Dirty Half Going Forward

As most of you have heard the Footzone Dirty Half as we know it is done, over, never to return. After a few really good meetings with the Forest Service we think we have come up with a great alternative. If this has perked your curiosity come join us for a preview of the new digs on Sunday the 21st of November. Meet at Breedlove guitars at 8am. If there is buttloads of snow we will not go so keep checking with the FZ if is going for sure. No aid on this one so bring your water, gels, left over Halloween candy. Or if your running is like mine and you don't have the miles get a last mountain bike ride in before the snow piles up. I will get a map up ASAP so if you can't make the preview you can head out on your own.

Thanks,
dave

Learn to Run - Wrapping Up and Starting Again

Last night was great watching this latest Learn to Run group finish a 5K. Drake Park was spectacular with leaves all changing and some great light. To say that this program has exceeded all expectations would be an understatement. Perhaps even more impressive is the community of running buddies and friends that has developed and continues to build. Yes, this is a program we should have done a decade ago but sometimes you just don't know what you don't know. The groups we're huge in the beginning (probably too big) but have become much more manageable going forward.

Certainly the program provides support and motivation but it also offers up the appropriate tangible info to get people going. Connie leads the group through running form and helps create the body awareness that will help make running comfortable and less prone to injury. The "running manual" alone is filled with worlds of running info Huge kudos to Connie for making this program what it is. Her energy and passion for getting folks started is contagious and helps keep everyone going.

So, what happens now? Well the next program starts up on Saturday at 9am right here at FootZone. It's a 6 week program to get folks ready for the Jingle Bell Run. The Wednesday group run will continue. This group meets at 5:30 for a run every Wednesday that an LTR session isn't in session. All are welcome. Since there won't be another evening LTR session until Spring, you can count on seeing some Learn to Runners at FootZone for all foreseeable Wednesdays. This is a great way to get in an after work run with a group during the darker months.

Comfort Sale

The Annual Comfort Sale is here. This is a yearly sale on all the footwear we carry other than running and walking shoes. Why do we carry those, some might ask? There are a few reasons. Originally it was because we needed something to help carry us through the winter months when we don't sell as many running shoes (back when Bend was only 30,000 people) Anymore, it's because Teague just can't help himself and it's fun to have some perspective on "other" shoes. The two sides actually complement each other quite well and now lots of running specialty stores have branched out into the casual shoe world.

We have great lines including Dansko, Merrell, Vibram FiveFingers, Keen, Terra Plana, Bogs, and Chaco. Some are just for fun but others meet the rigors of standing on your feet all day or traveling the world.

Running and walking shoes are still where our heart is but great footwear is great footwear and there's a lot of options for 20% off over the next 4 days.

Flagline 50K Wrap-up

Results are here

I think if you asked the participants at the inaugural Flagline 50K, most all would say it was a great success. The weather was perfect, not too cold at the start, pleasant on the course, and warm at the finish. The course itself was pretty spectacular highlighted by some extensive time on Flagline and Metolius but even FS road 370 was nice. The course was all runable (doesn't mean we ran it all) but plenty challenging with some good climbs up Flagline and out of Happy Valley on Metolius Windigo. Colleen from FZ took over the aid stations and did it in style. She rallied an amazing group of volunteers and had a full spread of food and essentials to keep all the runners fueled (see cowgirl aid station picture)

There was a course issue for the first 12 runners near the end as a volunteer thought the course was marked wrong and sent them down toward Todd Lake instead of back up to the Flagline connector. Obviously, a very unfortunate turn of events, but it was an honest mistake. Fortunately, the runners were very gracious and basically worked out the finishing results along with the folks at USATF. SuperDave did his best to make it right by refunding those were led off course and comping their entry for next year. Fortunately, 80% of the runners (myself included) weren't effected since they got it figured out.

Overall, I come away very appreciative for the time that Dave and all the volunteers put in to make this possible. It's a huge undertaking and lots of hours out there waiting so a bunch of us can go out and test ourselves. 50K is a long way and I'm impressed with everyone out there. Good fun. Thank you and Congrats -Teague

Conservation Alliance - Bend Backyard Collective

FootZone is a proud member of the Conservation Alliance and next Tuesday (Sept. 28th) is the Bend Backyard Collective. It's a work party out in Skyline Forest followed by lunch at Shevlin Park.

If you want to join in, please email teague@footzonebend.com asap and we'll make sure they have lunch for you. Should be a good time!

Here's the schedule

8:30am: meet at Shevlin Park (south side of Shevlin Park Road)
9-12:30: work party at Skyline Forest
1pm: lunch is served at Aspen Meadow, Shevlin Park
1-2pm: Conservation Alliance Grantee Fair/raffle/announcements

What to bring: Sturdy footwear, long pants, raingear, sunscreen, warm layers, work gloves, loppers or hand saw (if you have them), water.


FootZone (via the Dirty Half, supported by the local running community) has raised $100,000 for the Deschutes Land Trust as they try to create a community forest on much of the forest between Bend and Sisters. This is a good opportunity to get out there and see all of the potential. h

Flagline 50K

Map is out for Flagline 50K. You can read Dave's message. Of course it would have been nice to have the map sooner but don't give Dave too much grief. He had a course a month ago but once he was able to get out on it (after Flagline opened) he wasn't happy with it. He kept trying til he got it right and now it's a sweet 50k course that Central Oregon can be proud of. Colleen from FZ has stepped in to take over the aid stations. She's a veteran of 18 ultras herself and is putting together a group to make sure everyone is well taken care of. So, a little late, but this is all shaping up to be a great 50K. If you've got those miles in your legs, come and join the fun!

Just get out the door

This morning I get to steal a few hours for a long run up in the mountains. Part last long run before the Flagline 50K, part just taking the opportunity before the snow flies. The summer came late and feels like it's leaving early but that's how it usually goes in our High Desert home. I love fall and have no problem with the cold mornings and unsettled weather but it does make it a little harder to motivate. This is that time of year where I'm happy to have years of running in my body so I know to just get out the door. Just get out the door and you'll be happy you did, you'll remember there's no bad weather, just wrong clothes. Just get out the door... and have fun. Cheers-Teague