- In this issue: Esmeralda Rostel and John Ferguson fastest at “Spur”
- JINA SILVA & KEVIN DONOHER Win 2019 MMS Trail Series
- Next month: More reasons answering the question of “why were we created only to suffer & die?”
Thanks to Martin W., Karla Nephew, Tom Ela, Patrick Hummel, and Zoë Dunn (and Renee Wheelock) for contributions to this edition.
MMS Directors meeting --> August 27: MARTIN Wiesiolek Presentation: Martin was invited to the August Board-of-Directors meeting to discuss the possible RE-DESIGN OF THE M M S WEBSITE. Martin suggested that there be “goals” that the website should accomplish and along with the Board the following were discussed: (1) RECRUITMENT (2) DISSEMINATE INFORMATION (3) LINKS (4) COMMUNICATE.
We could consider “doing business” @ the website (e.g. paying dues). The ideal website is “built like LEGOS” – you can add or subtract parts. The ideal site is also one in which non-programmers can manage the content. Another example: on FACEBOOK when an event is presented, “for details go to the WEBSITE.” (race results, course maps, for example).
Martin mentioned that the biggest negative to utilizing Facebook for the majority of information sharing is that Facebook owns your content vs. when using a website all information posted is owned by the Striders.
The address will remain the same. What Martin envisions is “stuff” which enhances search-engine-recognition. “Properly-built websites are LIKED by Search Engines.” Ours, at present, isn’t. Patrick Hummel asked about enabling search-engines to SEARCH WITHIN the website. (Hmmm…) Martin mentioned that depending on the file types that make up the data of a website some are more easily searchable for specific content.
Martin proposed a DRUPAL – a data-base-driven-website. We presently pay $187/year for our website, of which $17 or so is for the domain name. Martin will provide a “diagram” and proposal. And he remarked about PLANNING – “it is easier to move a house wall during planning than moving the actual wall.” We could have an “enterprise-level web-site.” And he emphasized that what practically everyone likes about websites is/are GRAPHICS. “Start collecting PHOTOS.” (Karla has already started work on this as well as created a shared Google Folder for Striders material to be collected for possible website inclusion). Mr. W also emphasized that we should have a STANDARD FORMAT for race results (and not “word”. Your ‘dinosaur’ Editor will probably have to learn something new).
And we should incorporate the BLOG, this “keeps the website FRESH.” This should be updated monthly at a minimum.
Non-website related: Conrad provided the MMS Financial Report, part of which is files an IRS 990 (I think). Patrick Hummel is now/new Race Director of the Bang’s Canyon 30k/60k, replacing former Director Shannon and Kevin Koch. Also, this event date is January 4 (not the 11th as listed in the previous calendar). We discussed “cheating” in races – e.g., the infamous Rosie Ruiz. There was a recent story of a 70+-year-old runner running marathons in the 2:50 range – who, when accused of cheating, committed suicide. (Dr. Frank Meza ran an alleged 2:53:10 in a recent (June/July) Los-Angeles-area marathon. He apparently checked-out of this life when allegations surfaced …)
Is it safe to conclude that the Sept. Friday-the-13th PALISADE RIM DOUBLE-LOLLIPOP DEATH RACE did not occur?
For submissions for next newsletter: Email articles to [email protected]
Doesn’t have to be a ‘submission’! Let me know of O-missions, etc.
or ‘regular’ mail to MMS, c/o Betunada, 230 Sunset Hills, Grand Jct., CO 81503
Did you know that you can opt-out of the paper version of the newsletter and get an email version? You will still get one paper newsletter at the beginning of the year that contains our annual calendar. Just let Tom or Karla know!
MESA MONUMENT STRIDERS website: http://www.mesamonumentstriders.com –
www.facebook.com/pages/Mesa-Monument-Striders/282653486288
R I P Tom Harshman (aged 91), this past August 12. The Editor seems to remember Mr. Harshman being a past President of the Striders (the obituary stated that he ran his last marathon at age 72). Somewhat weird sorta coincidence – I think the last time I saw Tom was many years back, on the Montrose golf course. Mr. H was in the 4-some behind us and when they caught up, he recognized me and asked if I knew Dan Peterson (another Strider President) had just died. I purchased the newspaper and also noted the obit of Jan Frisby’s father (Jan was, yes, another Strider President).
