January Race Update:
Winter Series I: 1/14/23
A number of existing, and new S^3 team members met up for the first time at the first installment of the PPRR Winter Series, held at Red Leg Brewing. Thanks to totally normal no big deal at all nothing to worry about 60F January weather and dry trails, team members had perfect race conditions.
Here's a few race reports from the team:
Melissa Stepanowich: "Melissa prefers being a Square groupie but registered for this run as insurance that she doesn't lose jersey privileges. She was grateful for a sunny start for the first race...fingers crossed that the weather cooperates for the next three"
Amy McDonagh: 'Bonafide lurker, completes first race in 3.5 years. Despite wearing far too many layers, Amy managed to complete the prescribed distance, gave 6 on-course high fives, and had a fantastic time relearning how to socialize with the best of friends. Colorado Springs needs more red legs."
Jeff Mohrmann: "I was happy to meet other Jeff (and fellow SSS) as we set off for a hard, hilly and surprisingly hot 10K through Garden of the Gods. While my race was lackluster, the setting and ambience made up for it. Will look towards the trails at Cheyenne Mountain to regain my pride and establish my place within the post 40 age group."
BJ Karlik: "Had a blast meeting a few people. That hill made me tired on the way back. Looking forward to more!"
Vitaly Stepanov: "I forgot to wear my team jersey for the race. I was hoping it would be unnoticed. It turns out that the Square State Striders are growing fast and everywhere. At this pace soon there will be a Square State Striders race series!"
Jeff Olsen: 'Great to wear the Square for the first time and meet some other Striders!. Fun race with a course similar to the GOTG 10k/10M, always going up or down. Ran even power which was the goal; which meant pushing the downhills hard and not overreaching on the climbs.'
Other races:
USAFA Indoor All-Comers I: 1/8/23:
Jon Teisher: 1500m 5:32.77a (5:23.2 sea level conversion) 'Other than the incorrect bell lap, it was a pretty uneventful race.'
Polar Bear 5k: 1/14/23:
Adam Rich: 16:25 (1st) Adam reports to be undertaking new training methods, which can only mean another juice cleanse. But this doesn't stop him from adding another overall win to his mountain of wins.
USA XC Championships, Richmond VA 8K(masters):
Neil McDonagh: 25:25 (2nd) Neil traveled out to Va, trying to scoop up some of those sweet Southwest vouchers. But instead he raced 4 laps on a well groomed 2k loop to place 2nd at the US XC champs masters race, missing a bid to the World Masters Championships in Australia. "Its no big deal, my passport picture is terrible anyways."
