Out There Monthly- April 2015

RUNNING GEAR WITH SOUL | TRAINING FOR A RELAY | GROW YOUR GREENS APRIL 2015 // FREE

THE INLAND NW GUIDE TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, TRAVEL AND THE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

for Marathons the Masses

8

+

Local Hiking Clubs

New Climbing Routes in the Cabinets High Adventure on the Lochsa

Bike Swap Tips for Families

Get Around Spokane

Using Pedals

N T M / AD

RO

AR E G / BIKES

E! C I V R SE LIKE US ON

FRIDAY APRIL 17 • 5P-8P Vendor Demos and FREE Clinics

Thursday Night Rides • 6PM Every Week • Meet at Fitness Fanatics

MEET REPS FROM:

Zoot • Hammer Nutrition • Profile Design Orbea • Continental •Fi’zi:k • Crankbrothers and many more Talk to the Experts • TEST Great Gear WIN PRIZES AND GIVEAWAYS

Light Snacks & Beverages

GREAT SELECTION of WOMEN’S BIKES

Starting At:

799

$

4/8 • Beginner Bike Maintenance Class

Reserve your Spot: 6pm • $15

“What a great class. I learned a lot, had fun, and feel better prepared for my rides.” Kim B.

4/11-12 • Bike Swap • Fairgrounds

ROAD & TRI BIKES

Cervélo • Scott • QR Fuji • Orbea

VISIT OUR WEB SITE

509.922.6080 • 12425 E. TRENT • SPOKANE VALLEY, WA • WWW.FITFANATICS.COM 2

Out There Monthly / April 2015

April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

3

Saturday Group Road Rides 9 a.m. start / 1:30 rides No one left behind

In This Issue p.5 / From the Editor

MONTHLY

Outrun Those Voices in Your Head

p.6 / Out There News

Out There Monthly / April 2015

p.8 / Hike of the month Feryn Ranch Conservation Area www.outtheremonthly.com

p.9 / Running Relay Rollicking

p.10 / OutThere Kids

Publishers

Shallan & Derrick Knowles

Editor

Derrick Knowles

Choosing the Right Kid’s Bike at BIke Swap Visual Editor

p.11 / Everyday Cyclist Get Around Spokane Using Pedals

p.12 / Climbing

Shallan Knowles

senior writers

Jon Jonckers Brad Naccarato Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

New Ice Routes in the Cabinet Range Contributing Writers:

p.13 / Out There Spotlight

Looking back at the Spokane Mountaineers

p.14 / Gear Room Taking great care of the customer and having fun doing it since 1983.

find us on Facebook!

www.northdivision.com North Division Bicycle Shop • 10503 N Division • 467-BIKE (2453)

Send Emergency Messages From Anywhere

p.17 / Health & Fitness

Chic Burge Hank Greer Sarah Hauge Derrick Knowles Bea Lackaff Jason Luthy Janelle McCabe Ammi Midstokke Aaron Theisen Holly Weiler Pedal Wrench

Eat Your Vitamins

p.18 / Running

Contributing photographers:

Ken Vanden Heuvel

Pettet Endurance Project Art + Production

p.19 / Race Report

Art Director - Shallan Knowles Contributing Designer - Brad Naccarato

p.20 / Whitewater Lay-away and Financing programs Rafting the Lochsa are available. p.21 / Hiking

to request copies caLl

509 / 822 / 0123 Ad Sales

Derrick Knowles: 509 / 822 / 0123 Brad Naccarato

Find New Hiking Trails and Camaraderie

p.22 / Running You Just Ran 100 Marathons

p.24 / Health & Fitness Can Structural Integration Boost Performance?

p.25 / Greasy Handshake p.26 / Outdoor Living Grow Your Own Salad in 8 Weeks!

p.27 / The Buzz Bin p.28-29 / INW OUTDOOR & 6-Month Training Calendar p.30-32 / INW marathon boom p.34 / Last Page

Out There Monthly

Mailing Address: PO Box #5 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 FIND US ON FACEBOOK Out There Monthly is published once a month by Out There Monthly, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2015 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC. Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death.

Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and areknowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

Printed on 50% recycled paper with soy based inks in the Spokane Valley PROUD MEMBER Of

The Making of an Outdoorsy Indoors Woman

On the cover:

@ M A NI T O T A PH O U S E M AN IT O TA PH O U S E. C O M

3011 S. GRAND BLVD. | (509) 279-2671

11AM-1 1 PM S U N.- T HURS. | 11AM- 2AM FRI. & SAT.

4

Out There Monthly / April 2015

Lora Jackson does a significant amount of running on the Centennial Trail. She has completed over 15 marathons, not including mutliple Ironman triathlons.

Her favorite local marathon is the Coeur d’Alene Marathon because she loves the scenery around the lake.

// Photo: Jon Jonckers

Make friends with pain and you will never be alone. ~Christopher McDougall

From The Editor: Outrun Those Voices in Your Head This is OTM’s second annual “running issue,” which means a running photo is sure to grace the cover, and you can expect more words and images than usual dedicated to an activity that human beings have been engaging in for thousands of years. It’s also an outdoor pursuit that holds a special place in our local culture. Spokane is a dyed-inthe-wool running town. We host one of the largest road races in the country, and the greater region is the birthplace to a dozen or so marathons and half marathons and another half dozen or more ultras. We have so many miles of running trails, that keeping them regularly maintained would be nearly impossible without the growing community of paved and dirt trail advocacy groups that have taken shape in nearly every city and town in the

Inland Northwest that has trails.

Running may not be quite as widely practiced as hiking, but it holds an undeniably huge and ineffably important place in our regional outdoors community. Tens of thousands of us sign up for races and fun runs of varying length and difficulty each year, and participants range from occasional and first-time joggers to competitive athletes and all levels of ambition and ability in between. Many of us who consider other outdoor sports to be our primary obsessions also throw in the occasional run, race or sporadic long distance challenge to keep the body fit and the cross-training benefits real and in play. It’s pretty safe to say that most of us have a pair of running shoes stashed away somewhere, if not sitting by the front door.

With all of that said, the number of you reading these words right now who would self-identify as a “runner,” if asked in a poll on the street at any given moment, would likely be fewer than is actually accurate. Sarah Hauge’s Last Page story in this issue (“The Making of an Outdoorsy Indoorswoman,” page 34), is an interesting exploration of this seemingly incongruous phenomenon. The junction between the outdoor activities we engage in; the other daily life experiences that help define us; and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what we are like and what we are capable of often don’t line up real well with the reality of what other people think about us or even who we really are. And there’s the fact that how we live our lives and our perceptions of ourselves can and do usually change over time. Today’s

“casual jogger” or first-time 5k or Bloomsday runner can easily become tomorrow’s marathon finisher (don’t miss “You Just Ran 100 Marathons—What are you Going to do Next?” on page 22 if you don’t buy it.)

A fun challenge this year, if you’re up for it, would be to push your perceived physical limits and to also take on whatever stories you may be telling yourself in your head. In most cases, it’s those narratives of negativity that are the real barrier between you and whatever exhilarating and rewarding outdoor or athletic experiences you hope to accomplish one day. // Derrick Knowles, Editor

A VIBRANT

MOUNTAIN TOWN NESTLED AT THE EDGE OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

In the late spring, Going-to-the-Sun Road is open exclusively to cyclists and pedestrians to experience the tranquility of Glacier National Park.

It’s just one unique way to Explore Whitefish.

Photo © ChuckHaney.com

Jump into some SERIOUS fun!

Lincoln County has 4.6 people per square mile.

That leaves a lot of room for YOU! Explore Washington’s largest lake and much morewithin an hour of Spokane!

Check our calendar for upcoming Fun Runs!

www.VisitLincolnCountyWashington.com

www.idaho3rivers.com • (888)926-4430 • Smith Family, Since 1976.

April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

5

Out ThereNews Wild and Scenic Film Festival Returns to Spokane (April 30)

2nd Annual

Outdoor Dog Photo Contest!

Damn, Im good lookin!

Round up your best photos of your outdoors loving hound! Full contest details available online.

Categories include: Best in Show, Hounds in Action, Water Dogs, On the Trail, & Best with Owners.

Winning pics will be printed in Out There Monthly’s June 2015 issue and prizes will be awarded to owners AND pups. Full details at OutThereMonthly.com/contests

Experience peak performance.

Add triple-strength Lyte Balance electrolyte concentrate to your favorite beverage.

TRANSFORM YOUR HYDRATION.

Lyte it up

LYTE BALANCE electrolyte CONCENTRATE

AVAIL AB L E LOC A L LY

Huckleberry’s Main Market Pilgrim’s Market Winter Ridge

OR AMA ZON. COM

6

Out There Monthly / April 2015

The Spokane Riverkeeper, Mountain Gear and Patagonia are bringing the Wild and Scenic Film Festival to Spokane once again on Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m. at the Garland Theater. The festival features conservation-minded outdoor films covering a wide range of themes, including river conservation and other public lands issues. One of the longer films, called the Silent River, is about the struggle of a Mexican community to clean up the Santiago River. The films will span the Americas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to the Colorado River and the rivers of Peru.

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival was started by the South Yuba River Citizens League, a watershed advocacy group that was formed in 1983 by a handful of citizens who banded together to fight several proposed dams on their local river in California. The festival takes its name from their success at achieving “Wild and Scenic” federal

protection for 39 miles of the South Yuba River in 1999. The Wild and Scenic Film Festival is the largest film festival of its kind in the U.S. and hasn’t been in Spokane for some years.

“Spokane is a ‘River Community.’ Bringing a film festival that focuses on the river environment and recreation was a natural,” says Mountain Gear Founder Paul Fish. “Doing it as a fundraiser with Spokane Riverkeeper to help protect our river just made sense.” Sponsors include Gonzaga’s Environmental Studies Program, Trout Unlimited, Riverside State Parks Foundation, Northwest Whitewater Association, Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club and Out There Monthly.

And River City Brewing will be serving its new Riverkeeper IPA the night of the festival. Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door. More info: Cforjustice.org/riverkeeper. // (OTM)

Annual Dishman Hills Buttercup Hike (April 11) Celebrate the return of ranunculus glaberrimus, the Inland Northwest’s own sagebrush buttercup. The Dishman Hills Conservancy is once again hosting their yearly, guided “Buttercup Hike” through the Dishman Hills Natural Area in Spokane Valley on Saturday, April 11. The hike starts at Camp Caro (625 S. Sargent Road) at 1 p.m., rain or shine. Hikers are encouraged to dress appropriately and bring water, snacks and weather appropriate hiking gear for the three hour walk. A Spokane area tradition, this year

will be the 49th annual Buttercup Hike. Last year about 100 hikers showed up to follow guides into the hills in search of the little yellow flowers that mark the start of the spring wildflower season.

Hikers will also get to explore recent changes and improvements to the natural area’s trail system along the way. In addition to an abundance of the hike’s joyous yellow namesake, hikers will no doubt see a splash of grass widows and maybe the demure glacier lily. More info: www.dishmanhills.org. // (Bea Lackaff)

Free Trees for Spokane Neighborhoods

Spring is in the air and the Forest Spokane Initiative is looking to give away 2,000 trees this year to Spokane residents as part of the Residential Tree Program. The program will have two free tree giveaway events in 2015. The first event will be held April 17-18 at participating nurseries. The second event will be held near the end of October (dates TBD). Both events will be offering 1,000 free trees to Spokane City residents to plant on their private property. The free tree giveaway will be offering a variety of tree species at a range of sizes. The root ball on the trees will be anywhere between 4-7 gallons with tree heights in the 6-15 feet tall range. Residents living within the City of Spokane are eligible to

receive up to two free trees each. The program is working with three local nurseries that will have the trees available on the days of the events: • Blue Moon Nursery: 1732 S. Inland Empire Way • Spokane Conservation District: 210 N. Havana St. • Home Fires Nursery: 2919 S. Geiger Blvd.

If you would like to choose your free tree types prior to the event, contact your local neighborhood council to receive a free tree voucher and you can pre-select your tree species before the event. To check out the list of tree species that will be available, find contact info for your neighborhood council and to learn more about the Residential Tree Program, visit www.spokaneneighborhoods.org. // (OTM)

2015 Trail Runs Idaho / E. Washington 5/9/15 Farragut* 5/30/15 Liberty Lake 6/13/15 Heyburn* 7/5/15 4th of July Ultra 7/25/15 Mt. Spokane* 9/12/15 Ponderosa* 10/3/15 Riverside* 10/31/15 Halloween at Hell’s Gate* *State Park Series

www.trailmaniacs.com

Local Wilderness First Aid and First Responder Courses Offered Longleaf Wilderness Medicine organizes courses for local and federal government agencies, expedition guides, wilderness instructors, remote travelers and others interested in being more prepared for natural disasters or medical emergencies. This spring, several courses are scheduled here in the Inland Northwest, including Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder classes.

Wilderness First Aid is a 16-hour course designed as an introduction to wilderness medicine. The two-day course focuses on assessing and responding to injury and illness in situations where support from EMS or a hospital is delayed.

The course covers a wide variety of injuries and illnesses, and provides guidelines on how to

identify if a patient can stay in the wilderness or needs to seek additional medical care. Courses are scheduled for April 18-19 in Spokane, May 16-17 in Sandpoint and May 20-21 in Coeur d’Alene.

A Wilderness First Responder class that take place over nine days and includes a CPR certification is also set for June 6-14 in Sandpoint. Wilderness First Responder certification has become the standard in medical training for individuals managing groups in remote settings. The training provides in-depth information so participants understand injury and illness and how they affect patients. Skill practice and scenarios throughout the course provide a learning environment aimed at long term retention of information. Learn more or register at www.longleafmedical.com. // (OTM)

Bellingham to Host 2015 Northwest Tandem Rally (July 4th Weekend) The Northwest Tandem Rally has been held annually in a different city since its inception in 1986, and this is the first year that Bellingham will be the host city. (Spokane hosted the tandem riders gathering in 2011.) The Mount Baker Bicycle Club is welcoming the 2015 Northwest Tandem Rally July 2-6, 2015.

The five-day festival, which includes supported bicycle rides and other special events, is expected to draw 700-1,000 bicyclists to the north Pacific coast over Fourth of July weekend. Even though the event is geared towards tandems, single bikes and their riders are welcome too. Summertime in Bellingham and Whatcom and Skagit counties is spectacular, and organizers encourage participants to come for the cycling and stay for the kayaking, whale-watching, craft breweries, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Bellingham-based Tandem Diversity, which offers tandem tours, rentals, resources and more (www.tandemdiversity.com), is this year’s exclusive title sponsor. “Bellingham has an enthusiastic bicycle-riding culture, and we’re excited to bring many more cyclists to our hometown, especially in July during Bellingham’s best time of year,” says Mark Owings, co-owner of Tandem Diversity.

“We’re ready to show off our scenic cycling roads, including Chuckanut Drive, Birch Bay, and Lake Whatcom’s north shore.”

Relieve Soreness Improve Performance Reduce Chronic Pain Relieve Muscle Tension Increase Range of Motion Reduce Scar Tissue Rejuvinate Overused Muscles READ REVIEWS ON YELP!

The 2015 event includes four days of bicycle riding. The July 3 ride is a 20-30-mile Tour de Bellingham, with a marked-and-signed route that passes everything a cyclist could want: bike shops, coffee shops, bakeries and brewpubs. The July 4 ride features a mass start through town with mileage options in the northern part of the county ranging from 25-65 miles on a mostly flat course with views of Mount Baker and the coast. The July 5 ride takes tandems down world-famous Chuckanut Drive, through the quaint towns of Bow, Edison and Alger; through blueberry farms and past inland lakes. Mileage options on this hilly southern route are 20, 40, or 55 miles. For those who want even more of a strenuous ride, the Chuckanut loop portion of the ride will be offered twice (the double-Chuckanut Challenge).

Monday July 6 completes the rally with a 30-mile self-guided tour of Lake Whatcom’s north shore, a favorite locals’ ride.

