footzoneblog

Congratulations High School XC Runners!

2009-11-09T15:13:00.000-08:00

We wanted to offer a big applause to all the cross country teams and individuals that competed this past Saturday at the state cross country meet in Eugene. Kudo's to the Summit girls for their 2nd straight state title---which included one of our very own FootZoners--- Kellie Schueler.

Again, great job to everybody from all the area teams that competed.

Gun Warmers

2009-11-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

Come check out our awesome selection of arm warmers from Moeben and Sugoi! It's a really great way to minimize layers for race day, or add some fun to your running attire for fall.

Winter Running Favorites from the FootZone staff

2009-11-02T17:15:00.001-08:00

Although it's not feeling like Winter on a gorgeous November day like today; we all know that the snow will be flying soon and with the days getting shorter, the frigid Cascade winds blowing down the mountains we all could succumb to the seasons changing as an excuse to stay inside….BUT, with a little help from all of us at the shop we've compiled a list of our much loved-let the snow fly, may blizzards beware, laugh at the shorter days and grin in the cold, stay cozy winter attire that we believe will keep you active all winter long.

Enjoy and we all hope this helps!

Teague

180’s running Gloves- I chuckled at these when I first saw them 4 years ago. When we brought them in the store the following winter and I started running and bike commuting in them I became a huge fan of the retractable little windproof mitten. I’ve got lots of running gloves but these are my favorite and most versatile pair.
Petzl Tikka XP Headlamp- They make a lot of fancy lighting options but this little headlamp lights my way without bouncing around or hurting my head.

Colleen
Sugoi Subzero Zap Knicker- so warm on the quad muscles, but not to hot. Tights are too warm for me and I like to free the calves.

Icebreaker for the top: The Chase zip 200 weight- I know a little light but for me it is perfect. I will wear this up till it gets below 35 degrees then on to my Sugoi speedster another one of my favorites.

Chris

Sporting the Sugoi Tatu armwarmers, Brooks running beanie and mmm, mmm GU Chomps.

Jenny
Sugoi Sensia pant- It's brushed interior keeps me warm while running in Central Oregon's colder winter temps.

Plus, when I don't have time to change out of it, it functions as a comfortable and attractive pant throughout the day. Icebreaker top- I love this product because not only does it keep me nice and toasty, but it also keeps the stink away.

Rob

When life in Central Oregon is frigid, the marriage of my Asics Transitive Boxers and Sugoi Subzero Zap tights treat me right! The Asics boxer has the “gotta love seamless design”, not to mention, the compression technology, this all sport undergarment offers some support and the best part--- lots of warmth! Complimenting the boxers is the Sugoi Subzero Zap Tight. It’s a thermal regulator for the entire leg. They’re coated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) for those snowy and rainy days, they have 3M Scotchlite reflective accents help keep me seen when it’s dark. In addition to being ideal for running, they’re just the right baselayer for downhill skiing and do not comprise chamois comfort for winter mountain and road biking.

Dave
For winter, I like lots of things. But here is what really makes me happy on those cold days: Sporthill Northwind Unders, aka peter heater. Without these Clay would have never seen the light of day.

I like them because they are soft and the legs are snug and don't ride up while I run. Unlike other windbriefs the Sporthill don't squeeze everything so tight that halfway through your run you can't wait to get home so you can take your underwear off. Second item: I really like weather it is cold or not is 4" cuffs on my Sock Guy socks. When it is cold they keep your ankles covered and you nice and toasty. When it is warm they look really neeto with shorts.

Tonya

Sugoi speedster- when it’s really cold, I love having a hood. For the first 20 min. I run with the hood on over my hat. Then flip it off when I warm up without having to lose a layer. Super easy. It’s nice to have if the wind kicks up, starts to snow, etc.
Patagonia alpine beanie- I always run with a light weight hat in winter this one works well for me.
Smartwool liner gloves- light, comfortable.

Kristen

*Chocolate Outrage GU... No ifs ands or buts... It is the stuff that warms you up and keeps you smiling... or running!

*My fun-new girly Smartwool running hat... Life is short~make a statement!... It keeps me cozy and stylish!

Ryan
Northwind Underwear by Sporthill - When the wind picks up and the mercury drops the beans and frank like to stay warm. Seriously, the underwear has a special barrier that is windproof and it really works and makes winter running better.
Skull Cap - Brooks new one is cool because it has holes on top. Just enough to let some air our but keeps in most of the heat so your body can stay warm and it protects your ears.
Gloves - All of them. I have about 4 different pairs for different conditions. My 180's with the wind and water resistant mitten cover are nice but they are only for really cold days.
Sugoi Tights - don't remember which ones they are but bought them last year at the FZ. They have zippers on the bottom and a back pocket. They are warm and easy to get on and off with the ankle zippers. The pocket is just enough for a key, money, gel or mp3. They also have light fuzzy inside.
Smartwool socks - nothing is better, not much more to say.

