neverending om

This Saturday brings us another home football game (go Vols!) and another awesome opportunity for some free yoga. lululemon athletica is hosting Salutation Nation, which is an annual, international day of yoga. Every lululemon store worldwide offers a complimentary yoga class on this day.

Knoxville's event is this Saturday, 9/10/2011 from 9 - 10am at the World's Fair Park Festival Lawn. The event is complimentary, open to all levels and family friendly. So, before you get your tailgate on for the UT Game, head on down to WFP to get your om on. Check out the details and count yourself in here.

yoga, yoga! lululemon athletica and the practice in western plaza

Have you heard about the brand new yoga studio that just opened in Western Plaza? It's called The Practice, and it's next door to KeyFit and just down the way from Runners Market, Bike Zoo and Hard Knox pizza. They have a pretty exciting class schedule including the only 6am(ish) classes offered in town as well as some great power lunch classes daily. They have a limited website that will likely be expanded soon. You can go there to find the weekly class schedule.

And guess what else? lululemon athletica (technical yoga/run/fitness apparel for men and women) is coming to town, and the Knoxville showroom will be opening soon! The Metropulse blogged about this exciting news awhile back, and we've heard that news of the location and opening date is imminent.

Well, in honor of the two above mentioned happenings, lululemon and The Practice are hosting a trunk show this weekend! There are complimentary classes and goodies for sale both Friday and Saturday. The image below has all the deets. Can't wait!! Oh, and the lululemon Knoxville showroom as a facebook page where they've started to announce upcoming events.

Yoga! Yoga!

it's marathon weekend!

My favorite Knoxville weekend of the year is almost here! It's Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon weekend!

This always ends up being a big weekend for Knoxville with tons of activities going on. This weekend also happens to be First Friday and the Rhythm N' Blooms festival, so there will be lots of fun goings-on in the Downtown-ish area. My personal favorite is the Marathon, because I am an avid runner and because I truly love to see people succeed at such an amazing goal.

Committing to run any of these events--whether the 5k, relay, half marathon or marathon--is such an amazing feat for so many people. This event is what fitness and goal-setting is all about. For some people, this will be their first time ever running 3.1 miles, and others will be experiencing their first 26.2. To me, running is a metaphor for perseverance and dedication; and I am so proud of each and every runner who gets out there and goes for it.

I was planning to run the marathon this year but a foot injury is keeping me booted up and on the sidelines. So I will be manning a water station at around mile 7, excited to see all the half marathoners and marathoners whiz by me.

If you are running, good luck. If you aren't running, please consider attending the fitness expo on Saturday the 2nd, cheering on the course, or volunteering. There are still plenty of volunteer opportunities available, and believe me, the runners and the hard working folks of the Knoxville Track Club will be so thankful for your help. You know what they say - it takes a village. The races begin at 7:30am on Sunday at Knoxville Convention Center and will cover Fort Sanders, Campus, Neyland, Sequoyah and the 3rd Creek Greenway, North, East, South and Downtown Knoxville. Information about the race and events can be found here. Information about all the awesome volunteering opportunities still available can be found here. If you're looking for a fun place to cheer, my neighborhood Island Home, always puts on a spectacular party for those marathoners on their last push to the finish line. Just be advised of road closures that day.

Run your heart out, Knoxville!

Ross Marble Natural Area at Ijams

A few years back, I hung out with a pretty adventurous circle of friends. They'd always take groups of people on fun little excursions, some of which made me nervous, but that, in the end, were beneficial to my well-being. One thing we used to do was build bonfires late at night in the far reaches of Ijams Nature Center. We'd walk along train tracks, split off onto an obscure trail, walk through a tunnel made out of large, cut boulders, and set up in the bottom of a quarry. Campfire, music, beer. It was illegal, and it was magic.



I had heard a few months ago that Ijams (click here for directions) officially made our old stomping grounds public, so I finally made a trip out there to see it last weekend.



The area has a name, Ross Marble Natural Area, and the tunnel made from rock has been deemed "The Keyhole." Instead of walking along the cumbersome train tracks, they have cut a trail right to the spot, where one can find all sorts of signage and maps to guide you where you'd like to explore. The once treacherous trail to the Keyhole and the quarry is now adorned with hiker-friendly hand rails.



