Epic Pass was a fail but the racing was Epic!

 

    The Square State Striders wasted no time during Colorado's false winter. Likely a good choice since the summer could likely be a blanket of smoke at this point. People raced everything from 400 meters to 100 miles. Some had injuries. Some had babies. Some cried (probably). Here's the roundup. 

Ruth BlackI got the most insta-worthy race pic at Run Through Time half in Salida March 13th (attached).

Gorgeous course, glad I went with a tank top and shorts because it got hot and super windy.

Still amazed at how fast the lead marathoners rip down the mountain. I'm a baby on descents,

and proud of it.

SRAM held their 3rd annual "850 Short Track" relay race last week. An e-bike, 4 MTB's, and a

runner from each team... costumes encouraged. 0.35 loops around the perimeter of the office,

although this year the runners sprinted through the warehouse as part of the wild course. I ran

for two teams less than 20 minutes apart, and we proudly took 1st and 4th place.

I was subsequently sore for 4 days straight.

Mad respect Ruth, I stopped running by your work because of the antipathy of drivers heading to the gun club a block away.

Here's JT's report. Squint all you want but he sends reports without asking and before any of the others. Get out your readers, you'll be impressed.

Samantha Wood: 

The only race I’ve run is a DEKAFIT race to try out for the All-Guard Endurance TeamThis was my 4th tryout race and 3rd time winning for the females. Despite my advancing age,

the jorts I wore clutched the victory.

Fun fact, two out of the three athletes representing the California Army National Guard don’t

even live in California. Probably the high taxes.

*actually Texas has dramatically higher proper taxes than California

Gerald and Kari Romero:

I am convinced that Gerald and Kari got a jury summons in 2016 and have been getting

deferments ever since under the claim they have a race vacation planned.

Gerald and Kari kicked off their race season at the Honolulu Merrie Mile in December, where Gerald ran 5:54 (1st, 50-54) and Kari ran 8:31,followed by race weekend where Gerald ran the Honolulu 10k in 42:54 (2nd, 50-54) and Kari completed the full marathon in 5:10. After Kari's major vascular surgery on December 31st, she walked the Rescue Run 5k on January 1st while Gerald ran the 10k in 42:04 (1st, 50-54). At Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Gerald ran the 10k in 40:43 (1st, 50-54), the half marathon in 1:30:19 (2nd, 50-54), and jogged the full marathon with Kari in 4:57, with Kari completing all four Dopey Challenge races just one week post-surgery. At Key West, Gerald ran the 10k in 43:09 (1st, 50-54) and the half marathon in 1:31:55 (4th, 50-54), while Kari completed the Big Pecker Challenge.

At Disneyland's Dumbo Double Dare, Gerald ran the 10k in 41:56 (1st, 50-54) and the half marathon in 1:29:46 (2nd, 50-54), earning the Coast to Coast medal, then immediately drove to Huntington Beach

and ran the Surf City 5k in 20:08 (1st, 50-54). Gerald ran the Superbowl Half Marathon in 1:31:18 (1st, 50-54) for his 14th completion, then at Las Vegas Rock and Roll, ran the 5k in 19:28 (1st, 50-54) and the half marathon in 1:28:12 (3rd, 50-54). At the Disney Princess Weekend, Gerald ran the 10k in 40:54 (1st, 50-54) and the half marathon in 1:28:40 (2nd, 50-54), racing alongside Des Linden. At the Moab Run the Rocks 3-Day Stage Race, Gerald won the overall half-pint division with a combined time of 4:43:39, while Kari completed the full-pint stages including a half marathon, full marathon, and 12-mile

run. Gerald then won the RRCA 10k State Championship at the Shamrock Stampede in 41:29 (1st, 50-54), and most recently completed the Behind the Rocks 10-Miler in Moab in 1:21:18 (3rd overall) while Kari finished the 30k.

Denver area road racers over the last 25 years dare not whisper the name 'Adam Rich' into a darkened mirror 3x ,

or else he'll appear and steal their prize money.

