t h e s t r i d e r
In this issue
M M S TRAIL-SERIES UNDER-WAY !
MARTIN WIESIOLEK Wins! Rabbit-Valley 13-mile run!
CASSI(day) AHRENS wins C/W/H 10k!
CYNTHIA MALLECK & JEFF FRIEDMAN are Desert Water-Tower champions!
Daughter of former MMS members is fastest high-school 800m-runner in Colorado!
Thanks Liz Norris, Corey Hinman, Andy Winnefeld, Larry Ingram (& Wilfreda Scheetz), Karla Nephew, Marc David, Tom Ela, Thom Seagren, and Paul Wubben for contributions to the NL
Next issue: Turkey Flats? Updated/upgraded Headless 5k results?
(Andy Winnefeld tells us) “Why I Run:”
Sometimes life is busy and days and months go by with little notice. It occurred to me one day that I missed most of my usual races this year. Changing jobs, getting married and a still not completely-healed hamstring had something to do with it. I did enter the Sweetheart Run in Fruita in February, but had done no other races this year. This was by far my longest race drought in the last 10 years. So I decided to enter the Grand Valley Half Marathon. This was to be half marathon #32(This may be off by 1 or 2 because not every race had a finisher medal.)
Running half marathons was once something I took for granted. After 2007 I was doing 3-4 per year and my times just kept getting better. I peaked at 1:41 in a mostly downhill half in Utah 3 years ago. I would regularly finish around 1:50 and 2 hours was not a barrier, but then there was that awful morning when I felt a snap in my leg and I could hardly walk to the car. I guess you don't know how long it takes to recover from a hamstring tear until you have one. After this, I had trouble getting under 2 hours again. I thought the leg was nearly healed (although still aches from time to time) when I injured my other hamstring last Sept. I still ran the Other Half on an injured hamstring last Fall in Moab. However, I was obviously slower.
Saturday, May 6 I felt ready to run, but I knew I had not put in as many miles as I usually do. I also knew that 2 hrs. was probably not going to happen, but that was my goal anyway. The race started in downtown Palisade, a place I am very familiar with and I now call home. We ran the first 2 miles against the wind. This early in the race, it did not bother me much. The next 2 miles are next to the river and then up the 38 Road hill. Even though I routinely run up this hill that is only 2 miles from my house, I have never done it fast and it hurt. At the top of the hill, the wind was at my back again. At the turn around point I was at less than an hour and I knew I had a chance to break 2 hours. However, after turning around and back into the wind, I knew it was not to be. Also, the legs ached and I started doubting my sanity. After the 9 mile mark, I started running down the hill and had an excellent view of the valley below. Suddenly, pain was gone and worries disappeared. In that moment everything was wonderful! I knew the feeling could not last the rest of the race, so I enjoyed every second of it! If you have ever had a Runner's high, you will understand. After that was 2 more miles of against the wind. (I had that song in my mind most of the time by Bob Seger.) At mile 11, I crossed the bridge and had dead legs, but a tail wind at my back. I finished at 2:07.
Months ago, I would have been upset at that time and even let it ruin my day, but I had an amazing run! A lot has happened to me in a short time. I have moved 3 times in less than a year - both where I live and where I work. I was divorced and re-married. Also I have been injured as mentioned above. Yet, I can still go out there and do what I love to do! It seems silly that I was so focused on time. I read somewhere that "the race goes not to the swift, but to those who keep running." Well, I was never "swift" but I did win a few age group awards in small races. Those may not happen anymore, but I will always keep running.
Keep running my friends! Andy Winnefeld
PS: I am breaking 2 hours in my next half marathon!
May 6,Grand Valley Marathon (and ½ M, and 10k, and 5k).
The ambitious folks (hey, Rondo) who put this on have 4 different races running at once. In the MARATHON, 21 brave souls toured the orchards, vineyards, and downtown of Palisade and way-far-east Orchard Mesa. LAURA BRUDZYNSKI (age 29 from Denver) recorded a fine 3:00:53, and Palisade-local BENJAMIN HAUSCHULZ (a little older) was first gentleman with 3:23:17. 2ndman was Eric Bennett (47) from G.J. in 3:29:46 and runner-up lady was Jen Brandon (Boulder), 3:46:01. Bryan Baroffio was 3rdman, 4thover-all in 3:45:13. Tammy Van Pelt (G.J.) was women’s masters fastest and 3rdwoman – 4:22:16.
