News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
It hasn't felt like summer yet, with record wetness throughout the late spring, but there is a bright side to all this moisture: The running trails around Sisters are in perfect condition, grasses and flowers provide color to the scenery, and the moderate temperatures keep even the ultra-runners from overheating.
The Dirty Half, which marks the beginning of the summer running season for many Central Oregon runners, included some stellar performances by a pair of Sisters runners on June 14.
Parker Bennett, a senior-to-be at Sisters High School, placed sixth overall in 1:21:54, while Sean Meissner placed next in 1:22:13 for the 13.1 miles on Phil's Trail. Sisters runners Shaun Diez, Emi Conrads, Hayley Palmer, Mike Conrads, Iris Powell, Trish Wren, Jen Healy, Kelsey Newport and Darlene Arruda also took part.
The winner, Santi Ocariz, clocked 1:17:08, among the 684 finishers.
A couple of other races are just around the corner in the area. If you plan to stick around for Independence Day, you may want to sign up for the "Spark Your Heart" run in the Old Mill District. Not only will it ensure you a great start to your holiday, the event is also a benefit for the American Heart Association. Register at Foot Zone in Bend or online at http://www.footzonebend.com.
For those who frequent Bend, Foot Zone conducts numerous community runs during the week, along with other events, which are also posted on the store's Web site. Fleet Feet Sports (www.fleetfeetbend.com ) also sponsors community runs and educational activities for runners and is about to launch a trail-running program.
If you're looking for a longer race, the Smith Rock Sunrise Summer Classic is set for the following Saturday, July 11. This scenic run features distances of 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers, and half-marathon, all starting from Smith Rock State Park at 6:15 a.m. The event's Web site includes lots of information and an entry form at http://www.smithrockrace.com.
Training runs open to everyone will be held in Sisters this summer as well. The high school cross country team will lead runs every Monday evening at 7 p.m. Meet at the Village Green.
Early morning runs will be conducted at 7 a.m. every Wednesday morning at Buck Run Trailhead. Distance will be "runner's choice," but will normally range from three to six miles.
Need a chance to work on form, core strength and agility? Workouts conducted by Kris Kristovich and friends will take place on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 a.m. at the Sisters High School track on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the summer.
Typically, a fairly large number of runners from Sisters take part in the Hood to Coast Relay.
Anyone interested in taking part in longer training runs on Saturday mornings are welcome to contact me at [email protected]
Feedback is requested on an idea that has bounced around for a few years regarding a one-mile running race in Sisters. A number of towns and cities in Oregon feature such races as a way to involve all ages in a running event, raise a little money for a worthy cause, and promote health and fitness. The question remains: What would be the best time of year to do it? If you have thoughts on this matter please contact me.
See you out on the trail!
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