A Blogpost to Remember

 From gravy to ham and dirt to mud to trail; the Square State Striders demonstrated dominance in all disciplines, be it running, sitting there just driving , all the way to throwing a spear at an unknown destination beyond the edge of a cropped photo. Lets hear what the squad had to say about their efforts. 

Sam Wood found a way to make 100 mile ultra marathons look like a pleasant alternative option. 

"I won the Spartan Race Central Florida Beast Elite (women's race). Then I quit running and became an amatuer skier.

Won the Chicago Hyrox Women’s GoRuck division.  I also ran on our women’s >40 team relay & we placed 2nd. I have otherwise barely exercised the month of November

Spartan Beast Central Florida was about 14-miles of swamp/mud with both standardized obstacles (such as monkey bars & walls to scale) & ¡surprise! obstacles (such as tall grass that requires high-knee running, gators/snakes, & definitely flesh-eating bacteria). Think of a Spartan race a little like a “Final Destination“ movie where the whole premise is trying not to die. I raced for the All-Guard Endurance team winning the women’s Elite race and doing the course faster than all but 3 Elite males as well. It was great! But was it?

Congrats Sam, hope you won some antibiotics.

Gerald Romero continued his endurance feat of racing. My current hunch is that this is some sort of money laundering scheme, signing up for all these races. We're onto you Gerald! But also proud!

11/4/2023-- backcountry wilderness half marathon - lonetree 23rd overall 1:38:31 2nd place 50-11/5/2023-- canya canon 4.2 mile-- columbine trail too Helen hunt falls 2nd overall

11/18/2023-- dead horse 15k- mad moose -- 4th overall 1st master

Thanksgiving morning-- Turkey trot 5k 44th overall 1st 50-54 19:26

December 3rd-- rock canyon half marathon, Pueblo , Colorado.    10th overall , 1st-50-59 and 1st master

Honolulu marathon-- Oahu--- the merry mile-- 5:37

Honolulu marathon--   me and Kari both ate something bad the night before and we didn't feel good.   I just stayed with her and we ran together.   nothing competitive.   time and place was irrelevant.    we crossed the finish line in 6:38 and got our medals.  

Sorry about the tummy troubles. And everyone else don't hesitate to contact the FBI Tip Line.  

Andy Sherwood scoped out some retirement options for his PARA inheritance down in Arizona at the Nike NXN Southwest XC race.

"18:59 at sea level. Nike Southwest regional. Not bad But the best was the Strava friends I made along the way. Especially that hypochondriac/crypto bro who was right behind me. "

Adam Rich took it easy and did only , let me check my notes, 7 races in the last 8 weeks.

Here's the tape on Adam's end of year.

Ok here are the ones since November 1st:

November 4th City Park 5k 15:35 for 1st

November 12th The Great Candy Run 16:05 (3.17 miles) for 2nd

November 18th Pumpkin Pie 5k 16:04 for 1st

November 23rd Turkey Trott Rock 5k Castle Rock 15:55 for 4th, lost to three college kids...lol

December 3rd Rudloph's Ramble 5k (Cold, snowy course) 16:10 for 1st

December 9th Jungle Jog 5k (Well the course had 4-5" of snow, ice so not a fast one at all) 18:02 for 1st

December 16th Santas Dash for Cash (No money was given out!!!) 15:49 for 1st

Lars Heckman, STRAVA globetrotter, made sure to leave his Turkey trot mark where the whole world could see, in southwest Minnesota.

After satisfying myself with a Masters PR in my home park race in early November, I thought I'd hang up the carbon soles until next year. Alas, is wasn't to be, as inviting myself to crash my friends Thanksgiving in Minnesota prior to a work trip came with a condition: I had to show my stuff in a Turkey Trot he was self proclaimed chairman for. As I tried to stay ahead of the surge of nearly 1200 people in this mass start, i found myself next to some guy wearing a turkey suit.  As i was pretty sure he wasn't the guy from The Athlete Special, I knew I'd never be able to look myself in the mirror if i got beat by some cosplay casual runner.  With the turkey guy behind me, I could now concentrate on what i do best, paying attention to my watch. I noticed the splits were coming in much faster than I'm accustomed to and then it dawned on me... Aaaaah Sea Level... sea level sea level sea level. You can say it so many times and it just keeps sounding better.  Powered through the finish in 19:05, good enough for 2nd in age group and fast enough to justify a pair of real racers. Watch your back 18's. 

