In the Bitterroot Athlete Valley
January 11, 2008

Happy 2008!

January 28th, Jeremy Oury, architect, father of three, 4-time US National Team winner and triathlete with over 300 races completed, will be at the store. His topic will be “The No Excuses Training Program.” If you are juggling life with workouts, you’ll want to attend this presentation! Jeremy will first lead a run from the store at 5:30-Presentation at 6:30. So come early and leave inspired…wine, beverages and hors d’oeuvres provided.

Saturday Runs

Saturday runs have begun at 8:00 am at the store. Our inaugural run, Jan. 5th was a perfect morning (except for some ice) at a balmy 34 degrees. The nine people that ran all felt great to get out and get it done early. Most of us ran about 3.5+ miles and Steve G. went on to run 10. Coffee, water and muffins were enjoyed by those who stayed and others headed for the pool. If you need a push to get out and get going, all runner levels are invited to join us on Saturdays. You can run at your own pace. What ever it takes to keep you coming out to get it done. You’ll be glad you did.

Greetings…I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! I want to thank you all for making my first two months a success. I am very appreciative and happy to be in this business. I want to continue to provide the workout and ski clothes and more that you want to wear. Please keep me informed of the latest and greatest of what you would like to see in my store. More Craft ski wear, Avia, Pearl Izumi, Sugoi and water aerobics swimwear have come in and SportHill is on its way. Also, some very pretty pink and beige undergarments have arrived - sizes 36C-38D. More new colors in sizes A-D have also arrived. Ladies, come and try on the beautiful new undergarments and liven up your wardrobe to feel good all under.

A big thank you to Steve Gideon, Annie Creighton and Tony Neaves. Steve had an informative talk Dec. 15th outlining a program to increase running speed and preparing for a half or full marathon. Jan. 8th, Annie and Tony of Valley Bike presented their insights on the booming sport of skate skiing. A drawing was held for a skate ski lesson with equipment provided by Valley Bike & Ski. Stan Doran was the lucky recipient of the give-away, probably one of the only lessons Annie and Tony will give since they have booked every weekend this ski season for racing.
More Guests/Topics below…

Getting down to business…the New Year…

There are a lot of fit people out there, but a lot of people just getting started also; so for those needing a “little” push…read on.

You’ve heard it again and again…it’s a new year…a new start…it’s not too late. The magical newness of a new year lasts at least the first few weeks; maybe the whole month of January. If you have physical aspirations, I have a few comments for those beginning a new adventure. Fitness affects your whole life. For me, being physically fit helps to make other aspects of life more manageable and the empowerment of physical fitness can be life changing. You can start just a little at a time. My philosophy for a new routine…only do as much as what will keep you coming back. If you over do it…you don’t want to do it again. But just enough to where you know you got a good workout; and when your muscles are sore, you feel good because you know you worked them. You can feel tired, but don’t feel exhausted. Listen to your own body and know your limits. Like spinning…(great fun & good training)…you don’t have to do the highest levels. If you can’t turn the pedals, what good is it? Are you coming back? And yes, everyone’s butt is sore the FIRST time. Rick Buchanan, a mountain bike rider, said he saw more improvement in his outdoor rides spinning more at the lower gears (easier) than straining always at a higher gear. So you are still benefiting…you don’t have to power climb all the time. As long as you come back…that is the important part.

Do you know what the “regulars” say at the Clubs? “Here come all the New Year’s resolution people…they’ll be gone in two months or less.” Don’t be one of those people!! If the gym is crowded-just stick it out or try another time. Write out your schedule of when you are going to work out (come and listen to Jeremy). What ever works. And if the clubs stay busy…we just might need a third club in the area! And don’t feel self-conscious if you are new to the club. No one is judging you…they know YOU are the one making the effort…you are there…look at how many other people that aren’t!

And getting there…

Getting to the club is half the battle. My philosophy…DON’T THINK…no thinking. Just go on automatic…act like a drone and go through the motions of getting to the club. Just get there. OK…so one day you’ll just do the sauna. That is OK. Give yourself a break. It is nice to use the club’s water and not your own!

And for those of you that don’t do clubs if you are still reading on…You are motivated enough! You don’t even need to read this! You have enough self-discipline to do it at home or outdoors year ‘round! Keep up the good work! ;-)

Water. Water is important. VERY important! You’ll hear more about this later. Drink, drink, drink. It is good for your skin, good for your body and organs and keeps you younger longer!

This is the year to make it happen! Stay Connected with our athletic community. We will all stay motivated together. Looking forward to seeing you soon!