Jornet’s entry in the Ultra SkyMarathon came at the last minute following the cancelation of the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc race last week due to unfavorable weather and mud slides. Jornet, the 2008 and 2009 UTMB Champ, and several other top racers changed gears and entered the Ultra SkyMarathon in Italy the next day. Jornet was accompanied by some of the world’s finest ultra-runners including Miguel Hera, Thomas Lorblanchet, Geoff Roes and Karl Metxler.

The Ultra SkyMarathon features a 49.5 kilometer course with 7,600 meter ascent and descent over seven passes, reaching an altitude of 2,950 meters.

The UTMB race was unexpectedly restarted on Saturday morning with only three members (Julien Chorier, Samuel Bonaudo and Nerea Martinez) of Team Salomon competing.

What’s that colorful tape all over the tennis court!?  You’ve probably noticed the increasing trend of kinesiology therapeutic tape on the tennis courts recently and it’s making a huge difference in many players’ level of play. Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape (KT Tape)  is making waves in the tennis world, providing drug-free pain relief to athletes on every level. Top-ranked player Mardy Fish has been spotted sporting  KT Tape  on his knee as he recovers from knee surgery.   KT Tape has just launched a new bank of 45 instructional videos to help you tape up virtually every muscle, joint and tendon.You can see a full report on KT Tape’s emergence in the tennis realm Monday Aug 16th on the Tennis Channel’s Fit to Hit program.

Lumos Inc., category leader in motion-based sports medicine products and makers of KT Tape™, now offers the world’s largest, most current, interactive and easy-to-use online collection of kinesiology taping information on KT Tape.com. In July 2010, the website doubled its offering of free step-by-step instructional videos.  KTTape.com now features 45 video instructions to properly tape every muscle, joint or tendon.

For athletes of all types, from elite pros to weekend joggers, proper application is the key to getting the most benefit from KT Tape. KT Tape’s easily accessible bank of proper-step-by-step instructions empowers all athletes and consumers to truly reap the benefits of low cost pain relief as well as faster injury recovery and rehab, just like the pros.

KT Tape is the first brand in the industry to offer such extensive resources to everyone for free- including those using other brands of tape.  The offering includes a library of printable pdfs, package instructions for basic tapings, mobile website apps, and a detailed YouTube and KTTape.com video library of taping instructions.

The most viewed videos on YouTube for kinesiology tape application are the KT Tape videos. With the newest release of videos bringing the total applications to 45, KT Tape has already doubled the application videos it offered less than a month ago and will continue to roll out five  new video applications per month for specific injuries, outpacing every other brand in application instruction.

New applications are released in response to direct requests from KT Tape consumers on Twitter, Facebook, and email, and include applications from Neck Pain to Calf Strain, Carpal Tunnel to Tennis Elbow, Rotator Cuff Pain to Plantar Fasciitis pain, and Finger Jam to IT Band Syndrome. Applications for common injuries that plague particular sports have been produced already, with a slew of new customer requested videos in the queue.  The “Ask An Expert” feature on KTTape.com offers free 24/7 expert taping support and timely advice.

“We at KT Tape are committed to providing athletes with a superior product, at a reasonable price, with accessible support networks,” says KT Tape Vice President Jim Jenson. “KT Tape is more than just kinesiology tape, it’s a community of resources that empowers athletes without prior taping experience to do the things they love without being sidelined or suffering from pain.”

To ensure that all of these instructions are available to a broader audience, KT Tape launched a new mobile-friendly website and free KT Tape app for smartphone/iPhone on which customers can watch taping application videos and locate the store nearest them. This mobile site is the first of its kind and offers athletes who experience an injury on the field access to application instruction on their mobile devices.

If athletes are looking for more of a hands-on experience, KT Tape also provides in-person demonstrations and training at hundreds of sporting events and retailers nationwide, and the online clinic locator is a database of clinicians across the country applying KT Tape.

Hilary will be mixing it up at the Salomon booth #30113W, where she will be giving media a sneak peek at the NEW Salomon XR Crossmax — Salomon enhances the world of Specialty Running with the launch of the perfect “door to trail” high-mileage training shoe. The XR provides the best of both running and trail running needs.
Comes in the “Guidance” style for pronators, and the “Neutral” style for neutral runners.

Salomon Sky 30 backpack — Salomon has expanded its pack line to include a variety of bags great for single-day or multi-day trips.

Anatomically shaped, the Sky 30 conveniently  caries gear in every season, with ski and snowshoe carriers for winter activity.

Amy will be hanging out with boys over at Klymit, (booth #38207 ) where they’ve been expanding Klymit’s NobleTec argon-gas-based insulation technology. This summer Klymit launches the Inertia X-Frame – a lightweight, inflatable camping frame  with body mapping technology. Klymit is also launching into watersports with the Klymit Kinetic Amphibian Vest. With NobleTek noble gas insulation technology, the Amphibian keeps paddlers insulated and warm even when wet.