(Not pictured)

Nancy

1. Yak Trax I truly LOVE them because they allow me to be out on my favorite trails all winter. Some of my most memorable runs have been after a big snowfall, and I meet my “little friends” out on the river, and we have an amazing time. (And no slipping!!) I love that I can get out with the dog any day, in any weather, and not have to worry about falling.
2. Nike Soft hand L/S shirt. It is soooooooooo cozy and warm and the color we have in the shop is BEAUTIFUL. (Even on me!) It has some reflective detailing, and that will keep me safe and sound when I run with the LTR group IN THE DARK this winter.
Thank you for the opportunity to tell you about some of my favorite things (sung in the tune of “theas are a few of my favorite things” from “The Sound of Music”.)

Melanie
1. The 180 Convertible running gloves that turn into mittens are great. Warm without being confining and versatile without being cumbersome!
2. Sugoi’s Sensia Pant is just right; because it’s the right something on the bottom half! It changes with the weather of course, but whatever I choose has to be comfortable and flexible have little pockets.

Kari Wins RLH

2009-11-01T16:55:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Kari Strange for her win at the Run Like Hell half marathon. Kari had some tough injuries early in the year and was always out cheering us on at the Tuesday workout even when she couldn't run herself. Now it's great to see her back running strong. Good work, Kari and don't waste your breath on "I only won because...". Just enjoy it!

New York Marathon

2009-11-01T09:27:00.000-08:00

Max King was 18th overall and 11th American! 2:19:11 and a 5:19 pace

Below are the top US men:

Place Bib Name Time State Country Citizenship

1 8 Meb Keflezighi 02:09:15 CA USA USA

4 5 Ryan Hall 02:10:36 CA USA USA

7 15 Jorge Torres 02:13:00 CO USA USA

8 19 Nick Arciniaga 02:13:46 MI USA USA

9 10 Abdi Abdirahman 02:14:00 AZ USA USA

10 16 Jason Lehmkuhle 02:14:39 MN USA USA

12 21 Peter Gilmore 02:15:22 CA USA USA

14 29 Mike Sayenko 02:16:38 WA USA USA

15 28 Mike Reneau 02:16:45 WI USA USA

17 34 Allen Wagner 02:17:49 PA USA USA

18 24 Max King 02:19:11 OR USA USA

Spoooky

2009-10-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe not so spooky but definetly fun. Great costumes and great fun had at the Footzone Freaky Fun Run on Thursday. Great job to all on the costumes and thanks to Rob for organizing.

Happy Halloween!

NB feet on head ad

2009-10-28T15:10:00.000-07:00

While a little more foot evaluation and weighted measurement is probably a good idea, Click Here for a funny take on getting in the appropriate shoe.

Mac Forest 15K Trail Run

2009-10-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

Trail running is fun and Mac Forest over in Corvallis is always a treat. This is 6years running that we've closed down the shop on the last Sunday in Oct. to head over the hill for a stout climb and some fun trails. The crew was diminished this year with some injuries (SD and Rob), a baby (Jenny), dedicated Ironman training (Tonya), sickness (Kristen) and I'm not sure what the other excuses are but... all that did go ran a PR. Something about running a little faster than last year makes that post run pizza and beer even better. Nice work Colleen, Melanie, Ryan and Jason. Good to see William Johnson and Isaiah running hard along with rippin fast Matt Lieto (he won). Mickey, Tawnie and Piper McDonald (she's the sweet little blond girl who runs sooo fast) made the drive for their first Mac Forest. Great to see Bendites Kelsey Garbutt, Heather Lynch and Jeanette Groesz (who set a course record for her age group). Results are here. Cheers to all-Teague

Trail Conditions

2009-10-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

I was mountain biking at Phil's trailhead earlier this morning...and wow! That's the teaser, get out and enjoy!
Keep running, walking and riding.
Rob

Dirty 2nd Half

2009-10-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

The inaugural running of the D2H was good fun for all. Sure it was cold and hilly but everyone seemed to be smiling by the finish (even before they got food and beer in their hands). Great job SuperDave and thanks to everyone for coming out and helping out. Results are here.