It was good to see the place again, and now that I'm old*, it's pretty nice to get around the area easily and with a clear conscience. It also looks a little cleaner down there, less trash, which is great, but I thought it interesting that there are obvious remnants of a recently made campfire. Although I'm sure it's a little trickier to get away with nowadays, it's good to know there might still be people enjoying the spot at nighttime.



*I'm exaggerating, just in case you were wondering.

in my dreams

Sometimes when I'm sitting at my desk at work, I dream of a secret life playing roller derby. I'd come to work with black eyes and cuts on my face, but I would never tell anyone where they really came from. "Oh that?" I'd say. "I ran into my kitchen cabinet," or "Oh, that's from when I fell out of bed this morning. It's merely a scratch."

Everyone would know I was lying, but they'd be too scared to ask what really happened. If we had a water cooler, my co-workers would whisper, "I think B joined a fight club," over their paper cups of water.

I already know what my roller derby name would be. I came up with it as the heavens parted and light shone down on me from above. Thuggs Bunny. It's tough, yet feminine ...and it's ridiculous. 

Reality is not as fun as my dreams. There are two large reasons why I can't play roller derby: My health insurance is not that great and I've always been a pansy. But Thuggs Bunny can dream, can't she?

I can also get my fix of roller derby by watching the Hard Knox Roller Girls play at the coliseum. I went to my first game a few weeks ago. Granted, I had had a few beverages prior to the game at a World Cup party, but I had a blast. I was yelling, cheering, giving high fives, I was even compelled to fist pump a few times. That's much more than I can say has ever happened at any other sporting event in my life.

Their next home game is August 14th at the Coliseum. When you go, look out for Goblynn; She is the scariest person I have ever seen, but she skates and throws 'bows like a champion. Here are some images to entice you.







I also am now the Sunsphere Mascot's #1 fan. I took more video footage of her than anything.



I was never quick enough to catch one of her high kicks, her main move when her players are tearing it up. On her back reads "Sunsphere This." You just can't beat it.

karma month at the glowing body

I hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday weekend. I went with some friends out to the Ocoee and had a great time. I love being able to take full advantage of a long, holiday weekend. It's hard to believe it's already July 6th. Then again, I guess I say the same thing every summer.

I just wanted to give a quick shout out to The Glowing Body. They are hosting their annual "karma month" throughout July. This is really a wonderful gift to the community, as the majority of the classes on the month's schedule are being offered at donation rates. From the Glowing Body's website:

Glowing Body has instated July as our annual Karma Month. “Karma” directly translates as “action” and is typically associated with performing service as Yoga, while letting go of attachment to any preconceived outcomes or results. In an effort to make yoga accessible to a wide range of potential students without requiring predetermined compensation, the Glowing Body’s instructors offer selected classes as “Karma” or donation-based classes.

I really like what they say in regards to value: "It is requested that you place value on the classes offered, meaning that you give even just $1 if that is what you can afford..." I truly value my yoga practice but can't always budget for the class rates on top of my gym membership, running gear and race fees. July is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the amazing instructors and courses at the Glowing Body, at even just a few dollars off the regular class price. If you have never been to the Glowing Body, this is the perfect time to check it out. Of course you should definitely swing by Magpies after your class for a delicious cupcake or dozen.

Information and schedule on the Glowing Body's website. The Glowing Body is located on Central Avenue downtown, just west of Broadway.

pilot fireball 5k

One of the most fun races of the year is this weekend! It's the Pilot Fireball 5k, and it's this Saturday (the eve of our 4th of July) at 9pm. This is the only night time run associated with the KTC , and it really is a fun one. The race begins and ends at the UT Vet School, so you're running out and back on Neyland. This strip of Neyland = flat as a pancake, so it's a good race if you're looking to get your best 5k time. It's a GREAT race if you just want to go out and have some fun. The crowd is big, and everyone is happy and energetic. A lot of people choose to wear 4th themed attire. It's July in Knoxville, so it's going to be a hot one. Drink water before... and plenty of beer after. You can register for the race or find more info here.

