my Ethics and Politics degree. I felt overwhelmed, and though the run itself helped significantly, I was left with a “so what?” feeling.

To me, the career pivot away from humanities and urban living was eased by creating and doing. Sometimes, stopping to smell the flowers by painting one is a great way to remember what really matters. And one thing is for sure: taking care of yourself, and the ideas you give energy to and perpetuate, matters.

Nancy Stanley - bear painting

As a young creative, how do you keep motivation flowing? And likewise, what’s the impetus behind your running?

Motivation ebbs and flows, like most things. Lately, I am inspired by the changing of the seasons, as well as the people I interact with at work. Usually, what gets me on the easel is an itch to describe something wordless. Just as equally, running feels like an itch. Both are like airing out the laundry after being saturated by a full day.

How has landscape informed your art and your running?

The landscape is good at telling us what to do. As distraught as modern politics can make me, I know nature will be there to offer gestures of guidance.

You also work as an emergency medical technician — studying to be a paramedic — for Silverton Medical Rescue and previously as a wilderness therapy guide. How has running and art helped you in those roles?

Oh man, who would I be without running and art? I think those outlets help me process and make things much more sustainable. Silverton Medical Rescue is unique, because it’s one of the only combined search and rescue and ambulance operations in the country — and, on top of that, we operate in San Juan County, a truly wild and dangerous place. Every shift is a new story.

Emergency medical services are about being there for people on, likely, the worst days of their lives. Wilderness therapy was very similar. Without creativity and movement, their stories would be stagnant. The least I can do is try to transform that grief into something else — an adventure to see my friend the next town over on a hard day, a journey to clean up barbed wire where it shouldn’t be, a ski tour to paint a place I’ve only known well in the summer, or from a hard call. If we heal ourselves, we can see each other, and that’s what’s going to make all of this sustainable.

People die from doing what they love in nature. Last year, I gave a talk about mountain runner safety during the Hardrock 100, to make more of a discussion on planning long days responsibly, and what tends to go wrong. We plan for safety in ski touring, but there’s no known structure for what that looks like for running, because we assume that we can run out of any problem.

If you could give any advice to the struggling artist or aspiring ultrarunner, what would you say?

Thinking through it won’t make it any easier! Sometimes you just have to start. Having softness — like walking when you need to — is the best way to get into ultrarunning. Same goes for making art: draw a doodle, and that’s enough. Start somewhere.

Nancy Stanley - mountain lion

Any art projects or run/outdoor projects you’re excited about now?

I’ve been having a good time making silly stickers.

I am excited to continue to bring a painting setup with me when I backcountry ski, backpack, or run. Nothing like carrying it obligates you to use it!

And last (very random) question that I ask everyone, if you could be a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

I would be a banyan tree — a fig that develops accessory trunks from adjacent prop roots, allowing the tree to spread outwards indefinitely. I enjoyed hanging out near them during my time in India.

Call for Comments

  • Are you familiar with Nancy Stanley and her work?
  • What other artist-runners would you like to see featured in this column?



Top 5 Most possessive zodiac in relationships

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Top 5 Most Possessive Zodiac Signs in Relationships

♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21), Possessiveness Level: Extremely High

Scorpio is widely recognized as the most possessive zodiac sign in relationships. Governed by Pluto, the planet of power and transformation, Scorpios are deeply passionate and intense lovers. Their desire to maintain control over their partner often leads to possessiveness. They may become jealous or suspicious when their partner interacts with others, as they fear losing the one they love.

Why Are Scorpios Possessive?

  • They have a deep fear of betrayal.
  • Scorpios are highly passionate and attached to their partners.
  • They value loyalty and expect the same from their partner.

♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20), Possessiveness Level: High

Taurus, ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty, craves stability in relationships. Their strong desire for security often makes them possessive and territorial. When a Taurus falls in love, they consider their partner as their prized possession, which can sometimes lead to controlling behavior.

Why Are Taurus Possessive?

  • They fear instability or losing their loved one.
  • Taurus seeks a lifelong commitment.
  • They value routine and consistency.

MAN v FAT launches dual sport club in Nottingham

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MAN v FAT is breaking new ground with the launch of our first-ever joint Rugby and Football club, now up and running in Nottingham.

This opportunity allows men to take part in either sport on the same night, at the same time, in a supportive and community-driven environment.

As part of our ongoing mission to provide accessible and engaging weight-loss opportunities for men, the MAN v FAT Nottingham South club offers participants the chance to choose between rugby or football while still benefiting from the camaraderie, accountability, and structured support that MAN v FAT is known for.

