All Discussions Tagged 'Road' - Pikes Peak Sports2024-03-28T23:30:42Zhttp://pikespeaksports.us/group/roadtrailrunning/forum/topic/listForTag?groupUrl=roadtrailrunning&tag=Road&feed=yes&xn_auth=noWe've lost a friend, but his spark remainstag:pikespeaksports.us,2017-10-20:5021591:Topic:7862682017-10-20T00:26:15.071ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656432316?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656432316?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"></img></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656432419?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656432419?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"></img></a> With their headlamps cutting a path on the trails in Bear Creek Park, some 70 runners made their way to a familiar hilltop where they gathered and waited for the sun.</p>
<p>They call themselves the “Sunrise Striders,” a group started about 14 years…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656432316?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="650" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656432316?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656432419?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656432419?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-right"/></a>With their headlamps cutting a path on the trails in Bear Creek Park, some 70 runners made their way to a familiar hilltop where they gathered and waited for the sun.</p>
<p>They call themselves the “Sunrise Striders,” a group started about 14 years ago by their running friend Mike Shafai.</p>
<p>Thursday morning’s run was much different than any before. These runners, local folks, came to support and love each another in a time of great loss.</p>
<p>Shafai, a husband to Stephanie, a father to Alexandra, 18, and Benjamin, 15, and a friend to every runner who has tied a lace, passed away of unknown causes at his Manitou Springs home on Tuesday evening. He was 47.</p>
<p>Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at <span>Shove Memorial Chapel on the Colorado College Campus, 1010 N. Nevada Ave. The day will begin with a run at 6 a.m. starting at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs. There will also be a celebration gathering at 5 p.m. at The Plaza of the Rockies 111 S. Tejon St., Suite 200. </span>In lieu of flowers, Mike's family is encouraging donations to the Pikes Peak Road Runners, earmarked for the Clubhouse fund. To donate, go to <a target="_blank" href="https://runsignup.com/Race?raceId=53060">this RunSignUp page</a> and click the donate button.</p>
<p>He would have been there in the first light on Thursday, running along in his own unique gait, telling jokes, poking fun at anyone within earshot … and somehow striking a spark in everyone he met. An accomplished athlete and community guy, he helped multiple nonprofits and served on the Pikes Peak Road Runners’ board of directors for years. His accomplishments were many. But his work with the running community will long be remembered.</p>
<p>Two of Shafai’s closest friends, John Gardner and Tim Steffens, ran up the hill. They’d been by Shafai's side – or behind him, because Mike could run fast – since the first Striders’ runs. Gardner and Shafai worked as partners at The Pikes Peak Group at Morgan Stanley. They formed the perfect team for 10 years as co-race directors of the Winter Series runs.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656432899?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656432899?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-left"/></a>Steffens has a different history, one of recovery and friendship that beautifully captures Shafai’s character.</p>
<p>“I clicked in with Mike in my early stages of being sober,” Steffens says. “He and John are a big part of my sobriety because of the examples they set. Mike trained me through my first marathon. He showed me how to live right, helped me to be a better person.”</p>
<p>His close friends say they learned the simple – but most important – lessons from Mike.</p>
<p>“He said to me once, there is only one thing you can control, and that’s your attitude,” Gardner says. “He always had a positive attitude. And I look at things now and think, he’s right.”</p>
<p>Shafai married Stephanie Wurtz on June 16, 2014. A perfect couple, they dared to live life, traveling, racing, training together. One was never far from the other. And anyone who has experienced the heart-thumping beat of love could see Mike’s absolute devotion to his wife.</p>
<p>Stephanie, who currently serves as president of the Pikes Peak Road Runners, claimed a Leadwoman title - a stunning feat of pure guts that mixed miles of running and mountain biking at high altitudes - and set the overall record of 43 hours, 17 minutes in 2016. Mike paced her through the night on the final leg of the series, the crushing Leadville 100. </p>
<p>He had finished multiple Ironman triathlons, and most recently ran the Pikes Peak Ascent and American Discovery Trail Half Marathon. The couple embodied the spirit of a healthful and active lifestyle.</p>
<p>Tonia Smith, a longtime local runner, wrote in a Facebook post: “He was so joyously in love with her and so proud of her achievements. It was a beautiful thing to see.”</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656432977?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656432977?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-right"/></a>Shafai dove into the running scene upon his arrival here in 2003. Many credit him – and his non-stop encouragement - for their successes on the roads and trails.</p>
<p>His death has rattled the run community. Gardner learned of his passing late Tuesday night. He called Steffens at 6 a.m. Wednesday. Those who knew quietly passed along the sad news.</p>
<p>Thursday's eastern sky opened the drapes to bright streaks of yellow and orange. Shafai’s friends kicked the gravel trail and their chatter increased with the light. Everyone there had a story to tell about Mike. Surrounded by familiar faces, Gardner shook his head in wonder.</p>
<p>“It has been a tremendous outpouring (of support),” he says. “He touched so many lives. I know so many people who would thank him for turning their lives around.”</p>
<p>John Sudduth found running at age 63. Then he found Mike Shafai and the Sunrise Striders.</p>
<p>“When I started running a few years ago, Mike and the Sunrise Striders were a real encouragement to me personally,” Sudduth says. “Mike and Stephanie among others would often cheer me on to keep it up during our runs together as well as the races. It met a lot to me as a new runner and still does. Mike's contagious, friendly demeanor encouraged all of us to do our best.”</p>
<p>John Keller watched Shafai work his magic over the years.</p>
<p>“It was how welcoming he was to everyone especially newcomers,” he says. “He made a point to introduce them and get them connected to the community. He always knew everyone by name right away. That’s a big deal for people new to the area, people who don’t know anyone. He’s such a great role model for the compassion he had for others. He genuinely loved people. And he was so full of life all the time.”</p>
<p>Richard Bennet fell in with the Striders, and changed his life.</p>
<p>“Little did I know, that my world would end up revolving around Mike Shafai and the world that he created,” Bennet writes. “All of my best friends and social circle have emerged from Mike and the Striders.” </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656433206?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656433206?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-left"/></a>There was never a situation in which Shafai passed up a joke. He wrote a hilarious training column in the Pikes Peak Road Runners’ newsletter “The Long Run,” creating the character “Coach Carmine.” His video productions following the Winter Series were funny and sometimes off the wall, with one including the throwing of food. At the start of the memorial run at Plaza of the Rockies, Gardner reminded everyone that Mike would want to see them laugh.</p>
<p>“I told them that I couldn’t believe what a big crowd had showed up, and that I could hear Mike saying, ‘yeah, you all show up on the easy day,’” Gardner said.</p>
<p>Tears fell and hugs were shared atop the hill in Bear Creek Park. As the sun nipped the horizon, the runners began to work their way back to the start. Their community had absorbed a crushing blow. It had lost a friend, perhaps its best friend. But the light poured in on what promised to be a gorgeous Colorado fall day. And the time for reaching out had begun. Reaching out to feel the spark that Mike Shafai had left for them.</p>
<p><strong>Reactions from the community</strong></p>
<p><em>"Always a smile and encouragement no matter what. Michael and I had a few heated conversations about business and the running community. But we always parted with smiles and the promise to have some adult beverages. He loved his running community! He did whatever it took to make it better. He took the Pikes Peak Road Runners into the 21st century. He will be missed by many. But I know he is giving Woody Noleen a bunch of grief in the afterlife."</em> - <strong>John O'Neill, The Colorado Running Company</strong></p>
