Riff Raff and the Texas Independence Relay

Team RiffRaff had a fantastic time this weekend as they ran “The Texas Independence Relay” (TIR) 200 miles from Gonzales, Texas to LaPorte, Texas.  RiffRaff AKA “PR with Panther” did no other than set PR’s. First it was the groups first time to attend the event that is a PR in and of itself.  But what the crew did was survive on little to no sleep and run as fast as their feet could.

The start:

In true Riff Raff fashion, the gang shows up in a nice white van and a Texas Edition Suburban. The ever charismatic Fifi received the gift of a megaphone (way to go Blade). To the gang’s surprise, Fifi was a complete natural and even announced that Van 2 was full of single ladies. Riff Raff had arrived

Before embarking on the 200 mile adventure, Charlie Deuces found FREE sausage wraps, which consisted of a sausage link wrapped in a tortilla. To fuel up for his leg, he indulged in 3 sausage wraps while the gang was preparing to start. Meanwhile, LWT and Blade found some nice cowboys with mullets to flirt with at the starting line. The race started with a cannon exploding and the entire Riff Raff crew started the first mile together. After the first mile, Padre took off on his 4 mile adventure.

While Padre ran the first leg, the Riff Raff gang returned to the vans to go to the next leg. Thanks to Fifi’s megaphone skills, two phone numbers of eligible bachelors were tagged in purple on the side of the Van 2! Nice work team!

The Team Captain “Little White Tail” “LWT” (AKA Meredith Cohen), lit the cannon and our song “Truckin” played loud over the speakers and we yelled “Come and Take It” with our flag held high and we were off with the Largest Texas flag behind us.  The other groups like the Moms in TUTUs and the Mullets watched as we took off.

We were on our way to adventure.  We saw all kinds of historical markers and met lots of people.  The team was in  high spirits. At the exchange we slapped a slap bracelet on to the next person and the race was on, back roads of gravel and through bayous and over highways we traveled 200 miles to the memorial in La Porte.

We ran into the Roguettes,  a fantastic group of ladies that were down a few men (rather women), but they carried on as all Rogue athletes do, head high and with a job to do and they got it done.  What a great group!

We ran through the night on  highways with flashlights and the aid of our teams support. The wind was high and the temperature dropped significantly. As we came into Houston (obvious that they must not have drought issues, we were pelted by 32 mph winds and sprinklers).  People were losing their minds, but we gathered up our wits and got our jobs done.  We ran on! into the bayous through trails and wound our way through the neighborhoods of Houston and then through the Memorial of Sam Houston and we were closing in on the Memorial and the  finish.  We followed our troops through all the legs cheering them on and tagging all the other cars with RiffRaff.  

The Team Captains
Little White Tail
Fifi
Blade

The Team
VAN 1:
Little White Tail- Meredith Cohen
Fifi
Blade
Erica
Peaches
Chuck
Aaron- Driver

VAN2:
TopShelf
Sassy
RiffRiff
Padre
Charlie Deuces
Green Shoes
Nighthawk: DRIVER/Runner

 

Texas Independence Relay is Texas’ most exhilarating group race. Click here to join them next year! 

Rogues run Austin: Race results!

Another Austin Marathon & Half Marathon is behind us, and what a day it was! The energy was electric, the weather was perfect and Rogues were well-trained, mentally prepared and READY. PRs abounded and smiles were everywhere, both on and off the course. Below are results and recaps from a number of our coaches – we will update this as coaches send in their reports, but feel free to add your own results in the comments!

Coach Peri Kowal, Austin Marathon group

North Rogues made a fine showing on Sunday, and also in multiple full and half marathons over the last few months!

In the Austin full, showing strong effort and almost beating a long ago PR, Moya Griffin. In the multiple-marathons-in-last-90-days category: Jeff Hufford, Carlos Sanchez,  Lou Clark, Keitha & Rasty Goodwin (also did Disney double),  & Lori Wilson. Making top 9 in their age group were Angie McDermott & Michelle Reed.

Fine efforts despite obstacles were Lucy Flores & Eva Montes. Pushing through the pain were John McCarty, Daniel Hernandez, Monika Sunholz, David Meyer (whose cute kids -and their signs – made Pam LeBlanc’s Fit City page), Anita Sandhu, and first time marathoner Kent Vickery!

And in the half, another strong showing by Willa Kempf (ran Houston full last month), Kimberly Mathieson & Farren Smith (also ran Disney full) and by two who have run multiple races in the last 2 months , Scott Webster & Juan Salazar.

Can’t forget Lauren Clark with a fine performance at Houston last month, and Nick Walker and Kate Noren who also ran the Disney double!

Another great fun year for the north Rogues! So honored to be their coach!

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Coach Chris McClung, Austin Marathon group

Full Marathoners:

Sarah Benedict: 4:56

Rusty Cloyes: 4:58

Justin Craycraft: 3:25 (1st marathon)

Erin Finn: 4:36 (1st marathon)

Hayden Gilbert: 3:31 (PR)

Kailey Gursoy: 3:33 (1st marathon, BQ, and 1st in 0-19 age group)

Joe Jarosek: 3:46 (1st marathon)

Ben Kettle: 3:54 (PR)

Michelle Krejci: 4:11

Melissa Mixon: 4:15 (1st marathon)

Bekah Powell: 3:19 (PR and BQ)

Amanda Reichel: 4:42

Ann Riopel: 4:09 (PR)

Lindsey Ripley: 4:05 (1st marathon)

Caitlin Rogozinski: 4:39 (1st marathon)

Amanda Russell: 4:32 (1st marathon)

Deidre Skrudland: 3:29 (PR and BQ)

Carey Workman: 4:29 (PR)

Half Marathoners:

Amanda Ferrier: 2:32

Kerry Gierisch: 1:57

Lisa Mays: 2:11

Heidi Munin: 2:50 (10 min Austin Half PR)

Valarie Neidig: 1:57

Jessica Neufeld: 1:41 (PR)

Anne Speck: 2:14

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Coach Larry Bright, Austin Half & Full M group
Congratulations to the South Austin Team for kicking butt on the Austin Course yesterday!

Stacy completed her first marathon at a time of 4:16:37 and looked just as relaxed at mile 25.5 up San Jac as she did all training season.

Jennifer who also looked as relaxed as ever, smiling and chatting up San Jac broke 2hrs with a 1:55:23

Krista ran too fast and I missed her after my finish as she completed the half at 1:52:18.

Lisa also completed the Half with a 2:42:13 as she works through a few nagging issues.

It was also good to see Richard out on the course and supporting the runners.

Well done by all!

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Coach Jenn Howard Brown, Austin Half M group

Inspired performances . . . the Jenn & Tonics crew rocked the Austin Marathon & Half Marathon with 2 first-time marathoners, 2 first-time half-marathoners, 3 PRs & 1 Distance Challenge finisher!