A Game-Changing Initiative for Nottingham

Nottingham has long been a home for passionate sports fans, with a host of professional and amateur sport played across the city. We’re thrilled to bring this first-of-its-kind club to the city with our weight loss and wellbeing focus acting as an opportunity for men of all ages to get back into regular physical activity.

Whether you’re more at home on the pitch with a rugby ball in hand or prefer the beautiful game of football, you now have the opportunity to take part in a sport that suits you—while working towards your fitness and weight-loss goals.

What makes this club even more exciting is that both rugby and football sessions run simultaneously on the same evening, meaning friends and teammates can enjoy the experience together, regardless of their sport of choice. This inclusive approach fosters a strong sense of community, allowing men to stay active in a way that works best for them.

Support Through Thriving Nottingham

To make this opportunity even more accessible, Nottingham City residents can receive funding for their first 14 weeks at either the rugby or football club, thanks to our partnership with Thriving Nottingham. This funding ensures that cost is not a barrier for those looking to make a positive change in their health and wellbeing.

If you’ve been considering joining MAN v FAT but weren’t sure whether football or rugby was the right fit for you—this is your chance to get involved and give it a go. With expert coaching, a welcoming atmosphere, and a focus on community, there’s no better time to take that first step.

How to Get Involved

Are you ready to be part of this exciting new club? Whether you want to lace up your boots for football or take to the field for rugby, MAN v FAT Nottingham has a place for you.

For more details and to sign up, visit either our Football or Rugby sites for more information!

Diet Culture Will F*ck You Up: How Chasing Skinny Steals Your Health and Sanity

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Close-up of a tape measure and Bathroom scale, Diet Culture LiesClose-up of a tape measure and Bathroom scale, Diet Culture Lies

There’s a reason you might feel like you’re constantly failing at this whole “health and fitness” thing. And no, it’s not because you lack willpower, discipline, or knowledge. It’s not because you’re “doing it wrong” or because you haven’t found the right workout, meal plan, or supplement stack.

It’s because the system is designed for you to fail. And keep failing.

Diet culture, a tool of the patriarchy, was never built to make you healthy, strong, or thriving. It was designed to keep you exhausted, hating your body, and endlessly distracted from what actually works.

Why? Because the worse your body image, the more likely you are to spend money on the millions of “solutions” the wellness industry has to sell you.

In short, the wellness industry’s goal is to make you a consumer for life, always chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow instead of doing the things that actually work but don’t make them shit loads of money.

What is Diet Culture, Really?

Diet culture is a system of beliefs that worships thinness, equates it with health, and places morality on food and body size. It thrives on the false promise that if you just eat less, exercise more, and chase the ever-elusive “ideal body,” you’ll finally be happy, worthy, and accepted.

But here’s what diet culture doesn’t want you to know:

  • Skinny is not the same as health.
  • Losing weight won’t necessarily make you happier.
  • The “health” industry is a multi-billion dollar machine profiting off your insecurities.

Diet culture has roots deep in racism, patriarchy, and capitalism. It was built on the idea that self-denial is virtuous, that larger bodies are inferior, and that women should remain small—physically, mentally, and emotionally. And now, in its modern form, it morphs into new disguises: wellness trends, biohacking fads, “clean eating” obsessions, and fat-burning workouts that leave you depleted rather than empowered.

The Cost of Believing the Lie

Let’s talk about what happens when you buy into diet culture’s rules:

  1. You waste money on things that don’t work. Every year, people spend thousands of dollars on green powders, supplements, meal plans, weight-loss programs, and boutique fitness memberships that promise transformation but leave them burnt out and empty-handed.
  2. You spend time obsessing over things that don’t really move the needle. Trying to eliminate all “chemicals” and “toxins” from your diet, doing “problem area” exercises to “snatch your waist” and “tone your thighs,” and following some influencer’s “hormone-balancing” protocol—meanwhile, you’re still exhausted, hungry, and wondering why nothing’s working.
  3. You lose connection with your body. Diet culture teaches you to ignore hunger cues, skip meals, focus purely on calorie burn, and override what your body actually needs. It tells us to mindlessly follow strict rules and relentlessly pursue “optimization” to the point where there’s no joy or spontaneity in life.
  4. You get caught in the burnout cycle. Extreme workouts, food restriction, and the relentless pursuit of weight loss create a vicious cycle of exhaustion and self-blame. White-knuckling your way to health won’t work. If you can’t keep doing it, it can’t help you in the long-term.

And the worst part? None of this crap makes you stronger, more resilient, or more capable. In fact, most of it will only lead you further from physical and mental health.