Fresh off a vigorous XC season, Logan Wealing and Sarah Blakeslee, decided to cross the border and to buy some steeply discounted Aleve from our number one economic trading partner.

Not a ‘race’ in the traditional sense, but we did stretch the mog’s new legs a bit over Christmas and road-tripped to Big Bend NP (~1700 miles). Got to see some gorgeous dessert scenery, hot springs, and even took a 20 second ‘ferry’ ride across the Rio Grande into Boquillas, Mexico for lunch. 

Neil McDonagh, was escorted from warm-up to cool-down at the Briargate YMCA Turkey Trot, taking 5th overall in 16:58. He thankfully was able to carry his children on his shoulders the last mile of the race as a cool-down.

Topped it off with a precise measured Breckenridge Santa Dash of exactly less than a mile, placing 2nd overall. 'Which is wild because I am not sure they had any plan on how to track finishers.'

Tom Caughlan (20:40), Jon Teisher (20:18), and Jeff Mohrmann (21:06), also completed the Briargate Turkey Trot.

I received the following race reports:

"Just like Colleen De Reuck, still faster than Tom."

Booster Club gets the State Championship they wanted

The Square State Striders bused up to Boulder for the Colorado XC state championships. The race was held on a bluebird day at Harlowe Platts park, which hosted the previous years' Masters XC Nationals meet. Weather was similar, unsure if goose poop levels were equal but likely. 

The Masters mens squad brought a full team to race some outstanding Front Range club competition (Summit Co. you don't have a team???). Taking the team title this year capped a great first year for the Square State team. Carson Rickey suited up and repped the Squares in the deep open competition, possibly impressing his wife. 

Here's what the crew had to say about the event.

Lars Heckman, recent team addition: 

"The course was hard, the pain was exquisite, but the memory was everlasting! The hardest race I've run, probably ever, maybe because it was my first cross country race! What a great experience to be thrown onto the shoulders of an awesome group of elite runners and walk away state champ! It only gets easier from here right?"

James Kaminski broke a roughly 20+ years of cross country racing sobriety and had a great return for the Striders. 

"That was hands down the hardest running event I did this year, including Leadville. But I can't wait till next season. I had an absolute blast."

Gerald Romero, a fixture on the Colorado (and most of America if we're honest) racing scene is finally a Square State Strider. He threw down and placed on the podium for the 50+ group while mixing it up in the overall masters ranks.

"It was a beautiful day for a classic cross country race. It was a pleasure to be a part of our 40+ USATF team win. and I am proud of our whole team. Our Square State Strider singlets looked awesome out there. Lets continue to be THE BEST EVER!"

Tom Caughlin went full Uncle Rico and showed everyone that he used to be somebody. 

"After 400 meters I knew I was in trouble, but my impending sense of embarrassment for getting beaten by JT led me to continue on, in vain, for another roughly 4,600m. Had it not been for a few brief strides next to Melody Fairchild, a national champion, my ego would be decimated by Teishers dominance of the day. I never mentioned this outing to my 103 lb 15 yr old son, who'd run almost a minute faster in the same park a month ago. I will revel in hubris bordering anemia for a time in the late 90's....I was once....fast. Could I drop five minutes in the coming Turkey Trot?"

JT, showed up in all black (defying potential uniform disqualification) and rocking insider access merch.

Credit: Dave Albo- Lane1 Photos

"My race was just like Tom's but faster."

Neil McDonagh, conducted a live field test science experiment on himself. 

Credit: Dave Albo - Lane1 Photos

"I'm 42 years old now. Maybe in my 6th decade of life I will stop going out at 4:20/mi pace in the first minute of XC races. Until then I shall bathe in the lactate all those Norwegians talk about."

Logan Wealing, ran all the Boulder XC series races and demonstrated his usual full attention and vigor for the season.