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<p><em>"While running the Pikes Peak Ascent two months ago (today), Shafai was right behind me at the on the fourth switchback above Ruxton. It's a switchback that has had some work done on it and most people follow along the outer edge of the work where the path is pretty well defined. I was just ahead of Mike as we approached the turn. I went running through the rocks because I like hitting the tangents, and Mike yells out at me "I'm telling the race director you're cutting the course. You're gonna get DQ'd Everson." Even just two miles into the race, it's painful. Then I hear this and we just laugh. I don't think I ever saw this guy without a smile on his face."</em> <strong>- Mike Everson </strong></p>
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<p><span><span><em>"Mike was so genuinely good and generous. I was never the fasted runner at Sunrise Striders back when I ran with them, but Mike always made me feel welcome and made me feel as though I absolutely had reason to be there, even as a back of the pack runner. Speed didn't matter to him. Being out there mattered to him. Encouraging others to work hard, show up. Truly an inclusive, kind human being. The community has lost a gem. And although I haven't seen him since I left Colorado Springs 4 years ago, I was so deeply saddened yesterday when I heard the news. Thank you for honoring him with your words."</em> <strong>- Jessica Robb</strong></span></span></p>
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<p><em>"I first met Mike 11 years ago at the garden training runs. For the next 2 years, I ran with the fast trail group a couple of times in the summer. The following year, I broke my humorous and while pacing the halls of the hospital, I swore to myself that I would start running again consistently and join the Sunrise Striders. For the past nine years, I have joined Mike and our clan every Tuesday and Thursday in the rain, cold, snow, hail, wind and anything else nature could throw at us.</em></p>
<p><em>Little did I know, that my world would end up revolving around Mike Shafai and the world that he created. All of my best friends and social circle have emerged from Mike and the Striders. I have attended Rocktoberfest several times, countless other outings in the mountains, and now organize an annual hut trip similar to Rocktoberfest with fellow Striders. When I have interviewed prospective employers, I always tell them that I must be allowed to be a little late to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays because of the running group. I even realized last night that Mike occupies my bedroom when my wife got into bed wearing “the election” shirt that he made for Jenn Osler and Jeff Mohrmann taking over the Winter Series. Mike even taught me how to cook meat properly by checking firmness.</em></p>
<p><em>I even earned the nickname of “wrong way Richard” from Mike. I thought it was a little ridiculous at first, but I kept earning it by going the wrong damn way.</em></p>
<p><em>If you go into the Starbucks downtown and ask for a “runner’s coffee,” they will give you a grande in a venti cup drip coffee. Years ago, Mike coaxed them to accept the term “runners coffee” instead of the full description.</em></p>
<p><em>Mike’s influence on my life is immense. I struggle to put it in words."</em> <strong>- Richard Bennet</strong></p>
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<p><em>"It is a sad day...Mike Shafai will be missed by everyone. I knew him from all the wonderful Winter Series, the banquets and awards, etc. I was always looking forward to read his FB comments about the state of the trails the days prior to the race, he had such a witty and intelligent sense of humor! My deepest condolences to Mike's friends, family and the entire running community. Thank you Mike Shafai. You, your sense of humor and your dedication will be greatly missed. I dedicate you my next 47 miles running, one for every year you made a difference in this planet!"</em> <strong>- Marisa Bcn</strong></p>
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<div class="_h8t"><div class="_5wd9 direction_ltr"><div class="_5wde _n4o"><div class="_5w1r _3_om _5wdf"><div class="_4gx_"><div class="_d97"><span class="_5yl5"><em>"I just wanted to add to your piece on Mike. I was working with him on a project for PPRR called Sparking Life. The goal was to create a space for addicts in recovery to become part of a healthy community and share our joy of running to help them stay sober. We recently completed our manual and were about to really get this rolling. Of course, Mike approached this with his typical passion, but this project was different than all the other volunteerism he did. This was an act of service he was very passionate about and something he talked about as one of the things that would define his efforts in retirement. I will work with the PPRR board to sustain this project. For context, I've been running with Mike and the Striders pretty much every week for the last 1 1/2 years."</em> <strong>- Trent Claypool</strong></span></div>
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<div class="_d97"><span class="_5yl5"><em>"After the Boston Bombing of the marathon in 2013 he spearheaded the organizing of a community run on a very short timeline, including speakers of those who had been there (myself included!) and a 5K memorial run that brought out several hundred of the local community of runners."</em> <strong>- Steve Bremner</strong></span></div>
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<div class="_d97" style="text-align: left;"><em><span class="_5yl5">"For anyone that knows Mike, I didn’t know him well, but he encouraged me when I ran into him on some Garden Runs when I first moved here four years ago and was struggling to breathe, much less run. He encouraged me to get involved in PPRR, and to come out to a couple of races even though I was a “recreational runner from the beach” and that wasn’t going to “get me up the Colorado hills without some practice”. He would see me around the park and say “you’re walking, greenie” in a teasing way. <br/> <br/> Well during this run, I was having trouble with my light...first, it wouldn’t turn on, forcing me to try to keep up with the faster than me groups...then, every time I tried to walk, it turned to the red setting, but when I started running again, it would come back on, regular strength. When I turned around a little early, it went out completely, but randomly came back on when I hit the bridge to Memorial Park (in the red mode).<br/> <br/> The funny thing is, it has worked fine since. If that wasn’t Mike with one final prank, I don’t know what would be!"</span></em> <span class="_5yl5"><strong>- Dianna Piteo</strong></span></div>
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</div> Colorado Springs' Shannon Payne and Joe Gray win at Mount Washington Road Racetag:pikespeaksports.us,2014-06-21:5021591:Topic:5692562014-06-21T18:40:38.040ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656428405?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656428405?profile=original" width="599"></img></a> <strong>2014 Mount Washington Champion Shannon Payne of Colorado Springs takes the top spot on the podium with second-place Valentina Belotti (left) and Brandy Erholtz (and baby) in third. (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JoeVigerPhotography?fref=photo" target="_blank">Photo provided by USA Mountain Running Team/Joe Viger</a>)…</strong></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656428405?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656428405?profile=original" width="599" class="align-center"/></a><strong>2014 Mount Washington Champion Shannon Payne of Colorado Springs takes the top spot on the podium with second-place Valentina Belotti (left) and Brandy Erholtz (and baby) in third. (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JoeVigerPhotography?fref=photo" target="_blank">Photo provided by USA Mountain Running Team/Joe Viger</a>)</strong></p>
<p><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656429057?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656429057?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-right"/></a>In only her second attempt at racing uphill, Colorado Springs runner Shannon Payne scored one of the biggest prizes in mountain running on Saturday, winning the Mount Washington Road Race in New Hampshire.</span></p>
<p><span>Payne, 28, covered the brutally steep 7.6-mile course in 1 hour, 10 minutes, 12 seconds, battling through 25-degree windchill and 30 MPH winds at the mountain's 6,289-foot summit. It was the fifth fastest time by a woman in the race's 54-year history. Only three have run faster in the last 25 years, and Payne's time is the second-fastest among U.S.-born women in that time.</span></p>
<p><span>Italy's <span>Valentina Belotti, a three-time runnerup in the World Mountain Running Championships, was second in 1:11:58. New mom Brandy Erhotz of Evergreen, a two-time Mount Washington champion, finished third in 1:15:38. </span> </span></p>
<p><span>With the win, Payne, who runs for the Boulder Running Company/Adidas elite team, has qualified for the USA team that will compete in the World Mountain Running Association Long Distance Challenge at the Pikes Peak Ascent on Aug. 16.</span></p>