The Alternative: Work Smarter, Not Harder

If you want real health, real strength, and real energy, you have to reject diet culture’s bullshit and focus on what actually works:

  • Train for strength and durability. Stop chasing calorie burn and start lifting, sprinting, hopping, and moving in ways that make you more resilient.
  • Eat for energy and performance. Ditch the obsession with slashing calories, cutting carbs, demonizing foods you enjoy, and “clean eating” and instead focus on fueling your body properly.
  • Prioritize recovery and sleep. The most overlooked, most effective tools for real health. If you’re not getting enough rest, a cold plunge or green powder isn’t going to make a difference in your life.
  • Play the long game. Real results don’t come from quick fixes. They come from consistent, intelligent, REPEATABLE effort over time.

The Forecast: We’re in a New Era of Women’s Health

For decades, women have been sold the same recycled diet culture garbage—just wrapped in new, more palatable packaging. But it’s clear we’ve entered a new era.

More women are rejecting diet culture and demanding better. They want strength, endurance, and vitality. They want training that builds them up instead of breaking them down. They want nutrition that supports their energy instead of depleting it.

And it’s time we demand the wellness industry change by rejecting their body-shaming, “get skinny at any cost” approach to marketing and the development of “solutions” that aren’t likely to make any difference in our lives—except perhaps lightening our wallets.

Your Choice: Keep Playing the Game or Opt Out

So here’s the real question: Are you ready to stop playing the game that was designed for you to lose? Are you ready to shift your focus to the things that actually matter—your strength, your energy, your resilience?

If you’re nodding along, if this is hitting home, then welcome. You’re exactly where you need to be.

And come check out our 1:1 and group coaching programs at Miles To Go Athletics where the principles outlined in this piece are our core tenets and are integrated into every aspect of our coaching and our community.

Because we don’t have to do diet culture. We can do strong, capable, and unshakeable.

The choice is yours. Are you in? —Alison

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Alison Heilig is the Editor-in-Chief at FBG and Head Hypewoman at Miles To Go Athletics. She divides her time between running, lifting, hiking with her dogs, snuggling with her dogs, and supporting strong women in the world (and coaching up those who aspire to be). You can find and connect with her on IG @itsalisonheilig.



Pork Steak | Diethood

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This juicy, pan-seared pork steak recipe takes 10 minutes and one skillet on the stovetop! The pork comes out tender and flavorful, with a crisp, caramelized crust. Feel free to adapt the spice rub to suit your tastes.

Pork steak is the perfect level-up from pan-fried pork chops. Also, try my pork medallions with pan sauce for another easy one-pan dinner!

Overhead view of a fork resting next to a sliced pork steak with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans on a plate.Overhead view of a fork resting next to a sliced pork steak with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans on a plate.

 

Today, we’re cooking up some thick, pan-seared pork steak and I’m sharing my secrets for a perfect sear, every time! My husband loves grilling pork steaks, but when I want a quick and juicy pork dinner without firing up the grill, I go straight to my cast-iron skillet.

Pork steaks are thicker than pork chops, but they’re super easy to cook. And compared to beef, pork steak is relatively affordable and just as juicy. Especially when it’s rubbed with spices and thrown flat into a hot skillet. It turns out, all you need is 10 minutes to cook a perfect pork steak on the stovetop!

Reasons to Love This Pork Steak Recipe

  • Quick stovetop method. This pan-seared pork steak cooks in just 10 minutes in one skillet on the stove. It’s a fast, easy method that’s perfect for any night of the week.
  • Extra juicy. I can’t get over how ridiculously juicy this pork is. Searing gets the edges crisp and browned, while the inside of the steaks stay moist and tender.
  • Any occasion. I’m already thinking that pork steak would make a delicious, romantic steak dinner. It’s fancy without really trying, and great with so many sides. It’s also a good recipe for entertaining, since there’s hardly any prep involved.
Pork steak ingredients with text labels overlaying each ingredient.Pork steak ingredients with text labels overlaying each ingredient.

What You’ll Need

You only need three things to cook a perfect pork steak on the stovetop: the steaks, oil, and seasoning. I’ve included some recipe notes below. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full details, followed by a photo step-by-step.

  • Pork Steaks – Pork steaks, or pork blade steaks, are cut from the shoulder of the pig. You’ll find bone-in and boneless pork steak. I usually try to find steaks that are about 1” thick. You’ll season the pork with salt and pepper before adding the spice rub.
  • Cooking Oil – Avocado oil, or another cooking oil with a high smoke point for searing. You could also use ghee (clarified butter) or light/refined olive oil (not extra virgin).

Easy Pork Seasoning Rub

I make a quick pork rub with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder (see the recipe card for details). You can season the pork steaks any way you’d like. Try rubbing them with Montreal steak seasoning or Mediterranean steak seasoning. Another option is the homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning I use for my grilled jerk pork chops.

