the M M StriderFEBRUARY (& January) 2017
t h e s t r i d e r
In this issue: Rumored naked snow angel @ mid-winter Bang’s Canyon survival epic!
CASSIDY AHRENS smokes field in SANTA CAUSE 5K! Joshua Van Pelt is 2nd and first man ~
MMS “cleans up” @ WinterSun 10k !
Old Spanish Trails organization donates $$ to MMS !
ThanksLiz Norris, Corey Hinman (Vickie Felmlee), Kevin Koch, and Randee Bergenfor contributions to the NL
Dec. 3, Saturday, WinterSun 10k,Moab Race course is Point-to-point from M. Golf Course down to the High School. MACKENNEA BROYLES & JAMES ROCHE were the firstests to the finish line during what appeared to be fine weather for this early-December event. During the editor’s gleaning of the finisher information – there were no “home towns” (or countries or planets of origin) given so for those several dozen of you WHO WERE THERE, drop us a line for some first-hand information! Four-hundred-twenty-plus runners completed the race.
WOMEN (fastest)MEN
- M. Broyles (20)38:201. J. Roche (29)33:33
- Tina Zoller (36)42:272. Evan Ellison (14)35:47
- SUZIE STEEL (50-ish)42:373. Ryan Lewis (16)35:58
- Melissa Doudna (33)42:454. Edmond Paspali (46) 36:27
- Cheryl Stahly (32)43:005. Donnie Tietsema (31) 37:04
- Stefanie Von Flue (33) 43:336. Graham Trenda (36)37:15
- Esmeralda Rostel (30) 43:537. Kevin O’Brien (58!)37:31
- NanKeith Frates (56!) 44:318. Steve Murray (48)38:00
- Kristi Siman (36)44:519. Jeff Phillippi (40s)38:07
- Cheryl Castle (50)44:5910. Levi Broyles (40-ish)38:33
We (by “we”, the editorial we means MMS) would have been missed had we not shown up. As noted above, the Masters fastests were Ms. Steel and Edmond Paspali. Note the age of the 2nd & 3rd-place men. Well, James is on the young side, too (besides winning the “lots of 3’s in his race time award”). Note that 3 women were “50-ish”, and ‘mature’ men were also well-represented towards the front. Okay … for men age groups (in addition to James’ over-all) Donnie Tietsema won the 30-39; Kevin O’Brien did excellent in winning 50+ (2nd master), Levi B and Matt Ozanic and Scott Vig not only were in the top 6 for men 40-49, they were all in the fastest 20 over-all. Ernie Langelier (44:28) and Tom Ela (48:14) and Chuck Mattson (49:53) went one-two-four for the 60+; and Dennis Young won the 70+ (61:22). Jeff Recker was 3rd in the tough 50+ (41:15) with Brian Baroffio 6th (42:41).
Women performances not only were highlighted by Ms’s Steel and Broyles; note that Grand Valley locals were 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th – and is Cheryl Castle from “here”? Again, no home towns on the results so we’re leaving somebody(ies) out … Mary Young won 70+ (67:12) and in addition to NanKeith’s age group win (as well as 2nd Master (should/could we say “Mistress”? hmmm…) Rochelle Kreigshauser was 2nd in Nan’s age group (48:26). Jeanie Grooms was runner-up for the 60+ (50:29).
check moabhalfmarathon.com
back by popular demand - the WINTER SUN PARTY BUS! The second annual Winter Sun Party Bus was a huge success. There were 35 riders total,boarding in both Grand Junction and Fruita. Too many more and the bus would have been overcrowded. The final cost per rider was about $23, just enough to cover the cost of the bus and to leave our friendly and patient driver, Brownie, a hefty tip.
Riders moved about the bus and enjoyed each other's company. Penny Vercelline, "having a master of fine arts in dance," gave an impromptu dance lesson and warm up session for the runners. As we approached Moab,Ray Jensen, aka Coach Ray, set the mood witha moving speech about the power of WE in TEAM. Yes, there is a WE in TEAM, if you turn TEAM upside down and do some twisting and rearrangingof the letters. Ray also provided the music entertainment.