I hope our readers have some fun plans for the holiday weekend. Whatever you do, drive safely and call a cab or spend the night if you need to. Happy Fourth!

flying biscuits, fast feet and wild and wonderful whites

Today is First Friday, so there's bound to be a bunch of fun stuff going on in and around Downtown. And out in Bearden. I stopped trying to keep up with First Friday a long time ago, since it has grown so much in the past year or so. I just go with the flow; and that way I don't feel pressure to follow an itinerary.

But there is one very fun event I'm planning to attend this evening, and that's the City People Second Annual Downtown Dash. If you haven't heard of City People, it's "a group made up of residents, business people, elected officials, preservationists, activists, and artists working together to address issues concerning Knoxville's center city." It's a group of conscientious citizens who work to make downtown a better, more fun place. Key word: fun. If there's one thing I know about City People, it's that they know how to have fun. (You should consider joining. Membership fees are really low, and benefits are listed at their website).

The Downtown Dash is a very fun 1 mile race that takes place, obviously, downtown. If you haven't already registered, you can still do so. Just show up at Pete's restaurant at 540 Union Ave. between 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The race begins at 7pm for elite runners, and then the rest of us will get started at 7:35. After the race, there is an awards ceremony in Krutch Park. Now hold on to your hats...If you dress in your best biscuit related costume and run the race, you are eligible to win an award for the best biscuit bolt costume! Because, that's right, this weekend is also the highly anticipated International Biscuit Festival!

We mentioned the Biscuit Festival a while back and sure are excited that it's finally here. So Biscuit Festival gives you extra incentive to head downtown for either First Friday, or a fun Saturday, or both. You can visit the website I linked above for a full list of events.

Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention the East Tennessee premier of The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia. That's tonight, Friday, at 8:30 at The Shed out in Maryville. If you don't know anything about Dancing Outlaw Jesco White and his wacky family, then you sure are missing out. Dancing Outlaw is a cult classic documentary about Jesco and his family, and this new documentary, produced by Storm Taylor, looks to be awesome. You can get ticket information, directions, and view a film trailer from our buddies Knoxville Films. I think that after I do my dash, I am going to dash on over to Maryville to catch the premier.

Happy weekend, y'all.

Update: Lo has just informed me that his lovely wife is showing biscuit-inspired art at Coffee and Chocolate as a part of the International Biscuit Festival art competition. After you run or stuff your face with delicious biscuity treats, head over to Coffee and Chocolate to check it out!

cades cove will re-open one month early!

Have you ever been to Cades Cove? It's one of my favorite places in the entire region, and I think that if you haven't been, you need to get on out there. It's been closed for a few months for a re-paving project, but so much progress has been made that it's set to re-open on April 24, about a month ahead of schedule.

If you haven't been, don't know, or live under a rock, Cades Cove is the most visited location in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over 2 million visitors hit the spot each year. It's a beautiful preserve near the Townsend end of the park, and the drive to get there is, in itself, pretty beautiful. I like to leave nice and early, 6am-ish, on weekend morning. I get my hot Americano and then head out Alcoa Highway, through Maryville, Walland and Townsend and into the Park. Once you get through Townsend, you can just follow the signs to Cades Cove. There's an 11 mile loop surrounding the cove, and it's open to automobiles, cyclists, walkers and runners and horses. The re-paving project was actually to widen the road (I think), which should make it a little easier for the non-driving visitors to get around. I'm really excited for that. Personally, I don't know why you'd choose to drive the loop. It seems kind of counter-intuitive to me. Let's drive out to this nature preserve and then pollute it with our automobile while we sit in traffic on the 11 mile loop for a few hours. This has never made sense to me, but I don't call the shots.

The way to do the loop is by foot - whether you're using them to peddle a bike or they're actually hitting the pavement. It'll take you a few hours to complete, but it's definitely worth the energy. The valley is expansive, and the scenery is breathtaking. To use an overused word but apply its actual meaning, it can be a sublime experience. Running Cades Cove loop with friends is one of my all-time favorite activities. I can't wait to do it again when the loop re-opens.

May through September on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the loop is supposed to be closed to auto traffic until 10am so that runners and riders can have free reign of the road. This may change due to the re-paving project, and the last time I ran Cade's Cove was a Saturday in September and there were definitely cars on the loop before 10am, so I am not sure what happened there. The good news is that there are plenty of resources to keep us all informed. You can always check with the GSMNP Or another resource that you may not know about is Pigeonforge.com. This is an awesome wealth of information about our neighbor PF and its surrounding areas. It's a really well maintained website, so I definitely recommend that you check it out from time to time. In fact, that's where I first found out that the loop was opening early.

