July 26 - Cheyenne Canyon Race (2nd Qualifier for U.S. Team)

This is a quick update as a lot of time has passed since the race. The competition was intense for the women. Megan Kimmel won barely edging out Megan Lund. Both ran very well. Brandy had an off day taking 5th. She was very disappointed with her race, but that's the way it goes when there is a good field of runners to contend with.

Both Megan's qualified for the U.S. Mountain Team. The last spot was an at-large bid, which generated much discussion. Check out this blog: http://mountainrun.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/us-mountain-running-team-final-selection-race/#more-826

After what seemed a long week of waiting Brandy was selected for the at-large position. It came down to her and Laura Haefeli. Both were very deserving of the spot and unfortunately only one could go. Laura is an awesome runner, whom we've become friends with, which made it all more of a difficult process.

Barr Trail

Brandy did well once again, breaking the course record at the Barr. Here are the results: http://www.runpikespeak.com/results/2009.htm This was a very well organized race.

We thought about camping the night before but broke down due to the extreme heat. There was a wicked thunderstorm that evening. We were walking out of a store in south Colorado Springs during the storm when a huge crack of thunder / lighting almost put both of us on the ground in fear (and setting off numerous car alarms). We both thought we felt a shock on our feet. Needless to say, we quickly got in the truck to the dogs who were freaked out as well.

Next up, Cheyenne Canyon Mountain Race back in the Springs on July 26th. This is another qualifier for the national mountain team. This should be a highly competitive race with nearly everyone from the national championships coming. For more info on the selection process check out this link: http://www.trailrunnermag.com/news_detail.php?id=159

I'm still bugging Brandy for some updates...maybe after Cheyenne Canyon.

- Matt

New Hampshire Trip

We are in North Conway, NH hanging out this week. Our trip out went well, 2300 miles stopping in South Bend, Niagara Falls, and Lake Placid. Brandy's first race went well as she blew away the competition at Mt. Washington. http://www.mountwashingtonroadrace.com/index.html
Rickey, pictured with Brandy, had an awesome race as well.



This is our home for the week. We had a local family nice enough to let us stay in their cabin. Everyone out here has been very welcoming so far. The weather has been very wet.

Some video of the race. It's a bit shaky, but gives you a feel for the ascent and the beautiful weather towards the summit.

Cranmore Race
Brandy did well again, coming in second at the National Championships. Here's a link to the results: http://www.whitemountainmilers.com/cranmore/index.html

As for the rest of the trip we ended up putting on 5105 miles on the Subaru. We hung out with those left in town Sunday evening and headed out Monday morning. We slept in the car at Geneva State Park just outside of Cleveland. After barely missing flash floods in the morning we drove to Hillsdale, MI to see Uncle Arv and Aunt Connie. It just so happened my mom and cousin Teri were visiting at the same time. It was a short five hours but very good visit. Back on the road we made it to the west side of Omaha (arriving at 4:oo am) and crashed in the car once again. No matter how much fun you have, the drive home is always a drag...especially when you have to drive through Nebraska.

- Matt

Teva Mountain Games

We had a great time in Vail. Brandy won the 10k!
http://usmrt.blogspot.com/
http://www.tevamountaingames.com/results.htm


Mountain races are great because of all the beautiful venues they are held at. Vail was no exception...

- Matt