And Then There Was Ekiden

 This past weekend, a cluster of Square State Striders, tempted the gods and held an Ekiden relay before Memorial Day. Local pickleballers were likely befuddled by what could only be described as 'a confused flashmob in a park'. 

What's this all about? Ekiden is a form of distance running relay practiced in Japan, often over several days. Teams run varying lengths against other teams, all hoping to finish first by the final leg of the relay. Contestants pass a beauty pageant style sash to their teammates instead of a relay baton. It remains one of the most popular national events in the entire country of Japan, bringing the whole country to a near stand-still. 

Then there was what we performed. No varying distances. Barely memorized order of relay handoffs. Sash's that might double as a  vintage softball uniform fabric on Etsy. Children playing inside an archery alley. Time keepers holding what can only be described as several burner phones. This might have passed for the Burning Man of Bear Creek Park. 

THE EKIDEN RACE:

The course consisted of 1 single loop of the Bear Creek archery area trail network. A winding hilly dirt humbling 1.3 mile segment. If you think you're cool, go run it. You probably won't feel that way after. 

The opening leg was a duel up front with Robert Stepanov (age 9) battling Logan Wealing to the line handing off in a dead heat. Andrea Fleischmann on team Striders allowed her spouse to watch his children with other adults supervising him during the first leg.

Adam Rich fresh off a race in Denver on Saturday, and a casual 12 mile warmup, had the enviable task of 2 loops of the hilly dirt course at Bear Creek Park. Julia Stepanov and Neil McDonagh, in order chased after Adam. Along with Adam, Brian Fleischmann and Tom Caughlan were manifesting being anywhere better for the next 7-8 minutes. Over the final leg, BJ Karlik put chum in the water figuratively while Vitaly Stepanov radar locked nearly catching him. James Kaminski completed the final leg and is in the process of petitioning Leadville 100 organizers if he can only run 98.7 miles later this summer, under the 'Time Served' philosophy. 

Final Times were as listed below. Sincere thanks and amazement at official Timekeepers: Sarah Blakeslee and Amy McDonagh; I don't even know what you were doing with the other phones but it made it look way more official for sure.

Post race festivities involved a BBQ and Awards presentation. Robert Stepanov represented the winning team Square. Bringing home the coveted Darius Songalia bobble head trophy. James Kaminski being awarded the top newcomer, with his own long lost full DVD box set of MacGyver . Verdict was that no one at the event died and even reported to marginally be willing to attempt again in the future after speaking with their physician. 

QUARTERLY REPORTS ARE IN !

While everyone around the country (besides lazy Californians) was guesstimating how many thousands of dollars they should claim in value for their donated old HOKA's; the Square State Striders were running all over America. 

Lets dig in with new team additions:

Ruth Black locked down 6th place overall (44:54)at the local Take 5 in the Garden. Ruth reported that she signed up for this race before even moving to town. So I can only assume that she won the signup competition as well. She submitted a rather graphic race report detailing the various  methods of bodily damage that a GI bug had inflicted upon all the members of her family.   if  you are interested in hearing the uncenscored review of Ruth's race, you'll have to join the team

Sam Wood, another new Square State Strider, decided to front load all her miles this year in a span of two weekends. Sam secured 3rd place (5:30:17) at the Cheyenne Mountain Trail 50k . Sam completed this marathon plus distance in sandals (as one does), reporting that she cramped in an unspecified manner. Sam did acknowledge that 2 burritos were required in the immediate recovery process. Not more than a week later Sam completed the Lincoln Marathon,  in Nebraska (* last state to create a flag!) in effort to qualify for the Army Guard Marathon team. Sam clocked a 3:29:09. Sam's detailed report of the race was "Hot. 1 burrito. Qualified." Way to go Sam, best of luck at your next unpleasant endeavor!

Melissa Stapanowich trapsed through the forest service roads of Chaffee County, notching a speedy 4:36:27, at the Collegiate Peaks Trail Run - 25 Mile. A race this long requires mental fortitude, which can mean the tipping point of a successful event. To pass the time, Melissa collected juniper berries along the course to brew a spicy pot of juniper berry tea post race (chillout narcs, its federal land, she can pick all she wants). Great job Melissa, looking for that recipe!

James Kaminski, reurned to the heartland and sped his way to a 1:26:48 half marathon at the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon. OneAmerica 500 (which sounds like the 3rd company my mortgage was sold to) half marathon was held in Indianapolis. James a fixture on trail and ultra scene here in Colorado, joins the Striders to clearly address unfinished business on the speed side. Welcome James!

Brian Fleischmann, early Strider team member but just dusting off his racing cap. Wait, swimming results?!?. Brian had a very successful weekend at the Masters Swim Nationals, held in Irvine CA. Brian took home gold in the ag 40-44y , 1000yd freestyle touching the wall in 10:18:59. Brian spends his free time fooling other Square State Striders by describing made up swim strokes, like the Belgian Frog Lip. 

Adam Rich, whom we can only assume has signed a secret deal requiring at least 2 dozen race wins per year; notched an eye opening double win at the Highline Canal 5k and 10k. No clue on the time gap between the race starts (I'm sure we could look it up). Adam ripped around Centennial CO, clocking 16:15/34:18, clearing the field in both races by minutes. Nice work Adam. 

Neil McDonagh, flew out to LA in hopes of reliving the 90's, racing a Masters mile at the storied Arcadia Invitational high school track meet. Neil held off a pack of hard charging 40+ guys with a late last homestretch kick. Neil left LA satisfied having run a 4:26.9 and with an incubating case of COVID. 

New addition but not recently racing, Zachary Miller, has joined the Square State Striders. In his intro email Zachary touted: 

• 10+ Nielson Challenge finishes
• Bragged about living tax free for a number of years on the side of Pikes Peak 
• Represented USA for World Championships in Mountain Running Long Course