Running commentary

Spring is definitely here, with sunny warm days followed by snowstorms the next morning. Regardless, most of the local running trails are in excellent condition, ready for all those runners who are anxious for the spring and summer running season.

The Peterson Ridge Rumble 30k and 50k trail run will cover most of those paths on Sunday, April 11. Race director Sean Meissner is expecting a record field, with 345 runners pre-registered. That number bodes well for the Sisters High School cross country team, which is the recipient of the proceeds of the race.

Speaking of Meissner, he won the Yakima River Canyon Marathon on Sunday, March 28, in 2:45:14, among 530 finishers. While not quite matching his best of 2:39, he still finished four minutes ahead of the second-place finisher.

"I didn't push super hard, but I did run the second half two minutes faster than the first half, which is always a good feeling," he said.

Meissner is not the only recent victor among local runners. Ashley Nordell, who moved to Sisters in November along with her husband Josh, won the Syllamo Stage race in Arkansas, which included a 50-kilometer (31-mile) trail race on the first day, followed by a 50-mile race the next.

After finishing fourth overall on day one (5:23:33), Nordell came back to take the lead among all competitors - male or female - on the second day (9:27:35) to win with a combined time of 14 hours 51 minutes and 8 seconds.

The race was shortened by a day after one male competitor got lost on the second day. The remaining competitors all elected to help with the search rather than complete the scheduled 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) finale of the three-stage race.

Happily, the lost runner turned up before mid-day in good health after spending the night wearing nothing but shoes, shorts, and a long-sleeved shirt.

Keep an eye on the Sisters Outlaws track and field team, which is showing a lot of promise in the young season. Parker Bennett and Taylor Steele rank among the top 4A distance runners in Oregon and are working hard to make noise at the district and state meet level at the end of the season in May.

My personal training took a bit of a hit for the first part of March, but I ran every day of spring break and feel like I am back on course for some outings this spring and summer.

Upcoming races: Saturday, April 3: Horse Butte 10-miler. This run is virtually all single track out near Horse Butte, east of Bend. It is limited to 200 runners, so sign up today at www.footzonebend.com.

Sunday, April 11: Peterson Ridge Rumble, right here in Sisters. You have a choice of a 30-kilometer or a 50-kilometer course. Check the Footzone Web site for availability. Note: If you'd like to volunteer as a course monitor or aide station worker, contact me at [email protected]

Saturday, May 1: The Solaire Salmon Run 10k and 5k. This long-standing race is part trail, part road. Information on the race can be found at www.envirocenter.org.

Sunday, May 9: Up the Crooked River Duathlon (Run/Bike/Run) in Prineville. For those non-swimmers out there, this is the next best thing to a triathlon and is suitable for all levels since the distances are relatively moderate (5k run/40k bike/5k run). There is also a two-mile walk/10-mile bike/two-mile walk event. More information is at www.normsxtreme fitness.com/duathalon.htm.

Saturday May 15: U.S. Bank Pole, Pedal, Paddle. This multi-event race can be done individually, with a partner or as a team. Stages include alpine and Nordic skiing, cycling, running and kayaking. Entry forms are available at U.S. Bank and at www.mbsef.org.

Sunday, June 13: Dirty Half 13.1-mile race outside of Bend. This popular race kicks off the summer running season and fills up fast. Join a strong contingent of Sisters area runners who plan to run. Entry form and race details are available at the Footzone Web site.

I have no training run invitations to offer now, but hope to sprinkle some in this spring and summer. Stay tuned!