Winter Warrior!!

Well, our second year of Winter Warrior has come and gone. Basically, this has been our way to put a bit of a competitive spin (in a very, very informal way) into getting your workouts in. We have 2 yoga classes per week (Wednesday and Sunday nights), 1 strength training class (Monday nights), and one group run (Wednesday nights). Every workout you come to, you obtain points and these points get you some free stuff. It starts with $5.00 gift certificates, moves to our "Winter Warrior" shirt, and the TRUE winter Warrior gets a pair of shoes from Brooks!

Well, a few days before the program began, Lenora James came in and said she was going to win the contest. She claimed that she would come to every single workout. And, by gosh, she did. She did it her own way. On her quest to lose weight, she would usually head out before the rest of us left for our run and by the end of the program, she was usually out the longest (you better not have been at a coffee shop, Lenora!!! :)

And, although, she had aches and pains from her new athletic lifestyle, she would do what she could in all of the classes and what she couldn't do, she observed, and would put to use later!

The best news was when she told me last week that she had lost 25 pounds! Holy Moly! She is now able to fit into jackets and clothing that she hasn't been able to get into for years. Very cool.

Coming in 2nd place, was our store mascot, Laura Kantor. As always, her "can do" attitude and her accomplishments are the stuff books are written about and she inspires me daily with her work ethic and her "trueness" (is that a word, Laura??) to herself and her goals. Laura recently ran a tough and muddy 50K. This coming from a woman who has lost over 125 pounds in the last few years. Such an inspiration.

So, cheers to all of you who came down, got the workouts in and kept us company during the quieter months of winter running!

We're all excited that spring is creeping in and the hibernating runners have been wiping their eyes and emerging in the shop again. We're happy to see you.

So, congrats to Lenora and all the Winter Warriors who were able to keep the flame burning brightly this winter.

Prineville Superbowl Run!!

I had seen the race registration form for the Prineville Superbowl Run at Fleet Feet for the last few years. I was semi-tempted to run it before but the idea of a very, very low key road race on Superbowl Sunday never got the juices flowing quite enough to make the drive out to P-Ville. But, when I woke up on Superbowl Sunday, I knew I wanted to get a long run in and the weather was grey and spitting out some rain. As I sipped through my second cup of coffee and thought, "why not?" So, I put on my shorts, stuffed a few GU's in my pockets and made my way to Norm's Extreme Fitness Gym in Prineville. They were offering a 5, 10, and 20 mile race. While it was very low key, there were more people than I expected to see.
After a little milling around, they shuttled all the participants up to Prineville Dam, where the race was going to weave its way in and out of the Canyon rising out of the Crooked River. All of a sudden, on the drive out, I realized that it was going to be an unbelievably beautiful run. I was all of a sudden very excited as I had zero expectations of the run other than getting in some miles at a quicker pace than I normally would push myself on. Once at the top, we all exited and it was pretty apparent to me that I was most likely going to be running by myself. Barely anyone chose to do the 20 mile run which was fine by me as I just wanted a good training run.
In short, this is an awesome run. Probably one of the prettier road runs I have ever done. You are right next to the Crooked River for about 13 miles, passing camp grounds, fly fishermen, and seeing some great wildlife. There was really no traffic and they had water available every 2.5 miles. They were all unmanned aid stations for the first 10 miles which was fine as I would just pour myself a quick cup of water and hit the road again.
My goal was just to run 6:30 pace and push but not kill myself with the pace as I had a good amount of miles on my legs already for the week. I felt pretty good the entire run and only the last 4 or 5 miles are a bit more boring as they are just along flat farm roads. But, if you are looking for something fun to do on Superbowl Sunday, this definitely exceeded my expectations. Beautiful, rolling course with some flats, downhills, and some good uphills to keep you honest. Upon finishing in 2:07, I had a nice bit bowl of chili and chips. Then, it was time to come home and watch the Superbowl. I want to thank Norm for putting on this fun run. I'll be back to do this one again!

Trail Conditions

Hey Folks,
funky weather lately so I thought I would post the trail report for this week. Hope you can find some dry ones to run on!
Weather forecast is showing improvement over the next few days with temperatures at least dropping and remaining below the freezing mark for mid to upper elevations. Snow is also in the forecast for most elevations; though not of any great amounts for the next couple of days, it is way better than the rain and coastal like fog of recent weeks.

Present trail conditions for higher elevations above 6,000' are good to improving with new snow. This mostly includes the Dutchman Flat area and above, but trails just below that area down to 5,600' are also in mostly good condition. Snowmobile trail grooming in the Wanoga to Moon Mt. and on to Three Creek Lake area is on a limited schedule, with lower elevation grooming (and trails around Kwohl Butte area) on hold until adequate snow depths build back up. Trail 5 south of Elk Lk and Trail 2 snow conditions have been described as "skinny", with a few bare spots. Likely much of this is due to the recent logging activity/with plowing of those snowmobile trails, which has finished for the season. Trail 5 into Elk Lake from the north has adequate snow but grooming was limited due to mild temps and recent rain. With present colder temps and incoming new snow, grooming/trail conditions to Elk Lk. from the north should improve.

