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.
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.
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!).
.PNG)
No comments:
Post a Comment