"As an inducted member of the International Society of Weights and Measures, I would like to clarify that the variance distance the course can not be truly calculated because 37% of the course did not have double flagged boundaries but in fact natural environmental borders. "

Carson Rickey decided to send a postcard to his old PA-USATF pals about what real XC is about.  (we can not confirm if Carson met the standards of his Tiger Spouse)

"Didn’t walk this year. Great crowd support from SSS Masters. "

Ruth Black was signed up and ready throw down in the ladies race but disaster struck.

"Paid for it, drove to it, then gladly sat out the wind and small field in lieu of cheering on SSS teammates! I do not recommend wearing wool socks on carpeted stairs with full arms and my tailbone is pretty mad about it too."

Mini Striders, Erin and Julia McDonagh dueled with what appeared to be an exceedingly well prepared army of Boulder children in the kids 1km race.

Credit: Dave Albo- Lane1 Photos

"I liked when Constantine (2008 Olympic marathon gold medalist) signed my medal and kissed my head after the race." - Julia

"My race was fun but very hard. I like when Constantina Dita signed my medal."- Erin

The Square State Striders had a great booster squad representation at the meet, and are super thankful for all their support and pity.

Nearly double the amount of Square State Striders were potentials for the big weekend of XC racing in Boulder but there was a litany of 'Reasons' why they could not participate. Please pick your favorite 'Reason'

• My wife is out of town
• My wife thinks I'm not in very good shape
• My Mother-in-law's visiting
• I don't like that course.
• I fell down the stairs maybe broke my tailbone likely have a concussion.
• I avoided saying why I can't do the race.
• Going to a party where they ask you for money.
• Boulder charges $0.20/bag
• My child is going swimming. 

WeWork May Be Done but WeBeWorkin'

Bunch of Striders doing bunch of races and bunch of distances. Lets all huddle up for a lil Cognitive Dissonance pause from the rest of the world. 

First up is Ruth Black, who started out a year ago shoving 1-2 children in a stroller for 5k's, looking worked (no offense Ruth). To just casually ripping off trail ultra's. 

Here's what she ha d to say:

New Belgium half in Fort Collins Oct 1st

When you pay $77 for a beer, I mean race, you have to show up even if it's inconveniently served a week before your first ultramarathon. Flat course, drop-dead gorgeous morning, and I went in with a plan for progression. I'm proud to say that I've never run a smarter race!! (Even when Neil pretended to be an innocent bystander at my college races) Slave to my watch the first 5k, then eased into tempo, stayed reserved until the turn-around, then entered the pain cave. I crossed the line knowing I gave it everything I had. Hammies were nice and tender for the next 4 days but I made it to my next starting line healthy and super stoked.

Above the Clouds 50k in Woodland Park Oct 7th

My first ultramarathon!! The excitement for this race was off the charts. And I actually made an excel chart of every single mile with associated course terrain, goal pace adjusted to expected terrain, nutrition targets, and more nerdy stuff. I was really hoping to go sub-5:30 based on a few factors, but the 10%+ grade hills at miles 15, 24-26 served me some fun humble pie. Crossed the line in 6:01 as 3rd female and 18th overall. It was a beautiful clear morning, the race had amazing volunteers, and I would definitely recommend this race to anyone local looking to try out a trail ultra without committing to a more expensive trip to Moab or wherever.

(first her husband Jared, now Ruth sneaking in a dirty foot pic. NOT THAT KIND OF BLOG!)

Gerald Romero, I assume only races to keep his Delta Diamond Medallion status intact. The G-Man was all over the country this month in a variety of distances.

Chicago marathon and 5k- Chicago 5k- 19:06 Chicago marathon - 3:18- Boston qualifier

The great trailhead footrace 10 mile(10/23)-- 1:11:23/ 2nd overall bear creek park golden

The YMCA creepy crawl 5k- October 28, 2023--Palmer lake 3rd overall--- 20:28

(Gerald trying to get me in hot water with Marathon Foto)

He's a fixture at Square State Strider events, but now he's pulling his own weight. Felix Stepanowich makes his race debut.

