The first two big events of 2012 are in the books (Montana Men's Master's Mile & Snow Joke 1/2-Marathon). And, if those two races are any indication, we have a hot year of racing ahead of us in the Big Sky state.
The M4 gave us the first ever sub-4:30, the first ever 50+ at sub-5:00 (2 total in that race), and 12 total guys under 5:00 in the race.
The Snow Joke saw deep, competitive racing in both the men's open and master's races. In the open race, Missoula's Jimmy Grant had his traditional successful opening race of the year as the 3-time defending champ made it 4-in-a-row. But, it wasn't easy. His 1:16:04 was just 15 seconds ahead of 2011 MT Cup champ Chris Collar of Missoula. Then, just another six seconds back to Seth Swanson at 1:16:25.
After a bit of a gap, their was a chase to the finish to decide 4th versus 5th places as John Cuddy at 1:20:12 just held off the 1:20:22 of Jeremy Wolf.
The men's master's race wasn't much different. Scott Gaiser of Kalispell defended his 2011 title with an 18 second victory over Scott Marron of Missoula (1:28:19 to 1:28:37). Next in were Jim Murphy in 1:28:44 and Joel Sather (Noxon) of 1:29:01. (That means the top four all within 42 seconds of each other). The top 5 was rounded out by Ted Burnham in 1:30:59.
Trisha Miller, not long off her win at the PF Chang's Marathon in early January, won for the 3rd time in 4 years at 1:25:45. The top 3 included Mailee Woyth at 1:32:07 and 1:32:35.
The women's master's title went to Renate Bush in 1:46:01.
Now, it's just a few weeks until the flurry of St. Patrick's day races kick off the full-fledged racing season. Can't wait to see some folks kickin' assphalt this year.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Fridgid Diggers and a Ridge Queen
Early season road race in Butte - the annual Frigid Digger races.
In the 3 mile-event, Josh Panasuk (a Bulldog senior) won the race in 17:25. Breaking the 25-year old course record of Jeff Thomas. Old man Ray Hunt was 2nd overall and 1st Master with his 17:46.
50+ runner Suzie Kaluza keeps on going strong with an overall win in the short race.
Eric Blake of Helena scorched the field on a snowy and slippery course in 7-Mile race in 45:49. But, behind Eric is where the really racing took place.
Just 24 seconds separated the top 3 women, with Nicole Hunt starting her return to form (post-pregnancy) with a win in 54:07. Just 8 seconds back was trail ace Michelle Bazanella. And, just another 18 seonds behind Bazz was Nikki Kimball (who used the race as a transition from ski season to run season).
Speaking of Nikki - she sure loves the Ridge above Bridger Bowl ski resort. She's the defending women's champion and course record holder at the Brider Ridge Run. But, the week before the Frigid Digger, she added a new title to her resume - that of Queen of the Ridge. Held on the Ridge above the North Bowl at Bridger, the event sees who can do the most downhill ski laps in a 5-hour period.
This involves 400' of vertical climb to the top fo the Ridge, ski down (with appropriate safety gear of course), hop on a lift, get off, 400' of vertical climb and do it all over again.
Nikki bested all comers with her 27 laps in the event.
Sure, it's not a running event; but, for anyone who has ever hike to the Ridge and skied down knows that 27 laps is a tough, tough day. Once again, Nikki Kimball shows that she's one of the baddest of Bad Asses in all of the Big Sky Country.
Coming up this week is the biggest of the early season races - the annual Snow Joke 1/2 Marathon in Seeley Lake. Good luck to all those make a visit to the home of the Cheetah Herder.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
In the 3 mile-event, Josh Panasuk (a Bulldog senior) won the race in 17:25. Breaking the 25-year old course record of Jeff Thomas. Old man Ray Hunt was 2nd overall and 1st Master with his 17:46.
50+ runner Suzie Kaluza keeps on going strong with an overall win in the short race.
