Blogs: Finding Joy in Mudville ** Sometimes it's just one of those days ** Running in Reel Time ** Won't you ever learn? * Demons Be Gone ** OK, let's run

How long have you been a runner and how did you get started? I think I was born a runner and got into it formally in high school where I ran track and cross country. In PE class one day my coach asked me to pace the class in a 90 second 440. I had no idea how fast that was, so I just took off and ended running a 70 second or so lap. He walked over to me and said, “You just made the track team.” I started running again 9 years ago when I just couldn’t stand going to races with my daughter and not participating. I missed the camaraderie of runners. I started running after the Winter Series race in Fox Run Park in 2005 and haven’t stopped, except for those occasional injuries.

Tell us about your best running experience. My best running experience was doing the Dunkin Donut Cape Cod marathon with my daughter. We ran side by side for the entire race and helped each other get through it. Her goal was to beat Oprah’s time, and we did manage that. My race last week at the Big Sur Marathon was my best race. I ran it smart, met my goals, and finished without any strains, pulls, aches or injuries other than losing the toenail I always lose in a marathon.

What attracted you to the Triple Crown of Running series? The Triple Crown is a great series. It has it all; running in the Garden of the Gods has got to be the most beautiful 10-mile course anywhere and is a challenge in terms of maintaining a good even effort. The Summer Round Up is a fast trail race that has just enough hills to be tough but not so long as to be impossible. And the Ascent/Marathon What more could a trail runner want than to run up (and I use “run” euphemistically for survive) a 14,000 foot mountain having volunteers taking water and food up for you? Combined they provide a challenge that is hard to beat. I have placed a couple times in The Triple Crown in my age group, but that is mostly because not many people my age do all three. I figure if I finish I have a chance at placing.

Why do you run? Ever since reading the book, “Younger Next Year,” I have had that as my motto. Running is in my blood and when I was not running I was stressed, overweight, and out of shape. There is no question that running keeps me young and healthy. I could go into the endorphin highs, the excitement of doing well in a race, or the thrill of watching my peers do well, but those are all secondary to the fact that I love it. Winter runs in gently falling snow with the only sounds my breathing and feet touching down, or summer runs in a warm rain, nothing is like being out on the trail.

Where is your favorite place to run in the Colorado Springs area, and why? I have two favorite places I love to run. In the Garden of the Gods I can run on good trails with challenging hills and soft downhill. There are enough trails that I’ve done 20-mile runs there and not gone over much of the same course. The views of the rocks are spectacular and are a testament to the power of geologic forces. My other favorite place is on Pikes Peak along the Barr Trail above No Name up to Barr Camp. Not many people make it up there so most of the time I get to be by myself or with my fellow runners. The country up there is peaceful, except in the storms, and the trail is not so hard that my mind can’t wander to how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful spot.

When you aren't running or working, what do you like to do? I’m not sure how I was ever able to find time to work. My wife and I love to travel so we get in a couple good trips every year often visiting our daughters. I volunteer with several groups and have recently found joy in working with the Achilles International group here in the Pikes Peak area. I have a 5000 gallon koi pond in my back yard and I spend a lot of time just enjoying watching the fish and maintaining the pond and plants as well as helping others with their ponds, I’ve been an avid fly fisherman all my life and try and get in a trip to a stream or lake every week or two. The fall always finds me in the mountains hunting for elk and deer.

Alison Mastrangelo, 24, FOX21 News reporter

Blogs: As some say, "Teamwork makes the dream work" ** Learning the art of running from others ** Bring on the Garden of the Gods 10-Mile Race ** Changing things up ** I did it!

How long have you been a runner and how did you get started? Every since I was little I always loved running, but it wasn’t until high school that I took it more seriously. I have been a competitive runner for 12 years. I competed on the cross-country team in high school, but it wasn’t until I tore my ACL and meniscus playing basketball during my senior year of high school that running became my sole focus. I grew up in New Jersey and running on the beach was one of my favorite things. Now that I moved out to Colorado Springs, I have traded my sandy running shoes in for muddy trail running sneakers. Right now, I enjoy exploring all the running trails in Colorado Springs and consider myself a trail runner in the making.

Tell us about your best running experience. My best running experience would be the Blue Cross Broad Street Run in Philadelphia. It is one of the biggest 10-miler road races in the country. It was right after the Boston bombing, they briefly thought about canceling the race, but instead they decided to show support for it by having it. It was such an incredible race, not only were there over 37,000 people running in the race but each mile was filled with hundreds of people cheering on all of the runners, showing their support. Strangers were high-fiving us as we went a long, motivating us to keep going. I have visited Philadelphia many times but had never seen such comradery and “brotherly love” as I did that day during the race. All the runners were wearing red to show their support for Boston. 

