Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1423166
10 WAC Magazine | wac.net first take 100-mile winner / new year's eve party Going the distance Member Blake Hilty wins Oregon Cascades 100 Blake Hilty won the first-ever Oregon Cascades 100 this past August in central Oregon. e 39-year-old WAC member and father of two won the 100-mile trail race in the mountains above Bend and Sisters in 18 hours and 39 minutes. e race started at 6 am, and temperatures ranged from the low 40s to 70 degrees. "My first goal was to finish the run," Blake says. "So much can happen over the course of a 100-mile run, finishing it is an accomplishment itself." Blake prepared for the race by running more than 100 miles weekly, oen using the multi-use paths around Seattle. e Oregon Cascades 100 includes 12,000 feet of elevation gain and 12,500 feet of elevation loss. Blake and the other runners crossed the finish line at the Sisters School District track. Of the 180 race entries, 94 people finished. "It's hard to describe the feeling of running for 18 and a half hours," Blake says. "ere are periods of going into the zone when the miles click with some ease, and then there are periods of extremely difficult miles when it seems to take forever to move a tenth of a mile." Blake plans to enter arguably the most prestigious endurance race in America next, the Western States 100. He'll need to win a lottery entry, however, as the Oregon Cascades 100 won't be an official qualifier until 2022. Until then, he says, he looks forward to workouts at the WAC to focus on strength training and flexibility to help prevent injury. And, of course, a lot more running! Ring in 2022 the WAC way u Discover more on wac.net on wac.net Looking to eat healthier this season? Our nutrition blog is full of insights for great eating: wac.net/nutrition It's that time of year. Learn how to make (and keep) your New Year's Resolution: wac.net/new-years-resolution Football, basketball, and hockey are back. Make Hagerty's your go-to for gameday: wac.net/hagertys It's about time. Aer a yearlong hiatus, the WAC's annual New Year's Eve Party returns in-person on Friday, December 31. Ring in 2022 with fellow members and friends. is 21-plus party will feature dinner, delectable desserts, no-host bars, dance hits from across the decades, party favors, a champagne toast, and, of course, confetti galore! is event sells out annually, and tickets are now on sale. Groups of eight to 10 will be assigned reserved tables. WAC parking validated. Better yet, make it a night and reserve a room at the Inn at the WAC. New Year's Party starts at 8 pm and carries on past midnight. Join us for this celebration as we kick off 2022 with a bang! wac.net/new-years-eve; wac.net/inn New Year's Eve at WeeWACs While parents enjoy the night, allow the childcare professionals at WeeWACs to take care of your kids for a safe and fun New Year's Eve! Event includes dinner, activities, a movie, and take-home treats! Parents can opt to have their child sleep over or pick them up before 1 am on January 1. Space is limited to 22 children. Reserve with WeeWACs at 206.464.3094. Phone reservations only. u $135 per child (1 am pickup); $165 per child (sleepover) J A M E S H O L K Stopping by the Club this holiday season? Keep up with our holiday hours: wac.net/holiday-hours J O H N B A N G