Summer is heating up in Durango, and like a Nike racing flat hitting the warm asphalt, there is much action on the local running scene.
Raegan Robb continued to squash the local competition with an inspiring win two weeks ago at the Steamworks Half-Marathon. At around the 8 1/2 mile mark, Robb turned to eventual runner-up and Fort Lewis College cross country Coach Ken Flint and pleaded with him to keep the pace. "I don't want to do this thing alone!" said CSU senior and history major Robb. Well, it certainly is lonely at the top. Neither Flint nor anyone else, was able to hang with Robb. "It was a great day and a very well-organized race. My parents and I enjoyed the barbecue provided by Steamworks."
On the women's side, Pagosa Springs newcomer Katie Gengler outlasted Durango's Sheena Carswell for the win. Gengler claimed that she hasn't done anything fast for a while and rather has been instead focusing on the long, slow, ultra venues. But with her decisive victory, nobody was quite buying that explanation.
Kathy Pierson and Jim Flint won in the Men's and Women's 40 and over divisions.
*****
Local runner Chris Nute, his wife Jodie, Silvertonian Carolyn Erdman and HardRock 100 Race Director Dale Garland are all featured in an interesting story in July's issue of Outside Magazine. Good luck to locals Nute, Mike Luther and Brad Hatten as they once again brave the elements and the misery of this upcoming, premier, 100-mile race in the rugged San Juans. I am entered as well, but I can't quite get the idea of pulmonary edema or the thought of going blind in one eye out of my head. Above all, this race is supposed to be fun.
*****
Just how popular is running in Durango? There are more than 110 households that are now part of the Durango Motorless Transit Running Club. There were 175 runners in the Narrow Gauge 10-mile and 5K runs this year in May and 95 competitors in the recent half-marathon. Speedwork on Tuesday mornings at the indecent hour of 6:30 a.m. frequently attracts fifteen diehards. Six p.m. trail runs led by the smiling firefighter, Drew Laufer, draws another dozen runners of all abilities. And, there are many more runners who do not compete or run in groups who are out enjoying themselves on the roads and trails every day.
Durango is not one to follow trends. But the second running boom is now alive and well right here in our own backyard. David Patt, CEO for the 7,600 member Chicago Area Runner's Association, would agree. "There are more runners than ever. The generation of people under 35 has grown up with a more positive fitness experience than have older generations. Women, in particular, have opportunities to participate in sports they didn't have 20 to 30 years ago."
*****
Eighteen year-old South Lakes High School senior Alan Webb from Reston, Va., recently broke Jim Ryun's 36 year old national high school record by running a 3:53.43 mlle at the Prefontaine Classic on Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Webb may or may not be the savior of American running, but he sure is providing some much needed excitement in a sport that has been slightly ignored by American media. Webb is riding the wave of popularity and recently appeared on David Letterman.
July 4 saw the annual running of the Blue Ribbon 10K Fun Run in Silverton. Many from Durango participated and watched David Emory win on the men's side while Sheena Carswell won for the women. Following the race was the parade, water fight and rhubarb festival. Vanilla ice cream on a piece of strawbery rhubarb pie is a nice treat after pushing hard for 6.2 miles.
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Raegan Robb took a look at the course of the Narrow Gauge 10 mile run and cringed. "Maybe I ought to run the 5K instead."
But the risk paid off for Robb as he pulled away from the field after making the turn onto 32nd Street and never looked back. Robb pushed the hills hard and finished the run in 57:54 for first place. Lead bicyclist Paul Rogers exchanged niceties with Robb as he was being passed by the young, fit runner.
Robb is no stranger to local competition as he has fond memories of running for Coach Keller at Durango High School just a couple of years ago. "He (Coach Keller) prepared me well physically and mentally for the 80 mile training weeks at CSU."
This past fall season was a memorable one for Robb as he helped CSU attend cross country nationals for the first time since 1979. Despite being hindered by an annoying achilles heel injury and missing the indoor seasons, Robb started serious training again in March.
"I'm looking forward to enjoying some longer runs and races in the Four Corners especially the Steamworks Half-Marathon (scheduled for June 23). Robb will return to CSU in the Fall as a Junior History major.
Kari Distefano, 41, from Telluride, and mother of three, took a very different path to her 1:04.23 victory in the 10 mile competition. "My husband was riding in the Iron Horse and playing in a golf tournament and I figured I ought to do something as well". Distefano ran the Big Sur Marathon just three weeks ago and wasn't sure if she had recovered enough. "But since having children I've learned to train smarter with more quality workouts as I just don't have the time that I used to", said Distefano.
Kellie Kidd's husband also raced the train in the Iron horse and she figured she would jump into the 5K during her first visit to Durango. "I ran in college and I've been doing about 40 miles a week in preparation for the Tinman Triathlon in Longmont in three weeks". That was enough preparation for Kidd as she cruised to victory in 21:40.
On the men's side, Branden Rakita, continued his winning ways by flying through the slightly lengthened 5K course in 18:34.
*****
From a race director's standpoint, a few interesting stories also bear retelling here:
One specially made XXL T-shirt for a gentleman who pre-registered
last week and I couldn't find it. "Does anybody know where it is?"
"Yeah, its right here," said race announcer Dale Garland as he rummaged through an enormous pile of race registration forms, gift certificates, cups, medium T-shirts, race results, and other assorted race paraphernalia.
*****
I thought that thirty pounds of flour and numerous wood arrows would be enough to mark the course for all of the out-of towners who didn't quite know their way around Durango but apparently, we'll still have to do a better job next year. I received an e-mail from a woman on the front range who apparently got separated from the pack and nearly wandered off course into oblivion never to be heard from again.
*****
7:30 a.m. and everything seemed under control. The finish line was set
up and Tom Burnett already had the clock recharged and mounted on
the fragile stand with some nails. (The regular pins were, again, missing.) John McAward's Seiko Timer had a brand new roll of tape in it and I thought that Vic Rudolph had escorted the Durango High School football team members to the three water aid stations on the course. "But, do they have enough cups and water?"
All hell broke loose at 7:30 when seventy people charged the doors
at Park Elementary ready to cut my jugular vein if they didn't get their
proper sized t-shirt.
"This race will start on schedule at 8 a.m. because the train
departs at 8:15 and we have to beat it across the tracks in two
different places!"
Five minutes before race time and it appeared that the calm
arrived after the storm as everyone was peacefully lined up at the
start ready to attack the 24th Annual Narrow Gauge.
A police escort through downtown Durango helped runners navigate
congested Memorial Day traffic. After crossing Camino del Rio and
the Ninth Avenue Bridge, former Bank of Colorado President, Steve Parker was poised firmly at the one-mile mark calling out split times.
*****
While compiling results, it was apparent that some of the pull-tags had the racer's ages snipped off inadvertantly. Where is computer extraordinaire registration expert Karen Randolph? Of course she was out bicycling, training for an Ironman distance race in California later this summer.
Superman volunteer and Race Director for the Steamworks
Half-Marathon, Matt Kelly, led 5K runners on his bicycle,
controlled 15th street traffic for them and still made it to the final 10 mile crossing for more traffic control duty. "I really enjoy helping people achieve their goals that they may have thought were not possible." We really could use a dozen or more volunteers just like him.
Sincere thanks to all of the great sponsors and dozens of
volunteers who helped make this race a successful one. $300 was
raised for the High School in its efforts to install lights for
Friday night football and other events.
We will be back for the silver anniversary race next year on Sunday,
May 26, 2002.
But the risk paid off for Robb as he pulled away from the field after making the turn onto 32nd Street and never looked back. Robb pushed the hills hard and finished the run in 57:54 for first place. Lead bicyclist Paul Rogers exchanged niceties with Robb as he was being passed by the young, fit runner.
Robb is no stranger to local competition as he has fond memories of running for Coach Keller at Durango High School just a couple of years ago. "He (Coach Keller) prepared me well physically and mentally for the 80 mile training weeks at CSU."
This past fall season was a memorable one for Robb as he helped CSU attend cross country nationals for the first time since 1979. Despite being hindered by an annoying achilles heel injury and missing the indoor seasons, Robb started serious training again in March.
"I'm looking forward to enjoying some longer runs and races in the Four Corners especially the Steamworks Half-Marathon (scheduled for June 23). Robb will return to CSU in the Fall as a Junior History major.
Kari Distefano, 41, from Telluride, and mother of three, took a very different path to her 1:04.23 victory in the 10 mile competition. "My husband was riding in the Iron Horse and playing in a golf tournament and I figured I ought to do something as well". Distefano ran the Big Sur Marathon just three weeks ago and wasn't sure if she had recovered enough. "But since having children I've learned to train smarter with more quality workouts as I just don't have the time that I used to", said Distefano.
Kellie Kidd's husband also raced the train in the Iron horse and she figured she would jump into the 5K during her first visit to Durango. "I ran in college and I've been doing about 40 miles a week in preparation for the Tinman Triathlon in Longmont in three weeks". That was enough preparation for Kidd as she cruised to victory in 21:40.
On the men's side, Branden Rakita, continued his winning ways by flying through the slightly lengthened 5K course in 18:34.
*****
From a race director's standpoint, a few interesting stories also bear retelling here:
One specially made XXL T-shirt for a gentleman who pre-registered
last week and I couldn't find it. "Does anybody know where it is?"
"Yeah, its right here," said race announcer Dale Garland as he rummaged through an enormous pile of race registration forms, gift certificates, cups, medium T-shirts, race results, and other assorted race paraphernalia.
*****
I thought that thirty pounds of flour and numerous wood arrows would be enough to mark the course for all of the out-of towners who didn't quite know their way around Durango but apparently, we'll still have to do a better job next year. I received an e-mail from a woman on the front range who apparently got separated from the pack and nearly wandered off course into oblivion never to be heard from again.
*****
7:30 a.m. and everything seemed under control. The finish line was set
up and Tom Burnett already had the clock recharged and mounted on
the fragile stand with some nails. (The regular pins were, again, missing.) John McAward's Seiko Timer had a brand new roll of tape in it and I thought that Vic Rudolph had escorted the Durango High School football team members to the three water aid stations on the course. "But, do they have enough cups and water?"
All hell broke loose at 7:30 when seventy people charged the doors
at Park Elementary ready to cut my jugular vein if they didn't get their
proper sized t-shirt.
"This race will start on schedule at 8 a.m. because the train
departs at 8:15 and we have to beat it across the tracks in two
different places!"
Five minutes before race time and it appeared that the calm
arrived after the storm as everyone was peacefully lined up at the
start ready to attack the 24th Annual Narrow Gauge.
A police escort through downtown Durango helped runners navigate
congested Memorial Day traffic. After crossing Camino del Rio and
the Ninth Avenue Bridge, former Bank of Colorado President, Steve Parker was poised firmly at the one-mile mark calling out split times.
*****
While compiling results, it was apparent that some of the pull-tags had the racer's ages snipped off inadvertantly. Where is computer extraordinaire registration expert Karen Randolph? Of course she was out bicycling, training for an Ironman distance race in California later this summer.
Superman volunteer and Race Director for the Steamworks
Half-Marathon, Matt Kelly, led 5K runners on his bicycle,
controlled 15th street traffic for them and still made it to the final 10 mile crossing for more traffic control duty. "I really enjoy helping people achieve their goals that they may have thought were not possible." We really could use a dozen or more volunteers just like him.
Sincere thanks to all of the great sponsors and dozens of
volunteers who helped make this race a successful one. $300 was
raised for the High School in its efforts to install lights for
Friday night football and other events.
We will be back for the silver anniversary race next year on Sunday,
May 26, 2002.
I am navigationally chalenged. But I have lived in Durango for a few years and I have run many of the trails and routes around town. I am also proud to say that I have never gotten myself or anybody with me permanently lost. Last year with a group of six on Jones-Hermosa Creek loop, my record was nearly tarnished. But with a little creative bushwhacking and a conference among friends, we escaped Search and Rescue's assistance.
Let's start off with an easy one and go from there.
Follow 25th street west from Main Ave. all the way to the Colorado Trailhead. This trail follows beside Junction Creek for around two miles before heading up a series of switchbacks. Kennebec Race Director Vic Rudolph said at the beginning of last week's Durango Motorless Transit Thursday night group trail run, "It's definitely eight switchbacks if you count the first two quick ones."
My favorite accesses to the Durango Mountain Park are from the western edge of Avenida del Sol. This trail running and mountain biking mecca skirts the graveyard, BLM land, Hogsback and Perrins Peak State Wildlife area.