Shane is spending the week with our new friends over at Easton Mountain Products, (booth #3009) where they will be introducing the Kilo™ Tent- Ultra-light tent that weighs 910 grams: Features a never-before-seen Carbon pole system that is 56% lighter than aluminum poles and Features the revolutionary AirLock™ Connection System that eliminates heavy full length shock cord. $399.99

EMP is also showing off its new CTR-80 Carbon Fiber and ATR-80 Aluminum Trekking Poles with new vibration control technology: Lightweight and Durable three-tier design featuring patent-pending Rock-Lock™ clamps and new Vi-Brake™ vibration dampening grip.
CTR-80 is 1.44 lbs $139.99, ATR-80 is 1.46lbs $99

Brady will be representing at the Ellington Handbags booth #146. New for Ellington this season are some great options that are attractive, yet functional bags ideal for the mountain lady with a city-like schedule. Each season is an opportunity for Ellington to introduce something new and exciting, whether it’s fresh colors, innovative silhouettes or unique fabrics. Stevie Hobo.

And don’t forget to stop by Suunto Booth #20015, and see Sammi. She’ll be hanging out with Apa Sherpa, showing off the new Suunto Core Extreme Edition Everest In honor of the legendary mountaineer and Suunto Ambassador, Apa Sherpa, Suunto is launching the limited edition wristop computer, the Suunto Core Extreme Edition Everest.  In celebration of his world-record 20th summit of Mt. Everest, this “Super Sherpa” watch reflects the mountaineer’s determination and strength. Suunto is producing only 8,848 models of the Extreme Edition Everest, in correlation with Mount Everest’s elevation of 8,848 meters.

Suunto will also be launching its new fitness heart rate monitor. The Suunto M5 is the complete multi-sport fitness and recovery partner.
The Moves series training watch targets those looking for guidance for weight management and improved fitness. The M-series watch comes with a dual heart rate monitor to provide guidance, monitor activity, inspire, motivate and turn measured data into personal recommendations and training plans.  Sammi will also be telling people about the newly launched www.movescount.com social gathering and training manager site from Suunto.

Stop by the Suunto booth to see World 24hr Mountain Bike Champion and Leadville 100 Trail Women’s Champion, Rebecca Rusch.  She’ll be at the booth signing autographs and meeting fans on Tuesday at 11:00am.

And you can check out the story by Rick Olson on the Playground Tour.  Good stuff about him being afraid of Darwon in his undies.

From Hilary–First of all, we are heartsick over the loss suffered in The Daily Interlake Newsroom.  We are saddened over the deaths of reporters Melissa Weaver and Erika Hoefer, and we offer our sincere sympathies to the women’s friends, families and coworkers at the paper.  Outside Media hopes for healing and peace to everyone feeling pain in the wake of the tragedy.

*******

While The Daily Interlake does NOT get my vote for best newsroom in the Flathead, based on 1.) their horrible decision not to run political profiles on all candidates running for HD 3 prior to the June primary and 2.) the fact that they often entirely snub amazing events, people and newsworthiness in Columbia Falls, we are happy to participate in their “Best of the Flathead 2010″ survey.

I encourage everyone to cast their ballots online, and throw mad fist-pumps where they are due.

Some of my picks:

Coach Trevor and Lulu

Best Coach–Trevor Kjensrud, Columbia Falls Baseball

Best Massage Therapist–Glen Holmes at Imagine Health

Best Swimming Hole–Historic Red Bridge

Best Place for Women to Shop–Fashion Finds

Best Barber–Barb The Barber at The Barber’s Shop

Best New Restaurant–Three Forks Grille

Best Asian Food–Tien’s Place

The Flip Wilsons performing at the Boatman's Bash at Discovery Square

Best Local Band–The Flip Wilsons

Best Espresso Stand–Friske Beans

Best Non Profit Group–First Best Place

Best Community Celebration–Heritage Days

What are your favorites?

Cast your ballot by clicking here–and rock on, 59912!

Hil

Here are the pics!

crazy sky on the 14 hr drive to Casper, WY

What's the deal with the sky? Seriously.

Beautiful Chief Joseph Pass

Ryan Anderson, best guide evah

They only let me take pics of the little fish--the lunkers were saved for video.

Sponge Bob the producer/shooter

Happy me.

Courtney Vermaas, Marketing Coordinator for Suunto USA, efficiently organized our group and recruited us from Montana to join along with some friends from the Amer Sports sister brand Atomic and local Ogden area friends. I’m sure at times she felt as if herding cats would have been easier.

We had two vans of six people each, leap-frogging over 188 miles of paved and dirt roads during a 24-hour period.  The setup made cheering and providing water to the runners a full time job–little time for sleep. Running through rural Utah during the witching hours of the night and seeing wild animals’ eyes light up in the headlamp led to some funny memories and good laughs!

The race began in Logan, UT with a fantastic finish at The Canyons in Park City, UT. The Suunto co-ed team finished 68th out of 658 co-ed teams! Our official time was 28: 31:05. Not bad for our first year.

