WINTER 2019
CLIMBERS ROCK C A L L K A N S A S C I T Y HOME A N I CH E O F
PREPPING FOR THE COLD
NEW YEAR, NEW ME WINTER CYCLING CHOOSING A GYM AVOIDING OVER-TRAINING TRAINING TIPS
HY-VEE ARENA AN ARENA FOR ALL AGES & ABILITIES
CONTENTS
ON THE COVER
08 A Niche of Rock Climbers Call Kansas City Home
Cover photo by Rick Mayo / Mile 90 Photography
FEATURES
IN EVERY ISSUE
04 05 06 24 26 29
From the Editor #RECMidwest REC News Training Trail Profile Events Calendar
12 Winter Cycling More Preparation, More Fun
16 Hy-Vee Arena
An Arena For All Ages and Abilities
22 Choosing a Gym
5 Tips for Finding Your New Fitness Home
WE’RE SOCIAL! FOLLOW US @RECMIDWEST
REC-MIDWEST.COM 3
FROM THE EDITOR
hen we find a sport we love, there’s a tendency to dive in head- first. We join Facebook groups, read sport-specific magazines, buy all the gear, and plan our calendars for the next challenge. We immerse ourselves in the thing we love. EMBRACE THE BALANCE W
Winter 2019 | Volume 1, Number 2 REC-Midwest.com
Published by Affinity Media Services 7509 NW Tiffany Springs Parkway, #200 Kansas City, MO 64153
Publisher | Editor Kristi Mayo Wordsmith Publishing publisher@rec-midwest.com
Advertising Sales Daisy Chavez dchavez@affinitymediaservices.com
That’s a wonderful, fantastic feeling… until it’s gone. Maybe it’s a short-term injury that takes you out of it. Maybe it’s a change in life circumstances. Maybe it’s burnout. Or maybe something drastic happens that forces you to give up the activity you love. Wow, that’s depressing. But it happens. It happened to me. A little over two years ago, after a long road of chronic pain in my back and legs, I finally went to a spinal surgeon, got a diagnosis, and made the reluctant decision to avoid high-impact activities (running) in order to stave off surgery. It’s been a long and difficult transition. And I’m still working through it. Slowly though, gradually, I’ve found other things: first yoga, and then cycling. Now, a few people are threatening to teach me pickleball. Recently, as I cruised along on a chilly bike ride, I wondered why I didn’t try other activities when I was still a runner. Embracing other sports would have made that transition away from running easier, more natural. I actually wish I’d had this magazine back then to help me find those new activities. Since publishing our first issue, I’ve heard from many of you who understand what this magazine is all about. You get it! We cannot be only runners. Or only basketball players. Or only cyclists. Or only weightlifters. An athlete must reach out into new territory now and then, if only to learn new things and build strength in new places. You’ll find this theme in our article on finding a gym (page 22), in the column on avoiding overtraining (page 24), and in the feature on the new Hy-Vee Arena (page 16). Variety is crucial to physical and psychological well-being. It’s all about balance. Embrace it.
Josh Landewee jlandewee@affinityworldwide.com
Ellen Leinwetter ellen.leinwetter@affinityworldwide.com
Charlie Mahon cmahon@affinitymediaservices.com
Design Consultants Rivet | WeAreRivet.com
Art Direction Emily Bowers emily@wearerivet.com Design Kyle Goens kyle@wearerivet.com Production Management Katie West katie@wearerivet.com Printing Walsworth Publishing Co. Marceline, Missouri
Contributors Dale Garrison, Kirsten Myers, Keith Wurm, Brittany Zegers Photographers Clayton Hotze, Jake Martin, Heather Morrow, Mile 90 Photography
REC Midwest is published quarterly by Affinity Worldwide Media in Kansas City, Missouri. Copyright 2019 Affinity Worldwide Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
Kristi Mayo, Publisher / Editor
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When you’re out doing awesome things and visiting magical places, show everyone how you recreate in the Midwest by using the hashtag #RECMidwest .
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Ad index
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2
Good Living KC Expo
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REC-MIDWEST.COM 5
REC NEWS
Trail users just got a free ride on two eastern- Kansas rail-trail routes. Beginning Jan. 1, the Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Commission removed a regulation that required the purchase of trail-access permits on the Prairie Spirit and Flint Hills trails. “We hope this serves as a great incentive for state park visitors and trail enthusiasts to visit these two truly unique trails,” said Kansas State Parks Director Linda Lanterman. Access Fees Removed at Two Major Trails
Photo by Abby Servaes
“Our state parks have some really phenomenal trails, and I think people are going to be surprised by these two in particular.”
Prairie Spirit Trail State Park, more than 50 miles long, running from Ottawa to Iola. The Flint Hills Trail State Park is the longest trail
in Kansas and the seventh- longest rail-trail in the United States, stretching 117 miles from Osawatomie to Herington.