The Half-M was the popular event, with 42 men and more than double-that for women. Jason Koop (38, from C. Springs) ran a 1:31:21 to pace the field, while Lara Baum (28, Denver) was 2ndover-all and women’s race winner with 1:38:39, 7 seconds ahead of runner-up male. 5ththru’ 7th-place men were all G.J. 30-age group runners: Jeremy Gerlach (1:43:07), Nick Mosely (1:43:38) and Tim Holzschuh (1:46:50). 3rdthru’ 5th-place women were “locals” in the 20+ age group: Lauren Carei (1:47:33), Shelby Mixon (1:49:16) and Meredith Evans (1:52:11). 62-years-young Stanley Weaver (G.J.) was 3rdover 40 with 1:54:31.
The 10k was a women’s favorite too, with 62 of them out-numbering the men almost 4:1. Paige Kaptuch (38, from Sacramento, U-No-wear) was the fastest in the field, enjoying 47:38 of scenery.DestrySchumacker (39, Berthoud) was fastest man, 51:21 with 61-years-young Charles Mattson (G.J.) 2nd, 51:42. 3rdthru’ 5thwomen were all G.J. residents: Kristin Westerhorst (52:38), Diana Williams (53:25) and Amber Pommarane (55:19). 8thwoman, was master’s winner Janette Haynie (G.J.) – 56:55.
Two out-of-town teenagers hurried thru’ the 5k – Joshua Miller (18, from Parker, CO) and Hunter Thompson (where have I heard that name before?)– also 18 but from Anchorage AK recorded 16:51 and 16:52. In 4thover-all was Alex Polito (22 from Mesa, CO), 20:32. Another Mesa runner, Sebastian Nevin was next, 21:01 – while more Mesa runners were 1, 2 for the women: Tess Sanders (20), 21:09 and Heather Banister, 23:46. Bret Mixon (age 51) was first male master – 26:40 while Shan Mixon duplicated that accomplishment, being 1stwoman over 40 with the same time. Deanna Greene (Clifton) was 3rdwoman, 25:55.
May 20, BLACK CANYON ASCENT 6-MILE
As most of you know, this (crazy) event has been being held for many, many years. Like the Garfield Grumble, people show up (and, like the Sand People), in greater numbers.Apparently they’re (not like the Sand People) not easily scared.
Mike Popejoy ran what would be a creditable flat or downhill 10k time in winning the 2017 event – 38:56. Note that this was for about 2,000’ elevation GAIN. Josh Eberly (a familiar West Slope name) was two minutes back, at 40:55. Former winner (and record holder?) Simon Gutierrez was 3rdwith 44:08 of effort. Chasing the kids, he’s 51-years-young. (Your humble editor won the over-50 some years back (2001) in 57:02. No (further) comment.)
Fastest lady was Shannon Payne (45:39), and … second female across was MacKENNA BROYLES in 51:25. Someone who somehow must be a relative of hers, Levi B., was 2ndover-50 in 53:01. Kevin O’Brien (almost 60!) came in at 54:17. Good thing I won the age group when I did…
Heath Hibberd was fastest in the next chronological category (>59) in 57:41, followed closely (THREE SECONDS) by Laura Venner. Laura, were you sand-bagging at the Desert Water-Tower? Cheryl Stahly finished under an hour (59:26). Ernie Langelier (65:56, 3rd60&over), Kate Avery (66:09) and Rochelle Kriegshauser (69:13, 2nd for the 50+s) were more MMS runners. The first person in the WALK category came in at 1:21:21 and RANDEE BERGEN was 4th! Just 5 minutes back.
On May 13 early in the morning, the GeminiAdventures folks heldthe Rabbit Valley half-marathonas a “side show” (?) to their mountain bike races. Ninety runners decided to finish this (we suspect more entered, but …)MARTIN WIESIOLEKspent the least amount of time enjoying the scenery with 1:46:58 of effort. William Desportes spent a bit more time enmeshed in the experience (1:50:42) and Ashley Connolly was quickest non-masculine person (2:00:07). No home-towns were listed, so … how many “locals” will we NOT make mention of? Just Jeanie Grooms (2:27:43), winning 60+ (2nd50+); Randy Larsen, and Ross Westley (not a Grand Valley resident, but one of “our” most enduring out-of-town members). I met Ross while he frequently stopped to take pictures back “in the 1990’s” when we were experiencing the Crested-Butte “Grin&Bear-it 15k”.
Held onthe Kokopelli Trail
May 27 WATER-TOWER 5-MILE (desert) RUN
At “the usual (and suspected) location”, 1.5 miles north of H Road on 27 ¼ Road. 26 runners and some dogs enjoyed this version of “Desert running at its finest.”
Race Director, Dr. P. W. noted: “Editor: you were there; you saw what a nice scene it was – no prevailing wind, no bugs and it seemed everyone was having a good time. A handful even ran it twice!
Something new – a “Bandit Venner” (dog) came in 18th. Remind us to bring dog biscuits next time.