Animas City Mountain, on the north side of town across from City Market, provides for a challenging, 6.6-mile loop when starting from the historical former schoolhouse, now museum, on West Second and 30th. Just try beating an hour on this one as the winners of the Mug Run do. This year's event will take place October 27.
Horse Gulch and the Telegraph Trail system lie next to Sonic Drive-In on East Eighth Ave. and 3rd Street. Stacy's, Meadow and Mike's Loop, Anasazi Descent, Suicide, Carbon Junction, Cuchillo and Sidewinder are just a few of the thrills contained in this area. If you include the adjacent Grandview Ridge Trails just to the south, there are probably at least 20 miles of excitement for runners and mountain bikers alike.
While I am on the subject of trails, I must give credit to the incredible work of Trails 2000 and Bill Manning, who have worked tirelessly to provide an extensive system unrivaled by any community near or far. Recently, Trails 2000 has worked on some newly acquired city property along the base of Animas City Mountain off of Birket Drive.
Besides all of the dusty, soft, dirt paths in Durango, let's not forget those who also love to pound the pavement. This may sound like torture to trail lovers but road runs are usually a little bit faster and more accessible. With a good pair of running shoes, these runs do not neccessarily wreak havoc on the knees.
The ultimate road run in town consists of the Narrow Gauge 10-mile route. Everything else in town is just practice.
A few weeks ago, I was introduced to a heinous (translation: one notch below regurgitation pace) Thursday tempo run. This one starts in front of the La Plata County Courthouse, heads north on Florida before turning left on Riverview to East 29th to East Third, climbs 32nd to north City Market, turns right for one block on Main Avenue, swings left on West 33rd, cranks up the lower section of Animas City Mountain, screams down past the water tank, Junction Street to Clovis, out and back through the Rockridge neighborhood, and returns downtown. I enjoy this one because it offers a little of everything including steep climbs, nice residential neighborhoods and varied terrain.
Share with me your favorite road or trail run and I'll try to include it in a later column.
Let's start off with an easy one and go from there.
Follow 25th street west from Main Ave. all the way to the Colorado Trailhead. This trail follows beside Junction Creek for around two miles before heading up a series of switchbacks. Kennebec Race Director Vic Rudolph said at the beginning of last week's Durango Motorless Transit Thursday night group trail run, "It's definitely eight switchbacks if you count the first two quick ones."
My favorite accesses to the Durango Mountain Park are from the western edge of Avenida del Sol. This trail running and mountain biking mecca skirts the graveyard, BLM land, Hogsback and Perrins Peak State Wildlife area.
Animas City Mountain, on the north side of town across from City Market, provides for a challenging, 6.6-mile loop when starting from the historical former schoolhouse, now museum, on West Second and 30th. Just try beating an hour on this one as the winners of the Mug Run do. This year's event will take place October 27.
Horse Gulch and the Telegraph Trail system lie next to Sonic Drive-In on East Eighth Ave. and 3rd Street. Stacy's, Meadow and Mike's Loop, Anasazi Descent, Suicide, Carbon Junction, Cuchillo and Sidewinder are just a few of the thrills contained in this area. If you include the adjacent Grandview Ridge Trails just to the south, there are probably at least 20 miles of excitement for runners and mountain bikers alike.
While I am on the subject of trails, I must give credit to the incredible work of Trails 2000 and Bill Manning, who have worked tirelessly to provide an extensive system unrivaled by any community near or far. Recently, Trails 2000 has worked on some newly acquired city property along the base of Animas City Mountain off of Birket Drive.
Besides all of the dusty, soft, dirt paths in Durango, let's not forget those who also love to pound the pavement. This may sound like torture to trail lovers but road runs are usually a little bit faster and more accessible. With a good pair of running shoes, these runs do not neccessarily wreak havoc on the knees.
The ultimate road run in town consists of the Narrow Gauge 10-mile route. Everything else in town is just practice.
A few weeks ago, I was introduced to a heinous (translation: one notch below regurgitation pace) Thursday tempo run. This one starts in front of the La Plata County Courthouse, heads north on Florida before turning left on Riverview to East 29th to East Third, climbs 32nd to north City Market, turns right for one block on Main Avenue, swings left on West 33rd, cranks up the lower section of Animas City Mountain, screams down past the water tank, Junction Street to Clovis, out and back through the Rockridge neighborhood, and returns downtown. I enjoy this one because it offers a little of everything including steep climbs, nice residential neighborhoods and varied terrain.
Share with me your favorite road or trail run and I'll try to include it in a later column.
The Animas Valley Half Marathon makes it's triumphant return to Durango on June 23. Directed by Matt Kelly of the Durango Motorless Transit running club and sponsored by Steamworks Brewing Company, this run will feature a fast, scenic course along East Animas Rd. It will also feature a post race party at the Durango Sports Club complete with plenty of burgers, bratwurst and beer.
The forerunner of this event took place way back in 1978 when David Rakita decided to provide local runners with a tune-up for a big winter marathon. The course started at the former Wood'n Apple Cafe. "We used to run to Sweeneys along 203 and return to the Hermosa Mac's Market on Highway 550".
Sixty-three runners including husband and wife winners, Steve and Cheryl Flanagan, finished the fall classic that first year. The Flanagan's were managers of the Frank Shorter running store that once did a brisk business on College Ave. in the Sunshine Building.
Dale Garland remembers a virtual "migration" of local runners including Ned (Overend), for the warmth of Scottsdale and the Fiesta Bowl Marathon in December. "But, there is a renaissance of running in Durango today that we haven't seen since the 80's. There is lots of energy and excitement." Garland has run the race two or three times but will be on the other side of the race director's podium with music and entertainment at this year's edition.
A marathoner himself, Steamworks manager Kris Oyler, decided to get involved because "some guy twisted my arm while running along Junction Creek last Fall. I like to stand by the community that we live in and make a difference. Running has some great momentum right now and I want to help that along." Other beneficiaries of Oyler's generosity have recently included La Plata County Search and Rescue, Volunteers of America, the Buzz Bus and Durango Nature Studies.
Operation Healthy Communities, a non-profit organization, will receive part of the proceeds from this year's run. "OHC mobilizes people and resources to improve the social, economic and environmental health of southwestern Colorado" according to Race Director Matt Kelly.
Recent around the world bicycle tourist, Art Rohr, and later Ed Deason directed the race for several years but the event has not been run since 1991. Enthusiasm and sponsorship dwindled until the race was eventually shelved.
Recent Narrow Gauge 10-mile Men's winner, Durango High School graduate, and CSU standout, Raegan Robb, expects to run this year's race. Normally accustomed to shorter distances, Robb has recently been stepping up to some of the longer distances this summer.
Matt Kelly has been busy recruiting the many volunteers that will help him make this a successful event. It has been a challenging task but Kelly's enthusiasm and perseverance is undaunted. "We've received inquiries from Tucson, Denver and Albuquerque. I'm hoping to bring a full marathon to Durango in the Fall of 2002."
For more information, please contact Kelly at 375-2413 or visit Brown's Sport Shoe and Quality Photo for race applications.
The forerunner of this event took place way back in 1978 when David Rakita decided to provide local runners with a tune-up for a big winter marathon. The course started at the former Wood'n Apple Cafe. "We used to run to Sweeneys along 203 and return to the Hermosa Mac's Market on Highway 550".
Sixty-three runners including husband and wife winners, Steve and Cheryl Flanagan, finished the fall classic that first year. The Flanagan's were managers of the Frank Shorter running store that once did a brisk business on College Ave. in the Sunshine Building.
Dale Garland remembers a virtual "migration" of local runners including Ned (Overend), for the warmth of Scottsdale and the Fiesta Bowl Marathon in December. "But, there is a renaissance of running in Durango today that we haven't seen since the 80's. There is lots of energy and excitement." Garland has run the race two or three times but will be on the other side of the race director's podium with music and entertainment at this year's edition.
A marathoner himself, Steamworks manager Kris Oyler, decided to get involved because "some guy twisted my arm while running along Junction Creek last Fall. I like to stand by the community that we live in and make a difference. Running has some great momentum right now and I want to help that along." Other beneficiaries of Oyler's generosity have recently included La Plata County Search and Rescue, Volunteers of America, the Buzz Bus and Durango Nature Studies.
Operation Healthy Communities, a non-profit organization, will receive part of the proceeds from this year's run. "OHC mobilizes people and resources to improve the social, economic and environmental health of southwestern Colorado" according to Race Director Matt Kelly.
Recent around the world bicycle tourist, Art Rohr, and later Ed Deason directed the race for several years but the event has not been run since 1991. Enthusiasm and sponsorship dwindled until the race was eventually shelved.
Recent Narrow Gauge 10-mile Men's winner, Durango High School graduate, and CSU standout, Raegan Robb, expects to run this year's race. Normally accustomed to shorter distances, Robb has recently been stepping up to some of the longer distances this summer.
Matt Kelly has been busy recruiting the many volunteers that will help him make this a successful event. It has been a challenging task but Kelly's enthusiasm and perseverance is undaunted. "We've received inquiries from Tucson, Denver and Albuquerque. I'm hoping to bring a full marathon to Durango in the Fall of 2002."
For more information, please contact Kelly at 375-2413 or visit Brown's Sport Shoe and Quality Photo for race applications.
I adore first-time marathoners.
Becky Heitzman completed her first Whiskey Row in Prescott, Arizona, on May 6 in 4:14. A successful running adventure from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back up to the South Rim and some encouragement from a friend were enough to give Heitzman the inspiration to run the 26.2 mile beast. Thankfully, she didn't come across any unwelcome rattle snakes that she heard were to be expected along the hilly, dusty course which climbs some 1800 feet.
Finishing 11th in the overall women's division and 5th in her age bracket only shows a tip of the iceberg. Still recovering from a blood clot diagnosed in Dec. 1999, Heitzman recently received a clean bill of health during her latest doctor's visit. Still, she'll keep on running and taking an aspirin a day to maintain her good health.
Philosopher and runner George Sheehan takes marathoners efforts to heart as well. "We are here to be heroes. The marathon is the one way we prove it to ourselves...The marathon is a theater for heroism, the common man and the uncommon challenge. {It shows} the extraordinary powers of ordinary people."
Congratulations, Becky.
*****
On May 6, Run for the Zoo 5K and 10K, took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Joe Grindstaff, Keith Paris, Tom Burnett and I all attended this fast road course which attracted some 6,000 athletes. The busy downtown streets were all closed for this race and it was delightful to run down the middle of the roads through the residential neighborhoods similar to our Third Avenue Boulevard.
While visiting Albuquerque, I also had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Road Runner's Club of America national convention. The RRCA is the non-profit parent running club for some 675 smaller groups throughout the United States and is the largest organization in the country dedicated to long-distance grass roots running. There are 190,000 individual members in the RRCA. Children's and women's running, safety issues, and the Road Scholars fund for post-collegiate athletes, are just a few of the programs that are supported and promoted by the RRCA.
Consider for a moment a nation of runners. Better health and fitness, reduced medical and insurance costs, less automobile congestion, less pollution and better, more rewarding relationships with neighbors and members of the community, are all desirable results. The RRCA is made up of such individuals who are making positive choices in their lives and who will certainly live happier and longer.
*****
David and Branden Rakita must be one of Durango's fittest father and son combinations. Both recently attended St. George Triathlon with Branden winning the event in 1:05.40 and David finishing in seventh place not too far behind. The elder Rakita has already qualified for the World Championship race to be held in Edmonton, Alberta, and the younger is hoping to qualify with a good performance in Lake Placid, NY, later this summer
The one-year absent Shiprock Marathon on May 6 saw good attendance and several relay teams from the area. Lenny Esson, Branden and fellow Fort Lewis College students, Susan Sagle and Kyle Ellis, ran the relay division and turned in respectable 2:55.
Sagle is a former Durango High School standout who will enter her senior year this fall as an English education major. Of course she'll also run for Ken Flint and the Fort Lewis cross country team. With a 5:18 mile and 2:22 half-mile state championship performances, Sagle has demonstrated considerable speed at the middle distances. Not one to rest on past performances, she will again test a longer course with the 13-mile Kendall Mtn.. run in Silverton in July.
Sagle is convinced that running has enhanced every aspect of her life. "My friendships are more meaningful and I do better in school academically when I am training".
