Ready or Not!

I’m really excited to be a part of the Mighty Marmots! My store, Mountain Equipment Recyclers, has been a sponsor of the team for the past few years. Each season I follow and admire the runners. Tim Bergsten always finds a great group to represent Pikes Peak Sports. It has been an honor to have our company logo on the shirts. This year I get to wear one!

The Garden of the Gods 10 Mile is one week from today! My training has started slow this spring. I injured my ankle this winter and it has taken longer to heal than anticipated. I’ve been pushing myself as hard as I can with being careful to not create an overuse injury. It’s been a little disappointing because my training was going well last fall and early winter. Injuries at age 42 are different than 24! I’m confident though. The injury has been healing well and seems to be on track. My goal is to finish in a decent time for the Garden 10 Mile then focus heavily on the Ascent. The name of the game due to the injury will be cross-training. I’ve been riding my bike as much as running. I love to ride so this makes it fun.

Our local running community is amazing. Every time I enter a race everyone seems to know each other and enjoy great conversations. I’ve never run the Ascent and have received great advice from many local runners. Two conversations stand out. One from a friend who WON twice in the 80’s. Her comments were to train smart by cross-training on the bike and using running miles wisely. Also, another friend competed SEVENTEEN years in a row before retiring two years ago. His advice was to train at altitude as much as possible. He would always complete 14ers as good cross-training. Great advice from both! Hmmmm… climb 14ers, ride my bike and run as much as I can this summer? That can’t be bad!

Running is truly therapeutic for me. I own a gear store with all kinds of great gadgets for many outdoor activities. My basement is full of the latest-greatest gear. However, running is such a personal and soulful pursuit. All you need is a pair of shorts and shoes and miles of trails. To run alone most mornings in Red Rocks, the Garden, the Incline, etc. is a treasure. What a great way to start the day! Being a part of the Mighty Marmots is a big motivator to hit the trails with a purpose this summer. I’m really thankful for the opportunity and plan to represent well!

Enjoy the summer!

Mike Mazzola