Tag: Health

Rizo Velovic didn’t come to Survivor to play it safe — he came to win, or go out swinging. From the moment he hit the beach, the self-described superfan made it clear he wasn’t there to coast, blend in, or simply survive another vote. And while his journey ended just short of Final Tribal Council, the 26-year-old New York native’s bold and often chaotic gameplay left an undeniable mark on the season, even earning him a spot on Survivor 50.

In an exclusive interview with Men’s Journal, Velovic reflects on the choices that defined his game, from wielding his idol as both a weapon and a bluff to embracing the risks that ultimately led to his elimination. He opens up about why he has no regrets, how close he believes he came to winning it all, and why — even after coming up just short — he considers his Survivor experience a personal victory.

Scroll down to read the full interview with Rizo.

Men’s Journal: You went out in dramatic fashion this season. Was going out in fire easier to accept than losing at Final Tribal?

Rizo Velovic: Absolutely. I’ve said this before, but I came here to win. That was always the goal. So if I wasn’t going to win, I wanted to go out swinging. Going out in fire felt right to me. I’ve never been voted out of Survivor, and that meant something to me. Fire is unpredictable — it’s not about politics or maneuvering. It’s just you and the flame. And if I had beaten Savannah [Louie] in fire, I would’ve won the game. That’s something I’m proud of. I got to go out on my own terms.

Men’s Journal: A lot of fans were surprised that no one really practiced fire leading up to that moment. Did you ever consider it?

Rizo Velovic: As a fan, you always say, “Why don’t they practice fire?” But when you’re actually out there, you don’t have time. You’re constantly managing relationships, talking to people, making sure you’re not the next target. Practicing fire almost feels like admitting you’re going to need it — and that can make people suspicious. You’re constantly balancing perception. So while it seems obvious from the couch, in the game it’s really difficult to carve out that time.

Men’s Journal: You played a very visible, high-risk game. Did you feel misunderstood at times?

Rizo Velovic: A little, yeah. I think people saw the theatrics and assumed it was all for show. But everything I did had intention behind it. I wasn’t trying to be flashy for the sake of it. I was trying to control the game. The idol stuff, the big moments — those were strategic. I wanted people reacting to me, not the other way around. That was the whole point.

Men’s Journal: You were also very loyal to Savannah and went to bat for her on the jury. Why was that so important to you?

Rizo Velovic: Because she earned it. I genuinely believed she deserved to win. I wanted her to win if I wasn’t going to. We went through so much together in that game. I knew what she had done, and I felt like she wasn’t always getting the credit she deserved. So when I went into Final Tribal, I wanted to make sure the jury understood what she had accomplished. That mattered to me.

Men’s Journal: You talked a lot about representing your family and your Albanian heritage. How much did that motivate you?

Rizo Velovic: I’m the first Albanian person to ever play Survivor, and that meant a lot to me. My parents came here with nothing. They sacrificed so much. I carried that with me every single day out there. I wasn’t just playing for myself — I was playing for my family, for my culture, and for people who saw themselves in me. That meant more to me than anything else in the game.

Men’s Journal: Looking back now, do you feel satisfied with how your story ended?

Rizo Velovic: I really do. Of course I wanted to win, but I’m proud of how I played. I didn’t hide. I didn’t coast. I took risks. I made big moves. I stayed true to who I am. And at the end of the day, I walked away knowing I gave everything I had. That’s something I can live with.

Related: The ‘Survivor 49’ Players Returning for ‘Survivor 50’ Are Finally Revealed

As a core member of Survivor season 49’s most dominant alliance, Sophi Balerdi managed to stay influential without becoming a huge target, maneuvering through the game with a level of awareness that ultimately carried her to Final Tribal Council and earned her two jury votes in a 5–2–1 finish that ultimately went to her closest ally Savannah Louie.

In a post-finale interview with Men’s Journal, the Miami native, 27, exclusively breaks down the strategy behind her game, from navigating alliance dynamics to making calculated decisions that kept the spotlight off her. She also reflects on the now-infamous Knowledge Is Power play, the dynamics within her alliance with Savannah and Rizo Velovic, and why she believes her game would play out even better the second time around.

Scroll down to read the full interview with Sophi.

Men’s Journal: Now that the finale has aired and you’ve had time to watch everything back, how are you feeling?

Sophi Balerdi: I’m feeling really good. We have a deserving winner, and yes, I lost — and like anyone who’s ever lost Survivor, there are things I would change. But I feel like I played strong toward the end, I left on a high note, and I truly did the best I could with how I started the game and the information I had. I got myself as far as I could, and I’m proud of that. I got the second-best title.