The first annual Telegraph 10K trail run took place on May 13 under the direction of Rick Callies, recreation specialist for the city of Durango . Former professional mountain bike racer Sara Ballantyne won the women's division in 52:25 while Eric Pierson took top honors for the men in a lightening quick 45:12. What started out to be a bleak, rainy, Mother's Day early in the morning, turned into a bright, sunny backdrop by the 10 a.m. race start. Callies hopes to turn this run into an annual celebration. About 40 individuals attended the inaugural race. After folks finished throwing up their breakfast, all confessed that they had a great time on the brutal course that included Telegraph, Anasazi, Stacie's and the Sport Loop. As a special treat, mothers were also feted with treats from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
May 27 will bring the 24th Annual Narrow Gauge 10 mile and 5K races. Age group medals, train tickets and Duke City Marathon entries are just a few of the goodies that await peaked and ready to race runners at this festive happening. Durango High School football, track and cross country teams will attend the water stations this year and they have promised to be helpful and encouraging to all spent participants.
Becky Heitzman completed her first Whiskey Row in Prescott, Arizona, on May 6 in 4:14. A successful running adventure from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back up to the South Rim and some encouragement from a friend were enough to give Heitzman the inspiration to run the 26.2 mile beast. Thankfully, she didn't come across any unwelcome rattle snakes that she heard were to be expected along the hilly, dusty course which climbs some 1800 feet.
Finishing 11th in the overall women's division and 5th in her age bracket only shows a tip of the iceberg. Still recovering from a blood clot diagnosed in Dec. 1999, Heitzman recently received a clean bill of health during her latest doctor's visit. Still, she'll keep on running and taking an aspirin a day to maintain her good health.
Philosopher and runner George Sheehan takes marathoners efforts to heart as well. "We are here to be heroes. The marathon is the one way we prove it to ourselves...The marathon is a theater for heroism, the common man and the uncommon challenge. {It shows} the extraordinary powers of ordinary people."
Congratulations, Becky.
*****
On May 6, Run for the Zoo 5K and 10K, took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Joe Grindstaff, Keith Paris, Tom Burnett and I all attended this fast road course which attracted some 6,000 athletes. The busy downtown streets were all closed for this race and it was delightful to run down the middle of the roads through the residential neighborhoods similar to our Third Avenue Boulevard.
While visiting Albuquerque, I also had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Road Runner's Club of America national convention. The RRCA is the non-profit parent running club for some 675 smaller groups throughout the United States and is the largest organization in the country dedicated to long-distance grass roots running. There are 190,000 individual members in the RRCA. Children's and women's running, safety issues, and the Road Scholars fund for post-collegiate athletes, are just a few of the programs that are supported and promoted by the RRCA.
Consider for a moment a nation of runners. Better health and fitness, reduced medical and insurance costs, less automobile congestion, less pollution and better, more rewarding relationships with neighbors and members of the community, are all desirable results. The RRCA is made up of such individuals who are making positive choices in their lives and who will certainly live happier and longer.
*****
David and Branden Rakita must be one of Durango's fittest father and son combinations. Both recently attended St. George Triathlon with Branden winning the event in 1:05.40 and David finishing in seventh place not too far behind. The elder Rakita has already qualified for the World Championship race to be held in Edmonton, Alberta, and the younger is hoping to qualify with a good performance in Lake Placid, NY, later this summer
The one-year absent Shiprock Marathon on May 6 saw good attendance and several relay teams from the area. Lenny Esson, Branden and fellow Fort Lewis College students, Susan Sagle and Kyle Ellis, ran the relay division and turned in respectable 2:55.
Sagle is a former Durango High School standout who will enter her senior year this fall as an English education major. Of course she'll also run for Ken Flint and the Fort Lewis cross country team. With a 5:18 mile and 2:22 half-mile state championship performances, Sagle has demonstrated considerable speed at the middle distances. Not one to rest on past performances, she will again test a longer course with the 13-mile Kendall Mtn.. run in Silverton in July.
Sagle is convinced that running has enhanced every aspect of her life. "My friendships are more meaningful and I do better in school academically when I am training".
The first annual Telegraph 10K trail run took place on May 13 under the direction of Rick Callies, recreation specialist for the city of Durango . Former professional mountain bike racer Sara Ballantyne won the women's division in 52:25 while Eric Pierson took top honors for the men in a lightening quick 45:12. What started out to be a bleak, rainy, Mother's Day early in the morning, turned into a bright, sunny backdrop by the 10 a.m. race start. Callies hopes to turn this run into an annual celebration. About 40 individuals attended the inaugural race. After folks finished throwing up their breakfast, all confessed that they had a great time on the brutal course that included Telegraph, Anasazi, Stacie's and the Sport Loop. As a special treat, mothers were also feted with treats from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
May 27 will bring the 24th Annual Narrow Gauge 10 mile and 5K races. Age group medals, train tickets and Duke City Marathon entries are just a few of the goodies that await peaked and ready to race runners at this festive happening. Durango High School football, track and cross country teams will attend the water stations this year and they have promised to be helpful and encouraging to all spent participants.
OK, so you didn't register in time for Moab and you weren't quite up to 18 miles over Coal Bank Hill (yes, it's only a hill!) and Molas Pass for Wiggy's Fun Run. But now, you are running out of excuses.
First, the question remains, "Why race?" Racing is a pretty scary proposition. Competing against others in what, for the moment, is a monumental struggle, brings infinite possibilities and emotions that may not be possible in every-day living. I race because it demonstrates the best of my abilities, although there is always a possibility that my results will fall far short of my expectations. Racing teaches us to live with humility and our limited abilities. As the body is so unneccessarily taxed, the mind is forced to be in the present moment.
In 1992, I won a small 5 mile race put on by the Southern Ute Indians at the fairgrounds in Ignacio. In 1984 in my first marathon, Finger Lakes, in Ithaca, NY, I finished in last place. The time span between the second to last competitor and myself was so great that only the official timer remained by my arrival. Most of my races I have finished somewhere undistinguised in the middle of the pack but, each one has been another learning experience and a test of courage and patience. And, regardless of my place, I hope that I have left each event a little bit wiser for the experience and quite a bit more humble. Still, I will forever seek the perfect race.
I have been writing this column for about a year. While writing and racing may seem unrelated, I have heard both activities compared to sticking a needle in one's arm and watching it bleed. Its probably not quite as bad as that but, my heart is on my sleeve in both instances.
*****
The 7th annual Pueblo-To-Pueblo 11-mile and 2-mile run/walks took place last Saturday in Cortez. Locals Eric Walecki and Sheena Carswell won the overall men's and women's eleven milers. Many others from Durango also took home age bracket awards.
Shiprock hosts the area's closest marathon, relays and half-marathon walk on May 6 at 7 A.M. Commemorative long-sleeve T-shirts will be given to all entrants and finishers will receive a special award. Age-group winners will be treated to handcrafted pottery of southwestern Native American design. Contact Cindy Bates at 505-368-3523 or see toohnii.ncc.cc.nm.us on the internet for more information.
Directed by Rick Callies and sponsored by the City of Durango Recreation Department, the new Telegraph 10-K is scheduled for Mother's Day, May 13. Beginning in Horse Gulch, winding through the meadow to the top of Telegraph Hill and back down the Anasazi Descent, this race is destined to become a must-do on every local runner's calendar. T-shirts will be given to the first 30 people who register and a special gift for Moms will be presented.
The 24th Annual Narrow Gauge 10-mile and 5K run/walk, the gem of the summer racing schedule, will start at Park Elementary School, 623 East 5th St., at 8 A.M. on Sunday May 27. Following a jaunt through historic downtown, North College and Rim Drives are included in the long course and are guaranteed to inspire some rapid heart rates and heavy breathing. Morehart Chevrolet, Brown's Sport Shoe and the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are just a few of the many sponsors that make this race possible. Part of the proceeds from this year's event will go towards the fund-raising efforts to install lights at the Durango High School football field.
The Durango Relay for Life takes over the Escalante Middle School track on June 8-9 as runners and walkers raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. In a celebration of the human spirit, teams and individuals run and walk as many miles as they can in 12 hours.
The Durango Mountain Resort's Father's Day 5K trail run on June 17 promises fun for Dad and the whole family. A ride down the mountain on the Alpine Slide will certainly complete a wonderful day.
On June 23, the reincarnated Steamworks Half-Marathon will begin near Baker's Bridge and follow East Animas Road to the Durango Sports Club. With a post-race party, great prizes and a scenic course, this run should please all area distance runners looking for a fast 13.1 miles. Race Director Matt Kelly can be reached at 375-2413 or mkelly@rmi.net
Silverton is the place to be for area runners on July 4 for the Blue-Ribbon 10K fun run/walk. At 9,000 feet elevation on a course that winds, climbs, twists and dips, this event is followed by the annual parade and water fight. This race had nearly 100 participants last year and was attended by several Durangoans.
On three Thursday summer evenings, July 12, Aug. 2 and Aug. 23, the Quality Photo Sprint Series 5,000-meter, one-mile and 800-meter races will challenge Durango's fastest. Keith and Linda Paris have included separate divisions for children that will make this one of the best family running events in Durango this year.
Dale Garland continues his direction of the HardRock 100-mile race on July 13-15. Volunteers and pacers are always needed and this is nearly as much fun as being in the race itself.
Kendall Mountain lies dormant 364 days a year but on July 21, race-day excitement fills the air. Runners and walkers alike pant, groan, curse and pray for forgiveness as this 13,000-foot monster consumes their soles. Early registration is recommended and this year, Durango Motorless Transit members will receive a discounted entry fee.
With a new permit in place, Michael Aronson will direct the Kennebec Challenge on Aug. 4. The views are incredible, and if you've been in town for a while and haven't visited the Notch or the Chimney, isn't it about time?
Fall brings the Journey of Hope 5K on Oct. 13 and Animas City Mountain Mug Run on Oct. 27. After a successful Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day last year, this event continues the new Durango tradition on Nov. 22. With a one mile fun run as well as the five, this Fort Lewis College happening is popular with children as well.
Entry forms for all of these races and others will be available at Brown's Sport Shoe. For more information, also visit the website of Durango Motorless Transit at go-dmt.org.
I hope to see everyone at many of the races this year and I challenge those who are hearty enough to attend every single event. Who will be this year's king and queen of Durango running?
There are always a few very fast individuals at each event but most of the participants are there just to challenge themselves and enjoy a great community activity that makes for yet another reason for living in this beautiful area.
*****
In this column three weeks ago, I stated that Johnny J. Kelley was the son of John A. Kelley. The two Boston Marathon winners were good friends, but not related.
First, the question remains, "Why race?" Racing is a pretty scary proposition. Competing against others in what, for the moment, is a monumental struggle, brings infinite possibilities and emotions that may not be possible in every-day living. I race because it demonstrates the best of my abilities, although there is always a possibility that my results will fall far short of my expectations. Racing teaches us to live with humility and our limited abilities. As the body is so unneccessarily taxed, the mind is forced to be in the present moment.
In 1992, I won a small 5 mile race put on by the Southern Ute Indians at the fairgrounds in Ignacio. In 1984 in my first marathon, Finger Lakes, in Ithaca, NY, I finished in last place. The time span between the second to last competitor and myself was so great that only the official timer remained by my arrival. Most of my races I have finished somewhere undistinguised in the middle of the pack but, each one has been another learning experience and a test of courage and patience. And, regardless of my place, I hope that I have left each event a little bit wiser for the experience and quite a bit more humble. Still, I will forever seek the perfect race.
I have been writing this column for about a year. While writing and racing may seem unrelated, I have heard both activities compared to sticking a needle in one's arm and watching it bleed. Its probably not quite as bad as that but, my heart is on my sleeve in both instances.
*****
The 7th annual Pueblo-To-Pueblo 11-mile and 2-mile run/walks took place last Saturday in Cortez. Locals Eric Walecki and Sheena Carswell won the overall men's and women's eleven milers. Many others from Durango also took home age bracket awards.
Shiprock hosts the area's closest marathon, relays and half-marathon walk on May 6 at 7 A.M. Commemorative long-sleeve T-shirts will be given to all entrants and finishers will receive a special award. Age-group winners will be treated to handcrafted pottery of southwestern Native American design. Contact Cindy Bates at 505-368-3523 or see toohnii.ncc.cc.nm.us on the internet for more information.
Directed by Rick Callies and sponsored by the City of Durango Recreation Department, the new Telegraph 10-K is scheduled for Mother's Day, May 13. Beginning in Horse Gulch, winding through the meadow to the top of Telegraph Hill and back down the Anasazi Descent, this race is destined to become a must-do on every local runner's calendar. T-shirts will be given to the first 30 people who register and a special gift for Moms will be presented.
The 24th Annual Narrow Gauge 10-mile and 5K run/walk, the gem of the summer racing schedule, will start at Park Elementary School, 623 East 5th St., at 8 A.M. on Sunday May 27. Following a jaunt through historic downtown, North College and Rim Drives are included in the long course and are guaranteed to inspire some rapid heart rates and heavy breathing. Morehart Chevrolet, Brown's Sport Shoe and the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are just a few of the many sponsors that make this race possible. Part of the proceeds from this year's event will go towards the fund-raising efforts to install lights at the Durango High School football field.