<p><span><span>“I don’t know how to (run an all-uphill race) very well," Payne said. "I kept thinking, ‘Well, the course will flatten out soon,’ but it never does. But going uphill in really short strides, the way you have to here, is good for my running form.”</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Joe Gray, the defending USA Mountain Running champion who lives and trains in Colorado Springs, made it a sweep for area runners, charging to the summit in 59:10 to capture the men's title, his first at Mount Washington. He also became just the eighth runner to eclipse the 1-hour mark. Eric Blake (the 2013 Mount Washington and Pikes Peak Ascent champ) was second in 1:00:01, with Sage Canaday finishing third at 1:01:30.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span>“I felt pretty good the whole way,” said Gray. “I knew we’d have a good strong race. Eric is always strong, and it makes you nervous if he’s behind you. I figured I could win it, but I knew it was going to be a barn-burner.”</span></span></p>
<p><span>Gray had already qualified for Team USA and the WMRA's Long Distance Challenge race at Pikes Peak, but has not committed to the team.</span></p>
<p><span>Payne, a University of Colorado Colorado Springs grad who spent most of her career running cross country and track, caught the attention of the mountain running community with her win at the Black Canyon Ascent last month. In her first uphill race, she missed Kim Dobson's race record by seconds. Dobson holds the women's Pikes Peak Ascent record at 2:24:58.</span></p>
<p><span>Payne's coach, Cody Hill, owner of the Boulder Running Company store in Colorado Springs, said she is made for running on steep terrain.</span></p>
<p><span>"With Shannon, it's all about gutting it out," he said. "She has a huge aerobic engine. I thought she could win (Mount Washington), I didn't realize she would go and do it."</span></p>
<p><span>Payne trained in Cheyenne <span>Cañon</span> with Simon Gutierrez, former Mount Washington race winner. Gutierrez was impressed with her times on the winding and steep cañon blacktop.</span></p>
<p><span>"Simon said 'I don't think you realize how fast she is running uphill," Hill said. "This is just the perfect thing for Shannon. She can run uphill under duress for long periods of time."</span></p>
<p><span>Payne and Gray will race at the USA Mountain Running Championships at Loon Mountain Resort on July 6. The top runners there will qualify for the USA World Mountain Running Championship teams.</span></p>
<p><span>If Payne qualifies for the USA world team - the top four women at Loon make the cut - Hill said Pikes Peak will become more of a training run for the world championships at <span>Casette di Massa at the foot of the Apuan Alps in the Tuscany region of Italy on Sept. 13. I</span>f she misses a world championship berth, Pikes Peak will be the year's goal race.</span></p>
<p><span>"I think she can do really well on Pikes Peak because it's all up, but the trail isn't real technical," Hill said.</span></p>
<p><span>Colorado Springs-area runners filled the Top 10 at Mount Washington. Zach Miller finished fourth in 1:02:56. Gutierrez placed sixth and won the Masters' title. Pete Maksimow finished seventh. Team Colorado captured the team title.</span></p>
<p><span><span>TOP WOMEN</span><br/> <span>1 Shannon Payne 28 Colorado Springs CO 1:10:12 </span><br/> <span>2 Valentina Belotti 34 Temu, Italy 1:11:58 </span><br/> <span>3 Brandy Erholtz 36 Evergreen CO 1:15:38 </span><br/> <span>4 Kasie Enman 34 Huntington VT 1:17:12 </span><br/> <span>5 Denise Sandahl 33 Bow NH 1:17:21 </span><span class="text_exposed_show"><br/> 6 Larisa Dannis 26 Strafford NH 1:22:00 <br/> 7 Layce Alves 34 Rockport MA 1:24:12 <br/> 8 Diana Davis 28 Exeter NH 1:24:39 <br/> 9 Ashley Krause 37 Easthampton MA 1:25:37 <br/> 10 Regina Loiacano 41 Gloucester MA 1:25:56 <br/> <br/> TOP MEN<br/> 1 Joseph Gray 30 Colorado Springs CO 59:09 <br/> 2 Eric Blake 35 West Hartford CT 1:00:01 <br/> 3 Sage Canaday 28 Boulder CO 1:01:30 <br/> 4 Zach Miller 25 Manitou Springs CO 1:02:56 <br/> 5 Ryan Bak 32 Bend OR 1:03:28 <br/> 6 Simon Gutierrez 48 Colorado Springs CO 1:05:11 <br/> 7 Peter Maksimow 35 Manitou Springs CO 1:05:46 <br/> 8 Emanuele Manzi 36 Temu, Italy 1:06:27 <br/> 9 Justin Freeman 37 New Hampton NH 1:06:29 <br/> 10 Dan Princic 34 Reading MA 1:06:34 </span></span></p>
<p></p> Nichols sweeps Fall Series; Goeckler wins women's titletag:pikespeaksports.us,2013-11-18:5021591:Topic:5207102013-11-18T00:02:26.079ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653385611?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653385611?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="290"></img></a> <strong>RESULTS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/finish-line-index" target="_blank">Check out Finish Line Index for your results</a><br></br> PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/fall-series-iv-gallery-1-2" target="_blank">Fall Series IV Gallery 1</a> ** …</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653385611?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="290" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653385611?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="290" class="align-right"/></a><strong>RESULTS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/finish-line-index" target="_blank">Check out Finish Line Index for your results</a><br/> PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/fall-series-iv-gallery-1-2" target="_blank">Fall Series IV Gallery 1</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/fall-series-iv-gallery-2-2" target="_blank">Gallery 2</a><br/> VIDEO:<a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/crystal-goecker-captures-fall-series-title-with-win-in-series" target="_blank">Interview with women's series winner Crystal Goecker</a><br/></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Bob Stephens<br/> PikesPeakSports.us</strong></p>
<p>While Alex Nichols completed his business-as-usual sweep of the Pikes Peak Road Runners Fall Series, Crystal Goecker was ecstatic to win the finale and claim the series title at Palmer Park.</p>
<p>The talented Nichols, who competes internationally, comfortably won all four of the Fall Series races. He completed Sunday’s race in 45:25, a comfortable 31 seconds ahead of runner-up James Burns. Peter Maksimow was third in 47:53.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.active.com/colorado-springs-co/running/super-half-marathon-and-game-day-5k-2014?keywords=na" target="_blank"><img width="280" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656421637?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="280" class="align-left"/></a>“It was tough,” said Nichols, who ran for Colorado College and is now an assistant coach there. “It was a fast course – for Palmer Park, especially. At least one really big uphill was eliminated.”</p>
<p>That suited Nichols, who said he’s training for a 50-mile race Dec. 7 near San Francisco.<br/> “These are my speed workouts,” he said matter-of-factly.</p>
<p>The course, set up by Pikes Peak Road Runners Director Larry Miller, was approximately seven miles over the rough terrain of Palmer Park.</p>
<p>“Alex is extremely talented,” Maksimow said, “When he’s healthy, and he is now, he’s very good.”<br/> Nichols, 27, said it was great to complete the sweep – it had been his goal – of the four-race Fall Series.</p>
<p>“It came together and I stayed healthy enough to win them all,” he said. “Like James said, one wrong step and you could take a fall.”</p>
<p>Burns, 25, who ran collegiately for George Mason and is a professional triathlete, was competing in his second trail race and hurt his right ankle at about the halfway point.</p>
<p>“I tried staying with you, man,” Burns said to Nichols as they visited after the race. “I don’t know how you fly down those hills.”</p>
<p>“Lots of practice,” Nichols said with a smile.</p>
<p>Nichols finished all four races with a total time of 2:07:42. Maksimow was second at 2:13:04, followed by Carlos Ruibal at 2:15:54.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656424814?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="280" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656424814?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="280" class="align-left"/></a>Practice – and study time – is exactly what Goecker put in during recent weeks, and she was proud to be the first female finisher. She won the series with an overall time of 2:45:09, followed by Elizabeth Schultz in 2:46:51 and Connilee Walter, 2:47:27.</p>
<p>“I’ve been reading and researching how to run trails,” she said. “I just started running trails. My goal was to win today, so it was great to achieve that.”</p>
<p>Goecker clocked 59:31, with Walter 36 seconds behind her. Schultz was the third female finisher in 1:00:15, just ahead of April Luu in 1:00:32.</p>
<p>Goecker, who grew up in Colorado Springs and ran for St. Mary’s in high school, ran all four races in the Fall Series and said she received quite an education.</p>