Two seared pork steaks in a cast iron skillet with fresh thyme sprigs.Two seared pork steaks in a cast iron skillet with fresh thyme sprigs.

Katerina’s Recipe Tips

  • Let the steak come to room temperature. For best results and even cooking, take the pork steaks out of the fridge ahead of time. Let them rest for 20-30 minutes at room temperature before you season and sear them.
  • Get the pan nice and hot. Whether you’re pan-searing pork steak or regular sirloin steak, a sizzling hot pan is a must. If the steak doesn’t sizzle the second it hits the pan, that’s a sign it isn’t hot enough yet. High heat is key for a crisp, caramelized crust.
  • Leave space between the steaks. Don’t overcrowd the skillet or the pork steaks will steam instead of sear. Cook 1-2 steaks at a time depending on the size of your pan.
  • Check for doneness. I swear by my instant-read thermometer to know when meat is done cooking! The pork steaks are done when the internal temperature reads 165ºF.
  • Rest after cooking. Allow the pork steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after it leaves the pan. This way, the steak finishes cooking off the heat and the juices have a chance to redistribute throughout the meat.
Close up of pork chop cut into slices.Close up of pork chop cut into slices.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

  • Refrigerate. Store leftover pork steak airtight in the fridge and reheat within 4 days.
  • Reheat. Warm the steaks in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the meat moist.

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  • Mix the rub. Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder in a bowl. Set it aside.

  • Prepare the pork. Pat dry the pork with paper towels. Season the pork steaks with salt and pepper to taste, then season them on all sides with the prepared pork rub.

  • Heat the skillet. Heat the cooking oil in a cast iron skillet set over medium-high heat.

  • Cook the pork. Add the steaks to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature of the steaks registers at 165˚F.

  • Rest. Remove the pork steaks from the skillet and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

  • Hot skillet. For this recipe, you need a sizzling hot pan. This is a key step to achieving a caramelized crust on top.
  • Room temperature pork. Make sure your steak is at room temperature before cooking so it can cook evenly.
  • Use your favorite seasoning. For a different flavor profile, you can use Montreal steak seasoning or Mediterranean steak seasoning.

Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 637mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 493IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

How to Cook Pork Steak

Searing in a skillet is the best way to cook this cut of pork, IMHO. It gets a perfect caramelized crust outside and locks in all the juiciness. I highly recommend using a cast-iron pan for the best results!

  • Season the pork steaks. Combine the rub ingredients in a bowl. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel, season them with salt and pepper, and then rub the pork on all sides with the prepared seasoning.
  • Cook. Heat oil in a skillet, and then sear the pork steaks over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. The pork is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
  • Rest. Afterward, move the pork steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: Baste With Butter!

For even more flavor, baste the pork steaks with butter after you’ve flipped them. Drop 1-2 pats of tablespoons into the hot pan, let it melt, and spoon the butter over the pork steaks as they finish cooking. Cowboy butter would be incredible here! You can also toss in fresh thyme or rosemary for extra flavor and aromatics.

I use this method when I cook tomahawk pork chops. It’s AMAZING. You can also do this with garlic butter or a compound butter, like the herb butter I use to baste my tomahawk steaks.

Promo image for Diethood 2025 calendar.Promo image for Diethood 2025 calendar.

Norda 005: redefining trail-running performance footwear

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Since its launch in 2021, Canadian footwear company, norda, has been consistently pushing the boundaries of trail-running footwear by blending high performance with sustainable materials. With their latest revolutionary release, the 005, they’ve created a race-day shoe that is not only lightweight and soft, but also designed to last you 1,000 kilometres (a racing season or two)—a concept virtually unheard-of in the industry.

As norda’s founder and CEO, Nick Martire (who is fond of car analogies), puts it, “We are here to build Lamborghinis. If it is not the finest, it cannot bear the norda name.”

Norda 005
Photo: norda

The inspiration behind the norda 005 stems from a glaring issue: most super (racing) shoes are not designed to last–they perform well for one, or possibly two, races. This approach didn’t sit well with norda, a company committed to creating products that prioritize both performance and longevity. By leveraging revolutionary materials like bio-based Dyneema—the strongest and lightest fibre on Earth—and incorporating Arnitel’s cutting-edge super foam midsole cushioning, norda aimed to craft a shoe that would redefine what’s possible in trail running. 

The 005 took nearly two years to develop, and involved countless iterations, athlete feedback and a commitment to perfection. The 005 was built from scratch, featuring entirely new technology and design elements. “Everything was new,” explains Louis-Martin Tremblay, norda’s head of design. “We wanted it to be the lightest, strongest and most durable shoe ever made.”