Jayke Valverde, 4:00:51 (First Marathon)
Van Fitzgerald, 3:30:34 (First Marathon)
Alissa Perez, 2:17:04
Andrew Perez, 1:59:44 (PR by 20 min.!)
Ashley ‘Ristuccia’ Sorvillo, 2:48:52
Caitlin Helman, 2:25:43 (First HM)
Charlotte Reyer, 2:40:29 (Distance Challenge finisher)
Conney Bisson, 2:11:24 (First HM)
Mindy Le Jeune, 2:39:40
Marisa Mach, 2:20:37 (PR by 2 min.!)
Sarah Stanton Johnson, 2:19:20
Sonia Trevino David, 2:24:13 (PR by 9 min.!)
Tim Davis, 2:11:23

Special mention of 2 of my best running buddies who kicked butt today:
Paul Escobedo, 3:46:58 (marathon PR by 6+ min.!)
Heidi Munin, 2:50:50 (10 min. faster than last yr’s Aus. HM)

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Coach Nedra Bray, Austin Half M group

Team Las Maquinas results

Austin Anderson   1:47:32 – 1st Half
Brian Rutledge  2:23:00 – 1st Half
Chad Cosper  2:20:10 – PR
Eduardo Pedroza    1:48:17
Erin Tsukamoto   1:55:50
Jenn Kiggins   1:58:58
Josh Elliott   1:36:39
Maria Resendiz   2:05:48
Monica McAlister   2:03:49
Patrick O’Brien   2:19:32 – 1st Half
Robert Johnson   1:58:15
Shawnell Anderson   1:56:43 – 1st Half
Sonja Rutledge   2:17:06 – 1st Half
Taryn Weiss   1:48:53- PR
Thomas Curry   1:59:08 – PR

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Coach Liz Freeman, Austin Half group

Liz’s Half Marathon Crew results, including a couple who raced the same weekend but different races:

Anna Vander Broek – 2:15 – 1st Half

Brad Johnson – 1:45:46 – 1st Half

David Isquick – 1:55:07

Debbie Danford – 2:22:47

Dylan Dobecki – 2:19:36  (St. Pete Rock n’ Roll Half)

Erica Chapman – 2:24:43 – 1st Half

Erin Osenbaugh – 2:38:39 – PR by 11 minutes

Hau Phan – 2:12:06 – PR by 7 minutes

Leah Leeds – 1:59:20 – first Half under 2 hours

Mark Whitesides – 2:09:04

Paul Cronin – 1:57:45 – PR

Sarah Walton – 2:24:48

Shannon Wiggen – 1:56:13 – PR by 6 minutes  (Breast Cancer Half)

Tom Small – 1:46:08 – placed 5th in his division

Windy Hardaway – 2:15:41

Coach Scott Carden (Austin Half group)

Carri Carswell: 2:11:09

Margaret Darby: 2:48:14

John Gravell: 1:55:10

Steve Hamilton: 2:02:30

Amy Medrano: 2:09:13

Ame Petry: 2:07:01

Jayson Rapaport: 2:03:58

Cindy Gravell: 1:55:10

Tori Wicken: 1:55:22

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Coach Marilyn Faulkner, Austin Half group

Madhavi Reese:  2:00:06 – PR

Amanda Anderson:  1:57:38 – PR

Emily Young:  Ran the half as a motivator for her sister!

Cameron Siewert:  2:05:04 – PR

Jaideep Dastidar: Had a PR of 2:38:39 on the course and kept HMGP or above the entire time!

Marilyn Faulkner: 1:48:27 – PR on Austin course, ran with her mom for her mom’s first ever half!

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Coach Kim Wrinkle, Team Rogue Cedar Park

Carl de Leon (3:40:46) and Jimmie Vaughan (3:41:42) both PRed. Congratulations!

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Coach Jeff Knight, Team Rogue ADC

Impressive results by Team Rogue Austin Distance Challenge, coached by Jeff Knight, aka el Jefe. The Austin Distance Challenge is the cumulative results of runners completing the IBM 10k, Run For Water 10-miler, Decker Challenge, 3M Half Marathon, Rogue 10k/30k, and the Austin Marathon/Half Marathon. Christine Egli won the Female Masters division by over 50 minutes and Julie Stansberry won the F40-44 division by a landslide 65 minutes. Mark Enstone placed 3rd in the full-track M45-49 and Larry Bright won the half-track M45-49 by 7 minutes. Congrats Team Rogue ADC!

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Coach Carolyn Mangold, Spring Marathon group

Congrats to all of you who raced this weekend, taking on the tough hometown Austin course.   You all have trained hard, some of you for a really long time, as many of you started last summer.   Special thanks to all the NSR’s (Northside Runaways) who came out to cheer them on.  We all know how meaningful it is to see a friendly face, especially wearing a Cat in the Hat!

Congrats to all:

·         To our first time marathoners:  Dave, Steven and Tori.  All 3 persevered and finished strong, even looking great up that San Jac hill, despite the mental challenges along the 26.2 miles.  Good job to Tori for running a negative split race for her first marathon.  Woo hoo!

·         To newcomer Matt, whose intent was to run the marathon as an easy run, but finished within 10 min of a PR!

·         To our Half marathoners who Pr’d:  Adusha, Kenneth and Z!    Once again, new and faster paces for Z to run at the Wed workouts.

·         To our Half marathoners, long distance veterans now, having run multiple half marathons:  Doug, Kit , Missy, Patsy, Sheryl, Thomas and MyHong.  Kit ran Austin faster than her time trial predicted, even with extra mileage she added Sunday to make this her long run for the week.

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Coach Allison Macsas, Spring Marathon group

Though our group is focused upon later races and are still in the thick of training, we had some incredible performances!

Manny Macias quietly went and entered himself into the actual marathon, and ran 3:35, a 38 MINUTE PR!

Robert Nathan raced the half and PR’ed with a 1:42, just a month after his great Houston performance!

Andria Chaney PRed by 4 minutes in the half, finishing with a great 2:13!

Debbie Allen ran a super-strong 2:11 as a ‘fun run’ and Priscilla Macias also ran a solid 2:27.

Mandy Deen officially returned from her post-Dallas injury with a 26:32 in the Paramount 5K.

Adam Mathews survived the fastest post-injury ramp up ever to fulfill his 4:10 pacing duties, and assistant coach Devon Kiernan paced Marathon High kids to a life-changing first marathon in 5:15.

Awesome, everyone!

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Again, congrats to everyone who ran and thank you to all of our coaches! We are proud to call you Rogue!

Ich Bin Ein Rogue – Berlin Marathon 2012

by Jessica Gonzales

Much of Coach Amy Anderson’s group had just finished running the Chicago Marathon when talk of Berlin first came up. Maybe it was the heat or maybe it was the group’s love for beer, but that day, before the soreness of the marathon had even set in, the Berlin Marathon seemed like a brilliant idea for the group’s next fall race.