<p>“It’s the first time I’ve done the whole series,” said the 34-year-old mother of two. “I’ve always been a track runner but learned you need to conserve energy for the uphills in trail racing. This was a really hard race, but overall, I did a lot better. I wasn’t as strained on the hills today.”</p>
<p>Goecker resumed her running career at age 27 and sounded like she’d also compete in the upcoming Winter Series. Luu was encouraging her to do so, and was perhaps her biggest fan before Sunday’s race began. Goecker had her eye on Schultz, who won the second race in the series just a couple of months after moving to Colorado Springs, and Walter, who is one of the area’s top female runners.</p>
<p>“I told her it was her day," Luu said. "She killed it; she positioned herself well during the race and picked them off one by one.”</p> Fall Series Kids Races provide opportunity to learn, have funtag:pikespeaksports.us,2013-11-04:5021591:Topic:5126112013-11-04T00:18:16.095ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656421448?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656421448?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="700"></img></a> Preschool-age runners covered 550 yards at the Fall Series Kids Races on Sunday at Ute Valley Park.</strong></p>
<p><strong>PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/fall-series-kids-races" target="_blank">Pics from the Kids Races</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>ADULT RACE COVERAGE</strong><br></br> <strong>RESULTS:…</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656421448?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="700" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656421448?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="700" class="align-center"/></a>Preschool-age runners covered 550 yards at the Fall Series Kids Races on Sunday at Ute Valley Park.</strong></p>
<p><strong>PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/fall-series-kids-races" target="_blank">Pics from the Kids Races</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>ADULT RACE COVERAGE</strong><br/> <strong>RESULTS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/finish-line-index" target="_blank">Where did you place?</a> </strong><br/> <strong>VIDEO: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/start-of-fall-series-iii-race-at-ute-valley-park" target="_blank">Start of the Fall Series III Race</a><br/> PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/fall-series-iii-gallery-1-2" target="_blank">Gallery 1</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/fall-series-iii-gallery-2-1" target="_blank">Gallery 2</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/fall-series-ii-gallery-3-2" target="_blank">Gallery 3</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/fall-series-iii-gallery-4-1" target="_blank">Gallery 4</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Bob Stephens<br/> PikesPeakSports.us</strong><br/> Ashley Anderson joined hundreds of other parents who watched their children have fun in an entertaining series of races Sunday. Like the others, she figures to do it again.</p>
<p>About 350 children – from toddlers to teenagers – participated in the Pikes Peak Road Runners Kids Races on Sunday at Eagleview Middle School adjacent to Ute Park. Anderson was one of the many parents who couldn’t stop smiling – and not just because the races are free for all entrants.</p>
<p>“I love every second of it,” Anderson said. “My husband (Jeff) and I want to help our kids love sports, and do things outside. We want them to take advantage of living in Colorado.”</p>
<p>Anderson watched her daughter, Aubrey, 3, run 40 yards in the Toddler Trot, then worked her way around the inside of the track to see her son, Archer, 5, race for 550 yards in the Preschool race.<br/> The third race was for children ages 6-8 and was a half-mile. Kids ages 9-11 then ran 1.25 miles before the runners ages 12-14 raced 2.5 miles. The next Kids Races are at Palmer Park Nov. 17, as the Pikes Peak Road Runners' Fall Series concludes.</p>
<p>Jeff Anderson is in the Army and has been stationed in Afghanistan since July.</p>
<p>“That’s why I take lots of pictures and videos, to send to him,” Ashley Anderson said.</p>
<p>She heard about the races from a friend, and is glad she did.</p>
<p>“It’s the second time we’ve come to these,” she said. “Aubrey is social; she had fun. Archer is a runner, a fast runner. Now is the time for him to taste-test and see what sports he likes.”</p>
<p>Micky Simpson, the Kids Race Director the last six years, does a wonderful job coordinating and instructing the children before each race. She teaches sportsmanship and safety.</p>
<p>“It’s great to see the kids have so much fun,” said Simpson, who taught fourth grade for 18 years in Elbert before moving to preschool this year. “For the little ones, it’s about finding out how much fun it is. The older ones are competitive. The main goal for all is to get them outside to have fun. It’s good for them to be active, whether they’re playing soccer of football or running.”</p>
<p>Brian Crolley, who had two sons participate, agreed. Crolley and wife Marny Scalard, enjoyed watching their sons Jonas, 6, and Nathan, 18 months.</p>
<p>“It’s good for them to understand physical fitness is a part of life,” Crolley said. “Jonas has been doing this since he was Nate’s age.”</p>
<p>Simpson delights in watching the kids and the parents.</p>
<p>“They are thrilled,” she said of the parents. “They appreciate something that is organized and safe that they can bring their kids to.”</p>
<p>Pikes Peak Roadrunners pays for the Kids Races, mostly with entry fees from the adult race that precedes the children’s events. About 35 volunteers helped with the Kids Races – awarding ribbons to all young participants, helping lead and trail the runners on races, and running in the pack on longer races to ensure safety for all. The program started in 1991, said Fall Series race director Larry Miller.</p>
<p>“I don’t think there’s any better way for kids to have fun than to get them outside and running with friends,” Simpson said.</p>
<p>Connor McCabe certainly had a blast. The 14-year-old student from Mountain Ridge Middle School won the 2.5-mile race in 15:10 while running for King of the Mountain Running Club.</p>
<p>“I was pleased today,” said the well-spoken McCabe. “I like longer distances, like 10K, and I’ve done a 20K. I was second in the Great Pumpkin Run.”</p>
<p>McCabe, who usually runs against adults in area races, dreams of the 2020 Olympic Games, but hopes to earn a college scholarship prior to that. As for the Fall Series Kids Races, he said, “I think it’s really good for the younger kids. They can find out how much they like it and if they want to keep with it and pursue running.”</p> Nichols and Schultz claim Fall Series II winstag:pikespeaksports.us,2013-10-20:5021591:Topic:5079632013-10-20T23:28:08.541ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656419847?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656419847?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"></img></a> <strong>Alex Nichols skipped across Bear Creek on his way to the winning the Fall Series II race on Sunday in Bear Creek Park.</strong><br></br> <br></br> <strong>RESULTS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/finish-line-index" target="_blank">Where did you place? Find out in Finish Line Index</a><br></br> PHOTOS:…</strong></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656419847?profile=original"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656419847?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"/></a><strong>Alex Nichols skipped across Bear Creek on his way to the winning the Fall Series II race on Sunday in Bear Creek Park.</strong><br/> <br/> <strong>RESULTS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/finish-line-index" target="_blank">Where did you place? Find out in Finish Line Index</a><br/> PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/fall-series-ii-gallery-1-4" target="_blank">Gallery 1</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/fall-series-ii-gallery-2-2" target="_blank">Gallery 2</a><br/> VIDEO: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/start-of-fall-series-ii" target="_blank">Start of the Fall Series II</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/fall-series-ii-winner-new-to-colorado-springs-running-community" target="_blank">Interview with women's winner Elizabeth Schultz</a></strong><br/> <br/> <strong>By Bob Stephens<br/> PikesPeakSports.us</strong><br/> Alex Nichols sensed the moment had arrived, and he quickly seized the opportunity. The talented Colorado Springs runner darted off the trail, dashed past Neil McDonagh and never looked back en route to winning the second race of the Pikes Peak Road Runners Fall Series.</p>
<p>Nichols, who ran well in Italy the previous Sunday in the Skyrunner World Series, traversed the hilly 4.6-mile course at Bear Creek Park West in 26:10 to easily claim his second win of the series.</p>
<p>“Neil pushed me, and we ran the first part of the race very fast,” said Nichols, 28. “About halfway through, I felt the pace was slowing down. I was right behind him, on a narrow part of the trail, so I went into the bushes to pass him.</p>
<p>“He said I picked the perfect place to pass him.”</p>