Men’s Journal: How did you feel heading into Final Tribal Council, and why were you so surprised to receive votes?

Balerdi: I’m very self-aware and honestly pretty hard on myself. Sitting next to someone with four immunity wins and a fire-making win, I didn’t feel confident at all. On paper, I didn’t think I stood a chance. But after Final Tribal, producers and people like Nate [Moore], Steven [Ramm], and Alex [Moore] told me they were 50–50. Before Jeff [Probst] read the votes, Savannah even turned to me and said, “You just won.” When the second vote was read, I thought, “Wait — did I actually pull this out?” I knew I had a strong Final Tribal performance, and I threw everything at the wall, even though not all of it made the edit.

Men’s Journal: Were there any jury votes that surprised you?

Balerdi: Alex’s vote surprised me a little, but I respect it. He’d been on the jury longer than I had, so who knows what he was hearing. What meant the most to me was earning MC [Chukwujekwu]’s vote — she told me I earned it. My game was more subtle than others’, and all I wanted was for people to go into Final Tribal with an open mind. I felt heard, and that meant everything.

Men’s Journal: You talked at Final Tribal about fitting into the Savannah–Rizo dynamic. How aware were you of how that trio might be perceived?

Balerdi: Very aware. Once Savannah started winning immunities, my wheels started turning. I loved her on a personal level, but I knew she was my biggest threat — not just because she was winning, but because the jury respected her. When I talked about flipping on Savannah and Rizo, I was really talking about Savannah. They were a package deal. I was ready to make that move; I was just waiting for the right moment. At five, Kristina [Mills] and I were literally working together trying to get her out. Savannah just won when she needed to, and that’s why I respect her so much.

Men’s Journal: You kept your fire-making decision private. How much time did you spend weighing that choice?

Balerdi: I spent hours thinking about it. I was either going to put them in fire or put myself in fire against Savannah. Ultimately, I convinced myself that I deserved to be in the Final Three. I truly believed that if Rizo won fire, I would have won the game — and multiple jurors told me that afterward. Even against Savannah, people said the vote was 50–50. So I stand by my decision.

Men’s Journal: The Knowledge Is Power move sparked a lot of debate. How do you look back on it now?

Balerdi: My ideal outcome was taking Steven’s advantage or Rizo’s idol and voting Steven out. I didn’t take Rizo’s idol because I was afraid Sage and Kristina would vote him out, and I felt more comfortable sitting next to Rizo than Steven. Steven had won two immunities and had strong jury relationships. In hindsight, if I’d known I couldn’t take Steven’s advantage, I would’ve taken Rizo’s idol immediately. But I also knew about the Block-a-Vote, and that knowledge still helped me make moves. I don’t think it affected jury votes as much as viewers think.

Men’s Journal: Do you feel that moment overshadowed your overall game?

Balerdi: I think the episode made me look worse than I was. The jury was confused, but once I explained it, MC told me that explanation is what earned her vote. I wish they’d shown that. Had Rizo won fire, I truly believe I would’ve won the game, even after that mistake.

Men’s Journal: Did Rizo not playing his idol on you remind you that you can play selfishly too?

Balerdi: Completely. It woke me up. I realized we weren’t all playing for each other anymore — we were playing for ourselves. That made me more willing to flip at five, and when I won fire, I didn’t feel bad about putting them in at all.

Men’s Journal: How important was your Final Four immunity win for your confidence?

Balerdi: Huge. After Knowledge Is Power, I felt embarrassed and thought my chances were slim. Winning that immunity reminded me that I still had a story, relationships, and moves. It told me not to count myself out and to finish strong.

Men’s Journal: Do you think Savannah and Rizo’s return on Survivor 50 affected your edit?

Balerdi: I think so, yes. There were a lot of moves that Rizo and I made together that only showed his side. I’m proud of what we did — coming back from a seven–three minority is wild. Savannah deserved the win, and Rizo is an incredible player who’s going to be a legend. If I’m going to be slightly under-edited, I’m okay with it being for them.

Men’s Journal: Would you play Survivor again?

Balerdi: In a heartbeat. I would do so much differently, especially physically. I didn’t prepare at all, and that hurt me in a 26-day game. I think with my social and strategic game — plus physical preparation — I’d be dangerous. It was the best experience of my life.

Related: The ‘Survivor 49’ Players Returning for ‘Survivor 50’ Are Finally Revealed

A fresh year has begun, but there’s no break from the from the snow and cold, and on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, the National Weather Service (NWS) continued to issue winter weather warnings and advisories across the U.S.