The Durango Relay for Life takes over the Escalante Middle School track on June 8-9 as runners and walkers raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. In a celebration of the human spirit, teams and individuals run and walk as many miles as they can in 12 hours.
The Durango Mountain Resort's Father's Day 5K trail run on June 17 promises fun for Dad and the whole family. A ride down the mountain on the Alpine Slide will certainly complete a wonderful day.
On June 23, the reincarnated Steamworks Half-Marathon will begin near Baker's Bridge and follow East Animas Road to the Durango Sports Club. With a post-race party, great prizes and a scenic course, this run should please all area distance runners looking for a fast 13.1 miles. Race Director Matt Kelly can be reached at 375-2413 or mkelly@rmi.net
Silverton is the place to be for area runners on July 4 for the Blue-Ribbon 10K fun run/walk. At 9,000 feet elevation on a course that winds, climbs, twists and dips, this event is followed by the annual parade and water fight. This race had nearly 100 participants last year and was attended by several Durangoans.
On three Thursday summer evenings, July 12, Aug. 2 and Aug. 23, the Quality Photo Sprint Series 5,000-meter, one-mile and 800-meter races will challenge Durango's fastest. Keith and Linda Paris have included separate divisions for children that will make this one of the best family running events in Durango this year.
Dale Garland continues his direction of the HardRock 100-mile race on July 13-15. Volunteers and pacers are always needed and this is nearly as much fun as being in the race itself.
Kendall Mountain lies dormant 364 days a year but on July 21, race-day excitement fills the air. Runners and walkers alike pant, groan, curse and pray for forgiveness as this 13,000-foot monster consumes their soles. Early registration is recommended and this year, Durango Motorless Transit members will receive a discounted entry fee.
With a new permit in place, Michael Aronson will direct the Kennebec Challenge on Aug. 4. The views are incredible, and if you've been in town for a while and haven't visited the Notch or the Chimney, isn't it about time?
Fall brings the Journey of Hope 5K on Oct. 13 and Animas City Mountain Mug Run on Oct. 27. After a successful Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day last year, this event continues the new Durango tradition on Nov. 22. With a one mile fun run as well as the five, this Fort Lewis College happening is popular with children as well.
Entry forms for all of these races and others will be available at Brown's Sport Shoe. For more information, also visit the website of Durango Motorless Transit at go-dmt.org.
I hope to see everyone at many of the races this year and I challenge those who are hearty enough to attend every single event. Who will be this year's king and queen of Durango running?
There are always a few very fast individuals at each event but most of the participants are there just to challenge themselves and enjoy a great community activity that makes for yet another reason for living in this beautiful area.
*****
In this column three weeks ago, I stated that Johnny J. Kelley was the son of John A. Kelley. The two Boston Marathon winners were good friends, but not related.
Monday will be the 105th consecutive running of the fabled Boston Marathon. When Tom Burke drew a line in the dirt with the heel of his boot in Hopkinton in 1897 and said, "go", 18 runners dashed off and history was in the making. Even with today's prestigious events such as New York, London and Chicago, many athletes worldwide still regard this Patriot's Day Classic as the mecca of marathoning. Throughout the years, many Durangoans have attended this special event.
Dr. Barry Hillmer was only 29 when he ran his first Boston Marathon in 1968. Living in Hartford, Conn. at the time, Dr. Hillmer fondly remembers the experience and fitting jogging into a busy lifestyle that included medical school and residency. "I didn't train that well. Maybe a little basketball and some running. It took me 2 hours for the first 16 miles and another 2 1/2 hours for the last 6.2 miles." Like any dedicated runner, Dr. Hillmer still treasures his old log books and upon doing a little research, he remembers that the weather was cloudy and drizzly with temps. in the 41-45 degree range. "I ran along the curbs passing people and maybe I would have done a little better had I run in the middle of the street with the rest of the crowds."
Tom Maynard first ran Boston in 1971 and passed legend John Kelly, Sr. at about the half-way mark. By 1979, Maynard had been able to improve his time by around half an hour to a quite respectable 2:44. "During the race I caught an occasional glimpse of the eventual women's winner, Joan Benoit, and upon nearing the finish I found myself in the middle of a crowd outside Fenway Park as fans crossed the race course to get to the stadium." No doubt that Red Sox baseball legends, stalwart Carl Yastrzemski and the mystical Luis Tiant, were about to take the field.
Also in 1979, Drs. David Bishop, Hillmer, and young Physical Therapist David Rakita, made the trek to Boston. The weather was again cold and rainy and Dr. Bishop recalls all of the tattered clothing strewn along the street as the runners discarded their unneccessary garments once they got warmed up. Like many a marathoner, Dr. Bishop remembers starting out unneccessarily fast with the early downhills but, he did perk up nicely when he ran by the screaming Wellesley College girls.
Rakita has a special memory of Boston. "All of a sudden at mile 10, a college friend of mine who I had not seen for eight years runs up alongside me. He was living in Atlanta at the time."
Gail Ladage ran her first Boston in 1981 and then returned again in 1984 hoping to run a qualifying time for the first women's Olympic Trials. "I narrowly missed the qualifying standard but I loved the energy there and the girls at Wellsley College who went crazy for women runners passing."
In 1982, Dale Garland, now a teacher at Durango High School, made the journey to Boston with then, newcomer, Tom Burnett. Garland remembers the incredible crowd participation well. "I had never been at a run where it was like a giant street party. Every mile I ran was full of cheering crowds, people barbecuing and having a great time being a vicarious part of the actual marathon."
Boston is a reunion of friends and family and an event that spans generations. John A. Kelley won the Boston Marathon in 1935 and 1945. His son, John J. Kelley, wore the victor's laurel wreath in 1957. In the early days before Boston became very crowded with up to 20,000 participants, many competitors new each other and were quite content to be back among old acquaintances.
Karen Rudolph watched husband Vic at the 100th anniversary in 1996 and vowed that someday she too would be a participant rather than a spectator. Boston Marathon 2000, Karen toed the line with Vic, and began the first downhill stretch out of Hopkinton. "At the half way point, my legs were dead tired and I didn't think that I would be able to finish but I just kept on putting one foot in front of the other. The hills really took me by surprise."
Eric Pierson gave himself a 40th birthday present last year, and ran a Boston reunion with former Durango resident and friend, Pat Hickey. "It's the one marathon that every long-distance runner should aspire to to run at least once. It's like running a marathon down Main Avenue during the Snowdown Parade, but the crowds cheer for you for a full 26.2 miles."
Many others, including Matt Kelley and Sheena Carswell, are also part of the Boston-Durango connection.
Bill Rodgers, four-time winner, says, "It's a narcotic. Boston is so exciting, so powerful. It's almost like your life ends; it's the only thing you can think about."
On pondering the next 100 years, legendary John J. Kelley has said, "If people continue to believe in magic, the Boston Marathon will go on forever."
******
Pueblo-To-Pueblo 11-mile and 2-mile runs will take place April 28 in Cortez, CO. For more information, contact Ann Chamber at 970-565-1151. Also, the area's closest marathon and relays, Shiprock, will take place on May 6. Call Bertha Matchers at 505-368-3518 for more information on this one.
Note: Eric Porte and Marc Witkes will continue the Durango tradition when they run this year's Boston Marathon.
Dr. Barry Hillmer was only 29 when he ran his first Boston Marathon in 1968. Living in Hartford, Conn. at the time, Dr. Hillmer fondly remembers the experience and fitting jogging into a busy lifestyle that included medical school and residency. "I didn't train that well. Maybe a little basketball and some running. It took me 2 hours for the first 16 miles and another 2 1/2 hours for the last 6.2 miles." Like any dedicated runner, Dr. Hillmer still treasures his old log books and upon doing a little research, he remembers that the weather was cloudy and drizzly with temps. in the 41-45 degree range. "I ran along the curbs passing people and maybe I would have done a little better had I run in the middle of the street with the rest of the crowds."
Tom Maynard first ran Boston in 1971 and passed legend John Kelly, Sr. at about the half-way mark. By 1979, Maynard had been able to improve his time by around half an hour to a quite respectable 2:44. "During the race I caught an occasional glimpse of the eventual women's winner, Joan Benoit, and upon nearing the finish I found myself in the middle of a crowd outside Fenway Park as fans crossed the race course to get to the stadium." No doubt that Red Sox baseball legends, stalwart Carl Yastrzemski and the mystical Luis Tiant, were about to take the field.
Also in 1979, Drs. David Bishop, Hillmer, and young Physical Therapist David Rakita, made the trek to Boston. The weather was again cold and rainy and Dr. Bishop recalls all of the tattered clothing strewn along the street as the runners discarded their unneccessary garments once they got warmed up. Like many a marathoner, Dr. Bishop remembers starting out unneccessarily fast with the early downhills but, he did perk up nicely when he ran by the screaming Wellesley College girls.
Rakita has a special memory of Boston. "All of a sudden at mile 10, a college friend of mine who I had not seen for eight years runs up alongside me. He was living in Atlanta at the time."
Gail Ladage ran her first Boston in 1981 and then returned again in 1984 hoping to run a qualifying time for the first women's Olympic Trials. "I narrowly missed the qualifying standard but I loved the energy there and the girls at Wellsley College who went crazy for women runners passing."
In 1982, Dale Garland, now a teacher at Durango High School, made the journey to Boston with then, newcomer, Tom Burnett. Garland remembers the incredible crowd participation well. "I had never been at a run where it was like a giant street party. Every mile I ran was full of cheering crowds, people barbecuing and having a great time being a vicarious part of the actual marathon."
Boston is a reunion of friends and family and an event that spans generations. John A. Kelley won the Boston Marathon in 1935 and 1945. His son, John J. Kelley, wore the victor's laurel wreath in 1957. In the early days before Boston became very crowded with up to 20,000 participants, many competitors new each other and were quite content to be back among old acquaintances.
Karen Rudolph watched husband Vic at the 100th anniversary in 1996 and vowed that someday she too would be a participant rather than a spectator. Boston Marathon 2000, Karen toed the line with Vic, and began the first downhill stretch out of Hopkinton. "At the half way point, my legs were dead tired and I didn't think that I would be able to finish but I just kept on putting one foot in front of the other. The hills really took me by surprise."
Eric Pierson gave himself a 40th birthday present last year, and ran a Boston reunion with former Durango resident and friend, Pat Hickey. "It's the one marathon that every long-distance runner should aspire to to run at least once. It's like running a marathon down Main Avenue during the Snowdown Parade, but the crowds cheer for you for a full 26.2 miles."
Many others, including Matt Kelley and Sheena Carswell, are also part of the Boston-Durango connection.
Bill Rodgers, four-time winner, says, "It's a narcotic. Boston is so exciting, so powerful. It's almost like your life ends; it's the only thing you can think about."
On pondering the next 100 years, legendary John J. Kelley has said, "If people continue to believe in magic, the Boston Marathon will go on forever."
******
Pueblo-To-Pueblo 11-mile and 2-mile runs will take place April 28 in Cortez, CO. For more information, contact Ann Chamber at 970-565-1151. Also, the area's closest marathon and relays, Shiprock, will take place on May 6. Call Bertha Matchers at 505-368-3518 for more information on this one.
Note: Eric Porte and Marc Witkes will continue the Durango tradition when they run this year's Boston Marathon.
Ned Overend doesn't look 45 years old. His eyes still shine brightly with a serious but somewhat childhood wonder and there is little evidence of grey hair. With his victory at the National Winter Triathlon Championship in Wiks ago competing against people half his age, it is obvious that this man is still a phenomenal athlete who goes well beyond the traditional aging process.
After moving to Durango in 1980 with wife Pam, Ned began his meteoric career quite auspiciously working as a mechanic at the now-defunct Precision Imports. With some early success in mountain biking, Ned saw an opportunity that he wished to take to another level. He found a job with John Glover and Ed Zink at the Outdoorsman, now Mountain Bike Specialists, which enabled the aspiring athlete to race on weekends and wrench his own and other mountain bikes for a paltry salary.
Surprisingly, what drives Ned today are the same things that drove him 20 years ago. "I just want to push my limits and challenge myself. The racing competitions have simply been the goal behind all the intense preparation and the ultimate test".