<p>McDonagh, 31, was a 1,500-meter runner at Georgia Tech while Nichols was a distance man at Colorado College, where he coaches. McDonagh said Nichols made his move when the pair reached a series of short but steep hills.</p>
<p>“We’d pulled away from everyone else,” McDonagh said, “but when we got to the first set of real steep rollers, he zipped ahead and pulled away. He put about 50 seconds on me the last mile-and-a-half.”</p>
<p>McDonagh was clocked in 27:04, ahead of Peter Maksimow in third (27:15). They were followed by Justin Ricks (27:39) and Carlos Ruibal (27:45).</p>
<p>After two races, Nichols leads the series with a total time of 50:31. Manitou Springs' Peter Maksimow is second (52:16), with Benjamin Hanson of Aurora in third at 53:04.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656421029?profile=original"><img width="280" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656421029?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="280"/></a>Elizabeth Schultz, who moved to Colorado Springs just two months ago, was the fastest female, finishing in 33:11. She is third in the series with a total time of 1:05:19, exactly one minute behind the leader, Crystal Goeckler. Connilee Walter is second at 1:04:21.</p>
<p>“This Fall Series is fun and pretty low-key,” McDonagh said before poking fun at Nichols, his friendly rival. “During the first part of the race, I was making sure Alex stayed with me, encouraging him, waiting for him. I tried to block him from passing me, but when he did, he was gone.”</p>
<p>McDonagh shook his head in amazement while talking about Nichols’ ability to glide over a difficult course.</p>
<p>“Every time we do a course with rocks and debris, he looks like one of those water skiers going over the top of the water,” said McDonagh, who finished seventh in the Fall Series’ first race.</p>
<p>Nichols was eighth in the Oct. 13 Limone Extreme SkyRace in Italy, and finished third in the Skyrunner World Series, where there are five races in five countries – including the Pikes Peak Marathon – with a runner’s best three races counting in the standings.</p>
<p>“That was a very competitive field last week,” said Nichols, who is sponsored by INNOV8. “Finishing third was definitely one of my biggest running accomplishments. That course last week was like going to the top of Pikes Peak and back, but half the distance.”</p>
<p>Near the end of the race at Bear Creek Park West, runners had to cross a creek and scale an extremely steep hill while maintaining footing on loose dirt and rocks. Ropes are imbedded in the ground to help people get up the hill.</p>
<p>“That’s not something you can train for,” Nichols said. “I tried to make it up as far as I could before using the rope.”</p>
<p>Unlike many other runners, Nichols made it to the top in just a few seconds and quickly traversed the final stretch of the race to complete a successful and exciting eight days.</p>
<p><strong>New kid in town:</strong> Elizabeth Schultz announced her arrival to the Colorado Springs running scene with an impressive showing in second race of the Pikes Peak Road Runners Fall Series at Bear Creek Park West.</p>
<p>Schultz was the first female finisher (33:11, for 27th overall) and made quite an impression on Connilee Walter, who was the top “doubler” in August when she ran the Pikes Peak Ascent and Pikes Peak Marathon on consecutive days.</p>
<p>“She’s really fast,” Walter said of Schultz. “She’s in another class.”</p>
<p>Schultz, 33, ran for Mt. Olive College in North Carolina and lived in Buffalo, N.Y., before moving to the Springs via a job transfer with Time Warner Cable.</p>
<p>“It’s my dream to live in Colorado near the mountains,” said the bubbly Schultz. “It’s inspirational. I feel thankful and blessed to be able to run and just live every day to the fullest.”</p>
<p>Schultz said she’s acclimated quickly to the altitude of the Pikes Peak Region, and it showed. She didn’t fare too well in the first race of the Fall Series, running tentatively during the portion of the race that forced runners to be in a creek. She handled Sunday’s race without a hitch.</p>
<p>“I had no idea what to expect,” she said. “It was a challenge, but that’s what makes it great. There are some awesome women here, and I’m having a great time meeting my new running family.”</p>
<p>Schultz said she runs five days a week and hikes the other two. She plans to hike Pikes Peak this week.</p>
<p><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656424952?profile=original"><img width="200" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656424952?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="200"/></a>Birthday boy:</strong> Dan Vega celebrated his 46th birthday by running a difficult marathon Saturday. The Colorado Springs runner followed that up Sunday by finishing seventh in the second race of the Pikes Peak Road Runners Fall Series at Bear Creek Park West.</p>
<p>“When I got out of the car this morning, I thought, ‘This is going to be rough,” Vega said.</p>
<p>He finished the marathon in Cuba, N.M., in 3:53, drove six hours home and went to sleep after 1 a.m. Sunday. It wasn’t long before Vega was putting on his running shoes again.</p>
<p>“I’m doing the Fall Series, so I had to run,” he said. “I warmed up after about a mile and then felt really good. It was almost like I didn’t run yesterday.”</p>
<p>Vega said the marathon was difficult, with lots of turns and rocky terrain, and some that was sandy.</p>
<p>“A lot of it is nothing but sand so it was like running on a beach,” he said. “My legs were really tired and heavy.”</p>
<p>Vega was born in Fresno, Calif., and ran steeplechase for Adams State University in Alamosa, Colo. He said Saturday’s 26.2-mile race was his “eighth or ninth” marathon. Vega said he still felt good after Sunday’s race.</p>
<p>“It’s easier to run faster than slower, so today was fun,” he said. “This was a good race.”</p>
<p><strong>The birds and the BEES!:</strong> Runners completed Sunday’s difficult race short of breath – that was expected – but many others crossed the finish line suffering from bee stings. That included the group of Lisa Kukula, Kim Lindsay and Lexi Aagesen, who were comparing bee bites after the 4.6-mile race.</p>
<p>“It was a hive, lots of bees,” said Kukula, 33, of Black Forest, who was stung three times. “They were pissed off, angry bees. I cried; they hurt.”</p>
<p>Lindsay, 47, of Colorado Springs, was stung “a couple of times on my hand and a couple of times on my belly.”</p>
<p>“I don’t know how they got under my shirt,” Lindsay said. “They were chasing us all. It was a swarm.”</p> ADT Marathon, Half Marathon winners carry great stories to the podiumtag:pikespeaksports.us,2013-09-02:5021591:Topic:4943662013-09-02T23:39:31.493ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653387348?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653387348?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"></img></a> <strong>Justin Ricks and Trent Briney set the early pace in the ADT Marathon at Palmer Lake on Monday. Eventual race winner, Robby Young, is in yellow, about six places back.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.trailsandopenspaces.org/" target="_blank"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653388032?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="220"></img></a> RESULTS:…</strong></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653387348?profile=original"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653387348?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"/></a><strong>Justin Ricks and Trent Briney set the early pace in the ADT Marathon at Palmer Lake on Monday. Eventual race winner, Robby Young, is in yellow, about six places back.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://www.trailsandopenspaces.org/"><img width="220" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653388032?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="220"/></a>RESULTS:</strong> <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/finish-line-index" target="_blank">Check your results on Finish Line Index</a><br/> <strong>PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/american-discovery-trail-marathon-gallery-1" target="_blank">Gallery 1</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/american-discovery-trail-marathon-half-gallery-2" target="_blank">Gallery 2</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/adt-marathon-half-gallery-3" target="_blank">Gallery 3</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/adt-marathon-half-gallery-4" target="_blank">Gallery 4</a></strong><br/>
<strong>VIDEO:</strong> <strong> <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/start-of-the-2013-american-discovery-trail-marathon" target="_blank">Start of the ADT Marathon</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/robby-young-wins-the-american-discovery-trail-marathon" target="_blank">Interview with men's marathon winner Robby Young</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/first-time-to-attempt-26-2-courtenay-brown-wins-american" target="_blank">Interview with Courtenay Brown, women's marathon winner</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/curtis-suver-wins-the-american-discovery-trail-half-marathon" target="_blank">Interview with men's half marathon winner Curtis Suver</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/colorado-springs-stephanie-wurtz-is-two-for-two-at-american" target="_blank">Interview with Stephanie Wurtz, women's half marathon champ</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653389772?profile=original"><img width="250" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653389772?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250"/></a>Robby Young had a lonely run planned on Monday ... just him and his watch and 22-miles worth of leg-shredding intervals.</p>