The exciting news is that there's going to be a race to celebrate the re-opening - the Cades Cove Loop Lope. It's scheduled to take place on opening weekend, April 24th. I don't have many details yet. The link above says pretty much all that I know at this point, but I've heard that KTC will eventually post more information as well. What I have heard is that they are asking people to carpool (not a lot of parking up there) and that the registration fee may be a little hefty but that proceeds go to the park, which is, after all, a good cause.

So if you're looking for fun weekend activities in the area, my suggestion is that you add Cades Cove to your list. Holla.

Marathon Time!

My favorite time of year is nearly upon us! We're just a little over a month away from the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, Half-Marathon, Relay & 5k! The races take place on Sunday, March 28, with the Health and Fitness expo the day before, Saturday, March 27.

Just wanted to give you a heads up that tomorrow is the last day to register at regular price. After tomorrow, the price jumps 10-bucks per event. So commit early to the race and register now at the Marathon's website!

I'll be running the half again this year. It's a beautiful, challenging course. So is the full marathon. Lots to see and do throughout the weekend!

I should convince my fellow Wigshoppers to make a relay team - it's only between 5 and 7 miles per race leg!

new year/new you

Happy New Year, all you lovely little Knoxvillians!

You know how as soon as January 1 hits, those incessant fitness and diet commercials start up in full force? Annoying, isn't it? Yes, we ate cookies for a month straight, so what!?!? In the words of Chris Farley, "LAY OFF ME, I'M STARVING!!"

In all seriousness, though, those commercials are out there for a reason. By and large, after the holiday "bulge," we do have some work to do.

It's been a while, so I just wanted to remind you that the fabulous, local program Operation Boot Camp is out there for you! The new camp starts next Monday, so you still have time to sign up! It's a special 3 week INDOOR camp to help us all ease back into the routine (camps are usually 4 weeks long).

Last month, WBIR's "Darin Erin" was brave enough to try it out. Check out her report and then head to the website to sign up (and get all the details)! You won't regret it!

Tour Delight

For the most part, I maintain a quiet love for Knoxville, but every so often that love grows more exuberant. Last night was one of those times; I attended the "Tour de Lights" neighborhood bike ride hosted by Knoxville Regional Bicycle Program.



I'm not positive how many cyclists showed up, but it had to have been at least 200. Man, woman, child were decked out in Christmas attire, their bikes adorned in lights and tinsel.





The route started in Krutch Park, weaved through downtown to North Knoxville, and back again. Police stopped all vehicular traffic as we rode though intersections. People came out of their homes or stopped on sidewalks to wave and shout, "Merry Christmas!" which we gladly shouted back. It's probably the closest I'll ever feel to being like George Bailey running through the streets of Bedford Falls.



To top off the experience, there, waiting for us at the finish line, was hot chocolate and cookies. All of it made me quite happy to be a Knoxvillian, to be a part of what's going on downtown, and to know that there are many (crazy) people who feel the same way.



If you're interested in knowing when the next ride is, might I suggest befriending the Knoxville Regional Bicycle Program on Facebook. Otherwise, check out their website.

"rave runs"

Rave Runs is a regular feature in Runners World magazine, which allows readers around the world to send in photos and descriptions of their favorite running locations. It's one of my favorite features in the magazine, and oftentimes when I am running here at home in Knoxville, I think about all the cool routes that would be worthy of Rave Runs write-ups. (In fact, maybe I should get Max to come and shoot a submission with me).

I had the wonderful opportunity to run in Washington DC last week, and I spent a great deal of time running along the Mount Vernon trail from where I was staying in Rosslyn, Virginia to however far I could get in the amount of free time I had. It's a beautiful trail along the Potomac and there you go one-by-one past the monuments on the other side of the river. I don't think that I am overly patriotic but there's something sublime about running right there; it's a feeling I am grateful for every time I get to run in DC. And so last week I was feeling jealous of the local DC runners, and I felt very much that we had nothing so great here in Knoxville.