Gym and OYO Personal Gym Pro—aims to help users enjoy the benefits of exercise “On Your Own” (or OYO). Late in 2018, the company announced its OYO Coaching App, which connects wirelessly to the OYO Personal Gym Pro and communicates fitness programs with real-time coaching, tracking and feedback. Workouts in the coaching app vary from strength and sculpting to cardio and yoga. www.oyofitness.com
OYO Fitness Launches Personal Gym Connected to Coaching App Kansas City-based OYO Fitness got attention in the startup world in 2017 when its DoubleFlex Black and DoubleFlex Black PRO became the second-most funded fitness product on Kickstarter, and in the top 99.98% of all Kickstarter projects, the company said. The compact exercise equipment—now rebranded as the OYO Personal
Photo by Mile 90 Photography
Pamela Chapman-Markle in the 100-mile race.
the 100-mile race, Pamela Chapman-Markle of San Leon, Texas broke the USATF American Masters 100-mile record for her age group (Women, ages 60-64) with a time of 20:58:24. Both distances were an out-and-back on the Prairie Spirit Trail between Ottawa and Iola, Kansas. The race offers certified distances for the half marathon, marathon, 50 km, 50 mile, 100 km, and 100 mile.
Ultrarunners Set New Records The Kansas Rails-to- Trails Extravaganza, held each October in Ottawa, Kansas, was the home to several records in 2018. In the 50-km race, Stephanie Cundith of Wichita, Kan. won the race outright and topped her previous best time on the USATF- certified course with a time of 4:22:48—a new Kansas state record. In
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NSA SPORTS
2019SPRING ACTIVITIES
Photo by Linda K. Williams
Free Coffee with the Birds Program Enjoy winter bird watching from the comfort of an indoor wildlife viewing room during an informal program being offered for ages 18 and older at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s Ernie Miller Nature Sanctuary. With lack of foliage and increased sight distance, winter is a great time for bird watching. Chickadees, woodpeckers, juncos, cedar waxwings, and many more are commonly seen at the center’s feeders. This free eight-week program is called Coffee with the Birds. Visitors are invited to come sit, visit, and drink free coffee as they watch birds at the nature center’s feeders between 9 and 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays now through February 26. No registration or reservations are required, and participants can come and go as they please. More information at: www.jcprd.com New App Connects You with the Outdoors The Missouri Department of Conservation recently announced the release of a new, free mobile app that makes it easier to discover nature and enjoy outdoor activities. The app, MO Outdoors, allows users to quickly and easily find MDC offerings based on the types of outdoor activities they want—close to home, work, or while traveling.
NORTHLAND SPORTS ALLIANCE
BASEBALL REGISTRATION OPENS : JAN 1ST SOFTBALL
SOCCER REGISTRATION OPENS : JAN 1ST
REGISTRATION OPENS : JAN 1ST
WWW.NSAKC.COM REGISTER AT
CALL US : 816 . 587. 0880
MO Outdoors can help users find MDC conservation areas, fishing accesses, hiking trails, shooting ranges, and nature centers around the state based on their desired types of outdoor activities— including birdwatching, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting or shooting. Users can also mark “favorite” locations to quickly find them in future searches. MO Outdoors also connects users to area regulations and season
information, hours of operation, images, area closings and interactive maps of area boundaries and features. The map function also displays features such as parking lots, boat ramps, and wildlife viewing areas, and allows users to easily navigate to the features using their device’s GPS. Users can also download maps for offline use. Download the app in Google Play for Android or the App Store for iOS devices.
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NICHE OF ROCK CLIMBERS CALL KANSAS CITY HOME
Written by Brittany Zegers Photos by Rick Mayo / Mile 90 Photography
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W
hen you think of the Midwest, what comes to mind? Maybe you envision peaceful plains and wind farms, or forested hills and sparkling lakes. You consider pastimes like hunting and fishing, maybe biking, in addition to more adventurous activities like water skiing and zip lining—but what about rock climbing? Believe it or not, rock climbing is a thing in the Midwest. A growing number of climbing gyms in and around the Kansas City metropolitan area have formed a community of climbers who don’t let the lack of mountains stop them from climbing. For Kelly Walden, her rock-climbing adventure started on a whim after returning home to the Kansas City area from Florida. Walden shared that she’s always lived an active lifestyle, whether running, competing in triathlons or surfing. “I like to find a way to be active,” Walden said, “and be physically and mentally engaged, all in one.” But her passion for rock climbing took flight after a chance encounter at a dog park. Walden bonded with a woman over experiences about their non-traditional breed of pet, the Rhodesian Ridgeback dog. As the conversation continued, the woman shared that her husband was opening a rock-climbing gym. This intrigued Walden and she signed up, patiently waiting for the gym to open that spring. “I was curious about rock climbing,” Walden said, since she’d never done it before. “I started going to the gym and
just pretty quickly got hooked.” Climbing holds an interesting dynamic that Walden describes as a duality. “You’re hyper independent when you’re actually climbing. When you’re on the wall, it’s just you and the wall. No one else can do it for you,” she explained. “But simultaneously, climbing is very team and community orientated. You have to have a partner and your partner literally has your life in their hands.” This subculture of rock climbers in Kansas City is a very tight-knit group of individuals, she admitted, sharing that you learn climbing by spending time with climbers. “You forge really close bonds, but you still get to test your personal fortitude,” Walden added. She found herself at home with a family of climbing friends at RoKC after she jumped into climbing with both feet. “I joined a league and through that league I made close friends and really lasting friendships. People that I’m still very close with today,” Walden said. The common thread amongst climbers is that they seek adventure by pushing themselves, and Walden believes climbing is a very social activity. “It’s a way to meet like-minded people,” she concluded.
“You’re hyper independent when you’re actually climbing. When you’re on the wall, it’s just you and the wall.”