<p>But who wanted to do that? <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/start-of-the-2013-american-discovery-trail-marathon" target="_blank">The American Discover Trail Marathon</a> seemed like much more fun, so he jumped in the race.</p>
<p>"It's only four more miles and it's a chance to get out here with some aid stations and some cheering and a chance to make a little money in the morning, so it's always nice," said Young, a member of the Boulder Running Company/Adidas Team.</p>
<p>Good decision. Young, 28, won the men's race with a time of 2 hours, 32 minutes and 18 seconds. He earned $1,000 prize money for the effort.</p>
<p>Some 1,164 runners from 37 states and three countries made it to the starting lines before sunrise for the ADT Marathon, which began in Palmer Lake, and the Half Marathon, which started in America the Beautiful Park. The race benefits the <a href="http://www.trailsandopenspaces.org/" target="_blank">Trails and Open Space Coalition</a> and the Pikes Peak Road Runners. Both races finished at America the Beautiful where the Rock 'n' Roll was played loud and race fans and family members lined the course to greet their favorite runners.</p>
<p>Though there were about 450 finishers in the marathon, <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/robby-young-wins-the-american-discovery-trail-marathon" target="_blank">Young, a 28-year-old cross country coach</a> at Rampart High School, still spent most of the day running by himself. That's the life of an elite runner, he was racing, but was alone with his intervals.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653391197?profile=original"><img width="280" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653391197?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="280"/></a>"I ran most of it by myself, I let them (some early front runners) go early cause I had the first five (miles) as kind of a warm-up," he said. "They had a pretty good-sized gap and as I was doing my workout coming through them, I didn't spend much time with them, maybe four or five seconds it seemed like. I was kind of hoping that one of them would come with me or try to catch up, but I guess my crazy workout wasn't what they were looking for."</p>
<p>Justin Ricks, 33, Colorado Springs, a former ADT Marathon record holder, was second in 2:38:03. Trent Briney, 35, Boulder, who has a fourth-place finish in the United State Olympic Marathon Trials on his resume, placed third in 2:43:07. </p>
<p>In the women's race, Boulder runner <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/first-time-to-attempt-26-2-courtenay-brown-wins-american" target="_blank">Courtenay Brown</a>, 34, lined up to race in her first marathon - a shaky experience for any runner. No problem. She executed the only plan she could think of. Hammer the first 10 miles and then hold on until the finish.</p>
<p>"I decided to go out swinging, which I did, sort of averaging 6:20, 6:30 (minutes per mile) for the first eight or ten miles." she said. "And then I slowed down. But I led wire to wire which was a pretty cool feeling."</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653398893?profile=original"><img width="260" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653398893?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="260"/></a>Brown covered the mostly gravel course in 3:07:08. Shannon Husted of Boulder finished second in 3:14:36. Serene Griffin (43, Northlake, Texas) filled out the podium with a third-place run of 3:23:24.</p>
<p>Colorado Springs' <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/curtis-suver-wins-the-american-discovery-trail-half-marathon" target="_blank">Curtis Suver</a> played it safe through Mile 7 of the Half Marathon, then found another gear as the course sloped gradually downhill. He charged to the win in 1 hour, 13 minutes and 53 seconds.</p>
<p>"Uphill, on the way out, I just kind of took it easy and ran with some other guys," Suver said. "Then decided to try to throw in a surge and it worked out on the way back."</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653401768?profile=original"><img width="250" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653401768?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250"/></a>He said his main running goal, however is to keep up with his wife, Mattie Suver, who placed second in Monday’s USA Track and Field 20K Championships. Phillip Keller, 33, of Albuquerque, N.M., finished second in 1:15:19. Colorado Springs' Pat McGuire, 31, was third in 1:16:46.</p>
<p>In the women’s race, <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/colorado-springs-stephanie-wurtz-is-two-for-two-at-american" target="_blank">Stephanie Wurtz</a> of Colorado Springs won for the second consecutive time. She finished in 1 hour, 30 minutes and 59 seconds, nearly three minutes better than her winning time of a year ago.</p>
<p>"Two years I've run it, two years I've won it, so it's a great way to kick off the fall and wrap up the summer training," Wurtz said.</p>
<p>Debbie Patskowsi (35, Highlands Ranch) finished second in 1:33:29, with Christna Gallagher giving chase at 1:33:59 for third</p> Pikes Peak-area organizations respond to Boston tragedytag:pikespeaksports.us,2013-04-16:5021591:Topic:4373062013-04-16T18:51:33.381ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656395636?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656395636?profile=original" width="184"></img></a> From the Pikes Peak Road Runners <br></br></strong></p>
<p>As members and leaders of the running community, we are feeling a wide range of emotions, from anger to sadness, from shock to disbelief, as the details about the Boston Marathon terrorist attack continues to unfold.</p>
<p>As runners, we are each part of an intimate, supportive and dedicated community. We share…</p>
<p><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656395636?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656395636?profile=original" width="184"/></a>From the Pikes Peak Road Runners <br/></strong></p>
<p>As members and leaders of the running community, we are feeling a wide range of emotions, from anger to sadness, from shock to disbelief, as the details about the Boston Marathon terrorist attack continues to unfold.</p>
<p>As runners, we are each part of an intimate, supportive and dedicated community. We share victories, suffering, challenges, and now, we share great sorrow. For the participants of the race, the families and friends who support them, the organizers, volunteers, spectators, and those who participate in running events throughout the country, it is simply appalling that anyone would could commit such an act.</p>
<p>Running a marathon, especially Boston, requires courage. Committing an act of terror on an event that is packed with thousands upon thousands of innocent people, including children, gathered to celebrate what embodies a disciplined and healthy lifestyle, only requires cowardice. My heart goes out the victims and their families. I can’t imagine what they’re having to endure as they awaken to the reality of this event. Looking forward, the running community consists of people who are committed, determined, and persistent, character traits that will help us endure. While we mustn’t forget the victims, we must also continue running. Otherwise, the cowards win. - Mike Shafai, President, Pikes Peak Road Runners</p>
<p><strong><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656422067?profile=original"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656422067?profile=original" width="143"/></a>Pikes Peak Marathon, Inc.</strong><br/></strong> The Pikes Peak Marathon / Triple Crown of Running is appalled and saddened by the loss of life and injuries at today’s Boston Marathon. We know there were many friends and family of ouArear Colorado running community participating in Boston. Our hearts go out to those who participated and to those who were simply on hand to witness a wonderful tradition, marred by this horrific attack. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and our friends in Boston. - Ron Ilgen, President, Pikes Peak Marathon, Inc.</p>
<p><strong><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656422546?profile=original"><img width="100" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656422546?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="100"/></a>Running USA</strong><br/></strong> Running USA, like the rest of the world, is shocked and saddened by the explosions, loss of life and injuries at the Boston Marathon yesterday. There are no words to comprehend this evil act. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to all affected by this horrific tragedy. We are one with Boston.</p>