What attracted you to the Triple Crown Running series? I moved to Colorado Springs last June and had only been living in the Springs for a few months when I started doing stories on the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon last year. It also happened to be the World Championships for Mountain Running as well. So after doing a few stories on the race, I decided to go watch it from the top of Pikes Peak. Seeing these “super athletes” run up Pikes Peak was incredible, I was in awe of them. I knew I wanted to run that race one day, maybe not at their super human pace, but I knew I wanted to run it at least one time. So in order to hold my self-accountable and actually run the race, I knew the best way to prepare and to commit to it, was signing up for the Triple Crown Race Series. Not only would the races help me prepare for the epic Pikes Peak Ascent, it would also hold me accountable for my training because I would be a part of team and blogging about my experience.

Why do you run? I run for a lot of reasons. I run to work on my fitness. I run to stay in shape and stay healthy. I run because I like being competitive and setting new goals and completing them. I run because it helps me clear my mind and helps me focus on myself while exploring Mother Nature. One of my biggest obstacles in Colorado is running non-stop because I normally always want to stop and take pictures of the beautiful scenery I am running by.

Where is your favorite place to run in the Colorado Springs area, and why? I have lived in Colorado Springs for almost a year now, and I try to explore as many trails as I can. Just when I think I find my favorite trail, I find a new one to explore. That’s something I love about Colorado. But If I had to choose as of now, I like running at Red Rock Canyon Open Space. It’s a new park I have been training at and I feel like I still haven’t explored all the trails it has to offer. However, this could change again in a month or so.

When you aren't running or working, what do you like to do? If I am not running I am either out dancing with my friends, binge watching some of my some favorite TV shows like House of Cards or Game of Thrones, or trying to master cooking. Also, you might find me on the basketball court or the soccer field volunteer coaching for 5- and 6-year-olds at the YMCA downtown.

Sarah Musick, 33, Pikes Peak Equality Coalition, Regional Coordinator

Blogs: The little runner who could ** Triple Crown winning year ** I *AM* a runner* ** Table to Toilet

How long have you been a runner and how did you get started? Wait!? I’m supposed to be a runner??! I’ve been a competitive cyclist (mountain and cyclocross) since 2006, running has been an intermittent part of that and then my dominant sport since the birth of our daughter in November 2013. Running was more bang for my buck after Wren was born. To call myself a “Runner” though, that’s a big step. *wink*

Tell us about your best running experience. I get euphoric on the incline EVERY time I do it. It’s that guaranteed running high for me, but maybe that’s because I’m redlined the entire time. That level of exertion is tough for me to achieve with speed alone and I savor that there’s no option but to go hard and hang on.

What attracted you to the Triple Crown of Running series? I’ve sumitted 30 Colorado 14ers and a handful of 13ers and on all of those mountains you think about the ones that folks race up. Evans (and now Pikes Peak) on bikes, Pikes Peak and Quandary on foot, a whole string of them stitched together for the Nolan’s 14 and so on. Living at the base of Pikes Peak makes it an ongoing need to experience. That mountain plays with endorphin junkies’ heads’ every damn day. I’ve hiked it, biked it, cogged it, even spent a couple summers as a bike guide before the road was open to cyclists. All of which leads to my need to toe the startline and run/race it. I love how hard it is to race at altitude, how it tamps down on your body in a way you can’t explain no matter how many times you experience it. Again, I’m a pain junky and The Ascent and her fellow races serve up a steep order. I’m stoked to embark on an experience pretty far out of my usual set of tricks, and yet still so closely aligned.

Why do you run? If we’re being honest, because I struggle with severe depression and running is a powerful drug. It’s been five years since I attempted suicide following a long dark depression and cycling and running have been fundamental to my recovery and mental health. That’s heavy stuff, but important to share because keeping silent perpetuates the problem. Not to mention it proves we run for a lot of different reasons, but in the end we all run to be well.

Where is your favorite place to run in the Colorado Springs area, and why? I love how hard this is to answer! As mentioned before I’m a cliche and love The Incline because it’s a guaranteed hard effort. I’ve also found some really good rhythm in Ute Valley Park and Palmer Park - the flow of the trails is primo.

When you aren't running or working, what do you like to do? My wife and I have two kids, ages 11 and 1, so life is extra eventful with the family. We’re a family that believes in adventuring together. I play the guitar a little since my last name’s Musick. I LOVE climbing 14ers and have a goal of climbing them all. And have a few mean mountain bike skills.

