Runner's log

For the people whose usual excuse for lack of training is uncooperative weather well, they should be in their best shape ever after the last month of weather Carson Country has experienced.

Running conditions have been tremendous during October. The pleasant temperatures combined with scenery of autumn have made it easy to get out the door.

If you haven't had the opportunity to run in Carson City rural area's Spooner Lake State Park, it's worth the 20-minute drive to the summit. The spectacular colors of the quaking aspen leaves will quickly make you forget you're running at 7,000 feet.

Some rough distances within the park: one lap of Spooner Lake is just over two miles; to North Canyon campground and back is about 10 kilometers; to Marlette Lake and back is a tough 10 miles.

For those runners and walkers looking for an event to test their late "Indian Summer" fitness - or to see how far they've slipped since summer - the 11th annual Carson Nugget Nevada Day Classic 8-kilometer and 2-mile run and walk is Saturday, with the start at Telegraph and Curry streets. The 2-mile Historical Walk begins at 8:15 a.m., the 2-mile fun run at 8:30 and the 8K (4.97 miles) at 8:35.

The event actually began in 1978, but fell dormant in the 1980's before being revived in 1987.

"Dave Amster brought it back big time," Dan Kimm said. "It went from being a race of 50 to as many as 425 one year."

With more than 400 participants each year, the Nevada Day Classic is the largest annual road race held within Carson City's city limits each year. Both the fun run and 8K finish in front of the crowd gathered for the Nevada Day Parade.

The course records for the 8K were both set last year, with Miguel Tibaduiza running a 27:59 for the men's record and Sarah Piccolo, the former Carson High runner, clocking a 28:29 to set the women's record.

Runners or walkers wishing to enter the Classic can stop by at Fleet Feet Sports at 3807 S. Carson St. For information, call 883-3361.

- For runners (or equestrian riders) looking for something new to try, the annual Couch Potato Ride and Tie event is scheduled for Saturday in the Pine Nut Mountains near the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Old Ranch Road.

According to event organizer Gary Ceragioli, the Ride and Tie will have one six-mile loop for participants to run and ride upon. Participants can choose between going 6, 12, 18 or 24 miles.

The exact starting time has not been set, but it should be between 10 and 11 a.m.

The sport of ride and tie involves teams of two runners and one horse covering a course in the shortest amount of time.

Ceragioli said that the Couch Potato Ride and Tie will be a low-key event. First-timers and beginners in the sport are welcome in the race. There is no entry fee, but participants need to provide their own horse.

For information and exact directions to the starting line, call Dave at 782-1012 or Gary at 530-694-2972.

- Track shorts - Todd Ackerman will take over for Jeff Evans as the Carson High School track and field coach this spring. Ackerman, who has also coached basketball for the Senators, was an assistant track coach last year specializing in the hurdle events and helped Dave Krueger win two state titles. Evans plans to work on his martial arts - and get in some running of his own - this spring the Pacific Association Junior Olympic Track and Field Qualifier will be held at Carson High June 17-18, 2000. Call 530-541-1873 for information congratulations to John Steinman, 63, of Carson City, who won the pole vault gold medal in his 60-64 age bracket at the National Senior Games on Saturday in Orlando, Fla. Steinman, who took up pole vaulting after quadruple bypass surgery, won his gold with a 9-foot, 6-inch clearance and has gone 10-6 in practice the Silver State Striders awards banquet is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 20. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age group for the running club's series of races. Several local runners will be recognized; call 852-3399 for information.

- Seen around Carson Country by runners this weekend the Bay Area unicycle club - five members strong - was riding up North Canyon Trail near Spooner Lake on Saturday. No word on how they cycle downhill Breathe Right strips are commonly used by runners these days, but by cheerleaders? It appears the Douglas High School squad has discovered the breathing aids, no doubt to increase the potential amount of air expelled while leading cheers.