Days later, someone in the group mentioned Berlin on the locker room forum and others chimed in enthusiastically. That was all Amy needed. We all know that she is a force to be reckoned with, but she worked extra hard to make this happen. In just a few days, she convinced Rogue to let her coach a fall group with a Berlin focus and assembled a group of more than 20 runners who were willing to make the journey to Germany.

Long before marathon training even started, Amy provided mileage build schedules for everyone who was looking to PR in the fall. By the time May rolled around, everyone was excited to get started – if not with running then with trip planning. The miles and months went by quickly. As every training group does, this one developed its own traditions and ‘you-had-to-be-there’ stories. Saturday long runs were followed by breakfast tacos. Thursday evening workouts were followed by beers. There was the particularly humid day that an injured Don became a hero by unexpectedly appearing on the long run route – with Gatorade. Brent became well-known for his lively impersonations. Everyone gave Scott, a soon-to-be dad, a few baby name suggestions. Jess amazed everyone with her Ironman training. Anna and Katherine swapped stories about their chickens. No matter how many miles the group covered, there was always something to talk about. Inevitably, the discussion almost always came back to Berlin – what to do, where else to go, where to stay.

Finally, September came. Everyone packed their bags, said their goodbyes at the last workout, and jetted off to Europe. The day before the race, everyone met up in front of the Brandenburg Gate for a group photo. Anticipation filled the air. Not only was the group in Germany (which was pretty freaking cool on its own), but everyone was about to run 26.2 miles!

The Berlin Marathon is known for being a flat and fast course, and for much of the group it was a red-letter day. Lori ran her very first marathon; Connie, Anna, Nathan, John, and Garrett smashed their PRs; Edward and Ryan broke three hours – so many people had a great day! As the group gathered in the Tiergarten after the race, sipping on beers and discussing the day, one thing became very clear – we had gone from a bunch of folks signed up for a running program to a group of friends.

Jessica Gonzales ran a Personal Best of 3:19 at the Berlin Marathon.  She is currently training for the Boston Marathon with Coach Jeff Knight and Team Rogue.

Sweet & Sour

written by a fellow Rogue

As I sit on my couch at home, I feel a little bit like Humpty Dumpty—broken and trying to put the pieces back together again.  Yesterday I toed the line at the Dallas Marathon and yielded a less than favorable result.  “Less than favorable” is a really nice way of saying it and for the safety of all of those reading at work, I’ll refrain from utilizing phrases that might more accurately describe what occurred on that fateful day.

“What’s with all the wordy melodrama?” you might ask.  Well, on the heels of the RAC’s success at the Cross National Championships, I wanted to share the other side of racing—the bitterness of defeat.  But wait, don’t leave just yet.  I promise to outline the silver linings within defeat.

The Dallas Marathon was my fourth marathon and I arrived in Dallas having completed a wildly successful and difficult training season with John Schrup and Team Rogue.  I was confident a PR was in hand.  I was going to punch this marathon right where it hurt most.  Sure, it’ll punch back but my training made me strong enough to endure it.  I really wanted to impress my teammates, coach and girlfriend.  I wanted that, “wow, he did what?!” kind of reaction.  I definitely got that reaction; just not the exact tone I wanted.  Going into the race I had heard the weather might be a bit dicey this year, but I consulted with a good friend and nutritionist about developing a race fuel plan that might mitigate the impact of warmer, more humid conditions.  The weather was not going to dissuade me from my attempt at a PR (or so I thought Saturday night).  I took all the necessary precautions; I didn’t change anything from my 6-months of training—same pre-long run dinner, same breakfast, same ridiculously short shorts.

Race morning felt more like a nice summer morning in Austin—near 70 degrees and damn near 100% humidity.  Surrounding runners in the corral began to discuss how poor the weather was.  Was I going to relax my goal now?  Nope.  I decided to go the first 3 – 6 miles at MGP and see how I felt; if the effort was too much, I’d back off for a few miles then make another push.  After the mile 1 my effort was more like HMP and my singlet looked like I was auditioning for a role in Magic Mike (here’s looking at you Marc B and Anuj).  Nevertheless I continued with my plan.  I had foolishly hoped the effort might begin to feel easier as I warmed up, but sadly it didn’t.  At mile 6 I came to the hororring realization that any hope of my PR was gone.  In fact, just finishing was going to require a monumental effort mentally.  Once your goal vanishes as quickly as mine did, it takes a lot of mental effort to re-engage in the race.  The doubts and negativity sink their talons into the psyche:

“I spent 6-months busting my ass and this is how it ends?”

“Why even bother continuing?”

“I’ll just make this a training run”

“These next 20 miles are going to SUCK!!”

I had spent the entire week thinking this race would be the zenith of the training.  Now, I was acutely aware that it might be the nadir.  I knew, unequivocally, that the next 20 miles would be the hardest 20 miles I had ever done.  Ever.  Instead of each mile marker being an accomplishment, it was a cruel reminder of how far I had to go to complete this poor excuse of a race effort.  Harsh?  Perhaps, but that’s what I thought.  Strangely enough, Friday and Saturday the little sleep I did get resulted in nightmares of me quitting the race.  Each night I awoke in sheer terror and embarrassment.  And each night I woke up relieved that it wasn’t reality.  I wasn’t quitting on this race.  It’s still a marathon and finishing is finishing.  (Kinda sounds like, “fair is fair” from The Legend of Billy Jean doesn’t it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClVGVsXyY-c ).

The next 20 miles were indeed the hardest.  I tried to push and compete but the pace kept getting slower and slower.  You try ignoring the Garmin, but who are we kidding right?  Runners were dropping out left and right.  An elite runner sat on the side of the road near mile 10 with a “wtf was that” look on his face.  Each time a runner quits in front of you, it affords that negative demon more ammunition and it makes continuing that much more challenging.  But, you have to keep battling.  Walt Disney is quoted as saying, “often times the difference between winning and losing is quitting”.  I may not have gotten a PR, but I’m not losing on this day (especially not with my girlfriend on the bike next to me).  I mean, how embarrassing for her.

“Ok, you had a bad race. Shit happens.  Where’s the silver lining stuff you clamored about?”