The 005 has already proven its speed and capability on the global stage. Canadian ultrarunner Ray Zahab and American ultrarunner Jason Schlarb were the first athletes to test the 005 extensively, with Schlarb achieving podium finishes at the UTMB Oman and Hardrock 100 while wearing the prototype. And Quebec’s Jean-François Cauchon wore the 005 en route to his course-record-setting performance at the 2024 Quebec Mega Trail 100-mile race.

Superior materials make a superior product

The shoe’s strength begins with the upper, which is made almost entirely of bio-based Dyneema, an ultra-strong and super lightweight polyethylene fibre used in bulletproof vests, motorcycle helmets and fishing lines. Weight for weight, Dyneema is about 15 times stronger than steel and is designed to allow natural foot splay while providing exceptional durability and breathability–perfect for tackling some of the toughest ultra-trail races in the world like Hardrock 100, Western States 100 or Badwater 135. With Dyneema, there’s no need for overlays, because the material is incredibly strong. It’s highly abrasion-resistant and won’t puncture or tear, giving racers the confidence that the upper won’t let them down halfway through their 100K race.

Norda 005
Photo: norda

When Martire and Tremblay began designing the midsole, they knew Arnitel’s TPEE foam would be perfect for the project. (Arnitel is a super foam that delivers the highest rebound and resilience in the industry. While most traditional racing shoes involve some compromise between energy return and longevity, the 005 excels in both, thanks to the Arnitel midsole.) Rather than a carbon-fibre plate embedded in the midsole, Martire decided to make the 005’s midsole 100 per cent Arnitel. (Previously, the highest percentage of Arnitel used in a racing midsole was 30 per cent.)

The reason brands haven’t made a shoe of 100 per cent Arnitel in the past comes down to two things: cost and availability. Arnitel foam is more expensive compared to traditional materials like EVA, which many brands use due to lower production costs. Arnitel foam might also not be as readily available or widely used in the industry as other foams, making it harder for some brands to source. Similar to shoes with a midsole plate, the 005’s midsole is highly responsive, and also protective: “Our athletes have never felt rebound like this,” says Tremblay. “And the recovery time after racing with a shoe like this is much faster.”

In a trail shoe with the most advanced upper and midsole in the world, the outsole had to be equally good. The 005’s outsole features Vibram’s most advanced rubber compound to date–Vibram MegaGrip Elite. “We wanted the outsole to be as trustworthy as a seatbelt,” Martire says. This innovative material provides excellent, reliable traction, particularly on descents and in unpredictable conditions. As Martire puts it, “When you’re so confident that you won’t slip or slide, that’s where the 005 changes things.” Lab tests by norda show that this outsole is 15 per cent grippier than the 002’s. 

Norda 005
Photo: norda

The 005 combines three of the most advanced technologies in the running shoe industry—Dyneema, Arnitel and Vibram MegaGrip Elite—for the first time. When you combine three of the best, you get a shoe that delivers on performance, durability and sustainability. 

Challenges and breakthroughs

Developing the 005 did not come without hurdles. The team encountered significant challenges, particularly with the Dyneema upper, which had never been used in a performance running shoe. Tremblay tells Canadian Running they wanted to work with the world’s strongest material to develop a seamless and blister-free upper that could withstand tough conditions and terrain. But the process required extensive trial and error: “We had to scrap almost everything a year into development,” Tremblay reveals. “We were learning as we were building it, so we had to get back to the roots and figure out what we were trying to accomplish.”

The midsole also presented a unique challenge; Tremblay says it went through more than 100 iterations before they found the perfect formula, balancing rebound, density and durability. The team wanted trail runners to be able to feel the terrain under their feet, which meant they didn’t want a stack height that was too high. It was challenging to find the sweet spot between cushioning and ground feel.

Norda 005
Photo: norda

But they evidently hit the sweet spot; Martire recalls asking Schlarb to use the prototype while training in Oman, without racing in it, so as not to spark curiosity about the shoe before it was ready for market. Schlarb ignored Martire’s request–and finished on the podium. “I had a rocket in my bag,” Schlarb texted. “So why not use it?” 

The design philosophy 

The development process for the 005 involved seven prototype iterations before the team agreed on the final design. Tremblay knew the shoe didn’t need to be flashy; its cutting-edge features would speak for themselves and make it stand out in the world of trail-running footwear. “When norda designs a shoe, we aren’t just looking at what is in front of us in the trail industry,” he says. “We are aware of what other leading brands are doing, but we are mostly inspired by adjacent industries and do not look to footwear, because our innovation goal is so much higher than what currently exists from the major brands.”

