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Tanya Poel of Boulder once again won the Masters category this year. Poel, 42, is a United Airlines pilot and instructor. Karen Smidt of Brighton was second and Tamara Rogers of Monument earned third place in the division. What did you enjoy most about running in 2007? I mostly enjoyed that I had no agenda in 2007 with my races and so I had the freedom to pick and choose my races month to month. I never had a plan (unconventional, I know) so it was great fun to race whatever/whenever I felt like it. What are your goals for 2008? To stay as healthy and motivated as I was in 2007! What is your favorite race? My favorite race this year was the Horsetooth Half Marathon. Everyone who runs in Colorado should run it at least once. It is a challenging, beautiful and rewarding course with great local support and excellent race organizers. The post-race party is one of the best around. My favorite race in the series was the Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon. Why do you run?
I run because it keeps me healthy physically and mentally and I enjoy competing. How do you train? I train mostly alone (or with my dog, Scout) because of my work schedule. I end up doing many of my workouts on my treadmill in the winter because of the reduced daylight hours. Where is your favorite place to run? My favorite place this year to run (and hike) was the Button Rock trail, early in the morning alone with Scout during the hottest summer days. Our reward was a quick dip in the reservoir halfway through our hike; I cannot wait until next summer just for that reason. Do you have advice for other runners? Be humble when you race well, be gracious when you race poorly, and always be respectful of your competitors. Good sportsmanship is a virtue. (My husband taught me that.)
A sample of finishes for Tanya Poel Race
Place
Time
Runnin’ Of The Green 7K
1
25:17
Sharin’ Of The Green 5K
1
18:11
Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon
1
1:22:34
TTTS Race For Hope 5K
1
19:15
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Steve Roch, 43, of Lafayette won the Masters title. When he’s not training, Roch serves as presi-
Derek Griffiths / Running Memories
dent of CRMCulture, LLC, an I.T. consulting firm. Erik Packard of Grand Junction was unseated as the champion, but was able to run nine races to finish second. Tim Jones of Loveland was third. Why do you run? with other runners. I do need a running partner, There are so many reasons to run but I though, to get me out of my comfort zone. guess I keep doing it to catch one of those days During my 12 week marathon prep, I where everything is just clicking, nothing hurts typically run 80–90 miles per week, but I think and you’re hammering along at a fast pace. for 2008 I’m going to ease that back and add a Those days don’t come as often as they used to bunch of pool running, which worked well for for me, but once I get one, it can keep me chas- me in the past. My Achilles tendons just can’t ing the next one. It’s addictive that way. take those miles and I hate how slow I’m runWhat are your running goals for 2008? ning in 5Ks. I’m hoping that something around I’d like to run two good (sub 2:40) 60 miles a week might improve my injury situamarathons. The current plan is Boston and a fall tion and speed. marathon at either Chicago or Denver. Do you have a favorite place for training What is your favorite race? runs? My favorite race in the past two years Waneka Lake and Coal Creek Trail in has been the Denver Marathon - awesome Lafayette. Within 400 meters from my house I course, even if it’s at altitude. I ran pretty well can run dirt for 20 miles in either direction. there both years, although this year it was defi- What is your running background? nitely tough staying motivated in those middle I went to high school in Leadville and miles in the cold, rainy conditions. was a three time state champion in track and How do you train? cross country. I went to Western State College I mostly train alone because of my and was a member of their first National Chamwork and training schedule. I enjoy coaching pionship Cross Country team. myself and thus it’s hard to sync up workouts A sample of finishes for Steve Roch Race
Place
Time
TTTS Race For Hope 5K
1
17:43
Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon
3
1:17:41
Garden of the Gods 10M
4
1:02:24
Colorado Colfax Half Marathon
2
1:21:01
January/February 2008
coloradorunnermag.com
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