Well, it’s like my friend Chris McClung blogged about after his marathon in Philly a few years back.  Marathon training isn’t defined by the marathon result, but rather the relationships you develop during that time.  It’s those relationships that you recall when stuff doesn’t go your way.  It’s those relationships you garner strength from.  And with each race, there’s always something you can learn from it. (anyone else thinking of this Top Gun scene? Start at around 0:45 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1nS19OOD-U)

While Dallas sucked for me, there were several things I learned:

• My girlfriend is absolutely amazing (thanks for everything Jen!)  ok, I didn’t learn this one, so it’s more of a reminder
• Have multiple goals so you’re prepared to re-engage mentally if PR’ing or your top time goal isn’t there that day
• Finishing a marathon is ALWAYS the #1 goal; gotta earn the shirt and medal
• They can’t always be good days, but you can always learn something from every race you do (still thinking about the Top Gun scene aren’t you)
• The bad marathons, like bad long-runs or workouts, just make the good ones that much better; after all, the sweet is never as sweet without the sour (thank you Jon Alter for reminding me of that a few years ago);
• Your fitness isn’t defined by your marathon time, but rather what you did during your training

 

The last point is something I’ll try to remind myself repeatedly of.  The confidence gets rattled a bit and the doubts that were once gentle whispers in the ear are amplified into a howl.  But, you cannot acquiesce to the doubt.  You have to keep battling and get back to work.  I’ll spend the next few days overindulging in beer, beer and maybe a little more beer and then I’ll return to Team Rogue to prepare for another go at a PR (probably after a quick stop at the local detox center).  I’ll bury the negativity of this race in Dallas where it belongs, alongside all the other tatter runners.

So with that I’ll leave you to your holiday cheers (wait, did you say cheers? Who’s buying?).  Enjoy your training.  Enjoy the fitness you gain and the relationships you develop and foster during your marathon training.  Remember, finishing the marathon is always the #1 goal.

Next stop: Friday’s Red Dress Run.

Northside Runaways battle in Dallas!

by coach Carolyn Mangold

Congrats to the Northside Runaways who raced Dallas yesterday in hot and humid conditions!  We’re proud of the work they did this season, the friendships and training buddies made along the way, and how they helped others in the group with their training and their race.

We had 20 runners on the course this morning.   A few special congratulations:
·         Our first timer finishers this morning:  Justin, Brad, Alesha, Ade, Emily, Kristine and Saira
·         2 ladies who struggled with injuries these final weeks, and endured countless hours on the elliptical! :  Ade and Alesha.
·         The “BOTM” girls, who were injured last year, couldn’t run the marathon, but finished today:  Saira and Jill
·         The 5 PR’s in the group:  Jenny, Colin, Jill, Missy and Lia, amazing races in this weather!

Also congratulations to MyHong, who PR’d in CIM the previous weekend in horrible windy and rainy conditions.

Special thanks to Angela, Steve and Denise E, who drove up to cheer the group on!

October 6-7: Rogue results!

It was another big weekend of incredible Rogue performances all over the country (and outside of it)! Congratulations to everyone, and please note that this list will be updated as we receive results from your coaches!

CHICAGO MARATHON

Meghan Klotz: 3:43 (20 minute PR!)

Brian Ward – 3:05 (PR) and Boston Qualifier

Cory Leahy – 3:54 (PR)

Crista Ward – 4:06 (PR)

Brent Douglas – 4:17 (PR)

Marc Rankin – 4:17 (PR)

Pragati Desai – 4:20 (PR)

Stacey Shapiro – 4:39

Maria Resendiz – 4:40:54

Moya Griffin – 3:50

Sarah Campbell 3:01:42 PR

Ashley Rollins  4:01:39

Bryan Morton 2:48 (pacing a friend, at a wedding the night before)

Mark Kundivich 3:40:48 PR

Scott Brischke 3:43:59 PR

Anthony Klaer 3:43:59 PR

Nichole Smith 3:48:13 PR

Chuck Batts 3:50:18 Near-PR

Charles Valentine 4:36:08

Corey Sutton 4:48:18 First Marathon!

Sanjiv Sarwate 5:02:11 PR

PORTLAND MARATHON

David Goodstein 3:37:36

ST. GEORGE MARATHON

Stephanie Kurpiewski  3:53:51 BQ

 STEAMTOWN MARATHON

Devon Kiernan: 3:18 (tune-up for upcoming 100 miler)

TWIN CITIES MARATHON

Desha Bunton – 4:00 (PR) – Minneapolis Marathon

BUENOS AIRES MARATHON

Sarah Stein-Lobovits – 3:32 (PR) and Boston Qualifier

WEST TEXAS CROSSROADS MARATHON

Lori Wilson – 3:49, 1^st in age group

TYLER HALF MARATHON

Robert Nathan: 1:43:08 (7+ minute PR!)

IBM 10K

Scott MacPherson: 30:03, 3rd overall

Jeff Sadler: 31:27

Carl STones: 31:41

Chris Gowell: 31:45

Rio Reina: 31:22

Warren Brown: 31:50

Mariko Holbrook: 36:05 (2nd female!)

Mark Enstone 42:17, 16th in age group

James Stansberry 42:56, 7th in age group

Julie Stansberry 46:04, 7th in age group

Paul Pedraza 43:54, 25th in age group

Dana Andrea 49:44, 13th in age group

Alyssa Sparks, 1:19 (a 12+ min. PR)

Andy “Monarch” Montoya, 49:25 (a 5:42 PR)

Ashley Sorvillo, 1:19 (a 12+ min. recent PR, 5 months post-baby)

Christine Trujillo, 1:19

Sarah Saenz: 9 minute PR!!

Laura Rodriguez: 6 minute PR!!

Rachelle Vega: 10 minute PR!!

Daniel West, 1:32 (first 10k)

Diana Searcy, 1:27 (first 10k)

Janie Orta, 1:25 (a 12+ min. PR)

Jesse Abing, 38:54 (recent PR, beat his goal of <39:20)

Krystal Sanders, 50:45

Manika Patel, 1:47

Mindy LeJeune (PR, first sub <1:00)

Sarah Stanton Johnson, 57:15 (PR, first sub <1:00)

Tim Davis, 57:04 (PR, first sub <1:00)

Charlotte Reyer, 1:09

Cindy Rondini, 59:22 (recent PR)

Kathy Greer, 58:21 (& her Rogue daughter, Rachel Greer, won 1st in her age group for the 5k)

Anita Sandhu, 56:19 (recent PR)

Chris McClung, 36:43

Loretta Babin, 56:02

Jonathan Guttell, 43:33 (PR)

Van Fitzgerald, 43:58

Jenny Bowden, 56:35

Oscar Gonzalez, 52:11

Larry Bright, 38:44

Michael Wedel, 37:49 (PR)

Carey Harris, 54:31

Heidi Munin, 1:14

James Dodds, 41:21

Jonathan Guttel  43:33 PR

Michael Wedel  37:49  PR

Marc Bergman  35:10 2d AG

Corey Henry  36:27

Wes Johnson  34:40

Christine Egli  41:57 2d AG

Ashley Johnson 43:19

Deidre Skrudland: 44:44 (PR)

Lisa Davis: 51:30 (PR)

Tia Owens: 1:01:47 (2.5 minute PR!)

Cindy Maher Rondini: 59:22 (PR)

Stephanie Diswood: 53:02 (PR!)

Rebecca Upchurch: 48:33 (PR!)

Carol Willis: 1:03:02 (PR!)