Norda’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in the 005’s design. While Martire notes that no shoe can be entirely recycled into another, the Arnitel midsole uses up to 30 per cent recycled compounds, and the materials’ durability ensures the shoe lasts significantly longer than anything else on the market. With a lifespan of more than 1,000 kilometres, the 005 offers unmatched value, allowing most serious ultra-trail runners to get through a year of racing with just two pairs.

Norda 005
Photo: norda

Norda’s broader mission is to create performance products that leave a positive legacy. “There are 22 billion shoes sent to landfills every year,” says Martire. “The best thing we can do at norda is create a product that lasts longer.”

The market

Designed primarily as a race-day shoe, the norda 005 can help any trail runner reach new heights. “This shoe is for anyone who wants to achieve their full potential,” says Martire. “Whether you’re competing at elite levels or pushing personal limits, the 005’s combination of cutting-edge technology and durability makes it up to the task.”

More than just a trail shoe, the 005 is a statement from the Montreal-based brand—a bold proclamation that performance, sustainability and design excellence can all coexist in a shoe that looks like a piece of art.

Norda 005
Photo: norda

For runners who are ready to take on the pinnacle of innovation, the 005 will be available worldwide in mid-March on norda’s website  (nordarun.com), priced at US$325 and C$325—a nod to the brand’s Canadian roots. This is a “top of the line” shoe; Martire says the price reflects a brand that’s pushing performance and responsibility, premium materials and premium craftsmanship. 

The launch of the 005 signals a pivotal moment for the running footwear industry and invites other brands to rethink their approach to sustainability and performance. By setting new standards, norda not only enhances the athlete’s experience but also contributes to a more conscientious future for footwear design.

Produced in partnership with norda



Larry Puckett Manages His Health Like He Runs His Business

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As CEO of Theon Global, a holistic supplement company, Larry Puckett oversees a product lineup that includes Alpha Bios, a mineral supplement containing humic and fulvic acids; Onyx, a black seed oil; and AE17, which he describes as the first fully absorbable curcumin supplement. This trait is what Puckett believes sets his products apart from others. “We use premium turmeric grown in organic regions around the world,” he says. “And we can achieve 98% absorption of what I consider the best turmeric product on the planet.”

These products have become a regular part of Puckett’s daily routine, especially since it’s been several years since he faced his own health issues more than a decade ago. While working on a gym project with fitness trainer Colin Wayne, Puckett began noticing a sudden elevation in his blood pressure—a large enough spike to nearly reach stroke levels. This condition persisted for nearly eight years, during which he says he found no resolution. “They started adding medications, but nothing worked,” he recalls. “Every new medicine created a new symptom, but it didn’t address my blood pressure.”

This experience prompted him to conduct his own research. Ultimately, he discovered that a combination of eliminating caffeine and adding L-arginine provided a solution to his health issues. However, this research led Puckett to completely overhaul not only his supplemental intake but also his overall training routine.

“L-arginine has been probably the number one thing to help me. It’s not my product, but it helps my blood flow as it should. Throughout my journey, no doctor ever checked this. It was always me searching for answers. And finally, I found it.”

Larry Puckett
Larry Puckett

A New Fitness Routine Has Become an Everyday Routine

Larry Puckett’s workday begins with team meeting to outline the plan for the week, ensuring that everyone is on the same page, knows the expectations, and is equipped to meet the daily goals. He also spends some time alone, staring at a whiteboard and writing out the company’s long-term strategies.

This routine follows his non-negotiable morning schedule, which typically starts almost immediately after he wakes up at 5 a.m. He adheres to a five-day-a-week training program at Northside Gym in Texas.

“I wanted training to be comprehensive,” Puckett says. I needed someone to hold me accountable, someone who can see things I might not and help me overcome challenges,”

The owner, Colby Davis, along with trainer Asiah West, continually adjusts his training and nutrition to meet his specific needs. “They’re phenomenal trainers, and both are competing [in bodybuilding] this year,” he says.

Each session lasts from one hour to an hour and a half. “Mondays are for legs, Tuesdays for chest, Wednesdays for back, and so on.”

Now at 58, Puckett may not be in linebacker shape, but he admits to feeling as healthy and fit as he did decades ago. When he and his wife spend their downtime playing with their grandkids, he often feels more energetic than others his age.

“I feel strong, although a little less flexible,” he says. “My recovery time is a bit slower, but other than that, I feel really good. I feel young when I’m at the gym or out shopping, especially when I see other people my age.”

Staying fit, Puckett explains, helps him stay motivated and determined in his business endeavors. He sees similarities between building a business and the training principle of progressive overload, which involves gradually increasing the body’s workload over time.