And, wow, did our Striders team ever do well! Many of them were on the podium after the beautiful, sunshiny six-mile run through Moab. Awards were followed by lunch. Most of the party bus riders dined in the back room at the Moab Brewery.
Back on the bus for the trip home,Tommy Toast started the toasts. The Fireball was raised to thebus organizer, Coach Ray, age group winners, age-group placers,first-time racers, slow runners, Triple-Crown winners, you-name-its,and even our wonderful bus driver. Then, the dancing began. Did I mention there was dancing? In the aisles?
The 2016 Winter Sun Party Bus delivered, and lived up to its name. We'll be back next year, so watch for us!
Corey received a note from Vicki Felmlee from the Old Spanish Trail Association (OSTA) organization.
“Corey: we (OSTA org) have a bit of $$$ left over from the Back to the Trails event, about $75, and we decided to donate it to the Striders.” As Ms. Hinman also noted – “cool” ! See
Deadline for submissions for next newsletter isnot known at this time. Probably mid-February
Email articles anyway to or ‘regular’ mail to
MMS, c/o Betunada, 230 Sunset Hills, Grand Jct., CO 81503
MMS Directors meeting -->November 29. Unfortunately, we (again) had a quorum, so whatever financial decisions made were binding. Such as: we will start with a new (presumably “improved’) TIMING SYSTEM. We had the system donated! and it had a $12k original cost! and has all “the whistles and bells” – whatever those are. Speaking (er, writing) about costs: it’s that time of the year we pay the RRCA $800 annual fees/dues. Representatives with The Desert Rats Trail running series scheduled for mid-April asked if the MMS would operate/run an aid station. This is “under consideration” but MMS members would receive an entry discount. We reminisced over Run-in-the-New-Years past.
*** - perpetual! MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL REMINDER <-- ***
Send your payment of $20 for individuals, $25 for a same-address family (of 2 or more)
Mesa-Monument STRIDERS / Attn: Tom Ela / Membership
P.O. Box 3685 Grand Junction, CO 81502
MMS members get reduced rates at all the low-key local events. You also receive the monthly email or paper newsletter often with race entry forms and such delivered right to either your door or email-box. AND -- you get COLORADO RUNNER magazine 4 times a year!
Yes, there was a beer mile. And a/the “run in the new year” but we haven’t heard any report on that, so it must have been fun. And the editor ruminationicizes … I frequently think about knee-lift. Especially as THAT is mostly missing when I run. IT FINALLY HAPPENED: I think I was the oldest (most seasoned?) runner at the Turkey-prediction. And the non-MMS-director runners should be thankful that MMS directors chased everybody else in.
Late January, FEBRUARY, & maybeLATER C A L E N D A R
Note: all phone numbers “970” unless indicated otherwise
Saturday, January 21, 11 AM Appleton Freezer 4-Mile
Appleton School, 2358 H Rd between 23 1/2 and 24 Rds. An invigorating road run, cheap and fun! Ray, 250-8592
Jan. 28 & 29: CMU and Grand Mesa Nordic Council (gmnc.org) put on cross-country ski races on “the Mesa”
February 11, Sat., 10 a.m. Valentine’s Massacre Beverage-Prediction 3-mile run. Bottom of Little Park Road near the Gunnison River. Entry is/are 2 cans or bottles of any beverage! which are re-distributed to prediction winners. Rosco, 270-0109
February 18, Sat: 10 a.m. --10th Annual Sweet Heart Run – 5k or 10k! Fruita Community Center , 324 N. Coulson. Should be entry form in this newsletter. Contact info is: Cheri Delaney, Fitness & Wellness Coordinator, Fruita Community Center, 970-858-0360 ext. 6425 $25 for 5k, $30 for 10k. Nice “technical run” tee-shirts!
Later February (21st or 28th) monthly MMS Directors meeting: Call 270-0109 for location & etc.
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 run every Monday, 6 PM -Now at the Copper Club
The Copper Club, 233 E Aspen, corner of Aspen and Peach, run the streets of Fruita
We run in all conditions. Like the Thursday night group, this is casual and all abilities are welcome. We have a 6 mile standard loop but there are various shorter options to choose from.Tom 970-773-3124
Every Wednesday,speed workout,6 PM -Now at the Lincoln Park track
As of Wed 11/9:Lincoln Park track next to Stocker Stadium
All abilities and speeds encouraged to join, Tom 970-773-3124.