Kelly Walden & Josh Burns at RoKC climbing gym in North Kansas City.
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CLIMBING
Niche of Rock Climbers Call Kansas City Home
Climbing wasn’t about getting strong or healthy for Lonski. Instead, it’s been the natural outcome by continuing with an activity that he is passionate about. “It’s definitely transformative, both physically and mentally for me, in that I view myself as an athlete now,” said Lonski. “It’s not a view I’ve ever had of myself, and exploring that aspect has been interesting.” He just wanted to climb, and the more he climbed, the more he enjoyed it. While Lonski explained that climbing isn’t for everyone, almost everyone who he’s ever brought climbing has enjoyed it. The biggest piece of advice he has for newbies wanting to try climbing is to not let your fear stop you. Whether you’re afraid of heights or don’t think you’re physically fit enough to start, set aside your fears and just try it. “Relax and trust the person introducing you to it,” he shared. “Be open to new experiences.” The Kansas City Climbing Community is a great resource for veterans and those just beginning their climbing experience. Abbreviated KCCC, the organization’s mission is to foster an engaging community of climbers who support each other in active pursuits of rock climbing, alpine
Josh Burns started climbing as a teen in Colorado. Since coming to Kansas City 18 years ago, he finds his climbing outlet at indoor facilities such as RoKC in North Kansas City.
Every climber has a different approach to climbing and the same goes for Richard Lonski. Much like Walden, he said he found climbing by happenstance, inviting himself along with some friends who were heading to a rock gym. “It was a lark, out of nowhere,” Lonski explained. “I found climbing to be strangely addictive.” Where some might assume that climbers are adrenaline junkies, it’s quite the opposite. “The activity of climbing is actually typically very calm, methodical and focused. It’s almost a meditative type of movement,” Lonski shared, saying at times it can be very physically exerting but climbing movements are usually very fluid, controlled and well thought-out. A volunteer route setter at Monster Mountain in Overland Park, Kansas, Lonski said the different climbing gyms in the Kansas City area support the passions of climbers in a multitude of ways. The walls and setters might be different, but each gym offers one thing: the opportunity to climb and a different set of puzzles to unlock as you’re climbing. And climbing in the Kansas City area is different than in Denver, for example, where climbers can be on a mountain
in 20 minutes or less. Kansas City has a larger proportion of rock-climbing gyms than mountains. “Here in the Midwest, and in Kansas City, for us to get outside and climb it’s like a four-hour trip typically,” Lonski elaborated. “So, the level of excitement and energy you have to keep, to invest that much time to do your passion, means everyone is super psyched about climbing.” “The activity of climbing is actually typically very calm, methodical and focused. It’s almost a meditative type of movement” Lonski began climbing about seven and a half years ago and he admits that he wasn’t physically fit at all. He weighed in at 260 pounds with an average build on his 5’8” frame, and while he could manage a push-up or two, a pull-up was out of the question. “Climbing was certainly not something that was easy. It took a lot of work, and just through the action of climbing over the first three years or so, I dropped 50 pounds and nearly 10 percent body fat,” Lonski explained proudly. “When I started, I was 44 years old; now I’m 51 and I can pretty much say I’m in better shape now than I’ve ever been.”
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climbing and mountaineering. KCCC President Peter Chollet explained that it boils down to getting prospective climbers climbing, either in a gym or outside, and if they are climbing in a gym but have never climbed outside, they hope to get you outside. In order to do that, KCCC has two trips a year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Details are shared on their website, climbkccc.com, and their Facebook group, Kansas City Climbing Community. “We invite everyone down to Arkansas Friday through Sunday, and we will help guide you through some routes,” he shared, explaining their hope is to get people involved who wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to travel to northern Arkansas to climb for a weekend. In addition to community outreach, KCCC also supports the local gyms. Chollet says the gyms and their owners are an integral part of the community. “The gym owners around Kansas City are some of the most amazing people in the sport of climbing in this area. The gym owners really show a passion in what they do to support this sport. It’s not a rivalry,” he said. It’s a partnership, one that benefits the climbing community as a whole. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brittany Zegers is a southern California native who, as a teenager, moved north of Kansas City with her family. While the beach remains her happy place, she calls Lawson, Missouri home, and enjoys traveling. A creative at heart, she discovered her passion for journalism, photography and design in high school and continued through college. When Brittany isn’t worried about hitting deadlines, she enjoys spoiling her nieces and nephews, and hobbies like reading, binge-watching a new TV series, crafting, sewing and quilting. R Each gym offers one thing: the opportunity to climb and a different set of puzzles to unlock as you’re climbing.
KANSAS CITY ROCK CLIMBING RESOURCES
KC CLIMBING COMMUNITY WEB: ClimbKCCC.com Facebook: @KCClimbingCommunity A great resource for beginner or seasoned climbers. Tips, tricks and information on climbing, twice a year camping trips, equipment needed, and more.
APEX CLIMBING GYM 7200 W. 106th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212 913-283-7341 WEB: ApexClimbingGym.com Facebook: @ApexClimbingGym
APEX offers a Warped Wall, Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacles and weekly Ninja Games, introductory bouldering training, a youth climbing program, yoga and more. APEX recently partnered with IBEX to allow members a once-a-month day pass at the opposing gym.