"The Littlest Square"

My name is Felix and I am the littlest square. You might recognize my parents because my Dad holds the record for the most inclines in 24 hours while my Mom walks around wearing shirts that say "Married to the fastest man to cross North Carolina." This season was my first racing season and I am participating in the Fall Series Super-Mini distance.  My first race was 25 meters and I was so excited!  I even got direct coaching from Zach Miller on the drive to the race. When we got there, I ran and ran and ran.  Then I went to the start line and there were so many kids!  As soon as they said "Go!", I froze up and started crying.  I ran it in with my Mom and Dad and kept saying "I want to do it again!" My second race was 50 meters....and same thing...sheer overwhelm with the amount of kids.  I was so upset this past weekend when my 75 meter race was canceled due to the snow but I can't wait until my 100 meter race to wrap up the fall series!"

Lars Heckman continues a fruitful summer of racing, rolling out of bed 100 yards from the race start line of the City Park 5k. Here's what Lars had to say:

Going into the 1 year of racing mark, I knew I'd have a massive target on my back in the City Park 5k as defending champion in the men's 40-49 division (to be fair I think I was the only participant last year). Luckily, my part time training partner was there telling me he "didn't feel like running fast" so just stay with him and realize your dreams of cracking 20 minutes. I found myself in a nice group through about two miles before the pain started to become a factor. Luckily, as is rarely the case, this time I ignored it and tried to stick with the group I was in. The last 200m was awesome. Felt like a sprint for glory as the cheers from my girlfriend inspired me to pick off the annoying 10 year old who was ahead of me . Finally, after 20 years of not running, I was able to break 20 minutes and promptly announced my retirement to no fanfare whatsoever, just like the last race. 19:44, good for second in age group. (Shout out to Adam Rich for taking the overall win and not pushing me down a spot!)

Guy in Goodr's and sweats had no idea he was tangling with The City Park Swede. 

Never had a chance buddy. Never had a chance.

I had a nice sit down with Adam Rich about his recent races. Here's the transcript:

Neil: Adam did you do that City Park 5k?

Adam: 15:35

Neil: Any other races?

Adam: I raced the last 7 weeks

Neil: Oh which ones?

Adam:

So folks if you are interested in those past 7 weeks of races, here's what I suggest.

From a website I found:

Search the person's first name and last name as a single search term within double quotation marks: e.g. "Adam Rich"+ "5k". If the name is a somewhat common one, many irrelevant results will show up. To filter these results, try including a middle initial or middle name with your original search: "Adam A.

Happy queries folks!

Colonizing Every Peak!

 Square State Striders raced high, far and fast, but mostly far. Lets dig into some of the many great efforts put up by the squad. 

Newest team member Tony Clement followed his own footsteps from the past dozen years up the Pikes Peak Ascent:

"Weather and Remi was all the hype this year leading into my 13th running of the Pikes Peak Ascent.  The week prior was a daily check-in with the summit forecast and cameras.  Plenty of talks with fellow racers on what to wear and what it would be like up top....traction or no traction, what kind of jacket to carry and ultimately how little can I get away with without comprising weight and bulk.  I went "middle of the road" with a long sleeve, light tights and light gloves.....It all worked out fine and ended up with my 3rd best time in 13 years.  I was very happy beating my time last year (6 mins faster) but I'm not sure about you, but I'm never completely satisfied with a race unless I podium or PR, and I rarely, if ever podium so it really comes down trying to PR year after year after year.  I had to look up my best time for the ascent and it was 3:30:34 in 2014.  Practically 10 years ago.  As we age, it's easy to fall into the older we get, the slower we get, but I'm not buying it.  I felt good going into the race this year.  My goal was just to beat last year's time but had a "secret" goal (always) to try to PR if it was going well.  I thought my training this year was more dialed in thanks to the help of @bstapanowich.  Thanks for the detailed work out plan and also huge thanks to @mstapanowich for keeping me accountable to that plan.  Of course life got in the way missing a couple high altitude runs, didn't quite get to my 3,2,1's but overall the training was better than previous years.  The plan for the race was to push just a little harder when I feeling comfortable, spend little to no time at aid stations, and really to have fun and enjoy the race.  Like a lot of races, I had my usual distractions....random smells from the competition, others not responding to my "great job" comments when passing and then there was that one guy.....from Barr Camp to A-Frame I'm not sure if this man was giving birth with his breathing, was about to die, or just had bad asthma?  I seriously thought he may not make it above treeline.  He did.  He beat me. Maybe I should be breathing harder?  So back to Remi, I heard he saw Matt while getting ice cream a few days before the race and he encouraged him to beat his record.  How cool is that?  Do you think he really wanted his record to be broken?  I'm still contemplating this one.  And I'm still contemplating breaking my own PR.  Will 2024, 10 years later be my year to break my own record? "

BJ checked to see if his perpetual enthusiasm is affected by altitude (no).