OCTOBER & Beyond C A L E N D A R
Note: all phone numbers “970” unless indicated otherwise
Saturday September 28 -- Tour of the Moon bicycle tour supported by Striders volunteer sag wagons 3rd Annual Bicycle “Tour of the Moon” – the MMS has received generous compensation for providing “Sag-wagon Support” in the past. We’d like a few more people, with vehicles with room enough to rescue bikes along with their riders, to be part of the MMS sag-wagon crewe.
If you have a vehicle that can carry a couple of bikes, help us out to earn a nice club donation from Tour of the Moon. Reply to [email protected] or call or text Tom at 970-773-3124
Also Sept. 28, the Crested Butte Ultra races, Crested Butte, of course. 7 a.m. -- 55k or 105k (starts at 4 a.m.) https://www.madmooseevents.com/crested-butte-ultra
Sept. 28, Golden-Leaf Half-Marathon, Snowmass to Aspen – SOLD OUT !
Striders Trail Work Day - Saturday, October 5th | 9:00am @ Devil’s Canyon Trailhead
Join us for a Striders group trail work-day in celebration of National Public Lands Day. Our group will be working alongside the Great Old Broads for Wilderness to fix the trailhead kiosk along with restoration of social trails. We may be doing some signage work as well. The work session is set for Saturday, October 5th at 9:00am at the Devil’s Canyon Trailhead off of Kingsview Road. The work session will take 3-4 hours. We will have a potluck lunch afterwards in the trailhead parking lot. Bring a dish to share! What to bring: sturdy shoes, wear long pants, work gloves, water, day pack
Oct. 5, Saturday, 8:30 a.m. ROK “n” 5k (Running on kindness), and competitive 10k. Hartwell Park, Ridgway. Pot-luck afterwards ~
Oct. 6, Sunday, 10 a.m. “Sweet-Feet 5k” in Montrose. The M.H.S. girls basketball team fund-raiser, with help from Russell Stover Chocolate – at Cerise Park. Register (online) aby 9/18 to guarantee a long-sleeved t-shirt. https://runsignup.com/race/co/montrose/sweetfeet5k
Sunday October 13 Cruise the scenic river road from Dewey Bridge to Sorrel River Ranch
Arches Half Marathon (used to be called The Other Half Half) – also a 10k. Moab.
8:30 a.m. start for the 13, & 8:50 for the 6.2. Sign up for the Dec 7 Winter Sun 10K while you're there. https://www.madmooseevents.com/
Sunday October 20 The big Striders Fall challenge!
Run to Whitewater 18-Mile Trail Race, Bangs Canyon to Whitewater
Tabeguache Trail from Bangs Canyon Trailhead up Little Park Rd to CO Hwy 141 near Whitewater. Point-to-point self-aided remote high-desert trail run. Conrad: 245-4243
Nov. 2, Saturday, 10 a.m. Pear Park Panda Waddle 5k, Long’s Park (near Central H.S.)
https://www.active.com/grand-junction-co/running/distance-running-races…
Nov. 2, RimRock Marathon, and half-marathon (& 12k)
The Rim Rock Marathon is back for its 24th year! This fundraiser for the Colorado Mesa University’s Cross Country and Track & Field program and the Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission is looking to expand its horizons this year. The race has been voted one of the most scenic marathons in the nation and one of the toughest marathons in North America, according to RaceRaves. It has grown over 30% annually the past four years and is on pace to do the same again this year, with an estimated 500+ runners. The 2019 event will include a marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay as well as the new 12k race! There will be music, food, a beer garden and more, all finishing in the heart of Fruita. We appreciate your support in making this race the best year yet! Visit rimrockmarathon.com for more info. Prices go up October 1st! 2018 Rim Rock Run Demographics -- 26 States; 2 Countries – (this year we already have 3!); 13 yrs. Youngest 1/2 Marathoner; 73 yrs. Oldest 1/2 Marathoner; 18 yrs. Youngest Full Marathon; 71 yrs. Oldest Full Marathoner
Zoë Dunn Rim Rock Run Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission
Office: (970) 248-1378 [email protected] Rim Rock Run
“Winding over the Colorado National Monument from Grand Junction to Fruita, Colorado, the U.S. Bank Rim Rock Run boasts scenery unlike any other race. The peaceful course features views of towering monoliths, vast plateaus and canyon panoramas. Sheer-walled, red rock canyons surround the twists and turns of the course.”