Post-ride lunches at Boundary Bay Brewing Company and the Bellingham Farmer’s Market, a vendor expo featuring local and national bicycle-related businesses, complimentary post-ride mini-massages, a Bellingham Bay dinner cruise; the annual banquet featuring Northwest cuisine, a local craft beer tasting party, and live music; and other events are planned. More info: www.Nwtr. org. // (OTM)

24HOUR MTN BIKE RACE

A team relay mountain bike race, beginning at noon on Saturday, May 23rd and ending at noon on Sunday, May 24th.

Teams and solos compete for medals, prizes and bragging rights.

May 23 & 24 • Riverside State Park ▪ Spokane REGISTER TODAY ▪ SPACE IS LIMITED iron horse

brewery ellensburg, wa

TO REGISTER: ROUNDANDROUND.COM

dare designs

HANDMADE FURNISHINGS TO LAST FOR GENERATIONS.

Healing Balance Massage Therapy Special New Client Offer $45 for 1 Hour $70 for 1.5 Hour

specializing in deep tissue & sports massage Contact Lynn Short, LMP #60232419

www.HealingBalanceMassage.com 503-772-4340

Many of our tables are crafted from enormous oak planks of flooring salvaged from decommissioned train cars that traveled the Inland Northwest. Learn more about our work on our website

2224 E. Riverside Ave. Spokane dare-designs.com 208.660.5479 April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

7

HikeOfTheMonth

Feryn Ranch Conservation Area (Spokane County) // Hike of the Month and photos by Holly Weiler A typical early spring view of Mount Spokane from the feryn ranch conservation area

A stop on the Audubon Society’s Palouse to Pines Loop, this 164-acre Conservation Futures property is a good place to acquire an appreciation for bird watching. Identified as a migration corridor for 108 bird species, visitors should bring a bird book or download a good identification app to help determine what one is seeing.

Don’t forget both binoculars and a camera when hiking the area, as most of the resident species will be seen on the water at the confluence of Peone Creek and Deadman Creek, or will be soaring high overhead.

From the parking lot, begin by hiking down the hill toward the wetland. In the spring it’s hard to miss the red winged blackbirds with their distinctive call among the cattails along the wetland’s edge. Turn left at the bottom of the hill and follow the wetland, watching for geese, ducks and other waterfowl. Hike up one of the small hills for a better vantage point for viewing other bird species, including several varieties of raptors.

Red tail hawk are the most common species, but it’s not unusual to spot marsh hawks and bald eagles. Don’t be surprised to flush ring-necked pheasant while walking through the grass above the wetlands.

The conservation area boundary is marked by white posts along the property line. Turn around and retrace your steps for a short hike of approximately one mile that is sure to take at least an hour if one is stopping to identify the wildlife along the way. While dogs are permitted on leash, it’s a better choice to leave pups at home for this trek that preserves a fragment of the rapidly disappearing Peone Prairie. This hike is an exceptionally family-friendly one. No permits are required.

A printable map is available from the Spokane County Parks website. Also try the free bird identification app from Cornell University.

Getting there: Take the Argonne exit from Interstate 90 and go north on Argonne; continue north on Bruce. At the roundabout turn east on the Mount Spokane Highway. Continue just over 1 mile to the signed access point on the right. Drive .7 miles on the gravel access road to the trailhead on the left.

Respect adjacent private property. //

Give Back to Our Trails! Join in to help build a new trail segment to a scenic overlook far above the Little Spokane River on a hiker-only trail in Riverside State Park on April 8. Signup online at Wta.org/volunteer/east.

Saturday June 6th, 2015 6

5 Presenting Sponsor

Proceeds Benefit the Vital Programs of Lutheran Community Services Northwest

8

Out There Monthly / April 2015

Running

Relay Rollicking

Have More Fun Running a Relay with These Tips // By Janelle McCabe

Ultimate Raver. A Fun Nighttime Spokane to Sandpoint Relay contest for the most creative lights and reflective gear. Photo courtesy of cascade lakes race group

Curious about longer distances but don’t want the pressure of individual competition or the months of training? Ready to change up your race strategy or get a change of scenery? Craving a little more fun and camaraderie and a little less routine and solitude? Join a relay team.

Sue Niezgoda, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at Gonzaga University, has run relays for five years. “It’s a whole different environment than a solo race because of the friendship, support, and teamwork,” she says. She insists that the long hours, sweaty van ride, hot sun, and inevitable blisters are just part of the fun experience.

It’s not just runners who emphasize the team aspect. Relay race directors experience teamwork from a different (although every bit as appreciative) perspective.

Austin Reed, Race Director of the Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race, overflows with praise for the all of the people who come together to put on a successful race. “It takes such a huge team effort to pull it off. It’s selfless work that requires a lot of great people. I could not do this race without my volunteers or staff.”

Reed’s event is actually two concurrent races: a 50-mile trail race for solo runners, and a 50-mile ruck relay for five-person teams. The ruck relay requires women to wear a 25-pound pack and men to wear a 35-pound pack while they run. “It’s the only 50-mile ultra marathon/ruck relay race in the world,” says Reed.

Cascade Lakes Race Group Owner Scott Douglass echoes the teamwork theme. Douglass’s company has organized the popular Spokane to Sandpoint Relay (S2S) since 2012. Five full- and part-time employees work year-round to put on the three races his company organizes, and S2S alone requires more than 400 volunteers. “We need a strong team of talented staff who can solve problems and effectively lead volunteers to maintain a safe and fun event,” says Douglass. Safety is a priority for Douglass, and he ensures safety through teamwork. “Our medical team is prepared to take care of our participants or quickly assess and trigger the EMS system for lifethreatening conditions,” he says.

Relay Training, Preparation and Race Day Tips For runners, relay events still require putting one foot in front of the other. These suggestions might help the journey feel more like a carnival ride than a death march.

1. Run doubles. If your relay involves multiple runs, train your legs to run tired. This often means a couple days a week of running in both the morning and evening.

2. Run in the dark. “Many people don’t realize how different it can be to run at night while wearing lights and reflective gear,” Douglass explains.

“This is a great training run to do with teammates to test out your equipment.”

3. Run on similar terrain. Are your relay legs on uncleared trails? Will the terrain be gentle hills or steep descents? Do you need to pack your own food or equipment? “Load your pack up with the required weight and hit some trails that offer similar elevation gain as your relay leg,” advises Reed.

4. Get to know your teammates and plan ahead. One Debbie Downer can poison a van full of Little Miss Sunshines. “My team and I get together a few times before the event to plan van assignments, work out which legs each runner will do, and talk about stocking up and decorating the vans,” says Niezgoda.

5. Show your team spirit. “A creative team name is vital,” says Douglass. “Find great costumes to play on your team theme. You’ll quickly drop a few years of maturity and really start having fun.”

Reed recommends creating a team baton, while Niezgoda recommends decorating your van and going over the top with the contests.

6. Capitalize on abilities. Assign runners to legs that suit their strengths. Sprinters might take the short legs, while distance runners might take a couple longer back-to-back legs.

7. Transition smoothly. “Never lose time at an exchange point because your van didn’t arrive at the next exchange before your runner,” suggests Douglass.

8. Embrace the experience. Even sleep deprived and blister covered, Niezgoda loves the nighttime leg the most. “I’ve only had about two hours of sleep, but I love every step of that night run. It’s just so peaceful and beautiful out under the stars!”//

Regional Relay Events April 19: Spokane River Run 50k Relay May 30: Riverside 24-hour Relay June 6: Bend Beer Chase June 27: Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race July 17-18: Northwest Passage Ragnar Relay July 31-August 1: Cascade Lakes Relay August 14-15: Spokane to Sandpoint Relay August 28-29: Hood to Coast Relay

joey chair light. packable. comfort. msrp: $78.99 www.travelchair.com

KANIKSU 50 EMORY CORWINE

&

Memorial Ruck Race

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT

big ups. great views. killer swag.

50 Mile Ultra-Marathon & 50 Mile Memorial Ruck Relay June 27, 2015 @ 6:12AM/8:00AM Frater Lake, WA

Use the code “OUTTHERE” @ ultrasignup.com & receive 10% off on your entry fee till June 11

Register Now At: KANIKSU50.com April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

9

Kids

Choosing the right kid’s bike at bike swap // By amy silbernagel mccaffree My husband’s mission at last year’s Spokane Bike Swap was to find a “blue bike” for our son, whose fourth birthday was only a week later.

Luckily, he did: a used 16” bike with new tires for only $40 – and it came with a new kid’s helmet.

If you want to ensure finding a suitable used bike for your little rider at this year’s bike swap, your luck increases if you arrive early on the first day, but quality bikes are usually available all weekend. Free helmets will also be given out again to every child who buys a used bike at the swap while supplies last. “Last year we gave away 173 helmets, and this year we are anticipating over 200,” says Spokane Bike Swap Event Director LeAnn Yamamoto. Keep these tips in mind to make your swap-shopping successful.

tall for a 24-inch youth bike. A sizing guide will be posted at the swap, and bike technicians will be available in the used bike corral to help size bikes for both children and adults, says Yamamoto. In addition to using the sizing guide, consider your child’s riding ability and anticipated growth rate.

Entry-level pedal bikes feature coaster, or kickback, brakes. Gears and hand-breaks start becoming available with some 20-inch bikes. “If kids can’t handle both sets of brakes, they’ll still need a kick-back brake,” says Roger Randall, a bikefitter and mechanic at North Division Bike Shop.

“When kids are bigger than that 24-inch size, they can move into a small-frame adult bike and might be able to fit.” Be aware that test-riding bikes is not allowed at the swap, due to liability issues.

Know your child’s height and riding ability.

Learn the bike size recommended based on your child’s height, which also corresponds with an age range. Wheel size (outside tire diameter) is how children’s bikes are measured, versus frame size for adult bikes. Standard kid sizes are 12, 16, 20 and 24 inches. If a child is 26-34 inches tall (ages 2-5), she should try a 12-inch bike; if 34-42” tall (ages 4-8), try a 16-inch bike, and so on up to 62”

Analyze how your child looks on the bike.

When helping bicycle-fit a child, Randall uses the sizing guide as a starting reference. “And then we see what they look like on the bike – how comfortable [does it feel], how much seat post is showing – [to determine] if they’ll need a bigger bike,” he says. A child should be able to stand flat-footed over the bike’s top tube – a safety feature to help them stop if needed, he adds. “If they’re stand-

ing and can barely touch the ground, the bike’s too big.” However, if too much seat post is showing or the child’s knees are too bent, then the bike is probably too small, according to Randall.

“It’s a tricky subject because you don’t know how fast your kid is going to grow.

It’s best to get a bike that’s on the slightly bigger size, so the child will have space to grow into it,” says Randall. “I always try to get a kid on the biggest bike that can fit them. Bikes hold their value well. If it’s only used a couple of seasons and kept in good shape, you can trade it up for the next size.”

The Spokane Bike Swap and Expo takes place on April 11 and 12 at the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can buy, sell or donate bikes to the swap, which is put on by the non-profit group Friends of the Centennial Trail. For more info, visit www.spokanebikeswap. com. Sandpoint also has a bike swap organized by the Pend Oreille Pedalers on May 16 at 9 a.m. at the Eureka Institute near Evans Brothers Coffee. //

The author’s daughter pedaling along the fish lake trail.

Photo: Amy Silbernagel Mccaffree

Spring Blowout Sale MSRP Mountain

bike? ike on the l 'd u o y s your table a rder than s comfor a a h g g in in l k e r e e wo Not f ou? why you'r g in r e ter than y d s a n f l Wo il t s ing ut they're our cycl b y s e d iz n im ie t r p f d power. e fitters o l bik cy, an ofessiona t, efficien r r p o r f u m o o f c o crease Have one oven to in r P . e c n experie

e Ruby Elit 0 0 MSRP $25 4 NOW $169

SB66

50 MSRP $38 9 0 9 2 $ NOW

Shiv Com0p MSRP $330 NOW $2437

ple of a small sam * this is only n sale urrently o the bikes c

twowheelerskidealer.com 10

Out There Monthly / April 2015

208-772-8179

9551 N HWY 95 Hayden, Idaho

Specialized Demo 8 I Carbon (M) Specialized Myka FSR Elite (L) Specialized Stumpjumer Comp (Xl) Specialized Status FSR II (L) GT Force Carbon Expert 650b (L) GT Zaskar 100 9R Carbon Elite (L)

$6600 $2200 $2750 $3100 $5200 $3850

NOW $4105 $1625 $1710 $2294 $3676 $2799

Road Specialized Specialized Specialized Specialized Specialized Specialized Specialized

$3600 $4400 $2100 $1750 $2100 $2100 $4750

$2028 $3059 $1594 $1445 $1594 $1594 $2906

Transition Pro (L) Shiv Expert (M) Tarmac (54) Ruby (57) Amira Sport (51) Roubaix Sport (54) Tarmac Pro (56)

p EVO SJ FSR C0o0m MSRP $33 3 NOW $205

Don't want to be without your bike for more than a day?

Call for your appointment now and we'll have it tuned and back to you within one business day.

Everyday Cyclist Get Around spokane using pedals

By Hank Greer

Slow Ride SESSION IPA

Lots of ways to get around spokane using pedals! // Photos: Hank Greer

A few years ago there was some talk and a little effort made towards unifying cyclists in Spokane. If memory serves me correctly there was at least one meeting, but the group could not reach a consensus on how to move forward.

Attempting to do the same thing today would probably result in the same outcome. Cyclists may share a common interest of riding bikes, but we are a varied and diverse group when it comes to motivations, expectations and needs.

We don’t need someone to be a spokesperson.

But we should have a voice, so I’m proposing something to help give us that voice. Instead of unifying cyclists into a single entity, let’s just connect them.

Spokane has an amazing amount of bike riding.

Local shops host demos, maintenance classes and shop rides. Between the many formal and informal clubs, there are a multitude of rides to go on.

Road, the full moon, trails, vintage bikes, BMX tracks, the fourth Friday, snow and who knows what else beckons us to ride for sport, competition, recreation and fun. So let’s get connected.

Last year I created a Facebook page called GASUP: Get Around Spokane Using Pedals.

The purpose of the page is to promote cycling in Spokane. The idea was to create a place where anyone in Spokane could find out about all manner of bike riding and contribute to the cycling community as well.

I don’t want to mislead you and make you think I did this with some sort of grand vision in mind.

I began with a page for 30 Days of Biking, which is held every April. Once that was over, I changed it to Bike to Work Week, which is in May. In June, I was wondering what to do with the page when I remembered an incomplete video project I set aside a few years ago. I called it GASUP, the name of which is about the only clever thing I’ve ever come up with, so I changed the page name one last time. Instead of having a page dedicated to a single aspect of cycling, like 30 Days of Biking, I went with a page where the entire, diverse cycling community could participate.

What can you use GASUP for? Are you a commuter? Do you have a safety tip? Is there an intersection that seems to be problematic for cyclists?

Is there an unsafe condition that other bike riders

or the city/county need to be aware of? GASUP is a place where you can share all that and more.

I often ride with a camera recording video during my commutes, and I almost always have a camera on me. I’ve used photos and videos to share situations, some harrowing and some humorous. Sometimes it’s a vehicle driver not paying attention and sometimes it’s a driver who is. I try to post situations that provide learning opportunities for fellow cyclists and some just for fun. Other GASUP members have been doing the same. It’s been great to see what other people have been sharing.

What else can GASUP offer? How about advocacy? If Spokane County or the City of Spokane is holding an open house, proposing changes to a roadway or traffic lights or something like that, then you could use GASUP to get the word out and encourage cyclists to attend or speak up. Spokane has some great community cycling events like Spokefest, Summer Parkways, Kidical Mass and Bike to Work Week, and GASUP could introduce people to more opportunities to ride, volunteer and be cycling advocates.

If you have a bike shop, GASUP can be a place to reach other people by sharing your classes, special events and shop rides. (No sales, please.)

Clubs can share upcoming club or group rides. If you’re putting on a race, post it on GASUP. Maybe you’ll expand your ridership, participation or recruit some volunteers.

You can use GASUP for just about anything bike related. Are you new to cycling? Are you looking for more information about racing or commuting? Would you like to take up a different type of cycling? Maybe you need to know something important, like the proper etiquette for blowing a snot rocket while riding in a pack.

(Down, not out.) Yes, that is important. Just ask the person behind you.

