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The annual swim, bike, run, fun list for 2014

by Judd Jones/Special to The Press
| March 1, 2014 8:00 PM

This week I am wanted to cover the upcoming 2014 race schedule. With spring quickly approaching, it is time to take a look at the different events that are offered in the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene area. Every year there seem to be a few new events added and few old ones drop off the schedule. It is no small thing to bring these amazing events to our area. We are so blessed by the efforts of our local communities and organizers for these races, activities and events.

2014 At-A-Glance

March 16/: St. Paddy's Five-Mile Run, Spokane

March 23: Mead Marching Madness 5K, Spokane

March 21: Snake River Triathlon, Lewiston

March 22: Rapid Rabbit Run 3-Mile and 5-Mile Run, Spokane Valley

March 23: Mead Marching Madness 5K, Spokane

April 19: Community Fun Run 5K, Spokane Valley

April 12: Panhandle Autism Society's 3rd Annual Walk/3K, Coeur d'Alene

April 12: Rock Creek Ramble 50K and 100K Run, Sprague, Wash.

April 17: Tour de Cure 100, 50, 20 and 5-Mile Rides, Spokane

April 19: 26th Annual Grizzly Triathlon, Missoula, Mont.

April 26: 5K Heart Run, Spokane Valley

April 26: Race-2-Place, Spokane Valley

April 27: Spring Dash 5-Mile Run, Coeur d'Alene

April 27: Spokane River Run 5K, 10K, 25K and 50K, Spokane

April 27: Lilac Century & Family Bike Ride 100, 66, 25 and 15 Mile Rides, Spokane

May 4: Bloomsday, Spokane

May 10: RUN or DYE, Nine Mile Falls, Wash.

May 10: Liberty Lake Trail Run, Liberty Lake, Wash.

May 10: Spartan Challenge 4-Mile Mud & Obstacle Run, Big Fork, Mont.

May 17: Breakthrough For Brain Tumors 5K, Spokane

May 17: State Park Series #1 Farragut State Park, Athol

May 24: 24 Hours Around the Clock MT Bike 14.8-Mile Laps, Spokane

May 25: Coeur d'Alene Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Run, Coeur d'Alene

May 25: Onion Man Triathlon, Walla Walla, Wash.

May 31: Spokane Troika Half Ironman, Spokane

June 1: Sixth Annual Windermere Marathon and Half Marathon, Liberty Lake, Wash.

June 8: St. Joe Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, St. Maries

June 8: Radiant Lake Triathlon, Rathdrum

June 14: Color Me Rad 5K, Spokane

June 14: State Park Series #2 Heyburn State Park, Plummer

June 15: Vancouver USA Marathon, Vancouver, Wash.

June 18: Silver Beach Triathlon, Coeur d'Alene

June 21: Trail Rail Run 50-Mile 50K, 30K and 10K, Mullan

June 22: Chase Strides For SNAP, Spokane Valley

June 29: Ironman Triathlon, Coeur d'Alene

July 4: Spokane Indians Pennant Run, Spokane

July 6: Negative Split Spokane Half Marathon and 5K, Spokane

July 12: Let's Climb a Mountain 34.3 Miles, Spokane

July 12: Hayden Triathlon, Hayden Lake

July 13: Jacey's Race 5K, Sandpoint

July 13: The Valley Girl Triathlon, Liberty Lake, Wash.

July 19: The Dirty Dash 3.5-Mile Mud and Obstacle Run, Spokane

July 19: Muddy Miles 2-Mile Mud Run, Coeur d'Alene

July 19: Warrior Dash 3.15-Mile Mud and Obstacle Run, Bonney Lake, Wash.

July 19: Dirty Dash, Spokane

July 26: State Park Series #3 Mount Spokane, Spokane

July 27: Race The River Triathlon, Coeur d'Alene

Aug. 3: The Color Run 5K, Spokane

Aug. 9: Coeur d'Alene Triathlon, Coeur d'Alene

Aug. 15: Spokane To Sandpoint Run or Walk Overnight Relay, Spokane

Aug. 17: The Coeur d'Alene Crossing 2.4-Mile Swim, Coeur d'Alene

Aug. 23: Priest Lake Triathlon, Priest Lake

Aug. 23: Millwood Daze 5K Dash, Millwood

Sept. 13: Bike MS Trail of the Coeur d'Alene's 150-Mile or 84-Mile 1 or 2 day Option, Mullan

Sept. 21: The Scenic Half Marathon 10K and 5K Run, Sandpoint

Sept. 27: Coeur d'Fondo 108, 85, 37 or 15-Mile Bike Ride, Coeur d'Alene

Oct. 18: Hayden Lake Marathon, Hayden

Note: Not all events are listed since they have not set actual dates this early in the year.

Another big year, 2014 brings an abundance of great events to keep you and your friends and family physically active.

Here are some basic points to consider when preparing to participate in any distance or multi-sports event:

* Be sure to read and understand all event details like age limits, packet pickup times, start times and course map. Most races require you to sign a liability waiver. Read them before you sign.

* Race distances vary depending on age group, type of race and in some cases, the event could be an open fun run for a charity with no set distance requirements.

* Ensure you're outfitted with appropriate shoes, clothing, hat, sunscreen, etc. for the weather conditions and type of race. If you're properly prepared, it can lead to a very unhappy set of blisters, sunburn or a chilly outing!

* You should eat a good dinner the evening before the race with (a good balance of complex carbohydrates and protein. For the elite or experienced athletes, their race day preparations are very specific to the individual. For the occasional athlete, you should start your day with a nutritious breakfast, avoid sugary foods and drink plenty of water throughout the day of the race. Stay hydrated, this is important for the whole family.

* Remember to make the event fun and encourage and support your family and friends (whether they finish or not). These events can be a great family activity and at the same time promote a healthy lifestyle and improved fitness.

* Set a goal to participate in a set number of events throughout the year. Tie a fitness program to these goals and recruit friends and family to train with you.

Now with so much happening in the upcoming months, get out there and take advantage of the opportunities. We live in one of most beautiful places in the country where you can get out on almost any weekend year-round and get involved in a fitness event or activity.

Here are a few websites that can give you more details on the specific local races.

* www.runningintheusa.com

* www.fleetfeetcda.com/RacePlace.htm

* www.active.com/running/

* www.racecenter.com

* www.roadracerunner.com

Judd Jones is a director for the Hagadone Corporation.