TPG- biting wind edition

I'd like to say this was the last cold week for the Tuesday Performance Group but only time will tell. As you see in the pic it didn't keep folks away from some great tempo work in Drake Park. Fun to hear a little about Max's epic last several weeks. He had that great race in Jordan (yes the country) at XC Worlds. Followed that up a week later with a win at the American River 50 miler and then one week later came within seconds of his course record while winning Pear Blossom. It's funny because he looks so human but I'm really starting to wonder. Nice work Max. You deserve a few weeks off. Cheers-Teague

Crunch Time

If you haven't signed up for the Footzone Dirty Half and want to participate you should motivate ASAP! As of this blog we have 40 spots left for the 2009 race. To sign up go to the Footzone and fill out a form. You can also print a form from the website http://dirtyhalf.footzonebend.com/ and send it in. Once we reach 800 it's over no waiting list so don't miss it.

dave

Big Night at the Zone

After 14 years, I often learn from, am entertained by, or pleased with something that happens at the FootZone. But almost never am I completely bowled over like I was last night at the shop. First, at 5:30 was the info meeting for the Learn to Run program (see pic). The turnout was overwhelming and subsequent registration (at 95 people now) has Connie, Allison, myself and the rest of the LTR helpers completely energized.

Second, at 6:30 was the latest rendition of Girls Night Out where more than 100 women turned out to do what they do (I wasn't invited so I can't really comment). Jenny organized this wonderfully successful affair once again despite being two weeks from her due date. With the help of Colleen, Melanie, Nancy, Tonya, Kristen, Jill, Melissa and Tami (my bride) it sounds like it was a hit. I'd be hard pressed to argue considering the 100 dirty wine glasses I returned to Tabletops this morning. This event happens a couple times a year so look for the next one. Cheers-Teague

Shoes for Soles for Souls

Here's Luke Hinz with 52 pairs of shoes he collected in a community project for Soles for Souls. Thanks Luke.

What a Weekend

As if the turn in the weather weren't enough, there was lot's of great things happening in the world of Central Oregon running over the weekend. For starters, USAFITBEND, got the season started with their first round of sign-ups. Tonya from the FZ and her husband Geof are leading things this year and they had a huge turnout. You can sign up next weekend as well.

Sunday was the Peterson Ridge Rumble 30k and 60k. Here's the results There are so many great local finishes in this one so check it out. Andy Martin's run was pretty impressive in his first ever ultra. Nice work, Andy (side note, there's a good Andy interview at the end of the Horse Butte Video from the last post). Chad Sage and Renee Scott (both mainstays at the Tuesday Performance Group) rocked the 30k course. Dan Harshburger ran the 60k despite having the flu all week and Barb Ringstad managed to run the whole thing even though she said she was going to drop after 15. Jeff Browning ran fast only a few weeks removed from a bum knee and lots of water running. Colleen down here at the shop had a great run and somehow managed to not only survive all 34 miles but then came in and worked a 9 hour shift today at the FZ. She's a gamer. Kudos to Sean for putting this great event on. He puts lots of heart into this run and it always shows. It's been fun to watch it grow and we're lucky to have it so close to home.

Saturday was the American River 50 Miler down South and Max King and Kami Semick took top honors in that race. The results are here. I don't know what to say, so I'll just say wow. Some fast one's in this town. That was Max's first 50 miler (I'm pretty sure). Congratulations to both.

So, in summary: a beautiful weekend, beginning of BendFIT, and some really long runs (super fast for some, slower for others, hopefully fun for all). And, lest all you runners forget, today was opening day (of the baseball season). Mariners won! Hope Springs eternal. Cheers-Teague

Horse Butte Video

Click for a fun Horse Butte 10 Miler video courtesy of Chris down here at the FootZone.

Blustery but Active Week

The unsettled weather didn't hinder the fun at all the FZ activities this week.

Monday night brought 18 out for the Women's Running Group. Jenny's about to give birth to her first child (due in two weeks) but still put in a few miles. She's the energy that's made this such a great group for so many years. Email her jenny@footzonebend.com for details.

Tuesday night there were more than two dozen taking part in a blustery 2 mile time trial for the Tuesday Performance Group. It was challenging but great to be out there with everyone and setting that baseline to see if we improve over the months ahead. If you haven't already, you really should check out this group. I really look forward to it every week and I'm not alone. The group keeps growing in numbers and paces so come try it out. Kudos to Max for his efforts and willingness to share his knowledge (if not his speed). Max had a big week last week travelling to Annan, Jordan for XC Worlds. He had a great race coming in as 3rd American and 40th overall. Check out his website for the details http://www.runnerspace.com/maximus Yes, it is a little hard to believe that this is the same nice, humble guy who will craft a workout for the group and cheer you on every Tuesday Night. Its free, all you have to do is send Max your email and he'll email each week with the details mking@reboundspl.com

Wednesdays noon run is also booming a bit. This is never huge but 16 rallied yesterday for a lunchtime run and several enjoyed the Taco Stand waiting for them at the FZ when they got back. If it works in your schedule it always feels good to sneak a great run into the middle of your day. This one leaves from the FZ Wednesdays at noon. We all start out together and then it splits up with options of between 3 and 7 miles depending on what works for you.

Last but not least, the Functional Fitness workout had 15 on hand tonight. We did a "dirty dozen" workout that pleasantly kicked our butts just like every week. Kyle's good at making you hurt with a friendly smile on his face. He'll be hosting the Thursday workout at his studio on April 16th. Its over in NW Crossing just to SouthEast of that new Summit High Track. Check out their website for a map http://www.willraceperformance.com/ This is one of those workouts that we all know we should do but usually don't. Believe me, I can relate, but it's tough to stay injury free if you only run (or bike, or ski). It's only $5 and you just might like it!

So, lots of great things to take advantage of. You'll see several of us FootZoners at all of them. We hope there's a little something for everyone to enjoy. Cheers-Teague