Mokhtar Sharza


Jeff Teeters

Thom Trimble

More than 1,600 people showed up in the little town of Clarksburg for the Oodleth running of the classic races. The weather...was perfect. Okay, so maybe the only true classic would be the 20 miler, formerly known as the Pepsi 20. It's little brother the 30K took over for several years during the "K" revolution. The half marathon and 5K also jumped into the fray to make this event a true.....event.

From a 30K runner's perspective the addition of the 20 miler (which starts 15 min earlier) and the half marathon (15 min later) make running the 30K a much more enjoyable endeavor. In the old days (when it was uphill and snowed) the 30K was generally a run of solitude, with the 300+ runners spread over the course, rarely making contact with other competitors aside from the turnaround. With the two other races tossed into the mix the race is now an ego-boosting pass-em-up fest (not to be confused with the Opposum Fest held in the Spring). With most of the 20 milers strung out on the course ahead of the pseudo-elite 30K field, one cannot help but pass dozens, if not hundreds of slower runners. Just when you think you have caught the last 20 miler, you join the return trip of the half marathon race, again catching some of the slower runners. Ego boost city!

Clarksburg is the last event on the PAUSATF Long Grand Prix, which meant that 2009 GP awards and comp entries would be doled out after the race was scored. The Striders brought a small slough of runners to this family-friendly race (free day care, post-race lunch, and a start-finish at a high school). The men's masters team was looking to wrap up the 2008 Grand Prix by simply getting three men across the finish line with a pulse and PA card.

The Strider masters team was only three deep but consisted of the top three club masters at Humboldt - Thom Trimble, Tim Keenan and Jeff Teeters. Early assesment of the competition indicated that the Striders were odd-on favorites to win the race, if we kept all the wheels on for 90K. The Clarkburg "country" run consists of a lot of long straight rough roads with little in the way of hills. The largest "hill" on the course is the rise up the the levee road at the halfway point. Generally runners form packs in this race to share the mental burden of this mentally-challenging course. For the Striders, after about 2 miles, the pack consisted of.....the Striders. Thom, Tim and Jeff ran tightly bunched for the first 25K, taking turns at the helm. Weaving in and out of the 20 milers and half marathoners provided entertainment on an otherwise eventless race.

Jeff Huxhold, the clubs fastest man at the race, charged out with one of the lead packs. He came through the first two 10Ks around 36 minutes each and was in the top 10 for much of the race. The clubs other two open runners - Mokhtar Sharza and Cal Massey were back a ways but running evenly. Jeff held a solid pace through about 20K, but faded a bit over the last 10K, in a "slow" 37 minutes to finish 12th place in 1:49:19. Mokhtar ran another strong half marathon, hitting that split in 1:30(just 2 min slower than Humboldt), under 7 minute pace. Unfortunately he had another 5.5 miles to go and his legs did not approve, as Mokhtar struggled in those last miles at near 8 minute pace for a 2:15:37. No "Race.....of the Day!" for you! The Open team was completed by Cal Massey, who ran the same 2:25 as last year, which was good enough to win the under-19 divison for the second race in a row.

At about the 8 mile mark the masters trio of Thom, Tim and Jeff passed up a limping Iain Mickel who had cramped up badly and had reverted to "just get home" mode. This put the three Striders in the 1-2-3 place for the 45-49 division. The three hung together through about 15 miles when Tim's newly-found habit of foot blisters kicked in. Thom and Jeff picked up the pace to near 6 minute miles over the last 5K, with Thom pulling away from Jeff over the last mile to finish in 1:55:25 (1st 45-49). Jeff snuck in under 1:56 (155:58) to claim second in that age division while Tim arrived in just over 1:57 to complete the winning team.

We were one man short of a seniors team, which was comprised of Rick Massey, (3:04) and Veteran age-groupe Ross France.  Ross's time of 3:26 was 18 minutes faster than his 2007 time and good for 4th in the 70-74 division.