Again, the idea is not for us to join together into a single entity. It’s about connecting our diverse cycling community and enriching it. It’s about increasing the number of times our paths cross, saying “Hi!” to people while you’re out riding, and having fun.

So GASUP and leave the car at home. //

Sit Back and Session in Style.

Win your next big adventure by tagging your current one!

Learn more at newbelgium.com/westcoastslowride

#WestCoastSlowRide

SLOW RIDE IPA IS BREWED BY NEW BELGIUM BREWING FORT COLLINS, CO

April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

11

Climbing New Ice Routes in the cabinet Range

By Jon Jonckers

Everything necessary to build a temporary, portable dog run.

Perfect for picnics, camping trips, backpacking or a day at the lake.

Set up is a snap.

See for yourself by scanning this code with your smartphone.

The only packable & portable dog run Brought to you by:

by Omega Pacific, Inc.

Available at fine retailers including REI, Amazon and talosproducts.com Snow, Ice and plenty of wilderness in the cabinet mountains east of sandpoint. Photos courtesy of Ken Vanden Heuvel.

!"#$%&$' #%%

%()*(+%#% April 28th

What does Prop1 do?

(*+(&.#,(&+$*%&9III&%(K&Q#34& #/,&-#../%0+1P

%2&M9HI&.0550#%&#;&0.8,#L(.(%+4\

Why Vote YES on Prop1?

J&&7,#89K055&$(58&+$(&5#-*5&(-#%#.1&31& -*8+/,0%6&#L(,&MCNOIIIOIII&#;&.#%(1&+$*+& -#/52&-#.(&+#&E8#F*%(&#%51&0;&7,#89&8*44(4P

ST [MPP FI ½RERGIH YWMRK ER SJ (4&+*B&*%2&0+&)]RR&X@T&*;;(-+&6*4&#,& #4+&;##2&8/,-$*4(4P

J&&7,#Q(-+4&*%2&4(,L0-(&0%-,(*4(4&*,(&48,(*2& *55&#L(,&E8#F*%(&<#/%+1&0%-5/20%6&<0+1& #;&E8#F*%(&>*55(1O&R03(,+1&R*F(O&+$(&)(4+& 75*0%4&*%2&E8#F*%(P

[MPP EHH MR VSYXI LSYVW© [LMGL (*%4&3(++(,&.#,(&-#%L(%0(%+&4(,L0-(&;#,& #4(&K$#&,(51&#%&8/350-&+,*%48#,+*+0#%& (&.#4+O&50F(&+$(&(52(,51O&5#K&0%-#.(&*%2& *35(2P

J&&@/,&8/350-&+,*%40+&414+(.&8,#L02(2&#L(,& 99&.0550#%&,02(4&0%&HI9S&*%2&0;&K(&K*%+&*& 4+,#%6&L03,*%+&5#-*5&(-#%#.1&*&1(4&L#+(& K055&-#%+0%/(&+#&(%4/,(&+$*+&E8#F*%(& -#%+0%/(4&+#&.#L(4&0%&+$(&,06$+&20,(-+0#%P

More buses, for more people, more often.

How does Prop1 Work?

- Improved transit for our most vulnerable citizens J&7,#89 04&+$(&,(4/5+&#;&C&1(*,4&#;&8/350-& - Great economic development for 8,#-(44&*%2&0%8/+P &T$(&6#*5&04&*3/%2*%+& *--(44&+#&3/4(4U && Spokane County .#,(&-$#0-(4 V .#,(&.#3050+1P

J&T$(&+$,((!+(%+$4&#;&#%(&8(,-(%+&04& (W/*5&+#&Q/4+&+$,((&-(%+4&#%&*&+(%&2#55*,& 8/,-$*4(&*%2&1#/,&8,#8(,+1&+*B(4&K055& X@T&3(&(;;(-+(2&31&7,#89P J&G%2&+$04&#%51&K#,F4&0;&1#/&L#+(&Y=E&#%& G8,05&HZ+$P

for more information, please visit

www.yesforbuses.com

7*02&;#,&31&+$(&<#*50+0#%&;#,&=-#%#.0-&>0+*50+1&&?&&7@&A#B&CCD&&?&&E8#F*%(&)G&DDH9I Out There Monthly LLC, PO Box 5, Spokane WA 99210

12

Out There Monthly / April 2015

The Cabinet Mountains Wilderness is home to very diverse terrain, ranging from 8,000foot rocky peaks that are often snowcapped year-round, to huge cedars in rich, densely forested valleys. Few climbers realize that western Montana has so much untapped ice climbing potential. Most years, it’s usually guarded by long approaches and serious avalanche danger. This year, the thin snowpack provided prime conditions for alpine ice climbing.

line up the northeast face of A Peak. Coldiron teamed up with Jonah Job, Ben Erdmann and Beau Carrillo. The four climbers separated into two independent rope teams, climbing parallel lines until reaching the final crux pitch, led by Coldiron and followed by all three climbers. They named their route Unprotected Four-Play (AI4+ M6 R, 2,000’), because, as Coldiron joked, “God knows the climbing world needs another bad-pun route name.”

Few climbers realize that western Montana has so much untapped ice climbing potential. Most years, it’s usually guarded by long approaches and serious avalanche danger.

On February 22, Scott Coldiron and Christian Thompson climbed a fantastic new alpine ice route just below A Peak. The duo skied up to the north side of Snowshoe Peak via the Granite Lake drainage and started up a line of ice that Coldiron has been eager to climb for a couple years. They traced a route up the wall between A Peak and Snowshoe Peak, directly under the Blackwell Glacier.

The team named the route Black Well Falls (900’ WI5 M4) after the glacier, which feeds the climb from above, and the black well formed by the huge overhanging chimney towering above the climb. “To my knowledge, it’s the biggest steep, pure ice route in this little region,” Coldiron wrote on his Facebook page.

On March 7, over two weeks after completing Black Well Falls, Coldiron returned to climb a new

Coldiron’s description of the route would be enough to deter most climbers: “Hero sticks in neve and bomber alpine ice, punctuated by scary runouts and thin vertical ice...perhaps a moment of panic scratching through sugar snow over featureless rock.” Altogether, the route required everything he had, and it proved to be one of his most challenging climbs ever.

Even though the primary winter ice season is over, Coldiron is eager to explore more lines in the region next year. He admits the approaches are burly, but there’s a special reward for ice climbers willing to go a couple extra miles. Although the greatest factor for ice climbing is the conditions, Coldiron is already scheming about other possibilities in the multiple basins surrounding Snowshoe Peak, as well as other portions of the Cabinet Mountains. //

OutThereSpotlight Looking Back at the Spokane Mountaineers (1935-1940) // By Chic Burge 1935 was a big year for the Spokane Mountaineers. This was the year that the club incorporated and membership grew to 112. The 20th anniversary and dinner attracted 78 members and guests, with each meal costing a whopping $1 each. That summer club members invited the Mazamas mountaineering club to climb Mount Rainier with them at a cost of $3.50 per climber.

The highlight of the year was the “Christmas Tree Outing” in Paradise Valley. 80 plus members showed up for the 4th annual Christmas tree party. While the club sat around the fire singing songs and eating sandwiches, a scruffy older man appeared off to the side. Being a joyous group of people, they invited the stranger to join them in song and food. It was obvious that the man was shy and maybe a bit awkward.

The club piled food and coffee on him and watched in amazement of how fast the man devoured the food and gulped down the hot coffee. During the festivities, he sat and listened, but didn’t participate in the Christmas carols. The club said goodbye and left the man with all the extra food they had with them.

This “Hermit,” as club members took to calling him, was on the minds of those who attended the party and was the topic of many conversations for many months. The next year, the club was anticipating the Hermit’s return and the outing grew substantially. When they arrived at the Christmas tree spot, they found the area had been cleared of branches, and logs had been cut into stools with bark covering them so they would be dry for all

The Spokane Mountaineers Club annual Christmas Tree Party. The hermit is in the flatbrimmed hat center-left. Photo courtesy of the Spokane Mountaineers

Other notable achievements... included member Elsa Hanft snowshoeing 250 miles, solo, in the North Cascades, during a Christmas break from teaching in Spokane.

to sit on. The club was astonished at the kindness of the Hermit. When asked why he had done so much for club, his answer was simple: “You folks were friendly to me a year ago. I wanted to do something in return. Making your camp more comfortable was the best thing I could think of.”

In 1937, the club started informal climbing classes. That year’s summer outing was held for the first time in a foreign country. A total of 25 members from seven mountaineering clubs joined the Spokane Mountaineers for a week at the Kokanee Glacier Park north of Nelson, B.C. The group climbed 14 peaks and were the first to climb Mt. Cond, the highest in the park at 9,200 feet.

The year1939 was another really big year for the Spokane Mountaineers.

The club bought 40 acres on Mount Spokane from the Panhandle Lumber Company for $1,500. Also that year the “Kinnikinnick,” the Mountaineers newsletter, announced climbing trips to these Northwest classics: Rocks of Sharon, the practice rocks at Tum, Snowshoe Peak in the Cabinets (which was a recorded first ascent), Mount Rainier, Scotchman Peak, the face of Roman Nose, Mount Adams led by Ed Dennis, and an overnighter on Stevens Peak led by Hans Moldenhauer. // This is #2 in a series of Spokane Mountaineers historical highlights. Learn more about the club and its events and outings as members celebrate 100 years at www.spokanemountaineers.org.

That floating feeling of taking off your pack, now available all day long.

Innovative, revolutionary, maybe even a little bit magic.

Introducing Osprey Anti-Gravity : A pack suspension so comfortable, it’s like wearing nothing at all.

TM

PHOTO / DAN HOLZ

ATMOs AG TM / AurA AG TM serIes Feel it to believe it at a retailer near you. ospreypacks.com/dealerlocator

April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

13

GearRoom send emergency messages from anywhere Delorme inReach SE // By Jason Luthy

April

20-26, 2015

getlitfestival.org

Readings, poetry slams, workshops and more!

Featuring Sherman Alexie Cami Bradley Walter Kirn Tod Marshall Benjamin Percy Sharma Shields Shawn Vestal Jess Walter

Having been in the unfortunate place of the device interface straight forward, although needing to call for help with an injured friend, I messaging with the device’s cursor-based typing place a high value on being able to communicate method is clunky. with people while in remote places. I have carSlow typing can be avoided by setting up a ried most available communication devices over bluetooth connection between the device and a the past 10 years while guiding, and this year I smart phone. The free Delorme app provides a was in the market for a new satellite commudownload of high-quality topo maps and nautinication device for use on several expeditions. cal charts. The device’s navigation ability is far I settled on the inferior to new recently updatGPS devices, ed Delorme but it does allow inReach SE, a you to pinpoint two-way satelyour location on lite messaging a map. The best device. part about the app is the abilThe Delorme inReach SE is ity to control the device and designed to send message from “SOS” messages your phone to authorities in case of an emerwhile leaving the gency, as well device stowed in as to send and your backpack. receive text mesThe only problem I sages when cell had with the reception is not D e l o r m e available. The inReach SE was device does this by connecting to when testing the the Iridium satdevice while it was charging ellite network. on my portable The cost of the Smoke Signals for the digital age. Photo: Jason Luthy solar panel – a inReach is a little higher than the SPOT, but the addition of strong wind took the solar panel (and attached two-way text was the reason I spent the additional inReach) for an airborne trip off of an elevated money. With texting you have more freedom to porch and across the yard. Although there wasn’t visible damage, the 30-plus foot journey to hard coordinate a ride if your travel plans change or let a loved one know you are going to be delayed. ground forced me to perform a “soft reset,” folThe setup process and selecting a monthly lowing directions from Delorme, and resync the service plan were simple. The inReach is configdevice with my computer. This isn’t a big issue ured using a website allowing you to manage your when your computer is available, but it would account and billing and to set up preset messages, have rendered the device nonfunctional if I was view your recent trip information, and set social out in the field. media and map sharing. You also have the option With monthly fees as low as $15 a month and to set up a public website allowing others to view the ability to start, stop or change service plans as your travels on a web-based map. needed, the device provides a welcome safety net Over the past six months I have been testing and benefit of communication from remote places.

To see one example of a trip taken with the inReach the capabilities of the inReach in a variety of envithat included sending messages and tracking at 30 ronments. It was simple to send and receive messages to email and SMS text addresses and to post minute intervals, check out www.share.delorme. locations and a message to social media. I found com/longleafwildernessmedicine. //

Dec 30: Resolution Run 5K

To purchase tickets or for more information visit

getlitfestival.org

Mention Get Lit! for a festival rate starting at $89 at the Red Lion River Inn! 14

Out There Monthly / April 2015

Ready for the big Race?

221 N. Wall St. 509.624.7654 10208 N. Division 509-468-1786

Fun and Scenic Low Elevation Age Group Medals Big Overall Awards Tech Fabric Shirts for All Chip Timed Big medals for HalfMarathon Runners Easy Fast Parking Full Aid Stations Family Friendly Walkers Welcome

Sunday May 24 HalfMarathon 10k 5k

Register at:

priestlakerace.com

Play it safe above and below a dam At Avista, we want you to enjoy recreation activities on area reservoirs and waterways. But remember, waters near a dam can pose serious hidden dangers to boaters and swimmers.

Sudden water discharges from spillways and turbines can also be hazardous.

To protect yourself near a dam, follow these safety tips: • Obey all posted warning and closure signs.

• Never cross the boater safety cable above a dam. Strong currents could pull you through an open spill-gate or into an intake area.

• Be alert for debris, obstructions and partially submerged objects.

• Never fish, swim, play or anchor your boat in the area above or below a dam.

• Look out for overhead bridges, cables and power lines.

• Always wear a lifejacket and safety whistle when on the water.

For Spokane River, Lake Spokane and Lake Coeur d’Alene flow and elevation changes for the coming week, visit: avistautilities.com/waterflow or call 509-495-8043 (Washington) 208-769-1357 (Idaho).

April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

15

16

Out There Monthly / April 2015

Health&Fitness

The Inland Northwest’s Most Trusted Bike Shops Since 1972

Eat your vitamins

The Surprising Value of Real Food // By Ammi Midstokke

Eat Real Food too.

Photo: Shallan Knowles

There is a woman standing in my office with a shopping bag full of vitamins. She sets them one-by-one on my table and explains how often she takes each one. There is CoQ10, fish oil, vitamin D, obscene amounts of biotin (because Dr. Oz told her it’s good for hair growth), B stress complexes, chlorophyll, pancreatic digestive enzymes and half a dozen other potent means of disrupting the body’s normal function.

“Do you eat food?” I ask, rather seriously, because I can’t figure out how there’s any space in her gut for a steak after all those supplements.

And then my follow-up question comes: “Why are you taking this one?”

pared in some fashion, which many Americans are becoming adverse to if it involves more than unwrapping a package and shoving said “food” into pie hole. Real food, as opposed to faux food, is “nutrient-dense.” This is a term we use a lot in my practice. Nutrient-dense foods are foods that are loaded with vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids and carbohydrates. It is about getting more bang for your buck.

Take a cracker, for example. You get a few carbohydrates, some sugar, if you’re lucky, trace vitamin A and a dash of iron for good measure. Take a slice of kohlrabi and you’ll get vitamin C, B6, potassium, copper and some manganese. Both are

Surprisingly, real food can be hard to find today, although it can usually be identified in the confusing environment of a grocery store or market by a single common trait: It doesn’t have ingredients.

About 99% of the time, people are taking a vitamin because they heard somewhere that it’s good for something. And since they too have a body, they assume their body will function better with more of that. By this logic, I’ve consumed enough vitamin B to handle a divorce, car crash and relocation in the same week.

In a perfect world, we’d be able to get all our vitamins from the food we eat. Somewhere between the discovery of isolated vitamins and malnourishment is a multi-billion dollar market where food is delivered in pill form with little instruction on how to consume it.

There are two major reasons why we may not be able to get all our vitamins in only the food we eat: 1.

Foods are not as nourishing as they used to be (see modern agricultural techniques and depleted soil); and 2. We demand more vitamins than our ancestors because it seems like a good idea to complete an Ironman or ride a bike for 24 hours.

So how do we get as many vitamins as possible in the food we eat?

This is pretty important, especially to those of us who have bona fide sugar addictions as a result of our endurance sports. I’ll try to put it in simple terms and not over complicate because I understand not all of us are doctors or scientists or food geeks: Eat. Real. Food.