Officially retired from competitive mountain bike racing in 1996 after gaining the alternate slot on the Atlanta-bound Olympic Team, Ned has seen his exercise routine change pretty dramatically. Now, preferring to cross-train to avoid injury, Ned takes advantage of all the wonderful fitness opportunities and venues in Durango. " I run speedwork on Tuesdays with Durango Motorless Transit and swim three days a week with some folks that meet at Fort Lewis College". The social aspects of training with a group has been a lot of fun for Ned and has greatly contributed to his ability to always enjoy himself and stay on top of the competition. "Mentally, it is also a lot easier to push with the support of a group rather than going at it alone".
With an impressive resume that includes a 1990 World Mountain Biking Championship held in our hometown Durango and 6 National Titles, Ned is not one to rest on his laurels or dwell on the past. "I'm always looking to the future".
Some advice for younger atlhletes? "Try a variety of sports and most importantly always have fun at what you are doing." It's OK to be competitive and push hard but the enjoyment of the activity is still paramount to any eventual successs that one may achieve. "Get ivolved in a group like the Nordic Ski Club".
What's in the future for Overend? For this year, Ned has his eyes on the x-Terra Race Series. This popular event consists of swimming, mountain biking and trail running. A trip to Maui for the World Chmpionship would seem an appropriate finish for yet another, hopefully, incredible season. "And, around Thanksgiving, there's a great muti-day endurance race in Costa Rica..."
And, further into the future? "Well, I like kayaking and I will always be fit even at 70 year's old".
Still, Ned is a dedicated family man. His wife and two young children are increasingly part of the race plans. "I like to minimize my time away from home and often we'll plan an event around a family vacation. Europe is nice but the traveling gets hectic and Durango is blessed with some of the nicest Mountain biking trails in the world" Actively involved in Trails 2000, this group has greatly contributed to the dearth of opportunities for outdoor fitness in Durango. "I help with the trails but there is always more to do and like everybody else, I probably don't do enough"
After moving to Durango in 1980 with wife Pam, Ned began his meteoric career quite auspiciously working as a mechanic at the now-defunct Precision Imports. With some early success in mountain biking, Ned saw an opportunity that he wished to take to another level. He found a job with John Glover and Ed Zink at the Outdoorsman, now Mountain Bike Specialists, which enabled the aspiring athlete to race on weekends and wrench his own and other mountain bikes for a paltry salary.
Surprisingly, what drives Ned today are the same things that drove him 20 years ago. "I just want to push my limits and challenge myself. The racing competitions have simply been the goal behind all the intense preparation and the ultimate test".
Officially retired from competitive mountain bike racing in 1996 after gaining the alternate slot on the Atlanta-bound Olympic Team, Ned has seen his exercise routine change pretty dramatically. Now, preferring to cross-train to avoid injury, Ned takes advantage of all the wonderful fitness opportunities and venues in Durango. " I run speedwork on Tuesdays with Durango Motorless Transit and swim three days a week with some folks that meet at Fort Lewis College". The social aspects of training with a group has been a lot of fun for Ned and has greatly contributed to his ability to always enjoy himself and stay on top of the competition. "Mentally, it is also a lot easier to push with the support of a group rather than going at it alone".
With an impressive resume that includes a 1990 World Mountain Biking Championship held in our hometown Durango and 6 National Titles, Ned is not one to rest on his laurels or dwell on the past. "I'm always looking to the future".
Some advice for younger atlhletes? "Try a variety of sports and most importantly always have fun at what you are doing." It's OK to be competitive and push hard but the enjoyment of the activity is still paramount to any eventual successs that one may achieve. "Get ivolved in a group like the Nordic Ski Club".
What's in the future for Overend? For this year, Ned has his eyes on the x-Terra Race Series. This popular event consists of swimming, mountain biking and trail running. A trip to Maui for the World Chmpionship would seem an appropriate finish for yet another, hopefully, incredible season. "And, around Thanksgiving, there's a great muti-day endurance race in Costa Rica..."
And, further into the future? "Well, I like kayaking and I will always be fit even at 70 year's old".
Still, Ned is a dedicated family man. His wife and two young children are increasingly part of the race plans. "I like to minimize my time away from home and often we'll plan an event around a family vacation. Europe is nice but the traveling gets hectic and Durango is blessed with some of the nicest Mountain biking trails in the world" Actively involved in Trails 2000, this group has greatly contributed to the dearth of opportunities for outdoor fitness in Durango. "I help with the trails but there is always more to do and like everybody else, I probably don't do enough"
"Hot soup?" "Aspirin?" "Need some ice for that knee?" "Here, take a seat and let me help you."
These were some of the words spoken by a 100 or so volunteers as they coaxed, encouraged and inspired participants in the Ninth Annual Rocky Raccoon 100-mile Trail Run held this past weekend in Huntsville State Park in near Houston.
I once read of a woman who described her care at one of these ultra running events second only to the child-birthing experience. After all, there are few other venues where people all around are wanting to help and to make you feel as comfortable as possible as you travel the long road of agony and ecstasy. I can not say enough about the debt of gratitude that we runners owe to all of the volunteers who pass out water, bandage our feet and keep time and checkpoints for this and many other running events.
Several Durangoans traveled to Las Vegas for the marathon and half this past weekend. Tom Burnett took top honors for the second year in a row in the 50-54 age group with a 1:14.20 finish. Others from Durango included 6th Street Liquor owner, John Munn, who ran a very respectable 1:32.06 half-marathon PR and Robin Favreau who finished her 3rd marathon in 8 months.
The Snowshoe Shuffle 5K at Hillcrest was well-attended with 22 finishers. Phenom Brandon Rakita, 19, won the Men's Division while Gail LaDage, 54, led the Women's field. Other finishers included two gentleman, Warren Eaton and Walt Axthelm, who are well into their 60's. Snow shoeing is definitely for the young and the young at heart!
Feb. 25, road racing returns to Durango in a long way with the Fifth Annual Wiggy's Fun Run. This "macabre" competition begins at 10 A.M. at Cascade Village and follows Highway 550 for 18 miles over Coal Bank Hill and Molas Pass to the Visitor Center in Silverton. This event is informal and has a "no fee, no aid, no wimps" format. But, for anyone who possesses a little bit of a crazy streak, this run is a great way to test one's early season fitness, mettle and sanity.
Local runners Dale Garland, Eric Pierson, David Rakita, Ken Flint and Peter Schertz were all quoted in the March issue of Runner's World. Doug Rennie, travel editor for RW, has written a fine piece describing Durango as a running mecca and vacation destination especially for those with an interest in the Wild West and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Check out the magazine at Magpies Newsstand Cafe or either of the City Markets.
Downhill, cross country skiing and snow shoeing are still on the minds of most Durango runners. With all of the weekend events in Silverton today and tomorrow as part of the Snowscape Festival, local aerobic animals will not be disappointed. High Altitude 5K and 10K Snowshoe Races begin at 10 A.M. on Saturday and the Bluebird Alley Challenge 3K and 7K Cross-Country Ski Races begin at 10 A.M. on Sunday. For more information, contact Kelly at 387-5522 or e-mail silverton@frontier.net.
With a little luck and hard work, it looks as if Durango will get two additional races this summer with the city-sponsored Telegraph 10K on May 13 and the Steamworks Half-Marathon on June 23. Race Directors Rick Calais ((385-2950) and Matt Kelly (375-2413) can use all the help they can get in producing these two events; the first is brand new and the second is the return of a classic.
Its less than four months until the Narrow Gauge 5K and 10-mile runs and Iron Horse Weekend. Are you riding your wind trainer every day?
These were some of the words spoken by a 100 or so volunteers as they coaxed, encouraged and inspired participants in the Ninth Annual Rocky Raccoon 100-mile Trail Run held this past weekend in Huntsville State Park in near Houston.
I once read of a woman who described her care at one of these ultra running events second only to the child-birthing experience. After all, there are few other venues where people all around are wanting to help and to make you feel as comfortable as possible as you travel the long road of agony and ecstasy. I can not say enough about the debt of gratitude that we runners owe to all of the volunteers who pass out water, bandage our feet and keep time and checkpoints for this and many other running events.
Several Durangoans traveled to Las Vegas for the marathon and half this past weekend. Tom Burnett took top honors for the second year in a row in the 50-54 age group with a 1:14.20 finish. Others from Durango included 6th Street Liquor owner, John Munn, who ran a very respectable 1:32.06 half-marathon PR and Robin Favreau who finished her 3rd marathon in 8 months.
The Snowshoe Shuffle 5K at Hillcrest was well-attended with 22 finishers. Phenom Brandon Rakita, 19, won the Men's Division while Gail LaDage, 54, led the Women's field. Other finishers included two gentleman, Warren Eaton and Walt Axthelm, who are well into their 60's. Snow shoeing is definitely for the young and the young at heart!
Feb. 25, road racing returns to Durango in a long way with the Fifth Annual Wiggy's Fun Run. This "macabre" competition begins at 10 A.M. at Cascade Village and follows Highway 550 for 18 miles over Coal Bank Hill and Molas Pass to the Visitor Center in Silverton. This event is informal and has a "no fee, no aid, no wimps" format. But, for anyone who possesses a little bit of a crazy streak, this run is a great way to test one's early season fitness, mettle and sanity.
Local runners Dale Garland, Eric Pierson, David Rakita, Ken Flint and Peter Schertz were all quoted in the March issue of Runner's World. Doug Rennie, travel editor for RW, has written a fine piece describing Durango as a running mecca and vacation destination especially for those with an interest in the Wild West and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Check out the magazine at Magpies Newsstand Cafe or either of the City Markets.
Downhill, cross country skiing and snow shoeing are still on the minds of most Durango runners. With all of the weekend events in Silverton today and tomorrow as part of the Snowscape Festival, local aerobic animals will not be disappointed. High Altitude 5K and 10K Snowshoe Races begin at 10 A.M. on Saturday and the Bluebird Alley Challenge 3K and 7K Cross-Country Ski Races begin at 10 A.M. on Sunday. For more information, contact Kelly at 387-5522 or e-mail silverton@frontier.net.
With a little luck and hard work, it looks as if Durango will get two additional races this summer with the city-sponsored Telegraph 10K on May 13 and the Steamworks Half-Marathon on June 23. Race Directors Rick Calais ((385-2950) and Matt Kelly (375-2413) can use all the help they can get in producing these two events; the first is brand new and the second is the return of a classic.
Its less than four months until the Narrow Gauge 5K and 10-mile runs and Iron Horse Weekend. Are you riding your wind trainer every day?
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
New Year's has passed, resolutions have come and gone.
But, remember, you did promise to start a running program in the spring. You are now four days late. Don't let another one pass by without lacing up those old running shoes and getting out for some fresh air, clean scents and mountain scenery. Better yet, run down to Brown's Sport Shoe with your DMT membership card for a discount on a new pair of Nikes or Sauconys.
Run by yourself for some quiet, reflective thinking. Am I reaching forward with my goals or has my progress slowed like the Dow Jones Industrial Average? Run with a friend or two for some good, deep conversation. Are my relationships all that I want them to be or can I make them richer and more rewarding?
Today, at 8:30 a.m., Fort Lewis College continues the Hozhoni Days celebration with the Second Annual 5-K trail run. Sounds like a short distance, only 3.1 miles but, this one is a heartbreaker. Weather and trail conditions permitting, this race begins on campus and winds around Rim Drive to the Lion's Den. It's downhill from here along the switchbacks near Chapman Hill. Enjoy these few minutes at a lowered heart rate because the return trip back up is not so pleasant. I promise, you will be gasping for breath by the time you reach the FLC chapel. Stop over if you like and say a prayer of thanks that the race is nearly over. But there will be a steady stream of runners coming up from behind.
John Gilbert, Branden Rakita and Rick Callies represented Durango well on March 10 while claiming the first three places at the 16th Annual Blue Mountain/Canyonlands Triathlon in Monticello, Utah. There were 169 participants who skied 4 miles, ran 6 and bicycled 30. It was Gilbert's seventh victory.
Canyonlands half-marathon and five-mile road races were held on March 17 under mostly sunny skies. Durangoans traveling into Moab the night before were greeted with snow, rain and sleet during the drive but, fortunately, the weather cleared off nicely by race time. Thirty-six local athletes completed the two events and there were many notable finishers. Keith Paris (1:31.47, half-marathon, age 50-55), Sampson Sage (1:15.54, half-marathon, age 16-19) Joseph Grindstaff (1:16.37, half-marathon, age 20-24) and Reynaldo Yazzie (27:37, 5 miles, age 20-24) all claimed beautiful handcrafted mugs for first prizes in their respective age brackets. Andrew Scarborough, age 16, posted a 2:29.06 in the half-marathon and it is very nice to also see some of Durango's younger runners begin to step up to distance running events. Eric Walecki, Vic Rudolph, Cindy Dunbar, Lera Main, Sheena Carswell, Terryl Leroux, Lavar Curley, Branden Rakita, Joe Mock, Dave Peters, Kevin Deighan and Walter Jackson also claimed top-ten age group finishes.