Group training run every Thursday, 6 PM -Now at CMU Student Center
CMU Student Center just West of 12th and Elm. You can park in the 12th and Elm parking garage for free or along Elm St. Meet in the main lobby. Afterwards we can regroup at The Point in the Student Ctr which has beer and beverages. Bring some $ and your ID (yes they carded me). We'll be out there rain or shine. 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
Messages? comments? questions? suggestions? Tom Ela 434-9753
SANTA CAUSE 5k
Dec. 17, Las Colonias Confluence Shelter (adjacent to Botanical Gardens). This event is sponsored by G J Parks&Rec with the Kiwanis to raise funds for Grand Valley area kids.
The MMS Timing crew was pleasantly surprised that, in spite of somewhat inclement weather and presumed “early” start time, that well over 100 participants ran this event. CASSIDY AHRENS literally ran away from the field to win in 19:38 of effort. JOSHUA VAN PELT, followed by Stefanie Von Flue and Randy Kirschbaum were not too far behind (Josh: 22:04, Stefanie = 22:13, Randy A 22:26).
WOMEN over-allMEN over-all
- Ahrens (wins 20&under)19:381. Van Pelt (19)22:04
- Von Flue (wins 30-39)22:132. Kirschbaum (57)22:26 Masters winner!
- Kate Avery (28)25:203. Leo Frenkel (23)23:51
- Tammy Van Pelt (48)25:274. John Von Flue (33) 24:42
- Maya Hilty (17)25:305. Steven Bradley (11) 25:59
- Jill Hilty (57)25:306. Joe Carter (45)26:00
- Dusti Reimer (33)25:487. Jim Bradley (38)26:03
- Katie Smith (16)25:538. Les Doehling (56)27:19
- Elvi Whiteford (43)28:129. Ford Keeler (53)28:11
- Bethany Peckler (39)28:2710. Jeremy Lucero (36) 30:19
Tammy Van Pelt was women’s Masters fastest (40& over), whereas as indicated above, there were THREE men over 50 (& one 40+) in the fastest ten. And I never saw so many santa-claus hats (many with white beards) among a group running a race.
MESA MONUMENT STRIDERS website:
also see the MMS FACEBOOK presence:
Other 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: – this site is chock-full of info for many/most the Steamboat-area races. Get on their e-mailing list!
MOAB: moabhalfmarathon.com (Canyonlands HM/5M, Thelma&Louise HM/Relay, The Other Half, and the Winter-Sun 10k) -- also (435) 259-4525
rrca.org (road runners clubs of america) and colorado runner:
Support the underwriters / sponsors of the MESA-MONUMENT STRIDERS: The following:
Western Medical Associates,
Summit Canyon Mountaineering,
the Foot Support Group,
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ORTHOPEDICS
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!
Rocky Mountain Orthopedics Association, 627 25 ½ Road, 242-3535
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
WESTERN MEDICAL ASSOCIATES 743 HORIZON CT. Suite 100, Grand Junction, CO 81506 phone number remains the same here in GJ Andrew Winnefeld, M.D.
For an appointment call 241-7600
Summit Canyon Mountaineering 461 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) 243-2847
Editor note: If I’ve deleted any current or would-be sponsors/underwriters, please let me know!
LIZ Norris writes I went to the turkey trot once again but this time I was not wheeling. It is amazing how much faster you can go on your own two feet. I felt pretty horrible as far as how it actually feels to run anymore but I was grateful to be doing it and to be here. I have been doing that run ever since they started it. Another friend, Ronda ran it for the first time, despite the fact that she has a rather nasty cancer. I hope that she will have a streak in this run as well. They mentioned Delaney before the run and memories and love for a fallen friend took the form of wetness that ran down my face.
After the run the three of us took part in another tradition which was eating at the salvation army. My head was full of so many memories and my heart was filled with gratefulness.
