Colorado Runner

On May 6, 2012, Libby James ran the 3rd fastest 75-79 half marathon of all time in 1:50:43 at the Colorado Half Marathon in Fort Collins.  She missed the world record by 44 seconds. This 75-year old speedster didn’t enter her first race until her 40’s, but she quickly began to make her mark.  Out of her long list of life accomplishments, possibly close to the top is her recent induction into the Colorado Running Hall of Fame. The mother of four and grandmother of 12 set national records in the 5k (both 70-74 and 75-79 age groups) as well as the [...]

Boulder resident Kenyon Neuman has a long, bright and prosperous future ahead of him.  At only 25 years young, Neuman has been climbing the running ranks ever since his successful years on the Track and Field Team at CU Boulder. But this articulate Nike Racing Team runner isn’t just out to win races, he’s also a part of various up-and-coming training programs to help others achieve their goals as well.  As Vice President at Zone Sports Management, Neuman develops training videos for runners and other athletes.  He trains in Boulder with Hudson Training Systems, and he’s also a Cross Country [...]

2011 USATF Female Triathlete of the Year Christine Anderson already has a number of top podium finishes under her racing belt. After coming back from a career-ending injury in 2011, this Boulder resident not only earned top honors from the USA Triathlon Federation, but she also moved up to professional status for this year’s 2012 racing season. Christine finished third in her Pro racing debut at the Leadman 125, competing under the Timex Multisport Racing Team.  While her finish – under seemingly very tough race conditions – was impressive to say the least, Christine still thinks that there’s room for [...]

You may not have heard of Kerrie Bruxvoort before, but you will now.  This up-and-coming long-distance Colorado runner has been climbing the podium for the past couple of years, and plans to keep on climbing in the future.  She finished third overall and first female at the Mesquite Canyon 50K in Arizona in a women’s course record time of 4:24.  Other notable podium finishes include 2nd place at the 2007 Creck Crest Mountain Marathon, 1st Place at the 2011 XTERRA Cheyenne Mountain Marathon and 2nd place at the 2011 Tucson Marathon. You can catch Kerrie at Colorado Runner’s Greenland Trail [...]

Colorado Native Megan Lund-Lizotte is best known for her mountain running accolades.  This busy mom-to-be has notched two Olympic Marathon Trials on her belt, as well as three consecutive World Mountain Running Championships.  In 2007 she was ranked the #1 USA female marathoner under twenty-five years of age. Besides Megan’s ridiculous running resume, she is also the President and Head Coach of her own online running coaching business called Hit the Ground Running:  “I love working with people and helping them reach their potential and goals in the process.” Read on to find out how Megan juggles a busy life of training, [...]

Wendy Thomas is a mother first and a runner second.  This 33-year old native of Colorado Springs has only been in the competitive racing scene for 3 years, but already she has racked up some amazing running credentials. Before qualifying and taking part in this year’s Olympic Trials in Houston, Thomas placed seventh at the USA 10K Championships in Boston and is a key component to the American Distance Project out of Colorado Springs. While Thomas’ love for running doesn’t surpass her love for her family and two sons, Chase and Tripp, she has successfully found a way to juggle [...]

Tyler McCandless has a pretty impressive running resume.  From breaking high school records to achieving college All-American credentials, Tyler’s history and experience in the running world has led him to not only be one of the top distance runners in the country, but it has also created a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence to help others achieve their running goals. This humble and talented individual puts others’ goals before his own, which is apparent in his outlook as the assistant coach at Centaurus High School in Lafayette, Colorado.  He recently helped organize and promote the Warrior Marble Relay, a 12-hour [...]

Heather Utrata has been dominating the racing scene this season. With wins at the Frosty’s Frozen Five Mile, the Yeti Chase 10K, the Super Bowl 5K, the Valentine’s Day 5K, and the Snowman’s Stampede 10 Mile, Heather just captured her sixth win of the 2012 season at the Canyonlands Half Marathon in Moab, UT. We caught up with the energetic speedster to find out why she loves Colorado, where she likes to train and how she stays motivated.  You can also check out Heather’s blog at http://26point2etc.blogspot.com/. Quick Stats Name:  Heather Utrata Age: 30 Hometown & Current: Bay Village, Ohio – [...]

Kelly Whitley had a banner week last week after being named USA Triathlon’s Junior Triathlete of the Year and Rookie of the Year for 2011. She then went on to finish second in the women’s race at the Clermont ITU Sprint Triathlon Pan American Cup, edging out fellow U.S. standout Sarah Haskins by two seconds. Whitley, who is currently living in Colorado Springs and training with the Elite Triathlon Academy, shared what her past two weekends of racing have been like and what has changed for her now that she is in college. USA Triathlon: You just finished second against a [...]

With International Triathlon Union World Championship Series podium finisher Sarah Groff and Pan American Games silver medalist Manuel Huerta leading the way, USA Triathlon today announced its 2011 Elite Athletes of the Year as selected by the USA Triathlon Athlete Advisory Council (AAC). “2011 was a year filled with many incredible triathlon performances. The AAC carefully examined the résumés and results of all the nominees, and is proud to honor these exceptional athletes. With the quality of nominees, the selections were no easy task. The AAC congratulates all the 2011 winners,” said Barrett Brandon, chair of the USA Triathlon Athlete [...]

Ultrarunning phenom Dakota Jones is only 21 years old, and yet he still has a handful of prestigious ultrarunning race wins under his belt. With only 3 active years in the ultrarunning scene, it’s clear that this Durango, Colorado native has only just begun what is sure to be a talented and exciting running career. Read on to find out how motor oil and burritos filled with Clif Bars keep this mountain-loving runner happy. P.S.  Check out Dakota’s blog (http://thatdakotajones.blogspot.com/) – it will make you laugh; it will make you cry; it will teach you a thing or two about [...]

Colorado Runner recently caught up with elite distance runner Tera Moody.  This speedy 31-year old who hails from St. Charles, Illinois but now resides in the Colorado Springs and Boulder areas is not only one of the top female distance runners in Colorado, but is also a gracious, kind and energetic elite athlete balancing the difficult combination of work and play with training. Find out what it takes for Tera to continue to stay on top of the podium, as well as how she “fuels her fire” for the sport of long distance running. Quick Stats Name: Tera Moody Age: 31 [...]

Art Siemers is the Head Coach of cross country and track & field as Division 2 Colorado School of Mines.  Coach Siemers has coached numerous National Champions and All Americans during his tenure, as well as consistent top 5 finishes for his men’s cross country team at NCAA D2 Nationals.  He is also an outstanding runner, with great range (4:01 mile and 2:18 marathon). We had a chance to talk to Coach Art Siemers about his coaching philosophy. Coach Siemers, Thank you very much for your time. You had outstanding range; from the 800 to a 4:01 mile to a [...]

Thirty-two year old Peter Maksimow hails from California, but his heart is in the mountains of Colorado (and perhaps, Europe). Maksimow has been hitting the national mountain running trail circuit with impressive finishes at Mt Washington and Mt Cransmore. He won Sunday’s competitive Summer Roundup 12k in Colorado Springs. He light-heartedly describes himself as: Running advisor extraordinaire at the Colorado Running Company, coach, professional race car driver (actually a valet at the Broadmoor), tree hugger, beer connoisseur and much more…” Read on to find out what makes Peter a mountain man. Thanks for taking the time to interview with us, [...]