Eric Blake of Helena scorched the field on a snowy and slippery course in 7-Mile race in 45:49. But, behind Eric is where the really racing took place.
Just 24 seconds separated the top 3 women, with Nicole Hunt starting her return to form (post-pregnancy) with a win in 54:07. Just 8 seconds back was trail ace Michelle Bazanella. And, just another 18 seonds behind Bazz was Nikki Kimball (who used the race as a transition from ski season to run season).
Speaking of Nikki - she sure loves the Ridge above Bridger Bowl ski resort. She's the defending women's champion and course record holder at the Brider Ridge Run. But, the week before the Frigid Digger, she added a new title to her resume - that of Queen of the Ridge. Held on the Ridge above the North Bowl at Bridger, the event sees who can do the most downhill ski laps in a 5-hour period.
This involves 400' of vertical climb to the top fo the Ridge, ski down (with appropriate safety gear of course), hop on a lift, get off, 400' of vertical climb and do it all over again.
Nikki bested all comers with her 27 laps in the event.
Sure, it's not a running event; but, for anyone who has ever hike to the Ridge and skied down knows that 27 laps is a tough, tough day. Once again, Nikki Kimball shows that she's one of the baddest of Bad Asses in all of the Big Sky Country.
Coming up this week is the biggest of the early season races - the annual Snow Joke 1/2 Marathon in Seeley Lake. Good luck to all those make a visit to the home of the Cheetah Herder.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Good Day For A Dirty Bird
Saw the doc today. Got the good news that my foot stress fracture has healed enough to allow me to return to running.
So, in short order, I was right onto the treadmill. Now - it was only 5:00 at about 10:00 pace. But, it was one of the most enjoyable half mile that I've done in a long time. And, I can honestly say it was my best run this year (of course, I hadn't run since December 1st).
So, it wasn't much. But, there was no pain and I was acutally running. Good times indeed.
Here's to hoping that it won't be too much longer until.................................................
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
So, in short order, I was right onto the treadmill. Now - it was only 5:00 at about 10:00 pace. But, it was one of the most enjoyable half mile that I've done in a long time. And, I can honestly say it was my best run this year (of course, I hadn't run since December 1st).
So, it wasn't much. But, there was no pain and I was acutally running. Good times indeed.
Here's to hoping that it won't be too much longer until.................................................
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Head To Head & Toe To Toe
As part of the post-race discussions about the Montana Men's Master's Mile (M4), Ray Hunt posed the invitation for all of the master's milers to enter the Wulfman CDT 14-K Trail Race in June. I'm sure that Ray's intent is to not only promote the race (of which he is race director); but, to also promote head to head competition between the old farts. And, I whole-heartedly concur with that concept.
In fact, I would like to take it even one step further. As I've developed my Runner's Of The Year recognition over the last couple of years, one of the things that I've noticed is that there is some limited head to head racing over the year. That makes it a bit of a challenge to really figure out the rankings. The master's men are probably the most consistent in meeting en mass at events; but, after that, we don't see quite as many of the folks showing up to the same events.
Yes, I know that traveling to races can be a challenge. As someone who lived in Billings for 16 years (and now 4+ years in NW Montana), I know all too well what it takes to attend the big events. But, it can be done. I think it was 2002 when I traveled from Billings to Missoula to run the Riverbank 10K (while my son ran the 5K). We turned around shortly after the race and I did the Peaks To Prairie run leg (8.8 miles) the next day. If you really want to race and race against the best, it means a bit of planning and scheduling.
Plus, when we have folks race head to head, it makes the sport more interesting. Sure, it's great to get the win at the local 5K Fun Run. And, those are generally great events to support with proceeds going to good causes. And, those races can be great tune-up and sharpening events. But, if you really want to test your mettle - show up at the big events where you know that you'll be challenged.
To that end - here's my idea of where to go to meet the best. (Up front disclaimer - I may have missed an event or two - if so, let me know. I've tried to list them chronologically; but, may be off a bit. This is just an old, dirty bird's thoughts on how to encourage some great competition between the men and women of the Big Sky state.)
