April 2009
In the Bitterroot Athlete Valley

NEWS BULLETIN: NEWS BULLETIN: NEWS BULLETIN: NEWS BULLETIN: NEWS BULLETIN: NEWS

Hot off the press - Lake Como Off-Road Triathlon has been approved for July 18th-Saturday-same weekend as the Land Trust's Tour of the Bitterroot 56-mile mountain bike event.  So if you have two family members with each interest, this is the weekend for you in the Bitterroot!  The Como Lake Event will be a challenging open water swim 1500 yds, 15-mile mountain bike and a 7.5 mile trail run around the lake (distances close approximations). Teams welcome. Stay tuned for details and/or call Antara Sports for any assistance/sponsorship would be greatly appreciated.  (Permit approved by the National Bitterroot Forest Service)

Missoula Events

April had three very popular events.  First was the 16th Run for the Trees, the 21st Griz Triathlon, and the 37th Riverbank Run all in Missoula.  The Bitterroot had a good showing for all events.  (Click on each above for Results.)  The Run for the Trees was another chilly day, but did not keep runners from the schools' and parks' tree-planting fund raiser.  Over 700 people participated.

The Griz Triathlon had its first 500-yard swim category and added about 100 more slots for athletes to compete compared to 2008.  The weather was chilly for the early bikers and warm by afternoon.  The rain moved in just after the last elite athlete crossed the finish line.  It was a perfect day for racing.  (More pics coming up of Griz.)

The Riverbank Run which consists of a 1 miler, 5K, 10K, and the Trifecta--all three.  The Trifecta, totaling 10.3 miles, is a "fun" challenge because each race gets easier beginning with the 10K, but your legs can cramp and tighten between each race.  The Trifecta racers also get the long sleeve t-shirt and the 5K and 1-milers get the short sleeve--a little incentive.

Saturday Runs @ 8:00 AM

We have had a great core group of runners that have continued throughout the winter.  Jamie Wood, Hannah Halden, Dean Jordan, Tim Miekle, Greg Bremer, and myself.  We have run anywhere from four to eight miles. Plans are for some to run 10 miles this weekend just to keep the distance runs fired up.  Talk of doing the Mountain to Meadow and Missoula Half Marathon are in the mix.

Tuesday Fitness Walks @ 6:00 PM

Our new group of Fitness Walkers are off to a good start. We started out at 2.6 miles and worked up to 3 mile walks with everyone pairing up with someone at their same speed. We will most likely stay at 3 miles and be fair-weathered walkers, which is fine since we don't get as heated as running.  We have a great time talking and visiting as we walk and lots of smiles gathering back at the shop for a quick snack.  Feel free to come out and join us - the more the merrier - and it is a nice change from running.  Walkers include: Jen Scotia, Laurie Anderson, Nicki R., Deb Eckheart, Jen Ogden, Judy Rizzo, Susanne Meikle, Wendy Wood, Sarah Billet, and me.

Upcoming Events

This Saturday, May 9th, 3:00 to 6:00 is the 2nd annual Zoot Fest...wetsuit fittings and free margaritas.  Zoot wetsuits will be 20% off for all orders placed in May.  Stop on by and see who's planning to lake swim this season.

Matt Guzik is presenting "The Coolest Run Ever and '7'" at the Roxy Theatre in Hamilton on May 20th at 7:00 PM.  For $5 at the door or pre-purchased at Antara Sports or (location in Darby) funds will be raised to help send Heather Demorest and Seth Garbet to the invitation only track competition in Australia. Matt will show two films with stunning Antarctic scenery where his last 7th continental marathon was and the 6 other continental marathons leading up to it.  all ages and abilities will enjoy this motivating presentation for a good cause.

See more info on Matt's web page.

Other Local Events/Runs/News

Swim Team signups have begun. This is a great opportunity for for children kindergarten to seniors to learn lifelong skills in swimming, good sportsmanship, and many other positive attributes in a family-oriented organization. See the Bitterroot Swim Team's web page for sign up sheet before June 12th, schedule and other information.

Two Fun Runs are coming up on the same day in Hamilton June 13th: The PTA Fun Run and a local church run directed by Max Stamper.  It will be hard to choose and a busy weekend, as there is a convention in town and the Swim Team's meet.

New classes are also beginning at the River Dance Theatre: a latin-inspired dance exercise class similar to Jazzercise, ZUMBA.  Kimberlee Carlson of Stevi will lead the class.  Available times are: Monday 12 noon or Fridays 5:15PM, May 11th - June 12th.  Price for the 4 class series is $20 or 8 class for $40.  Deadline is ASAP, May 8th.

Contact Kimberlee at: kimberlee.carlson@gmail.com or 777-2579 or 323.810.4378  Ongoing classes already in Stevi, Mondays @ 6:30PM.

The Couer d'Alene Ironman is coming up June 21st.  An article on Bill Halden and Dr. Kirk Crews' preparation and training for the event is in the works.

Have a great month and happy fitness.

In memory of Levi Pigman: Army Special Operations Aviation Staff Sgt.; four tours of duty in Afghanistan, one in Iraq; Age 25 died after completing Nashville's Country Music Half-Marathon with his father Chip and step-mother Anne Pigman of Hamilton.