IBEX CLIMBING GYM 801 NW South Outer Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-228-9988 WEB: climbibex.com Facebook: @ibex.gym
IBEX hosts some recent additions to their repertoire to include rope climbing, auto belays, large lead cave, bouldering, treadwall, MoonBoard and kiddie wall for even the smallest toddlers. IBEX also offers a portable climbing wall for events like the Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph, Mo., special programs with home- schooled students and local Boy Scouts, plus competitions with USA Climbing.
MONSTER MOUNTAIN (at Emerald City Gym) 9063 Bond Street, Overland Park, KS 66214 913-438-4444
WEB: emeraldcitygym.com/monster-mountain-wall/ Facebook: @MonsterMountainClimbingGym Monster Mountain sports a 5,000 sq. ft. vertical and horizontal climbing wall, a climbing school for children beginning at age 7, gymnastics, competitions and summer and winter camps.
RoKC, NORTH KC 1501 Howell Street, North Kansas City, MO 64116 816-THE-ROKC WEB: ClimbKC.com Facebook: @rokcclimb Over 15,000 sq. ft. of custom climbing walls, top rope, lead walls and auto belays, bouldering, system and campus boards, fitness center and yoga.
RoKC, UNDERGROUND 3150 Mercier Street Suite 641 A, Kansas City, MO 64111 816-621-2020 WEB: ClimbKC.com Facebook: @RoKCUnderground
Over 4,800 sq. ft. of bouldering walls featuring slabs, face, slight overhangs, sustained overhangs, 40° wall and a large cave with horizontal terrain, plus fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights.
RoKC, OLATHE (Coming Soon)
SEQUENCE INDOOR CLIMBING 1710 Washington Street, Kansas City, MO 64108 WEB: SequenceClimb.com Facebook: @SequenceClimb
Sequence Climbing is located downtown in Kansas City, Mo. in the Crossroads Arts District and, once completed and open to the public in mid to late January, will be a bouldering gym. The 20,000 sq. ft. building will also house a wall specifically designed for competition climbing (something climbers might see in the World Cup or USA Climbing competitions), 10,000 sq. ft. of climbing surface, fitness room, studio and training area.
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Winter Cycling: More Preparation, More Fun Written by Dale Garrison A
lthough it might look simple, winter cycling can be among the most challenging outdoor pursuits available in the Midwest. Consider a raw, windy morning; it’s 35°F outside and the humidity gives the air a bitter edge. There’s a 10-mph north wind, something you’d hardly notice in July but potentially miserable from November to March. Add 20 or 30 mph going downhill and you could face single-digit wind chills. With the sweat you generated climbing that hill, you could be a candidate for hypothermia. But winter riding offers everything from stunning beauty to a great way to maintain off-season fitness. It’s also a way to hone old skills or develop new ones while building strengths that will pay dividends the rest of the year. Winter cycling definitely involves
some challenges. The biggest is the clothing you put on before leaving your home. The answers involve layering, not overdressing, and covering those areas where you get chilled easily. Fortunately, clothing and equipment manufacturers offer a lot of answers. “It’s amazing what they’ve come up with,” explained Christina Decker of Midwest Cyclery. She recommends starting with gloves, perhaps a neck gaiter, leg warmers or tights, and a thin skullcap under the helmet. “Then upgrade as you go. Start with what you need the most and add layers.” Many cyclists overlook their knees, which may not feel that cold but can be damaged if unprotected. The heaviest items may even be counterproductive. “I’ve found that by buying the thinner options, you have a lot more temperatures you can dress
for,” noted Jason Starforth of the Bicycle Shack in Lee’s Summit. “That’s usually better than one thick garment. Multiple layers are a key.” Nearly everyone who exercises in winter now knows something about layering. You start with a warm, moisture-wicking layer next to your skin—usually a synthetic underwear top and cycling shorts. Depending on conditions, you may add additional insulation like a fleece pullover. If it’s still colder, a breathable outer windbreaker may be needed. Your extremities may need special attention. Are your head or ears easily chilled? Your hands or feet turn to ice blocks? You’ll likely need some special equipment, like “lobster claw” mittens that let you brake safely while keeping your hands warm. Biking gear comes in
A group of hardy cyclists leave Wyandotte County Lake Park in Kansas City, Kansas en route for Weston, Missouri. Held the third Saturday of every month, George’s Weston Ride covers 58 miles of challenging hills and long flats, and welcomes riders of all levels.
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Winter cycling can be among the most challenging outdoor pursuits available in the Midwest.
many levels of protection and cost, from simple toe covers that clip over the end of your shoes, to full shoe covers made of water- and wind-resistant products like neoprene. OTHER STRATEGIES Depending on your priorities, buying all of this up front can be daunting. Even serious cyclists may want to space out their purchases as they learn what they need most. Not everything needs to be expensive, either. That old polyester turtleneck sweater hanging in the back of your closet can serve well as a mid-layer. The biggest mistake many new cyclists make is starting with too much clothing. They’ve not yet learned an important rule: you should be cool or even cold while waiting for the ride to start or pedaling the first few blocks. “If you’re comfortable when you start, you’re probably wearing too much,” said rider Vincent Valentino, who also serves as treasurer for the Cycling Kansas City club.
