Why every runner should try Cross Country this fall.

If the cooling temps and the turning coolers aren't sparking flashbacks to waffle racers, bus trips, team huddles and that team uniform you "forgot" to return after your senior season of high school cross country then it's time for you to throw that singlet back on and reclaim some of that Cross Country Glory, or perhaps create such memories for the first time.



We are offering a 4 week rotating Community Cross Country Series this fall for teams, individuals, adults and children.

Meet Schedule
#1 Thursday Sept 30th – 5k at COCC benefiting Mt View HS XC team at 5:30.
#2 Thursday Oct 7th – 6k at Shevlin Park benefiting Summit HS XC team at 5:30.
#3 Wednesday Oct 13th– 5k at COCC benefiting COCC Running Club at 4:30.
#4 Thursday Oct 21st – 3k at Juniper Park benefiting Bend HS XC team at 4:30.

Reasons why Cross Country is more fun...

1. Teams: round up your buddies, get creative with your team name and race for each other instead of against each other. Scoring points for your team and working together will motivate and inspire you to push yourself and run for others in addition to running for yourself.

2. Spikes & Flats: Runners love shoes. They are the only equipment and the only toys that we get. Runners discuss their shoes like they discuss sports cars; how they ride and how they look as your roll through the park... Well nothing rides like a fresh pair of Saucony Kilkenny's or Asics Gel-Speed Stars. Cross is a great excuse to spike up and get some bright and fresh new gear.

3. Add some excitement to your mid-week and free-up Saturday morning: You train and work hard for the payoff on race day... but why does race day always have to be Saturday morning? Your Friday night meal and plans can really be hampered by your Saturday morning plans. So why not break-up the routine, give your something to look forward to, avoid having to wait all week long to race and free up your Friday night in the process!

4. Speed-work... but substitute fun for work: When you race short you are asking your body to sustain a pace significantly faster than that of a marathon, 10k or half, but this will bring a new perspective to pacing. Your old fast will feel more comfy and 10k race pace will feel like a cake walk before you know it. Plus you don't have to think about it as a workout, you can just enjoy surging, competing and running with your friends instead of driving yourself through 1k repeats or a tempo solo.

3. A 20 minute run flies by after months of long runs: You put in your long runs and miles and all the hard work now have some fun and do something short and sweet. We all respect the marathon and ultras and halfs, but you might just find a new respect or love for the shorter distances... who knows maybe come spring I will talk you in to trying the track.

For more details on age and team division details and to print off your registration form please visit the Fleet Feet Bend Website.

Hope to see you all out there Next Thursday at COCC for the first race of the series!

- mk

Support the Central Oregon Down Syndrome Network October 2nd.

The Central Oregon Down Syndrome Network is presenting a community Buddy Token run and a one mile walk to promote awareness, inclusion and acceptance of all people with Downs Syndrome. This fun community event supports a great cause within the local community and across the nation as part of 275 Buddy Walks planned during Downs Syndrome Awareness month.

This is the 3rd year annual CODSN Buddy Run/Walk and features a new course and the addition of a Buddy Token Run. Day of race registration begins for the 5k run at 9:00 AM and at 10:00 AM for the one mile buddy walk. The gun goes off at 10:00 AM for the 5k run and 11:00 AM for the one mile buddy walk. Both start from River Bend Park.

The run/walk is only the beginning of the day though! Live entertainment, a BBQ lunch, music and raffles are all included for all participants. This includes special guests Tom & Bryan Lambke, a father and his 28 year old son who co-authored of "I just am", Janellybean, local Central Oregon Cheer Squads and Skip Taylor from KMGX-FM Mix 100.7.

Participation in the 5k, a BBQ lunch and all the fun and entertainment to follows is all included in the $5.00 entry fee. This event is designed to spread awareness, inclusion, coordination and acceptance within and throughout the local community of people with Downs syndrome.

Your participation and support is greatly appreciated and your impact goes a long way in promoting a great cause. If you are unable to be present on October 2nd donations can be made to support the Central Oregon Downs Syndrome Network at any time or email the CODSN to learn more about what you can do to promote awareness and progress for those with Downs syndrome year round.

Hope to see you on October 2nd for the CODSN Buddy Run/Walk and thank you for your support.

-mk

Congrats Trail Running 101 and No-Bo on Xterra.

Congratulations to all our training program participants on your hard work and accomplishments.

Thank you to all our program members for all your effort and commitment these past weeks. It has been a real pleasure for us to work with you and be part of the experiences and the resulting growth our members displayed not only today during the Xterra 5K, 10K and half marathon races, but consistently through out the entire program. We could not be more proud of all that you have personally accomplished and could not be more honored than we are now to have helped and supported our members as we shared this time with you and helped you to reach your goals. We hope that running will continue to be a positive and ongoing part of your life and that we will also continue to support your progression and development as an athlete and a person.

Please stay posted for pictures from the race and also visit Brightroom Event Photography as photos are loaded over the next several days. You can also look up your results on the Xterra website as they are posted.

Congratulations again and again. We hope that you will take some time to celebrate and reflect on your success and that we will see you out on the trails again soon!