Surprisingly, real food can be hard to find today, although it can usually be identified in the confusing environment of a grocery store or market by a single common trait: It doesn’t have ingredients. Most of the time it needs to be pre-

equally effective scoops for guacamole, pesto or a slab of Brie. One is empty calories.

Foods such as pastas, rice, breads, white potatoes, cereals, etc. are pretty devoid of nutrients beyond some trace minerals and an overdose of simple carbohydrates. Your nutrient-dense foods are going to be found in the vegetable aisle, on the butcher’s block, in the fish market. They are not in boxes.

What if we need more vitamins because we make our bodies do crazy things? Understanding what supplements we might need and why is the first step to figuring out correct dosage. The next step is understanding what co-factors are necessary to absorb that dosage. For example, taking high doses of vitamin D (5000 IU/day) is a good start for most of us northerly folk, but if we don’t consume or take supplemental vitamin K, we cannot effectively transport the D into the correct cells and may wind up purchasing ourselves some new kidney stones.

Spend some time researching your supplements as you would researching your training plan. If you invest the same amount of energy in your nutrition, you’ll perform better and feel better.

And as a general rule, that applies to vitamins and shoes: You get what you pay for. In the meantime, eat plants and animals. // Ammi Midstokke is a recovered vegan and nutritional therapist in Sandpoint, Idaho, where she regularly saves athletes from their cracker addiction. Find her online at Twobirdsnutrition.com.

Come Check Out the Fantastic New Spring/ Summer Shebeest Apparel Join Us for Women's Specific Cycling Apparel Showings April 24th at Wheel Sport South April 25th at the Valley Store 6:30-8:00 pm Both Nights Drinks & Snacks Provided

Valley 606 N. Sullivan Rd. Spokane Valley, WA 509-921-7729

Central 1711 N. Division Spokane, WA 509-326-3977

South 3020 S. Grand Blvd.

Spokane, WA 509-747-4187

wheelsportspokane.com Mon–Sat 9–6 • Sun 11–4

ELEVATE YOUR PERFORMANCE

The Horus

Available in Prescription & Non-prescription

Main & Washington 509.747.6581 Exam Appointments at TheEy eC a r eTea m . c om

the EYE CARE TEAM Your Downtown Eye Care Center April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

17

Running pettEt endurance project

Made in America Running Apparel with Soul // By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

From the Pacific Northwest with love. Photo courtesy of Pettet Endurance Project

Riverside State Park – Seven Mile Airstrip* *

Each race still only

17 & U

nder o

10!

nly $

WA Discover Passes REQUIRED – They will be available for purchase on-site May 6.

Each evening is sponsored by a local bike shop. Each shop has donated great prizes to be given away randomly at the end of ‘their’ evening. FREE cold refreshments will also be provided at the end of each race.

DATES / SPONSORING SHOPS

MAY 6 Two Wheel Transit

JUNE 3 Fitness Fanatics

JUNE 17 North Division Bike

MAY 13 Vertical Earth

Mid-Season Party

JUNE 24 (Series Final) The Bike Hub End-of-Series Party

MAY 20 Bicycle Butler MAY 27 Mtn. View Cyclery

(June 3 after the races)

This Bike Life JUNE 10 Wheelsport

(June 24 after the races)

Cool Water Bikes

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY:

Douglas, Eden, Phillips, DeRuyter and Stanyer, P.S. For more information, call (509) 879-5119 or email info@nomadzracing.com 18

Out There Monthly / April 2015

Running shirts tell stories – ask anyone wearing a Bloomsday finisher t-shirt. Shirts made

by Pettet Endurance Project also tell a story.

PEP designs and sells merino-wool running shirts that are exclusively made in the USA. Based in Bothell, Wash., north of Seattle, this start-up company officially launched in May 2014 at the Bloomsday trade show, after two years of planning and production. Co-founded by Greg Poffenroth – who graduated from North Central High School (2002) and Gonzaga University (2006) – and his wife, Lisa (also a GU grad), this savvy and personable e-commerce business is steadily growing and getting national attention.

“We’re working really hard at building a company that has soul,” says Poffenroth, who notes that they want their brand to convey the socially conscious ethos of the Pacific Northwest. “We want our customers to be proud to work with us, and have products that we’re proud of making,” adds Poffenroth, whose father Don is a co-founder of Dry Fly Distillery in Spokane and an influential business mentor.

Greg Poffenroth, 31, grew up living a halfmile from Pettet Drive in northwest Spokane, otherwise known as “Doomsday Hill,” along the Bloomsday 12k race course. Every year, this was where he watched the elite racers.

“I wanted to name our company something that was personally meaningful to both me and the running community,” says Poffenroth, who started running after college and recognized a lack of innovation in the athletic apparel industry.

“I didn’t want to name it something runningspecific, [because] I may go out running one day and be out on my road bike the next day. I view these things as a project – whether you’re running six-minute miles or 12-minute miles, it’s always something you’re working on. The company has to have that same mentality and philosophy – we have to get better every day. By showing through our name, it forces us to live that mentality day in and day out.”

PEP apparel is made using high-quality 100% merino wool from Australia and New Zeeland, obtained from ethical sources that use environmentally-friendly practices. With natural antimicrobial and thermo-regulation properties, in addition to other benefits of merino wool, PEP shirts are designed with endurance athletes in mind. A trim fit and longer sleeves meet the needs

of trail runners and ultra-runners. “They work just as well for hikers, backpackers and general outdoorsy people,” says Poffenroth, who foresees his company extending into apparel for cyclists and triathletes.

PEP’s production team includes a designer, who was a former director of design for The North Face; a pattern maker, formerly with Nike, who does all of PEP’s technical design work; and a producer, who oversees quality controls and production schedules with the factories. All three work under contract, according to Poffenroth.

American factories, skilled in producing highly-specialized clothing – including ones in Spokane and the Tri-Cities, as well as Oregon and California – manufacture PEP’s apparel. “It costs four or five times as much to produce our products in the U.S. [But our] product, in the end, is less expensive than our competitors,” he says.

PEP apparel costs less because it’s only sold online through the company’s website, pettetendurance. com, or in-person at race trade shows. Free shipping is always provided, even for returns. “I’d rather make a high-quality product in an ethical manner and sell it for what it’s worth,” he says.

“We add a handwritten note with every order – to thank [customers] and ask for their feedback.

This is one of the ways we’re different. And as a result, we get a lot of positive feedback on our products and our prototypes,” he says.

With sales and production runs increasing, PEP has developed heavier-weight prototypes for shorts, hats and jackets. And new spring items are coming soon.

“We’ve beat growth projections, but with a start-up I didn’t want to burden the business with having extra costs with my own salary,” says Poffenroth, who continues to work full-time as a business consultant while overseeing his own.

“My wife and I are boot-strapping this company – it’s our own investments that are making this work. We’re working hard to grow organically and profitably. By not taking outside investments, we can control our company’s direction and not be driven solely by profit. Our concept has been met with a lot of success. We get notes from our customers, whether it’s an email or handwritten, thanking us for building our company like this.”

Visit Pettet Endurance Project at this year’s Lilac Bloomsday Run trade show or online at Pettetendurance.com. //

RaceReport 39th Annual Spring Festival Run at Priest Lake (May 24) With only 400 participants each year, the appeal of this annual Priest Lake race is that age group and overall runners can win cool awards in a smaller field, and its family friendly with different distances happening at the same event. “It’s one of the most scenic venues of any race I’ve ever done,” says two-time spring run racer Mike Overby. “You’re running right along the lake much of the time, and it takes place during the Memorial Day festivities for the town of Coolin with a wonderful craft and artist show going on right at the start/finish line, which is great for family and friends that aren’t racing. The food vendors and beer garden are a plus after the race!”

The Spring Festival Run includes a half marathon and 10k and 5k distances, and all of the races are chip timed. Half-Marathon runners get big custom Priest Lake finisher medals, age group division places get custom medals, and overall winners take home place trophies. And all participants get a technical fabric finisher shirt.

“Last year was my first time participating in the spring race,” says runner Stephanie Luby. “I plan on doing it again this year. Why? Because Priest Lake is beautiful, and there is a community/family feeling that I felt last year. Seeing all the support for the individuals receiving the placing awards gave the sense of support and community.”

To sign up for the Sunday, May 24 event held at Coolin, Idaho, on Priest Lake, visit priestlakerace.com.

200 Mile Traditions—Spokane to Sandpoint Relay (August 14-15) A once-in-a-lifetime experience can become an annual event. This is the 8th annual Spokane to Sandpoint Relay this year, and many teams have been participating since day one. The 200-mile relay isn’t always the easiest race to convince a teammate to sign up for. Once they hear about the beautiful course along the Centennial Trail, waterfront views, a trail leg descending down Mt. Spokane at the start and the grand finish line on the beach in Sandpoint, it then becomes hard for any runner to resist the opportunity of this relay experience. “If you’ve never done this sort of event, it’s highly recommended and well-organized,” says OTM contributor and avid runner Ammi Midstokke. “Grab a friend, find a team, and run under the stars on a beautiful summer night. It will be an adventure to remember.”

The beauty of this course speaks for itself. Past participants will also tell you that the organizers go above and beyond to deliver an exceptional race experience. On course medical services are provided throughout the entire race and race officials and friendly volunteers can be found managing every exchange point. Don’t just train for races with your friends, race with them too! Running is no longer an individual sport; you need a team to fully enjoy the 200-mile, scenic Spokane to Sandpoint Relay course.

SpokanetoSandpoint.com.

Troika Triathlon Celebrates 35 Years (May 30) The small town of Medical Lake west of Spokane is a bit of an unexpected outdoor oasis in the

pleasant, pine-studded hills and scablands country north of Interstate 90. Swimming; stand up paddleboarding; walking or riding paved trails; and relaxing and playing on the grass and sand of scenic Waterfront Park are all popular summertime activities around Medical Lake. Come May 30, the park, lake and town are also host to one of the oldest triathlons in the U.S. “Troika got started back in the early days of triathlons when people still viewed them as kind of crazy,” says Race Director Scott Ward. “At the time, it was my favorite race and over the years I started volunteering as a way to give back to a sport I really love.”

The historic Troika Triathlon was a grassroots affair that came to be because of the passion of local athletes that fell in love with the mix of swimming, cycling and running after experiencing some of the first triathlon events and decided to organize their own back in Spokane. Originally held at Newman Lake, organizers started out using milk jugs as buoys for the swim and the biking course followed Trent Avenue west into Spokane and the run was downtown, says Ward. The event eventually moved to Medical Lake but the bike leg continued to follow a course into downtown Spokane where the run started for many years.

Three years ago, Ward says, the whole thing was moved out to Medical Lake.

Back in the 80s, when the triathlon craze really took off and before larger Ironman events began overshadowing smaller community triathlons, around 700 people turned out for Troika each year. Over the years, Troika has adapted and made changes in recent years, like the addition of

a shorter sprint course, contributing to a spike in participants. The sprint distance, which includes shorter, more manageable swimming, cycling and running courses, is a great way for more people to give a triathlon a try. “We added the sprint distance because a lot of spectators wanted to try a triathlon but didn’t feel up to the long course,” Ward says. “It gives more people the chance to experience it.”

Many of the original event participants and volunteers are still involved with putting on the Troika Triathlon each year, giving the event a truly unique and supportive community feel in a beautiful, small-town setting. It’s also the least expensive triathlon in the area, Ward notes. The traditional long course includes a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run, while the sprint distance includes a .25 mile swim, 10.25 mile bike, and a 3 mile run.

If you’re thinking about making Troika your first-ever triathlon, you still have plenty of time to train for the sprint distance. Check out Fitness Fanatics (www.fitfanatics.com) for your gear and training advice needs and visit Troikatriathlon. com for more info or to register. // (OTM)

2014 Spring Festival run half marathon overall winner Dan Walters.

Photo courtesy of Priest Lake Multisports

April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

19

Whitewater Rafting the Lochsa

An Inland NW Recreation Right of Passage // By Aaron Theisen “We’re going to go to the house and have a Bloody Mary with the Grim Reaper. We fell off the cliffside because we tripped over our shoestrings, so we’ve gotta jump on Jonesy’s horsetail, ride the prelude through Lochsa Falls, pick up the pieces, smoke the pipe with the old man and get terminated at Split Creek.”

Not salivating at that seemingly nonsensical story? Then you haven’t floated the Lochsa River (pronounced “Lock-Saw”) in north-central Idaho, one of the premier one-day whitewater runs in the Inland Northwest – or anywhere else, for that matter.

The snowmelt months of spring bring worldclass whitewater rafting to the Lochsa, the river ably living up to its name, which derives from the Salish for “rough water.” Many rivers leaven their big rapids with slack-water respite. Not the Lochsa, which boasts almost continuous rapids over the 40-mile stretch from its headwaters near Lolo Pass on the Idaho/Montana border to the confluence of the Selway, a world-class wilderness whitewater experience in its own right.

Forty named rapids – that introductory story should give some clues – on the standard Lochsa float run the gamut from standing waves and surf holes to raft-bashing cataracts through van-sized granite boulders. The notorious Lochsa Falls has spawned a cottage industry of GoPro-captured carnage, but its neighbors are not to be ignored; thread-the-needle class-IV rapids like Ten Pin and House Rock Rapid merit a raft-paddle high-five from successful boaters.

And if you can wipe the water from your eyes and tear your focus from the river, you’ll see the scenery is first class too. One of the six original rivers protected by the U.S. Congress in the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the free-flowing Lochsa flanks the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness on river left, the river chatter drowning out the light traffic of two-lane Highway 12 on river right.

Fog-catching canyons enhance the mystery of one of the most pristine landscapes in the lower 48, the river looking much the same as when Lewis and Clark, who encountered it on their westward journey to the Pacific, described it as “swift and stony.”

Guiding a raft down the Lochsa is for experienced

boaters only, so it’s best to sign up for a trip with a commercial outfitter. ROW Adventures recommends the trip for boaters with a float or two under their belts, but later in the season, lower flows make the Lochsa a first-timer-friendly float, with bail-out points along Highway 12 in case anyone gets cold feet. I went along on a trip with ROW last season, and the guides were the right combination of laid back and laser-focused, able to crack jokes in one breath and bark out commands in the next. And they’re good cooks too. Their hot beachside lunches take the edge off chilly spring temperatures. And if you’re lucky, the guides will even tell you a little story about the Grim Reaper and the Terminator, an explosive narrative that unfolds over a swift, stony landscape. //

World-Class Whitewater in your own backyard.

Photos: Aaron Theisen

Planning a Lochsa Trip The Lochsa River is a world-class whitewater mecca with thrilling class III and IV rapids. Guided rafting trips are suitable for most healthy adults and older children and teenagers.

When to Go The whitewater season on the Lochsa normally runs from May through early July, although this year, with less snow left in the mountains to drive spring river flows, the whitewater fun will start in April and end earlier than usual.

Guides We recommend these experienced Lochsa River guides. ROW Adventures runs trips out of the River Dance Lodge out of Syringa, Idaho, 90 miles east of Lewiston; Three Rivers Resort and Rafting operates at the confluence of the Lochsa and Selway rivers, which come together to form the Clearwater River at the tiny town of Lowell; and Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures further upriver runs its Lochsa trips out of the Lochsa Lodge near Lolo Pass and the Idaho/Montana border.

Lodging Several lodges and campgrounds along the river corridor give you plenty of options to choose from, including tent camping, rental cabins and comfy lodge rooms with hot tubs. The River Dance Lodge in Syringa offers handcrafted log cabins with private hot tubs and dining at the Syringa Café. Three Rivers Resort operates a campground and rental cabins and has a heated pool and hot tubs, restaurant, bar and store. The Lochsa Lodge near Lolo Pass has lodge rooms, cabins, a restaurant and bar and a store.

Staying Warm on the River You don’t have to freeze your butt off on a Lochsa trip. Outfitters provide plenty of amenities to keep you warm, including thick wetsuits, splash jackets, booties, gloves, and other warm clothing and creative comforts like on-river hot lunches, heated vans, and post-trip hot springs, hot tubs, or hot showers. // (OTM) 20

Out There Monthly / April 2015

Hiking Find new hiking trails and camaraderie with local hiking groups // By Holly Weiler A lackluster Northwest winter is rapidly turning to spring, which means the time to hike is now.