Cheers-Teague

FootZone’s Freaky Fun Costume Run October 29th

2009-10-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody-- We're doing it again this year! Last year there were families, dressed up superdogs, and some pretty hilarious costumes(check out the photos below). If you have questions feel free to email me: rob@footzonebend.com or call us at the shop (317-3568).
Keep running,

Rob

FootZone’s Freaky
Fun Costume Run

The Details:

Meet at the FootZone Thursday, October 29th at 5:30pm

The run will be 3 miles or less (probably less) with a trick or treat stopover along the way

A FootZone prize will be offered to the person with the best costume

We’ll end at Jackson’s Corner for post-run refreshment

Safety First! Bring a light, a jack o’ lantern, or something reflective (it’s getting dark)

Locals at Twin Cities

2009-10-06T16:48:00.001-07:00

Check out this link on Jeff Caba's blog for results from some fast Central Oregonians at the Twin Cities marathon and 10 miler last weekend.

Great races for all, Congrats--Teague

Snow on Oct 4th!

2009-10-04T13:12:00.001-07:00

Ummm... Wow! Something about a good snow on Oct. 4th really is a little disorienting. I can't say that building a snowman with the kids was on my list of possible activities for the day. Ah well, it sure was fun. Never know what you'll get here in the High Desert. Sounds like we're back to some relative warmth by mid week so don't put those running shorts away just yet. We're happy this isn't Dirty 2nd Half weekend. All the moisture should get those trails in awfully good shape. Sure hope all those Portland marathoners are fairing well!...Cheers-Teague

Dirty 2nd Half

2009-09-25T13:36:00.001-07:00

Hey folks, despite some conflicting reports the Footzone Dirty 2nd Half is NOT FULL! We are over half way to our 500 limit and the race is happening in just over a couple of weeks. Sof if you were considering running but heard the false rumor come on down and sign up to be part of a great new race. For those of you from out of town the Seventh Moutain Resort is offering a special rate for lodging. $89.00 per night for racers you however must be registered to get the sweet hookup. How cool would that be to roll out of bed with a two minute walk to the start line? Contact the resort at (541) 382-8711 to get hooked up.

Thanks for reading,
SD

Icebreaker merino & other techie fun...

2009-09-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I rarely get too fired up about clothing; however, my dorkiness will be completely revealed in this entry. I remain so impressed by the Icebreaker merino wool t-shirt that I'm showing great restraint in my praises for this fabric. Amy and I were in Hood River last weekend exploring, mountain biking, and enjoying an abundace of fruit and vegetable stands . We opted to camp (Tollbridge County Park is awesome by the way) and wakened each morning with the sudden chill of fall approaching. We packed minimally and by the end of the weekend I was clearly the minimalist victor. My winning piece of 'gear,' the 4 year old Icebreaker merino T. I wore it for nearly 3 of 4 days in some fashion; as a driving shirt (although soft it didn't quite match up to the softness of my deerskin driving gloves), as a baselayer beneath my cycling jersey(Amy tries to avoid close encounters w/ me after cycling), as a post mtn. bike T, and to culminate its impressiveness, I even slept in it one night... Now, I'm not certain what the reader's impression will be by all this... But, I'd like to think that I'm a little bit of a clean freak and more than hygienic so when a t-shirt doesn't even hint at a stink after wearing to that extent (and Amy is still willing to sit next to me) I'll give it my two thumbs up.

On a quick sidenote, the days are getting shorter and you need a little light that packs a punch! Check out the e+Lite by Petzl.

Until next time-- keep running.

Rob

Ask The Experts

2009-09-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Today there will be no ask the experts at the FootZone due to an unavoidable conflict. We apologize for the inconvenience and will resume the normal schedule next month.

Max King article on runnersworld.com

2009-09-11T15:33:00.001-07:00

Go Here for an article on Bend's own Max King and the upcoming XTerra. Good to see Max getting a little press. Good luck to all the local folks at XTerra this weekend. We'll see you tomorrow for packet pick up from 9-4. Cheers-Teague

Stength Workout Tonight at Kyle's studio

2009-09-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

It's the first Thursday of the month so the Strength workout is at Kyle's tonight. His studio is a great place to do this workout so come on over and join us. Take Galveston past the Mt. Washington roundabout. Take the first right, then the first left and it's on your left (next to snap fitness). 6pm. $5

Learn to Run Starting Up!

