Destination Arizona
Gorgeous Winter Weather and
Fun Times Await You!

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a newcomer to 26.2-mile foot races, P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona is one to circle on the calendar. The event, which includes a marathon, half marathon and a one-mile kids’ fun run, is well worth making an
annual affair.

January is an amazing time of year to visit the Valley of the Sun. Sunny skies and gorgeous weather await you… temperatures that scream perfect running and walking weather. A typical day starts at around 40 degrees and reaches about 65 by midday — ideal for a poolside, post-race afternoon. Beyond the race, participants and their families can enjoy golfing, hiking, swimming, shopping, world-class spas, museums, swank nightlife, and a two-day Health & Fitness Expo.

As with all elite racing events, P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona is a musical marathon where over 60 bands and 40 cheer squads add spirit and inspiration from start to finish. Live bands literally play every mile, creating a musical party on the road. Festivities culminate with an evening headliner concert (free with race entry) at Tempe Beach Park.

Much of what makes P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona such an incredible experience is the support behind it. Everyone from the title sponsor, to the host cities, to the local running/walking community show nothing but tremendous enthusiasm. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro even designed a protein-powered, complex-carbo-loaded Training Table Menu for endurance athletes, now a permanent part of its nationwide menu.

P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona truly has something for everyone. Elite athletes will find a world-class field, serious runners can use this event as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, and casual runners and walkers can indulge in friendly competition as the event emits a festive and welcoming environment for all to enjoy.

For more information or to register, visit www.rnraz.com or call 1-800-311-1255.

November 4, 2005 will be an evening of historic significance as a thousand business and community leaders, planners and engineers, trail and bike advocates, history enthusiasts, and interested citizens gather together at the Hilton Hotel and Vancouver Convention Center to blaze new trails.

The Blazing New Trails Symposium will reflect and commemorate the original Corps of Discovery’s nation-building journey and serve as an opportunity to shape Clark County’s way of life in the future. The event will honor the 200th anniversary of the very day on which Lewis and Clark set up camp on the Columbia River in what is now Clark County. The evening will also include speaker Steve Adams, Superintendent National Park Service Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, who will discuss the national perspective on the future of the Lewis & Clark National Trails Program.

With years of preparation in commemorating the most pivotal exploration in American history, attendees will review and discuss the Draft Clark County Trail & Bikeway Systems Plan proposed to create a truly connected and economically viable system that encourages non-motorized travel, commuting, and healthful activities. With our society facing a steady rise in obesity and poor health related to physical inactivity, especially among children, now is the time to plan and implement the County’s Trail & Bikeway Systems Plan.

The evening’s program will also include recognition of past trail leadership in Clark County. Participation in the symposium is open to all trail enthusiasts, community visionaries, and active citizens. The community’s participation is important in maintaining a well-informed, well-rounded planning effort.

For more information or to register for tickets to the symposium, please contact Kelly Punteney, Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation Dept., 360-619-1127, www.vanclarkparks-rec.org.
— Lisa Hunter Schauer

Nautilus, Inc. Opens New World Headquarters and Community “Backyard”

When it comes to encouraging health and fitness, one would have to give high marks to fitness company Nautilus, Inc. for rolling out the carpet. Green carpet. Field turf, to be precise.

As part of its move into a gigantic new world headquarters in Vancouver, WA, the maker of high quality fitness products tore out a 1.5 acre parking lot and converted it into a “backyard” for its employees and the community.

Featuring a football/soccer field, softball/ youth baseball field, basketball courts and a 1/3-mile track around the softball field, the Nautilus Backyard officially was unveiled during the company’s grand opening events in September. The Backyard is free and open to the public.

CEO Gregg Hammann said it is his vision to see kids pulling up on their bikes after school to shoot hoops or play ball on the all-weather fields. He encourages employees to conduct “walking meetings” on the track, or to take active breaks in the Backyard.
Already, the community has shown an outpouring of support for its new corporate neighbor.

For more information on Nautilus, visit www.bowflex.com or www.nautilus.com.