Greg Baxter 36:51 (1st AG)  PR

David Yin: 37:25′ (4th AG)

Andy 37:50″ (6th AG) PR

Mandy Olivares: 37:51″  (5th AG)

David Schwalm: 37:52″ (2nd AG)

Scott…38:12″  (not in results, but probably 2nd in AG)

Sam LaBrie: 38:40″  (4th AG)

Amy…38:45′   (3rd AG)

Catherine Barrera: 39:13″  (1st AG)

Shannon Presley: 39:40″ (1st AG)

Kevin..40:28″ (10th AG)

Susan…42:01″ (2nd AG) PR

Deb Hilton: 42:56″  (4th AG)

Kim McCudden: 44:59′   (6th AG)

Mary Faria: 46″13″ (1st AG)

Ann Laubach: 46: 15″  (2nd AG)

Shelly: 53:12″ (12th AG)…

IBM 5K

Amanda Anderson: 27:55 (2+ minute PR!)

Irene Ovalle: 20:27 (1st place!)

Laura Mitchell: 21:00

TUFT’S HEALTH 10K

Cassie Henkiel: 36:12

When faster is not enough…

by Jimmy Ho

No one ever said this would be easy. Running my first marathon is the easiest thing I have done at this point. I was about to run my second marathon, with a a different goal the second go around.  My goal for my first was to finish under four hours and not walk any of it, and I ran a 3:35. My ultimate goal is to qualify for the Boston marathon, which at my age is a 3:05. Going into my second race, I thought could reduce the gap in half; anything less would be unacceptable.

I wanted to do the Panhandle Marathon in Lubbock because my wife’s family lives there, so it was killing two birds with one stone. I found out about the race at the end of April during the middle of my soccer season. I started to train at the end of May when soccer was over. My first time with Rogue I ran at a beginner level, and this time, I ran at an advanced level, cramming 800 miles into a four months period. Running 50 miles a week is definitely tougher than running 40; it is obviously a bigger time commitment. During training, I stayed relatively injury free. I had some inside knee pain on both legs. Icing them down helped a lot. I also developed this weird pain in my right foot that felt like I had jammed my pinkie toe. In August, we went on a no alcohol, white starches/breads, dessert, and cheese diet, and it definitely helped with training. I felt great. The only bad run I had during training was the 24 miler, but other than that, I had a lot of confidence going into the race.

We got to Lubbock on Thursday. When you are out of town, it is hard to eat healthy. I had lived in the Lubbock for a little bit so we ate at some of the familiar places. Lubbock has so many restaurants, and most of them are chains. On Friday, I was anxious to get the iPhone 5 that I had preordered and shipped to Lubbock. I was hoping I would not miss the UPS guy because if I had, the phones probably would have been reshipped to Austin. It finally came at 6pm after I waited around all day. I tried to keep Saturday low-key. I picked up my packet with our friend, Ginger. I am actually proud of her. She had never run further than a 5k, and I convinced her to run the half marathon. I can only imagine training for it with two kids when you are not a runner in the first place would be tough, but she did it. My wife and I then hung out with her mom, grilled out, and watched football. I actually took a nap during the visit. For some reason, I never napped after my long runs on Saturdays. I was always doing something. We went to check in at the hotel and met up with the Beef Team (a great group of people who love running and beef) for our pre race meal, then went to bed around 9:30.

Sleeping Saturday night was a struggle. It took a while to fall asleep, and I kept waking up. I got out about at 6am before the alarm would go off. I had a bagel, and Mother Nature was right on cue. The hotel was a mile away from the start line, so I walked there. I actually need the “warm-up” because my right hamstring was sore from kicking a football with Ginger’s kid, Hunter. The race started at 7:30 which I thought was kind of late. It was the inaugural race, and there were about 150 marathon runners. When the field took off, it spread out thin fast. There were a lot of turns within the first three miles, and right about then, I was running by myself. I had no music with me, so it was just the sound of my shoes hitting the pavement. It was a brisk morning, and I felt great in the beginning. I signed up thinking the race would be flat because Lubbock is so flat that if you stood on a penny, you could see Dallas or at least that is what they say.

Around mile eight, I made a quick pit stop and lost about forty seconds. In the first ten miles, the race included every hill in Lubbock. I did not even know these hills had existed. Thank goodness I train in Austin and attacked them with ease. For some reason during training, every time I see a hill, I always sped up it. It is speed work in disguise. When I finished the first half of the race, I was sitting at 1:35. I knew I was making good time. When I started the race, I had two packets of chews and three packets of gel. I tried Accel Gel for the first time, and I really liked it. The first 18 miles were pretty uneventful. The course took us through Mackenzie Park, Texas Tech, and Greek circle. Things started to go downhill at that point when my legs started to cramp. I had the same issues with cramping at the Houston marathon around the same mileage. However in Houston, I was able to turn it on the last six miles while I was trying to chase down Cassundra. This time I had no Cassundra, it was getting hotter, and I was starting to slow down. I feel like the sun is my kryptonite.

Around mile 21, I saw my wife. I had seen her a few times along the course, and it was good to see her out there supporting me. At this point, I thought about walking, but I did not want to let her I know I was hurting. The cramping and heat was getting to me. I almost cried thinking about how much work I put into the training, and I was blowing it on race day. The last five miles I kept thinking I could turn it on any second, but as the miles past, I was going slower. At mile 24, two people actually passed me. Normally I am the one passing people at the end. I finally crossed the line pissed off at 3:31. I told myself anything short of a ten minute PR would be disappointing. I somehow ended up finishing seventh, but I knew I could have done so much better. If I ran the race I had in mind, I could have finished fourth or fifth. Ginger finished her half before I finished. We were supposed to celebrate at brunch, so we went to Blue Mesa where I had a few mimosas. Later, we celebrated with some friends by shot-gunning beers in the front yard. Classy.

I have been mad at myself for the last week or so, but I am over it now. During the race, I thought about never running a marathon again, but I am ready to run another marathon.  So what is next? I am planning to do the Run for the Water 10 miler for my birthday. I will probably run the 3M half with a 1:30 in mind, and have a little fun running the Austin marathon. All of us have goals in mind, but at the end of the day, running is supposed to be fun, healthy, and something we enjoy. So just go out there and run and do not worry about anything else.

Until next time, Rogue, happy running.

Big Sur Trail Marathon Recap: Erik Stanley’s Course Record!

by Erik Stanley

We get to Andrew Molera where the race starts and it is pretty chilly- upper 40’s. We had a nice drive from Monterrey through Carmel and over the Bixby Bridge. The waves are crashing against the coast and the sun is out for the first time during our stay. I get out of the car and begin scanning discretely for potential competition. One of the guys looks pretty fit, and coincidentally is wearing Texas flag shorts. I go up to him and find out he is not from Texas, and find out no information about his fitness. Ashley and I walk up the race organizers to pick up our number. Of course Ashley tells the lady that I am going to win, and makes sure everyone around hears it. I feel uncomfortable and try to hurry along the process.  I know she is proud of me and likes to show it, but I don’t know who is going to show up for this race. I usually don’t vocalize my race plans with people I don’t know. I do realize however that I should lighten up and be comfortable expressing my intent for the race.