Others agreed. “It really isn’t that cold once you get going,” added Greg Goat of Epic Bike and Sport, Kansas City, North. “If you wear something that’s too heavy, you’ll overheat and that’s bad because later you’ll get chilled.” This is also why winter cycling can be tricky: it’s often a series of hard efforts uphill, followed by windswept rides down. Or you’ll face an extended push into a headwind that at first is bitter, but soon generates surprising heat from the steady effort. Veteran rider Dave Mathews enjoys rides of several hundred miles at a clip. He recommends a surprising piece of equipment that can help. “When it starts looking cold or rainy, I put a big
saddle bag on my bike to have room for extra clothing,” he explains. “You don’t want to get overheated.” Other simple tricks can help. Even top racers are known to stick a sheet of newspaper under their jersey or jacket for extra chest insulation. Another sheet of newspaper inside your helmet to block air vents is another easy fix. Cheap shoe covers can be fashioned from old socks with a slot cut to accommodate cleats. Wool or synthetic works best—and never use cotton. In fact, cotton is something winter cyclists should avoid everywhere because it easily becomes wet and holds moisture. Special bike clothing is hard to beat for other reasons. One example involves
Liv TransTextura Cycling Cap $20
Giant Superlight Wind Jacket $94
Giant Team Bib Short $85
Liv Neptuna Short Sleeve Jersey $130
Liv Zorya Arm Cover $37
Kinda cold—When temperatures hover around 50°F, start with a short-sleeve jersey and bibs. Arm and leg warmers are easily pushed down if you get too warm.
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CYCLING
Winter Cycling: More Preparation, More Fun
BeLiv Long Sleeve Jersey $74
Liv Flara Thermal Jacket $158
Liv Norsa Lite Cool Weather Gloves $32
Giant ThermTextura Cycling Cap $21
Pretty Cold—When windchill is a concern, protect yourself with a long-sleeved jersey, thermal jacket, long-fingered gloves, and a warm cap.
wind jackets with solid fronts and mesh backs, which places the wind protection only where it’s needed. Another example involves long-fingered gloves with a hidden pouch that opens to create a windproof mitten for colder weather. OFF THE ROAD All of this is especially true for road riding, where cyclists are apt to face the coldest wind chills from higher speeds and open roads. Riding off-road or off of paved roads is an alternative. The difference in “real feel” between the open road and a wooded trail can be dramatic. Even a gravel road on a cross bike offers a warmer ride. The area’s
growing list of paved and chip bike trails are another option where a good workout is available with more warmth. “Mountain bikes in the winter are definitely warmer,” Mathews noted. “Sometimes you even want it to be cold to keep the trails frozen. But down in the woods, it is warmer.” Decker at Midwest Cyclery agrees. “We sell more mountain bikes than anything,” she said. “There are also (cyclo) cross bikes and adventure bikes that work better on trails and gravel roads. There are more variations every day.” Other equipment suggestions deal with where the rubber hits the road—or trail. “You might also think of your
tire selection,” noted Javier Diaz at Bike America in Overland Park. “In some conditions, you might consider a winter, ‘grippy’ compound or dedicated, studded tires.” The ultimate off-road is indoors, on a wind trainer, rollers or special exercise bike. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but a common problem may be mental: boredom. That’s why group events like spin classes or electronic perks like digital “courses” on a smart trainer or computer tablet are popular. They reduce the “sitting and grinding” that can make indoor training mentally tough. “If I didn’t have a class to hold me accountable, I would not ride to that intensity,” explained Jason Starforth of the Bicycle Shack in Lee’s Summit. “Something to motivate you can be really important.” Back outside, Valentino recommends another piece of gear: good bike lights to ensure safety with winter’s early darkness. “If you are going to ride in winter, lights are essential,” he said. Other equipment might include fenders to reduce splashing snowmelt. Riders should also remember to clean their bike after a messy winter ride. Although aluminum or carbon bikes aren’t as susceptible to winter salt and grit, moving parts are. And most of all, get out, ride and get
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Giant Team Regulator Glove $65
Giant Podium Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey $95
Giant Race Day Arm Warmer $40
Giant Convertible Gator/Beanie $20
Really cold—For temperatures down to 33°F, bundle up with thermal bib tights, a long-sleeved thermal jersey, long-fingered gloves, a neck gator, and a wind jacket. Clothing courtesy of Midwest Cyclery.
acclimated. “Fifty degrees in the fall feels cold, but in the springtime, it feels pretty good,” explained Jason Starforth of the Bicycle Shack in Lee’s Summit. “If you keep riding as it gets cooler, you’ll find it a lot easier when it’s really cold.” Valentino added that winter riding
also offers something summer riding may not. “It’s a great time to get out in a group,” he noted. “You’re not out to prove anything. You’re just trying to get out, slow down and socialize. That’s one of the great things about winter riding.” R
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dale Garrison has been writing professionally since the early 1970s, and riding bikes nearly as long. He has always enjoyed long rides and qualified for Paris-Brest-Paris, raced for several years and still enjoys recreational riding. He and his wife live in Liberty, Mo.