With hundreds of trail miles waiting to be explored on our local public lands, there is no excuse to stay indoors. When checking out Spokane County’s Conservation Futures properties; state parks; or our surrounding state, BLM and National Forest lands, the best way to learn about an area is to join up with other hikers who know the trails. Check out these local hiking organizations to benefit from the collective knowledge of those who have been there before.

The Backpacking Club: Founded in March of 1994, the Backpacking Club is a cooperative catering to adults and promoting the enjoyment of nature through hiking and backpacking. Nonmembers are welcome to join one day-hike before becoming a member. In the spring, one is likely to find the club preparing for the upcoming backpack season by hiking Quartzite Mountain on the Colville National Forest. More info: www.backpackingclub.macwebsitebuilder.com or 509-467-8099.

Exploring the Inland NW with the Sierra Club: Formed in May 2014, this Meetup Group is affiliated with the Upper Columbia River Group of the Sierra Club. The group shares information about the Sierra Club and local environmental issues while exploring trails around Spokane; however, you don’t need to be a Sierra Club member to join the group for a hike and ensuing discussion. Look for opportunities to learn about the ecology of the Spokane River on a hike through Riverside State Park this spring. More info: www.meetup.com/Exploring-the-Inland-Northwest-with-Sierra-Club or LoneStar4@aol.com.

Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness: Founded in January 2005, the Friends are celebrating a decade of working to protect the rugged and roadless Scotchman Peaks area as Wilderness.

If you are interested in learning more about why this 88,000 acre area spanning the Idaho/Montana border is worthy of official protection or if you just want to get to know the area better, join one of the group’s guided hikes. This spring will find members perched atop the 7,009 foot namesake peak, hanging out with mountain goats while gazing down on Lake Pend Oreille.

More info: www.scotchmanpeaks.org or 208-290-1281.

Hobnailers: Formed in 1951, the Hobnailers promote fellowship and an interest in conservation issues through hiking. Anyone who enjoys walking and socializing is welcome to join a hike, typically

held on Sundays and Wednesdays from March through October. One of the club’s favorite spring hiking destinations is Escure Ranch and the impressive creek cascades of Towell Falls. More info: www.

Inlandnorthwesttrails.org/events/Hobnailers.asp or 509-487-7366.

Inland Northwest Hikers: Formed around five years ago, this Meetup Group is led by hiking enthusiasts who enjoy sharing their local trail knowledge with others. The group offers a wide range of hikes, asking participants to self-select events to match ability level. In the spring, find hikers from the group wildlife watching at Steamboat Rock and nearby Northrup Canyon. More info: www.meetup. com/Inland-Northwest-Hikers.

MsAdventures: This Meetup Group is open to women of all ages and ability levels. The group formed in 2012 and is all about camaraderie and fostering friendships among the diverse women in the group. Join a hike or other outdoor activity, including a spring outing to check out the best wildflowers on the Palouse at Kamiak Butte. More info: www.meetup.com/Ms-Adventures-of-the-InlandNorthwest or karenwithani@aol.com.

Spokane Mountaineers: Started by a group of librarians in 1915, the Spokane Mountaineers is celebrating its centennial this year. In addition to organizing a wide range of outdoor activities, the club is dedicated to education through its annual schools and conservation of public lands. Nonmembers may join up to three events before membership is required. This spring, join the club to learn about the Dream Trail while exploring the Dishman Hills Natural Area. More info: www.spokanemountaineers.org or hiking@spokanemountaineers.org.

Washington Trails Association: Founded in 1966, WTA doesn’t lead group hikes, but they do lead volunteer trail work outings both locally and across the state, and many of those trips include quite a bit of hiking. WTA fosters an active hiker community via an interactive website, and the group engages in hiker advocacy and offers education and youth outreach. If you enjoy our local hiking trails, consider dedicating a day this spring to a WTA trail maintenance or trail-building work party. You can also share your most recent hike with others via a trip reports feature at wta.org. Join other hikers and WTA volunteers in action this spring at Liberty Lake County Park and Iller Creek Conservation Area. More info: www.wta.org or hweiler@wta.org. //

COOL WATER BIKES’ Saturday June 6, 2015 10am-2pm

A fun bike ride for the whole family to enjoy!

The Mighty Lochsa River is Calling…

Adventure awaits

An event to share the story of a beloved youth and to raise funds for

[a full-service, non-profit bike shop, empowering youth who are homeless to become wholehearted followers of Christ and exit street life.]

Just under 4 hours SE of Spokane

$30 Off a Lochsa Trip when you stay in one of our handcrafted log cabins with hot tubs

509.838.8580 bikes@coolwaterbikes.org

coolwaterbikes.org

Book your Idaho Adventure today!

From Mid-May to early July 1-866-769-8747

www.riverdancelodge.com April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

21

Running You Just Ran 100 Marathons // What Are You Going to do Next? By Derrick Knowles Running a single marathon is a serious accomplishment. It takes dedication, mental discipline, and plenty of training to cross the finish line still running after 26.2 miles. Completing 100 marathons is something entirely different, a benchmark that relatively few highly goal driven, resilient athletes reach.

Elaine Koga-Kennelly, the current Race Director for the Windermere Marathon, didn’t start running until relatively late in life (she was 36). On a whim, she joined a 2-mile lunch run with co-workers. Back at the office, her legs were stiff as boards and she felt like she might be crippled. She definitely wasn’t and something turned on inside her after that first lunch-hour jaunt, and there was no turning back.

“From that day forward, I was totally hooked on running and started joining groups and clubs, and it just blossomed,” says Koga-Kennelly. “Running became a true lifestyle for me and I’ve benefitted in so many ways.” Three years after that first run, at age 39, she completed her first marathon.

Thirty years and 99 marathons later, she crossed the finish line of her 100th marathon at age 69.

It may be hard for many non-runners or casual joggers to understand what drives someone to run that many marathons, but for Koga-Kennelly, it was simple. She needed a healthy outlet for dealing with the stress from her career working in financial management and running accounting departments for various large companies in San Francisco. “I’m a very intense, driven person,” she explains. “As a result, I needed a stress reliever.”

And she found that relief in running and was soon setting goals for herself that built on that first 2-mile run, leading to one marathon after another.

For 30 years Koga-Kennelly ticked off some of the most high-profile marathons in 16 states and several countries: Boston, San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Houston, Honolulu, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Victoria, B.C., and even the Great Wall Marathon in China. She also completed five ultras and ran with various running clubs and volunteered for other races and running causes.

By the time she and her husband Paul moved from San Francisco to Spokane after he had retired, she was focused more intently than ever on reaching her goal before her 70th birthday, and the two of them often ran races together.

“That was pretty much all we did when we first moved to Spokane was run marathons around the Northwest,” she says. “We were literally running a marathon a month, and one time we ran two marathons back-to-back in one week.” All-in-all, the couple has completed 37 marathons together.

The intense push to reach her goal finally led Koga-Kennelly across the finish line for the 100th time, achieving her decades-long dream at the Missoula Marathon on July 10, 2011, at the age of 69. To celebrate, she completed the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon near Seattle two weeks later, making it 101.

With membership into both the Marathon Maniacs and the 100 Marathon Club under her belt, Koga-Kennelly turned her attention and passion for distance running and the running community towards the Windermere Marathon, a local race that has evolved into the Spokane area’s largest marathon. After running Windermere a few times and making connections with the race organizers through her second carrier as a real estate broker, she became more deeply involved 22

Out There Monthly / April 2015

Top: Elaine Koga-Kennelly with her husband Paul at the finish of the 2011 Windermere Marathon. Bottom: Start of the Windermere Marathon. Only 26.2 more miles to go. // Photos courtesy of Elaine Koga-Kennelly

with the Windermere Marathon, first as a volunteer and later as an employee.

Since the first race in 2008, the Windermere Marathon began developing a reputation as one of the most scenic marathons in the Northwest.

The fast, largely flat, Boston qualifying course from Liberty Lake to downtown Spokane, mostly along the Spokane River on the Centennial Trail, appeals to both competitive runners aiming to beat their own personal records as well as everyday runners looking for a more pleasant marathon or half marathon experience.

Koga-Kennelly saw huge potential for the Windermere Marathon, which had seen little growth in participation for several years before she became involved, and she quickly set about overhauling the event first as the Event Director and later as Executive Director.

Under her leadership, the event has grown 31% in the last two years, with over 2,000 participants in 2014, and registrations this spring were already 9% ahead of last year, she says. Upon accepting the position of Race Director, she promised to bring the best elements and amenities of the San Francisco Marathon (which she completed 17 times) to Windermere, she says. And by all measures, it looks like she has delivered.

One of the first changes Koga-Kennelly made was to move the start of the race from an industrial area in Post Falls to the more aesthetic Rocky

Hill Park in Liberty Lake and to shift the race date to the first Sunday in June. She then set her sights on bringing on the premier race amenities she’d promised: The race shirts are long-sleeved and high-quality, with “Seahawk-inspired” colors this year; there are “blinged-out,” spinning flying shoe finisher’s medals presented by Marines; long-stemmed white roses flown in from South America are distributed by the Ladies of the Spokane Lilac Festival Royal Court at the finish line; and each finisher receives a “Victory Stand Photo” to memorialize the accomplishment. To top it all off, there’s a post-race celebration and party with hot food, a beer garden and music, and the whole event is a fundraiser for the Windermere Foundation, which backs local non-profit groups that support low-income and homeless families in the Spokane area.

While running 100 plus marathons may not be for everyone, Koga-Kennelly’s passion for the discipline is inspiring. “There is such energy in a marathon experience,” she says. “Everything from the expos, pasta feeds, travel, the social aspects and the personality of each individual race, there are such wonderful memories with each different marathon.”

Having goals and running marathons has made life richer, says Koga-Kennelly. “It’s the moments that I’ve experienced in marathons that are the most memorable to me and give me a great sense of satisfaction. These are peak moments that I treasure.” //

April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

23

Health&Fitness Can Structural integration boost athlete performance? // By Brad Naccarato a year, so I am always training for the next race,” says Collins. “SI has allowed me to train longer, better and pain-free. My hips are better aligned when I run, I’m more comfortable holding an aero position on my bike, and my back and arms are no longer tight after long swims,” he adds.

For SI, the proof is in the results. Collins has posted several of his personal best times in the last two years. “Last year in Arizona, I had my best Ironman ever in 20 years. I feel faster and more efficient now at 45 than I did 20 years ago when I first began racing – and I owe a lot of it to SI.” OTM recently sat down with Gwen Sheveland, owner of South Hill Structural, to discuss the benefits of structural integration therapy for endurance athletes.

With race season upon us, many competitors have already begun to reacquaint themselves with their in-season training routines. Often times, this may mean confronting the frustration of pain, stiffness and impaired body function.

Sports massage is the traditional route that many athletes utilize when they are forced to combat these issues. While massage therapy is certainly a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, structural integration is an often overlooked therapy that can have a huge impact on athletic performance.

SI is a type of bodywork that focuses on the connective tissue, or fascia, of the body. Fascia surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, organs, and nerves, binding some structures together while permitting others to slide smoothly over each other. Fascia is designed to be elastic and move freely with muscles and bones.

Injury, stress, work-related repetitive movements and the effects of aging can cause fascia to lose its elasticity and become shorter, tighter, and denser. Tightened fascia pulls our muscles and skeleton out of proper alignment and posture, which can cause pain, discomfort, and fatigue – all of which can be aggravated as we train harder.

Ken Collins, a 45-year-old Spokane dentist and avid Ironman athlete started getting structural integration therapy at South Hill Structural two years ago when he began to encounter some road blocks in his training. “I’ve been doing Ironman for the last 20 years with an average of about four

How does structural integration differ from traditional sports massage?

The therapeutic goals of sports massage are entirely different than those of structural integration. SI asks the question, what is functionally tight? And how can we open and balance those areas to make structural change? Traditional sports massage works on muscles and not functional units of movement. Similar to physical therapy, SI is also performed on male clients in shorts and on women in a sports bra and shorts.

How can SI improve someone’s athletic performance – specifically for endurance training?

An SI session is designed to elongate muscle fibers and create space in areas that are chronically tight.

Long distance runners might feel stress in their legs, hips, feet and back; SI opens those primary areas up. Once relaxed (quads for example), the body then responds by allowing opposing muscle groups, like hamstrings, to relax.

How many treatments are necessary to obtain measurable results?

SI sessions can be spot directed to work on improving a few problem areas that the athlete may have, but to really feel great overall results, I recommended the Full-Ten Series (10 treatments that address specific areas) to give balance to the entire body. Periodic sessions are recommended when the athlete’s body is feeling tight so that proper balance and optimal posture can be maintained.

Do you focus on anything in particular when working on someone who is an athlete?

First we examine everyone’s posture and inquire about areas needing attention. Now, let’s say a runner is having discomfort in their calf.

Because the structure is receiving information from all around, they will receive work on the calf area and in areas above and below the calf.

Flexion and extension in the foot then determines the movability of the Achilles and the muscles of the calf. Balance between the quads

W DREAM HOM E N E UR O Y Live Where You Play— Let me be your guide to the perfect home!

April GleasonReal Estate Broker Locally Owned and Operated

I work for buyers only- no conflict of interest.

All of the latest listings where you want to live.

aprilgleason97@gmail.com 509.822.9904

RAFT

and hamstrings will then also affect the muscles below. SI creates the muscular balance that enables athletes to train and compete with less pain and reduced injury; but most remarkable is that it can restore ease of motion and pain-free movement for enjoyable training. //

SOAK

PERSONAL TRAINING

MASSAGE

Triathlon Training Cupping Detoxification Weight Training Facial Cupping TRX Pilates “Let your practice be Deep Tissue Sports Specific a celebration Thai Boot Camp of life”.

Ashiatsu Personal Yoga ~Seido lee deBarros Instruction Reflexology Senior Programs Sports Massage darcyspersonaltraining@comcast.net · 509-487-7815

RELAX

REPEAT RAFT & RELAX ON THE WILD & SCENIC LOCHSA RIVER

LOCHSA LODGE & LEWIS CLARK TRAIL ADVENTURES PRESENT THE RAFT & RELAX PACKAGE •INCLUDES: 1 NIGHT STAY AT THE LODGE, LOCHSA RIVER RAFT-TRIP & $10 BREAKFAST CREDIT •PACKAGES START AT $140 PP BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

24

Out There Monthly / April 2015

Greasy Handshake Extinction of the Expert Bike Shop Employee? / By Pedal Wrench I can’t even begin to quantify the vast wealth of knowledge and range of skills I have gained over the last decade while working in the bicycle industry.

Starting as a grom and over time working my way up to management, there’s nothing I can’t do in a bike shop (and that includes everything from bike tune-ups to major repairs as well as shop plumbing, carpentry and electrical work). Not to mention the business math and management experience. Yep, I learned it all at a bike shop, as have many other longtime shop employees.

2015-16

worked in bike shops and are now racing on collegiate cycling teams!

Ultimately and fortunately, bike shops are still one of the last frontiers in retail for a proper expert. For example, it’s not a guarantee that when you go to the big box electronic store that you’ll get knowledgeable help behind the name tag. Thanks to the internet, prices are too competitive to afford good help in that industry.

The bike industry on the other hand is still somewhat special in the fact that many manufacturers protect their products from leaking on to the web, and some

The bike industry on the other hand is still somewhat special in the fact that many manufacturers protect their products from leaking on to the web.

I am becoming increasingly concerned, however, that the era of the knowledgeable, credible, experienced, jack-of-all trades bike shop employee –the kind that so many customers have come to expect and so many bike shop owners have come to rely on – may be in danger at a shop near you. It would be a shame to staff our local bike shops with cashiers in uniforms. If this unfortunate trend continues, there will be plenty of finger pointing to go around. Let me explain.

Despite the fact that bike shop employees need to know, memorize and be aware of so many parts and specs, many of them are underpaid.

But what about the great deals on bikes and other products that shop employees enjoy? Glad you asked.