The award ceremony was a bit drawn out but, it was sure nice to see nine local athletes go to the stage to claim top-five age-group awards. Complete race results are available on the Internet and can be accessed under the Moab Half-Marathon events heading on the newly revised Durango Motorless Transit Website at go-dmt.org.
The Moab races attracted some 3,000 participants and a newspaper article published the day before the event stated that another 3,000 were turned away for lack of space on the narrow, winding road that makes up the marginally downhill race course. With the potentially unstable muddy March Durango weather, this race has become a classic with more and more local residents flocking to the potential sunshine that frequently embraces the Slickrock of Moab.
Many area participants looked sharp in their new purple and yellow Durango Motorless Transit singlets and shorts. Those interested in purchasing this apparel should contact Keith Paris at Quality Photo, 1101 Main Avenue.
Unfortunately, the very successful Fort Lewis College trathlon, "Tri-the-Rim" scheduled for April 14, has been cancelled this year. Hopefully, this event will make a return to the racing calendar next season.
Narrow Gauge is 64 days away and Iron Horse Race Director Ed Zink has been busy making plans and keeping track with frequent ads in the Durango Herald. Memorial Day Weekend is a cardiovascular frenzied one for area athletes with several running, bicycling and swimming events planned.
But, remember, you did promise to start a running program in the spring. You are now four days late. Don't let another one pass by without lacing up those old running shoes and getting out for some fresh air, clean scents and mountain scenery. Better yet, run down to Brown's Sport Shoe with your DMT membership card for a discount on a new pair of Nikes or Sauconys.
Run by yourself for some quiet, reflective thinking. Am I reaching forward with my goals or has my progress slowed like the Dow Jones Industrial Average? Run with a friend or two for some good, deep conversation. Are my relationships all that I want them to be or can I make them richer and more rewarding?
Today, at 8:30 a.m., Fort Lewis College continues the Hozhoni Days celebration with the Second Annual 5-K trail run. Sounds like a short distance, only 3.1 miles but, this one is a heartbreaker. Weather and trail conditions permitting, this race begins on campus and winds around Rim Drive to the Lion's Den. It's downhill from here along the switchbacks near Chapman Hill. Enjoy these few minutes at a lowered heart rate because the return trip back up is not so pleasant. I promise, you will be gasping for breath by the time you reach the FLC chapel. Stop over if you like and say a prayer of thanks that the race is nearly over. But there will be a steady stream of runners coming up from behind.
John Gilbert, Branden Rakita and Rick Callies represented Durango well on March 10 while claiming the first three places at the 16th Annual Blue Mountain/Canyonlands Triathlon in Monticello, Utah. There were 169 participants who skied 4 miles, ran 6 and bicycled 30. It was Gilbert's seventh victory.
Canyonlands half-marathon and five-mile road races were held on March 17 under mostly sunny skies. Durangoans traveling into Moab the night before were greeted with snow, rain and sleet during the drive but, fortunately, the weather cleared off nicely by race time. Thirty-six local athletes completed the two events and there were many notable finishers. Keith Paris (1:31.47, half-marathon, age 50-55), Sampson Sage (1:15.54, half-marathon, age 16-19) Joseph Grindstaff (1:16.37, half-marathon, age 20-24) and Reynaldo Yazzie (27:37, 5 miles, age 20-24) all claimed beautiful handcrafted mugs for first prizes in their respective age brackets. Andrew Scarborough, age 16, posted a 2:29.06 in the half-marathon and it is very nice to also see some of Durango's younger runners begin to step up to distance running events. Eric Walecki, Vic Rudolph, Cindy Dunbar, Lera Main, Sheena Carswell, Terryl Leroux, Lavar Curley, Branden Rakita, Joe Mock, Dave Peters, Kevin Deighan and Walter Jackson also claimed top-ten age group finishes.
The award ceremony was a bit drawn out but, it was sure nice to see nine local athletes go to the stage to claim top-five age-group awards. Complete race results are available on the Internet and can be accessed under the Moab Half-Marathon events heading on the newly revised Durango Motorless Transit Website at go-dmt.org.
The Moab races attracted some 3,000 participants and a newspaper article published the day before the event stated that another 3,000 were turned away for lack of space on the narrow, winding road that makes up the marginally downhill race course. With the potentially unstable muddy March Durango weather, this race has become a classic with more and more local residents flocking to the potential sunshine that frequently embraces the Slickrock of Moab.
Many area participants looked sharp in their new purple and yellow Durango Motorless Transit singlets and shorts. Those interested in purchasing this apparel should contact Keith Paris at Quality Photo, 1101 Main Avenue.
Unfortunately, the very successful Fort Lewis College trathlon, "Tri-the-Rim" scheduled for April 14, has been cancelled this year. Hopefully, this event will make a return to the racing calendar next season.
Narrow Gauge is 64 days away and Iron Horse Race Director Ed Zink has been busy making plans and keeping track with frequent ads in the Durango Herald. Memorial Day Weekend is a cardiovascular frenzied one for area athletes with several running, bicycling and swimming events planned.
Ned Overend doesn't look 45 years old. His eyes still shine brightly with a serious but somewhat childhood wonder and there is little evidence of grey hair. With his victory at the National Winter Triathlon Championship in Wiks ago competing against people half his age, it is obvious that this man is still a phenomenal athlete who goes well beyond the traditional aging process.
After moving to Durango in 1980 with wife Pam, Ned began his meteoric career quite auspiciously working as a mechanic at the now-defunct Precision Imports. With some early success in mountain biking, Ned saw an opportunity that he wished to take to another level. He found a job with John Glover and Ed Zink at the Outdoorsman, now Mountain Bike Specialists, which enabled the aspiring athlete to race on weekends and wrench his own and other mountain bikes for a paltry salary.
Surprisingly, what drives Ned today are the same things that drove him 20 years ago. "I just want to push my limits and challenge myself. The racing competitions have simply been the goal behind all the intense preparation and the ultimate test".
Officially retired from competitive mountain bike racing in 1996 after gaining the alternate slot on the Atlanta-bound Olympic Team, Ned has seen his exercise routine change pretty dramatically. Now, preferring to cross-train to avoid injury, Ned takes advantage of all the wonderful fitness opportunities and venues in Durango. " I run speedwork on Tuesdays with Durango Motorless Transit and swim three days a week with some folks that meet at Fort Lewis College". The social aspects of training with a group has been a lot of fun for Ned and has greatly contributed to his ability to always enjoy himself and stay on top of the competition. "Mentally, it is also a lot easier to push with the support of a group rather than going at it alone".
With an impressive resume that includes a 1990 World Mountain Biking Championship held in our hometown Durango and 6 National Titles, Ned is not one to rest on his laurels or dwell on the past. "I'm always looking to the future".
Some advice for younger atlhletes? "Try a variety of sports and most importantly always have fun at what you are doing." It's OK to be competitive and push hard but the enjoyment of the activity is still paramount to any eventual successs that one may achieve. "Get ivolved in a group like the Nordic Ski Club".
What's in the future for Overend? For this year, Ned has his eyes on the x-Terra Race Series. This popular event consists of swimming, mountain biking and trail running. A trip to Maui for the World Chmpionship would seem an appropriate finish for yet another, hopefully, incredible season. "And, around Thanksgiving, there's a great muti-day endurance race in Costa Rica..."
And, further into the future? "Well, I like kayaking and I will always be fit even at 70 year's old".
Still, Ned is a dedicated family man. His wife and two young children are increasingly part of the race plans. "I like to minimize my time away from home and often we'll plan an event around a family vacation. Europe is nice but the traveling gets hectic and Durango is blessed with some of the nicest Mountain biking trails in the world" Actively involved in Trails 2000, this group has greatly contributed to the dearth of opportunities for outdoor fitness in Durango. "I help with the trails but there is always more to do and like everybody else, I probably don't do enough"
After moving to Durango in 1980 with wife Pam, Ned began his meteoric career quite auspiciously working as a mechanic at the now-defunct Precision Imports. With some early success in mountain biking, Ned saw an opportunity that he wished to take to another level. He found a job with John Glover and Ed Zink at the Outdoorsman, now Mountain Bike Specialists, which enabled the aspiring athlete to race on weekends and wrench his own and other mountain bikes for a paltry salary.
Surprisingly, what drives Ned today are the same things that drove him 20 years ago. "I just want to push my limits and challenge myself. The racing competitions have simply been the goal behind all the intense preparation and the ultimate test".
Officially retired from competitive mountain bike racing in 1996 after gaining the alternate slot on the Atlanta-bound Olympic Team, Ned has seen his exercise routine change pretty dramatically. Now, preferring to cross-train to avoid injury, Ned takes advantage of all the wonderful fitness opportunities and venues in Durango. " I run speedwork on Tuesdays with Durango Motorless Transit and swim three days a week with some folks that meet at Fort Lewis College". The social aspects of training with a group has been a lot of fun for Ned and has greatly contributed to his ability to always enjoy himself and stay on top of the competition. "Mentally, it is also a lot easier to push with the support of a group rather than going at it alone".
With an impressive resume that includes a 1990 World Mountain Biking Championship held in our hometown Durango and 6 National Titles, Ned is not one to rest on his laurels or dwell on the past. "I'm always looking to the future".
Some advice for younger atlhletes? "Try a variety of sports and most importantly always have fun at what you are doing." It's OK to be competitive and push hard but the enjoyment of the activity is still paramount to any eventual successs that one may achieve. "Get ivolved in a group like the Nordic Ski Club".
What's in the future for Overend? For this year, Ned has his eyes on the x-Terra Race Series. This popular event consists of swimming, mountain biking and trail running. A trip to Maui for the World Chmpionship would seem an appropriate finish for yet another, hopefully, incredible season. "And, around Thanksgiving, there's a great muti-day endurance race in Costa Rica..."
And, further into the future? "Well, I like kayaking and I will always be fit even at 70 year's old".
Still, Ned is a dedicated family man. His wife and two young children are increasingly part of the race plans. "I like to minimize my time away from home and often we'll plan an event around a family vacation. Europe is nice but the traveling gets hectic and Durango is blessed with some of the nicest Mountain biking trails in the world" Actively involved in Trails 2000, this group has greatly contributed to the dearth of opportunities for outdoor fitness in Durango. "I help with the trails but there is always more to do and like everybody else, I probably don't do enough"
"Hot soup?" "Aspirin?" "Need some ice for that knee?" "Here, take a seat and let me help you."
These were some of the words spoken by a 100 or so volunteers as they coaxed, encouraged and inspired participants in the Ninth Annual Rocky Raccoon 100-mile Trail Run held this past weekend in Huntsville State Park in near Houston.
I once read of a woman who described her care at one of these ultra running events second only to the child-birthing experience. After all, there are few other venues where people all around are wanting to help and to make you feel as comfortable as possible as you travel the long road of agony and ecstasy. I can not say enough about the debt of gratitude that we runners owe to all of the volunteers who pass out water, bandage our feet and keep time and checkpoints for this and many other running events.
Several Durangoans traveled to Las Vegas for the marathon and half this past weekend. Tom Burnett took top honors for the second year in a row in the 50-54 age group with a 1:14.20 finish. Others from Durango included 6th Street Liquor owner, John Munn, who ran a very respectable 1:32.06 half-marathon PR and Robin Favreau who finished her 3rd marathon in 8 months.
The Snowshoe Shuffle 5K at Hillcrest was well-attended with 22 finishers. Phenom Brandon Rakita, 19, won the Men's Division while Gail LaDage, 54, led the Women's field. Other finishers included two gentleman, Warren Eaton and Walt Axthelm, who are well into their 60's. Snow shoeing is definitely for the young and the young at heart!
Feb. 25, road racing returns to Durango in a long way with the Fifth Annual Wiggy's Fun Run. This "macabre" competition begins at 10 A.M. at Cascade Village and follows Highway 550 for 18 miles over Coal Bank Hill and Molas Pass to the Visitor Center in Silverton. This event is informal and has a "no fee, no aid, no wimps" format. But, for anyone who possesses a little bit of a crazy streak, this run is a great way to test one's early season fitness, mettle and sanity.
Local runners Dale Garland, Eric Pierson, David Rakita, Ken Flint and Peter Schertz were all quoted in the March issue of Runner's World. Doug Rennie, travel editor for RW, has written a fine piece describing Durango as a running mecca and vacation destination especially for those with an interest in the Wild West and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Check out the magazine at Magpies Newsstand Cafe or either of the City Markets.