Runners with questions or comments, contact either Zoë (above) or
Renee Wheelock Executive Director Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission
Office: (970) 248-1469 Cell: (703) 304-6357 [email protected] www.RimRockMarathon.com Registration fee includes a $10 per runner fee for access to the Colorado National Monument, custom finisher medal, a commemorative technical t-shirt, special offers, food at the finish line and more.
Join us for any of the 3 weekly training sessions: anyone (that is: come one, come all). NOTE: you DO NOT "HAVE TO" RUN -- show up and walk, even!
Group training runs are held three times each week, Monday-Wednesday-Thursdays.
Every Wednesday, speed workout, 6 PM – Tabeguache Trailhead on Monument Road aka Lunch Loops for trail intervals. We have a loop around the easier bottom trails with segments designated for intervals but this works well if you want a shorter easier run by just running your training pace throughout. Great for beginners, a challenging workout for the ambitious!
All abilities and speeds encouraged to join, Tom 970-773-3124.
Group training run every Thursday, 6 PM – Tabeguache Trailhead on Monument Road aka Lunch Loops. We'll be out there rain or shine (or snow, or wind.) As always, this is casual and all shapes and speeds are welcome with various routes to choose from. We'll look out for you. Questions: Tom 970-773-3124
Thursday night Aug 29 for the annual fresh peach ice cream run! After the 6 PM run. Bring your own bowl if you think of it. Everybody gets to crank to disprove that runners have no upper body strength!
Group training trail run every Monday, 6 PM
9/30 Devil's Canyon Trailhead
10/7 Pollock Canyon Trailhead, run Flume Canyon Loop
10/14 Pollock Canyon Trailhead, run Pollock Bench Loop
10/21 Mary's Loop Trailhead, I-70 Loma Exit
We will rotate through these four locations in this order through the season. For all but Mary's Loop, take Colo Hwy 340 south from Fruita across the river and turn right at Kings View Rd. Follow through the subdivision and onto the gravel road. Devil's Canyon parking is soon after on the left, Pollock parking is a couple of miles further on the left.
We run in all conditions. Like the Thursday night group, this is casual and all abilities are welcome. We have a 5-6 mile standard loop but there are various shorter options to choose from. Or longer! Tom 970-773-3124
b c z y x v u 8 1 0 4 3 n ? ! q
MORE running websites:
sjmr.club ( SJMR ) San Juan Mountain Runners, 631 S. 2nd Street, Montrose, CO 81401
West Colorado GIRLS ON THE RUN: gotrwesterncolorado.org
Steamboat Springs: www.runningseries.com – this site should show all you need to know about most (or all!)
the Steamboat-area races. Get on their e-mailing list!
rrca.org (road runners clubs of america) and colorado runner: www.coloradorunnermag.com
Support the underwriters / sponsors of the MESA-MONUMENT STRIDERS:
The following: Summit Canyon Mountaineering, ALPINE AUTO-HAUS, the FOOT SUPPORT GROUP, WEBCREATE.COM, and Dr. Andy Mohler, family practice, have assisted in keeping membership costs lower than they could be.
And: they support running in the Grand Valley (& elsewhere). Support them if you can!
ALPINE AUTO-HAUS, 539 BOGART LANE – (970) 248-8004
Consider this auto-repair/servicing shop – especially for your Audi or BMW or VW or MINI ~
FOOT SUPPORT GROUP Foot/gait/orthotics/bracing/modification specialists
“European Craftsmanship – Biomechanical Design” 3212 F Road, Clifton, CO 81520
888-242-3881 or, in the 970 area code: 434-2727
Summit Canyon Mountaineering 461 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) 243-2847
Dr. Andy Mohler, family practitioner – with the Primary Care Partners PC, 3150 N. 12th (G.J., 81506), 245-1220
WEBCREATE.COM – just as it appears: need help with your website? [email protected]
The M M S Directors, currently, are:
KARLA NEPHEW – President (& Jaguar-Timing-System).
ANDY WINNEFELD – Vice-President (& frequent medical insight).
TOM ELA – Membership (among many other things). CONRAD COLE – Treasurer.
ROSCO BETUNADA – interim temporary acting Secretary, Newsletter.
RANDEE BERGEN -- Web Site, and FaceBook. LARRY INGRAM -- Calendar, Race Director Consultant.
SHERYL DOUGLAS (former President and still Keeper of the Keys).
PATRICK HUMMEL – Architectural and Design consulting. COREY HINMAN (GVTA Liason).
