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Denise McHale placed 3rd OVERALL at the 100km Canadian Death Race August 17. Believe it or not, women were 2nd and 3rd in this trail ultramarathon in Canada, which boasts a worldwide reputation as one of the toughest trail races on earth. Here's her recap of the race. Yeah, Denise! We're happy to have Denise racing in WIGWAM socks.
I’m just home and pleased to say I not only survived the Great Canadian Death Race on the weekend, but managed a 3rd place overall and a pretty respectable finishing time. My hat goes off to Rockstars, Hal Hoerner and Ellie Greenwood for both breaking the previous male and female records and finishing 1st/2nd respectably. Impressive running – holy cow! Hal, I can say I never actually saw (how depressing is that), but I did have the pleasure of running with Ellie and chatting for a wee bit the first 50km or so. We started at a pretty comfy, respectable pace for the first 2 legs – the time flew by and I really enjoyed that part of the course. Leg 2 had a lot of climbing and some very step technical downhills, which is my favorite kind of running. I kept Ellie just in sight and came into the end of Leg 2 a minute or 2 behind her. I left the TA first and she quickly caught up to me and passed me. I realized then, that I needed to let her go or I was going to pay for it later. I think this was a wise decision as this course is tough and early on in leg 3, I started to feel the heat getting to me, and was having a difficult time eating, and energy stores were waning considerably. I continued to putt along on leg 3, which seemed to go on forever! I struggled a wee bit through the end of leg 3, refueled at the aid station and was happy my excellent support crew had located some trekking poles for me for the climb up Mt. Hamel. (Thanks Greg and Phil!).
The climb up Hamel took approx 1.5 hours or so. Part way up, I met up with a solo racer from the US, who shared some water with me and we chatted back and forth for awhile. At one of the CP’s on the way up, one of the volunteers told me that Ellie was approx 15 minutes or so ahead of me. It was a good check to know that I was still in the race, and I reminded myself to stay focused as I’ve learned through experience, that anything can happen during these races.
http://www.canadiandeathrace.com/
 Working for Wigwam is a joy for many reasons, but one of my favorite parts about working for such a great company is the daily testimonials we recieve from people who have used or are using our product. With such a vast product line, I truly believe we have a sock for everyone. Whether you're skiing down a mountain, hiking through a nearby park, walking around the block, or even fly fishing, Wigwam has product to help you stay comfortable in all conditions.
Recently, a testimonial came in from a great fly fisherman, Steve T. Again, the joy of these testimonials for me, and everyone else at Wigwam is the positive feedback we get from our valued customers.
Thank you, Steve for wearing our product and for being a Wigwam brand advocate!
Dear Wigwam,
I just returned from my fishing vacation in Alaska with very warm feet. Wigwam socks really kept my feet warm in my waders. I wore the Wigwam Cool-Lite Hiker Pro and they were very comfortabIe. I spent several hours a day standing in a very cold river and never once got cold feet. I had a great vacation and caught a lot of fish. I spend a lot of time in a deer stand hunting in the fall so these socks will get plenty of use in the future.
Thanks so much for making an outstanding product.
Steve T.
Wigwam is proud to support althletic enthusiasts like Chuck Thomas. Chuck currently wears the Wigwam Ironman Tail Wind Pro (http://www.wigwam.com/Products/Ironman-Tail-Wind-Pro_ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=b31d74de-fa96-dd11-9fb3-001d091bb843) with other Wigwam Ironman styles. Chucks story is truly inspirational. Read his testimonial below.
My life changed 4 years ago when I completed my first Triathlon. I had done a few low key road races, nothing more than a 10k, when my arm was literally twisted to enter the NYC Triathlon. The thought of swimming a mile, let alone a mile in the Hudson River was not my idea of fun, especially when I couldn't swim one length in a pool without a panic attack. After crossing the finish line on that hot July day my life changed forever.
Triathlons have certainly added a new dimension to my life. Having triathlons as my hobby is no easy feat, but I could not imagine my life without them! As all triathletes will tell you, balancing career, family and training is never an easy feat, especially when you like to sleep. Without a doubt one of the most gratifying parts of this journey in triathlon training has been the many amazing friends I have met along the way. I have also been so incredibly blessed with the opportunities and races I have been able to partake in over these past few years. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe that I have actually completed them. Two years ago I did my first half ironman and thought after, "how could anyone ever do a full ironman?". Well, amazingly enough, a few more half IM's and getting entry into Kona sure dispelled that thought in a nanosecond. The World Ironman Championships in Kona, HI proved to be an experience of a lifetime in more ways than one. Yes, everything about that week was magical from the morning swims down by the dock to the tears of joy as I sprinted down Alii drive in the finishers shoot. But, the one thing that I recall so vividly about that day, while biking and running amongst the lava fields, were thoughts of my life and life goals and giving everything I did my personal best. Immediately after crossing the finish line that evening last October I distinctly remember saying, sign me up for another! I knew that I had so much potential still untapped and this was only the beginning of personal bests and sent me on a quest for my next . Just a few weeks ago I completed my second Ironman in Lake Placid with my personal best, shaving one hour and 35 minutes off of my Kona time. With each personal best comes the incentive to strive for the next and isn't that what life is all about!