Neal Oseland, 45, Sales Trainer, California Casualty Insurance

Blogs: Just when I thought I was out ... ** Deja Vu * Garden 10, why are you running? ** Race week and traininng through it, the Summer Roundup 12K ** Roundup of the Roundup

How long have you been a runner and how did you get started? I didn't pick up running until later in life. I started consistently running in my late 20's by chance. My company had some people doing the Race For the Cure and I decided to jump in. I wasn't a runner but played racquetball siz days a week so figured I'd be fine for the 5K. It was brutally hard for me but I did it and felt good about myself. Another person from the office saw me finish after him and made a derogatory comment about my race that I was feeling so good about. For the next 12 months, I ran with the negative comments in my head as fuel to beat this guy at the same race the next year. The next year came, I placed fifth overall, and was on the massage table as he came through the finish. At the time, I had great satisfaction but now I just think it was silly. I got into the sport for the wrong reasons yet those negative words fueled the healthiest thing that could have ever happened to me...the love for running. I've tweaked it a bit with pursuing triathlon the past ten years but running has always been there for me.

Tell us about your best running experience.My favorite running experience was my first time up The Incline. I credit this single experience for connecting me to the trails that I still love so much today. I was still relatively new to running and very new to trail running. I showed up for an Incline Club run way back when they used The Incline as a weekday run. I had just met a guy named Rick Hessek (who is still a great friend today!) who invited me so I showed up not really knowing what it was all about. It was the hardest thing I'd ever encountered in my life and got me hooked on the trails.

What attracted you to the Triple Crown of Running series?The main thing is that it's a test of fitness over an entire summer. With it being a series that counts total time, it becomes a bit of a chess match. Peaked in June for the Garden? That could cost me in August during The Ascent. I look forward to the challenge. Another reason is the depth of competition. I love knowing that if I do well, it was against a field that has top level runners. I know that if I walk away with any type of awards, I had to work my tail off to earn it.

Why do you run?I'm not going to give you a feel good story about why I run because I don't really have one. The bottom line is that I run because I like to compete. I've been able to work my way up to where I am competitive for awards in most races I enter and that motivates me. It's what makes running so much fun. As much as I love the trails and how I can get lost in the beauty while running them, I still get out because I know it's going to allow me to be more competitive when I race.

Where is your favorite place to run in the Colorado Springs area, and why?My favorite place to run in Colorado Springs is Ute Valley Park. It's beautiful, challenging and easy to get to. It's an absolute gem right in the middle of our fine city.

When you aren't running or working, what do you like to do?When I'm not running, I manage to keep busy. I have a wife, two daughters, 17 and 10, and a 5-year-old son. They are my joys in life and I have a job that allows me to spend a lot of time with them. We build things, hike, go fishing lots of the other stuff that our beautiful area provides. Although I have moved away from triathlon, I still bike and run just because I like it and the people associated with it. I am a HUGE baseball fan. Yep, I'm one of the few but I love my baseball, specifically the Angels. They are my team and I have never wavered and never will! Finally, the last thing I like to do when not running is eat bacon. Lots and lots of bacon.

Vanessa Shawver, 42, Air Force Reserve officer/mercenary that works various jobs, as my mortgage requires

Blogs: Back for more ** Stand for Something ** My little muse ** Thelma and Louise LIVE! ** Lighting the Griswold Christmas House ** Summer (Turna)roundup ** Tales from the mountain: Sweat, blood and stale beer ** Does King Kong Wear Nikes?

How long have you been a runner and how did you get started? Basically, the Army made me start running in 1989 if I wanted to keep my college scholarship and not have to go back home and live with my parents. That was a big motivator. Running for freedom!

Sheva Willoughby, 28, Architectural Designer, Davis Partnership Architects (3/7ths Architect)

Blogs: One of THOSE kinds of posts ** What day is it? ** Holy hot hills and foam rolling your face off ** Change in the House of Flies ** Round and Round We Go ** Time flies when you're having fun

How long have you been a runner and how did you get started?I still find myself sometimes wishing I was a "real runner," whatever that means. I ran track in high school (2000-04) and was actually pretty descent at the 400 and 800. But then I went of to CU Boulder for an education, hips and the unwelcome Freshman 15. I ran periodically on the dreadmill to try to get rid of my 'chub,' and then slowly decided running was hard and quit. I decided the best time to start racing was in 2009 (while recovering from my second ACL surgery) when a friend invited me to the Summer Roundup. After I didn't die, I thought maybe I would give running another shot, and have been going ever since.

