Grin and Bear It

The 2009 Grin and Bear It managed to live up to its name this year as the relative warmth gave way to a brisk wind. Pretty comfortable running and cool spectating. Congratulations to Kari (the 1st year race director) and Holly Remer for another great year putting this event on. It was a record turnout and exciting that they've grown this event so steadily over the years. I got to mark the course this year (with SD's help), cheer von the runners at the finish, and run the family 1k with my kiddos. Good times all around. Click for results.

TPG - Hills

Here's a little trivia for you. What's the most utilized State Park in Oregon? It's our very own Pilot Butte State Park. This eve the Tuesday Performance Group was 22 strong as Max helped us utilize (and get abused by) the Butte. What a great turnout for the first hill workout and I'm happy to say there are a good variety of paces out there. We hope that will only build as we get into Spring and the weather warms up a bit. It's always challenging to do a workout, but it is rewarding and easier to do in a group. Email Max at mking@reboundspl.com to get his weekly email telling what the workout will be and where. Or email me teague@footzonebend.com with any questions. See you next Tuesday! Cheers-Teague

No Ask the Experts Tonight!

Very sorry for the late notice but Steve Leary is sick and won't be able to make if for "Ask the Experts" tonight. Chris Vergona will be here next Tuesday.

Whew! For those of you who saw us running around the FZ this weekend, you know that the Zoners are a tired bunch. Our entire goal was to make sure that despite the craziness, we would get everyone in the best fit and best possible shoe and hopefully show them a little of what makes the FZ special. Its exciting to help so many with shoes and enjoy some entertaining tidbits from many of our favorite people in the community. This was the 13th year of the runsale. It's a blast but I worry every year because if we don't take great care of people and get them in the right shoe, then the whole event is counterproductive. I'm proud of how we handled it this year. There was great energy and many happy customers. People love a deal and some obviously like the atmosphere. Others would rather have a little more attention so, we'll be there in the morning, ready to go. The weekend wore me out but it also fires me up and reminds me how much I enjoy this community. Thank you for the kindness. Cheers-Teague

WRS #3 Finale

Today was a great day for the final installment of the Footzone Winter Race Series. We were treated to sunny skies and temperatures that were great once you got running. The race took place at a new venue for us here at the FZ and that venue is the Pine Nursery. The park is still in the construction phase but you can tell it is going to be a great place once it is done.

Today's race decided the overall standings for the series. There wasn't much deciding to do as both Andy Martin and Mary Primrose were locked in as long as they finished. Both earned a free pair of running shoes courtesy of the FZ. Great job Mary and Andy.

As for the race today we had 15 racers. Mary Primrose one the women's field and Steve Larsen took top honors for the men. Ryan Altman, Mary Primrose, Andy Martin, Michael Dennis, Jim Rantala all earned a sweet pair of running socks for completing all three races.

A side note Michael Dennis wanted it pointed out that he was ahead of Andy Martin in a race. I don't think he wanted it known that Andy is a week out from running a fast marathon down in California.

Thanks for coming out,

dave

Dirty Half Kick Off/ Pre Run Sale

It was a wonderfully hectic day and night here at the FZ as we prep for the Run Sale this weekend and hosted the Dirty Half Kick Off Party. Luckily, Colleen did in fact make her return from her marathon in Napa where she ran a PR with a time of 4:39:10. She's stoked and should be. Congrats also to Andy Martin who made his return to marathoning with an impressive 2nd place finish at the same Napa Marathon. The Dirty Half Kick off Party was a blast tonight. Beer from Deschutes, food from Kebaba and a big fun crowd to kick off Dirty Half season. We had a great raffle, Andy and Steve Larson were kind enough to represent as past winners, and a bunch more people signed up to run and volunteer. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a nice way to end my Wednesday. Cheers-Teague

Rockin Napa

Colleen (from the FZ), Shana and Stacey all had awesome races at the Napa Marathon on Sunday. We'll hear the stories when Colleen gets back to the shop tomorrow but it sounds like everybody ran well and all that winter training paid off. Congrats-