Outdoor Activities

You're out for a nice bike ride when a challenging hill appears on the horizon. Some say it's easier to stand and power up the incline; others contend you're better off to stay seated and maintain a constant rhythm. Which strategy is best for you?

By Colleen Cancio

In a sport with so many variations, is there a way to find out what's the average time for finishing a triathlon? Let's investigate.

By Laurie L. Dove

A marathon is a grueling event that involves running for more than 26 miles. So, what makes a tough marathon? How about rocky terrain, steep inclines and extreme weather? Here's a rundown of the world's most punishing marathons.

By Josh Clark

Weekend warriors come in all shapes and sizes, and middle-aged Americans sick of sitting at a desk all week are signing up for triathlons in droves. What's surprising? So are their kids!

By Alia Hoyt

Most of us have heard of the Ironman Triathlon, but that's not the only version of the sport. There are several types of triathlons encompassing various distances and even sports beyond swimming, running and biking.

By Laurie L. Dove

In the world of cycling, not everyone agrees on pedal float. Some want more of it; others prefer less. What is it? We're not talking about tiptoeing through the tulips.

By Colleen Cancio

Only a handful of people participated in the very first triathlon, but it didn't take long for this young sport to take off in popularity. What's the story behind the triathlon?

By Sarah Winkler

It may seem hard to believe that something as menial as arm or leg hair can slow you down in the water. Is this simply the stuff of superstition? Or is there something to this ritual?

By Jane McGrath

Athletes play to win. But the very best ones also play fairly. In triathlons, certain gear is out of the question -- and it's all in the name of safety and good sportsmanship.

By Alia Hoyt

So, you've finally made the plunge -- it's time to start training for your first marathon. Of course, it's no walk in the park. You need to be ready to tackle a distance of 26.2 miles at a steady pace. How do you make sure you cross that finish line?

By John Fuller

When summer's finally here, visits to the pool are high on most kids' lists of demands. Whether you're hanging out in the backyard pool or heading over to the local swimming hole, it's important to keep your children safe.

By Christine Venzon

Your family pool may seem like a safe haven in the middle of a hectic and complex world, but the fact is, any water feature can be a serious safety hazard. The Swimming Pool Safety Act is in place to keep the fun in and the fear out.

By Sara Elliott

Off-roading may be the ultimate driving adventure, but trying it without four-wheel drive may turn your trip into the ultimate driving nightmare. It won't kill you, but it will almost certainly annoy you.

By Stephanie Watson

Skiing requires strong muscles and good balance, and like most major sports, it has its own set of important exercises. What are ski squats, and how can they help on the slopes?

By Julia Layton

Air compressors are a must for any serious off-roader. They can help you inflate your tires, re-align your seats and even power the blender for some post-ride margaritas.

By Dave Roos

If you're going to go off-roading, you're going to need some good brakes. Buying new shoes and pads may not cut it, so should you upgrade your brakes before you hit those mountain trails?

By Josh Clark

Electric cars aren't new, but new technology has made them more widely available and easier to use. Electric off-road vehicles are a great option for green adventurers, but they do have their disadvantages.

By Stephanie Watson

There are times when an ordinary 4x4 just won't do. Like when you need to climb an impossibly steep sand dune, for example. Sand buggies are designed to handle some of the toughest terrain out there.

By Patrick E. George

Are you out of work? Looking for a new profession? Well, consider the ranch life. Ranch hands spend their days outdoors birthing calves, mending fences and vaccinating livestock. And, the salary isn't half bad.

By Debra Ronca

A disposable camera may work just fine for a day at the zoo, but people who photograph animals in the wild can benefit from using specific cameras, lenses and accessories. What do you really need to get the best shot?

By Chris Jones

If you've ever opened up the pages of a nature magazine and seen dozens of beautiful underwater images, you may have wondered how the photographers got those shots. How do you protect a camera during underwater photography?

By Elizabeth Sprouse

If you enjoy birdwatching, you might have considered taking up bird photography and capturing these graceful creatures in their natural habitats, but what are the basics of bird photography?

By Kathy Price-Robinson

Photographing a scenic sunset or sky-high cityscape isn't as difficult as it might seem. With the right tools and tips, you can be on your way to capturing perfect landscape photos.

By Jill Jaracz

Macro nature photography lets you capture larger than life images of small, natural subjects such as insects or blades of grass. What tools and techniques do you need to get started?

By Martha Barksdale

Film has long been the medium of choice for most wildlife photographers. But with advances in digital technology, is it now possible to bring just a memory card on your trip instead of rolls and rolls of film?

By Molly Edmonds