Professional athlete to hold fitness workshop

Christine Knight, former Grangeville resident turned professional athlete, will host a free workshop next Wednesday, July 5 from 7-9 p.m. at Groaners Fitness in Grangeville.

The workshop, "Why Not Tri?" is designed for all fitness levels from those considering a triathlon, to those doing one event, to those who are interested in picking up fitness tips from a professional. It is also intended for entrants in the August 12, First Annual Splash, Pedal, Dash Triathlon for adults and youth sponsored by Grangeville Physical Therapy.

"I think this would be a great workshop for anyone intending to participate in the DAM Race this Aug. 5, here in Orofino. Christine will cover issues relevant to anyone participating in a triathlon," said Scott Schochler, DAM Race coordinator.

"I'll cover a variety of topics that will keep people from making rookie mistakes whether it's a person's first triathlon or their fifth," said Knight. "The key points I'll cover will include equipment requirements, fueling up guidelines, training and race week nutrition, recovery hints, transition logistics, brick workouts, race day check list and basic training schedules."

Knight graduated from Grangeville High School in 1986, afterwards attending North Idaho College and Linfield College in McMinnville, OR on track scholarships. She currently resides in Boulder, CO where she is training for the July 29th Worlds Duathlon, S. C., in Cornerbrook, Canada. So far this year the races she has completed in include the Worlds Du Long Course Championship which was in Denmark, the Desert Duathlon in Arizona, the Powerman Alabama Duathlon, the Powerman N.C. Duathlon and the Short Du Nationals in Ohio. She is sponsored by a number of athletic equipment companies including AdvoCare International, Fleet Feet of Boulder, LeopardCycles.com, and Honey Stinger Gels. She also works as a personal trainer and hosts a website, www.ulbfit.com.

Pre-registration for the free clinic is not necessary, but donations to help support Knight's July trip to Canada will be accepted. Julie Hauger, owner of Groaners Fitness Center and Knight's mother, can provide further information about the clinic, 208-983-7070. The center is located at 505 West Main St., Grangeville.

"The opportunity to hear someone of Christine's caliber in our area shouldn't be missed," said Gary McEwen, PT, co-director of Clearwater Valley Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital Physical Therapy Program. "She is very supportive of our first local triathlon because she knows the value of exercise and setting goals. Including a youth division in our splash, pedal, dash triathlon will, hopefully, get our younger generation interested in maintaining an active lifestyle. We're hoping the event will attract people from this area and around the region."

The August 12 Splash, Pedal, Dash Triathlon in Grangeville will include an adult division, age 15 and older and three youth divisions, age 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14. The adult event will consist of a 250 yard swim in the Grangeville City Pool, an eight mile bike ride and a two mile run. Adult and youth divisions will have staggered start times, but all events will start at 7:30 am.

The DAM Race is an adventure race featuring kayaking or canoeing on Dworshak Reservoir, a 24 to 26 mile bike ride and a trek from Freeman Creek to Big Eddy Trail finishing at Big Eddy. The race course will be a very scenic yet demanding course covering between 40 and 45 miles.

For more information or to register for the Splash Pedal Dash race please call Grangeville Physical Therapy, 208-983-2241. Detailed information and registration forms for the DAM race can be obtained at www.damrace.com or by calling 208-476-4826.

Photo: Christine Knight, former Grangeville resident turned professional athlete, will lead a free sports clinic on Wednesday, July 5, at Groaners Fitness Center in Grangeville. The clinic supports the Aug. 5 DAM Race in Orofino and the Aug. 12 Splash Pedal Dash Triathlon sponsored by Grangeville Physical Therapy. (Photo courtesy of Jeanette Gorman)