Adam opened the year at the Polar Bear 5k in January with a 16:40 (2nd place), feeling off after a month without racing. He rebounded strongly in February,

winning the Super Bowl 5k in 16:08, the Valentine's Day 4-Miler in 20:26, and the Ralston Creek 5k in 16:17, setting the fastest time on that course in years. March was his busiest month,

winning the Dam Run 5k in 16:03 (his fastest on that course since 2017), the Running of the Green 2-Miler in 10:33, and the Donut Dash 5k in 16:12 before taking 2nd at the St. Pats 5k in 15:55 after getting outkicked near the finish. He also ran the City Park 2-Miler in 9:50 (14th place). April brought wins at the Donut Dash 5k in 16:12 and the Tortoise and Hare 5k in 16:24. Adam has logged four sub-16 performances on the year across multiple courses, showing strong

consistent fitness throughout the early season.

Lars Heckman, probably wears compression socks more than anyone on the team, but just for work. We are all waiting for him to start posting Oceania and Asian race results because Square State is really lacking in representation in those continental race scenes.

3/22 Central Park 5K: First race in 18 months. Finished just off the age group podium but I did certify myself as a villain passing two preteens on my way to a 20:45.

4/25 Salt Lake Marathon 5K Edition: This race had an & walk at the end of it. So I figured, like most people with unnaturally low VO2 Max's, the walks and Fun Run's are where all the glory is found. Long course at 3.17K, possibly due to the ducking and dodging of a 5k/10k mass start and lots of rookies pushing their way to the front only to slow me down. 20:37 was good for age group title.

Neil McDonagh raced track in January and had the most old guy injury of hurting himself 36 hours after a race because he wore track spikes for the first time in over 10 months. But was able to bounce back and like the guy with the roller backpack in Econ 202, pretended to be a college athlete again racing in Boulder and Denver against some young fellas. Clearly as he ages he'll have to seek out racing younger competition, sounds like one of those tech CEO's.

Denver Athletics 1600m: 4:25 

CU Boulder Jerry Quiller outdor track: 1500m: 4:05

Runnin the Green 7k: 22:24

Potts Invitational indoor CU Boulder: mile: 4:27 

Racing Behind Kohl's and Other Tales

According to Strava and these completely non-verified race reports, the Square State Striders were very active this Fall. Trail, roads, Cross Country, and apparently some ice. 

Andy Sherwood: Andy won the Rock Canyon half (meaning he participated) in 1:27:32. "Won my age group because Apollo Ohno didn't bring his skates for this 13.1 Mile sheet of ice in the steal (sic) city"  

Andy also did the Rescue Run but he's probably recuperating in Crested Butte. 

BJ Karlik: He's not afraid to show his face in his hometown (LIKE SOME OF US), knocking out a very respectable finish at the Colorado Springs Half Marathon. (I tried looking up photos for the race but they only had pics of BJ smiling and giving the hang loose, so its probably AI , so I can't support that slop). 

"I ran the co springs half marathon. I only had to pee 1 time and I finished in 1:28:53 which was 32nd overall and 2nd in my age group. I actually ran it about 30 seconds faster than I did 8 years ago so that felt good. My son ate my complimentary slice of pizza at the finish line. I’m still hungry. "

Good job BJ, you remain the local legend of that one park in Rockrimmon!

Ruth Black:  "Kokopelli Invite -  Most relaxed I've ever been pre-race. 3pm races are my new favorite. Almost intimidated by someone who was obsessively warming up like an Olympian, but blissfully passed them with a mile to go. Didn't come in last, although shockingly close when looking at Age Graded results - is this a thing?"

Battling a cohort of mostly retirees who will spare no driving expense to pad their age grade %. Welcome to the show Ruth.

"Nicole and Ella raced all four weekends of the PPRR Fall Series. Nicole (7) is gazelle in our neighborhood, but prefers a chill conservative pace for these trail runs. Ella (4) demanded to start 5 seconds behind the field each week, electing to hold her best friend's hand and avoid the crowds."

Sign these girls to NIL deals now before they get too spendy for your local businesses ! 

Ruth Liebfritz: Honolulu Marathon on 12/14/25 - just a quick reminder that I hate humidity and road races. Finished at 4:20:17, but my watch had me at 26.5 miles. 

Started out with torrential downpours walking to the start and waiting in the corral. A fresh pair of socks from my boyfriend around mile 5 helped, but my legs just didn’t feel as fresh as I’d hoped. Around halfway, I reminded myself I was on vacation, slowed down to party pace, and enjoyed all the spectators and views. Back to trail races from now on I think! 

We agree Ruth, tangents are for nerds anyways. Your boyfriend has big Gary Walsh of Veep vibes. 