We had a great time and I am already looking forward to next year.

Every morning before work I run, and I’m actually quite amazed at my motivation. I’ve always been a runner, but lacked any sort of direction or goal. So, once I started training with an end-game in mind it really motivated me not to skip, slack, sleep-in or bow to rain.

I’m loving the routine, my progress and the guaranteed opportunity to be outside for part of my day–regardless of rain, shine, wind or snow. The run is ALWAYS worth it in the end and it usually only takes a block or two for the scowl to leave my face. I wander through streets and back roads of Columbia Falls  and my head fills with random thoughts and internal discussions. I solve all kinds of life’s questions on these runs. With all this thinking and the world’s problems getting solved internally on a daily basis, there is one thing I don’t think about. My knees! They don’t hurt. Thankfully, I’ve been wearing KT Tape on my knees and IT Band. KT Tape is a must for me training. KT Tape is elastic athletic tape designed to pull skin off of pain receptors, promote circulation and support overworked muscles and tendons. Miracle Tape really.

My Marathon Essentials

My other essentials for training include: Suunto t3d training watch with heart rate monitor to track my progress and log miles, ipod, and Salomon Wind Stopper Jacket that handles all the weather thrown at me. With this arsenal of goods, I’m bound to give this marathon hell.

Gettin' psyched to ice my legs

Since I’m up to the 20-mile mark for my long-runs on Sundays, I need to get a handle on the lactic acid situation that dominates my legs.  Being an ardent cold water hater, I was hesitant to accept that cold water would be helpful in my recovery.  Standing in the frigid glacial run-off waters of the Flathead River was a big step.  Of course, the biting glacial waters of the Flathead is harsh, but it really works.

If you see me on the road or trail as I train, say hey!  And wish me luck in Missoula on July 11th.

This Saturday is the Middle Fork Marathon!  Come save the Historic Red Bridge with a 27-mile downriver race and barbecue and Boatman’s Bash in Columbia Falls.  Here are details from the Facebook Event Page.

The event will be held on Saturday June 12. On-site registration begins at 11:00 am with the race starting at noon. From there we are rafting/racing down to the Historic Red Bridge in Columbia Falls–27 miles total! Take out is at the Historic Red Bridge 3 pm – 5 pm with a BBQ dinner, Awards, raffle and events at the Glacier Discovery Square at 5 pm. All money raised will go to the Historic Red Bridge Committee of the First Best Place and its efforts to restore the Historic Red Bridge as a walking/biking bridge as well as a possible whitewater play park for kayakers on the Flathead River in the heart of Columbia Falls!

Support one or more rafts for $400 per raft. Support a paddler for $100, or join us for the post race BBQ and Boatman’s Bash for $10 a plate! All donations are tax deductible.Contact one of local raft companies (listed below) to sign up or make a donation and be sure to mention the Middle Fork Marathon. Registration begins at 11:00 at the Moccasin Creek put-in with Race starting at noon. Teams are encouraged to seek local business sponsorship to cover the entry fee.

Teams must sign up through Great Northern Resort, Wild River Adventures, Montana Raft Co or Glacier Raft Co— since each of these companies will provide the guides, permits and safety equipment necessary.

Rules and Requirements:
1. We are to have at least one guide currently employed by one of the four companies.
2. Each guide must conduct the trip with the same safety requirements/talk as during a commercial trip.
3. Each raft may include no more than five (5) paddlers including a guide and one MUST be a female
4. Each participant must wear a pfd during the race
5. Each raft is a paddle raft–no oar frame assist and obviously no motors
6. Each team member must sign liability waiver provided by raft companies during on-site registration
7. Team members are not allowed to swap out their paddle spot with new team members during the race.
8. Individuals who want to participate but don’t have enough people for an entire $400 can buy a seat for $100
9. Each team is responsible for providing their own transportation to Moccasin creek and from the Historic Red Bridge in Columbia Falls.

If you or your employees would like to sponsor a raft and come paddle that raft, well then get your arms in shape and be part of the action! If watching from the shore is more your thing then we’ll happily accept your monetary donation, and we will do the work. Either way you will be supporting a great cause to ensure a positive future for the Columbia Falls community!

Prizes will be awarded for Fastest Time, Most Money Raised, Raft Company with the most racers, Best Costumes, etc. There will be a $1 raffle for gear from AIRE, NRS, The North Face, Salomon, Suunto, Chaco, free raft trips and more…

Please contact us if you would like to join in the fun!

Rebecca Anderson-Montana Raft Co.
406-387-5555
info@glacierguides.com

Ryan Thompson–Glacier Raft Co.
406-888-5454
GRC@GlacierRaftCo.com

Victoria Lee or Carl Motes-Connors–Great Northern Resort
406-387-5340
info@gnwhitewater.com

Bob Jordon–Wild River Adventures
406-387-9453
wildriver@riverwild.com

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