Unfortunately industry deals don’t help with rent, insurance and other financial obligations. Making a living in retail is difficult enough without a thing called winter. Most adults don’t appreciate and can’t afford being laid off from their main job for several months, which leads to less-experienced and often younger employees who can survive on lower wages and seasonal employment taking jobs at shops, while many older, more skilled employees with greater financial obligations and responsibilities are forced to move on.

There’s no doubt that being a bike shop owner, especially in an area like the Inland Northwest with a lot of competition, can be difficult. But to continue to attract and keep the kind of skilled, hard-working employees that customers value, shop owners need to do what they can to offer adequate pay, year-round employment and other basic benefits, at least to their longtime employees, whenever possible.

Another culprit to the potential extinction of the “grade A” bike shop employee is parents and the kids themselves. When a young man or women turns 16, they should have a general grasp of the English language, including knowing how to speak to other humans in person. Yet, I have witnessed a decline of intelligent, well-spoken teens asking about shop jobs over the last five years. What ever happened to getting a summer job and earning spending money? This could be a job that continues throughout their educational years and helps provide a solid income. Or if they, like most lifers, see a future in the cycling industry, working their way up the ladder at a bike shop helps build a solid job resume and background. If you have or know someone who has a teen who loves biking and is capable of these things, send them down to their local bike shop. Help them write a resume and cover letter. Make them come in without holding their hand and make them speak face to face with a manager and ask for a summer job. If you are a teen, make it happen yourself.

There are many colleges out there that are now giving scholarships for cycling. I know a number of kids who

companies even fight to allow the small bicycle retailer to be the sole source of the company’s products.

This is why bike shops still need expert employees who know their trade. Hopefully this arrangement will continue for years to come, benefitting everyone from employees to shop owners and their customers. Don’t forget to do your part too. Next time you go to pick your bike up at the shop, show your gratitude to your local bike shop expert. Rumor has it that pizza and beer are especially appreciated. // Pedal Wrench honed his bike mechanic and plumbing skills at area bike shops over the years. He writes about cycling gear and bike industry topics in his occasional OTM column.

7

DAYS

A WEEK!

30

Minutes from CDA

Ski The Rest Of This Season For Free!

Layaway now and lock in these prices!

Pay 1/2 now, Pay the other 1/2 by Oct 1

Sale

Full Price

NEW! Now 5 Days a Week!

NEW! Young Adult $ 229

639 359

Ages 18-23

NEW!

Family Pass $ 899 1499

2 Adults and up to 3 youth - additional youth are $99

Added Benefits 4 day passes to Silver Rapids Waterpark 1 day pass to Silver Mountain Bike Park 2 for 1 golf and much more!

Details@

silvermt.com

208.783.1111 Prices Valid Through 4/30/15 Kellogg, ID April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

25

Spring Compost Fair & Arbor Day Celebration

OutdoorLiving Grow your own salad in 8 weeks!

6 Easy Steps // By Bea Lackaff

Saturday, April 25, 2015 11 am-2 pm John A. Finch Arboretum Learn how to compost at home from Master Composter/Recyclers

Spokane County residents from jurisdictions participating in the new County Regional Solid Waste System may take home a free compost bin. Limit one per household. Bins provided by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Please arrive no later than 1:30 pm and bring proof of residency.

For more information call 625-6580 or go to www.spokanecountysolidwaste.org Partial funding provided by WA State Dept of Ecology.

Spring! Green! Spring greens spring green!

Eight weeks after planting the tiny seeds, you can heap your plate with tender, crisp, multihued, fresh, alive and luscious leaves. April is a PERFECT time to start growing your own salad. Gardeners know that homegrown food tastes better. Homegrown veggies are also way more fun to eat and provide more nutrition than mass-produced fruits and vegetables. (Check out Donald Davis’ 2004 article in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition” for more on the latter.) Why not just shop the Farmers’ Markets?

If you gotta ask, just grow your own salad to find out! “Lettuce” consider the basics of starting a little greens garden in your yard.

1. Location (space and light): Early greens can stand some shade. Claim a garden spot, or dig up a bit of yard or curb strip. Or, just find room for a planter, flower pot or hanging basket.

You can also search online for a community garden near you.

2. Soil: If you are planting in pots or containers (which MUST have holes for drainage), buy a bag of potting soil. If you are homesteading a weed patch, buy a bag of composted steer manure to mix in your soil, or buy it anyway to sprinkle on an established bed.

3. Seeds: So many choices! Aim high – fresh seeds and heritage varieties are key. Organic is good (but not essential). Get seeds from your neighbor, a seed-swap, garden store or even your grocery store. Use packages with mixed varieties of lettuce, mesclun and kales. Don’t forget spinach, radish, chard, even peas! Follow the directions on the seed package, but plant a little extra.

4. Water: For watering, use a spray head, as on a watering can, lest you gouge out baby plants with a fire hose. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet (standing water), nor too dry (powdery

spring greens springing green. Photo: Bea Lackaff

dry soil beneath the surface or surface cracks).

Techies can get a moisture meter. The fun will explode in about a week with the first sighting of tiny sprouts. Soon you’ll be eating the first thinnings (yes, you have to thin the plants – we over planted, remember?). Soon you will be grazing in your greens garden every day.

5. Fertilizer: Wait until your young plants are “teenagers” before giving them fertilizer.

Greens thrive with a nudge of nitrogen. Water with dilute fish fertilizer or compost tea. (Fresh manure will burn your babies!) If mucking around in barnyards isn’t YOUR cup of (manure) tea, buy organic garden fertilizer and apply it according to your soil needs and directions.

6. Learn More: Attend the Master Gardener Garden Fair and Plant Sale April 25 at 222 N. Havana in Spokane (9 a.m. -2 p.m.). Bring all your questions and check out the multitudinous plants and seedlings. Be sure to visit your local farmer’s markets too – query and support those who happily submit to the tyranny of their gardens so that you can rove AND have fresh, local, lovingly-grown produce.

Do you fear that gardening will leave your camping gear dusty, your mileage meter on zero, your kayak dry? Really, you CAN have it all (or most, anyway). And, fear not! Every “green thumb” has a cemetery of death and rot (lovingly called a compost pile) which becomes the wisdom, experience, and humus (not “hummus”) for your garden to be the BEST EVER next year. //

Don’t Forget to Drink Your Greens

By S. Michal Bennett

Protein shakes? Nut bars? Energy drinks?

Sure, they all have their place. But a regular, healthy dose of nutritious greens will keep you up and running spring, summer and fall. Leafy greens, like lettuce, arugula, spinach and kale, are rich in B vitamins for energy, minerals for healthy bones and tissues, omega-3 fatty acids and hearthealthy fiber. They are also easy to grow and thrive well in cooler temperatures. The last frost for North Idaho is predicted to be May 6, so you should get those green seeds in the ground between April 15 and 22, or earlier, if you want to see a bountiful harvest all summer long.

What do you do with greens once your garden is growing? Well, Martha Stewart has an incredible kale slaw with peanut sauce dressing that will make even kale-haters beg for more. Whole grilled romaine hearts topped with a little olive oil, lemon juice and parmesan cheese, also delicious! But the easiest way I have found to get your daily greens is by drinking green smoothies. Try out my favorite smoothie recipe, but remember to continually mix up your greens and be creative!

26

Out There Monthly / April 2015

Simple Green Sweetness Ingredients: ½ C orange juice ½ C water 1 granny smith apple, quartered 2 full kale leaves (can remove stems, if desired) 1-inch piece ginger, peeled & chopped ¼ medium cucumber, quartered 1 small banana (sliced & pre-frozen) Squeeze of lemon juice Directions: Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and process until smooth. Makes one serving.

Read more about S. Michal Bennett’s culinary adventures at Shortandtasty.blogspot.com. //

TheBuzzBin Iron Goat Bottles, West Coast Slow Ride & New Riverkeeper IPA Iron Goat Brews Available in Bottles + An Interview with the Iron Goat Word on the street is that it’s possible to “interview” the Iron Goat that rests on the bar of the Iron Goat Brewery tasting room. We had our doubts, but after we learned the conversation required copious amounts of Iron Goat beer, we knew it was worth a try. Following a couple

The big news at the brewery these days is that Iron Goat Brewing has started bottling their beer.

The Impaler and the Head Butt reached local stores last month, and the Trashy Blonde and the Goatmeal Stout should be on the shelves in April.

Brewski loves seeing his silhouette on a bottle.

Before leaving, we asked Brewski if his mom was impressed with his growing popularity. Without hesitation, he proudly reported he is an original masterpiece created

by Sister Paula Mary Turnbull, the very same artist who created the Riverfront Park iron goat, and he is proud to be a part of her legacy. (Jon Jonckers)

Post Your Adventure Photos and Win Cool Trips from New Belgium Brewing Win one of several West Coast adventures plus camping gear and other outdoor prizes for you and a friend by uploading your best travel Drink More beer. talk to iron goats. Photo: jon jonckers photos with New Belgium Brewing’s delightful pints (or more) of the Impaler, the Iron West Coast Slow Ride contest. Winners will be Goat started to relax and show his true colors. He chosen monthly between April and June 2015. goes by the name Brewski, and he absolutely loves There are already over 5,600 #WestCoastSlowRide being a mascot. However, unlike the iron goat by posts on Instagram worth checking out for some inspiration for your next big trip. To enter, take a the Looff Carousel in Riverfront Park, Brewski photograph with your iPhone or Android device does NOT like it when people try to put trash in his mouth. using the Instagram app, and tag it with the

Fit for a King

hashtag #WestCoastSlowRide.

Post your photos in April to be eligible for the next prize package that includes a trip to the Doe Bay Music Festival on Orcas Island, Wash., August 6-10, as well as a heap of other prizes from contest sponsors like ENO hammocks, Stanley and TICLA. A winner will be chosen in May. Find contest rules and complete prize package details at: www.newbelgium.com/Events/ WestCoastSlowRide/Adventures.aspx. (OTM) Drink More Riverkeeper IPA & Support the Spokane River Our quality of life in the Inland Northwest is greatly enhanced by the quality of the water that surrounds us. Recognizing the importance of the Spokane River and its watershed, River City Brewing and Numerica Credit Union have teamed up with Spokane Riverkeeper again this year to launch an annual awareness and fundraising effort. To help celebrate, River City Brewing released a completely new version of its Riverkeeper IPA back in February. More than just a tasty beer, it’s a collaboration to raise funds and awareness about preserving and protecting the Spokane River and its watershed.

Riverkeeper IPA is a Northwest style, fullbodied IPA using regional hops and grains. The 2015 version includes over 50 pounds of hops in each batch, including Citra, Palisade, Cascade, Centennial, El Dorado, Millennium and Chinook

hops. With all that hops, it’s is a beer that will get your attention, says River City Brewing owner Gage Stromberg. “Just the way it should get your attention that our quality of life is so impacted by the Spokane River,” he adds. For every batch brewed, Stromberg says they will make a donation to Spokane Riverkeeper. Meaning the more you drink, the more you’re helping the river.

“The Spokane River gives so much to our community socially and economically, it’s wonderful to see the community get creative to support a healthy River,” says Spokane Riverkeeper Jerry White, Jr. “The community receives great tasting local beer and gets to drink it knowing that their dollars are helping to keep the Spokane River fishable and swimmable for the next generation.”

This is the second year that Numerica has provided the financial underwriting necessary to create awareness and support events in conjunction with Spokane Riverkeeper. Included in the Riverkeeper IPA campaign are educational components about Spokane Riverkeeper’s work, including a custom website (www.riverkeeperipa. org), posters, coasters, and more.

Riverkeeper IPA is available in bars and restaurants across the region and always on tap at the River City Tap Room (121 S. Cedar, downtown Spokane).

For more information about the beer or where you can find it on tap, visit RiverkeeperIPA.org or RiverCityRed.blogspot.com/p/riverkeeper-ipa. html. // (OTM)

*

(509) 808-2098 (5867)

7115 N. Division Street Spokane, Washington 99208

Mon. – Sat. 9 – 8 Sun. 10 - 6 www.royalscannabis.com

BRING THIS AD IN ON ANY WEEKEND THROUGH THE END OF JUNE FOR $20 OFF A TANDEM SKYDIVE * 2045 Schoessler Rd, Ritzville, WA

LITTLE GARDEN CAFE 2901 W NORTHWEST BLVD, SPOK ANE

VISIT OUR ROASTERY AND CAFE AT 524 CHURCH ST. IN SANDPOINT, IDAHO EVANSBROTHERSCOFFEE.COM | 208.265.5553

April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

27

OutdoorCalendar

SIX MONTH TRAININGCALENDAR RUNNING (May 3) Lilac Bloomsday Run. Where: Spokane.

The 39th running of this all-day event in Spokane is open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs and assisted wheelchairs and strollers. Cost: $18. Info: BloomsdayRun.org

(May 16) Wild Goose Chase. Where: Wilbur City

Park. When: 8 - 10 a.m. A 5k fun run held in conjunction iwth Wilbur’s Wild Goose Bill Days. Info: WilburChamber.org

(May 24) Coeur d’Alene Marathon. When: 7 a.m.

Marathon, Half-Marathon and timed 5K Run/ Walk. The Marathon and Half Marathon start at McEuen Park. The 5K runs through the Sanders Beach neighborhood. Info: CDAmarathon.com

(May 24) Priest Lake Spring Run. Where: Priest Lake, Idaho. When: 8:30 a.m. 5K, 10K, HalfMarathon, and free kids dash on a new, scenic course up at Priest Lake. Info: PriestLakeRace.com (May 30) Liberty Lake Trail Run. Where: Liberty Creek Loop Trail. When: 9 a.m. 8-mile loop gaining almost 1,000 feet of elevation on singletrack and double track trail. Pancake feed at finish. The run is rated as difficult. Info: UltraSignup.com (May 30) 35th Annual Troika Triathlon. Where:

Medical Lake. Half Ironman and sprint distances.

Info: TroikaTriathlon.com

(May 31) Red Devil Challenge. Where: Wenatchee National Forest. When: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. The event is held on single-track, well-maintained trails along the east slopes of the Cascades. The 25K — a loop with the start and finish at Sandcreek Trailhead — is very challenging with about 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The 10K, which also starts and ends at the Sandcreek Trailhead, has an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. Info: RunWenatchee.com (May 30-31) Riverside 24 Hour Relay Race.

Where: Riverside State Park. When: 11 a.m. Join a team, or run solo for the 2nd Annual all-night race.

Camping available, live music, swag, food vendors and awards. Info: R24relay.com

(June 7) Windermere Marathon and Half Marathon. Where: Liberty Lake. When: 7 a.m.

Fully supported and a Boston Marathon Qualifier.

Info: WindermereMarathon.com

(June 20) Justin C Haeger 10 Miler. Where: Spokane Falls Community College. When: 8 - 10 a.m. This is a 3.1-and 10-mile race raising awareness about prescription drug abuse in our community. Info: jchtenmiler.com.

(June 27) Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race. Where: Frater Lake, Wash. When: 6:12

a.m. A 50-mile point to point Endurance Run

and Memorial Relay Ruck Race held in the Lower Selkirk Mountain Range in the Colville National Forest. Info: kaniksu50.com

(June 27) Padden Triathlon. Where: Lake Padden Park, Bellingham, Wash. Sprint and super sprint distances. Info: cob.org/races

(July 10-12) Missoula Marathon. When: 6 a.m.

The weekend includes a half marathon, a 5K and kids activities. The course is flat, fast and USATF certified. It’s a point to point run with a scenic route throught the countryside and finishing in historic downtown Missoula. Info: MissoulaMarathon.org (July 11) Let’s Climb a Mountain. Where: Spokane.

A challenging 34.5 mile solo and team realay from the Clock Tower in Riverfront Park to the top of Mt. Spokane. Info: LetsClimbAMountain.com

(August 14-15) Spokane to Sandpoint Relay.

Where: start atop Mt. Spokane and run to the finish in Sandpoint, Idaho. When: 6 a.m. This run winds through 60 miles of world class Centennial Trail, 80 miles adjacent to waterfront, through two National Forests and ends at a beautiful beach. Info: SpokaneToSandpoint.com

Triathlons (May 30) 35th Annual Troika Triathlon. Where: Medical Lake Waterfront Park. When: 7 a.m.