Snow Joke Half Marathon - Seeley Lake
AOH St. Patrick's Day 3-Mile or 6-Mile - Anaconda
Ice Breaker 5-Mile - Great Falls
Riverbank Run 10K (or Trifecta) - Missoula
Bloomsday 12K - Spokane
Montana Women's Run 2-Mile or 5-Mile - Billings
Don't Fence Me In Trail 12K or 30K - Helena
Governor's Cup 5K or 10K - Helena
Wulfman CDT 14-K Trail Race - Butte
Beartooth Run 8.2 Mile - Red Lodge
Missoula Marathon Full or Half Marathon - Missoula
Bozeman Classic 5K - Bozeman
Roots Festival 4-Mile - Missoula
Montana Marathon Full or Half Marathon - Billings
Missoula All Women's 5K (Diva Day) - Missoula
Montana Cup XC - Various
Veteran's Day 5-Mile - Butte
So, that's 18 events across all parts of the state. It includes a wide variety of distances, XC to Trail to Mountain to Road, and spread from February to November. Plenty of opportunities and options to hit multiple of these events through the year.
If you're really interested in competition and want to see how you stack up against your fellow athletes, I would encourage you to think about putting as many of these races on your schedule as you can. Then, lace up your racing shoes, run like hell and let the best runner win.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
In fact, I would like to take it even one step further. As I've developed my Runner's Of The Year recognition over the last couple of years, one of the things that I've noticed is that there is some limited head to head racing over the year. That makes it a bit of a challenge to really figure out the rankings. The master's men are probably the most consistent in meeting en mass at events; but, after that, we don't see quite as many of the folks showing up to the same events.
Yes, I know that traveling to races can be a challenge. As someone who lived in Billings for 16 years (and now 4+ years in NW Montana), I know all too well what it takes to attend the big events. But, it can be done. I think it was 2002 when I traveled from Billings to Missoula to run the Riverbank 10K (while my son ran the 5K). We turned around shortly after the race and I did the Peaks To Prairie run leg (8.8 miles) the next day. If you really want to race and race against the best, it means a bit of planning and scheduling.
Plus, when we have folks race head to head, it makes the sport more interesting. Sure, it's great to get the win at the local 5K Fun Run. And, those are generally great events to support with proceeds going to good causes. And, those races can be great tune-up and sharpening events. But, if you really want to test your mettle - show up at the big events where you know that you'll be challenged.
To that end - here's my idea of where to go to meet the best. (Up front disclaimer - I may have missed an event or two - if so, let me know. I've tried to list them chronologically; but, may be off a bit. This is just an old, dirty bird's thoughts on how to encourage some great competition between the men and women of the Big Sky state.)
Snow Joke Half Marathon - Seeley Lake
AOH St. Patrick's Day 3-Mile or 6-Mile - Anaconda
Ice Breaker 5-Mile - Great Falls
Riverbank Run 10K (or Trifecta) - Missoula
Bloomsday 12K - Spokane
Montana Women's Run 2-Mile or 5-Mile - Billings
Don't Fence Me In Trail 12K or 30K - Helena
Governor's Cup 5K or 10K - Helena
Wulfman CDT 14-K Trail Race - Butte
Beartooth Run 8.2 Mile - Red Lodge
Missoula Marathon Full or Half Marathon - Missoula
Bozeman Classic 5K - Bozeman
Roots Festival 4-Mile - Missoula
Montana Marathon Full or Half Marathon - Billings
Missoula All Women's 5K (Diva Day) - Missoula
Montana Cup XC - Various
Veteran's Day 5-Mile - Butte
So, that's 18 events across all parts of the state. It includes a wide variety of distances, XC to Trail to Mountain to Road, and spread from February to November. Plenty of opportunities and options to hit multiple of these events through the year.