Another experience that sticks out in my mind is the Ragnar Trail Relay in Snowmass last year. It was literally a few days after my mom unexpectedly passed away. I decided to go anyway, despite the my life had been turned upside down. I didnt know any of my teammates all that well, but when I met up with them in Snowmass they surprised me with Batgirl costumes for us all to run in (because mom's are like superheros, and my mom was MY superhero). Besides the epic scenery on the trials and amazing night sky, the comradery and craziness that is Ragner was just what I needed.

What attracted you to the Triple Crown of Running series?What attracted me I guess was that it is tough. It was a challenge, something that scared me and I wanted to see if I was tough enough to survive them all. I have run the Summer Roundup a handful of times, and the Ascent twice, but never the Garden of the Gods 10. This year I lost my mind signed up to Double on Pikes Peak. Talk about something that scares me!

Why do you run? Its funny you should ask, because I ask myself that all the time! There are so many moments I can recall where I have been struggling and wondered "why am I doing this?!" BUT, it all comes rushing back to me when I am out on a trail with a a breeze blowing in my face, the sun setting in the distance and the smell of rain in the air. It makes me feel alive. I guess that's it, that's why I run, because it makes me feel alive! I think another reason I keep running is because it becomes addicting after you start seeing results and improvement. Oh, and because I am always discovering new trails to explore.

Where is your favorite place to run in the Colorado Springs area, and why? I am pretty embarrassed to admit that there are a ton of trails in the area that I have yet to set foot on. I don't even want to name them off because then no one will take me seriously from here on out! Rest assured I am aiming to change that this summer. I want to explore all the trails! I love Waldo Canyon and I love the Incline at odd hours (not so much when it's busy) and Palmer Park is definitely up there. Palmer Park is one of my favorites because it has some challenging terrain, but nothing too crazy. It also has some amazing views of Pikes Peak and the city AND I am usually running there with some of my favorite people from Boulder Running Company's Run Group.

When you aren't running or working, what do you like to do? I have been told I like to eat ... i.e. "You're eating again?!", "You're still eating?!", "Did you really eat all of that?!" and so on. I also very much enjoy napping, Crossfitting (yes, I am one of "those people" bro), graphic designing and consuming tasty beverages such as a Bloody Mary (WITH bacon) or a Left Hand Milk Stout.

Mark Zandarski, 38, Everest College Account Representative/Career Coach

Blogs: And so it begins ** Garden of the Gods testpiece ** Finding Consistency

How long have you been a runner and how did you get started? The latest edition of my running life started about 5 years ago. I proposed to my wife and as a sucker she said yes. In order to lose weight and quit smoking she started running. A very good friend of mine was running regularly at Jack Quinn's Running Club and goaded me into joining him. He then signed me up for the Helacious Trail race and I was hooked.

Tell us about your best running experience. Topping out on Pikes Peak in 2012. It was my first time doing the Ascent and I was almost overcome with emotion. I walked away from the finish and the crowd and sat on a rock alone to reflect upon what I had just done. We had trained for over a year to get to that point. I needed to run my first half marathon to obtain a qualifying time. Then we had to train for the race itself. While I still have not had a perfect race on the peak that one sticks out as an incredible experience.

What attracted you to the Triple Crown of Running series? I have raced on the peak for the last three years and the Garden 10 mile is one of my favorite races. I have yet to complete The Summer Roundup so I am really looking forward to that race. I think that the races are so well ran and such great events that this year I decided to complete all three.

Why do you run? I run for a few reasons. Health and weight being obvious choices. My fondness for beer makes regular exercise necessary! I also love the sense of community within Colorado Springs runners. I have participated in quite a few other sports and the community and camaraderie was nothing like our local running scene. I have met and become friends with such a varied level of people having different interests and abilities. Unlike other sports there does not seem to be a ton of ego or attitude as a rule. It is refreshing to participate at a race and everyone is so positive and encouraging.

Where is your favorite place to run in the Colorado Springs area and why? This is really tough to answer. I love running alone on weeknights in the Bear Creek area. Saturday laps around Rampart Reservoir. Getting completely humbled on The Ute Pass Trail up to Longs Ranch Road. Lately I have also been loving Rampart Range Road and the Garden of the Gods. The amount of places to run in the region is incredible.

When you aren't running or working, what do you like to do? Outside of running I enjoy sampling the local breweries with my wife, wrenching on cars, and occasionally strumming my guitar.