Downhill, cross country skiing and snow shoeing are still on the minds of most Durango runners. With all of the weekend events in Silverton today and tomorrow as part of the Snowscape Festival, local aerobic animals will not be disappointed. High Altitude 5K and 10K Snowshoe Races begin at 10 A.M. on Saturday and the Bluebird Alley Challenge 3K and 7K Cross-Country Ski Races begin at 10 A.M. on Sunday. For more information, contact Kelly at 387-5522 or e-mail silverton@frontier.net.
With a little luck and hard work, it looks as if Durango will get two additional races this summer with the city-sponsored Telegraph 10K on May 13 and the Steamworks Half-Marathon on June 23. Race Directors Rick Calais ((385-2950) and Matt Kelly (375-2413) can use all the help they can get in producing these two events; the first is brand new and the second is the return of a classic.
Its less than four months until the Narrow Gauge 5K and 10-mile runs and Iron Horse Weekend. Are you riding your wind trainer every day?
These were some of the words spoken by a 100 or so volunteers as they coaxed, encouraged and inspired participants in the Ninth Annual Rocky Raccoon 100-mile Trail Run held this past weekend in Huntsville State Park in near Houston.
I once read of a woman who described her care at one of these ultra running events second only to the child-birthing experience. After all, there are few other venues where people all around are wanting to help and to make you feel as comfortable as possible as you travel the long road of agony and ecstasy. I can not say enough about the debt of gratitude that we runners owe to all of the volunteers who pass out water, bandage our feet and keep time and checkpoints for this and many other running events.
Several Durangoans traveled to Las Vegas for the marathon and half this past weekend. Tom Burnett took top honors for the second year in a row in the 50-54 age group with a 1:14.20 finish. Others from Durango included 6th Street Liquor owner, John Munn, who ran a very respectable 1:32.06 half-marathon PR and Robin Favreau who finished her 3rd marathon in 8 months.
The Snowshoe Shuffle 5K at Hillcrest was well-attended with 22 finishers. Phenom Brandon Rakita, 19, won the Men's Division while Gail LaDage, 54, led the Women's field. Other finishers included two gentleman, Warren Eaton and Walt Axthelm, who are well into their 60's. Snow shoeing is definitely for the young and the young at heart!
Feb. 25, road racing returns to Durango in a long way with the Fifth Annual Wiggy's Fun Run. This "macabre" competition begins at 10 A.M. at Cascade Village and follows Highway 550 for 18 miles over Coal Bank Hill and Molas Pass to the Visitor Center in Silverton. This event is informal and has a "no fee, no aid, no wimps" format. But, for anyone who possesses a little bit of a crazy streak, this run is a great way to test one's early season fitness, mettle and sanity.
Local runners Dale Garland, Eric Pierson, David Rakita, Ken Flint and Peter Schertz were all quoted in the March issue of Runner's World. Doug Rennie, travel editor for RW, has written a fine piece describing Durango as a running mecca and vacation destination especially for those with an interest in the Wild West and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Check out the magazine at Magpies Newsstand Cafe or either of the City Markets.
Downhill, cross country skiing and snow shoeing are still on the minds of most Durango runners. With all of the weekend events in Silverton today and tomorrow as part of the Snowscape Festival, local aerobic animals will not be disappointed. High Altitude 5K and 10K Snowshoe Races begin at 10 A.M. on Saturday and the Bluebird Alley Challenge 3K and 7K Cross-Country Ski Races begin at 10 A.M. on Sunday. For more information, contact Kelly at 387-5522 or e-mail silverton@frontier.net.
With a little luck and hard work, it looks as if Durango will get two additional races this summer with the city-sponsored Telegraph 10K on May 13 and the Steamworks Half-Marathon on June 23. Race Directors Rick Calais ((385-2950) and Matt Kelly (375-2413) can use all the help they can get in producing these two events; the first is brand new and the second is the return of a classic.
Its less than four months until the Narrow Gauge 5K and 10-mile runs and Iron Horse Weekend. Are you riding your wind trainer every day?
It's the third week in January and most folks are either giving up on their New Year's Resolutions or are, more hopefully, fighting to keep this year's health and fitness goals. In the world of running, nothing motivates Joe the weekend athlete or a consummate running aficionado like signing up for a race and putting that goal deep in their mind.
In January, my mind drifts towards the upcoming race entry game, and my it is a complicated one that becomes more challenging every year. Certain races fill up immediately and others have strict entry requirements.
I have never been able to get into Moab/Canyonlands Half-Marathon but, this year I am determined. I am envious that local writer John Peel attends every time so last April, I began checking Moab 1/2's web site faithfully to figure out my entry strategy. By December, according to their web site, entries could be downloaded on or around the 30the and mailed immediately after the New Year's Holiday. On Jan. 1, I e-mailed word to area runners that applications were finally available and encouraged folks to get them in early. Several people in Durango answered the call and registered. Moab Half-Marathon has always been the harbinger of spring running for faithful non-skiing Durangoans.
Certainly the hardest entry game this year was HardRock. This race, 100 miles long, takes place July 13-15. The extremely difficult route with an average elevation of more than 2 miles above sea level traverses the wilderness areas that surround Silverton, Ouray, Lake City and Telluride. Dale Garland, Race Director extraordinaire, has seen demand steadily grow for his race since 1993. A new policy was instituted this year and November 1, "Day of the Dead", became the first day that entries could be postmarked and submitted. By November 2, 110 entries were screened and accepted and a wait list with over 50 names was readily established. Besides the critical postmark date, potential entrants are grilled with questions like, are you absolutely sure that you are capable of running, walking or crawling the equivalent distance of sea level to Mt. Everest and back in a mere 48 hours? And are you confident that your spouse or significant other fully understands that you will now be away training and racing every single weekend until July? Do you have any history of emotional disturbances and mental illness? YES? You are accepted and welcome.
On the milder side, for those a little less depraved, Imogene Pass beckons September 15. In the old days just after Rick Trujillo made the run more than just a solo hapless encounter, one could easily sign up the night before for this 18-mile classic from Ouray to Telluride. Now, entries mailed any later than February are likely to be returned to sender unopened, with the words, "Sorry, not a chance", stamped across the front. One could always beg the race director the evening before to buy a no-show race entry and pay the $10.00 name transfer fee so that John Fastrunner doesn't get listed in the race results as Mildred Fatface. (No resemblance to actual persons is even remotely suggested here.)
And then of course there are lesser known races like Eight is Enough in Montrose on March 3 where it is possible to jump into the race at the last minute and pay after you finish. With this suggestion, some high- altitude Durangoan is likely to attend this year and gather first-place honors and the new Mercedes Benz that goes to the winner. (Only kidding!)
***
Good luck to those Durangoans including Tom Burnett, Robin Favreau, Ed Stricki and Mary Wehe who have faithfully trained through the winter and will be in Las Vegas in two weeks working their way through this year's International Half and Marathon. Does attendance in this race have anything to do with the glorious $8 buffet that awaits tired runners in Mesquite on the way back home to Durango on Monday morning?
In January, my mind drifts towards the upcoming race entry game, and my it is a complicated one that becomes more challenging every year. Certain races fill up immediately and others have strict entry requirements.
I have never been able to get into Moab/Canyonlands Half-Marathon but, this year I am determined. I am envious that local writer John Peel attends every time so last April, I began checking Moab 1/2's web site faithfully to figure out my entry strategy. By December, according to their web site, entries could be downloaded on or around the 30the and mailed immediately after the New Year's Holiday. On Jan. 1, I e-mailed word to area runners that applications were finally available and encouraged folks to get them in early. Several people in Durango answered the call and registered. Moab Half-Marathon has always been the harbinger of spring running for faithful non-skiing Durangoans.
Certainly the hardest entry game this year was HardRock. This race, 100 miles long, takes place July 13-15. The extremely difficult route with an average elevation of more than 2 miles above sea level traverses the wilderness areas that surround Silverton, Ouray, Lake City and Telluride. Dale Garland, Race Director extraordinaire, has seen demand steadily grow for his race since 1993. A new policy was instituted this year and November 1, "Day of the Dead", became the first day that entries could be postmarked and submitted. By November 2, 110 entries were screened and accepted and a wait list with over 50 names was readily established. Besides the critical postmark date, potential entrants are grilled with questions like, are you absolutely sure that you are capable of running, walking or crawling the equivalent distance of sea level to Mt. Everest and back in a mere 48 hours? And are you confident that your spouse or significant other fully understands that you will now be away training and racing every single weekend until July? Do you have any history of emotional disturbances and mental illness? YES? You are accepted and welcome.
On the milder side, for those a little less depraved, Imogene Pass beckons September 15. In the old days just after Rick Trujillo made the run more than just a solo hapless encounter, one could easily sign up the night before for this 18-mile classic from Ouray to Telluride. Now, entries mailed any later than February are likely to be returned to sender unopened, with the words, "Sorry, not a chance", stamped across the front. One could always beg the race director the evening before to buy a no-show race entry and pay the $10.00 name transfer fee so that John Fastrunner doesn't get listed in the race results as Mildred Fatface. (No resemblance to actual persons is even remotely suggested here.)
And then of course there are lesser known races like Eight is Enough in Montrose on March 3 where it is possible to jump into the race at the last minute and pay after you finish. With this suggestion, some high- altitude Durangoan is likely to attend this year and gather first-place honors and the new Mercedes Benz that goes to the winner. (Only kidding!)
***
Good luck to those Durangoans including Tom Burnett, Robin Favreau, Ed Stricki and Mary Wehe who have faithfully trained through the winter and will be in Las Vegas in two weeks working their way through this year's International Half and Marathon. Does attendance in this race have anything to do with the glorious $8 buffet that awaits tired runners in Mesquite on the way back home to Durango on Monday morning?
Year 2000, so anticipated and so hyped, turned into a non event. We all watched on TV as other parts of the world flawlessly made the transition. Regardless, even if all the computers in the world crashed and natural disaster struck, I sincerely believe that there still would be runners getting out on the streets and trails for their daily endorphin fix. As we move into 2001 with much anticipation and excitement, I have a few thoughts and a wish list:
1. I'd love to break the three-hour mark in the marathon.
2. Just once, I want to lead Ned, Mark, Eric, Tom, Ed and all the rest of the boys and girls through every single interval at the Tuesday track/Cemetary Hill session.
3. I want to show Branden Rakita that "old" guys can still run and glance back over my shoulder as he finishes runner-up to me at the Narrow Gauge 5-K.
4. I want to be a spectator as Ron Keller's Demons and Ken Flint's Skyhawks both win their respective national championships.
5. I'd love to see a tremendous earthquake rock the area and reduce the size and steepness of the race courses at Animas City Mountain, Kendall, Kennebec and Imogene.
*****
The Durango Motorless Transit Running Club is finishing up an immensely successsful year. We have had tremenous participation in many area races and successfully raised more than $200 for the Alice McLean Memoral Foundation with the new Quality Photo Finish Mile. Look for this event to expand into a three night track series in summer 2001. Events will include 5000 meter, mile and 800. Group trail runs on Junction Creek and Tuesday speed sessions were also well-attended.
Increasingly, I am asked where membership dues and race entry fees go . First, we are a nonprofit corporation. Our national parent organization, the Road Runners Clubs of America, takes $200 from us each year that pays for race insurance and Footnotes magazine. Race permits are costly and T-shirts, prizes, equipment storage, refreshments and administrative costs such as postage and stationery all add up pretty quickly.
Still, considering the shoestring budget, DMT is a successful organization that provides its members and the community a wonderful fitness venue that encourages health, fitness and motorless transportation. In 2001, we will administer at least four races and we'll help in several others. Don't forget to look to the March issue of Runner's World for a feature story on Durango and the running scene.
*****
The DMT annual meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at Steamworks Brewing Company. New schedules, board of directors slate/election and other upcoming plans all will be discussed.
*****
Happy New Year. Hope to see you on the roads and trails soon! Check out our updated website at go-DMT.org. Thank-you to Geoff Ames for web production, and Matt Kelly and Brainstorm Industries for graciously hosting us.
1. I'd love to break the three-hour mark in the marathon.
2. Just once, I want to lead Ned, Mark, Eric, Tom, Ed and all the rest of the boys and girls through every single interval at the Tuesday track/Cemetary Hill session.
3. I want to show Branden Rakita that "old" guys can still run and glance back over my shoulder as he finishes runner-up to me at the Narrow Gauge 5-K.
4. I want to be a spectator as Ron Keller's Demons and Ken Flint's Skyhawks both win their respective national championships.