Jeffrey Eggleston: Jeffrey the third most prolific Square State racer, come on no one is topping Adam and Gerald, performed his version of the Eras tour. Before we all begin our full support of Jeffrey's 'Chris Gaines' stage of running as he transitions into a bona-fide track sprinter.  

Waneka Classic 5K, 16:09, 2nd

Ran the open division of the Centaurus Bernie Gay XC Invitational before supporting my Peak to Peak runners.  

Colorado Cross Country Championships (5km), 16:45, 5th

A fun race hosted by Melody Fairchild and the Boulder Mountain Warriors. My 5-year-old ran the 8 and under 2K and demonstrated far better hay bale hurdling technique.

Boulder XC Series Meet 1 (approx. 5km), 17:19.03, 1st

Lots of looping, zig-zagging on the Valmont Disc Golf Course made this a rhythm buster. The course also ran a bit long.

REAL Spooky Mile, 4:31.80, 2nd

Surprisingly good weather for this night race hosted by REAL Training in Niwot. I ran my best mile on the track this year, though I was still a bit off my road best from August.

Kokopelli XC Invitational (5km), 15:36, 2nd

Did some front running to keep things honest. Neil caught up and pulled away in the final kilometer, but I held on for a Square State 1-2 finish!

The Wash Park Circuit (2.25mi), 10:40.94, 9th

The final race of the Colorado LDR Grand Prix didn’t disappoint. I worked my way through a sea of 4:30 milers to finish 9th overall. Won the Masters race but narrowly lost the Masters Grand Prix to age-grade wunderkind Anthony Bruns.

NXR Southwest Community Race, 5K, 15:22.5, 2nd

A solid final cross country race of the season. The course was a bit muddy in spots, but I stayed controlled and finished strong. Hat tip to Austin Dalquest for his solo course record run!

Colder Boulder 5K, 15:50, 1st

Felt sluggish in the first half, then really good late. Snagged a Strava CR on the campus mall hill to pull away and closed the final Km in 2:59 for a rare W! This was a good finale to my busy year of racing.

Adam Rich: Adam boldly got back up after E-Bike-gate (see previous blog entry)  and picked up where he left off (like probably 10 sec before the crash, you know winning a road race). 

Liberty Energy 5k City Park 1st place 16:55 (3.15 miles). First race back from getting hit by the E-bike. 

Manitou Springs 5k 1st place 16:06 (Course Record). Overall, a hard course with turns, uphills and a crowded course on the way back. 

Hoofin it in the Hallows 5k Highline Canal 2nd place 15:57 happy with the race for the third one back, and lost to a 28-year-old. 

Ghosts and Goblins 5k City Park 1st place 15:53 (3.14 miles) another good effort. 

City Park Classic 5k 1st place 15:44 

The Great Candy Run 5k Washington Park 2nd place 16:03 (3.16 miles) Aiden LeRoux got me….. 

Pumpkin Pie 5k City Park 2nd place 15:48 (3.14 miles) lost to yet another young guy….. 

Kennedy Avenue 8k (Was 5 miles) Golden Gate Park 1st place 25:15 course record! Enjoyed running at Golden Gate Park and had a great race. I ended up going back to that park on our way back because I wanted to run there again. 

Rudolph Ramble 5k City Park 2nd place 15:45 Spencer Brown “The Athlete Special” got me, but what a fun battle it was. 

Stocking Shuffle 5k Superior Colorado 2nd place, lost to Eli Hemming (Professional Trail Runner). 16:43 (3.15 miles). It was so dang windy with a half uphill course that I just had nothing. 220 feet of gain for a 5k….. 

Santas Dash for Cash 5k Sloan’s Lake 1st place 15:51. A win is a win, but I felt terrible for the last race of the year. 

I have this crazy hunch that Adam could possibly have the most first placings of any runner in the USA, possibly ever. The math needs to be done!

Neil McDonagh embarked and departed the Colorado and national cross country racing season. 

Started the season off with a mixed field at the Colorado State XC champs for open and masters in Boulder. I am not sure how the hardest XC race in recent time was in a corn patch on a windy day, but it sure seemed that way. I placed 4th overall and took top masters award. 

Kids fall series XC was contested hotly at Bear Creek with the next generation of Square State Striders making a great showing in far more eye catching attire! Great job mini Square Staters!