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I
An Arena for All Ages & Abilities Hy-Vee Arena Reimagines Sports & Fitness
magine a single place where athletes come to engage in their sport, develop core skills, get medical attention when needed, and have state-of-the-art sports technology at the ready. It’s a place where the parents of young athletes have a place to relax, work out, shop, or grab a bite to eat while their kids play or practice. And it’s also a place where recreational players can come for pickup games or league games of almost any sport. This mecca for amateur athletics is real, and it’s right here in Kansas City. The historic Kemper Arena received
Written by Kristi Mayo Photos by Clayton Hotze / Hy-Vee Arena
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The large white building rises stoically from the historic West Bottoms of Kansas City. Exposed trusses reach out from its lumbering profile, creating an exoskeleton that supports the structure and allows for pillar-free interior space.
a $39 million makeover that included creating a second floor to accommodate a total of 12 basketball courts on 82,000 sq. ft. of hardwood; building a 350-meter indoor track; and opening up space for more than 40 vendors. The facility is now called the Hy-Vee Arena, and it celebrated its grand opening in October 2018. A KANSAS CITY ICON The large white building rises stoically from the historic West Bottoms of Kansas City. Exposed trusses reach out from its lumbering profile,
creating an exoskeleton that supports the structure and allows for pillar-free interior space. The building’s unique construction, completed in 1974, was considered revolutionary—and for decades it made Kemper Arena the premier event venue in Kansas City. The iconic building has been the home to professional basketball, hockey, soccer, and arena football. It hosted the NCAA men’s and women’s Final Four basketball tournaments. Throngs of people watched hundreds of big rock and country concerts here. The American Royal utilized the space every year.
But after the Sprint Center arrived in Downtown Kansas City in 2007, big-name events migrated away from the West Bottoms. Kemper Arena became underutilized. And in 2011, the American Royal announced a proposal to demolish the big white building and replace it with a smaller event space. Coincidentally, the same week the American Royal’s plan hit the news, some friends approached Steve Foutch and told him that if Kansas City wanted to host large youth tournaments, they needed an event space large enough to accommodate at least eight
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Hy-VEe Arena
An Arena for All Ages & Abilities
basketball courts. Foutch is the CEO of Kansas City-based Foutch Brothers LLC, a company that specializes in re-purposing historic buildings for residential and commercial use. “We were already looking at some locations for a big basketball facility,” recalled Foutch, “when someone called me and asked, ‘Did you hear they’re trying to tear down Kemper? Can you try and figure out something that would save it?’ Serendipitously, those two things happened at the same time.” As Foutch considered the possibilities, one more element—a personal one—came into play. As the parent of two young athletes, he had recently spent a lot of time thinking about how to help them strike a balance between developing their skills, staying healthy, and still enjoying being kids. “That’s what lit the fire and made me think that maybe this could work,” said Foutch. “We’ve saved so many historic buildings. This was just another
building—and I think maybe deep down I was looking for another challenge.” If Foutch wanted a challenge, he certainly got one. SIX YEARS OF HURDLES “There were so many times we should have stopped and walked away from this,” said Foutch, recounting the six years that went into saving and transforming Kemper Arena. “It’s ironic that I was a hurdler on the track team in college—because every time a new hurdle was put up, we’d get over it… and then there was another one right there.” “I was sweating bullets for sure. We closed the deal with three hours left in the day before the sub-contractors were going to walk away.” Those hurdles included numerous city council meetings, public hearings, pushback from the American Royal and its backers, lawsuits, changes in tax- credit policy, and securing bank loans. But Foutch’s vision for the building proved more powerful, and more
economical. Tearing down the building would cost the city $10 million. Keeping and re-purposing the historic building would open the door to $14 million in tax credits, as well as the potential for increased economic development in the West Bottoms. His plan gained the support of the Kansas City Council, and in February 2017 the city sold Kemper Arena to Foutch Brothers for $1. The developer finally signed a contract with McCownGordon Construction in September 2017 and work on the project began, but then they hit another hurdle. “There was another major hiccup in funding, and we didn’t actually close on the bank loan until March 29, 2018,” said Foutch. “I was sweating bullets for sure. We closed the deal with three hours left in the day before the sub-contractors were going to walk away.” Despite that shaky start, the new Hy- Vee Arena hosted its first event—an international pickleball tournament— in September, ahead of its October grand opening.
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The historic Kemper Arena received a $39 million makeover that included 12 full-sized hardwood courts, 350m track, fitness, training, shopping, dining, gaming, and recovery all under one roof!
