Dog Agility Training

Is it possible to teach a pet to do tricks? In this video, I discuss how I train my family's dogs to do different things through an agility course. Take a look at this video. I have been working our dogs to help them become more obedient and to make them better dogs when I go hiking or running. It's not difficult to do, but you have to put in a lot of time and have a lot of patience.

Randall

Cottonwood Wash - Capitol Reef National Park

One of the lesser-known national parks in Utah holds some of the best hikes anywhere. One of them that combines water, hiking, swimming, and climbing can be found at Cottonwood Wash. Here is a video report of the hike, and you can learn about more hikes at http://www.hikinginutah.com. Do you have similar scenery in your area?

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Recently, my family and I volunteered at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary near Kanab, Utah, where unwanted, homeless, and abused are nurtured and then placed up for adoption. Here is a video and learning activity on the topic. Do you have similar organizations in your country? If so (or not), tell us about them or the current view on homeless animals in your area.

- http://www.esl-lab.com/pets/pets-video.htm

Best,

Randall

Millcreek 50k 2011

Recently, I participated in a unique mountain running event in which the race started at 9:00 p.m. and I finished it at 7:45 a.m. It covered 31 miles (50 kilometers) with a total gain in elevation of over 3,000 meters. You can read my report of the event here:

- http://www.hikinginutah.com/millcreek50k-2011.htm

In some ways, it reminded me of life itself:  many things that happen to us in life are difficult, but the reward will come after a period of determination.

Randall

Independence Day in the US

Today, July 4th, is Independence Day in the United States. It is a day when people remember the freedoms they enjoy in this country including the privilege to worship God as they may, to vote, to speak out for different causes, and to go where you may. I created this video on the topic. Share your thoughts on what it means to "be free."

Randall

http://www.esl-lab.com/tradition/usflag-video.htm

Trail Running in Utah

 My English students often wonder why their skills aren't improving . . . like their stuck at the same level. Have you ever felt this way? In response to this, I created this video a few miles from my home on the topic of setting goals. Enjoy.

Squaw Peak 50 Mile Trail Run - Race Report

Here is my race report for a very difficult 50-mile races in Utah. Doing something as difficult as this reminds me of doing anything challenging: it doesn't matter how long it takes you as long as you finish the journey:

- http://www.hikinginutah.com/squawpeak50-2011.htm

Randall