But yesterday I happily reminded myself that I was quite mistaken, and I was once again truly inspired by beautiful Knoxville. I felt 100 percent lucky and blessed to be a runner who calls Knoxville home. Knoxville has over 40 miles of paved Greenways for runners, walkers and bikers; and besides those Greenways there are tons of amazing running spots throughout the city and surrounding area (don't even get me started on the National Park!). And it's fall, and the colors are amazing, so running now is even more beautiful and inspiring.

My Rave Run:

I set out from home somewhere on Gay Street and run south to Hill Street. A lot of the time, I will keep going along Gay, since crossing the Gay Street bridge is probably my most cherished running activity in Knoxville (especially during football season--it provides an incredible view of the river, the stadium and the Vol Navy). But I need a quick way to get down to the river, and taking Hill east by Blount Mansion and James White Fort provides that transition. I run down the hill and into the Ruth's Chris Parking lot, and from there I connect to the Greenway along the river. From there it's a few miles along the river (including the smells of yummy goodness coming from Calhoun's), on and of Neyland, and the Greenway. There are 2 different spots where you get to cross under the road, and you toggle between being adjacent to the river or across the street. Of course this route includes passing Neyland Stadium and Thompson Boling Arena. Then you hit campus, the gardens and the vet school. I like to turn East up Joe Johnson because there's a challenging hill going up to campus, and then I head down Volunteer and back uphill to Lake Louden Rd. That connects back to Neyland. From there, depending on how I feel, I have a number of small routes that take me home through downtown. Depending on the minor turns I choose during any given run, this route can be anywhere from 6 to 8 miles, and, to me, is the perfect way to spend a lovely fall morning.

What are you Knoxville "Rave Runs?"

Bistro at the Bijou - 2 day fix

So last week I posted about KTC and all of their cool races. It was awesome getting all the comments about races and triathlons that you lovely readers plan to participate in. While I was a competitive swimmer all the way through college, I do not do triathlons, so I am sorry that they are left out of my fitness-related posts. Many thanks to those of you who comment and fill the void.

On Sunday I ran the Wears Valley 15k out in Townsend, and I have to say that if you are a runner you MUST plan on doing this race next year. Do you ever have one of those moments where everything makes sense and all is good with the world? I had one during the race as I was running along a lonely road with fields on either side. It was a foggy morning and the scenery was lush and saturated and green. To my right were two beautiful old barns, and to my left were some cows grazing. It was a perfect moment. The Wears Valley 15k is now my favorite race that I've ever done, and it has inspired me to seek out more scenic races. We certainly have ample locations around here for that.

Anyway, the point of this post is that when I got back to Knoxville at about 11:30, I was HUNGRY. I texted my friend J that we should meet for lunch or brunch and she replied that The Bijou at the Bistro now has SUNDAY BRUNCH. The Bistro has long been one of the only reliable Knoxville locations for Saturday brunch, but they've never been open for Sunday Brunch...UNTIL NOW! I was so excited to hear this fabulous news, and so we headed to the Bistro.

Like I said, I was hungry. So I got the Pork Tenderloin breakfast with eggs, potatoes and toast. It was phenomenal. I mean...amazing. And the thing about the Bistro is that it's SO AFFORDABLE. Some of the more upscale joints in this town charge upwards of 15 dollars for a brunch entree, but at the Bistro you can get SO MUCH FOOD for 10 bucks or under. (Actually, my favorite brunch plate is the homestyle eggs, and it's only 4.99 or something like that). And their mimosas and bloody marys are HUGE and only 2.50. I had two mimosas. And a lot of food. It was a day for celebrating - a great, beautiful race (under my goal time) and the knowledge that there is now good, affordable brunch at the Bistro on Sunday.

Operation Boot Camp of Knoxville: Bring a Friend Day is tomorrow!

So...maybe we've all been on vacation?

I know that MG, CK and I have been traveling and working pretty heavily lately. B and MG just moved. And I think everyone else has been helping the Pol get his Mariah Carey fan blog up and running. So, we've been busy. But we've missed you!



Anyway, some readers may recall that I am involved with an awesome fitness program here in Knoxville called Operation Boot Camp. Operation Boot Camp was founded in Atlanta and interest and results quickly spread like wildfire: now there are camps throughout the country in places like Charlotte, San Jose and Knoxville.