Even though travel weather has been decent for much of the U.S. for New Year’s Day and will remain quiet through the rest of the week, another part of the country is getting hit with freezing cold temperatures, blowing snow and road icing, according to NWS reporting, including parts of the Northeast, Upper Midwest and California.

According to a report from Fox News, Syracuse, New York, broke a record for the second-snowiest day at 24.2 inches in one day. That also was the snowiest December day on record for Syracuse. Fox News adds that “lake-effect snow will continue to affect the Great Lakes region, with up to 2 feet of snow possible near Lake Erie. Strong winds will further increase the chances of snow.”

Cold Weather Continues Into First Week of 2026 With Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories

Those in the Great Lakes region and parts of the Northeast should brace for a freezing start to 2026 going into the first full week of the year. According to a research from AccuWeather, the clipper storms and frigid air from Canada will continue to cause wintry weather for the Great Lakes region and parts of the Northeast through Monday, Jan. 5.

“Many areas from the Upper Midwest to the interior Northeast will receive a new round of snow every 24 hours or less,” Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist, states in a Jan. 1 feature. “Highway departments and private contractors will be busy keeping up with the frequent snow episodes.”

Sosnowski also says that “enough snow will fall from northern Minnesota to Michigan and on to upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and New England to make for a new round of slippery roads.”

Lake-Effect Snow Causing Issues

As for the rest of New Year’s Day and into Friday, Jan. 2, AccuWeather reports that “persistent lake-effect snow and another clipper storm will produce 12-24 inches of accumulation downwind of the Great Lakes, with locally higher amounts in upstate New York.”

The NWS warns people to take cold weather seriously. They state to “wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing” and “wear a hat. Try to stay dry and out of the wind.”

They add, “Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.”

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to look ahead to what the gaming world has in store for us in 2026. While there will certainly be more than 26 worthwhile titles to play in the coming year, these are the ones front and center on my radar.

Before we begin, a couple of disclaimers. First, the focus here is console gaming, so you won’t see any PC exclusives. Second, I’ve tried to stay away from games that could come out in 2026 that have seen extended delays or have no real timetable for when they’ll actually release. That means games like Judas, Tides of Annihilation, and Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra aren’t on the list, though I’d be thrilled if they land in 2026.

Without further ado, here are the 26 video games I can’t wait to play in 2026:

26) Mouse: P.I. For Hire / Mio: Memories in Orbit / Marathon (tie)

I narrowed my initial list of 50-plus titles to 28, but I couldn’t decide on the final spot, so I’m copping out and going with a three-way tie. Mouse: P.I. For Hire looks like a first-person shooter version of Cuphead. Mio is giving me serious Ori vibes with a dash of Hollow Knight. And call me a sucker, but Bungie made Halo and Destiny, so I’m willing to see what they do with Marathon.

25) Lords of the Fallen II

It was a near thing, but I gave Lords of the Fallen II the nod for this Soulslike spot ahead of a few other sequels—Mortal Shell 2, Code Vein 2, and Nioh 3—as well as Beast of Reincarnation. The original had strong action with the cool hook of changing between two versions of its world. Let’s hope the sequel builds on those strengths.

24) Witchbrook

A cutesy marriage of Stardew Valley and Hogwarts. A decade after it was announced, we’ll soon be able to accio Witchbrook!

23) No Law

The Game Awards trailer got me hyped up for the setting, but I remain guarded based on Neon Giant’s first game, The Ascent, which has an awesome look but forgettable characters and a lackluster story. Here’s hoping it all comes together with No Law.

22) Onimusha: Way of the Sword

It’s been over 20 years since we got an Onimusha game. The samurai action-adventure series burned brightly when it launched but went dormant quickly with every game coming out on the PlayStation 2. Let’s see what Capcom can do with current-gen hardware.

21) Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf

I played the original Planet of Lana on Xbox Game Pass this year and enjoyed it. It scratched the same itch that games like LIMBO and Inside did, and I’m very excited for the sequel.

20) LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Traditionally, LEGO games are high-floor, low-ceiling affairs. Can delving into the rich history of Batman elevate it above its contemporaries? I’m cautiously optimistic.

19) Forza Horizon 6

While I’m far from the biggest racing fan, the Forza Horizon series has always been enjoyable, presenting exquisite graphics and an arcade style that fits my preferences. Setting this one in Japan makes it all the more appealing.

18) The Duskbloods

Anytime FromSoftware develops a game, there’s buzz. When it’s their first fantasy-style effort since Elden Ring, that buzz grows even louder. While its exclusivity to the Nintendo Switch 2 is a bit disappointing based on that system’s limitations, fans will take what they can get.

17) Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy

Ever since dropping an announcement trailer back in June, it’s been radio silence for the third installment of the Plague Tale series. We know it’s a prequel, and it looks like there might be a heavier focus on combat. And yes, there will probably be rats, lots of them.

Related: Top 10 Most Anticipated Video Games of 2026

16) Call of Duty (Title TBA)

This is a bit of a cheat since there’s been no official announcement, but we all know there are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and an annual Call of Duty game. Following the backlash to Black Ops 7 and success of Battlefield 6, this is a big year for one of gaming’s biggest franchises. I’m anxious to see how they respond.

15) STAR WARS Zero Company

A turn-based strategy game set in the world of Star Wars. There hasn’t been much about Zero Company beyond the announce trailer, but on the surface, it’s checking a lot of boxes for me.

14) Reanimal

A new title from the studio behind the first two Little Nightmare games that’s supposed to have a greater focus on horror elements. Yes, please.

13) Pragmata

Originally announced in June 2020, Pragmata reemerged with a trailer at The Game Awards, looking like an interesting shooter/action game with a bit of graphical Death Stranding DNA.

12) Phantom Blade Zero

In Phantom Blade you play as an assassin framed for killing his master, and you’ll need to solve the mystery behind the murder while fending off your former associates. The trailers show exceptional graphics and lightning-quick combat. There’s a high ceiling here.

11) Saros

The next bad game developer Housemarque makes will be the first. It’s been five years since they wowed with Returnal. Saros looks like it could be bigger and better.

10) Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis

Lara Croft is going back to where it all began with the Legacy of Atlantis remake. The trailer hit all the right nostalgic notes, and it has me primed for some dual-wielding goodness.

9) Crimson Desert

Probably the most ambitious title of 2026 is Crimson Desert, an open-world, single-player fantasy game from the team behind the MMORPG Black Desert. If it can stick the landing, expect to see Crimson Desert get a lot of early GOTY buzz.

8) Fable

Fable was something of a poster boy for overpromising when it originally launched in 2004, but it set the stage for a pair of solid sequels. While the series has been on ice for over 15 years at this point, what’s been shared for the upcoming Fable has generated a lot of excitement that Xbox’s RPG can ascend back to a position of prominence in 2026.

Related: My 10 Favorite Video Games of 2025—and Why You May Love Them, Too

7) Replaced

Another game with a lengthy development cycle, Replaced was first announced at E3 2021. It’s set for launch in March, and the most recent trailers have me at a fever pitch. The 2.5D cyberpunk art style looks amazing, and I cannot wait to play it.

6) Control Resonant

Alan Wake was good. Control was great. Alan Wake II was excellent. It follows then that Control Resonant will be utterly brilliant. Right?

5) Halo: Campaign Evolved

Few games stir the type of fond memories that Halo: Combat Evolved does. The remaster breathed new life into it, and the Master Chief Collection remains one of the best values in all of gaming. Campaign Evolved looks amazing, and the promise of quality-of-life updates, new weapons, and all-new levels with Sgt. Johnson just add to the hype. As excited as I am, I have to ask: can Halo 3 get the same treatment at some point?

4) Resident Evil Requiem

I am 100% of the belief that Resident Evil should be a third-person game. RE7 and Village were both solid, and certainly a cut above RE6, but the first, second, and fourth installments remain the standard bearers. With Requiem introducing dual protagonists and the ability to switch between first- and third-person, I am more than ready to return to Raccoon City.

3) 007 First Light

A James Bond origin story developed by the people behind the Hitman games. Say less.

2) Gears of War: E-Day

While Halo is Microsoft’s signature shooter, Gears of War isn’t far behind. I’ve enjoyed all five mainline games, and it defies belief that Gears has been on the shelf since 2019. While I have mixed feelings about getting a prequel instead of Gears 6, the prospect of a true next-gen installment in the series has me revving up my lancer.

1) Grand Theft Auto VI

I mean, you knew this was going to top the list, right? Thirteen years will have passed between the release of GTA V and November’s Grand Theft Auto VI. Rockstar has delivered some of my favorite games of all-time, and my expectations are through the roof for this one.

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Why We Love This Deal

If you’re looking to start 2026 off with gear that’ll help you crush your fitness goals, then it’s worth looking at Nike first. The brand’s sale section is still going strong with all kinds of athletic products, even with the holidays now behind us, and the biggest standout is this iconic Dri-Fit hoodie. It was one of the all-star products during Nike’s Black Friday sale in November, but it’s been marked back down to the same price.

Nike Standard Issue Dri-Fit Hoodies are just $46 once again, which is 49% off their regular price of $90. These heavyweight French terry hoodies package warmth, athletic performance, comfort, and durability all into a single garment. Both black and heather gray are on sale at this price, but sizes are limited from small to 2. And while it looks like the black color may have recently been restocked, we expect these to sell out at some point soon.