Meissner area ski trails continue be saved by grooming efforts of Tumalo Langlauf Ski Club. Lee and Loyd have been doing a great job considering the meager snow depths in the area.

Swampy Ski/snowshoe trails have improved greatly with a few inches of new snow over the past few days.

Edison area trails have been very snow challenged for the past week, but again, improvement should be on the way with lowering snowlevels and increasing snow.

Newberry Crater trail conditions have been reported as somewhat hard and "snow challenged" we might say. Conditions should improve as the weekend approaches. Grooming was placed on hold due to lack of adequate snow on many of the trails, but will resume with additional snow. Ski trail conditions were reported as hard and icy over the weekend.

Three Creek Sno-Park snow conditions have been very snow challenged with mostly hard to icy and thin (2-4" with bare spots). Trail conditions improve greatly about 3 miles up the trail from the sno-park. And again, improvement is on the horizon with colder temps and incoming snow.

Snowmobile and ski trails in the Santiam Pass Area are likely in challenging conditions as well, but hoping for improved conditions by the weekend with new snow.

Crescent/Odell Lake area snowmobile trails are reported as poor and even hazardous in some cases. The trail between Junction and Crescent Sno-Parks has become a water/slush hazard and not at all recommended until it refreezes and next snow covers the hazards. Ben the local grooming chair says it will take the colder temps and 1-2 feet of new snow before the groomer can work the trail back into good condition.

Wanoga Snow Play Hill conditions, like the winter trails, have been a mixed bag with mostly fair at best. Expect hard and bumpy slope conditions until new snow builds up the base again.

Low elevation summer trails (Deschutes River and Phils Trailhead areas) will hopefully be transitioning from soft and muddy into firmer conditions with the colder temperatures. Even a chance of snow in the forecast for these trails in the coming days.

Peterson Ridge Bike and Horse Trails, south of Sisters, have likely been fair to good lately but will likely improve with colder temperatures and firmer trail tread.

For most trails a caution goes out for the possibility of recent trees across trails. Last week most of the Deschutes received strong winds that brought down new trees. Some of these trees have been cleared from a few winter trails, but expect to find trees on others.

End of report.

Have a safe and fun week!

ooooh la la

Ah, one of my favorite times of the year. While it may not be spring to all of you, it is spring in the shoe world. What does that mean? Well, we are getting new, sexy, fast, stable, and neutral shoes in every day. We tend to get most of our training shoes in now and our racing shoes will be arriving in Februray. Tons of new colors, styles, and lots of fun stuff for you runners and walkers. Come on in and give them a test drive.

Oh, but what about our poor old shoes that still need a home? Just ask, and we'll give you 15% off any style that has just been updated. So, crazy popular shoes like the 2140, Adrenaline, and Cascadia can be yours for 15% off. Come get them before they are gone!

Lastly, you can now check out our $50.00 shoe section. These are styles that we are not going to continue but that you can get for a great value.

So, whether you are looking for the latest and greatest or an inexpensive pair of new kicks, we'll point you in the right direction. And, Happy New Year!!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year....

Fleet Feet's holiday gift list is up! Click here for gift ideas for the runner or walker on your list!

How the Grinch Got Fit...

Every Who down in Whoville liked Running a lot...
But the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville, did NOT!
The Grinch hated Running! The whole Running season!
Would you like to know why? Well, I might know the reason.
It could be his head wasn't screwed on just right,
But it could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.
Yes, I think that the most likely reason of all
Is that his running shoes were two sizes too small.

Whatever the reason, his head or his shoes,
He stood there all brooding and hating the Whos,
Staring down from his cave with a sour, Grinchy frown,
At the runners all running about in their town.
For he knew every Who down in Whoville below,
Was busy now, jogging around in the snow."
And they're running in comfort!" he snarled with a glare.
For the Whos shopped at FLEET FEET (and Fitlosophy's there).

Then he growled, with his Grinch fingers nervously drumming,
"I MUST find some way to stop Whoville from running!"
For tomorrow, he knew, all those ridiculous Whos
Would wake bright and early. They'd rush for their shoes!
And then! Oh, the fun! Oh, the fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!

That's the one thing he hated! The FUN! FUN! FUN! FUN!
Then the Whos, young and old, would go out for a run!
And they'd run! And they'd run! And they'd run! RUN! RUN! RUN!

They would run down the road, they would run up the streets,
Which was something the Grinch couldn't stand in the least!
And THEN they'd do something he liked least of all!
Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small,
Would all run together and all have a ball!