If you're really interested in competition and want to see how you stack up against your fellow athletes, I would encourage you to think about putting as many of these races on your schedule as you can. Then, lace up your racing shoes, run like hell and let the best runner win.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
Undercover Action Continues
Given the lack of real activity on the open circuit to this point (although Snow Joke is next weekend), the hottest action has been undercover on the indoor track. This past weekend was no exception.
Lyle Weese continues his hot running with a win at the Bobcat Open (at MSU) on Friday night. He ran a 4:12.11 for the win. That gives him 3 indoor miles this year under 4:15.
Equally impressive may have been Cesar Mireles of Rocky Mountain College. Taking his racing to the next level, Cesar was just behind Lyle - his 2nd place finish time was 4:14.31. Pretty solid time for an NAIA athlete at altitude.
While I don't spend a lot of time on the prep scene, it's hard to overlook a few performances from MT kids this weekend at the Simplot Games in Pocatello.
In the boys 3200 meters, Zach Perrin (a junior at Kalispell Flathead) finished 3rd in the race with a 9:24.22. Right behind Zach in 4th place was Troy Fraley (a junior at Kalispell Glacier) in 9:25.56. Early February and two kids already in the 9:20's for 3200 meters could bode well for some super fast outdoor racing.
Not to be outdone, Paige Gilchrist (junior at Missoula Hellgate) had a 4th place finish of her own in a stellar 11:05.36. Oh so close to that sub-11:00 barrier.
As I mentioned, next week is the Snow Joke - probably the first of the big, improrant races of the year. Then, just a couple of weeks until the wild St. Patricks Day weekend - the true (albeit unofficial) start of the racing season. Ahhh, I can smell the spring in the air.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
Lyle Weese continues his hot running with a win at the Bobcat Open (at MSU) on Friday night. He ran a 4:12.11 for the win. That gives him 3 indoor miles this year under 4:15.
Equally impressive may have been Cesar Mireles of Rocky Mountain College. Taking his racing to the next level, Cesar was just behind Lyle - his 2nd place finish time was 4:14.31. Pretty solid time for an NAIA athlete at altitude.
While I don't spend a lot of time on the prep scene, it's hard to overlook a few performances from MT kids this weekend at the Simplot Games in Pocatello.
In the boys 3200 meters, Zach Perrin (a junior at Kalispell Flathead) finished 3rd in the race with a 9:24.22. Right behind Zach in 4th place was Troy Fraley (a junior at Kalispell Glacier) in 9:25.56. Early February and two kids already in the 9:20's for 3200 meters could bode well for some super fast outdoor racing.
Not to be outdone, Paige Gilchrist (junior at Missoula Hellgate) had a 4th place finish of her own in a stellar 11:05.36. Oh so close to that sub-11:00 barrier.
As I mentioned, next week is the Snow Joke - probably the first of the big, improrant races of the year. Then, just a couple of weeks until the wild St. Patricks Day weekend - the true (albeit unofficial) start of the racing season. Ahhh, I can smell the spring in the air.
See you on the roads, tracks and trails
The Muddy Buzzard
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
M4 50+ Update & Correction
Okay - so it turns out that I had a major mistake in my M4 (Montan Men's Master's Mile) results from this past Friday.
Initially, I called out that Dean Lipp was the first every 50+ sub-5:00 runner in the event. Well, it turns out that I had an incorrect age for Shawn Marshall-Pryde. Turns out that he's actually 50. And, his 7th place, 4:43.52 makes him the first ever 50+ runner. Sorry for the original mistake. Corrected results are shown below.
Congrats to both Shawn and Dean - two - count 'em two 50+ runners at sub-5:00 in the same race.
8th Annual Montana Men's Master Mile
Auto-Time - No Altitude Adjustment
1) Jesse Zentz, Helena, 35 - 4:29.62. Meet Record. 1st Sub-4:30!!