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<p><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656423160?profile=original"><img width="100" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656423160?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="100"/></a>The American Distance Project</strong><br/> The athletes and coaches of the American Distance Project extend their sympathies to those effected by the terrorist attacks at Monday's Boston Marathon. They also offer their respect for and admiration for the first responders and B.A.A. race officials who reacted in an exceptionally professional manner to treat the effected and to secure the safety of participants and spectators.</p>
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<p><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653387050?profile=original"><img width="200" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653387050?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="200"/></a>PikesPeakSports.us</strong><br/> While the events in Boston saddened us, let's take pause to reflect on our own community, our friendships, our events, clubs and organizations, our trails and open spaces. Let's allow the strength and actions of the courageous folks in Boston to inspire us to be better here at home.</p>
<div><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653400018?profile=original"><img width="220" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653400018?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="220"/></a>Boulder Running Company</strong></div>
<div>The Boston Marathon is one of the greatest celebrations of life and the human spirit. It is about hard work and endurance. It is about overcoming pain and challenge. We grieve for the hatred that leads people to act with disrespect for life and for yesterday's inexplicable loss; but we celebrate the incredible spirit that endures. Thank you so much for your continued support!</div> Rainsberger wraps up Winter Series with course recordtag:pikespeaksports.us,2013-02-24:5021591:Topic:4214062013-02-24T04:02:42.995ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653387771?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653387771?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"></img></a> <strong>Runners enjoyed the sunshine in the Winter Series IV 20K race on Saturday.</strong></p>
<p><strong>RESULTS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/finish-line-index" target="_blank">See your results in Finish Line Index</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong>PHOTOS: …</strong></strong></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653387771?profile=original"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653387771?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"/></a><strong>Runners enjoyed the sunshine in the Winter Series IV 20K race on Saturday.</strong></p>
<p><strong>RESULTS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/finish-line-index" target="_blank">See your results in Finish Line Index</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong>PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/winter-series-iv-gallery-1-start-of-the-20k-and-10k-races" target="_blank">Gallery 1</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/winter-series-iv-gallery-2-top-finishers-in-the-10k" target="_blank">Gallery 2</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/winter-series-iv-gallery-3-finish-of-the-20k-and-more" target="_blank">Gallery 3</a></strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><strong>VIDEO, <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/start-of-the-winter-series-iv-20k-race" target="_blank">Start of the 20K</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/start-of-the-winter-series-iv-10k" target="_blank">Start of the 10K</a></strong></strong> <strong><strong>** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/14-year-old-katie-rainsberger-talks-about-winning-the-2013-winter" target="_blank">Katie Rainsberger, 14, wins short-series title</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/corban-pagnotta-16-wins-the-men-s-winter-series-long-course" target="_blank">Corban Pagnotta, 16, wins men's long-series championship</a></strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #993366;" class="font-size-2"><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">If you enjoy this race coverage,</span> <a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=H9ifJ-axM24n8j_w_17p9fXwaQAim6iTACBSIdWYPy2UIre1YLs2YK4ena8&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d569c51c61ce57e9125f793ea33988004" target="_blank"><span style="color: #993366;">click here</span></a> <span style="color: #3366ff;">to support PikesPeakSports.us. Thanks!</span></strong></span></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656425660?profile=original"><img width="280" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656425660?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="280"/></a>Katie Rainsberger finsished the short-course races in the 2013 Winter Series the same way she started them, by shocking people.</p>
<p>"I tried to stay with her and we hit the first hill and she was gone," said Travis Tabares.</p>
<p>By the time Rainsberger, a 14-year old Air Academy High School freshman, had hit the finish of a hilly course in the Black Forest, she had put all but a few runners in the field of 307 behind her.</p>
<p>She finished 15th overall with a course record of 41 minutes, 43 seconds, besting Amanda Ewing's 2011 record time of 42:18. But the thing that makes the older runners - men and women - shake their heads is this: Rainsberger ran for practice, to prepare for high school track, and to have fun with her friends on the Stud Muffins team.<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653393656?profile=original"><img width="200" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653393656?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="200"/></a></p>
<p>"I came in not to race, but to just keep the title and to get some distance in before track," Rainsberger said.</p>
<p>Rainsberger finished the series - four races - with a cumulative time of 1:59:03.</p>
<p>The women's short series belonged to the young runners. Seven of the top eight in the final series standings ranged in age from 11 to 18. Kayli Tabares, 13, was second overall (2:07:24), while Claire Rachwitz, 18, finished third (2:11:21). A pair of 11-year-old girls, Chantae Steele and Jalynn Tabares were also in the Top 8.</p>
<p>In the men's short-course race, James Burns, 24, Colorado Springs, won again to take the series. He finished in 33:53 with a total time of 1:39:26. Former Olympic steeple chase qualifier Justin Chaston, 44, Colorado Springs, was second on Saturday (35:23) and second overall (1:42:12.)</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653389232?profile=original"><img width="280" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653389232?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="280"/></a>Scott Spillman captured the win in the Winter Series IV 20 K on Saturday in the Black Forest. Spillman, 26, Colorado Springs, covered the hilly, snowy course in 1 hour, 14 minutes, 58 seconds. It was his first race in the Winter Series.</p>
<p>"I was just doing this to get a good training run in," he said.</p>
<p>The star of the day was Corban Pagnotta, a fresh-faced Pueblo West High School sophomore who finished second and won the long series championship. Pagnotta clocked 1:18:56, but his combined time of 3:57:33 was the best of all. Like Rainsberger, Pagnotta is preparing for spring track with his teammates.</p>
<p>"This is pretty much just a bunch of training runs for us, getting us in a racing mood," he said.</p>
<p>His success in the series was a little surprising to him.</p>
<p>"I did better than I thought I would," he said.</p>
<p>Brad Poppele (41, Manitou Springs) finished second in the series with a total time of 4:01:22.</p>
<p>In the women's long series, Clare Bar, 25, of Colorado Springs, won for the third time in four starts. She blasted the 20K in 1:28:18 and won the series with a 4:21:49. Stephanie Wurtz (30, Colorado Springs) was second with a 4:26:32.</p> Four runners build leads in Winter Seriestag:pikespeaksports.us,2013-01-26:5021591:Topic:4109762013-01-26T22:08:18.057ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653404178?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653404178?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="550"></img></a> <strong>James Burns took the win in the Winter Series short-course race (4 miles) on Jan. 26 at El Pomar Youth Sports Park.</strong><br></br> <br></br> <strong>RESULTS:</strong> <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/finish-line-index" target="_blank">Check out Finish Line Index for your race results</a><br></br>
<strong>PHOTOS:…</strong></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653404178?profile=original"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653404178?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="550"/></a><strong>James Burns took the win in the Winter Series short-course race (4 miles) on Jan. 26 at El Pomar Youth Sports Park.</strong><br/> <br/>