“It makes me determined,” he says. “If I want my bench press to go from 225 to 300, how do I get there? Do I need to change the angle? Is something wrong with my forearm? Am I missing something else? You’re constantly tweaking things to try to improve, and then you start to build strength. It’s the same with business.”

Sticking to the basics has proven effective for Puckett.

“There’s nothing flashy about my nutrition,” he states. “I just keep it simple.” Although he doesn’t meal prep or count macros, he adheres to tried-and-true basics. Puckett’s meal plan begins with a post-workout protein shake, followed by a breakfast of eggs, oatmeal, and fruit, and a lunch of chicken, rice or sweet potatoes, and a salad. He opts for a regular dinner and sticks exclusively to water, rarely adding any other type of drink to his diet. He believes this approach has been effective.

As he approaches 60, Puckett emphasizes that his dedicated approach to fitness is his top priority, believing that the rest of his business and family success will fall into place. Without his health, he knows firsthand that achieving his goals would be a long shot.

“Fitness is the core of everything,” he says. “If you can’t commit to the most basic thing—taking care of your body—how can you excel at anything else? That’s why I get up at five o’clock every day and ensure I hit the gym before anything else. That way, nothing can interfere with prioritizing my fitness. I have five granddaughters, and I can’t keep up with them if I don’t stay in shape.”



Runner served with restraining order after baton attack

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After appearing to strike her opponent in the head with a baton during a 4 × 200m relay race last week, a video of which quickly went viral, Alaila Everett of Portsmouth, Va., spoke out, claiming the incident was an accident. “I would never do that on purpose,” she said, explaining that she had lost her balance mid-race. “It’s not in my character.” But, according to local news, Everett has been receiving death threats and has now been served with a restraining order by the victim’s family.

“Her arm was hitting the baton like this,” Everett said, re-enacting the incident in a video on Good Morning America. “Until she got a little ahead, and my arm got stuck [behind her] and it rolled up her back. I lost my balance when I pumped my arms again. She got hit.”

After being hit, Kaelen Tucker of Brookville High School immediately grabbed the back of her head and ran off the track. She was later diagnosed with a concussion and possible skull fracture. Race officials quickly disqualified the I.C. Norcom team for runner interference and unsportsmanlike conduct.

runner attacked by baton
Photo: Good Morning America

Online, Everett says she’s been receiving death threats and being called racial slurs. Her family was served with court papers by the Tuckers, who are seeking a protective order against Everett; they will be required to make an appearance before a judge.

The Tuckers told 10 News they have yet to receive an apology from Everett, but Everett claims to have been blocked by Tucker on social media.

High school athlete smacks runner in the head with relay baton

No apologies or explanations were made by Everett or her team immediately following the incident last week, but I.C. Norcom’s athletic director has since apologized to the Tucker family on behalf of the Everett family.



Amid Push For Equity, Some Say Workers With Disabilities Need Subminimum Wage

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HARTFORD, Conn. — Dan Lenz always wanted to work and have an apartment of his own — a simple wish that his mother, Fay Lenz, said posed challenges for the Avon resident with intellectual disabilities and autism.

But Lenz said her son has thrived in the workforce for 20 years and now works at an electrical and building infrastructure company in West Hartford that pays workers with disabilities less than minimum wage. The company is one of several that holds a certificate under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act to pay workers a subminimum wage.

Now Lenz fears that HB 5607, a proposed state law by Rep. Steven Winter, D-94, that would eliminate the subminimum wage, will also eliminate jobs for people like her son.

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Advocates of the bill say it is about fairness and dignity for workers with disabilities but opponents like Fay Lenz say it is not a given that workers like her son will find other jobs.

“They do not have enough employers who are hiring people with disabilities and educating employers to the fact that people with disabilities have skills,” Fay Lenz said. “Some kids may never be able to develop skills to be paid minimum wage.”

Lenz said keeping the subminimum wage does not mean she is opposed to workers with disabilities being paid the state’s full minimum wage of $16.35 an hour.

“Until we can get the correct support in place and get the jobs, we are dumping our kids into nothing,” she said.

Winter said that the New Haven Commission on Disabilities reached out to him about filing the bill, referring to it as an issue of fairness and how “we treat people with disabilities.”

Winter said the elimination of subminimum wage is important for creating a work environment where community members have pathways to grow.

He said 14 states have eliminated the subminimum wage including Alaska, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Colorado, California, Delaware, South Carolina and Rhode Island. He added four other states are phasing out subminimum wage for workers with disabilities.

He added that where states have adopted legislation to end subminimum wage, employment of adults with cognitive disabilities has increased.