Half distance and sprint distance available. Info: TroikaTriathlon.com (July 12) Valley Girl Triathlon. Where: Liberty

Lake, Wash. When: 7:45 a.m. Women’s only sprint distance triathlon. Info: ValleyGirlTri.com

(July 18) Race the River. Where: Coeur d’Alene.

When: 7 a.m. The race starts with a .5 mile swim with the current of the Spokane River, transition at the Riverstone complex for a 11.25 mile bike ride and run 3.1 miles through the city park. Info: RaceTheRiver.com

(August 16) West Plains WunderWoman Triathlon. Where: Waterfront Park, Medical Lake.

When: 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. All women’s triathlon with both Sprint and Olympic Distances.

Individuals and relay teams available. All entrants receive technical T shirts, post-race meal, finishers medal, race memorabilia, an amazing “Racer Recovery Lounge” (hosted by REI, Bella Cova and Fit4Mom). Cost: $90. Info: EmdeSports.com

BIKING (May 9) Mountain Bike Classes. Where: Camp

Sekani. When: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Join Evergreen East’s mountain bike classes to build your skills. Gain confidence and trail skills, or take your biking to the next level. Fundamentals, Women’s Fundamentals, Intermediate and Freeride classes, all taught by certified instructors. Info: EvergreenEast.org

(May 9) Nitty Gritty Dirt Fondo. Where: Nine

Mile Recreation Area. Featuring approximately 70% dirt and 30% pavement, these roads will take you on to the Coulee Hite and into the Deep Creek areas.

Info: ValleyGirlTri.com

(May 9) Horse Lake Trail Run. Where: Horse Lake Reserve, Wenatchee. When: 9 a.m. -1 p.m. The Horse Lake Half-Marathon and 5-Mile trail runs are held on the 1,700-acre Horse Lake Reserve. Info: LakeChelanMarathon.com (May 2-3) Tour de Bloom Omnium. Where: Squilchuck State Park to Mission Ridge Ski Area, near Wenatchee. A criterium in downtown Wenatchee, and a road race on the Waterville Plateau in neighboring Douglas County — over a two-day period. The event is during Wenatchee’s Apple Blossom Festival. Info: Adventure Wenatchee.com

(May 16) American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure. Where: Northern Quest Resort and

ing into Montana through lush river valleys of the Cabinet Mountains. Six fully stocked rest stops, extensive SAG support, epic after-ride party and all for a great cause!

CHAFE 150 raises money for children on the Autism Spectrum in the Lake Pend Oreille School District. 80-and 30-mile options also available. Info: CHAFE150.org (June 20) Specialized Demo. Where: Camp

Sekani. Test this season’s mountain bikes. Brink riding gear, and driver’s license. Info: 509-747-4187.

(June 27) Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS. Where: Snake Pit Resort, Kingston, Idaho.

Picturesque and memorable one-day ride on the paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in North Idaho.

Fully supported. 28-or 43-mile option. Lunch provided. Benefits ALS Association Evergreen Chapter. Cost: $50. Info: rideals.org

Casino. Various route distances from 4 miles to 100 miles. Fully supported with breakfast, lunch, post ride massage and live entertainment. Info: diabetes. org/SpokaneTourDeCure

(July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) Five in July. Where: Farragut State Park, Idaho. When 6:30 - 9 p.m. One and two lap mountain bike race options where each lap is approximately 8.5 miles. BBQ and refreshments included after racing. Info: BicycleService.com

(May 18-22) Bike to Work Week Spokane. Events include Kick off Breakfast, Commute Challenge, Commute of the Century, energizer stations, Ride of Silence, Wrap up Party and More. T-shirts and swag for participants. Info: SpokaneBikes.net

(July 2-6) Northwest Tandem Rally. Where: Bellingham, Wash. Two fully supported days with five rest stops enroute including lunches, and two self-supported days on popular routes in and around town. Info: nwtr.org/2015

(May 23-24) 24 Hours Round the Clock.

(July 15-19) RedSpoke. Where: Redmond, Wash., to Spokane. 300-mile-bicycle tour across Washington State. Fully supported. Info: RedSpoke. org

Where: Riverside State Park, 7 Mile Airstrip.

Course can be completed as a team or solos. Info: RoundAndRound.com

(May 31) Gran Fondo Leavenworth. Where: Cascade High School, Leavenworth. When: 8 a.m.

The course is the perfect mix of pavement, Forest Service roads and mega mountain passes. Info: RideViciousCycle.com (June 6) Woodrat 25er. Where: Priest Lake.

When: 10 a.m. A mix of double track and singletrack riding on the Panhandle National Forest near Priest Lake. 25-mile endurance race or 12-mile division of intermediate to advanced riding. Info: PriestLakeRace.com (June 6) Skeeter Skoot. Where: Gonzaga University. When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You ride to stations along the Centennial Trail any time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Each time you pass a station, stop and draw a card from the deck. You must stop at least five times to get a full hand. The bike ride will be a minimum of 12 miles and a maximum of 22 miles. Prizes awarded for the best (and worst) hands. Info: CoolWaterBikes.com (June 20) Chafe 150 Grand Fondo. Where: Sandpoint. The 150-mile ride starts and finishes in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho, on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille after wind-

(July 25) Jedermann Gran Fondo Bike Ride.

Where: Cheney, Wash. When 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. This cycling event features 30, 66 and 100-mile distance options and a 12 Hour Challenge (teams and individuals). Featuring medals for 100 mile and 12 hour finishers, T Shirts, Pint Glasses, post ride meals, food stops, pancake feed and post ride live music and celebrations. Info: ValleyGirlTri.com

OTHER (June 19-20) Silver Mountain Archery Shoot.

Where: Silver Mountain Resort, Kellogg, Idaho.

Two-Day Competitive and Non-Competitive brackets. Adult, youth, cub and pee-wee classes. Awards and money dots for 2-day shooters. Silent Auction, Vendor Booths and Raffles. Info:ArcheryEvents. com/event.cfm?id=2200.

(July 24-26) Northwest YogaFest. Where: Eureka Center, Sagle, Idaho. Yoga classes from varying backgrounds, speakers, music, and organic foods.

Cost: $300. Info: eureka-institute.org (August 1) Long Bridge Swim. Where: Sandpoint.

When: 8 a.m. This open swim is 1.76 miles across Lake Pend Oreille. Info: LongBridgeSwim.org

Have an Event You Would Like to List?

Please visit www.outtheremonthly.com and click “Add Event” under the “Outdoor Calendar” tab to get your events listed online and considered for the monthly print magazine calendar. To be considered for the print calendar, events MUST be entered by the 20th of the month to be listed in the following month’s issue. Please follow the instructions for submitting an event using the web form.

28

Out There Monthly / April 2015

OutdoorCalendar Full events calendar at www.outtheremonthly.com RUNNING

(April 11) Rock Creek Ramble. Where: Escure

Ranch, Sprague, Wash. Many options for this run through the channeled scablands. Choose from a half marathon, 30K, 50K, 50M, or 100M. The terrain is genrally flat to rolling with a few tall mesas that provide short and sometimes steep climbs. Info: nwTrailRuns.com/events/Rock-Creek-Ramble-2015

(April 12) Ice Breaker 10K Run. Where: Hauser

Lake. When: 10 a.m. Annual run around Hauser Lake. This race is a Bloomsday Second Seed Qualifying race, and benefits the special needs dogs at Double J Dog Ranch. Info: DoubleJDogRanch.org

(April 12) Negative Split Spokane-Half Marathon & 5K. Where: Kendall Yards, Spokane. Info: nsplit.com (April 11-12) Rock Creek Ramble Navagation Race. Where: Escure Ranch, Sprague, Wash. Find the 50 checkpoints marked on a topographic map using only a map and compass. Checkpoints have varying point values, and it’s up to participants , and their team if they choose, to find as many as possible. Loose points for every minute you are late returning. Join to test your skills, or as a competitive endurance. Info: navraces.com (April 15) Recycle Run. Where: Fish Lake Trail Head. When: 6 -7 p.m. This 4-mile course is flat and fast. Recycled medals to overall and age-group winners. This run benefits the BRRC volunteer program. Info: brrc.net (April 18) Hear Me Run Spokane 5K. Where: Riverfront Park, Spokane. When: 9:30 a.m. - noon.

This day includes a chip-timed run, kids activities, awards, raffle and food. The run benefits Spokane HOPE School for deaf and hard of hearing children.

Cost: $30/$17.50 kids ages 6 to 12/Free under 5.

Info: HearMeRunSpokane.com (April 18) Wenatchee Marathon. When: 6:30 a.m to 1 p.m. Race day includes a half marathon, and 10K. This is a fast course, mostly on asphalt trails.

It serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier and is USATF-certified. Info: AdventureWenatchee.com (April 19) Spokane River Run. Where: Riverside State Park. Annual trail run held through thick pine forests near the Spokane River. Courses range from 50K to 5K. New this year is the 50K relay. Info: SpokaneRiverRun.com (April 18) Bulldog Jog. Where: Crosby Student

Center at Gonzaga University. When: 9:30 a.m. This 5K charity run benefits Second Harvest Food Bank.

Cost: $12. Info: 2-harvest.ejoinme.org/MyPages/ RegistrationForm_2015BulldogJog/tabid/677834/ Default.aspx

(April 19) Spring Dash. Where: Downtown Coeur d’Alene. When: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wind through the Sanders Beach neighborhoods and along the Centennial Trail to Potlatch Hill. Race ends at McEuen Park Pavilion. Proceeds benefit United Way of Kootenai County. Info: KootenaiUnitedWay.org

Wash. 100 km and 50 km options on a flat course following the Columbia Plateau Trail. The course is mostly gravel and is a good entry into ultra running.

Info: PlateauTrailAdventures.com

(April 25) Hope Pie Run. Where: Hope, Idaho.

When: 9 a.m. - noon. Celebrate spring by running this 5K. Cost: $5 and a pie (one per family). All you can eat, with unique prizes. Info: goatevents.com (April 25) Superhero 5k Run/Walk. Where: Bloedel Donavan Park, Bellingham, Wash. When: 9 - 11 a.m. The course will take heroes through the beautiful Whatcom Falls Park ending back at Bloedel Donovan Park. Runners will be able to pick up prizes and awards immediately following the race in the gym. Info: superheros5K.org (April 25) Seaport River Run. Where: Swallows Park, Clarkston, Wash. When: 9:40 a.m. Choose from either a 2.9 or 6.2 mile race along the Snake River ending at Hellsgate State Park in Lewiston, Idaho. Jet boat transportation back to the starting line. Info: CityofLewiston.org/DocumentCenter/ View/7660

the new Spring/Summer She Beest apparel. Drinks and snacks provided. Info: 509-747-4187

(April 26) Lilac Century Bike Ride. Where: West Spokane River along the Centennial Trail. When: Various start times. New this year is a 66-mile route that follows the Centennial Trail to Nine Mile then around Long Lake back to Nine Mile and then back to the college. The 15- and 25-mile family rides follow the Aubrey L. White Parkway on the west side of the Spokane River to the Seven Mile or Nine Mile area and back. Each ride includes food stops. Info: NorthDivision.com

TRIATHLONS (April 25) NASCO LEADMAN. Where: Silver

Mountain Resort, Kellogg, Idaho. Competitors run about 200 ft to click into their gear for an approximate 1 mile ski/board to the mountain bike transition point. At that stage, competitors find their riding gear and mountain bikes and brave a mostly downhill dirt course to the City of Kellogg where the run initiates. After the 7 to 11 mile bike ride the runners take off for a 4 to 5 mile run to the finish line at Gondola Village at Silver Mountain Resort.

Info: Silvermt.com/Winter/Leadman-Triathlon

OTHER (April 3) OR7 - The Journey. Where: Bing Crosby

7.11.15 Excursions Gear Demos Jump jam UpChuck Challenge Beer Garden spokatopia.com BIKING (April 3) Bike Maintenance for Safe Routes to School. Where: 917 E 31st Ave, Spokane. When: 10 a.m. - noon. Spokane Bicycle Club is maintaining bikes for the Reardan School district. Skilled volunteers are needed to pump tires, replace brake pads and lube a drive train. Also help kids learn to bike safely and confidently. Info: SpokaneBicycleClub. org/event-1847459

(April 4) Bike Talks. Where: Calypso Coffee, Coeur d‘Alene. Whern: 8:30 - 10 a.m. Bike Talks is a community gathering to share thoughts and ideas, events and promotions, or just come for the coffee and company. Info: bikecda.com (April 11-12) Spokane Bike Swap and Expo.

Where: Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

When: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Used bikes and accessories are consigned, donated and sold. Consignment available on April 10. Exhibitors sell bikes and accessories as well. Info: SpokaneBikeSwap.com

(April 24-25) She Beest Bike Apparel Show.

Where: April 24- Wheel Sport South/April 25Wheel Sport Valley. When: 6:30 - 8 p.m. Check out

Theater, Spokane. When: 7 p.m. Experience the incredible jorney of OR-7, a grey wolf whch was collared in Oregon and eventually dispersed from his pack. The film tells the story of OR-7, and the wolf as a species in America. Info: defenders.org

(April 10-11) Fitness Games. Where: Spokane

Convention Center. Spokane’s first all women’s fitness games covers 5 team events. Competitors will be tested with wooden walls, tire flips, and more.

Spectators welcome. Info: ryan@nsplit.com

(April 10) DamNation Film Screening and Discussion. Where: Sandpoint Events Center.

When: 7-9 p.m. This film explores the change in our national attitude toward dams.. No-host bar and door prizes. Info: IdahoConservationLeague.org

(April 18-20) Wilderness First Responder Recertification. When: all day. Wilderness medi-

cine skills deteriorate over time and certification expires. The LWM WFR recertification course is three days long and uses scenarios, case studies and lectures to refresh the skills needed to keep your certification current and increase your comfort in providing quality medical care to the injured or ill while in remote environments. Info: LongLeafMedical.com

APRIL 2015

(April 11) Hope Run. Where: Children of the Sun trail in north Spokane. When: 9 a.m. All proceeds help local children with cancer. Participants recieve a t-shirt. Info: hoperunspokane.com

(April 25) Snake River Island Hop. Where: Pasco,

(April 27) Stand Up Paddle Board Mania. Where:

Mountain Gear Corporate Head Quarters, Spokane Valley. When: 7 - 8 p.m. Learn why Stand Up Paddle Boards are incresing in popularity. Brett Saguid introduces the equipment, techniques, and physical benefits. Info: www.sckc.ws

(April 30) Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Where: Garland Theater, Spokane. When:7 p.m. A screening of short films that feature the world’s environments, its rivers, and the issues that they face. River City Brewing will be on hand with the 2015 release of their new Riverkeeper IPA. Info: cforjustice.org

April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

29

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Driving the Inland Northwest Marathon Boom?

by Jon Jonckers

30

Out There Monthly / April 2015

“

Bloomsday is really just a gateway drug for the marathon,” says Michelle Miller.

At a recent gathering of the Flying Irish running club, runners Michelle and Steve Miller referenced the many reasons people choose to run a marathon. Year after year, the same popular answers resurface, including fitness, bragging rights, weight loss, the challenge or just for the pure fun of it. Every marathon is tough, whether a three- or five-hour finish; however, marathons are no longer an impossible goal for most healthy people.

While Bloomsday participation has actually plateaued, Inland Northwest marathons have been increasing by one or two new races per year for over a decade. Without a doubt, the Spokane Marathon and Coeur d’Alene Marathon are the two legacy races, having been local favorites for decades. Beginning around 2004 with the Missoula Marathon, the local running scene has since embraced the Windermere Marathon, Priest Lake Marathon, Hayden Lake Marathon, Richland Marathon, Tri-Cities Marathon and the St. Joe River Marathon. This doesn’t include the recent wave of 50k ultramarathon trail runs, or the popular half marathons like the Negative Split Half, Sandpoint Scenic Half or Snake River Half.

In the past seven years, Ken Briggs averaged 16 marathons or ultramarathons per year, and he proudly claims he rarely drove more than a few hours to a race.

“I don’t think of marathon running as a fad,” he says. “It has simply been demystified.

In the past, long runs were viewed as Herculean accomplishments. In reality, any healthy person can complete one.