I woke up early that morning feeling a little uneasy about the race. My last race at Steamboat was really tough and I was hoping to avoid falling into the deep dark spot I went into when I hit the wall at mile 15. So I woke up and starting writing out my intent for the race and align my thoughts with success rather than focusing on what problems could arise.

“Today’s race is a training opportunity for the Bandera 100k and the 50 mile at Cactus Rose at the end of the month. Practice controlled running (not braking) on the steep down hills and pace myself through the entire race to be able to finish hard the last 6-8 miles.

I am in better shape than I was 6 weeks ago in Steamboat and more prepared for this race. I have the tools I need to be successful today.

I am in this race because I am a natural fighter and a competitor.

Run with a smile”

Nothing mind-blowing here, but it did help me re-direct my energy. So we put our number on our shirts and I take off for a 15 min warm up. I have on my 2XU compression tights to help me loosen up before the start (works great!). I head down towards the beach and see some people up ahead and then bam! I am flat out on the dirt. Luckily terrain was soft. I hopped up pretty quick as I feel like an idiot for falling on this flat trail. I run by the others and say, “I am fine. Just needed a warm up fall before I start.” I get back from the warm up and head to the port a john one more time. We all get together for a group photo. The race director has an 82 yr old volunteer to sing America the Beautiful. It was funny because he actually started singing the Star Spangled Banner and we sang America the Beautiful. Must have been a miscommunication.

I get to the start and wish Lise, Nyleva, Ash, Jeff, and Sal well for their race and give them some final words of encouragement. A few new faces arrive at the starting line who look like they could be fast. One guy is from Mexico and has his jersey decked out with sponsors. I start to wonder how fast he might be. We take off and it is pretty quickly strung out to him and I and last year’s race winner. I start talking and find out the two are friends and Oswaldo trains on this trail quite frequently. He is breathing pretty hard and I am thinking, “Shit! Why is this dude breathing so hard?” The first climb is close to 1,000ft in about 2.5 miles. I am testing out my Suunto Ambit for the first time on a trail race. Now I have some idea where the top of the mountain is with the altimeter and can see my pace and average pace throughout the race. We look to be mid 7 min pace. I felt comfortable, but start wondering if I will be able to win. I think, “When do I decide to win or not win?” I remind myself that I have a long race and as long as I am near him close to the finish, no one on the trail will be able to out kick me if it came down to it. So I stay patient and enjoy the rest of the climb.

We crest the top hill at 2.5 miles and immediately drop back down another 1,000 ft. The sun is out and the view is awesome. We drop back down and the temperature cools as we had plenty of shade from the giant Redwoods. I can see and hear the mossy green brook that parallels the trail. On A few spots on the downhill I look to see my watch saying we are sub 5 min pace. It was a little faster than I had imagined I would run so I east up and maintain pace just enough just to tag along behind Oswaldo. The trail flattens out for a short spell, and we are cruising around 6 min pace. We talk about random things and get acquainted. He is fluent in English, but I try to practice a little Spanish with him as well. He is super friendly and I am immediately grateful to have him to run with for this race and share the company.

We stay flat for less than a mile and head back up the steepest of climbs at mile 4.5. He is still clicking away and huffin’ and puffin’ a little more aggressively than myself. On the steepest part I stop to power walk for a second and he immediately tells me to stay with him and vamonos! I tell him of my last race and how I didn’t want to over due it too early. Oswaldo tells me, “Hey, you stay with me and we work together and run fast today!” I decide to keep running and focus on keeping a short stride to power up the hill. All of a sudden I feel good and want to push. I decide to stay with him though- as we are only at mile 6 or so nearing the top of the second climb. “Remember your plan,” I tell myself. We stop at the second aid station at mile 6.5. I immediately drop off my hydration pack, as I realized that I was basically packing for a 50 mile instead of a marathon. I have 2 PB&J sandwiches plus a bar and a bottle of Accelerade and Tums not to mention over a liter of water! I am carrying over 5 lbs extra and shed the weight. I take my Accellerade, Luna bar, and some Tums. I also grab a few bites of my sandwich to try and shove down as we descend.

Oswaldo didn’t stop while I dropped by pack and is about 30 seconds ahead. I am in no rush to catch him. I am confident, and I have seen that he runs harder on the downhill, but I can run with him and I am stronger on the climbs and significantly stronger on the flats. I Catch him near the near halfway down the decent. He yells for me to make sure I am all right. I know the hardest of climbs are over for about 12 miles or so. We hit an aid station at mile 8. We power on and it is nice running without the hydration pack and snacks.

Oswaldo and I talk about the Rogue trail program and other trail races and Leo Manzano. Anytime I am around other runners or people from Mexico that may have heard of him, I tend to bring him up. Leo is very inspiring, and he and I were college roommates, teammates, friends, and everyone loves him. Oswaldo is impressed and is impressed with my 1500-meter times. Oswaldo has run some really fast 100 milers, so we are in some ways coming at this race from two very different perspectives.

We make a few more climbs and run through some sage and lavendar fields on the way up to the Bixby Bridge. We arrive at the Bixby Bridge at around mile 10. We grab some water and bananas. Oswaldo is in front of me and I see he has mastered the technique to pee while running without peeing his pants. Pretty impressive! We discuss technique. I tried to do the same, but was unsuccessful as I waited until the downhill that makes it much more challenging and potential problems arise. Oswaldo and I make some jokes about it as we continue running back down the mountain.  We both are laughing, and having a good time. I maintain pace and we see the 3^rd runner coming in a few minutes behind us. He is wearing the Saucony Hattori and my feet hurt just watching him in those shoes on this course. I am in the New Balance MT 110 and question whether or not that is enough of a shoe for the distance. My calves are already getting sore, but I have been using them and like the traction and how light the shoe is. I feel like my 2XU calf guards help to keep my calves from exploding in pain. All of a sudden though Oswaldo is falling behind. I yell back at him. “Hey! Come on! Stay with me! We will work together.” He yells something but I can’t really hear clearly. I think he is just telling me to keep it up. I see Lise coming up ahead and cheer for her and we high five. I am trying to hold myself from completely opening up on the downhill because I know the last 6-8 miles are going to be tough. Part of me wants to try to surge away, but I remain patient and stick to my plan.

The race course is an out and back with an extra 5ish mile out and back in the middle from Bixby bridge to the aid station. I turn around at the aid station at 12.5, grab some water, and drink some more Accelerade. I am really grateful for how well the Accelerade is going down and providing me with some extra energy. I feel fairly well though and maintain pace. I see Oswald and he is maybe 90 seconds back.  I look at my watch around 13.8 and see we are around 1:36 or so and am content with the pace.