<strong>RESULTS:</strong> <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/finish-line-index" target="_blank">Check out Finish Line Index for your race results</a><br/>
<strong>PHOTOS:</strong> <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/winter-series-ii-gallery-1-1" target="_blank">Winter Series II Gallery 1</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/winter-series-ii-gallery-2-1" target="_blank">Gallery 2</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/winter-series-ii-gallery-3-1" target="_blank">Gallery 3</a><br/>
<strong>VIDEO:</strong> <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/start-of-the-winter-series-ii-8-mile-race" target="_blank">Start of the Winter Series II long-course race</a><br/>
<strong>VIDEO:</strong> <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/start-of-the-winter-series-ii-short-course-race" target="_blank">Start of Winter Series II short-course race</a><br/>
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<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653406033?profile=original"><img width="250" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653406033?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250"/></a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.active.com/running/colorado-springs-co/super-half-marathon-and-game-day-5k-2013"><img width="420" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653406166?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="420"/></a>The top runners in the Pikes Peak Road Runners' Winter Series put on a repeat performance on Saturday in the second of four series races.</p>
<p>James Burns and Katie Rainsberger extended their leads in the Winter Series (short course) taking their second wins in as many starts on a mostly flat Pikes Peak Greenway course that began and ended at El Pomar Youth Sports Park.</p>
<p>Burns (24, Colorado Springs) held off a charging Michael Weiss (31, Colorado Springs) in the final meters to win the 4-mile race in 20 minutes, 47 seconds. Weiss finished in 20:50 and set a new age-group (30-34) record. Justin Chaston (44, Colorado Springs, 21:13) was third.</p>
<p>Rainsberger, a 14-year-old Air Academy High School freshman, placed 14th overall and won the women's race in 24:12. She also crushed her own age-group (10-14) record of 25:04, set last year.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/group/roadtrailrunning/forum/topics/youth-movement-dominates-women-s-short-course-race-in-winter-seri" target="_blank">Photos, video, race story from Winter Seris 1</a></p>
<p>Young women runners swept the top three places in the first series race two weeks ago. They dominated again in Winter Series II. Tabor Scholl, 15, of Kremmling, finished second in an age-group (15-19) record 24:48, while Chantae Steele, 11, ran 25:54 for third.</p>
<p>In the overall series standings, 10 of the top 11 women runners in the short-course series are 18 or younger. Rainsberger leads second-place Kayli Tabares by nearly three minutes.</p>
<p>In the men's overall, Burns leads Justin Chaston by 55 seconds</p>
<p>In the long course race, Clare Bar and Tommy Manning won again in the Pikes Peak Road Runners Winter Series (long course) on Saturday, Jan. 26 in Colorado Springs.</p>
<p>Manning, 36, of Colorado Springs, covered the flat 8-mile course on the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail in 46 minutes, 58 seconds, nearly a minute ahead of second-place Marcus Corbett (37, Colorado Springs, 47:53). Jay Messervey (23, Colorado Springs) placed third in 48:07.</p>
<p>Bar, 25, of Colorado Springs, didn't have such an easy time. She hit the finish line in 53:50, but had to sprint to hold off Stephanie Wurtz (30, Colorado Springs), who charged a stride behind in 53:51. Amanda Ewing (31, Colorado Springs) was third in 54:22.<br/> Manning leads Corbett by 1:15 after two of four long-course series races. Bar has a 55-second lead over Wurtz in the women's series.</p> Youth movement dominates women's short-course race in Winter Series Itag:pikespeaksports.us,2013-01-13:5021591:Topic:4078762013-01-13T00:18:25.521ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653407999?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653407999?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"></img></a> <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/finish-line-index" target="_blank">Races Results in Finish Line Index</a><br></br> <strong>PHOTOS:</strong> <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/winter-series-i-gallery-1" target="_blank">Winter Series I, Gallery 1</a> **…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653407999?profile=original"><img width="300" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653407999?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"/></a><a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/finish-line-index" target="_blank">Races Results in Finish Line Index</a><br/> <strong>PHOTOS:</strong> <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/winter-series-i-gallery-1" target="_blank">Winter Series I, Gallery 1</a> ** <strong><a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/winter-series-i-gallery-2" target="_blank">Gallery 2</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/winter-series-i-gallery-3" target="_blank">Gallery 3</a></strong> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/winter-series-i-gallery-4" target="_blank">Gallery 4</a><br/>
<strong>VIDEO:</strong> <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/start-of-the-2013-winter-series-i-short-course-race-at-cheyenne-m" target="_blank">Start of the Winter Series I short-course race</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/interview-with-14-year-old-katie-rainsberger-winner-of-the-winter" target="_blank">Interview with Katie Rainsberger</a> ** <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/tommy-manning-talks-about-his-win-in-winter-series-i-long-course-" target="_blank">Interview with Tommy Manning</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/page/super-half-marathon-and-5k-family-fun-run"><img width="380" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653406166?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="380"/></a>Three of the best young runners in Pikes Peak region made Cheyenne Mountain Park their own personal playground on Saturday in the Winter Series I short-course race (3.3 miles).</p>
<p>Kaitie Rainsberger, 14, charged over the single-track trail course to win in 21 minutes, 16 seconds. Kayli Tabares, 13, gave chase to finish second, about 58 seconds behind. Aubrey Till, 15, of Canon City, was third in 22:48.</p>
<p>More than 600 runners braved a cold day that left icicles in runner beards and pony tails.</p>
<p>Rainsberger said she's in it to win the series.</p>
<p>"Hopefully, that's one of my goals," she said. "I'm also here preparing for track. We'll see how it goes, but it would be nice to win it."</p>
<p>The winter series began in 1979. Since then it has become a favorite of runners in the Pikes Peak Region. There are actually two series, with runners choosing to run four short races, from 3.3 to 10K, or the longer races that range from about seven miles to 20K. The series will continue on Jan. 26, Feb. 9 and Feb. 23.</p>
<p>Jame Burns, 24, Colorado Springs, won the men's short-course race in 17: 41. He was followed by Justin Chaston (44, Colorado Springs, 18:10) and Simon Gutierrez (46, Colorado Springs, 18:36).</p>
<p>In the long-course race, about 7.2 miles, Tommy Manning, a three-time member of the USA Mountain Running Team, won with a time of 45:03.</p>
<p>It was a comeback win of sorts.</p>
<p>"I haven't been running much," Manning said. "I probably only ran about 30 days from September to the end of the year. I hurt my ankle and I've just started coming back."</p>
<p>Manning took an early lead with the plan to work hard running up the hills.</p>
<p>"I just kept pushing the pace uphill and I had a really good time," he said</p>
<p>Jay Masservy, 23, Colorado Springs finished second in 45:21. Marcus Corbett (37, Colorado Springs, (45:23) was third.</p>
<p>In the women's long race, Kelly Ramirez, 27, Fort Collins, won in 49:27. She was followed by Clare Bar (25, Colorado Springs, 50:18) and Stephanie Wurtz (30, Colorado Springs, 51:12.)</p>
<p><strong><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653409177?profile=original"><img width="170" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2653409177?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="170"/></a>Speaking of comebacks:</strong> Anna Norsky of Aurora ran in the Winter Series, but jokes that she probably should keep her racing quiet.</p>
<p>Norsky donated one of her kidneys to her mother on Nov. 9. She spent two days in the hospital and was walking seven miles within two weeks.</p>
<p>"I don't think my doctor would be too happy about me running so soon," she said.</p>
<p>She said her mom was on dialysis for 18 months. Her kidney was the best match. She didn't think twice about donating the kidney, though her mom wasn't so sure about the operation ... at least not at first.</p>
<p>"At first she wasn't thrilled about taking an organ from her own daughter, but then she thought 'it was in me 31 years ago,'" Norsky said.</p>