Stephen Morris, executive director of The Arc of the Farmington Valley, Inc. (Favarh), a private provider for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), said that while universal minimum wage is a laudable goal, the elimination of 14(c) certificates would result in job loss for hundreds of workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“These workers possess valuable skills and a strong desire to contribute, but may not match conventional productivity expectations,” Morris said in his written testimony Feb. 20 at the Labor and Public Employees Committee. “Rather than excluding them from the workforce entirely, the 14(c) certificate creates opportunities for meaningful employment that might otherwise be unavailable.”

The U.S, Department of Labor sets the subminimum wage for people with disabilities, according to Juliet Manalan, director of communications for the state’s Department of Labor.

In December 2024, the federal Department of Labor announced a proposed rule that would phase out the issuance of certificates allowing employers to pay some workers with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage, according to a release from the department.

However, it is unclear under the Trump Administration if this proposed rule will be finalized.

Despite repeated attempts, no one could be reached at the U.S. Department of Labor for comment, with many email addresses from the department bouncing back as no longer valid.

Christian Allyn wrote in his written testimony in support of the proposed law on Feb. 20 that the bill is personal. He wrote that as a high school student he was paid as little as $1 per hour.

“This made me feel lesser than everyone else, which as a person with a disability, I felt that way already,” he wrote.

Francis Traceski feels differently about the bill, saying that his daughter, Lauren Traceski, who has a genetic anomaly that causes her to have an intellectual disability, would have never been employed without being paid subminimum wage for a number of years.

“There are people who might not be able to start at minimum wage,” he said. “Subminimum wage allows them to get work and have purpose.”

He added his daughter now works for minimum wage but she would not now be able to if she had not worked for many years in subminimum wage jobs.

Billy Huang, chairperson of the New Haven Commission on Disabilities, said in his testimony in support of the bill that persons with disabilities experience “lower employment rates compared with the general population, 22.5% vs 65.8% in 2024.”

He added that proponents of 14(c) have argued “the importance of the dignity of work and the value of the therapeutic nature of work but they often fail to develop initiatives to transition sheltered employment into full-time employment.

“This lack of support is inimical to the spirit of civil rights legislation such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act which emphasize the need for persons with disabilities to have equal opportunities, including through employment,” he said. “Moreover, there is little empirical evidence to support that individuals under 14(c) programs ever leave such a structure and attain gainful employment like their peers.”

© 2025 Hartford Courant
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Jay Cutler Shares This ‘Unique’ Dumbbell Hamstring Exercise

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Four-time Mr Olympia winner Jay Cutler didn’t become an icon of the sport without thinking outside the box, and in a recent Instagram post the bodybuilding legend shared a “unique” exercise that he learned while trying to make a name for himself. Fortunately, the man who would become known as “The Quad Stomper,” thanks to his epic upper legs, knew that hamstrings were an important part of shaping his limbs. Here’s how to challenge yourself, Cutler style.

“One of the most unique, and sometime challenging hamstring exercises is the dumbbell behind between the feet (leg curl),” said Cutler in a recent demonstration video for his 5.6 million IG followers. “So, back in my day, when I first started training, back in Worcester, Massachusetts, I was trying to find the best hamstring exercise and I saw this featured by a guy named Mike Francois [the 1995 Arnold Classic winner], he did this movement in his routine every single week where he would do a dumbbell between the feet lying leg curl.”

How to Do Jay Cutler’s Dumbbell Between The Legs Lying Leg Curl

This move is more challenging than the traditional machine lying leg curl because rather than lifting a mechanical bar, you will grip a dumbbell between both feet and then raise and lower the weight.

Cutler advises that this move takes “a little bit of effort and technique” but explains that because the hamstrings consist of a lot of tendons, the additional balance that it takes to hold the dumbbell and perform each curl will really hammer those hamstrings. The big man says that depending on the angle you want to get, this move can be executed on a flat, inclined, or declined bench, but he has always preferred repping this exercise out on the flat bench with 8 to 12 reps for those muscle building hypotrophy effects.

“You wanna keep that constant tension on the hamstrings,” says Cutler. “That is what is ideal about doing a hamstring movement, just like the bicep. You’re gonna pump that hamstring.” The Quad Stomper explains that developing the hamstrings is particularly important when competing, because they are revealed during the side poses on stage, so the hamstrings help to shape the entire leg.

To perform his move safely, start out with a very light dumbbell and make sure that you have the form and mobility down before increasing the load. Once you are all set, you can challenge yourself just like Jay Cutler. “Get that nice burn, and like I said, once you get it down, once you get the pattern of how to do it, the technique, it is key to building those hamstrings.”

To follow Jay Cutler on Instagram, click here.