I make my way to Bixby Bridge again to see Lise and we cheer for each other. I see some of the other runners I spoke with before the race and they are cheering for me. We were getting more cheers when Oswaldo was running with me, because he is somewhat of a local and knows a bunch of the runners. Now that he and I are apart they stop cheering. I cheer for them nevertheless.

I grab another banana and water and the aid station crew informs me that I am “flying!” I thank them and head out. I pass Jeff and slap him on the rear to send him some energy. Then I see Lise just after Nyleva is headed up to the bridge. They stop for a picture and both look awesome. I tell them they are doing great and yell some words of encouragement which they can’t hear as I am already down the hill. It is super cool to be able to see them on the course.

I thought the extra out and back would be tough mentally going into the race, but it actually was more encouraging for me as I was able to run by people and see the rest of the group. This helped me to feel the support and energy from other runners as well as I could cheer for them. I make my way past the mile 15 marker. I take it easy up the steep climb on the way back as I know it is over 1,000 ft and I am alone now.

The trees are beautiful and the trail is shaded well again with the Redwoods. It is probably mid 60’s or so.15 minutes or so later I begin to fall into some distracting negative thinking. Thoughts go through my head of “what if I can’t make it, or what if Oswaldo catches me?” I stop myself to avoid falling into that destructive mindset of “what ifs.” I decide to pretend there are people around and start cheering for imaginary people running down the hill. I pretent Oswaldo is right behind me and that we are working together. Although a little kooky, it actually seemed to be what I needed.

I start catching people finishing up the their half marathon. As I get to the top of the hill at the aid station at mile 18.5 I decide to start pushing a little harder. The downhill is only 10 minutes as my pace was right around or under 5 min/mile. My calves are now killing me. I have been chopping my stride on the downhill to keep it short and keep off my heels. I think I should have sat a little lower on the downhill, but I was not sure if it felt steep enough to do so. Note to self: Maybe some more work needed in the downhill training. Either way- I am rolling this downhill. It flattens out for a minute and then right back up the last 1,000 ft climb at mile 22.5! I start talking to imaginary people again, as I usually have these negative thought when I am alone and tired and going up hill. I have to stop to walk once as I felt my heart rate was a little higher than I was comfortable. I power walk for about 20 seconds and get back to a run. It is hard for me once I start walking to go back into running mode, so I decided to keep the walk short and avoid it.

I am still averaging around 7-7:30 on the climb, which is solid. I get to the crest and the last aid station mile 24. They are yelling about how far ahead I am. I have no idea how far anyone really is. I hope far, but for all I know Oswaldo is coming after me.

I hit the downhill and open up more. I realized that I could have a chance to be around 3 hr total if I totally ripped it. I also wanted to make sure no one would catch me. Now I have decided the race is mine to lose! I am catching more half marathoners and we cheer each other on. I see one of Oswaldo’s friends and he asks if I am in the marathon. He looks surprised as hell. I know he thought he would see Oswaldo. “Sorry man,” I think.

I come across the line in 3:02 after 12,000 ft of elevation change. “Not bad,” I think. No one realized I was a marathoner until about 30 seconds later and then they start cheering. My watch only shows 25.5 miles so I was surprised to see the finish. I talk to the race director and a few other folks. He confirms that my watch was off because of the tress. I was not completely convinced. I speak with Lise later and find out she had 25.8, so could have been a little short. I head down the mountain to get my shirt and get many congrats from everyone. No awards ceremony unfortunately, but I did win a bottle of wine and a rubber chicken for my efforts. Of course, I would not have minded some monetary prize or gift, but it is a small race. The proceeds support the Friends of the Andrew Molera Park, and I can support that cause. I do wish they had some food at the finish though. Only chips and trail mix. Bummer as I did not pack a lunch. I find Ashley on the way down and she did great as well!  She finished top 10 in her age division in 2:43. She is excited for me! We head to the stream to sit and cool the legs. The water is about 60 degrees or so….perfect. I take my Endurox and keep munching on trail mix and pretzels at the finish hoping some real food would come out somewhere. The Endurox was key though. Nice and clean after the river bath, I throw on my 2XU recovery socks and we head up the hill to watch the others finish. I meet some other runners and we make plans to meet up for a beer later that night with the rest of our group.

I miss Oswaldo somehow, but catch up with some of the other top finishers. Lise is next zooming in 4:36. She came in 2^nd in her division and 7^th female overall!  She ran hard, but was not as spent like we were after Steamboat. Jeff is next in 5 ½ and Nyleva in 5:42 finishing 4^th in her division. Both looked awesome! I was really excited for how well they all did. Here are the results page- http://results.us.eventdirector.net/List.asp?EventID=4843&RaceID=FULL

Thanks to Rogue Running, New Balance for the MT110’s, 2XU for hookin’ up the gear, and Pacific Health Labs for nutrition, Ashley, and members and friends of my Rogue Trail Class for joining me and supporting trail running in Austin,TX!

Want more Erik? Check out his trail programs and get in on the off-road fun!

Amazing Races!

September 29-30, 2012 was one of the most impressive race weekends we can remember here at Rogue, and it was just the first of the season! In no particular order, here are results from a variety of races – if we missed you or someone you know, please add it in the comments section!

CASA SUPERHERO RUN 5K

Travis Johnson: 16:50 (PR and overall WINNER!)

Josh Elliot: 19:43 (PR, 1st in age group!)

Troy Carter: 23:39 (3rd in age group, the day after a Mt. Bonnell 20 miler!)

RUN BY THE CREEK

5K:

Allison Macsas 18:02 (1st female, 4th overall!)

Michael Wedel: 18:45 (5th overall!)

Minh Duong: 20:44

Jenn Howard-Brown: 24:14 (PR, 1st in age group!)

Kelly Wilkinson: 29:53 (the day after a Mt. Bonnell 18 miler!)

10K:

Nicole Bowler: 37:01 (1st overall female!)

Scott MacPherson: 31:30 (2nd overall male!)

Darlene Streeter (first 10k!)

BERLIN MARATHON (haven’t received word on PRs, age group finishes, etc):

Ryan Bane: 2:56:53 (5 minute PR!)

Edward Morgan: 2:56:56

Amy Anderson: 3:37:26

Rudy Sanchez: 3:37:27

Ginger Bane: 4:13:23

Alicia Isaac-Curra: 4:14:12

Anna McGarity: 4:03:46

Brent Weber: 3:46:24

Cheryl White: 6:16

Connie Weaver: 4:25:28

Delia Garza: 4:18:29

Don Carnes: 3:49:56

Emily Timm Miller: 4:53:16

Gabriel Trinidad: 3:54:05

Garrett Williams: 3:33:57

Jessica Gonzales: 3:19:43

John Strohmeyer: 3:06:04 (8 minute PR!)

