May 2023

LOCAL RUNNER SETS WORLD RECORD COMPLETING THE 2650 MILE PACIFIC COAST TRAIL

In 2021 Ultra runner Timothy Olson, originally from Amherst, Wisconsin set out on a lifelong dream and remarkable undertaking, to pursue the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the 2,650mile Pacific Crest Trail.

Tim did break this record finishing the PCT on July 22, 2021. He averaged 50 miles of running per day over 52 consecutive days along terrain that’s far from flat. Totaling a punishing 500,000ft of vertical gain, and 500,000ft of vertical descent across a variety of ecosystems ranging from the Mojave desert to the high alpine of the Sierra and Cascade mountains. Simply put, the PCT is notoriously difficult at the slowest of paces.

Any rational high-end athlete would have arranged an F1 level support crew for the endless aid stations and care taking required along the way. Instead, Tim chose a different strategy. Alongside his coach, Tim was accompanied by his pregnant wife Krista, in her third trimester of pregnancy, two young boys of 4 and 7 years old, and his elderly mother and father-in-law, to crew him throughout the arduous run.

The story that unfolded is against all odds. A race against the fastest known time, an extreme environment of record breaking heat, an onslaught of wildfires, trail closures and an impending due date. A one hour movie was created about Tim’s world breaking record and will be shown at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 17 at Premier Best Western Hotel, 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah.

This free event will be hosted by the Pacesetters Running Club. The public is welcome to attend. Any questions Contact Us.

PICKLEBALL FOR RUNNERS

The Pacesetters group continues to recommend the sport Pickleball as a good cross training activity. Running generally happens in one plane, whereas Pickleball gives our bodies a better overall dynamic workout across multiple planes.

With the degree of difficulty fairly easy for basic volleying and the rules somewhat simple, most people find they can start enjoying the game during the first day they walk out onto the court.

The sport was started in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, where a group of friends created it for their families that needed a new activity. They named it after their dog Pickles.

It received mainstream attention during the 2020 pandemic. Between 2019 and 2021 there was a 39% increase in players, as the total reached 4.8 million. The close proximity of players makes it a great social sport and has opened up many new friendships.

After playing Pickleball longer many find they can still improve their game. The finer styles of play and strategies are vast such that you can continue to grow within the sport for many years.

If you are interested in getting started or learning more, please Contact Us for more information on where to go or with any questions. It is a welcoming group, don’t be intimidated by players you may see at a higher level, everyone started as a beginner. Many of us have extra paddles and balls you can try.

AVOCADO INFORMATION

For those of you who enjoy eating avocados, and appreciate the healthy benefits they provide, here is a little trick you can use to increase the life of them. Buy a fresh avocado, cut it in half, remove the pit, and then cut the avocado in slices. You can also chunk it.

Lay slices out on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them. Put them in a freezer bag and you can take out what you want as needed. Some like using them in smoothies. Or let them thaw and use in sandwiches or with eggs. They will remain a nice green color.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday May 10 – PaceSetters Fun Run

Held at Fox West YMCA in Greenville
Starts at 6:00 pm
5k and 5 mile route options
Free pizza and drinks afterwards
ALL: Please bring a dish to pass, such as a salad, fruit or dessert

Saturday May 13 - Sole Burner 5k

Held at Appleton City Park
41st annual event
Member can sign into our Events page for a Discount code
Also Kids distances on Friday May 12

Wednesday May 17 – Runners 2880 mile run Movie Showing

Movie showing at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 17 at Premier Best Western Hotel, 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah.
Story of runner who ran 50 miles per day totaling 2,880 miles

Saturday May 27 at 7:00 am – Kickoff run for Community First Fox Cities Full/Half Marathon Weekly Summer Training Runs

Held at Crunch Fitness or Runaway Shoes (TBD)
First run will be 4 miles for Half and 8 miles for Full

RUNNING EVENT DISCOUNTS

We have added many great new discounts for upcoming running events in our area