January 2009

In the Bitterroot Athlete Valley

January was pretty mild.  Some local athletes enjoyed an even warmer climate like Matt Guzik in Trinidad.  He competed in the Trinidad Marathon, which began at 5:30 in the morning. The temperature was already in the 80s. Despite the humidity, Matt finished in 3 hours 24 minutes, qualifying yet again for the Boston Marathon. (Note the nice shirt he is wearing!)

The Griz Tri is Full!

The coming-out-of-hybernation-what-have-you-been-doing-all-winter intense, competitiive triathlon favorite at the University in Missoula.... 100 athletes on the waiting list.  Statistics by Giles, Griz Tri Master:

1)  "The race filled in 12 hours this year, 19 days last year, 6 weeks in 2007 and 11 weeks in 2006 and about three months in 2005.  Who knows what is in store for 2010!
2)  25% of you will be doing your first triathlon.  Last year it was 32%.  We have never had more than 75% veterans in the Grizzly Tri – good job rookies!
3)  The oldest one of you is 74.  The youngest is 11 (in a relay with family – the only place where under 14 year olds are allowed).
4)  55% of you are women, continuing the trend of more-women-than-men in this race (since 2005)
5)  This year we have a record number of states represented – 10!  MT, OR, WA, UT, CA, CO, WY, ID, MD, MA
6)  51% of you are from Missoula; 14% of you are from Bozeman; 6% are from Hamilton and 3% are from Polson."

The Aussie Jingle Run was a Success!

It was cold, but Heather and Seth had a great showing. Awards were given for the best beard (frosty), best trip and fall, best hat, and optimistic short wearers.  Chilli and cornbread at the school cafeteria in Darby warmed us up after.  All had a great time and Heather and Seth are inching towards their goal of raising $5,000 each for the opportunity to compete in Australia...donations and fund-raising ideas welcome...contact Seth or Heather...will update #s.

Saturday Runs @ 8:00

We have a group of runners that have hung in there. Mileage began picking up for the Snow Joke training...the Seeley Lake Half Marathon Feb. 28th.  This was a Jan. 10th run with our mascot, Dante, entertaining us afterward. Still getting inquiries about 3 milers...come on out...there are others wanting to run these distances too.  Everyone just comes back to the shop when you get there. Then we sit and talk awhile as runners trickle back. 

More runs coming up. Just received a 5K fun run flyer for a Missoula St. Patrick's Day Run. The Snow Joke Half Marathon around Seeley Lake is coming up February 28th.  In March Missoula will have the Wheat Montana run on the 21st and Arlee will have the Buttercup run on the 28th.  See http://runmt.com/caljm.htm calendar for the Snow Joke.  The runs will start picking up, so pick your running events to keep you motivated.

Local News

Hamilton XC Coach, Mark Albert and Darby XC/Trac Coach, Steve Gideonwere both awarded Coaches of the Year for Class A & B schools, respectively.  Steve is still doing track workouts in Corvallis on Tuesdays at 4:00/4:15.  All ages are welcome to try Corvallis' new rubberized track.  It is a great way to find your race pace and increase your speed. Steve also allows you to rest!  Way to go Coach!

Linsey Corbin, Professional Triathlete, 5th in Ironman Hawaii, a resident of Missoula, and a presenter in November at Antara Sports is on the cover of Triathlete Magazine March issue!! The picture looks kind of strange because it is taken under water!  See LInsey's website: http://www.linseycorbin.com/.

The Governor's Cup Half & Marathon has been moved from June to September.  See: https://www.bcbsmt.com/pages/governorscup.aspx.

Looking for Scuba Diving students for a class with Greg Sangster - 777-5360.

The Downing Mountain Lodge (the Grubstake) is receiving rave reviews. Food is delicious by an amazing and well travelled/educated chef.  For back country skiing and a night at the lodge...check out the website... http://www.backcountryfocus.com/.

The Store

Because of the clearance sale items at 50% and more, Antara Sports is hanging in there. Despite negative economy news...there are still people working out, keeping fit, beginning new goals and having a great time discovering their physical abilities.  Thank you to everyone patronizing my store.  Every sale helps.   New purchases are being made such as Brooks, Snow Angels, ALO-the bamboo top company, a few Verve items, and Tyoga (Martha Stewart's trainer wore it on tv).  So check back with new workout wear coming in and clearance being cut more.  Triathlon shirts by Pearl Izumi are at 60% off now. 

Also, new "satellite" sales displays have popped up at Lisa Bryzichi's Peak Fitness in Stevi, Heidi Graham's Right-to-Bear-Arms in Darby, and Mara Philips' Florence Physical Therapy and Workout Center in Florence...sitting in Caffe Firenze in Florence now ...great Internet connection and delicious Italian food and wine at great prices!  They are catering the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce banquet.  Delicious!