KB Schatz: 3:43:28

Kent Little: 3:30:18

Lori Sanchez: 4:39:56

Nathan Schatz: 4:00:24

Scott Maddeaux: 3:34:33

Lauren Pearson: 4:53:16

BIG SUR TRAIL MARATHON

Erik Stanley: 3:02:21 (1st place, COURSE RECORD!!)

Lise Plantier: 4:36:46

Jeff Freestone: 5:29:34

Nyleva Corley: 5:42:51

BIG SUR TRAIL HALF MARATHON

Ashley Cross-Stanley: 2:43:05

THE BEAR CHASE TRAIL RACE:

Todd Jones: 6th male, 50K!

Kristal Jones: first 50K race!

Meredith Terranova: 2nd female, 50 miler!

Sydney Pitt: 100 mile finisher!

TAHOE TRIPLE

Steve Caruso: Steve ran three back-to-back marathons (4:40, 4:37, ???) and then proposed to fellow Rogue Carolyn Gump – Steve takes the crown for the weekend!

Tracktown, USA: Last night’s recap and 1500m Previews

 

by Chris McClung

Epic. That is the only way to describe last night in Tracktown. I am lucky enough to be in Eugene, OR now and was at the stadium last night to witness the events of the night including 5K finals. I have been to historic Hayward Field before but never during a track meet and definitely not during the Olympic Trials. Words cannot describe the mix of excitement, anxiety, passion, joy, suffering, and hope that fills that place, not just from last night but whispering from thousands of races past where hopes and dreams were made or dashed on the oval in the middle. If you haven’t watched a track meet at Hayward Field, it should be on your bucket list.

There were so many great moments last night that brought goosebumps to my skin, more so than any chill that came with the mid-50 temperatures and rain.

Some of the highlights:

The Men’s Discus:

I know nothing about the discus throw and can say that I have never paid attention to the sport. Last night, the final of the men’s discus was on the infield as other running events were taking place on the track. Often times, the field events go unnoticed, since everyone is paying attention to something else.

Last night was different. The crowd became aware that the man leading the discus still needed the A standard distance to make the team, otherwise the next 3 athletes on the list would go in his place even if he won the night. It was down to his final throw, and he needed to throw 2 more feet on his next one to make the team. 22,000 people started clapping in unison to show their support as he approached the throwing circle. We continued clapping as he began to feed off of the energy and encourage us to get louder. The next few moments seemed to last for minutes as he spun, threw, and unleashed a throw that was initially wobbling but then leveled to fly clean and true. It was the most beautiful, arching throw of the night. The crowd watched and then gasped as we knew that it was a good one but that it would be close. Silence replaced the clapping and cheers as we all waited on his distance to pop up on the scoreboard, knowing that he needed to clear 213 feet to make the team.

Then, 213’ 9” flashed and we erupted in cheers and a standing ovation as Lance Brooks celebrated wildly on the infield getting embraces from his closest competitors and new team members. He was an Olympian, and he made it when it counted most with all eyes on him and one final heave to go.

The Women’s 5K:

This one proved to be as dramatic as we thought it might be. The race for the final 3 spots came down to the final straightaway and ultimately the women’s 5K Olympic team was decided by lean and 4 one-hundredths of a second. Check out this picture of the finish for 3^rd here: http://www.letsrun.com/2012/lucas-0629.php.

Kim Conley was the story of the race. With 200 meters to go, she was in 5^th and 25 meters behind then 3^rd place Julia Lucas. Lucas was slowing dramatically as she had pushed to the lead too early and then started to fade, but Conley still needed to pass 4^th place and close the gap. Plus, she had to do it fast enough to achieve the A standard that she still needed. And, she did it. She closed the gap, nipped Lucas at the line, and finished .2 seconds below the A standard.

Her interview is definitely worth a watch: http://www.flotrack.org/coverage/248612-2012-US-Olympic-Team-Trials-Track-Field/video/645018-Kim-Conley-shocks-21000-at-Hayward-Field-with-5k-3rd-and-A-standard-at-2012-Olympic-Trials

In the opening to the interview, she talks about watching the Olympic Trials in 2008 from home. She was talking to her mom and saying that she could make it in 2012. Her mom agreed, but then she realized her mom was talking about making the Olympics, while she was just talking about just making it to the Trials. Now, she is an Olympian, and her mom was right!

The Men’s 5K:

The story of the men’s 5K came down to an epic battle for 1^st place. Galen Rupp beat Bernard Lagat at his own game with a ridiculous 52 second final lap to nip him at the line, get his win against Lagat on this 13^th try, and set the US Olympic Trials 5K record while doing it. The prior record holder from 30 years ago? The great Steve Prefontaine. Unreal.

Rupp proved that he is not just a legitimate medal threat in the 5K and 10K at London, but that he could go for the gold. If you aren’t watching those races during the Olympics then you will miss out!

On to the 1500m…

The 1500m Crapshoot

The Basics

• Date: Sunday, July 1st
• Start times and TV Schedule: Men at 6:37 pm CST, Women at 6:23 pm CST
• Channel: NBC (4 or 1004 for ATT, 4 or 1521 for TW)
• Olympic A Standard times: Men – 3:35.50 (57.5 seconds per lap), Women – 4:06.00 (65.6 seconds per lap)
• Start list: http://www.usatf.org/Events—Calendar/2012/U-S–Olympic-Team-Trials-TF/Results.aspx

If you like to gamble, then the 1500m is your race to watch. The very nature of the race, especially during a tactical, championship final, means that anyone can win. Add to that the fact that every single 1500m runner thinks they have the fastest closing kick, and you have a pair of races for both men and women that are set up to be high drama, likely not decided until the closing meters.

One logistical note, the 1500m is also unique in that it is contested over 3 rounds. Each round narrows the field until there are 12 athletes left on each side for the final. Last night was the qualifying round where the fields were reduced from 30 to 24. Today is the semi-final round where the fields will be reduced from 24 to 12 to make your final start list for Sunday.

I don’t have time for a full preview of both races, but they should be great ones.

On the men’s side, 7 men have the Olympic A standard and any of them could make the team with the right kick. Those 7 are: Russell Brown, Andrew Wheating, Leo Manzano, Jeff See, Robby Andrews, Matt Centrowitz, and David Torrence. You should watch and cheer for the local boy and UT grad, Leo Manzano. He is my pick to win because he always does it when it counts. Watch the tiny Leo close hard and get them at the line.

The women’s race will be equally exciting as 5 women have the A standard – Anna Pierce, Jenny Simpson, Morgan Uceny, Alice Schmidt, and Shannon Rowbury. Again, any of those 5 could make the team and watch out for darkhorse Brenda Martinez who could squeeze and get the A standard if the race goes the right way.

Morgan Uceny is in a class of her own and should get the win. Beyond that, it is anyone’s race. When the dice get rolled, we will see who shows up!