Nike Standard Issue Dri-Fit Hoodies, From $46 (was $90) at Nike

What Shoppers Should Know

• Colors: Black, gray
• Sizes: S to 2XL (depending on color)
• Materials: 61% cotton, 39% polyester
• Pockets: Kangaroo pouch, zippered hand pocket
• Fit: Loose and roomy with good length on the sleeves and hem

Taking vintage sportswear and infusing it with Nike’s performance tech means these hoodies perform on and off the court (or field, or gym). They’re made from heavyweight French terry that feels buttery soft but structured, thanks to reinforced stitching that makes them wear more like high-end athleisure than standard sportswear.

With Nike’s signature Dri-Fit tech, they wick sweat well, helping to keep you dry and cool during training sessions or when layered under a jacket. Conveniently, the ribbed cuffs hold their shape, even after the sleeves have been rolled up, and there’s also a kangaroo and zippered pocket to keep your stuff safe.

Related: Hoka’s Beloved All-Terrain Running Shoe With ‘Amazing’ Grip Has Finally Gone on Sale

What Shoppers Are Saying

These hoodies hold a solid 4.7-star rating after shopper feedback. One shopper said this “lovely fleece” is super soft and has the perfect athletic cut. Another described it as “heaven in a hoodie.” They also loved that it’s very lightweight, and stated that the zippered pocket is a “lifesaver.”

For under $50 on Nike’s iconic Dri-Fit tech, this Standard Issue Hoodie is likely to sell out fast. Grab one before they, or this price, disappear.

Shop More Deals

• Nike Dri-FIT UV Performance Joggers, From $43 (was $80) at Nike
• Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid SE, From $88 (was $140) at Nike
• Nike Free Run 5.0, From $70 (was $100) at Nike

With ‘Stranger Things’ finale over, fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment. Although there won’t be a season 6 of the popular Netflix show, a spinoff is coming.

According to Variety, the filmmakers purposely tried to tie up all plot points and “character arcs” at the end of Season 5. The spinoff was first revealed in 2022, but what it will entail remains a bit of a mystery. According to Variety, the spinoff “won’t continue the story of any of the show’s characters,” and it won’t “explore a larger narrative within the world of the first show.”

In fact, People reported that there are multiple ‘Stranger Things’ spinoffs planned. What is the release date? “An animated show, first announced in 2023, will feature the original characters and premiere later this year,” People noted. However, there’s a second spinoff coming, too.

It will feature “a different decade and different characters, but of course, still connected to the Stranger Things universe,” co-creator Ross Duffer told THR. “It’s an idea we’ve had for years and something we’re just really excited and passionate about.” He added that this spinoff is in its earliest stages, saying, “We’re very early days on a live-action spinoff. But this is the end of the story for these characters of Hawkins, for the Upside Down.” The release date for the latter spinoff is not clear.

The ‘Stranger Things’ Co-Creator Insists That the Show Is ‘Done’

Despite the spinoff, the possibility of a sixth season was emphatically ruled out by one of the show’s co-creators.

“We do every last remaining thing we wanted to do with the Demogorgons and Mind Flayer and Vecna and the Upside Down and Hawkins and these characters,” Matt Duffer told Variety. “This is a complete story. It’s done.”

However, the co-creators did give some clues about the spinoff. “You’re starting with new characters — it’s like clean slate. You’re not tied up into any knots. There’s something refreshing about it,” Matt Duffer told Variety.

“The hope is you’re not just doing something to just do it,” he added. “And Netflix has been surprisingly patient, although I think now, I feel that patience wearing thin a little bit with the show coming to an end. But they’re understanding.”

The Spinoff Will Show Characters ‘in a Bit of a Different World

The co-creators have provided some teases.

Ross Duffer explained to Variety: “They’re going to live in a bit of a different world. There’s going to be connective tissue, but you’re almost anthologizing in a way. Because we’re not ‘Star Wars.’ We can’t be like, ‘Oh, now we’re on this planet.’”

As for the animated series, Netflix “unveiled a first look at Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, an animated series first announced in 2023, which is set in Hawkins in winter 1985,” People reported, quoting the logline as saying, “The original characters must fight new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorizing their town.”

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Just after 10 a.m. on August 28, more than a thousand runners surged from Orsières, Switzerland, toward Chamonix, France, to compete in the prestigious Orsières-Champex-Chamonix (OCC) ultramarathon. 