Another thing happened. I have not only lost a lot of my running strength, I also lost some of my musical abilities from the illness and its treatment. I run slower but I run .I sing softer but I sing .I have no choice to be thankful. When choir members saw me once again in their ranks, while we were performing I was the recipient of hugs and smiles. Loving and being loved in return gives our lives meaning and I am blessed to still have that in my life. As difficult as things often are for me I have much to smile about. See you all on the road, trail and maybe races. Happy running all and I will always treasure the love and friendship I am so fortunate to have.
The M M S Directors, currently, are: SHERYL DOUGLAS -- President (& Keeper of the Keys). ANDY WINNEFELD – Vice-President. TOM ELA – Membership (and much more!). CONRAD COLE – Treasurer. ROSCO BETUNADA -- Secretary, Newsletter. RANDEE BERGEN -- Web Site. LARRY INGRAM -- Calendar, Race Director Consultant, Timing. Also assisting the MMS in various ways: Corey Hinman, Julie Malingowski
KARLA NEPHEW ? – “the new Angela”? & a Director who wishes to remain Anonymous.
Saturday - Jan. 7th, 2017, 8:30 AM Bangs Canyon Trail Run - 30K, 60K Bangs Staging Area
With a large snow storm two days before the race the course was exceptionally snowy this year. The entire course was covered in 6-10 inches of snow with ATV track only found on the last Rough Canyon section. Most runners were an hour or more slower this year than previous years. The temperature never really warmed up with the cloud cover and stayed in the teens most of the day.
In the men's 30k, defending world champion James Roche led early closely followed by Giff Walters, eventually pulling away from the field. They exchanged leads several times before coming together up Old Windmill. Down in to Rough Canyon they were together until James hit a rough patch at Hell's Hole. Giff powered up the final climb to win and James would limp home in second receiving the Jeff Recker Bonk award in the process. In the battle for third Marty Wacker was off on his own safely in third until a steady running Scott Vig caught him on the descent in to Rough Canyon. The two would bring it home together (Bangs does not allow ties and Scott would cross the line first).
The women's 30k also saw a new sheriff in town. Stephanie Braun would set a blistering pace to pull away from race favorite and defending world champion Erin McMahon to take the win. In third Keith Frates set a steady pace and found a familiar partner in Kirk Apt to get through the challenging course.
A good time was had by all at the post race camp fire. Special thanks to Ray Jensen for going above and beyond again this year providing music, fire, food, and drink. He gets the super boy scout award.
Also, thank you to my lovely wife Shannon Koch for all of her hard work this year and being simply amazing in general.
If you had fun, bring a friend next year! -Kevin
60K
No finishers
30k
1. 3:38 Giff Walters 31M2. 4:06 James Roche 29M3. 4:12 Scott Vig 42M
4. 4:12 Marty Wacker 45M5. 4:28 Donnie Tietsema 31M6. 4:30 Stephanie Braun 31F (1F)
7. 4:36 Chris Marcinek 29M8. 4:37 Chris Wright 45M9. 4:40 John Paul Ogden 49M
10. 4:51 Matt Braun 37M11. 4:54 Erin McMahon 35F (2F) 12. 5:10 Brad Rugel 41M
13. 5:19 Jeff Friedman 33M14. 5:19 Matt Ozanic 42M15. 5:21 Heath Martin 36M
16. 5:23 Keith Frates 56F (3F)17. 5:23 Kirk Apt 54M18. 5:53 Greg Hewitt 60M
19. 5:53 Laura Venner 34F (4F)20. 5:54 Edmond Paspali 46M21. 5:56 Shannon Hatch 40F (5F)
22. 5:59 Luke Miley 36M23. 6:05 Liz Smith 30F (6F)24. 6:27 Chris Pack 42M
25. 6:34 Colleen Wright 39F (7F)26. 6:35 Dale Morrison 61M27. 6:47 Penny Vercelline 45F (8F)
28. 6:47 Athan Miller 42F (9F)29. 6:50 Karla Nephew 37F (10F) 30. 6:50 Corey Hinman 41F (11F)
31. 8:40 Jess Condon 25F (12F)
??kShannon KochKristi SimanScott JonesHeath ScottEsa Crumb
Erica MichaldTom ElaRandall ReitzAna ReitzLara Schneider
1did you ever think (that here it is … 2017?) edition