The 9th Annual NW
Regional Racewalk Retreat

This year’s 9th Annual NW Regional Racewalk Retreat was held at the H.M. Terpenning Recreation Complex in Beaverton. The event drew walkers from all over the Northwest. Seminars from a team of the top racewalking coaches in the U.S. included: Judy Heller: USATF coach, official and personal trainer; John Hanan II: USATF coach, official, and founder of Racewalkers NW club; Kelly Murphy-Glenn: USATF racewalk judge, former Nike World Master 10K winner. Kelly is among the top 20 elite female walkers in the United States.

The retreat also included a very special guest coach, Olympian Philip Dunn who shared many inspiring "road to Athens" stories with the group. (See page 16.)

Other speakers included Dr. Ted Forcum from Back In Motion Sports Injury Clinic, Dr. Ray McClanahan, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from NW Foot and Ankle, and Dave Harkin, owner of Portland Running and Walking Company. In addition to informative seminars, attendees also participated in a series of coached practice sessions designed to help each improve their racewalking technique.

Not only were the participants videotaped on the first day of the seminar, they were taped on the second day as well. This enabled all to see their improvements after one day of instruction. This event is for walkers who want to move to the next level of competition. The training was fun, informative, and extremely motivating. It is not recommended for fitness walkers wanting to just improve their speed, since the emphasis was on correct racewalking technique.

Next year will be the 10th retreat and Philip will be the special guest once again. Meanwhile those who attended will be concentrating on core strengthening, wearing their Birkenstocks, learning to salsa dance, and getting their big house in order. You’ll have to attend next year to find out what those things have to do with racewalking.

And Now for Something
Completely Different... and Fun!

Remember the ‘80s fitness craze? It was all about big bangs, leotards, and leg warmers. It turns out that not all of the decade’s fads were better left in the decade. Those mini trampolines that were all the rage were actually good for you — and still are. Besides offering a fun alternative to your regular exercise routine, many experts believe that rebounding (jumping on a trampoline) is the most effective way to stimulate your immune system. The white blood cells of the immune system, which fight infection and destroy malignant cells, move through the body via the lymphatic system. However, unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system does not have a pump of its own and thus depends on movement to nudge the white blood cells around the body. Many experts believe that rebounding in one of the most effective ways to do this. Rebounding also increases cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. So go ahead, pop in some tunes, and get rebounding!

Walk About’s Web Pick
www.walkinginfo.org

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) serves anyone interested in pedestrian and bicycle issues through its website. This informative site encourages citizens to get involved in city planning to promote safer, more walkable cities. Included are a "community toolbox," a set of techniques for project development and community participation, and a walkability checklist to help determine a community’s walking potential. The site also has information on national "Walk to School Day" planned for October 6, 2004 whose goal is to encourage parents and kids to get moving throughout the year.

Just in Time for Summer, New Balance Introduces New Shoes

741

757

Holding strong as one of the leading manufacturers of athletic footwear in the United States, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. continues to introduce innovative, high-performance footwear products for consumers. Because New Balance believes that better fit leads to better performance, all in-line New Balance shoes are available in multiple widths and sizes. The WW741, a women’s-only, progressively styled walking shoe, will debut in the Cushioning segment for summer 2004. Featuring Abzorb SBS® cushioning in heel, a Stability Web® for lightweight midfoot support, an external TPU saddle for additional support, the 741 offers a highly technical package as well as streamlined cosmetics and a sleek silhouette for the avid walker.
MSRP: $70

For summer 2004, the MW/WW757 will be available in the Supportive Cushioning segment of the Walking category. A stable, supportive shoe for the frequent fitness walker, the 757 provides Abzorb® cushioning in the heel and forefoot, a Stability Web® for lightweight midfoot support, and a walking strike path outsole. The women’s 757 is part of New Balance's 2004 Lace Up for the Cure collection to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
MSRP: $80

Local Business Owners Support
the Active Portland Community

One sweltering afternoon last June, Paula and Dave Harkin, owners of Portland Running and Walking Company (PRWC), had a vision. They imagined supplying the entire walking and running community with water and PowerAde. They set out with powdered mix, cups, water, stir sticks, and garbage bags. One year later, they have up to four different stations a day on the trails, paths, and parks of Portland. "Our main goal is to give back to the running and walking community," says Paula. "We’ve had folks come by our eastside store just to say, ‘Thanks!’" On weekdays, PRWC places fresh PowerAde at the base of Hawthorne Bridge on the Eastbank Esplanade. PRWC also makes sure that weekend visitors to the Leif Erickson Trailhead enjoy a scenic run or walk and a quaff of the refreshing and hydrating liquids. PRWC’s newest installments include Mt. Tabor Park and Glendoveer Park on the Eastside.

Clogs ‘n More for Less

Ever tried to find a pair of Danskos on sale? It’s about as easy as finding a mall without a Starbucks. But not any more! Clogs ‘n More has opened an outlet store in NE Portland. The store, located at NE 20th and Broadway, has hundreds of discontinued shoe styles and colors on display from brands like Dansko, Josef Seibel, and Sanita. Most shoes are 10% to 25% off their original prices. For more information call 888-302-2564.

The Movie Every American Must See

Super Size Me, by writer and director Morgan Spurlock, brings America’s obesity epidemic to the big, and I mean big, screen. This documentary follows Spurlock as he tries a 30-day, McDonald’s-only diet. The effects are so drastic even his team of specialists failed to predict the physical toll the diet would take on his body. Spurlock makes the film fun, informative, and terrifying by intermixing historical and nutritional snippets amongst his tale of gluttony.

The movie’s only fault is it puts too much of the blame on McDonald’s. Most American restaurants, including dine-in, take out, and fast food, serve huge, fat-infused portions because this is what Americans have asked for with their dollar. Blame us, not those giving us what we want.

A few not-so-happy facts about the all-American
meal from Super Size Me:
• You would have to walk for seven
hours straight to burn off a super-
sized Coke, fries, and Big Mac.
• In 1972, we spent $3 billion a year on
fast food; today we spend more than
$110 billion.
• Illinois is the only state in the union
that still requires physical education
in its schools.
• One in every three children born in
the year 2000 will develop diabetes in
their lifetime.