Off the Couch
In a quiet way, the thousands of people who run, bike, hike, ski and paddle make a lot of noise in Wisconsin
Web problems freeze Iceman Cometh registration
Looking to try something new in 2012, I fired up the laptop this morning to enter the Bell's Beer Iceman Cometh Challenge Race, from Kalsaska to Traverse City.
The Iceman also was trying something new, registration through USA Cycling, and the web site crashed just at the opening bell. They are "feverishly work (sic) on the problem."
Budget cuts hit triathlon class at UW-Madison
A popular triathlon class at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been caught in a financial transition, forcing the school to cut 29 physical education offerings.
The Wisconsin State Journal reports that students and trainers object to the cut, which would take place after the spring session.
Jorgensen takes 6th in Clermont ITU Sprint Triathlon
Waukesha native Gwen Jorgensen started her Olympic season with a sixth place finish Saturday in the Clermont ITU Sprint Triathlon Pan American Cup.
Two years ago, the race served as Jorgensen's first triathlon and the launching point for her success in the multi-discipline sport. A standout swimmer and runner at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Jorgensen found instant success in triathlon and earned a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.
Birkebeiner reflection: the lessons of Vegard Ulvang
Joe Dubay was disqualified from the 2012 American Birkebeiner, and I envy him.
Not his disqualification, of course, and not necessarily his ability, which allowed him to ski faster than 1,641 other competitors in the 54K classic race - unfortunately in someone else’s bib.
Green Bay adding shared use lanes for bicyclists
Motorists in Green Bay will be asked to yield to bicyclists on portions of downtown streets being converted to shared use lanes this summer.
Known as sharrows, the shared use lanes have been added to city streets across the country to make commuters more comfortable on bicycles. Often set away from the curb and in a traditional traffic lane, the sharrows have additional markings and encourage motorists to slow and move over to pass bicyclists.
With low-cost races, running remains a cheap date
I read this Off the Couch post about increasingly expensive races a few weeks ago, and a part of me grimaced in agreement.
Birkebeiner tales accumulate as fast as the ski season disappears
The disappointment of watching the snow disappear has been softened by the accumulation of Birkebeiner tales in my inbox, in the days since the race.
Nearly 8,000 skiers completed the Kortelopet or the Bikebeiner on Feb. 25. No doubt, each of them has been sharing their personal story, of suffering and glory. Here's a few that I wanted to share.
Ray's Indoor MTB Park devotes a weekend to women
A ladies’ night isn’t quite enough to accommodate a couple hundred women looking to build their mountain bike skills.
Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park has created a women’s weekend.
Wisconsin Lutheran H.S. alums pace the Blarney Run in 'Tosa
Ben Garbe and I both made the Blarney Run in Wauwatosa our first race of the 2012 running season.
Gold's Gym renovation in Milwaukee wins top construction award
The heavy lifting required to create a Gold’s Gym from an aging office building earned Consolidated Construction Co, Inc., an Eagle Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors.
The Appleton-based contractor was the only Wisconsin business honored as part of the 2011 National Excellence in Construction competition.
Senate passes bill opening more state parks to hunting. Objections remain
The version of the Sportsman Heritage Bill approved by the Senate last week allows hunting and trapping in nine state parks where it was previously prohibited, but includes a 100-yard buffer zone around trails and other designated areas.
Trail users, including hikers, bikers and skiers, objected to earlier versions of the bill because the presence of hunters would deter them from their form of outdoor pursuits.
Higher temps, fewer casualties in 2012 American Birkebeiner
The temperatures were up, and the casualties down in the 39th edition of the American Birkebeiner.
Staff from the Marshfield clinic treated 40 skiers who competed in the 50K or 54K versions of the Birkebeiner, from Cable to Hayward, on Feb. 25. They needed treatment for blisters, bruises and fatigue.
B-Cycle rolls out bikes and new prices in Madison
The bike-sharing system installed in Madison last year will open the 2012 season with more bikes and new prices, starting April 1.
B-Cycle, part of Trek Bicycle Corp., lowered its daily rental fee from $10 to $5, held its annual membership at $65 and added a special rate of $20 for University of Wisconsin - Madison students.
True confession from the Boston Marathon: Some days, running is more slog than joy
Sometimes running sucks.
There, I said it. Isn’t it the little secret around the running community, this admission that running isn’t always a joy?
Off the Couch on the air
From outdoor sheepshead to hiking in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, I enjoyed a wide-ranging discussion of spring activities moved ahead this year by the record-setting warm weather.
Joy Cardin guided the discussion on the Ideas Network of Wisconsin Public radio.
Runners filling Door County for half marathon
There’s nothing leisurely about the growth of the Door County Half Marathon, in a vacation destination more noted for sedentary pursuits.