2009-09-01T17:00:00.001-07:00

The next session of Learn to Run and Fitness Walk starts tomorrow and once again, we're overwhelmed with all the enthusiasm. Several members of the Spring LTR have been out recruiting heavily. It's great to see their exitement for the program. We're already just shy of 100 participants with more coming in all the time. There were so many positive stories from the last session and I can't wait to meet another group. Cheers-Teague

Scavenger Hunt Round 2

2009-08-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

Great crowd for the Scavenger Hunt on Thursday night. About 70 folks total and all ages and paces out there. We'll do it again late in Sept. so you'll have another chance. Lots of fun out there. Thanks-Teague

COTA Work Party---TONIGHT!! Wednesday, August 26

2009-08-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder that tonight is your chance to get down and dirty building and clearing trails with COTA and the FootZone. We'll be meeting at 5:30pm at the old Mt. Bachelor park and ride on Simpson Ave. and carpool to the worksite.

Be sure and bring a snack for out on the trail and plenty of drinking water. Wear: sturdy shoes (boots are preferred), gloves and eye protection. You’ll want to wear pants to work in the brush and dress in layers to accommodate whatever the weather may bring. Tools and expertise will be provided by COTA. Beer and post-trail building refreshments provided by the FootZone.

If you have any questions give us a holler here at the shop ---317-3568 or see you there!!
Rob

Running Hills and eating good food w/TPG

2009-08-18T22:43:00.001-07:00

Turns out this tpg crowd can fire up some good grub and Max cooked up enough burgers, dogs, and gardenburgers to send all home happy and full. It was a great turnout (40 for the workout, and a few more for the bbq), a solid hill workout, and really nice to hang a bit with this good group of people. Thanks to Max for coordinating and cooking, Bart at Rebound Perfomance Lab for hosting, and everyone else for bringing all the good food. Seems like we'll have to do that again sometime! Cheers-Teague

Born To Run

2009-08-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. I actually met Christopher in Salt Lake a couple weeks ago and got the chance to talk to him a little about the book and footwear and Vibram Fivefingers. He's an interesting guy and its a great book. I'd even call it a bit of a page turner. Much of the book focuses on the Tarahumara Indians in Mexico and some unlikely interactions with ultra running characters including Scott Jurek, Jenn Shelton and Billy Barnett. Jenn and Billy spent a year or so in Bend not too long ago. Jenn actually still owes me a half rack of beer (she bet me on one of our noon runs that Obama would select Clinton as his running mate). I'm pretty sure she'll never pay up.

Born To Run isn't especially flattering of the specialty running business but it raises some great questions. I really enjoyed all the talk of over-supportive shoes and barefoot running and the like. These are ideas we've batted around at the FootZone for years now so it doesn't feel very challenging. Many of these concepts have influenced the way shoes are made, and the way we sell shoes, for several years. It's also part of the reason we play with minimalist shoes like Inov-8 and ultimately, 5 fingers. I'm convinced that we will all benefit from strengthing our feet, but equally sure that it requires baby steps. I'd even say that the running industry (or at least some of the larger shoe manufacturers) have known for years that you can't just lock people up in the most stable shoe without eventually creating other problems. But we also see on a daily basis that stability will help runners avoid many common overuse injuries. Like so many things, there's a balance. At the shop we know our job is to meet people where they are at, provide them with good information, and get them into footwear that will work. I do think the running industry will continue to evolve. Shoe heights will continue to come down and shoes will focus less on stability and more on balance. I'd also bet that almost all of us will still wear running shoes. I've run some in my Five Fingers and I don't see them replacing my running shoes.

Regardless, for a shoe geek like me who's spent the last 20 years fascinated by running shoes and what works best for people, I love the conversation. It will hopefully all just make us healthier. Cheers-Teague

Dirty 2nd Half Course Map

2009-08-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the course map of the Dirty Second Half... or at least most of it. I will make it 13.1 by raceday so don't think you are getting a free half mile suckas!
If you do go run it please be respectful of the fact the the Seventh Mountain Resort is trying to run a business and they do own some of the land the course is on so if they are using if for any reason just try to minimize our impact on their daily operations. My suggestion is if it is packed park at the Road 41 entrance and link up with the course from the south side of the resort.
I am working on some preview training runs so keep an eye out on this blog for details.

Thanks,
dave
Course Map

Chance to be part of American Record bid.

2009-08-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

Rare opportunity tonight to help out Suzi MacLeod AND be part of her bid for an American Record in the 800 for 75-79 age group. She just needs some folks to show up and at least start to give it legitimacy (preferably women). Nothing fancy here, just show up for the all comers meet at 5:30 at Summit High School. Run any and all events you want but at least toe the line with Suzi in the 800. Good Luck Suzi! Cheers-Teague