Chuck Thomas
 It is no easy task to go hiking and climbing in high altitude, but for Wigwam brand advocate Phil K, hiking and climbing the highest peaks in the U.S. is a reality. Phil is on a mission to climb the highest peaks in the U.S. and beyond. The picture to the left is of Phil at the top of Granite Peak in Montana. Granite Peak, at an elevation of 12,807 feet (3,904 m) above sea level, is the highest point in the U.S. State of Montana, and is the tenth highest site high point in the nation. It lies within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, in Park County. Granite Peak is 10 miles (16km) north of the Wyoming border, 45 miles (72km) southwest of Columbus, Montana. Granite Peak is one of the most difficult U.S. state highpoint ascents, due to technical climbing, poor weather, and route finding. Granite Peak’s first ascent was made by Elers Koch on August 29, 1923 after several failed attempts by others. It was the last of the state highpoints to be climbed. Phil's attempt = a success.
The climb was tough, but he managed to reach the peak with a smile on his face and the Wigwam banner in hand. Quite an accomplishment and a major inspiration to the Wigwam crew! Wigwam is proud to have Phil hiking/climbing in our product! Thank you Phil for supporting our brand!
Phil K., a real mountain man in the eyes of Wigwam.
As we go through life, we often run into people who leave a mark on us. Some of which make such an impression that it inspires us to try and be better people.
Recently, a few Wigwam employee's had the pleasure of meeting Scott Stoll, a Milwaukee, WI native. Scott founded a foundation called the Argonauts which is an adventure-travel community dedicated to inspiring the human spirit by enabling people to venture into the unknown and sharing their dreams and discoveries with the world. 100% of profits donated to adventure and exploration. Scott has committed himself to entertaining people and inspiring people - a very bold statement. But, Scott is a very bold man. He once asked himself, "If I could do anything, what would I do?" and with that, he naturally responded with the idea of a spiritual quest around the world on a bicycle seeking the meaning of life - a journey that will stick with him for the rest of his life. "After discovering the meaning of life, I realized the obvious irony that I still have to live my life. I don't think I've experienced anything more than a handful of enlightening moments, but I am reminded of one of my favorite Zen sayings, "Before enlightenment chop wood carry water, after enlightenment chop wood carry water." So, I'm putting into practice what I learned and riding around the country to prove that if an average guy like me can bicycle around the world, then anyone can live their "impossible" dream," said Scott.
Scott has completed his cycling trip around the world, but that doesn't mean he's done doing amazing things. Scott is currently on a book tour for Falling Uphill, a compelling chronical of his spiritual journey around the world on a bike. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Falling-Uphill-by-Scott-Stoll/35382868587.
Without question, Scott has inspired me and the people at Wigwam. Wigwam will be supporting Scott in his efforts moving forward. Coming up, Scott will be going to an elementary school in New Berlin to illustrate the children's edition of Falling Uphill. And, in January through February he hopes to travel to Kenya to celebrate his 40th birthday, visit the gorillas, and some more schools. Scott has been/lived in over 60 different countries and has been called, "a citizen of the world," by many.
In return, Scott is a Wigwam supporter and we are honored to have him be a Wigwam brand advocate.
Go Scott!
www.theargonauts.com
"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking". - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
 In the world of BMX riding, Brian Kachinsky is guy to beat. Ranking as one of ESPN's Pro Riders, Brian has finished in the top 5 in the X Games and has been winning and competing world-wide since 1995. Wigwam is lucky to be able to share product with Brian on and off the street, whether he is on the ramp or lounging on the couch. Aside from his ferocity in competition, Brian is light-hearted and always seems to have a smile on his face -- a genuine guy, with extreme talent. A special thanks to Brian for being a Wigwam brand advocate! "Hi, Wigwam!
Here's a silly photo of myself with the socks you sent! Again, these are some of the best socks I've ever worn! Thanks again, you rule.
Sincerely,
Brian Kachinsky's Feet (and hands)"
TOMRV is the Tour of the Mississippi River Valley, a Midwest cycling tradition now in its 33nd year. Every year 1,500 bicycling enthusiasts come to ride the TOMRV tour. They enjoy a challenging ride on scenic roads, through Midwest farmland, and along the Mississippi River. Of those 1,500 bicycling enthusiasts were a few of Wigwam's own employee's, family members and others connected with the company. All of which were sporting the Wigwam logo throughout the ride.