Also, Dru Johnson with BLM was there – and happy. I think we will be able to work something out like a $100 (annual?) fee for all the runs – which would mean a blanket review and allow us to have a donation box ($1.00) – meaning no hassle. Progress.”
1. Jeff Friedman, 35:17 2. Matthew Younger, 36:35 3. Jeremy Gerlach, 37:28 4. CYNTHIA MALLECK, 39:27 5. Dave Younger, 39:33 6. Brad Rugel, 39:57 7. SUZIE STEEL, 40:44 8. Ernie Langelier, 40:54 9. Chris Pack, 42:10 10. Norv Larson, 42:17 11. CHERYL STAHLY, 44:41 12. Tom Ela, 45:05 13. Marshall Steel, 45:09 14. Ray Jensen, 45:34 15. SUE DRAKE, 46:24 16. Jay Krabacher, 48:46 17. ELIZABETH SCHNITTKER, 49:42
18. Bandit Venner, 53:06 19. LAURA VENNER, 53:07 20. KARLA NEPHEW, 53:07 21. KIMBERLY SANCHEZ, 57:26 22. LIZ NORRIS, 61:48 23. Mike Baker, 63:30 24. Randy Larsen, 64:3125. Conrad Cole, 67:41 26. SHERYL DOUGLAS, 69:14 27. Paul Wubben, 1:47:33
June 3, Mike-the-Headless- (chicken)-5k !? We do know that Cassi Ahrens and Marty Wacker were the winners – Marty basically running a solo time-trial in about 17:30 and Ms. Ahrens jogging in … in a sub-20? The reason the editor doesn’t know much more is that I haven’t been able to obtain a copy!
The computer-chip-timing-system accurately recorded the first 150 finishers – enabling the race director and staff to hand out most the over-all and age-group awards – but the system stopped after that. I’ve heard that this has been fixed and hope to get “Headless 5k” results ‘n such … next issue?
June 3,Thelma & Louise ½ Marathon
This somewhat ‘rebel-themed’ women only event also occurred in early June. Under the auspices of the fine folks at
There were 396 “solo” finishers and 69 teams (each runner went ¼ of an M).SharlieDimick (age 21) of Syracuse, Utah, cruised in at 1:30:09 – a 9-minute margin over runner #2. 4thfinisher and first Master, Debbie Polson, recorded a 1:39:39 and is from Crawford (CO). It appears that the fastest “near-local” finisher was Delta’s Rhonda Jones, 14th, in 1:49:29. Tough age group – she was 7th>40. We think the first Grand Valley finisher was Tabitha Beanland (Fruita), 44thin 1:58:29. Tiffany Haifley from G.J. was 4 places back,1:59:53.
The fastest relay team ran 1:45:00. Second-place team was KATHALEEN RECKER & KELLI KESSELL, whose 1:48:54 was faster than their team-winning time last year. No home towns were listed for teams, so no doubt we missed some Grand Valley gals.
June 17 The “Children with hope” 5k & 10k.
Has it already been 9 years? This (these) event(s) is always a “big hit” – and it’s a surprise that more runners don’t participate – scenic course, generous awards and such – a quality event. SIXTY-ONE runners finished the longer event, led by CASSI AHRENS whose 39:34 indicated, basically, a solo time-trial. 4-minutes later the Men’s winner, JIM HARAWAY, finished. Bryan Baroffio and Leslie Goldberg were Master’s fastests.
WOMEN MEN
Cassi Ahrens 39:34 1 Jim Haraway 43:47
Stefanie Von Flue 46:25 2 J T McLaughlin 44:21
Lauren Carei 46:45 3 Kirk Hallam 44:22
Rachel Cambray 47:40 4 Zane Hyland 46:06
Jessica Sullivan 49:46 5 Bryan Baroffio 46:19
Amy Bronson 53:34 6 Josh Drews 48:12
Kelly Broadbear 56:13 7 Andy Krieg 49:20
Leslie Goldberg 56:31 8 Tom Ela 50:31
Janelle Blake 56:49 9 Jim McLaughlin 50:49
Jeanie Grooms 56:49 10 Jeff Prell 51:18
Age groups (F/M): under 20: Cruz Soto, 68:53 / J.T. 20-29: Lauren, Kelly / Zane, 2. Andrew Libberton, 51:50. 30-39: Stefanie, Rachel, Jessica / Kirk, Jeff. 40-49: Leslie, Janelle / Andy Winnefeld, 55:31. 50-59: Bridget Marchall, 60:42 / Bryan, Andy K, JimMcL. 60-69: Jeanie, Kelly Greene, 57:52 / Tom. 70+ Mary Young, 78:26 / Max Barnstead, 55:37.
