Fall Recap

Now that winter is here and running is winding down, I thought I'd share some pictures from our events this fall.

Heading out Jack's Trail

The last weekend of September brought perfect weather and a full moon for our Women's Running and Yoga Retreat. Over the course of the weekend, we ran all over the Mazama area, then ate delicious food. Once our tummies were happily fed and digested, my friend and exceptional yoga instructor, Kaarin Kelly, led us through some yoga in the North Cascades Heli Barn. It was a perfect setting, with huge doors we opened to move through asanas with fresh air and expansive valley views.
The group of women who came were absolutely wonderful. I love how easily friendships form and at the end of the retreat always feel inspired and giddy with excitement for the next one. I currently have one in the works for May. Space in the retreat is limited, so if you'd like to be put on our email list, please contact me.

The quaint Heli Barn. Photo by Julie Seinko

A couple weeks later, Sam and I were back at the Heli Barn for our Fall Training Clinic. We had a fun group of people and packed a full day with talking about training principles, then doing technique drills, strength exercises, and even some running. Sam and I love training, so it was really exciting for us to share our passion with others.

The weather was a bit more brisk, giving us a glimpse of the season to come and made our midday chili taste that much better. We still managed to have blue sky for the majority of the day, with sprinkles falling just as we concluded.

The clinic gave us a great opportunity to hone some of our coaching methods and have the chance to see some light bulbs go on for several people, which, as any coach knows, is one of the best feelings in the world. Coaching continues to surprise me. I love seeing clients have things "click" in such a way that their body makes the connection of how to move with less effort and more fluidity. I'm inspired by everyone I've worked with. 

view from the top (minus the clouds)

Finally, the following day, we had the annual Driveway Butte Hill Climb, just west of Mazama. 

Rain was in the forecast, so we were hoping to still have a good turn out. I stayed up late making crepes the night before, and when morning came, we awoke to overcast skies and looming clouds. This year we did the approximate 2.5 mile hill climb as a fundraiser for our friends Jim and Jan Erickson, which made for a good vibe at the start. We had a good turnout, with people of all abilities and goals. The weather held just long enough for everyone to get back down the mountain, eat some crepes, share war stories over hot chocolate, and participate in the awards and raffle. Thanks to Winthrop Mountain Sports and Helly Hansen, we had bountiful prizes and most people walked away with something. Just as we wrapped everything up, the skies opened, making for a nice cozy fall day inside. 

Now we're working on our events for next year, which includes bringing back the Rattler Trail Run. I loved this race when MVSTA put it on, and am excited to resurrect it. It's a half marathon in April on the beautiful trails in Pipestone Canyon but we're adding a four and nine mile option. So, even if you're hanging up your running shoes for the winter, there will be something for you. We're also doing the Mazama 5k and 10k over Memorial Day weekend, and a couple other fun events. Stay tuned!