Full 30K Results

Thom 1:17:07


Carl - Strider's 4th Man


Monica - 7th Female

Mokhtar and Dave

Photography Courtesy of
Cal and Laura Massey

Photo Album
(order photos at Finishshot.com)

More Photos

Full Results

Tim Keenan (16:32)

Steve Kraft and Fred Zalokar (16:57 and 16:57)

This was my 3rd trip to Masters Nationals (outdoors). After a truly forgettable performance in 1997 (San Jose) as a 34 year-old sub-master (my first year back on the track in nearly 15 years), followed by an injury-plagued 2003 (Eugene) performance, this time everything seemed to come together for me.

For those who’ve never attended a Masters track meet, a little background info: Competition is in 5-year age groups, starting with 30-34 (called sub-masters), 35-39, 40-44, etc., up to 90+ in all track and field events. Believe it or not, there are many masters athletes whose primary training and racing focus is for masters track. There are also world championships for masters (which in 2011 will be held in Sacramento). There are no time/performance qualifications to enter the meet.

I entered the 800- and 1500-meter races, with 16 and 17 entrants respectively. The 800 required a semi-final round at 11:30 on Thursday morning, with the top 2 from each heat plus the next four fastest runners qualifying for Saturday final. I came to the track early to watch a number of fellow PA runners (Tim Minor, Ian Mickle, Emil Magallanes, Carmel Papworth) compete in the 5000 meter run. Ian finished second in hot, fairly humid conditions in 16:19.

For the 800, I came in with the 4th fastest seed time so I was confident I’d make the final but had only an outside shot at a medal. I was in the 2nd semi-final heat; the top three seeds were all in the first heat (a mistake by meet management – they should have been split up). The first heat went out fast for the first lap (59 seconds). However, I was busy getting ready for my race and didn’t see the finish, but assumed it was fast. Therefore, I assumed my race would go out slower (unless I pushed the early pace, which is not my style) so only the top 2 finishers from my heat would likely advance since the time qualifiers would come from the faster heat.

As I expected, my heat went out fairly slow (65 for the first lap) with me comfortably in 4th but right behind the lead group. On the back straight, I pushed by the lead group and easily won my heat, running the second lap in 61 seconds. It felt good to win my heat and it gave me confidence for the final. I found out after my race that the first heat came back in 66 seconds after that fast opening lap, so the two heat times were about the same.

The great thing about Masters Nationals is that there are lots of events spread over four days, so there’s plenty of opportunity to watch other competitors. The bad thing about Masters Nationals is that events are spread over four days, so that leaves lots of time to kill when you’re not racing. Although I like sitting in the stands and watching track, it’s not the best thing to do when you’re trying to stay loose and relaxed for your own events. On Friday, my day off, my wife and I went sight-seeing in Coure d’Alene (very beautiful) then came back to the track to watch some friends run their events.

The 800 final was scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 2:00. I got the track around 12:30. It was much cooler than the previous two days, with temperatures around 79 degrees, mostly sunny and an 8-10 mph headwind on the front straight.

I expected the race to go out fast, meaning the leader would come through the first lap in 58-59 seconds with the top 2-3 runners under 60 seconds. Being a slow starter, I expected to be in 4th after the first turn and come through the 400 in 60-61 seconds. I underestimated the speed of the leaders and overestimated my opening lap. Starting in lane five (we stay in lanes the first turn, then can break to the inside), all four runners on my inside passed me on the turn and I didn’t gain on either runner on my outside, so at the break I was BNL (butt-naked last, as a friend calls it) and the field was strung out single file. Which meant that just over 100 meters into the race, I was already more than 10 meters behind the leader with six others in between? Not what I expected.

A side note here: I twisted my foot (left foot again, just like I did at Zippy’s) the week before the meet. It was still very sore. Although I had no problem running at pace, I discovered in warm-ups on Thursday that it hurt pretty bad when accelerating at the start, so that limited how quickly I got off the line at the gun.

