September 2025 Newsletter

Why fall is the best time to run

Experiencing the positive feedback loop in running doesn’t land as quickly as it may with other sports. Runners must be patient in their quest to reap the joyous parts of running. Whether a quarter mile, or a week, the positive feedback loop running provides is worth the wait, and what better time to begin a running journey than in the fall!

Living in the Pacific Northwest, we are surrounded by endless trails. In fact, Lake to Bay explores over 20 parks and trails in Vancouver and Camas, with many untouched trails ready to be explored, such as Pacific Community Park, LeRoy Haagen Memorial Park, Orchards Community Park, David Douglas Park, and on the outskirts of Vancouver, Hockinson Meadows Park. Venturing a few minutes south from Vancouver lies one of the most sought after trail systems in the region: Forest Park and its 80 miles of lush foliage. These spaces are best in the fall, with a dew that hangs in the air, leaves changing color, or…click here to read more on the Whisper Blog.

Whisper Team Corner

The 2025 Season Begins at Ultimook!

NEW COACHES: A few new faces will be assisting the team this fall. These assistants have been screened through USATF and SafeSport, and are good people who can help lead groups (or the team) when needed. Micah Goff and Paige Neff will be assistant coaches, alongside Nicholas Marty. Parent helpers will also be running alongside some of our runners this fall.

SURGERY: With Haglund’s surgery scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, the new coaches and assistants will be a welcomed addition. While I plan to attend all practices with the exception of Sept 9, I may need a hand with toting supplies for practices or meets. I would imagine this will be the case for 2-4 weeks. Sorry for the inconvenience, but frankly, this surgery is a long time coming and I am stoked to get it over with!

WAIVERS: I am asking all runners have waivers completed for the 2025 XC season. If it’s been a while since you' completed a waiver for your child, click here to complete. Thanks!

SportsYou: For better communication, our team uses SportsYou, a team app where parents and coaches may communicate general information pertaining to team events (meets), and more. Once you have created an account, you may find our team using the following access code: UVGP-97HB. This is in an effort to reduce emails, save time, share pictures of the kids (from meets), etc.

UNIFORMS: Will be distributed at practices throughout the week leading up to Ultimook. Uniforms will not be distributed at the meet.

ULTIMOOK REMINDER: Coach Dave will not be at Ultimook. His wife, Kaci, and son, Grayson, will be present to help the kids through the first meet of the season. Parent helpers Jesse (Orin and Noah’s dad) and Sean (Luke’s dad) will be on hand to help with warm-ups, race prep, and cooling down. See the Calendar for meet information, including parking, arrival time, and more!

TREATS @ MEETS: If you are able to contribute, please consider signing up to bring a light snack or treat to a meet (or two) this season. See the Meets & Treats sign-up Google Sheet to register.