The BulleTin • Friday, June 25, 2021 B9
TOP PICKS
WHERE TO EXPLORE
Group runs offer more than fitness
ner. So, without hav-
ing observed others,
Shared experiences
there can be a lot of
create opportunities
surprises from preg-
for people to connect
nancy to birth and
and relate to each
through the early
TRAILS
other.
years of parenting.
This is certainly true for
When a person goes through
running.
something alone, it can leave
A conversation on a run can them wondering what is nor-
take as many twists and turns
mal, or searching possible
as there are on a trail. Covering solutions. In this internet age,
lots of ground on a long run
it’s easy to turn to Google or
probably means covering lots
cruise the internet for answers.
of topics, too. Adventure runs
But often a conversation with
might lead to bad weather,
someone else who has gone
navigating confusing trail junc- through something similar
tions or just physically chal-
can not remind a person that
lenging terrain after a while.
maybe they are not the only
These all provide a chance to
one to experience something
deepen trust as people make
but might also lead to amaz-
decisions together.
ing tips that would never have
A hard workout also makes
been discovered otherwise. Of
for great bonding. Some might course, it’s worth saying that
say that misery loves company, what works for one runner, or
but the more important aspect one mom, may not work at all
is doing hard things with oth-
for another. Regardless, simply
ers and to just know that you’re talking through a situation can
not alone. The extra encour-
make a person feel better or
agement from someone else
like they are less alone.
can make all the difference in
Central Oregon Running
finishing that last 800-meter
Klub’s newest group run, the
repeat, pushing hard up one
Mom Squad, aims to be a way
more hill or making the best
for women to connect about
of the last mile. In addition to
both these experiences, run-
the camaraderie and motiva-
ning and mothering. The
tion that comes from sharing
group welcomes moms in all
miles with others, there are
phases of motherhood from
also amazing tips and tricks,
pregnancy onward. Moms can
from handy gear to a new trail
meet up with strollers or solo
snack.
to share some miles on the
Another experience that in-
third Sunday of the month.
vites connection with others is
Currently, the group meets
the adventure of motherhood.
at Loge in Bend and will run
In these busy modern times,
for about 45 minutes. The
most women aren’t living in
paved path provides a great
villages where raising children
route that is wide enough to
is done in a communal man-
run and chat and is stroller
BY CRISTINA PETERSON
For The Bulletin
Hiking in the mountains
Ray Atkeson Memorial Loop — Named for the nature photog-
rapher, the short and easy 2.4-mile walk along the shore of Sparks
Lake offers some of the best views in the Cascade Lakes area for the
least effort. With the crystal blue waters mirroring the snow capped
South Sister and Broken Top, there’s not too much to complain
about. The trail traverses over the lake’s lava lined shore and makes a
great evening walk to catch the sunset.
Tam McArthur Rim — You’ll need to snag a Central Cascades Wil-
derness Permit to hike one of Central Oregon’s most popular trails,
but that could make it a little more enjoyable with slightly less hikers
to contend with at the trailhead. The 5.3-mile, moderate trail near
Sisters at the base of Broken Top gives stunning looks of the eastern
slopes of the Cascades and beyond.
Wasco Lake Trail — You’ll also need a Central Cascades Wilder-
ness Permit for this one as you have to park and utilize the Jack Lake
Trailhead to get to the small mountain lake. The 4.5 out-and-back
trail near Camp Sherman travels through some burn areas so bring
a hat and lots of water and shade may be at a premium. Also, pack
the deet as you may also have to contend with the mosquitos. With
Three Fingered Jack, creek traversing and wildflowers throughout
the trail is great for a scenic day hike or an overnighter.
— Makenzie Whittle, The Bulletin
Mark Morical/Bulletin file
Mason Morical, 7, takes in the view of Middle and North Sister
from atop Tam McArthur Rim in 2015.
Trails
Continued from B1
The new trails are predom-
inantly geared toward moun-
tain bikers and those on foot.
Multiple horse trails can be ac-
cessed from the same trailhead
but are separated from these
new trails to minimize user
conflicts. Combine them with
the Blue-Belly Loop (2.7 miles)
and Blue-Belly Stem (1.4 miles)
to explore what the Cascade
View Trailhead has to offer.
Quadruple Bypass
Quadruple Bypass is a new,
approximately 2-mile trail
on the canyon rim behind
the Facebook data center in
Prineville. This trail offers
amazing views, often com-
ing close to the canyon rim
— keep young children and
pets close to you! The trail in-
cludes challenging wooden
“skinnies” that look like a
game of Chutes and Ladders
and offer mountain bikers the
chance to build technical rid-
ing skills.
Quadruple Bypass is part
of the 66 Trail System in
Prineville, a close-to-town trail
network of approximately 8
miles of trail offering a huge
variety of riding styles for the
size of the trail system. While
you’re in the area, make sure to
check out Trashalanche, a trail
that deserves a spot among Or-
egon’s top uniquely odd places.
Check them out if you hav-
Submitted
Runners participate in a A Mom Squad group run in Bend.
friendly. It has a gentle grade,
so it isn’t steep in either direc-
tion. The path parallels the
Cascade Lakes Highway to the
U.S. Forest Service Welcome
Station at the intersection
with Forest Road 41 (Conklin
Road). Even though the road
is nearby, there is enough of a
buffer in most places that it’s
barely noticeable. It meanders
through some rocky forma-
tions and ponderosa pine for-
ests.
Afterward, the group meets
back up to chat and get to
know each another over coffee.
Future Mom Squad runs will
feature special guests to lead
a short yoga session after the
run or to lead a discussion on
certain topics. I’ve benefited
immensely from the shared
stories of other women as I am
currently expecting my first
baby in August. Prior to being
pregnant, I also felt fitness ben-
efits from doing speed work-
outs on a weekly basis with a
group. The accountability and
the connections have been so
valuable.
More and more group runs
are starting up again around
Central Oregon. If you’re not
a mom, there’s likely a group
that would suit you. Check out
the CORK website: www.cen-
traloregonrunningklub.org.
Footzone, the local running
store, also has some group runs
and programs even for those
new to running. Check those
out on the Footzone website:
www.footzonebend.com
Always follow the advice
of your health care providers
and listen to your body. But if
you don’t have any restrictions,
join a group run not only for
the fitness benefits but also to
explore different places and to
make new connections in our
community.
en’t already.
If you want to say thanks to
the people and organizations
that made them possible, give
back by donating your dollars
and volunteering your time
and by being friendly and re-
sponsible when using our
community’s trails. Happy ex-
ploring!
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