Federal Holidays, Blizzards, Track to Half Marathons

 A fortnight of racing has been had by the local Square State Striders. In between sunny days and blizzards conditions, many team members have been able to lace up on the trails and track. 

Super Half Marathon:

-Andy Sherwood notched his first official race in a Square State Strider vest. Andy finished in a fine 1:31:41, utilizing what he described as 'a super tapered' method of preparation. This proprietary method is likely what Coach Andy uses with the local youth club runners under his guidance. Great job Andy, look forward to more races in the coming year. 

"Like I say, you eventually will get what you put in to this sport and clearly I deserved this."- Andy

- Jeff Olsen chased Andy over the 13 mile course to a 1:35:11. Jeff can be found on his treadmill, Cheyenne Canon before dawn and shuttling children to ski lessons. Great job Jeff

PPRR Winter Series III: El Pomar (is this Widefield)

A good group of S^3 runners competed at the southern terminus of Colorado Springs, zipping an out n back of the Santa Fe trail. Luckily the trail was clear of everything just mud for this one. 

Short Course: 5 Mile 

-BJ Karlik stormed up and down the 5 mile course, placing 2nd overall (!) in a speedy time of 32:10. Fellow teammate, Neil McDonagh, helped BJ apply a 'runners knot'  in his shoes pre-race. BJ did admit that physical therapy school skipped that elective course. He holds a commanding 2nd in the overall series, 7 min behind first. Listen BJ, the last one is 10k. We think you can catch that leader, shoot for the stars.  

"Neil tied my shoes"- BJ

- Melissa Stepanowich continues to climb the rankings with each successive WS race, finishing 7th overall and 3rd AG, 39:27. There were pre-race whispers that she contemplated not even starting! Melissa is sitting at 5th OA/2nd AG series rank with almost all runners within striking distance of each other (for real not like BJ)

"I would have run faster if Neil tied my shoes."-Melissa

- Amy McDonagh, also contemplated quitting but was reminded of the detrimental effect upon the environment of her family driving to El Pomar for no good reason, so she soldiered on. Amy placed 3rd in her Age Group with a 46:47; and an equal place of 3rd her Age Group series standing. Amy enjoyed that in this case running south was in fact also downhill, but this course was also an out and back.

"Positive splits for positive people."-Amy

Long Course: 10 Miles

- Vitaly Stepanov had no interest in sharing the lead with others on this overcast day. Taking top honors in 1:00:05, by nearly a minute. Vitaly quietly inching closer to the top spot in the series, only 3 minutes behind with the 20km distance remaining in a week. Always humble, Vitaly will deflect any praise and mention that his son can probably beat anyone over the 200m distance. Great run Vitaly!

"I don't think leaning at the finish line would have helped me break 1 hour, Neil. But thank you for the coaching advice."- Vitaly

2023 Colorado Indoor Track Championships: Air Force Academy

-Adam Rich geared up and gutted out a 9:27.88 3000m , that was lightly attended and a bit behind schedule. Congrats on the 3k title Adam, and kudos for running at a higher elevation than most would consider!.

2023 Mid-America Region Masters Indoor Championships: UCCS

- Adam Rich laced up again this weekend running the 3k in 9:15.23. Adam led from the gun as he did in the week prior race. Good on Adam for racing to the line in a tough indoor event to do all the work solo. 

- Jon Teisher (JT) ran the 1500m in a crowded field (maybe?) crossing the tape in 5:17.81. Also laid down a speedy 11:15.22 in the 3000m. Jon has put together a great indoor track season. If there was a series standing JT would be winning all the distance events. 

Credit: Dave Albo

No Snow Days For Square State Striders

A fortnight of action packed racing has passed for the Square State Striders.  

Winter Series II: Cheyenne Mtn State Park:

A balmy January day met racers with mostly dry trail and patches of ice on the paths of this well secured local park. 

In the short course race BJ Karlik, rounded out the top 5 , with a 5th place finish. BJ also a secure lock on 3rd in the overall standings of the series, and definitely isn't wishing winter colds upon any of those ahead of him in the standings. Extra Dad points to BJ for winning 'most layers worn'.

"A brand new bright white Square State Striders tank really focuses the mind and gets the blood pumping. Had fun meeting some more folks and cheering on people as they crossed the finish. Hills are hard. Ice is slippery. Running is a blast."- BJ

Melissa Stepanowich continued an impressive start from the first race at Garden of the Gods with a 3rd place finish. Melissa clearly enjoys the downhill finishes hopefully not voiding the PPRR's liability insurance. Melissa also is in contention for top overall in the Series currently in 2nd place, between two ladies with similar names (a Freaky Friday situation???). 

"I'm not enjoying any donuts. So I'm just misery sans carbs."- Melissa

Striders super-fan #1 Felix Stepanowich. A picture of vitality.

Amy McDonagh decided pre-race prep was severely overrated and possibly just for nerds (might not be wrong Amy). After showing up 5 min before the start and completing the race Amy pronounced: "JT still doesn't like hugs!"

In the long course race Jon Teisher (JT) saved his patented finishing kick for the crowds down the final straightaway. Youth, notice the ground clearance in this sprint form. 

Post race remarks: "I'm glad Winter Series doesn't drug test."

Vitaly Stepanov, was bested by only 1 minor, but that kid beat everyone in the long course. Vitaly with profound sincerity stated, "See Neil, I wore my jersey this time." You can find Vitaly doing intervals on the windiest track on the westside or doing pushups at home during baby naps. 

WS2 RESULTS

Neil McDonagh (the guy who takes uniforms to the printer, shoutout 5 Rice Studio), somehow got roped into a masters mile wedged in between collegiate races at the CU Invitational , at the new CU indoor track. Neil ran scared (according to photos ) and was able to set the Colorado Masters Soil Record (fastest 40+ time in CO) with a winning time of 4:29.63.

photo credit: Dave Albo

Track action continued on Feb 5th at the USATF -Colorado Indoor All-Comers #3, hosted at UCCS, inside the 3rd nicest bubbled facility in Colorado Springs. 

Jon Teisher and Neil McDonagh, raced the masters mile, while dodging long jumpers and counting laps. Jon finished in 5:37.13 for 7th and Neil claimed 1st in 4:35.86. JT always one to push boundaries, with a fashion forward choice of bucket hat indoors, met with a groundswell of crowd support. Neil also competed in the 1000m , a non-traditional distance (likely because its so European), netting first in 2:46.75.

Post race remarks: "JT has a Woody Kincaid-esque kick and I would have been a fool to let him hang around me until the last lap, so I had to go early."- Neil

"I have to go now and take my dog to dance class."- JT

In attendance and taking photos were fellow Striders: Carson 'Mr Worldwide' Rickey back from a southern hemisphere training camp in Australia; and Brandon 'Hollywood' Stepanowich and his son Felix (now with less boogers!).