Anyway, back to last place on the first lap. I knew my strength was pretty good which meant my second lap would be better than the others, so I wasn’t panicking. However, my wife, who was in the stands, was pretty worried – she knew I’d be behind at the start, but not that far and certainly not last. About 250 meters into the race, the guy with the fastest seed time grabbed at his hamstring and pulled up. Just like that, I’m now in 6th. Coming up the front straight, I can see the lead runners finishing the first lap. The lead runner is under 58 seconds; the next two are under 60. By then, I’ve come up on the shoulder of the next to last runner as we take the bell at 62+ seconds. I pass him on the turn and catch and pass the next guy before hitting the back straight, which now puts me in fourth. I can tell that down the back straight that I’m slowly gaining on the three in front of me, but slowly with a lot of ground to make up. At this point I’m running for the bronze medal, believing that one of the three ahead of me is going to feel that fast first lap. As I enter the last turn, I can tell that the third place runner and I are quickly gaining on the second place guy. We both pass him coming out of the turn, so now I’m in third. At this point, I’m still watching the guy now in second. Although I’m closing on him, he’s not slowing enough for me to think I’ll catch him with less than 100 meters left in the race. However, with about 50 meters to go, I realize the leader is running on rubber legs as my friend Kevin Paulk in second passed him, so now I’m focusing on him for second. With about 10 meters to go, I pass him and finish with the silver medal. My second lap was the same pace as my first. It was a great race, as 1st, 2nd and 3rd place all changed in the last 50 meters. After a 10 minute cool down, I was off to the hotel for an ice bath. The 1500 final was scheduled for the next morning at 9:30.

As fast as the 800 went out, the 1500 was just the opposite. I expected it to be a slow, tactical race. My pre-race plan, based on a slow race, was to stay behind the leaders through 800 then begin a long push to the finish with the belief that my strength was better than the others and they wouldn’t be able to stay with me. However, after watching the Men’s 50 race just before my race, where the top seed did just that only to be passed by two guys in the last 20 meters, I decided that no matter how slow, I’d stay behind until starting my kick on the last lap.

The race started slow (72ish at 400) and amazingly got slower (2:30 at 800). I easily established myself in third at the start, and stayed in that position through two laps. I knew the two in front of me and know they aren’t likely a threat. As the pace slowed the second lap, I had to tell myself over and over to stay in position and not push the pace – wait for someone else to get antsy. Sure enough, on the back straight at 850 meters, a runner passes me and moves to the lead. I recognize him as one of the medal threats, and the only one in the field who hasn’t already run another event at the meet. After he passes by me, I follow him and move ahead of the other two and am now in second. The pace quickens. On the front straight, approaching the bell lap, I move up on the shoulder of the leader to ensure I don’t get boxed in case another runner tries to pass. We run through the turn that way; the third lap split was around 69 seconds. Down the back straight for the final time, I hear the meet announcer give the names of the top three runners. The guy behind me, who I can’t hear, was the winner of the 800. He’s got more leg speed than I, so with about 250 to go I accelerate quickly, hoping that I start my kick before he’s ready to start his and get a gap on him. As I take the lead, the announcer is quick on the PA system; just as quick I hear him say that Kevin Paulk moves into second. He’s reacted to my move and started his kick too. I enter the turn.

After lots of reps of 200s, 300s and 400s this summer, I know that I need to shorten my stride through the turn to run faster. I don’t have to think about it anymore – it comes naturally now. I’m accelerating through the turn. As I come out, I can no longer hear anyone behind me. My stride lengthens down the straight and turnover remains the same. 60 meters to go. I can feel the burn starting in my legs. I shorten my stride slightly to maintain turnover. No feeling of anyone coming up behind me. We’re running into a slight headwind so I can’t hear anything but wind in my ears. 30 meters to go. I’m starting to tie up but now sure I’m going to win. 10 meters to go. It hurts. I ease up slightly the last two steps. Just after I cross the line, Kevin is on my shoulder. We again finish 1-2, this time in reverse order from yesterday. I’ve known Kevin since Eugene in 2003 and consider him a friend. We’re both happy to leave with a gold and silver medal each. The last 300 was around 46 seconds; the last 200 had to be under 30. A slow finishing time, but probably my best tactical race post high school.