We've been in Knoxville for almost two years now, and our campers continue to see amazing results. Many people return camp after camp because the program just works so well for them. I know that, personally, when I was struggling to stay fit and active in a desk job with long hours and heavy travel, Operation Boot Camp really revolutionized my day to day routine and truly helped me to feel great--and in great shape--every single day.

Operation Boot Camp is a 30 day fitness and nutrition program that meets daily (week days with some optional Saturday workouts) at Lakeshore Park, out at Lyon's View and Northshore Roads. Many Knoxvillians know and love Lakeshore Park. It's a beautiful, hilly little park with a 2.1 mile walking/running path, a soccer field and baseball diamonds. Operation Boot Camp utilizes the entire park during our workouts. Sometimes we do field workouts, sometimes we hit the trail and run. Our workouts are always a diverse and fun mix of cardio and strength. We truly mix it up, and it's never boring because no workout is the same. Along with the workouts, campers are giving guided nutritional advice throughout the month. At the end of a month long camp, we've seen campers knock 5 to 8 minutes off their mile run times; and of course we've seen countless campers just become happier and healthier and so very excited about how they look and feel.

I'm passionate about the program, and I have often invited blog readers to attend our monthly Bring a Friend Day workouts and other (free) weekend trial workouts. And that's what I'm doing again today.

Our monthly Bring a Friend Day workout is tomorrow, Thursday, and I would like to invite the Wigshop readers to attend. We have two camps that meet at Lakeshore: 6am and 7:15am. Workouts are a very fun, intense 45 minutes. That's not a lot of time, so we really work you while we've got you. Will the workout be challenging? Certainly. But it's extremely doable and accommodating across fitness levels. At the end of the workout, you'll probably be tired, but I suspect you'll also feel invigorated and proud of what you've just accomplished. If you would like to attend one of the two workouts, you just need to come about 20 minutes early to meet the instructors and get signed in. So for the 6am workout, please meet at the Lakeshore Park Soccer Pavilion at 5:40am and for 7:15 am, meet at the same place at 6:50. If you would like further driving directions, I can try to provide them if you leave a comment.



At Operation Boot Camp, we utilize what the park provides for our workouts. The picture above is an example: why not use the park benches available for some great, triceps burning dips?

Like I said, I am very passionate about this program. There are other fitness programs out there, and I am not discrediting any of those. But this program provides real results if you put in the work; and its instructor staff is the friendliest, most enthusiastic and caring group of men and women out there. I linked to the official web site, where you'll find rates and times, above. I also maintain a blog for the Knoxville camps. Hoooaah!

rossini festival: downtown knoxville, etc.

Downtown Knoxville has a LOT going on this weekend. It's going to be a beautiful, fun weekend! You've got Sundown tonight, and you can read all about it below.

Friday night is the Dogwood Mile and Party on the Square. Associated with the ongoing Dogwood arts festival, this mile race begins at Summit Hill and Gay St and quickly races south down Gay and across the Gay Street Bridge. Crossing the Gay St. Bridge is one of my personal favorite runs, and it's actually really fun to race and see how fast you can run a mile. After the race, there's a party on Market Square. There will be food vendors and Brendan James Wright and the Wrongs will be playing. Activities begin at 8:30, but I am sure you would want to arrive early to register if you are going to run. I think there's a "Dogwood Parade" before the run begins. Go here for more info.

Then, Saturday the 25th is one of the most fun events of the spring: The Rossini Festival in Downtown Knoxville! The festival takes place all day long (noon to 9) along Gay Street (beginning at the 400 block and heading South) and in Market Square. There's an Italian Street Festival (read: delicious street food...and beer!), which is a really, really good time. The festival is a mix of opera performances, art and craft exhibitions, wine tasting, street food, and music. It's an odd mixed bag of stuff going on, but it is a LOT of fun. Other than the street fair, the Rossini Festival is featuring Pagliacci at the Tennessee Theatre. There are performances on both Friday and Saturday night. You know Pagliacci...it was made (more) famous by Seinfeld. Then there's a fully-staged, costumed UT Opera Theatre production of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” (Don Juan)at the Bijou Theatre, running Thursday through Sunday night. The fair is free and the performances are all priced reasonably. Go here for more info.