5. I'd love to see a tremendous earthquake rock the area and reduce the size and steepness of the race courses at Animas City Mountain, Kendall, Kennebec and Imogene.
*****
The Durango Motorless Transit Running Club is finishing up an immensely successsful year. We have had tremenous participation in many area races and successfully raised more than $200 for the Alice McLean Memoral Foundation with the new Quality Photo Finish Mile. Look for this event to expand into a three night track series in summer 2001. Events will include 5000 meter, mile and 800. Group trail runs on Junction Creek and Tuesday speed sessions were also well-attended.
Increasingly, I am asked where membership dues and race entry fees go . First, we are a nonprofit corporation. Our national parent organization, the Road Runners Clubs of America, takes $200 from us each year that pays for race insurance and Footnotes magazine. Race permits are costly and T-shirts, prizes, equipment storage, refreshments and administrative costs such as postage and stationery all add up pretty quickly.
Still, considering the shoestring budget, DMT is a successful organization that provides its members and the community a wonderful fitness venue that encourages health, fitness and motorless transportation. In 2001, we will administer at least four races and we'll help in several others. Don't forget to look to the March issue of Runner's World for a feature story on Durango and the running scene.
*****
The DMT annual meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at Steamworks Brewing Company. New schedules, board of directors slate/election and other upcoming plans all will be discussed.
*****
Happy New Year. Hope to see you on the roads and trails soon! Check out our updated website at go-DMT.org. Thank-you to Geoff Ames for web production, and Matt Kelly and Brainstorm Industries for graciously hosting us.
Most folks learned at least a little something in school about the Pilgrims, their ship the Mayflower, Samoset, and the first Thanksgiving on Nov. 29, 1623. What you probably didn't know is that after Gov. William Bradford declared the festival later known as Thanksgiving, Indian Chief Massasoit, 90 braves and some 40 Pilgrims, celebrated by feasting, marching, playing drums and running the first "Turkey Trot" in the New World.
Celebrating the plentiful harvest of corn, fruits and vegetables, peace with the Abnaki Indians, and abundant maple syrup sapped from trees for pancakes, the Pilgrims had much to be thankful for. Squanto promptly put a little damper on the celebration as he took home the first-place pumpkin pie by winning the 5-mile race in 26:13.
Thanksgiving and the Turkey Trot have come a long way. Today, we have the Macy's Parade in New York City, football on television, brunch at the Doubletree Hotel and the start of the holiday gift shopping frenzy at Gardenswartz. But the Turkey Trot lives on in much of the same traditional fashion. Yeah, we now have Champion Chip timing, prize money and the Kenyans, but the 103rd Annual Turkey Trot in Buffalo, N.Y., which attracts some 4,500 runners, is still hotly contested as one of the nation's oldest foot races.
Coloradans and Texans are rivals in many areas but it's Dallas, not Denver that boasts the nation's largest Turkey Trot with some 20,000 participants panting heavily over the 8-mile downtown course. Denver's 27th Annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot does expect some 10,000 runners this year and all of the proceeds are pledged to help the city's homeless. This Washington Park event raised some $135,000 last year. Also, participants are urged to bring non-perishable food items for donation in the city's Food Bank.
If you happen to be visiting Southern California relatives you left behind when you moved to Durango, the 24th Annual Ocean Spray Dana Point 5 and 10-K Turkey Trot will be the place to be. Run along the Pacific Ocean, this race boasts striking rugged cliffs, cool ocean breezes and generous helpings of warmth and sunshine. To demonstrate the Thanksgiving feeling of togetherness, the perennially fast local Burnett family consisting of Tom, Marna, Matt and Nicole will be hand to celebrate this event. In case you forgot, Matt still holds the longstanding 800 yard record at Miller Middle School.
And, for those Durangoans visiting East Coast friends, Slattery's 5-mile race in Fitchburgh, Mass. on Thanksgiving Day, boasts free beer, lots of prizes and huge portions of food. Rumor has it that this writer once broke 35:00 on the hilly course!
Closer to home, Pagosa Springs held its Annual 10-K Turkey Trot last Saturday to benefit the local library. The early morning snow and rain did litle to damper the spirits of the Leroux Family. Teryl (Mom) ran while daughters Hilary and Jocelyn cheered her on. After the race, Teryl held fast to an earlier promise and took the children to soak in the Hot Springs. But the area's biggest event is still yet to come!
On Thanksgiving Day, at 10:00 A.M., Peter Schertz and the Durango Motorless Transit, gladly present their very own 20-something Annual Five and One-Mile Turkey Trot at Fort Lewis College! There were over 120 participants last year and with new advance registration and discounts, this race is sure to remain one of Durango's largest annual running gatherings. Race applications are available at Brown's sport Shoe, Maria's Bookshop and Quality Photo.
********
This holiday season, we all have so very much to be thankful for: friends, family, health, beautiful mountains, fresh snow, a new six-pack chairlift at Durango Mountain Resort and the upcoming Tuscon Marathon.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Celebrating the plentiful harvest of corn, fruits and vegetables, peace with the Abnaki Indians, and abundant maple syrup sapped from trees for pancakes, the Pilgrims had much to be thankful for. Squanto promptly put a little damper on the celebration as he took home the first-place pumpkin pie by winning the 5-mile race in 26:13.
Thanksgiving and the Turkey Trot have come a long way. Today, we have the Macy's Parade in New York City, football on television, brunch at the Doubletree Hotel and the start of the holiday gift shopping frenzy at Gardenswartz. But the Turkey Trot lives on in much of the same traditional fashion. Yeah, we now have Champion Chip timing, prize money and the Kenyans, but the 103rd Annual Turkey Trot in Buffalo, N.Y., which attracts some 4,500 runners, is still hotly contested as one of the nation's oldest foot races.
Coloradans and Texans are rivals in many areas but it's Dallas, not Denver that boasts the nation's largest Turkey Trot with some 20,000 participants panting heavily over the 8-mile downtown course. Denver's 27th Annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot does expect some 10,000 runners this year and all of the proceeds are pledged to help the city's homeless. This Washington Park event raised some $135,000 last year. Also, participants are urged to bring non-perishable food items for donation in the city's Food Bank.
If you happen to be visiting Southern California relatives you left behind when you moved to Durango, the 24th Annual Ocean Spray Dana Point 5 and 10-K Turkey Trot will be the place to be. Run along the Pacific Ocean, this race boasts striking rugged cliffs, cool ocean breezes and generous helpings of warmth and sunshine. To demonstrate the Thanksgiving feeling of togetherness, the perennially fast local Burnett family consisting of Tom, Marna, Matt and Nicole will be hand to celebrate this event. In case you forgot, Matt still holds the longstanding 800 yard record at Miller Middle School.
And, for those Durangoans visiting East Coast friends, Slattery's 5-mile race in Fitchburgh, Mass. on Thanksgiving Day, boasts free beer, lots of prizes and huge portions of food. Rumor has it that this writer once broke 35:00 on the hilly course!
Closer to home, Pagosa Springs held its Annual 10-K Turkey Trot last Saturday to benefit the local library. The early morning snow and rain did litle to damper the spirits of the Leroux Family. Teryl (Mom) ran while daughters Hilary and Jocelyn cheered her on. After the race, Teryl held fast to an earlier promise and took the children to soak in the Hot Springs. But the area's biggest event is still yet to come!
On Thanksgiving Day, at 10:00 A.M., Peter Schertz and the Durango Motorless Transit, gladly present their very own 20-something Annual Five and One-Mile Turkey Trot at Fort Lewis College! There were over 120 participants last year and with new advance registration and discounts, this race is sure to remain one of Durango's largest annual running gatherings. Race applications are available at Brown's sport Shoe, Maria's Bookshop and Quality Photo.
********
This holiday season, we all have so very much to be thankful for: friends, family, health, beautiful mountains, fresh snow, a new six-pack chairlift at Durango Mountain Resort and the upcoming Tuscon Marathon.
Happy Thanksgiving!
If you happen to see Hallie Whitney teaching her students at the Community of Learners, you probably won't realize that she is a runner and as of Monday, she will enter the awesome ranks of first-time marathoners. Hallie has been very busy this summer and Fall training and raising money, $5000, to be exact, as a participant of the Team in Training Program that benefits the the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.
In between her training, fund raising, teaching, and family activities, I had the opportunity to meet with this whirlwind of activity at Carver's for some coffee, juice, and a nice conversation.
Hallie has dabbled in and out of running for some time now but, has never considered herself a real runner who could actually complete the goal of running a 26.2 mile marathon. In fact, after tackling the Moab Half-marathon a short time ago, Hallie even further fretted that she could never be a "real" distance runner.
Trying to be a good role model for her students sparked Hallie to reach beyond her limits and consider the marathon. After finding Runner's World Hal Higdon's internet marathon training site, Halie became further intrigued with the possibiliy. In joining with Team in Training, Hallie found that she could support a cause and set-up a good win-win situation for herself, her students, her community, and the 107,900 Americans that are struck with leukemia, lymphoma, and related cancers each year.
As a participant in the program, Hallie has received periodic training advice from Coach Jim. She has also been frequently in touch with Charlene Coit, a 35-year old Grand Junction resident afflicted with chronic myelogenous lukemia whom Hallie is running for her benefit.
Hallie has also used her experiences in the classroom to teach her students about cancer and has allowed and encouraged them to e-mail Charlene.
The training has been difficult, but Hallie has had her sister in Vermont who is also going to Dublin with her for the race, to encourage and support her efforts. Having a definite goal in mind has also allowed Hallie the ability to remain consistent in her once-sporadic training
Like all of us, the 41-year-old Whitney is not getting any younger and she has already seen the results of inactivity with an ever-increasingly slower metabolism. And, if overcoming her non-traditional runer's body type has not been enough of an uphill battle, Hallie must also deal with a torn meniscus from her dancing and soccer-playing days.
$5,000 is no small task and Hallie has received generous help from the Community Fund, which is a coalliton of local banks, her dentist, and numerous friends and family.
Further donations my be sent in Hallie's name to The Leukemia & Lymphoma society at 6 Automation Lane, Albany , New York, 12205., 518-438-3583.
CONGRATULATIONS, Hallie, on your best eforts!
******
If you wake up early today, there still might be time to catch Animas City Mountain Mug Run II starting at 9:00. The Rim Rock 22.9 miler through the Colorado National Monument takes place on the 11th. There were over 200 participants at the Journey of Hope. Could this have been the largest running event in Durango, ever?
In between her training, fund raising, teaching, and family activities, I had the opportunity to meet with this whirlwind of activity at Carver's for some coffee, juice, and a nice conversation.
Hallie has dabbled in and out of running for some time now but, has never considered herself a real runner who could actually complete the goal of running a 26.2 mile marathon. In fact, after tackling the Moab Half-marathon a short time ago, Hallie even further fretted that she could never be a "real" distance runner.
Trying to be a good role model for her students sparked Hallie to reach beyond her limits and consider the marathon. After finding Runner's World Hal Higdon's internet marathon training site, Halie became further intrigued with the possibiliy. In joining with Team in Training, Hallie found that she could support a cause and set-up a good win-win situation for herself, her students, her community, and the 107,900 Americans that are struck with leukemia, lymphoma, and related cancers each year.
As a participant in the program, Hallie has received periodic training advice from Coach Jim. She has also been frequently in touch with Charlene Coit, a 35-year old Grand Junction resident afflicted with chronic myelogenous lukemia whom Hallie is running for her benefit.
Hallie has also used her experiences in the classroom to teach her students about cancer and has allowed and encouraged them to e-mail Charlene.
The training has been difficult, but Hallie has had her sister in Vermont who is also going to Dublin with her for the race, to encourage and support her efforts. Having a definite goal in mind has also allowed Hallie the ability to remain consistent in her once-sporadic training
Like all of us, the 41-year-old Whitney is not getting any younger and she has already seen the results of inactivity with an ever-increasingly slower metabolism. And, if overcoming her non-traditional runer's body type has not been enough of an uphill battle, Hallie must also deal with a torn meniscus from her dancing and soccer-playing days.
$5,000 is no small task and Hallie has received generous help from the Community Fund, which is a coalliton of local banks, her dentist, and numerous friends and family.
Further donations my be sent in Hallie's name to The Leukemia & Lymphoma society at 6 Automation Lane, Albany , New York, 12205., 518-438-3583.
CONGRATULATIONS, Hallie, on your best eforts!
******
If you wake up early today, there still might be time to catch Animas City Mountain Mug Run II starting at 9:00. The Rim Rock 22.9 miler through the Colorado National Monument takes place on the 11th. There were over 200 participants at the Journey of Hope. Could this have been the largest running event in Durango, ever?
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