The course comprised nearly 38 miles of alpine trail with 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) of elevation gain, including a punishing climb toward the Col de Balme high mountain pass in the second half of the race. Running at this elevation requires the body to operate efficiently with less oxygen, which makes preparation at altitude, or simulating it, a critical part of an elite athlete’s training plan.

Although the race started in Switzerland and was estimated to be longer than previous editions, Chamonix (normally a sleepy summer town) buzzed. Other UTMB races were still underway, and thousands of runners and spectators filled the streets, the energy building long before the OCC athletes would arrive. Cowbells jingled, horns blared, and cheers erupted from every corner, so loud it became almost white noise. Bibs flashed names from across the globe, headlamps bobbed in the drizzle, and cameras documented each step, every stumble, every surge.

No casual runners here. Each person had their own reason for being on the trail: divorce, loss, personal redemption, or, in Jim Walmsley’s case, to push his own preconceptions of limitation. He had originally planned to run the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a 171-kilometre (106-mile) race with approximately 10,040 metres (32,940 ft) of elevation gain, often referred to as the Super Bowl of ultramarathons. But knee issues and his goal of peaking for the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships, a race he went on to win just a few weeks later, led him to the OCC instead. This wasn’t his first rodeo, either. He’s won the Western States 100 four times and took home gold at UTMB in 2023.

For Walmsley, there’s a profound calm in the chaos. The nerves that flutter before a race fade within 30 seconds, replaced by a deep focus.

“That’s generally when I feel a big rush of relief, calmness, and everything will be fine,” he says. “Now we’re just trying to execute on the race plan and take care of what we can control.”

But at a race this challenging, even the most experienced runners encounter chaos. At OCC, Walmsley’s carefully mapped nutrition plan went sideways when water stations were limited, a critical detail when every ounce of fluid and carbohydrate matters.

“So, OCC, I had six pre-filled bottles of powder. I started with one liter and was planning to refill one more bottle, but we didn’t see the water at all,” he said. “I think I didn’t get enough fluids in. My nutrition kind of was a bit of a disaster.” On a course like this, with steep climbs and the thin air, every misstep in hydration can amplify the challenge, testing how efficiently the body uses oxygen. Despite this, he adapted, managing gels, sugar, and caffeine while navigating one of the most challenging alpine trail races in the world. 

The race itself was a chess match at altitude. At this elevation, every climb becomes a strategic decision, demanding both careful pacing and adaptation to low-oxygen conditions. 

Walmsley was part of an early break alongside Sweden’s Petter Engdahl and Canada’s Sam Hendry, taking the lead after strong climbing on the Col de Balme. Despite his months of training, the hiccup at the water station allowed rival Cristian Minoggio to pull ahead. With about 6 km left, Walmsley shifted gears, hunting Minoggio down on the flats. A mile from the finish, he overtook him and crossed the line just 20 seconds ahead, in 5:00:35.

Related: I Asked UTMB Athletes How They Prepare for the World’s Toughest Races—Here’s Their Advice

Watching races like this makes it easy to understand why runners do what they do. For Walmsley, it’s simple: the mountains, the rhythm of his own body, and the collective breath of those around him create a space where the world falls away.

“In a race context and in a professional sport, I think the suffering is much more on the enjoyable spectrum of pushing yourself and finding how far you can, or how much effort you can really get out of yourself,” he says. “You can do more. You can go farther, really push your own preconceptions of limitations.”

The way he describes how he runs is somewhat like a cheetah, fast, instinctual, precise, something you wouldn’t expect from Walmsley’s otherwise composed demeanor. Sitting across from him in the press room in Chamonix, or on the other side of a screen halfway across the world, he seems unshakable. So when he told me he doesn’t run with any music, podcasts, or other distractions (even during a 19-hour-plus run at UTMB in 2023), my mouth couldn’t have hung open any wider.

“There’s not much stimulus out there besides you going through the mountains,” he explains. “You can hear each other’s breathing. You can feel like if you make an acceleration, you can feel how people react to that, whether it’s slow or fast or immediate, if they’re rushing, if they’re letting you gain a couple steps…it’s a lot of reactions, and a bit of a play or a dance with someone else to feel their own rhythms.”

Later in the season, at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships, the run was smoother compared to OCC. While it was longer in both distance and time (just over eight hours, much of it neck and neck with competitors Benjamin Roubiol and Louison Coiffet), he felt ready. 

He had spent months preparing, running long vertical routes and climbs designed to mimic the thin-air conditions he’d face, building both endurance and oxygen efficiency. One standout session was a 40-mile run with over 16,000 feet of up and down. Despite the soreness that followed, he felt more prepared than ever to tackle this challenging new terrain.