K M (mystery occasional semi-secret agent), consultant on any-&-everything
If any reader (or, heck, even if YOU DON’T READ this) has somewhat pertinent photos of local or involving-locals or even remotely related to local-running photos, consider sending them in. [email protected]
Aug. 31, SPUR OF THE MOMENT 5K: 4 runners wanting a fast work-out participated, paced by John Ferguson (22:10) and Esmeralda Rostel (25:07). Craig Parks had 22:27 of fun and Bob Thome ran a 23:20. Ms. Rostel was first under-60!
Sept. 7: the more-than-famous (infamous!) Imogene Pass 17+ mile from Ouray to Telluride:
Ferreting out “local” results was a bit difficult in that the list of finishers did not have home-towns. So, I missed a BUNCH OF YOU. One could query entrants’ home towns (but not ON the finisher list) – and there were a minimum of 60 runners from the Grand Valley.
Timmy Parr (age 37, from Leadville) won somewhat handily in 2:18:05. Five-minutes later the next runner, Andrew Wise (24), came in (2:23:14). In 13th place was women’s winner, Nowlin Taylor (28), 2:44:08. The next woman was the appropriately-named IMOGEN Ainsworth (31), 2:49:04; and 3rd woman (29th over-all, 52-years-young) Tammy Jacques had 2:54:04.
Men’s masters winner was 11th-place Oliver Vrambout, 2:43:58. There were 1,243 finishers!
Heath Hibbard (67th over-all) was first in the 65-69 group with a 3:12:06. Ernie Langelier was 2nd in that age group (379th, 3:57:16). David Fay may have been the fastest Grand Valley local in this race, coming in 86th, 3:16:59, just missing a top-3 spot in the 50-54 age group. Other familiar names were 230th finisher Chris Beus (age 40), 3:39:22; James Gebhard (251st, 3rd in the 60-64 group, 3:41:41); Hannah Holm (681st, 4:30:01); Rochelle Kriegshauser (lucky #777, 4:39:40); and Corey Hinman (ahead of 128 others), 5:32:02. www.imogenerun.com
Sept. 7 & 8: Desert’s Edge Triathlon Festival – Held out at Highline Lake – Saturday were the “dirt” courses (mountain-bike rather than road), while on Sunday were the road options. And, there were different distances – e.g., the “Dirt Olympic” entailed a 600-meter swim, with a 50-meter run to the next 600-meter swim, then a 13.5-mile mountain bike segment, ending with a 4.5-mile run. The “dirt sprint” was, of course, a bit shorter. The Olympic Road course started with a 1500-meter swim, then 40k bike ride, ending with a 10k run. The sprint course was about half of those distances.
The “Dirt Olympic” race saw 53 finishing, led by Deanna McCurdy (age 45, from Littleton) with a 1:58:01. Finishing within a minute later was Mike Gommel (44, from Parker), 1:58:52. The first 4 finishers were all 44 & older, with the 2nd-woman, Sharon Foster (59!) finishing 6th over-all, 2:06:41. In 7th was the first “local” finisher, Andrew Foster (34, the kid) in 2:07:06. Other Grand Valley finishers were Joel Sholtes (12th, 2:13:55); Scott Bierman (16th, 2:14:55); John O’Riordan (42nd, 2:44:45); Rachel Harrington (43rd, 2:47:13); and Pat Zachary (48th, 3:01:59).
The “Dirt Sprint” was won by 13-years-young Christoff Zimmerman (his dad was 3rd in the longer race), from Morrison, with a 1:06:57. In 4th was Garrett Carrica (G.J., 28) with 1:25:28. Next (5th) was first woman, from Fruita, Erin Bergstrom (just 42), 1:26:21. Vanessa Young (38, G.J.) was 5th woman, 1:29:59; and Tom Ela was winner of the 60+ group with a 1:34:03. Kathaleen Recker was 2nd woman (4th over-all) in the “DIRT SUP” race – in which the swim is replaced by “Stand-Up Paddleboards.”
Sunday’s Road races had 35 finish the Olympic, led by Aaron Blondeau (Salida, 40), 2:23:13. Next finisher was the winner of the previous day’s Dirt Olympic, Ms. Deanna McCurdy – 2:24:08. (Many front-runner/rider/swimmers opted to participate both days.) Finishing 5th was G.J.s Peter Kunisch (44), 2:32:39. Other “local” finishers were Jaime Simmons (41, 2nd woman) 2:26:52; Bruce Smith (62), 10th in 2:42:20; Jeff Recker (57, 11th place, 2:46:09); Grant Burkhart (12th, age 59 2:52:24).