The ride started on Saturday June 12th from Bettendorf, Iowa (106 miles) or from Preston, Iowa (69 miles) and travel to Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa. The following day riders returned using a different route to Bettendorf (90 miles) or to Preston (46 miles). The route is varied and scenic, using lightly traveled paved roads. There are many views of the Mississippi River as racers ride along it, over it on bridges, and through it on causeways. The route is hilly near Dubuque, with 6,000 feet of climbing on Saturday and 4,000 feet on Sunday - no easy feat for any average rider.
"During the 106 miles on Saturday and 90 miles on Sunday, it rained for about 60 miles. We all made it back wet, but safe and sound," said Bob Radzins, Forecast Analyst at Wigwam. Though the conditions were not ideal, the Chain Gang powered through and plans on attending the race for many years to come. Wigwam is proud to support the Chain Gang and is thrilled to have its employee's, and friends of Wigwam participating in athletic events like the TOMRV!
Pictured in the photo above (from left to right) is Steve Ballou (68), Bob Radzins (55), Dale Schmideler (42), and Glen Schmideler (48).
 As a part of Wigwam's rebranding initiative, a new website was created. Since its creation, it has gotten some notice from a highly reputable writer, Mark J. Miller. Miller has written for Glamour, ESPN, National Geographic and other popular national and international publications. The rebranding served as a way for Wigwam to organize and consolidate a vast amount of socks and technologies into five succinct competencies, Sport, At Work, Heath, Outdoor, and Snowsport. In addition, PRO and FUSION (formerly Ultimax and Ingenius) were introduced through revamped landing pages to further educate the consumer on Wigwam's technologies. Mark J. Miller's article "Wigwam Socks. Sock it to me," is a great evaluation of the Wigwam website and accurately illustrates the reasoning behind why the website has been designed to look and act the way it does today. Take a look: http://www.brandchannel.com/features_webwatch.asp?ww_id=465
SHEBOYGAN, Wis., May 27, 2010 – Otherwise known as “The Fish,” Steve Fisher, an American professional snowboarder, is partnering up with Wigwam for the 2010-2011 seasons. Wigwam has outfitted Steve with socks for the year, on and off the mountain, and is supporting him at his events nationwide.
Steve grew up in Saint Louis Park, MN, a suburb out of Minneapolis. As a young boy, his home mountain was Buck hill which was home to one of the first halfpipes in the Midwest. Steve rode at Buck hill every day and night until he was ten years old; saying that he rarely spent any time at home during the winter. He began competing in local competitions at age eight and qualified for USASA nationals by age nine. Fisher went pro in 2002 when he was asked by the US Snowboarding Team to forerun the 2002 Olympic halfpipe event and become a part of US Snowboarding. In 2004 and 2007 Steve was the Winter X-Games Champion and beat out professional snowboarder, Shaun White. He is currently ranked the #1 halfpipe rider in the United States by the USSA ranking system.
“I'm so excited to partner up with WIGWAM! Being a native mid-westerner I've grown up and always been a huge fan of the brand. Having such a great product on my feet will definitely help while I am on and off the mountain,” said, Steve Fisher.
 People love speed training, in a proud kind of way. The intensity of the experience is usually very different from the perceived effort that can be downright easy during your base phase of the season. To get the real boosts in fitness and race performance that speedwork can give you, there are a few guidelines to keep in the back of your mind that will really help supercharge those sessions. Here they are.
PROGRESSIVELY GET FASTER
The mantra for all training sessions, and especially speedwork, is to get faster as you go. Let's take a look at my favorite running interval set to see what the means. That session is 8x400m on the track with a half lap easy jog as recovery between each of the 400's. Getting progressively faster, or descending the set in coaching terms, means that the first 400 is going to be your slowest (although it MUST still be a very fast effort) and end with the lowest heart rate of the eight, and the last 400 should be your fastest with the highest heart rate. Each of the six 400's between should get progressively faster and/or have a progressively higher heart rate at the end. If say #6 of the set was your fastest interval, go back to the drawing board the next time and start out just slightly easier.
The goal at the end of all interval sessions is to have your final 1-2 intervals give you a heart rate that is approaching your max heart rate. It is at that high point that you get the biggest improvement in a magic number called your VO2max. Improving this number (something that is not really necessary to have tested unless you are curious what it is for you) will enable you to be faster at both your anaerobic heart rates as well as your aerobic ones. It just gives you more fitness across the board. In running it will be important to get as close to your max heart rate as possible. In cycling these gains come at a few beats below that, and in swimming a few beats more below your max. This is where all three sports are not created equal. Conversely, if you are only elevating your heart rate 5-10 beats above your max aerobic heart rate, this will leave you tired but without the true benefits of anaerobic interval work. It is the gray zone of training that is too fast to develop the aerobic system, but too slow to really give you big improvements in overall fitness. It is indeed where you may be racing in the bulk of your triathlons, but it is not the target of your training.
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