And they'd jog and they'd laugh and then run some more!"
It must be," he thought, "because of that store."
And the more the Grinch thought of the Fitlosophy bit,
The more the Grinch thought, "I must stop that FIT!
For fifteen years I've put up with this now!
I must stop Whoville from Running! But HOW?"
Then he got an idea! An awful idea!
THE GRINCH GOT A WONDERFUL, AWFUL IDEA!

"I know just what to do," the Grinch laughed as he grabbed
A white little label to use as a tag.
And he chuckled and clucked, "This will cause quite a stir!
I'll be Whoville's first phony Fitlosopher!
I'll provide the wrong fit! The Whos won't know
What caused the big blister on Whoville's big toe!
All I need is an S3..." The Grinch looked around,
But, since S3's were scarce, there were none to be found.
Did that stop the old Grinch? No! The Grinch simply said,
"If I can't find an S3, I'll make one instead!"
So he found an old calculator, some plastic and glue,
"It isn't quite right... but I suppose it'll do."

Then at night that old Grinch in disguise headed down
Toward the store while the Whos lay asnooze in their town.
The windows were dark, quiet snow filled the air,
When he came to the dear little store on the square.
He sneaked into the shop with a wink and a pinch,
For he was a sly one, that awful, sneaky Grinch.
He saw all the shoes on the wall in a row.
"These shoes," he grinned, "are the first things to go!"
And he mixed up the shoes-stability and style-

And then what he did, with a terrible smile,
Was fill all the FLEET FEET water bottles with rocks!
And replace the synthetic with all COTTON socks!
He created new flavors of Sport Beans and GU-
Like Monkey Brain Punch and Swamp Water Stew!

Then he snatched all the Garmins (and in this he found pleasure)
And replaced those devices with a simple tape measure!
He knocked down the books that were tidy and stacked
And took the reflective gear-and painted it black!
Then he viewed all the damage and cackled with glee,
"This will stop the Whos from running. I did it! ME!

PoohPooh to the Whos!" he was Grinchishly humming,
"They're finding out now there will be no more Running!
They're just waking up! I know just what they'll do!
Their mouths will hang open a minute or two,
Then the Whos down in Whoville will all cry BooHoo!
That's a noise," grinned the Grinch, "That I simply MUST hear!"
So he paused. And the Grinch put his hand to his ear.
But the sound wasn't sad! Why, this sound sounded merry!
It couldn't be so! But it WAS merry! VERY!

He stared down at Whoville! The Grinch popped his eyes!
Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise!
Every Fitlosopher was there, busily cleaning
And re-organizing the store-from the floor to the ceiling.
They were fitting for socks! They were fitting for shoes!
They were fitting for running! They were fitting the Whos!
The store was wide open! And the talk of the town
Was how even a Grinch couldn't keep FLEET FEET-ers down!

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling, "How could it be so?"
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe FLEET FEET," he thought, "is more than a store.
Maybe FLEET FEET... perhaps... means a little bit more!

"And what happened then? Well, in Whoville they say
That the Grinch's small shoes grew three sizes that day!
He went to be fitted-yes, the Grinch! Got fitted! It's true!
The Grinch went to FLEET FEET to find the right shoe!
He sat on the bench and had his feet evaluated.
Then he ran on the sidewalk... and over-pronated!
He was given a shoe with the proper stability and fit
(And it's a good thing, too, for he hurt quite a bit).

Yes, the Grinch overcame his chronic Grinch-itis
And even bought inserts for his plantar fasciitis.
And the minute the old Grinch's feet stopped their aching,
Every Who in Whoville's hand the Grinch started shaking.
"Who would have thought I'd be FIT?" he asked. "Who would have thought I'd have fun?"
And then HE, HE HIMSELF! The Grinch went for a run!

Trot your Turkey!!

Here it is... the top 10 reasons to run the Girls on the Run 5k on Thanksgiving!

10. The Thanksgiving Day parade on TV isn’t that great…

9. The family can all enjoy a fun riverside walk/run together before the festivities start.

8. The loot: Scavenger hunt prizes, free hot cocoa at the end and a nice green long sleeve t-shirt for the first 300 entrants...

7. Schools throughout Central Oregon are facing budget cuts and some have had to reduce or eliminate P.E. programs. Boo! Girls on the Run helps Central Oregon girls exercise, gain self confidence and feel great! What a great feeling on Thanksgiving - to help a great cause!

6. FF owner Rod Bien has been convinced to wear a turkey costume on race day. I have seen the costume and it is a sight to behold. It is sparkly. He is going to be a fancy turkey. No preview pictures. You’ll have to come down and see it in person.

5. If 8-11 year old girls in the Girls on the Run program can work their heart out to run a 5k, can’t you too?

4. Mashed potatoes,

3. Yams with marshmallows on top,

2. Pecan pie… Yes, it's safe to say we could use a little exercise first.

1. We all have so much to be thankful for - what better way to spend the day than to give thanks together with friends and running?Look forward to seeing many of you there!

For more info, go to http://www.fleetfeetbend.com/potato