Brad Thiessen Bio
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If you’re a road runner, the idea of getting out onto the trails can be a little intimidating. But give it a few strides and you’ll see why trail runners are so passionate and why there’s such a fun, loose vibe at trail races. Here are a few pointers to help you make the switch
6 Steps to Enjoying Trail Running Read More »
Trevin Hansen loves to go fast. And he lives loud. So that narrows his activities. No movies or quiet concerts. He’s also not a fan of most team sports. Baseball was a bust at an early age; it was too slow. But Nordic skiing, kayaking, biking, hockey (fast and loud!)—now those are the sweet spots.
Life on the Spectrum Lived Well on the Nordic Ski Trail Read More »
During the 2018 winter Olympics, an Associated Press article gained notoriety among many in the Nordic ski community, due to the author’s assessment of our chosen winter activity as the worst Olympic event. He dissed it as an unrewarding slog—an assessment based mostly on how it looked when he watched it and on a single
Cross-train For Triathlons on Cross-country Skis Read More »
Twin Spokane Cancer Short Films hit local, state, and national stages October 4, 2018—The Seattle-based Trail Running Film Festival announced today the inclusion of the 5-minute short film “Proof of Life: Pacing” as one of ten films that will tour to over 40 US cities as part of its 2019 lineup. The film, created
Proof of Life: Pacing Read More »
I got my first harsh lesson in hydration in June six years ago. I was training for a fall marathon but was already up to 22-mile training runs. One afternoon I set out alone on the Centennial Trail for a marathon-distance run. My hydration consisted of water in a 12-ounce handheld, plus more water in
Refilling the Tank: Electrolyte Management and Hydration in the Heat of Summer Read More »
Documentaries and memoirs show how physical activity outdoors can be a form of therapy and recovery from trauma and difficult life periods.
How Nature Can Help Heal Mental Health Read More »
If you were asked to describe the archetypal life-long Nordic skier, you’d picture Sam Schlieder: lean body, gray beard, quiet disposition, and low-key, dry sense of humor. One of the pioneers of Nordic skiing on Mt. Spokane 30 years ago, Schlieder was the first recipient of the Gary Silver lifetime contribution award back in 1979
Sam Schlieder: Pioneer of Nordic Skiing Read More »
This is the short version of the story: three days before Brad Thiessen was set to run his first 50k trail run, he found himself in emergency surgery having a brain tumor removed. Over the next few years, he was able to journey from the hospital to a 50k run on Inland Northwest trails. A
Proof of Life: from Brain Tumor to 50k Read More »
The more-than 60 kilometers (37 miles) of trails at the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park provide an abundance of opportunities for every level of Nordic skier, and attract everyone from the casual beginners to the hard-core long-distance enthusiast. Three main events during the season cater to this range of skiers. Winterfest (Jan. 28)
Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park Events Read More »