Friends of Lapham Peak have a deal: buy a bike, get snow
There was a day when you could buy a TV and get a bike.
On Saturday, you can buy a bike and get snow.
Bicycles, pedestrians would have path along Lake Parkway extension
The refurbished Hoan Bridge won’t include a bike lane.
An extended Lake Parkway will.
Team Citi sponsors Gwen Jorgensen for Olympic run
Waukesha native Gwen Jorgensen will have the backing of the Citigroup during her training for the 2012 Olympics.
The financial services company added the top-ranked triathlete to its Team Citi, which includes 13 Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
UW-Eau Claire professor maps Olympic Marathon
Runners in the 2012 Olympic Marathon will build their game plans on the maps produced by a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire professor known as Mr. Marathon.
Ripon spring classic ride supports Red Hawk cycling
Ripon College has organized a new entry on the list of cycling's Spring Classics.
Less competitive and international than its European counterparts, the 110-mile ride through Green Lake country on Saturday will help test early-season fitness and raise money for the Red Hawks cycling team.
Solinsky shares lessons from a year lost to over training
Nearly all competitive athletes have been afflicted with an attitude captured in song by James McMurtry: “Once they've seen your best they can forget about the rest don't you know.”
For Chris Solinsky, the former University of Wisconsin All-American, the best was a U.S. record in the 10,000 meters and the acclaim given to an Olympic contender. That was 2010.
Petri receives leadership award from League of American Bicyclists
Rep. Thomas Petri didn't have much success in his fight to keep federal dollars flowing to projects for bicyclists and pedestrians. He has, however, been rewarded for his effort.
The League of American Bicyclists honored the Republican from Fond du Lac with one of 13 leadership awards, recognizing the legislators who work to make bicycling safe and accessible.
InStep launches 10-month fun run series for charity
InStep Physical Therapy and Running Centers has simplified the charity run to its bare essentials: Make a donation. Run.
The Milwaukee-area business will launch its “Run for a Reason” series next month, with the first of 10 monthly outings on Saturday mornings through December. The two- or four-mile runs, one each month, will start at the InStep store at 403 E. Buffalo St. in Milwaukee.
High temps, gas prices fuel early-season bicycle sales
Record highs, in temperatures and gas prices, have boosted bicycle sales around the Midwest, according to industry news.
Some retailers speculate that the early spring advanced the post-winter sales rush, much as it accelerated plant blossoms. The sales surge may have gotten more fuel, though, as the gas prices push more commuters to find a more economical way to travel.
Cyclists set to pedal for food in Tri Faster charity ride
Cyclists answering the call of Tri Faster coach Lauren Jensen will pedal for food on Saturday during a four-hour session in the St. Martin of Tours gymnasium.
Riders will have to bring their own bikes and stationary trainers, and their own food.
Sassy signs for enduring motivation
With marathon season approaching, friends and family of participants are brainstorming to create earnest and motivational signs and cheers.
This photo montage salutes those who take another tack. (Warning: Language not suitable for children.)
Resurgent Trailbreaker Marathon looks to draw 1,000 runners
Four years after hitting the wall, the resurgent Trailbreaker Marathon in Waukesha will attract nearly 1,000 runners on Saturday and build enthusiasm in the city.
Not only has the Trailbreaker regained its status as an unofficial start to the Wisconsin marathon season, it has gained new partners in Carroll University and downtown businesses. The 2012 edition, the 20th running of the Trailbreaker, also will produce more than $20,000 for the Parks Foundation of Waukesha.
Young guns chase national stature in Mad City ultra
A couple top guns among U.S. ultra runners will race to build their credentials in the sixth Mad City in Vilas Park on Saturday.
In past years, the race has served as the USATF 100K national championship, but a conflict with the World Championship for that distance altered the plans for 2012. Race Director Tim Yanacheck shortened the run to 50K – five laps around Lake Wingra.
Wodke fends off disease, skeptics in run to the Boston Marathon
Chris Wodke hides a debilitating neurological disease with a short, choppy stride, and an earnest dedication to inspire others with CMT by running the Boston Marathon.
The name Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is probably unfamiliar to most, but it is one of the most common neurological disorders passed through family genes. It affects 2.6 million people around the world; one in every 2,500 people in the U.S.
Birkie bulks up to 9,500, works on deal with Telemark Resort
A month after celebrating the largest American Bikebeiner in history, race organizers increased the skier limit to 9,500 for the 2013 edition, the Birkie’s 40th anniversary.
That limit will cover the full Birkebeiner and 23-kilometer Kortelopet. Another 500 registrations will be open for the 12-kilometer Prince Haakon race.