2) Scott Creel, Bozeman, 49 - 4:41.20
3) Peter Dan Sullivan, Helena, 47 - 4:41.98
4) Pat Judge, Helena, 41 - 4:41.99
5) Rob Walker, Bozeman, 43 - 4:44.33
6) Kyle Strode, Helena, 47 - 4:48.27
7) Shawn Marshall-Pryde, Bozeman, 50 - 4:53.52
8) Steve Bruner, Bozeman, 41 - 4:55.42
9) Ray Hunt, Deer Lodge, 46 - 4:44.46
10) Chris Colber, Helena, 40 - 4:57.26
11) Clint May, Bozeman, 41 - 4:57.47
12) Dean Lipp, Missoula, 50 - 4:58.77 1st Sub-5:00 by an over 50 runner!!
13) Steve Gideon, Darby, 48 - 5:02.99
14) Jeff Braun, Butte, 47 - 5:13.88
15) Mark Slater, Bozeman, 50 - 5:19.84
16) Jim Walker, MSU Alum, 56 - 5:22.75 "Winner" of the DFL Wine Cooler Award
Initially, I called out that Dean Lipp was the first every 50+ sub-5:00 runner in the event. Well, it turns out that I had an incorrect age for Shawn Marshall-Pryde. Turns out that he's actually 50. And, his 7th place, 4:43.52 makes him the first ever 50+ runner. Sorry for the original mistake. Corrected results are shown below.
Congrats to both Shawn and Dean - two - count 'em two 50+ runners at sub-5:00 in the same race.
8th Annual Montana Men's Master Mile
Auto-Time - No Altitude Adjustment
1) Jesse Zentz, Helena, 35 - 4:29.62. Meet Record. 1st Sub-4:30!!
2) Scott Creel, Bozeman, 49 - 4:41.20
3) Peter Dan Sullivan, Helena, 47 - 4:41.98
4) Pat Judge, Helena, 41 - 4:41.99
5) Rob Walker, Bozeman, 43 - 4:44.33
6) Kyle Strode, Helena, 47 - 4:48.27
7) Shawn Marshall-Pryde, Bozeman, 50 - 4:53.52
8) Steve Bruner, Bozeman, 41 - 4:55.42
9) Ray Hunt, Deer Lodge, 46 - 4:44.46
10) Chris Colber, Helena, 40 - 4:57.26
11) Clint May, Bozeman, 41 - 4:57.47
12) Dean Lipp, Missoula, 50 - 4:58.77 1st Sub-5:00 by an over 50 runner!!
13) Steve Gideon, Darby, 48 - 5:02.99
14) Jeff Braun, Butte, 47 - 5:13.88
15) Mark Slater, Bozeman, 50 - 5:19.84
16) Jim Walker, MSU Alum, 56 - 5:22.75 "Winner" of the DFL Wine Cooler Award
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Big Boys Run Big Miles
A couple of big miles today for Montana boys - both at the UW Husky invite on the big indoor oval at the University of Washington.
In the open mile, John Ricardi ran 4:10.77. John's a native of Gardiner and ran at Idaho State. This run came after a nice 14:46.16 at 5K last night.
But, the fireworks really belonged to Lyle Weese. A Dillon native, MSU Alum and current assistant coach for the Bobcats, Lyle came oh so close to being Montana's third sub-4:00 miler. Running in the invitational mile - with several olympic and world championship caliber athletes, Lyle popped a 4:01.61 for 10th place overall. Lyle seems to be approaching his best fitness ever. Impressive effort. Congrats Lyle.
In the open mile, John Ricardi ran 4:10.77. John's a native of Gardiner and ran at Idaho State. This run came after a nice 14:46.16 at 5K last night.
But, the fireworks really belonged to Lyle Weese. A Dillon native, MSU Alum and current assistant coach for the Bobcats, Lyle came oh so close to being Montana's third sub-4:00 miler. Running in the invitational mile - with several olympic and world championship caliber athletes, Lyle popped a 4:01.61 for 10th place overall. Lyle seems to be approaching his best fitness ever. Impressive effort. Congrats Lyle.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)