Hello my name is BJ and I ran the ascent in 3:59:06. It was a beautiful day and the race was a blast and the donuts were the best part.

(BJ captured in game cam style background of Strider-n-law Lindsey Olsen)

Gerald Romero, whom I am still not convinced is being compelled against his will to race more than once a week, doubled on Pikes weekend and them some (of course).

August 12, 2023-- Georgetown to Idaho Springs half marathon- 1st place 50-59-- 9th overall -- 1:24:58

September 3, 2023-- Walt Disney World Castaway Cay 5k- Bahamas--1st overall.  

September 9, 2023-- Imogene Pass Run-- Ouray too Telluride-- 10 miles up to the summit and 7 miles down too Ouray- 17.1 miles-- 2:52:29--23 rd overall-- 1st place 50-54.

September 16, 2023-- Pikes Peak Ascent-- 3:07:40-- 103rd overall-- Golden Trail Series race- 1st place 50-54

September 17, 2023-- Pikes Peak Marathon- 6:01-- 4th place 50-54

Jon Teisher did the double: Ascent: 3:43:54 and Marathon: 5:55:55. Then went elsewhere and did something called the Sawatch 50/50- West Line Winder 50k (6:15) & Sawatch 50k Ascent the next day in 8:11. Jon, don't you know all this running is bad for your knees???  

"I got those $500 disposable Adidas world record shoes. Don't worry Gerald they are WADA approved."

Cynthia Chau, who decided her first ever trail race would be the Pikes Peak Marathon ripped a 7:19. Cynthia you should know the Fall Series is like only 4 miles and on trails also. 

Sam Wood continues to jaunt over mountain tops:  "Finished my 6th Leadville 100-mile run and officially retired from ultra-running :) until I run my next one. Ski season is almost upon us!"

James Kaminski also made a Lifetime fitness pilgrimage to Leadville:

"I forgot how miserable 100 milers are, and don’t recall too much of Leadville. But I think I had a really good 40 miles followed by a really really bad 20 miles and somehow managed a solid 40 miles to finish. Here’s some action shots though. Finishing time 26:37:02"

Ruth Black found a race without a stroller category, so ran by herself. Staunton Rocks trail half - Aug 26. 9th female.

"Lots of rain leading up to race day, but Staunton state park dries out impressively fast and there was zero mud on course. Tough course with a fair amount of walking (sad face), but in my defense everyone around me was doing it too. I also learned that technical downhill running is brutal on the whole body.

And you know you’re training for an ultra when your cool down for a half marathon is a wild 5 miles. I’ll be doing the Above the Clouds 50k Oct 7! My first ultra - yippee!"

Melissa Stepanowich found possibly the steepest trail, somehow.

"This race is outstanding and I want to come back year after year.  There are three distances - 13, 24, and 40 milers and I completed the 24. While an official race, it had more of a fat-ass run feel to it with a laid back vibe. The morning prior to the race, I was talking to Amy (fellow Strider!) about my concern for not making the cut-offs in the required time.  She suggested that I carb load.  She plugged my age, height, and weight into some formula on her phone and said I needed to consume over 700g carbs that day. I tried my very best eating croissants and donuts from "Baked in Telluride", going back to the same restaurant for pizza at lunch, and then eating chicken sandwiches and soft pretzels at "Stronghouse."  I made it to roughly 375-400g of carbs and would give the chicken sandwich at Stronghouse 4.5/5 stars.  I made my cut-offs, had amazing views, and a stellar time."

(Melissa if these are just stock photos I'm gonna be mad)

Lars Heckman, who spends part of his time chasing STRAVA segments in South Africa, cherry picked some sweet bread basket of America races.