“So the course had over 18,000 feet of up and down within 50 miles,” he recalls. “In the U.S., there’s no course that comes close to that. It’s not like we don’t have the terrain, but we don’t have trails with the opportunity to host races like they do in Europe. So this goes through more extreme mountains and very vertical up and down. On race day, I saw about four feet in front of me and all the rocks coming at me. Basically, my attention had to be very, very much on the trail and a hundred percent focus on the technicality of it.”

Even with the breathtaking Pyrenees around him, Walmsley’s attention stayed glued to the ground, picking his way through every rock and root. “For the last three to six thousand feet, your legs are out of running, and you’re forced to hike the last couple of climbs,” he says. “I felt like I just had more confidence in the pace I was setting through power hiking and using trail running poles…and I was still able to put time in between me and a second and third place.”

It’s here, after these races, that Walmsley reflects on the strategies that keep him healthy and competitive. “Even when I have injuries, I don’t typically take too many days off. Usually, I’ll slow down or manipulate the terrain for what I can do,” he explains. “Sometimes I get stuck doing flat road running—that’s fine, depending on what’s going on. You have to really listen and avoid what causes pain.”

But according to Walmsley, who’s been running professionally since 2016, true ultras like UTMB go far beyond what anyone can fully prepare for. “It’s getting into a slog, into grittiness, whether it’s a pain cave or suffering…that’s a bit beyond you, you’ve stretched a little further that day,” he says. “And we take away a lot of growth when we’re put in those uncomfortable situations. That’s a really special part of what I would define as true ultra running.”

Whether it was picking his way over rocks on the OCC course or navigating the technical Pyrenees at Worlds, Walmsley moved with focus and precision. Every step was measured, every climb calculated, every descent read in real time. The mountains demanded attention, and he gave it fully.

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The snow isn’t over yet. A major lake effect storm warning on New Year’s Day is predicting up to 36 inches of snow and hazardous conditions for some areas of the U.S. According to the Weather Channel, the lake effect “snow machine” is still causing perilous conditions throughout the Great Lakes.

New York State is facing especially dangerous predictions. In Oneida County, NY, “heavy lake effect snow” could dump as much as 20 inches in the county,” the National Weather Service wrote. “Lake effect snow bands will move back and forth across the area, with uncertainty in snowfall totals. There will likely be a wide range in amounts with a sharp cutoff in snow totals.”

The National Weather Service Says Some Areas of the U.S. May See ‘Localized Amounts of 3 Feet’ of Snow

The National Weather Service office in Buffalo warned of the lake effect snow on January 1. “Heavy lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet, with localized amounts of 3 feet possible,” NWS announced adding that the snow could persist through the morning of January 3, 2026.

“Wayne and Northern Cayuga Counties. The greatest accumulations will focus in a small area of extreme northeast Wayne and far northern Cayuga counties. The remainder of those counties will see far less snowfall,” NWS wrote. “Travel will be very difficult to impossible in the heaviest bands of snow with near zero visibility and deep snow cover on roads.”

Added the NWS: “During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.”

Snowfalls Near Lake Erie & Lake Ontario Could Reach 5 Inches Per Hour, Reports Say

❄️ Current conditions on the Thruway south of Buffalo as a lake effect snow band is moving north causing a slow ride and near whiteout conditions at times. If you are traveling this afternoon, check the forecast and adjust speed to the conditions. Be safe. pic.twitter.com/enFGFGvrKU

— New York State Thruway Authority (@NYSThruway) December 31, 2025

New Year’s Day celebrations “may be in need of snow shovels in the Great Lakes for the first day of 2026 thanks to ongoing lake-effect snow bands throughout parts of the region,” the Weather Channel warned.

“Feet of snowfall could be picked up in the snowbelts over the next few days, especially in upstate New York near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario,” the Weather Channel added. “Snowfall rates could even reach 3-5 inches per hour. Strong wind can create whiteout conditions even if there isn’t any snow actively falling, so anyone hitting the roads should be extra cautious and allow for extra travel time.”

According to Fox Weather,the Great Lakes region has already been whalloped by heavy snowfall. Upstate New York in particular has been hit with a series of heavy snowfalls. Even before the recent prediction, Syracuse, NY “has already nearly doubled its average snowfall record for the year,” reported Fox.

On December 31, the New York State Thruway Authority warned, “Current conditions on the Thruway south of Buffalo as a lake effect snow band is moving north causing a slow ride and near whiteout conditions at times. If you are traveling this afternoon, check the forecast and adjust speed to the conditions. Be safe.”

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Dollywood is music legend Dolly Parton’s popular theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN. The theme park’s president wants it to eventually be open year-round but cold weather is intervening.