The 5k was a bit busier, with almost triple the runners crowding the course. NATE FEDEL and BRANDI KRIEG led the charge, with 17:09 and 18:47 respectively. Ages weren’t given for over-all winners, but Brandi (like Cassi in the 10k) is about 20, running for the college (or U) team, and was a stand-out at Grand Valley (Parachute) H.S. in recent years. Brian Arcand and Amy Reed were Master’s winners.
WOMEN MEN
Brandi Krieg 18:47 1 Nate Fedel 17:09
Michaela Dangler 22:05 2 Talon Berta 17:33
Cheryl Stahly 22:06 3 Dalton Haraway 19:18
Taylor Kincaid 23:25 4 Evan Arcand 19:35
Bree Pease 23:40 5 Seth Rickard 20:33
Elaina Arcand 23:46 6 Spencer Miller 20:57
Laura Richardson 24:03 7 Gannon Seagren 20:58
Esmeralda Rostel 24:39 8 Brody Thoma(s) 21:04
Aubree Andre 24:54 9Jadin Berta 21:08
Rebecca Hittle 24:55 10 Oliver Balestrieri 21:17
Women age data: under 16: Michaela, Taylor, Elaina. 16-19: Laura. 20-29: Jaime Bourget, 25:32. 30-39: Cheryl, Bree, Esme. 40-49: Amy Reed, 25:29, Alison Arcand, 25:55. 50-59: Carol Preston, 30:03, Amy Sullivan, 30:05. 60+: LeeAnn Shobe, 31:57 MEN: under 16: Gannon, Brody, Oliver. 16-19: Talon, Dalton, Evan. 20-29: Seth. 30-39: Shane Goodale, 23:36. 40-49: Brian Arcand, 21:24, Joel Kincaid, 21:49. 50-59: Mike Bourget, 25:40. 60-69: Dave Younger, 21:44. 70+: Jesse Long, 24:57.
Thom Seagren, Race Director, notes:Sunny skies greeting over 200 participants for the 9thAnnual Children With Hope 5K and 10K run on June 17th.The race took place on South Camp Road in the Redlands with the picturesque Colorado National Monument in the background. The overall winner for the men’s 5K was Nate Fedel in a time of 17:09, while the women’s winner was Brandi Krieg with an 18:47, which placed her third overall in the race. The 10K saw Cassi Ahrens complete the course in first place for women, as well as taking first place overall, with a time of 39:34 for the 10K course. Jim Haraway won the men’s division with a 10K time of 43:47. The Children With Hope 9thAnnual race raised money for a Christian School in Eldoret, Kenya. A special thanks to all those who participated, sponsored, and supported this year’s race!
See:
Deadlinefor submissions for next newsletter is between now & then …
Email articles to or ‘regular’ mail to
MMS, c/o Betunada, 230 Sunset Hills, Grand Jct., CO 81503
MMS Directors meeting--> May 2: We discussed running-type business and also conjectured: “Whatever happened to Bernie Boettcher?” The MMS hats were (and still probably are: we re-ordered) a popular item. Conrad mentioned that there might be “scary possibilities” at the Grumble – which unfortunately was prophetic because it was decided right before the race to CANCEL due to impassibility due to mud and muck and such to get to/from the finish area. It might be re-scheduled?
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, and FaceBook.
LARRY INGRAM -- Calendar, Race Director Consultant, Timing.
Also assisting the MMS in various ways: COREY HINMAN, JULIE MALINGOWSKI,KARLA NEPHEW & a Director who wishes to remain Anonymous.
Corey Hinman reports on “the last GVTA meeting.”
Grand Valley Trails Alliance Roundtable Notes– 5/30-
Striders Fall Trail Work Day!– We are working with the BLM to coordinate a Striders trail work day for the Fall. Our Fall trail work day will be a National Public Lands Day event and the BLM will be ordering t-shirts this year again for all Striders volunteers. Will communicate the date and work site with the group once confirmed. Please consider participating to give back to the trails!!
-Old Spanish Trail/Gunnison Bluffs Single Track Project Proposal– Kris Cox of COPMOBA along with several other GVTA Groups submitted a single track trail proposal project for the Old Spanish Trail/Gunnison Bluffs trail area. The project will improve current trails and as well as build new single track trail in this area for non-motorized use. Project is in the approval stage currently. The Striders expressed interest in helping with trail work once the project begins and will keep the group posted as opportunities come up!
-Mesa County Noxious Weed Management Project Opportunity– Teresa Nees of the Mesa County Weeds and Pest department spoke to the group about noxious weed management and education topics. Simple steps that all trail users can take like keeping shoes and mountain bike tires clean to help to control the spread of noxious weeds were discussed. Teresa is interested in getting involved with GVTA groups to promote weed management education. For more info: and Pest District),