"About 9 months into this jogging (or maybe it's yogging) endeavor I've decided to undertake, I thought to myself, maybe I can go to my hometown of 8000 people and win a 5k they put on (admittedly it is called a fun run). I had no intention of making it so, as my father told me "come home the winner or don't come home at all". After a brutal first mile that had not one, but two significant hills, I thought I would find my bags outside, as I had some company when we crested the second . Fortunately, running at sea level is basically a cheat code and the sly acceleration I threw in dropped the competition. Crossed the finish line to no fanfare (or official timing) in first. 20:20 was the time, but the mission was accomplished.

2 races in 1 week, feels like I'm a true runner again! I should have scouted my second race more closely since it started with about a half mile of what seemed like Tour de France grade decline, and what goes down must come  up.  Went out way too fast, it was fun while it lasted, hung on to get 6th place. Can't wait for the next!"

(credit: Lars' father, Mr Heckman I assume, with these great shots. I'm pretty sure he used his new long range 20 inch telephoto lens. Didn't even have to leave his back deck a mile from the race course!)

Zach Miller, got 2nd at UTMB. He said it was a French race that lots of people know about.

Every Distance Ever Measured

 The Square State Striders have been out in force for the past month. Racing distances from a measly mile to 100 miles (likely a few extra on their Garmin). Lets get to business and highlight some great performances. 

Ruth Black, decided to put everyone's feelings on FMLA at the Summer Sizzler 5k. Glad you could make the best of our country's utterly unsustainable lack of childcare.

"Summer Sizzler 5k - a surprisingly tiny downtown race where nearly everyone who showed up podiumed in their age group. Pushed nearly 110 pounds of double stroller and toddler weight, and overpacked on fun snack incentives. Couldn’t find a babysitter while Jared (husband and Square State lurker) crushed 5 laps of the 719 ride (he was useless the rest of the day, and check out that helmet hair). 23rd overall, 25:24, 1st AG and most proudly, first stroller. "

Brandon Stepanowich, went into the mountains a man and returned a man but with more blisters at the High Lonesome 100 Trail race. 

"After surviving the Colleegn De Reuck Cross Country 8k in November 2022, Brandon took the logical next step and returned to the racing scene at the High Lonesome 100. The course takes runners on a tour of the southern Wasatch mountain range with alpine sections that follow the Continental Divide and Colorado Trails. Brandon had flawless crewing support from his wife, Melissa, son, Felix, and his 'Grandparazzi' (parents and mother-in-law). He was paced by Zach Miller who, while on the course, submitted a 4.5 star Yelp review for the sliders at the Purgatory aid station-“you must have them with ketchup.” Brandon finished 2nd in a time of 22 hours and 25 minutes. Most notably, he had no poops during the race and spent a cumulative time of 24 minutes at aid stations. This was the least amount of time among all the competitors and, coincidentally, the precise duration of Jeff Mohrmann’s Peloton rides with Olivia."

Sam Wood spent almost exactly 2 whole days racing the nastiest elevation that can be found in the Lower 48, on purpose and paid out of her own money I can only presume. 

"For my birthday on Friday, July 21 at 0800 I began hiking the Ouray 100. Ouray has nearly 42,000ft of elevation gain and equal loss, all at high altitude, so it really becomes a hike more than anything. At 0503 Sunday, or 45 hours and 3 minutes later, I finished as 3rd female and 19th overall. Both full days of the race were hot without a cloud in the sky but the first day I could pack snow under my racing hat. It was the rare occasion that I begged for a rainstorm in the mountains. I only projectile vomited once, at mile 27 in the heat of the first afternoon. It somehow felt appropriate to vomit on my first full day as a 38-year old woman doing an ultra-marathon. I also ran off course about 1.5 miles around mile 36, not a flat and easy departure, but a full send up a steep technical mountainside only to realize I had lost all the course flagging and other humans. I used breadcrumbs on my watch to find my way back and again during the first night as I summited Richmond pass alone and there were no flags to be found. I had my first ever experience running into a second night and I began sleepwalking, zoning out and finding myself dangerously close to the edge of a cliff before my brain came back online. I took my first ever "trail nap" that did not include actual sleep, just laying flat with my eyes closed. I learned that closing my eyes and laying down could trick my brain that was getting substantial rest, even if it was only for 5-minutes. The final climb of Ouray is called the Bridge of Heaven and it's >4,800ft and a 10.2 mile round trip. Said another way, it's nearly 5,000ft of climbing in 5 miles, and I'd already gone 95 miles and 36,000ft thanks to my extra credit. I ate 3 slices of pizza at the Fellin Park aid station at around 10pm the second night before starting this climb. The pizza got me up the mountain and the dinosaur chicken nuggets back down. All in all a great affair. On Sunday I had my first river beer and a 3-scoop ice cream cone. On Monday I tackled the Ouray Via Ferrata and had another river beer. How could you not love this birthday?"