“Spanning 160 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood theme park offers more than 50 world-class rides, high-energy entertainment, award-winning dining and the friendliest theme park atmosphere in the world!” the park trumpets on its website.

According to Knox News, Dollywood is in its “landmark” 40th season. The newspaper noted that Dollywood President Eugene Naughton has a “long-term goal” of having Dollywood open year-round, but the park is headed instead into its offseason. The theme park will close on January 4, 2026, for the winter, according to Knox News.

Dollywood Closes 22 Rides Due to the Cold Weather, Its Website Says

The beloved theme park closes completely in the winter because the cold weather can negatively affect some of the rides, Knox News reported. In addition to the seasonal closure, 22 Dollywood rides shut down depending on an individual day’s temperature.

Dollywood lists the temperature at which each ride closes. “We value your safety at Dollywood. In the event of occasional inclement weather we adhere to the following guidelines listed below. During these times we invite you to visit indoor attractions, shops or restaurants until weather passes,” the theme park wrote.

In addition, some rides close during lightning, precipitation, and high winds.

The park listed these temperatures for ride closures:

“One of Dolly Parton’s greatest dreams—the little theme park named Dollywood that opened in her home county in 1986—has now become one of the world’s leading family destinations and is set to celebrate its 40th season in 2025,” a Dollywood press release says. “Dollywood Parks & Resorts looks a lot different than it did when it opened on May 3, 1986, but the mission at its heart remains the same—to create a welcoming environment where families can enjoy making memories together.”

“I can’t believe that we’ve been making memories for folks here at my Dollywood for 40 years,” Parton said in the release. “That’s a lot of laughter, hugs and smiles, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to be part of it for so many years. When we opened Dollywood, the main thing I wanted to do was to give families a fun place where they could enjoy time spent together. I’m so proud of all the people who have worked to make Dollywood what it is today, and I want to thank all the guests who have supported us and trusted us to help them create those days they’ll never forget.”

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Are NFL legend Tom Brady and podcaster Alix Earle Dating? That’s what fans are wondering after a video emerged showing them getting close on St. Barth’s.

“Tom Brady may have rung in the new year with a new catch … the G.O.A.T. was seen getting real cozy with influencer Alix Earle!” TMZ wrote, sharing a video of Brady and Earle together. It shows them at a nightclub. At one point in the video, Earle rubbed Brady’s back as she leaned in close to whisper in his ear as music blared.

Fans Responded With Jokes & Questions

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Tom Brady may have rung in the new year with a new catch … the G.O.A.T. was seen getting real cozy with influencer Alix Earle! pic.twitter.com/aJ9xPHePeP

— TMZ (@TMZ) January 1, 2026

TMZ also published a second video showing the pair on the dance floor. According to Page Six, Brady and Earle also spent time together at a yacht party.

Fans responded in different ways on X, with some making jokes, others praising Brady, and some raising questions about the age gap between the NFL broadcaster and Earle.

Brady is 48 years old and divorced with kids; Earle is 25 years old.

“Still throwing touchdowns even in retirement,” wrote one. “He was a senior in college when she was born,” another person wrote. “She is still older than Jordon Hudson,” joked another observer, referring to Coach Bill Belichick’s girlfriend. “She going for the big fish now,” wrote another person.

Alix Earle Recently Split With Another NFL Player Because They Weren’t Seeing Each Other Much

Earle’s last boyfriend was also an NFL player: Braxton Berrios. In December, the social media influencer and former Dancing With the Stars contestant explained the breakup in an Instagram video.

“It’s just been really hard to process in general, and I think why I’ve been scared to say something is because I feel like it just makes it more real,” Earle said. “Braxton and I are no longer together. We have been doing long distance since basically June and we haven’t gotten to see each other that often.”

She revealed that she came to like Los Angeles while there for DWTS, noting that she “really liked it and I thought maybe I wanted to stay there.”

She added: “I think that was a scary thing for me to realize because it meant us not being in the same place. A part of me just also really wants to be focusing on myself right now and I just feel like I can’t be what Braxton needs. I want him to have someone with him 24/7 who can support him and be there for him — and he wasn’t really expecting that of me, I think it was more a me thing — but I constantly felt guilty.”

Earle said they were on “two different paths.”

She said that she was questioning her feelings a lot and wasn’t sure if they made sense, calling that “scary.”

According to TMZ, Brady was most recently linked to model Irina Shayk in “an on-again, off-again relationship,” and his ex-wife Gisele Bundchen recently married Joaquim Valente, the father of her new baby. Brady was also linked to Brooks Nader, according to People.

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