The sprint Road race had 31 athletes finish, led by Pat Faurer (Snowmass), 1:13:52. Sean Phelps (56-years-young, from G.J.) was next, 1:14:20. In 8th was 3rd woman Janine Kunisch (44), 1:32:37. Other local finishers were Tammy Van Pelt (11th, 1:37:23); Sophie Machet (12th, 1:37:58); and Brielle Thomas (14th, 1:39:57). In the “Road SUP” race, all 7 finishers were women from the Grand Valley, led by Carmen Lastine (49) with a 1:35:55.
Any results ‘n such regarding the September 7, SPIRIT OF THE VALLEY 5K and 1K- Run, Walk ‘n Roll ?
Shannon Koch was 3rd female in the September 7 Gemini Adventures Mountain RATS races Marathon. Shannon had 5 hours and 13 minutes of Eagle-area mountain scenery and was 11th over-all.
Sept. 15, was the LEAD KING LOOP 25K in Marble. 126 finished this race, won by Joe Demoor (Carbondale, 29) in 1:51:13; followed by Timmy Parr (still a little sore from his Imogene win the week before?) in 1:56:53. 5th-place was Stevie Kremer (35) winning the women’s race (2:15:22). Joe Schwarz was the bravest runner, chasing ALL the other runners, taking 5:12:00 to accomplish this task.
Kyle & Lori Stone also participated – with Kyle’s 3:22:41 placing 6th in the tough 50-59 age group, while Lori’s 3:56:29 5th in the same category. www.leadkingloop25k.com/
And … in other running-related events with “local”/Grand Valley runners – that we know of --Erin Walter took 1st place in her Age Group for the Dakota 5-0 bike race (okay, we’ll list some NONrunning but endurance none-the-less stuff) – and Ryan Sullivan took 2nd place overall at the Tahoe 100k –
And in the September 14 (and 15th) Steamboat-area “RunRabbitRun” races, Josh Drews completed Run Rabbit Run 100 mile in 33 hours, 11 minutes (& 4 seconds) for 99th place out of 178 finishers in the “tortoise” category. The RRR 100-mile had two “classes” – the “hares” in which there was NO pacing, a stricter cut-off time (but with prize $$$), and the “tortoises.” Jason Emberger (age 35, from G.J.) was 40th in that race with a 28:46:55. Mike Martinez (33, C.Spgs) won the “tortoise” race in 22:59:21; whereas Kyle Pietari (33) won the Hare portion with 19:14:09. Fastest lady was 37-years-young Michele Yates with 22:10:59. ¿Did Giff Walters participate in this race?
The RRR 50-mile had two local finishers, both women – Stacie Schreiner (39, Fruita) was 61st with a 12:15:07; and Janelle Corona (29, G.J.) came in 10 places later in 12:27:14. There were 148 finishers in the 50.
4th annual Striders Trail Race Series:
Monday, September 9, Flume Canyon and series finale with prizes!
Thank you to all that participated in the 2019 Trail Run Series. Each run highlighted one of the five routes we frequent during the Monday night run group. Overall points and raffle tickets were awarded for top finishers. Following the final run, participants had the chance to try their luck at winning various prizes, some of which included Iron Mountain Hot Springs Passes, Glenwood Cavern Adventure Park Passes, REI gift cards, and much more! Stay tuned for the 2020 trail run series! (the editor walked off with an official Broncos hammock, which my visiting son took back home, as his porch accommodates a hammock, which mine does not).
The end of the season totals are:
|
Name |
Points |
Tickets |
Name |
Points |
Tickets |
|
|
Kevin Donoher |
100 |
20 |
Jina Silva |
93 |
13 |
|
|
Donnie Tietsema |
95 |
15 |
Cynthia Malleck |
59 |
11 |
|
|
Martin Wiesiolek |
54 |
6 |
Ezzy Rostel |
39 |
7 |
|
|
Michael Charnick |
34 |
2 |
Erin Walter |
20 |
4 |
|
|
Glenn Fitzgibbons |
67 |
5 |
Lara Schneider |
18 |
2 |
|
|
Tommy Toast |
59 |
5 |
||||
|
Jerry Fay |
17 |
1 |
||||
|
Cory Davis |
14 |
1 |
||||
|
Jay |
n/a |
4 |