Perhaps this is one reason why ultrarunning has gained in popularity too – [it’s] a search for a sense of greater accomplishment,” adds Briggs.

Step for step, in the past 20 years the local marathon community could race with any other community in the country. Through the 1990s, Chris Morlan, Stan Holman and Kim Jones competed with such blazing speed they frequently won races, set course records and qualified for the U.S. Marathon Olympic Trials. In the past 10 years, even more local marathon talent has sprouted, and several distance runners compete at significant national races. Local runners Lori Buratto, Rachel Jaten, Jodi Suter and Victoria Russell have contributed some remarkably fast marathons, including multiple U.S. Marathon Olympic Trials qualifying times. For the men, Dan Shaw, Evan Sims and Mike Bresson have each produced some wicked-fast marathon times. Many runners believe Bresson’s 2010 winning time of 2:24:48 at the Windermere Marathon is the fastest local marathon time yet.

“The lure of the marathon is the physical challenge of it,” says Bresson. “Years ago, it seemed unachievable except for the elite. I think, now, there is a fitness boom, and all types are realizing they can train and finish. The marathon used to be designed for the fastest and strongest, but now

it entertains all abilities.”

Additional races aren’t the only contributing factor to the continued marathon growth.

Marathon events around the country, such as Disney Marathons or Rock-n-Roll Marathons, have live bands playing along the course and market themselves as less intimidating races that provide fun, party atmospheres. The IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene plays an inspiring role because it draws a lot of attention and business to the community, and it’s very spectator friendly. The recent rise of running clubs such as the Flying Irish, the Swifts and the Manito Running Club adds to the growing mix of opportunities.

Regardless of this new and exciting influx of running options, none equal the core contribution that Bloomsday provides. Conceived and directed

by Olympic Marathoner, Don Kardong, the Lilac Bloomsday Run remains the running benchmark for the community. Clearly, a giant portion of Bloomsday participants walk the course, but there’s a significant number of runners that treat the seven-and-a-half-mile race as a long distance event. For those runners looking for challenges beyond a one-hour run, many naturally gravitate towards the marathon. The sum of Bloomsday, plus running clubs, a fitness boom, and popularity on social media have all contributed to a rich and vibrant marathon community here in the Inland Northwest.

Will the record-breaking marathon participation numbers continue?

T h a t’s a n y o n e’s guess, says Jackie Post, two-time female winner of the Spokane Marathon. “I do believe that running multiple marathons supplies a lot of benefits, including a sense of adventure and accomplishment, camaraderie with other athletes and a new sense of well-being,” Post says. “These benefits are what keep people coming back while also opening gateways to other endurance disciplines like ultrarunning, triathlon and cycling.”

RunningUSA.org invests heavily in charting the growth of the U.S. marathon scene, and its website offers some impressive statistics.

Beginning in 1990, U.S. runners completed roughly 224,000 marathons, and gender participation was exactly 75% male. In 2013, U.S. runners completed roughly 541,000 marathons, and gender participation shifted to 57% female.

Pinpointing participation numbers in the Inland Northwest proves to be rather challenging. First, some of the marathons have changed websites or changed race directors, and the race results aren’t uniform year to year. Second, some of the races offered early starts for participants who might require six or more hours to complete the course (and included those participants in separate results), while other marathons chose to exclude them. Some results included finishers who completed the marathon AFTER the cutofftime. Others didn’t. To add to the confusion, some results are not found online at all. For example, there aren’t any 2011 results for one race, while another lists its results as “unofficial.” However, when comparing 2010’s finishers to the 2014 fin-

“I don’t think of marathon running as a fad….

It has simply been demystified.

In the past, long runs were viewed as Herculean accomplishments.

In reality, any healthy person can complete one.”

Marathons by the Numbers

26.2 1984

Length of a marathon in miles.

The year that the women’s marathon was introduced at the Summer Olympics.

3

The age of the world’s youngest marathon runner, Budhia Singh, when he completed his first marathon.

500

The number of estimated marathons that are held around the world each year.

2

The number of continents the Istanbul Marathon course covers.

100

Age at which Fauja Singh finished the 2011 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, becoming the world’s oldest marathoner.

Spokane’s Classic Hometown Marathon For many runners, the Spokane Marathon is an autumn ritual. It’s the classic hometown race, and it traces a path through some of the best parts of Spokane.

Back-to-back overall female winner, Jackie Post, says “I’ve loved the course since the first time I participated back in 2009. It’s truly my favorite marathon. The rolling terrain has a wonderful rhythm, the fall colors are usually on display at that time of year and you really get an excellent sense of Spokane during those 26 miles.”

Not unlike the Windermere Marathon, the Spokane Marathon includes a vast portion of the Centennial Trail. Runners enjoy Browne’s Addition, Fort Wright Mukogawa, Riverside State Park and the world-famous Doomsday Hill. Without a doubt, the consistently mild October weather also plays a role in the marathon times.

Arguably the best part of the Spokane Marathon is the water stations. Frequently these stations are operated by local high school cross-country squads that are eager to earn your praise and your vote. The race director for the Spokane Marathon rewards the most enthusiastic, creative and encouraging water stations. No joke, the fastest male runners from Ferris, Rogers, Mead, Central Valley or Gonzaga Prep might make an appearance in a grass skirt and a coconut bra in order to win your vote. These funds supplement the local high school squad’s trips to State or even Footlocker Nationals. The Spokane Marathon is a primary example of a local race that gives back to the local running community.

Spokanemarathon.us. // (Jon Jonckers)

Happy finish at the Happy Girls Half Marathon. Photo courtesy of the Happy Girls Half Marathon.

ishers list, the Windermere Marathon grew 18% and the Spokane Marathon grew 8%. In recent years, the Coeur d’Alene Marathon has seen a tiny decline, the Missoula Marathon has remained about the same, but the Priest Lake Marathon has grown significantly, adding an ultra on the same day as its traditional marathon.

All in all, it’s safe to say that marathon running is not a fad. Bloomsday has always bolstered the entire running community, and the increasing popularity of local marathons is certainly tied to the rise of Spokane’s favorite road race. Perhaps the greatest testament to this growth can be linked to the fact that both of Spokane’s specialty running

shops, Runner’s Soul and Fleet Feet, now have two locations.

John “The Penguin” Bingham, a renowned columnist for “Runner’s World” magazine and the author of an inspiring book titled “Marathoning for Mortals,” offers up this advice that’s fitting for anyone who has ever contemplated running their first marathon: “Do not be afraid to fail. Be afraid to accept that who you are right now is all you are going to be.”

For more information about upcoming local marathons, half marathons and ultras, check out the “Out There Monthly” Calendar of Events. //

April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

31

SPOKANE

Marathons Around The Region Wenatchee Marathon (April 18, 2015) A fast course with something for everyone. Great Boston qualifier. Gorgeous course, largely on asphalt trails along the Columbia River. Cascade Mountain views abound. Full Marathon, Half, and 10K categories. Teddriven.com/wenatchee-marathon.

Sunflower Trail Marathon (May 9, 2015) Run through fields of wildflowers in the beautiful Methow Valley of northcentral Washington. This marathon-length trail run from the town of Mazama to Twisp can be done solo or as a relay with a team of 2-5 members. Expect stunning views of the Methow River, North Cascades and Chelan Sawtooths. Methowtrails.org/events/calendar-events/sunflower-relay.

Coeur d’Alene Marathon (May 24, 2015) The Coeur d’Alene Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k fun run includes a new route this year with a start and finish in downtown Coeur d’Alene. All proceeds benefit the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation. Cdamarathon.com.

SPOKANE’S HOKA HEADQUARTERS SIX STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM EXPERT FITTERS TO GUIDE YOUR SELECTION 100% FIT GUARANTEE WHAT IS THERE TO LOSE

Windermere Marathon (June 7, 2015) The growing popularity of the Windermere Marathon may have something to do with the mostly flat and fast gorgeous course along the Spokane River, or maybe it’s the attention to details: quality shirts, blinged out medals, long-stemmed roses and photos for finishers, and a hopping after-party with hot food, beer garden, and music. The USATF Certified and Boston Qualifier course starts at Rocky Hill Park in Liberty Lake, continuing on along the Centennial Trail and the Spokane River on the way to the finish at the Howard Street Bridge in downtown Spokane’s Riverfront Park. The Half Marathon course starts at Miribeau Park in Spokane Valley, where it joins the full course. Windermeremarathon.com.

Missoula Marathon (July 10-12, 2015) A marathon runs through it. And a river or two as well. The Missoula Marathon is the brainchild of a group of dedicated members of Run Wild Missoula who want to share the area’s beauty and Missoula’s unique feel with runners from all over. In 2010, the Missoula Marathon won the Best Marathon in United States award by “Runner’s World Magazine.” Missoulamarathon.org.

Priest Lake Marathon (September 26, 2015) Run along the lakeshore of pristine Priest Lake, through groves of lush forest and old-growth cedars, and enjoy big views of the Selkirk Mountains. An off-pavement running adventure through the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, the Priest Lake Marathon offers the scenery of a trail race, but on dirt forest road with full course support like a road race. Runners love the course for its scenic trail run-like experience and non-technical, compact dirt road running surface. Choose from the marathon, half marathon, 25k or 50k courses. The Half-Marathon has become a popular course for veteran runners as well as a growing group of walkers and beginning runners who want a scenic trail run experience, but without the huge elevation gains or technical running of a full-on trail race. Priestlakerace.com.

Spokane Marathon (October 11, 2015) An Inland Northwest classic, the Spokane Marathon sports a dreamy course that meanders its way through Spokane’s historic neighborhoods and scenic haunts while never straying too far from the Spokane River. Read more about it on page 31. Spokanemarathon.us.

Hayden Lake Marathon (October 17, 2015) Run around scenic Hayden Lake and experience the beauty of this unique North Idaho marathon. The race runs counter-clockwise around the lake on odd years and clockwise on even years, with a start and finish at Honeysuckle Beach. There’s approximately 1,500 feet of ascent/descent along the way.

Not up for a full marathon? Try the half marathon or 10k option. Proceeds from the race supports the Coeur d’Alene High School Cross Country Team, Hayden Senior Center and Hayden Chamber of Commerce. Haydenlakemarathon.org. //(OTM)

32

Out There Monthly / April 2015

BEND BEER CHASE

70 miles | 6 friends One day relay 16 local breweries Run, beer, run, repeat!

June 6, 2015

SAVE $50!

CODE: OTM50

SPOKANE TO SANDPOINT RELAY 200 mile run | 12 friends Overnight relay Finish line on the beach August 14 – 15, 2015

SAVE $100!

CODE: OTM100

More than just a race… it’s a lifetime experience. cascaderelays.com April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

33

Last Page The Making of an outdoorsy indoors woman It turns out I’m not the person I thought I was. Not exactly, anyway.

For years, I’ve described myself with a term coined by a college friend: indoorsy. I’ve always preferred being within four walls. I love watching movies, cooking, writing, reading. If I were to summarize my childhood in a single image, it would be me wearing late-80s stretch pants and a crewneck sweatshirt, hair in coordinating scrunchie, stretched long on the living room couch with a book.

It’s not that I never went outside. No, my mom (avid gardener and walker) and dad (a man of many hobbies that have included windsurfing, long boarding, and mountain biking) made sure of that. I cross-country skied, played catch in the front yard and romped in the woods. I walked to school and went on plenty of family bike rides.

But given a choice, I’d usually stay in. I like sitting on upholstered furniture, keeping my fair skin out of the sun, resting assured that a gust of wind is not going to whoosh up and blow away my napkin, and knowing that a flushing toilet is footsteps away.

As I’ve contributed pieces to “Out There Monthly” over the years, my true identity has kind of tickled me, being this avid indoorswoman who doesn’t rock climb or kayak or spelunk and rarely even hikes, whose camping experiences have all taken place within 20 feet of my car’s parking spot. I like to learn about the activities of all you intrepid outdoor adventurers. I even love writing about them – as long as it’s from the comfort of my own home or neighborhood coffee shop.

But I realized something recently: I’ve changed.

34

Out There Monthly / April 2015

// By Sarah Hauge

Each of those little, relatively tame outdoor moments has given me something, slowly growing my love for the wide, wild world out there.

The shift was so gradual that for a while, I didn’t recognize it. Fifteen years ago, in college in western Washington, I started jogging with a friend. Before long I was spending time outside, for fun, for almost an hour a day. Unlike when I’d been forced to run in high school P.E., this was running for pleasure, and that made all the difference.

On foot I’d notice the things that would have blurred by out a car window. I ran to a park on the waterfront where I’d sit by the bay, watching the waves and seagulls for a few minutes before heading home. I ran the switchbacks up a wooded hillside and jogged the steps of a tower overlooking the city. I learned my neighborhood intimately, then expanded my circle to other neighborhoods.

I discovered that, to quote explorer Ranulph Fiennes, “there is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”

I ran in the rain and the sun and the mud and the frost. I loved it.

Sarah and her daughter out for a run. // Photo: Shallan Knowles

Then, nine years ago, after I’d gotten married and moved to Spokane, my husband and I got a dog. She had a puppy’s trademark floppy-eared, klutzy energy and needed two walks a day, plus plenty of chasing around the yard. Getting outside multiple times a day was a necessity. And then, several years later, we began having kids. And man, if there’s anything that will make you crave a change of scenery, it’s indoor life with small children. From the time we got home from the hospital, I made it a priority to go outdoors every day – because otherwise I was going to lose my mind.

These days, I’ll pull my girls (now 3 and 1) down the street in their little blue wagon for 15 minutes simply to know we left the house that day, or push them on the swings in a frosty park, where our energy can dissipate into the blue sky rather than bouncing off the walls. We’ll stand out on the driveway after we get home from church on Sunday nights, marveling together at the stars in the sky, noting the moon’s shape, letting the cold air turn our cheeks pink.

Our stargazing might last all of three minutes, but I’ve come to love these small moments and tiny adventures, just as I love my runs and my walks with the dog. I realize I need them as much as time curled up with a book or standing at my kitchen counter with a new recipe. They knock down the walls of my comfortable life, reminding me how vast and beautiful and utterly uncontrollable life actually is. They make me grateful for what I have and where I am. Each of those little, relatively tame outdoor moments has given me something, slowly growing my love for the wide, wild world out there. //

Unlimited START EXPLORING ABOVE AND ALONG KOOTENAY LAKE Nelson • Balfour • Ainsworth Hot Springs • Kaslo • Lardeau • Meadow Creek

Photo by David Gluns, Ainsworth Hot Springs

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Photo by Steve Ogle, Baker Street, Nelson

Lardeau River Adventures

Photo by Ollie Jones

CULTURE AND ADVENTURE

VISIT NELSON KOOTENAY LAKE.COM PLACES 2 STAY • TRAVEL DEALS • ARTS & CULTURE • SHOPPING • DINING

April 2015

/ Out There Monthly

35

The North Face Men’s & Women’s Thermoball Full Zip Jacket Reg $199.00 SALE $139.98

Full-service shop, rentals, demos, classes and an experienced staff!

For a complete list of class descriptions, events and information, contact us: 2002 N Division, Spokane • 509.325.9000 • mountaingear.com/retail

Oakley Straight Jacket Sunglasses Reg $130.00 SALE $89.98

Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-8 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm

Cam Sale – Save up to 25% Black Diamond Camalot C4 Set .3-6 Reg $809.50 SALE $609.96

Black Diamond Momentum / Women’s Primrose SA Harness Package Reg $99.95 SALE $79.98

La Sportiva Miura Rock Shoe Reg $159.95 SALE $127.96

Rock Shoes – Save up to 25%

Edelrid 9.8 mm Granite Dynamic Rope - Standard Reg $169.95 SALE $139.98

Keen Shoes – Save up to 50%

Keen Arroyo Pedal Shoe Reg $109.95 SALE $54.98

Big Agnes Wyoming Trail 4 Camp Tent Reg $549.95 SALE $409.98

Mountain Hardwear Women’s UltraLamina +32 Reg $255.00 SALE $179.98 36

Camp Chef Everest HP Two Burner Stove Reg $121.00 SALE $89.96

Out There Monthly / April 2015

Hells Canyon, OR | Photo: Jim Rueckel