Last Minute BQ? No Problem!

Let's go back to August 31st, where Phil ran marathon #47 in his quest for 50 by age 50...the Marquette Marathon on the UP of Michigan.  He clocked yet another sub 3 performance, finishing 9th and winning the Master's division in 2:58:47.  #stud

Tunde took on the challenging hills of Ellicott City at the Labor Day 10k and ran a solid 39:20, good for 4th on the men's side.  That same day, Maurice showed his endurance at the Charm City 20 Miler and finished 13th in 2:16:55.

Last Saturday, Adam ran the Bagel 2 Beer Marathon which is a challenging course through Columbia that finishes at Ram's Head Tavern in Savage.  He won it in a training effort at 2:53:27.  He's a freaking machine!!!

Sunday September 8th was the big day for a few Striders...their last chance to get BQ before registration opened for the 118th Boston Marathon at the Lehigh Valley Marathon.  I haven't talked with anyone so I can't speak to the difficulty of the course but I understand it's primarily run on a packed surface trail.  Madison led most of the way but was overtaken by Centennial HS alum, Brian Harvey, who flew past him running 5:10 pace for the last 10k to win in 2:31.  Madison was 3rd in a solid 2:38:24.  In the ladies race, Tiffany showed all of her hard work over the past several months paid off, running a HUGE PR in 3:10:31, while also breaking the top 10, finishing 7th.  Robyn needed a 3:55 to get her BQ and crushed it without a doubt in 3:34:29.  It is also worth noting that Madison's better half, Mairin, killed it in her marathon debut!  Going from no running to Lehigh in 12 weeks, she ran a 3:15:16 to punch her ticket to Boston next year!  WAY TO GO EVERYONE!

Meanwhile at Centennial Park, we had a one through five sweep on the men's side at Police Pace.  Peter won in 17:00, Nick was 2nd in 17:45, Chris 3rd in 17:55 taking top Master, Dave won his AG in 18:12, and Tunde was right behind in 18:15 to round out the top 5.  John finished 18th in 19:45.

The Four Horsemen (left to right): Peter, Tunde, Dave, and Chris

Finally, we had a crew travel to Rockville to take on the Parks Half Marathon.  Mick claims he crashed a bit over the last 5k but still managed a good run in 1:30:46 for 2nd in his AG.  Bobby wasn't far behind in 1:32:57, winning his AG and a little $.  Jess was right on front of Mick and pulled away at the end, crossing the line in 1:30:29, for 15th in the ladies race.  Emily had a successful race, as she continues to recover from recent injuries.

Happy postrace Parks crew (left to right): David, Bobby, Jess, Jack, Emily, and Mick

Maurice ran the Run To Remember 5k and won it in 18:34.

Now to this weekend...

Conrad proved once again that age is only a number, competing with the local young guns the likes of GRC at the Navy-Air Force Half Marathon in DC.  He crushed the course, running 1:15:30 for 11th and top Master.  Looks like sub-2:40 at Marine Corps is looking good!

Caroline decided to strap on her trail shoes as she ran the VA Happy Trails Women's Half.  No clue about the terrain or elevation gain, but her time indicates it was a tough one.  She finished 10th in 1:52:50.  Maurice was at it again, doubling up with a 24:18 at the White Marsh 4 Miler yesterday and 17:58 BRRC Executive Stampede 5k this morning.

In Philly, a few fellas partook in the race formerly known as the Philly Distance Run...the Rock 'N Roll Philly Half.  Craig had a huge day, clocking a PR in 1:16:03.  Tunde clocked a 1:25:12 as he prepares for Baltimore.

Next weekend features the Columbia Metric Running Festival.  If you aren't racing, please help out!!!!