pondering the event floor. Maxed out, it could fit four basketball courts. Then he considered, what if that lower half of the stadium was filled up with dirt, all the way up to the bottom of the suites? Well, that would give you a longer and wider floor that would fit eight basketball courts. He continued to run calculations on the costs of building a second floor, and the return on investment for increasing the usable space. The final numbers were daunting, but to Foutch they made sense. The second floor would cost $6 million to construct, but it would also be the only venue of its kind anywhere in the area. It would make the Hy-Vee Arena an attractive venue for big youth tournaments. When Foutch first explained the second-floor concept to Woody Carter, a retired Harlem Globetrotter who now serves as sales and marketing manager for Hy-Vee Arena, Carter was in disbelief. “How in the world?” he asked Foutch. Foutch just laughed. “He told me, you’ll just have to see it to believe it,” said Carter. “And that’s become part of my sales pitch to
prospective events. I tell people, I can try to explain it and paint a picture over the phone, but until you stand in the middle of that floor and look around, you just won’t get the full effect.” A SMALL CITY On the surface, you would think the big headline for the Hy-Vee Arena is all that floorspace. Twelve basketball games can be run simultaneously. That space can accommodate 24 pickleball courts. Or it can be set up for wrestling, futsol, cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics. The two floors may be the heart of the building, but what makes it truly unique is the utilization of the space around the floors. The old concourse and suites have been transformed into more than 40 vendor spaces, featuring dining, entertainment, retail, and services. The floor is there to give big tournaments a place to play, of course. But those amenities surrounding the two playing floors are there for the people who come to watch the tournaments—the parents and siblings. “There’s no more boring 10-hour tournament sessions with parents sitting on the ground, maybe getting
REIMAGINING THE SPACE
Steve Foutch built his career on bringing a business approach to architecture. He looks at the timeline, the engineering, the building’s original purpose and its potential for new uses. When he drives by an old school or warehouse, Foutch runs mental calculations for how many apartment units he could fit inside. He’s interested in the process and the economics of using a space to its full potential. That approach has made Foutch Brothers successful developers, and it came in handy the first few times he toured Kemper Arena in 2012. “I’d been into the building before for events, but I was always there as a spectator,” said Foutch. “But then I came into it with totally different eyes— as a business, as a physical structure, what can we do with this?” One day, while studying photos he’d taken of the building, Foutch started
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Hy-VEe Arena
An Arena for All Ages & Abilities
some nachos or a hot dog,” said Carter. “Instead, they can go shopping, or there are activities for younger siblings who get the wiggles.” Activities will include escape rooms, golf simulators, an arcade, and a fitness center. Sports health and technology services are also available. For example, St. Luke’s Sports Medicine is on-site, offering injury evaluation and triage, as well as massage and compression therapy to help with recovery. While the tournaments and big events keep Hy-Vee Arena humming during the weekends (all but six weekends in 2019 were already booked as of November 2018), the developers made sure the facility would stay busy during the week, as well. Long-term office tenants have set up shop in the building. In the future, the facility will offer co-working space. But even during the workweek, the focus is on recreation. The facility is the new headquarters for KC Crew, an adult recreational sports league; and Midwest Adaptive Sports (MAS), a non-profit organization that provides adaptive recreational and competitive- sports opportunities to those with physical, cognitive, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Both organizations run programs at Hy-Vee Arena throughout the week.
“It’s been really difficult to find gym space in Kansas City,” said Matt Bollig, who heads up wheelchair basketball and youth sports for MAS. “Being in the Hy-Vee Arena has allowed us to take MAS to another level.” Currently, youth and adult wheelchair basketball teams practice at the facility, and Bollig is hopeful to bring some big national wheelchair basketball tournaments to the arena. “Being here has definitely brought us more attention and exposure,” said Bollig. “And who knows who will see our sign and be inspired by it.” Luke Wade, founder of KC Crew, said Hy-Vee Arena has created a “one-stop shop for everything we need.” Since they started running leagues out of the arena in September, about 1,000 people each week have participated in KC Crew leagues Sunday through Thursday. “This means a lot to our city,” said Wade. “You’ll see people playing pickup games over lunchtime. It’s really cool to see the adaptive sports, youth volleyball, pickleball… It’s really neat to see all different types of people out doing sports, from all walks of life. “Once all of the vendors are up and running, it’s going to be amazing,” Wade added. “It’s becoming its own little ecosystem.”
A NEW APPROACH TO YOUTH SPORTS With all of the parts falling in place—the floor, the amenities, the tournaments, and the organizations to help get people in the door—Steve Foutch turns his attention to a larger mission, one that was the original inspiration for Hy-Vee Arena: reimagining youth sports. “The sport is the carrot to get them here,” said Foutch. “Then, what else? What else makes their life whole? What else are they missing?” Foutch is the father of a son in college, who currently runs track for UMKC; and a daughter in high school, who is working toward a rowing scholarship. Over the years, he’s navigated the waters of youth club sports—for example, watching his son compete in increasingly cutthroat and rigorous soccer programs. “I’ve watched, psychologically and physically what we’re doing to the youth,” said Foutch. “We’re pushing them harder and harder, younger and younger, thinking they’re all going to be pro athletes and get a free college education, and everything is win, win, win—and they’re only five years old!” With Hy-Vee Arena, Foutch hopes to create a supportive community for parents and young athletes. It’s a community that might help parents avoid some of the mistakes Foutch feels he made with his own kids. “Hopefully we’re sort of a parent to the parents as well, saying, ‘Slow up a little bit. Don’t talk to your kids like that. Don’t talk to the coaches like that. Let them do their thing.’ “We’ll get them the training they need,” added Foutch. “We’ll get them as far as they can, so we’re helping facilitate them on a more natural scale, and at a more logical speed.”
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develop core strength and skills. These include yoga, karate, and track. “There’s a lot of core skills in a karate class that kids need,” he said. “And then track teaches them how to run. And then you can go be a specialist in basketball or soccer—something that is a very detailed, technical thing—once you have the basics of your core strength.” The Hy-Vee Arena also aims to be a space that will provide opportunities for athletes who might not otherwise have access to these kinds of resources. “We know in the urban core there are a ton of kids who have a ton of talent— they just don’t have access to this. They don’t have the financial means to do it,” said Foutch. “So, we’re working with the
city and others to see if we can bus them down here for after-school programs.” Bringing big tournaments to Kansas City also provides an opportunity to shine a national spotlight on local talent, added Woody Carter. “There are a lot of teams and kids that should now be exposed to a bigger pool of talent,” he said. “We have some excellent teams here, but they can’t afford to travel. This brings teams from all over the country to them.” R
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kristi Mayo is the editor of REC Midwest . She can be reached at publisher@rec-midwest.com.
