It is not a White Christmas here in Minnesota today, the headquarters of GearJunkie, but nonetheless we are having a merry one. I gave a load of gear to friends and family members this weekend who have sights set on skiing trips and ultra races in the near term. Today, presents and small kids in gift bliss occupied my family’s morning. Now, as a reprieve from too much toy assembly, I am just back from a long run outside. Crazy warm and sunny here — 40 degrees! — but everyone along the trails and paths near Minneapolis’ chain of lakes was looking in high spirits despite the seasonal strangeness of it all. Meanwhile, on the West Coast, our GearJunkie/YogaSlackers team is taking Christmas as an opportunity to paddle and train for the upcoming adventure racing season, which will kick off in the far wilds of South America before we know it. “The morning started out with our trademark breakfast of eggs, toast, greens and LOTS of yummy coffee,” they wrote in a typically enthusiastic blog post on the Oregon Christmas adventure. “We then headed out to the port blaring ‘Eye of the Tiger’ while looking out at the 14-foot waves” ready to kayak for the day. Sounds like the best way to spend Christmas that I could imagine!
Here’s to a happy Christmas to all, merry holidays, and a good New Year! Hoping you all get out today or over the coming holiday time and try out some new gear, play in the woods, or push your limits a little before we call 2011 quits. All the best!
—Stephen Regenold, founder of GearJunkie.com
