10k & 15k Trail Run
An unseasonably warm November morning with some spotty rain and wind lead to a fun and challenging final Reaper race of 2013. Grim Reaper Fitness was happy to sponsor the Abe’s Trail Trek put on by our good friends Tri Harder Promotions. Steve O’Connor and his family do a great job promoting central IL races. Thanks Steve!
GRF had 6 athletes competing on race morning (2 in the 10k and 4 in the 15k). This course was challenging but well marked and a whole lot of fun! It was fantastic to compete on trails that Lincoln walked and the race had all courses running through Lincoln’s New Salem. In the 10k Coach Auth and Rankin were out to “run” and not race. Hampered by a few injuries and some soreness (soreness brought to us by our good friends at the Athlete Factory). Well the Athlete Factory Endurance Strength Camp is working, Coach Auth won the Clydesdale division and Coach Rankin walked away as the 35-39 age group winner.
In the 15k, the results were even more impressive. Reaper Assistant Director Romanie Walter took the top overall female honors in the 15k and continues to impress with her running skills. This race put a great cherry on the top of a fantastic season for Romanie. Coach Quinn took 2nd in the 45-49 age group and was 7th overall. Coach Quinn has become a beast on the trails this year and has recently competed numerous trail race (including ultras). Coach Sturdy was signed up for the 10k and decided to change to the 15k at the last minute (you need to know Sturdy to appreciate this) and so his 15k time counted in the 10k race. He still had a solid race and finished a season of many personal bests.
The story of the day belonged to Kathren Sammis. Kathren, is prepping to run the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis in a few weeks and Coach Rankin felt this would be a good boost to her confidence and a way to prove to her that her training is working. Before the race she may have disagreed with her coaches suggestion but after, not so much! Kathren did great for her 1st trail run and finished 1st in 25-29 AG. Way to go Kathren, we are so proud of your season and look to be impressed with your first marathon soon!
So long 2013 race season. Coming soon….the 2014 schedule (including our sprint, half-iron, and marathon training programs). Keep your eyes out for lots of updates over the winter as Reaper is getting better and badder! Thanks for all your support!