He suggests that athletes try activities that aren’t sport-specific, but will help
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A new year brings new fitness goals, and maybe this has you looking for a new gym. Here’s a few tips from local fitness professionals on finding your new fitness home.
Written by Kristi Mayo
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that’s close to work, Billings suggested a location closer to home might be a better bet. “What if you decide to work from home?” she asked. “Or what if you can’t take time off for lunch? Will you be able to use it every day?” Choose a location that sets you up for success and eliminates excuses. Get results. Look for a gym that has a proven track record of meeting its members’ goals, as well as a culture of encouragement. “Make sure they are getting results for their members,” said Rodney Steven II, owner and president of 2
Genesis Health Clubs, which has 12 locations in the Kansas City area. “Are their personal trainers knowledgeable? Do they have the best group of exercise instructors? It’s important to find a health club that really cares about your results and will fight to help you achieve them.” Billings added that at her gym, “we’re sticklers for accountability.” If a member doesn’t show up for a while, they can expect to hear from Billings. “If we haven’t seen a member in a week, we call them out,” she said. “It’s important to find a place with that kind of personal service and accountability.”
Location, Location, Location. In order to create a successful workout routine, you need to be sure you actually work out. “You are more likely to use the gym if it’s nearby,” said Heather Billings, owner/operator of 9Round in Kearney, Mo. When are you most likely to work out? “Know when you’re going to go—during your lunch hour, or before or after work,” offered Nicole Kube, a personal trainer at TheGYMkc with three locations in Kansas City. “Make sure it’s convenient.” While many people choose a gym
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3
Seek variety. Suffering from boredom will inevitably sabotage your workout routine. Kube suggests finding a fitness facility that provides opportunities to mix things up. “Pick something you like—but if you don’t like it, try something else,” she said. “Diversify your workout, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.” Steven agreed that the key to meeting long-term fitness goals is to stay motivated and interested. “A treadmill might be enough in the beginning,” he said, “but most people need more than that. You need quality cardio and strength-training equipment, but also make sure you have access to a club that has a swimming pool, basketball, tennis, and a variety of classes. That way you always have something new to try if you get stuck in a rut.” In short, consider your fitness goals, but leave yourself open to new experiences. “I encourage people to venture outside their comfort zones,” said Billings. “Some people might be intimidated by something new, but then you find out it’s something you love.”
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Find community. A gym or fitness studio is home to a
Do your research. There are a lot of options out there: full- service health clubs, niche studios, yoga, pilates, barre, and even rock- climbing gyms. The best way to start narrowing down your choices is to talk to members, trainers, and owners—and, of course, go give it a try for yourself. “Definitely, try it before you buy it,” said Billings. While you’re there, take a close look at the setup, even the little things. “Are there decent showers? Is there good equipment? Is there a flexible class schedule and are the classes available at the time when you’ll be able to take them?” asked Kube. Once you’ve done your research, the right answer should become clear. And in the end, you’re the only person who can decide. “It’s all so subjective,” said Kube. “Everyone has different goals and needs. It has to work for you.” R
small community of people with similar goals. Each gym will have its own vibe, and a common thread that runs through all members. It’s important to find a gym that fosters that sense of community. “Going to a gym is a social thing,” said Kube. “You want to feel like part of a family. You’re going to spend a lot of time there, so you should feel comfortable there.” “Find a gym that feels like home,” echoed Billings. One way she builds community at 9Round is through a members-only Facebook group. “Our Facebook group allows members to interact. They know each other’s names. When other members and instructors know your name, that’s a nice personal touch.” Getting support from other members will help get you through that door more regularly. “You are much more likely to succeed at a club with like- minded members who give you support,” Steven said. “Look for social events and a real sense of community. It’s hard to fail if you have a club full of friends cheering you on.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kristi Mayo is the editor of REC Midwest . She can be reached at publisher@rec-midwest.com.
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TRAINING
Avoid Over-Training and Burnout with Intuitive Exercise Worry Less About Fitting the Mold & Do Fitness For You
Written by Kirsten Myers Photo by Jake Martin
I
n today’s fitness-obsessed world, more is often viewed as better and phrases like “no days off” are often glamorized on social media. Unfortunately, society has taught us that everyone should always be trying to lose weight. This makes fitness feel like a chore, and some people’s “why” becomes changing their physical appearance. The issue with this approach is that it’s not always sustainable long-term. Not only is burnout common with this style of training, but it can often lead to disappointment and negative body image. It’s also not uncommon for this cycle to leave you feeling as if you’ve failed at
fitness, coaxing you to push harder and harder overall. This can ultimately cause an unhealthy relationship with exercise and even over-training. If you’ve been living that “on good days I workout, on bad days I workout harder” lifestyle, here are some signs to watch out for when it comes to over-training: • Feeling tired, drained or lacking energy post workout instead of that endorphin release high • Pain in muscles and joints— especially DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) • A sudden drop in performance
or stamina • Muscle fatigue
• Insomnia • Headaches • Decreased immunity (increased number of colds and infections) • Moodiness and irritability • Depression • Decreased appetite • Abnormal cortisol or hormonal fluctuations • Low libido • Loss of period or irregular periods
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