Relating to places larger than locales and smaller than nations
• If you managed to read the news in the right place • [>1½ MIN READ] You’d be forgiven for not noticing that Jacob Kiplimo broke the 2:00:35 marathon world record that Kelvin Kiptum set in 2023 at the Chicago Marathon. Under normal circumstances, breaking that world record by 7 seconds would have generated some … More Broken Marathon Records (#218: ZY Weekly Newsletter 4/25/26)
• Compare, contrast, converge • [1½ MIN READ] On a recent European trip that it was my good fortune to experience, one of two runs I was able to execute took place in Köln (Cologne), Germany. Köln runs alongside of the Rhine River and so did I. The Promenade went out of town and, naturally, … More Running in Köln, Germany (#351: 2026’04’29’W)
• This one our AK home base • [5 MIN READ] For the nearly 10 years I’ve been a part of ministry in the Copper (River) Valley, I had gotten used to The Willows, the house we rented from Cross Road Medical Center. The place was kind of strange because of the sanitary feel of … More A Very Fine House*
• A couple of thoughts from experience • [1½ MIN READ] I’ve learned a few things about negotiating grief. Two came to mind recently when I was with friends going through the process. Having gone through a few deaths of people I love, including someone very recently, I was able to sit in sympathy with … More Handling Grief
Calvin’s Alaska Mission Effort 2025 June 25-July 9 [4 MIN READ] With the summer travel season upon us, we Wangs have turned our mind and energies to one constant: traveling to Alaska. For most of you friends and family members, you know this is practically standard-operating procedure, given that we’ve gone so many years over … More Support Letter 2025
• Negotiating Alaska • [1½ MIN READ] A recent run from the native village of Kluti-Kaah north and west to the local “big town” of Glennallen, Alaska had me traversing a construction zone unlike any around these here parts. Around a lot of the state, there are no alternative routes. That was the case over … More Bridge Construction (#193: ZY Weekly Newsletter 7/26/25)
• An Anchorage version • [2½ MIN READ] A community-service trip, like a mission project, might not conventionally feature a fixture like a foodfest, at least not one I was to design. One like that would prioritize conversation. This is a truth that people who spend time with me might soon discover; however, my annual … More Consumption and Conversation
• The matter of picking your races • [1½ MIN READ] While in Alaska for my annual service trip, I had my occasional opportunity to represent the Growlers at the Copper Valley 5K/10K Fun Run. Seeing as it’s my 9th year in an area where I’ve been the regular from Philly, I’m able to greet … More A Singular Success (#314: 2025’07’23’W)
• In reverse • [1½ MIN READ] Kudi [sic] to OKhen and Mango Marjo for their years of dedication to the Shawmont Running Club. I don’t even know how long it’s been, but as I write more runner Profiles, I’ll start publishing their (and others’) histories with the club and then we’ll both know. I … More Snowbirds (#181: ZY Weekly Newsletter 2/15/25)
• PR’s all around • [<1½ MIN READ] Consider this a motivational piece for any new runners out there. The last few months brought 5 particular GGR runners (4 brand-new and one pseudo-regular[:p]), all with marathon aspirations: AndEss, CJ3, Li, Sylvia, and Yuki. Except for CJ3—doing his second, all were doing this mammoth distance for … More Fall is Marathon Season (#283: 2024’11’20’W)
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