Remember that the 100 block is closed to traffic and parking, so leave yourself time to find a parking spot (don't take mine!) and plan your route around that block.

Tennessee Valley Bicycles (moving)

Your friendly downtown bike shop Tennessee Valley Bicycles at 214 W. Magnolia is moving! Don't worry. They're only scooting over a unit or two to a bigger space. If you haven't had the chance to stop by and check the place out, go on down and meet Scott Smith. Basically he's the man in charge and will take care of your bike needs. If you don't know where it is, remember Marie's Olde Towne Tavern? Same block.

The new digs.




I stopped by last Friday to buy a lock because my old bike was stolen. That's a whole other story. Scott mentioned that they are moving and handed me a flier for what looks to be a fun weekend of bikes and skinned knees. Just kidding.

Their Grand Opening party takes place May 1-3. Here's the rundown.

May 1 : Music, art and drinks. It says 5pm to whenever. Bar tips go to AMBC-SORBA. Musical guests include Steve Greene, I Need Sleep, and Three Man Band. Artists include Sarah Shebaro and Eric Lee.

May 2 : Bicycle photo scavenger hunt: 2-6pm, meet at TVB. Woohoo!

May 3 : Kona bike demo at Haw Ridge: 10am, meet in the parking lot.

Or you could just read the flier at the top of the post.

The new space is bigger and will have more bikes, more gear and a big garage door that opens the front of the store to the street. After driving by Sunday I noticed that the old place had already been cleaned out and the new one was in the process of being stocked. Bicycles for all ya'll!

This is the old space.

Operation Boot Camp: Bring the Action Back to World's Fair Park

I am really super excited to announce a first ever nighttime camp for Operation Boot Camp, and it's back at World's Fair Park! I'm so excited that I wrote a fun story about it:

Downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee Campus:

Home to the 1982 World's Fair. Home to the Sunsphere, Knoxville's iconic landmark. Home to Neyland Stadium and the Volunteer football team. Home to Pat Summit and her National Championship Winning Lady Vols. Home to Bruce Pearl and his Volunteer Men's Basketball Team. Home of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Home of James White. Home of Fort Sanders. Home of Cormac McCarthy. Home of World's Fair Park. And, in February 2009, home of the first ever night camp of Operation Boot Camp of Knoxville.

Why Operation Boot Camp? Whatever your goals, Operation Boot Camp will jump start your fitness progress with a 30-day specially-designed, outdoor fitness program that energizes and encourages, that lifts you up and doesn't knock you down. Our experienced team of instructors works with you every step of the way to help you achieve your fitness goals and reach a whole new level of health. While we're getting you in the best shape of your life, we'll also coach you on nutrition and attitude and help you break down the mental barriers that may be keeping you from your potential.

And at Operation Boot Camp, we recognize that everyone is different. Whatever the reasons may be, we know that not everyone can make an early morning fitness program fit with their busy lives. So with great pride and excitement we announce the debut of our nighttime World's Fair Park camp. Campers who attended last year's World's Fair Park morning camps know what WFP has a lot to offer: a diverse landscape of fields, trails, benches, stairs and hills. A riverside running trail. And we've got the entire downtown area and UT campus on our side. We promise you that no workout will ever be the same, and no workout will ever be boring.

We challenge you to kick it into high gear in 2009. Sign up for our WFP nighttime camp, and you'll get the best of both worlds. You'll work out at 6:15pm in and around World's Fair Park each Monday through Thursday. And on Fridays, enjoy a change of scenery by joining up with our 6am Lakeshore Park Camp. The fun begins February 9th. Register now at operationbootcamp.com to secure your spot.

My monthly Boot Camp reminder

Don't want to beat a dead horse (plus I am into animal rights anyway), but I wanted to remind everyone that this Thursday the 9th is Bring a Friend Day at Operation Boot Camp. Read about it here. I would love to meet some new friends or see some old friendly faces! I know that some of our campers are regular readers of this blog, so I am sure they would love to meet fellow Wigshop readers!

Operation Boot Camp Bring a Friend Day

Operation Boot Camp of Knoxville is hosting a bring a friend day this Thursday. Get the details here. I would love to see some new faces out there!