I’ll remember this meet for a while.

Sylvester Coons also competed for the Striders, winning the 30-34 National Title in the 10,000m race with a time of 36:06.

Full Results

The Striders once again brought all of their fast ponies to the roundup with hopes of getting their first victory of the season. Despite fielding very solid teams for the last two 5K races, the Aggies seemed to one-up us each time. Prior to the race it appeared to be more of the same at first glance. The siting of Chris Schille - the "Big Brown of the 40+ GP - and Jeff Hongo (3rd in Short GP) did not instill hope that we could win this one.

Excelsior brought its fastest team of the year to the sandbox also with Cliff Lentz, Iain Mickel and XC-specialist Dan Mancini. Depth has been Excelsior's achilles heal as the talent drops off quickly, requiring senior drop downs.

The course was pretty much the same as usual. The squiggly-wiggly, shady lane, back-at-ya- slow-runners, shifty-doodle turns and yeehaw track finish at least keep the mind entertained.

The Striders came loaded for bear at this Labor Day bruhaw (or however ya spell it). Okay, maybe teddy bear, but we had some "tools" to work with as a former member used to say.

Rob Elia and Tim Keenan took things out for the masters squad with Team Jeff (Mann and Teeters) easing into the race a bit more slowly.  Fred Zalokar was the 5th man for much of the early going. Tim tailed Rob by 5-10 seconds the entire race, with only a handful of 40-plussers ahead of them. At about the mile mark, race favorite, Chris Schille pulled out with an apparent injury. This was a big blow to the Aggies chances of winning the puppy. Lentz, Hongo and River City Rebel's uber-stud Mike Woodward took over the lead duties from Chris and battled for much of the race. Hongo faded in the final miles, while Lentz was able to hold off Woodward for the win by 4 seconds.  This was Mike's first loss in the Long GP.

Elia, Keenan and almost Teeters were able to surpass Hongo to claim 5th and 7th masters spots. Amazing senior Brian Pilcher ran and amazing 33:55 to place an amazing 3rd in the 40+ division, which was amazing. Tamalpa senior teammate Tim O'Rourke was between Elia and Keenan as second senior in 34:34.

Teeters grabbed the 10th master spot with a 35:07, with Fred (35:24) and Jeff Mann (35:39) finishing out the scoring team. With the Schille-less Aggies, Excelsior was the team that provided us with the fight to the victory platform. Upon totalling up the times, the Striders just inched out Excelsior by a mere 23 seconds (as opposed to a "massive" 23 seconds which would be the case for like a 400m race). The Ags settled for third with WVJS fourth.

Top Strider of the day was Jeff #3 (we go by age) Huxhold who placed 24th overall with a 33:02. The club scored a decent open team with masters Thom Trimble, Mike Maguire, Marcus Catlett and junior boy Cal Massee.

The scoring Senior team was lead by 62 year old Len Goldman who placed 4th in the 60-69 division with a 39:24 (87% age graded!). New-senior Mike Plummer was second man, followed by an injured Julios Ratti and 69 year old Ross Franco. Rick "Ipod" Masse would have been the second man on the team but was a victim of the new "No Headphones for YOU!" USATF policy. Rick was reportedly tackled on the course by Jock Semple

Full 10K Results

Photo Album...coming soon

The Big Sur 5K was back on the schedule and with it was some of the best weather and course conditions in the event's history. Eight Pacific Striders enjoyed the scenic and competitive race up and down HW 1 and along the gorgeous Carmel shoreline.

Tim Keenan led the masters team with a 6th place finish in that division with a 17:04. Jeff Mann returned from his twisted ankle at Zippy's to record a very respectable 17:17, with Reno buddy Fred Zalokar just behind in 17:25. Late entry Jeff Teeters (17:38) and Thom Trimble (17:50 completed the team. The team finished 2nd to the Aggies in the masters division.

The club was a man short of a scoring senior team with Fred Martin placing 7th in the 60-64 division in a time of 21:20.

Full 5K Results

Tim Accepts his 3rd Place Award in the 45-49 Division

Not Nebraska