In November the Masters XC champs was held in San Francisco, on my home cross country course. I took advantage of lax restrictions and even doubled back in the open race after the masters event. Taking 2nd place by a mere 1 sec, firmly cementing my place as the USATF masters cross country bridesmaid. If my count is correct that makes 4 national 2nd placings. 

Breaking up the air travel races with a great local event at the Kokopelli Invite. It was great to have a groupd of Square State Striders attend: Jeffrey, JT and Ruth Black, all gave it their best. Ruth even braved Costco immediately after the race, arguably more strenuous on a Saturday afternoon! The race was led out at a hot place by high-schoolers and teammate Jeffrey, I was able to take the overall win in 15:25. Great XC to be had behind the Kohl's!

In December with another round of familial coaching, big shout out to Aunt Maureen. I was able to place second far less narrowly (a healthy 70 seconds) behind running renaissance legend Max King at 8km USA XC champs Masters race. NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE MASTERS XC CHAMPS 5K! A super sloppy affair in non stop mud that felt like a great closing chapter to the XC season. 

The Romero's continue their other worldly race participation pace! I have created some visual aids to help us understand what we're dealing with here. 

Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon

• Time: 1:26:17

• Pace: 6:35/mile

• Overall: 15th / 1,150

• Male Overall: 13th

• Age Group: 1st (50–54)

• Leadville 10K

• Time: 43:18

• Pace: 6:58/mile

• Overall: 13th

• Male Overall: 12th

• Age Group: 1st (50–59)

• Cheyenne Mountain Trail Race – 10K

• Time: 46:34

• Overall: 2nd

Kari – 25K

• Overall: 50th

• Age Group: 4th (40–49)

Rock Hawk 10K

• Time: 46:48

• Overall: 2nd

Kari

• Time: 1:08:53

Disneyland Halloween 10K

• Time: 40:43

• Overall: 11th

• Male Overall: 10th

• Age Group: 1st (50–59)

Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon

• Time: 1:29:45

• Overall: 26th

• Male Overall: 24th

• Age Group: 2nd (50–54)

Kari – Half Marathon

• Time: 2:08:34

Equinox Half Marathon – USATF Championship

• Time: 1:23:40

• Pace: 6:23/mile

• Overall: 36th / 1,031

• Male Overall: 26th

• Age Group: 3rd (50–54)

Pikes Peak Ascent

• Time: 3:25:45

• Overall: 142nd / 1,641

• Male Overall: 115th

• Age Group: 3rd (50–54)

• Pikes Peak Marathon – Doubler Completed

Garden to Peak Challenge Awards

• Gerald: 2nd Overall Masters

• Kari: 1st (45–49)

Hot Chocolate 15K

• Time: 59:49

• Pace: 6:25/mile

• Overall: 7th / 725

• Male Overall: 5th

• Age Group: 1st (50–59)

Chicago International 5K

• Time: 19:37

• Pace: 6:19/mile

• Overall: 134th

• Male Overall: 118th

• Age Group: 8th (50–54)

Chicago Marathon

• Time: 3:14:59

• Overall: 7,323 / 50,000

• Male Overall: 6,080

• Boston Marathon Qualified

Wine & Dine 10K

• Time: 40:46

• Pace: 6:34/mile

• Overall: 17th

• Male Overall: 14th

• Age Group: 1st (50–54)

Wine & Dine Half Marathon

• Time: 1:30:27

• Overall: 24th

• Male Overall: 22nd

• Age Group: 3rd (50–54)

Kari – 10K / Half Marathon

• 10K: 56:14

• Half Marathon: 2:09

Kooky Spooky Half Marathon

• Time: 1:31:40

• Overall: 5th

• Male Overall: 4th

• Age Group: 1st (50–59)

Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon

• Time: 1:36:02

• Overall: 15th

• Male Overall: 14th

• Age Group: 1st (50–59)

Kari

• Time: 2:38:14

• Overall: 485th

Cañon Canyon 4.1 Mile

• Time: 38:27

• Overall: 3rd

Kari

• Time: 1:01:49

• Overall Female: 13th

• Age Group: 2nd (45–49)

• Winterfest 5K – Gateway Arch Park

• Time: 19:34

• Overall: 3rd

St. Louis Marathon Relay – Mixed Coed Team

• Result: 1st Place

Briargate YMCA Turkey Trot 5K

• Time: 19:34

• Overall: 38th

• Age Group: 2nd (50–54)

A great fall of racing indeed, and thankfully an extended global warmed winter has pushed none of indoors yet.(!)