Jon Teisher reports to have started a minor league version of the team, named "Square State Hikers". Jon completed the Pikes Peak Ultra 50k in 7:34:47. If you're new to running, that's a really long time to be out there, not Sam Wood long but pretty darn long.

Gerald Romero, new addition to the Striders, will no doubt challenge Adam Rich in pure volume of races completed. No comment from his publicist on rumors of body doubles or Peter Theil-esque blood boy whispers. 

In possibly chronological order:

USATF New Mexico State mountain championship 10k- 10th overall- 1st 50-54 champion- 1:06.    August 6th Sunday -- .6 vertical ski lift climb up too 11,000 feet -- 8th overall.    1st master.  

Estes park- Rocky Mountain 5k and half marathon.   5th overall 5k and 3rd master half marathon.  

Barr trail mountain race-- 1st place 50-59-- 2:04

5k at 10,000 feet- vail-  3rd overall

Cookie chase 5k- USATF 5k road championships - 2nd place 50-54 - USATF-19:11.  

4K on the 4th - 15:48-22nd overall

the vail hill climb-7.6 miles --1st place 50-59. 

Demonstrating how inclusive the Square State Striders are, Brian Fleischmann won the 45+ Swimming Masters Nationals in the 1500m. Just like a parent asking their kid about video games "Are you doin' good son?" We don't have a clue if this mark is good but I'm guessing so since you won and its the nationals. Way to go Brian. You'll always have a place here. Lets screen print some speedos soon. 

Adam Rich as usual mixed it up along the Front Range road race scene. Adam credits recent success to  his recent training camp in Phoenix last month (checks notes, yeah he said Phoenix). 

Donor dash 2nd 16:03 (3.17) (clearly Denver races have been borrowing my AppleWatch to measure race courses tooooootally legit)

Heritage Eagles 6th 15:47.

Lars Heckman, newest addition to the Square State Striders, raced the Pearl St Mile in Boulder this past weekend . Lars clocked a 5:50 officially, but that does not account for the fact that out of pure Midwest chivalry Lars stood at the absolute back of his wave and worked his way through the 4 laps & 13 turns of the exciting Pearl St Mile course. Welcome aboard Lars, great start!

Zach Miller paced 22nd in the Mount Marathon "race", which is exactly what I would imagine a bunch of inebriated Alaskans would come up with if they invented a race 100 years ago. Easily one of the most absurd races out there, scaling 1.5 miles straight up a mountain with no trail or discernible footing, and then back down like you have European universal healthcare to the finish in town. Nice 5k Zach. 

Neil McDonagh, was on a racing diet this summer, deciding to only run 1 mile races. 

East End Mile: 4:41 1st Masters, Neil channeled his 2 years of living in Phoenix by almost giving himself heat stroke by simply running. 

Mile High Mile: A spectacular night of track mile races put on by the Boulder Road Runners. Neil took 8 sec off the Colorado soil masters mile record running 4:27.28. The only problem was Denver ace Anthony Bruns who etched his name less than a second earlier in 4:26.32. Although race director, Todd Straka, was dismayed that stadium lights did not turn on, he made memorable lemonade by pulling in a dealership worth of cars onto the track for ad-hoc lighting. 

Pearl St Mile: 4:34 1st Masters. In this race Neil attempted an impression of Anthony Bruns' previous week performance by going out in sub 4:20 mile pace. Only difference was Neil most definitely slowed at a precipitous rate over the final quarter mile. 

And finally the Square State Striders would like to announce our first sponsor. 

5 Rice Studio: Premium Custom Apparel 

Our local go to all in one custom print supplier. Printing Square State apparel since mid '22 !