Run It Fast®

Run It Fast’s ‘Race Across the USA‘ continued across three states on Thursday. Our race leaders, the Suzy Michelson Team, blazed an amazing mid-week total of 201.62 miles that took them a third of the way across the Volunteer State. It might be the final blow that the competition might not be able to come back from. Second place for the day went to the Charlie Taylor Team with 144.06 miles after a slow start to the day. They were followed closely by the Jeffrey Price Team with 141.24 miles. The Hope Shull Team put down 129.00 miles as they had a solid day.

Let’s get into the stats, standings, and recaps from the road…

Day 11 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

• Suzy Michelson Team – 201.62 miles (13.44 mi/runner)
• Jeffrey Price Team – 141.24 miles (9.42 mi/runner)
• Charlie Taylor Team – 144.06 miles (9.60 mi/runner)
• Hope Shull Team – 129.00 miles (8.60 mi/runner)

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings 

1. Suzy Michelson Team – 2,071.22 miles (188.29/day, 71.3% completed)
2. Jeffrey Price Team – 1,767.07  miles (160.64 mi/day, 60.8% completed)
3. Charlie Taylor Team – 1,649.72 miles (149.97 mi/day, 56.8% completed)
4. Hope Shull Team – 1,379.34 miles (125.39 mi/day, 47.5% completed)

Click HERE to view where the teams are on the Google Map

Suzy Michelson Team: Another blazing day for the Suzy Team with their second highest daily miles for the race. They did it on a day when the two teams behind them had sub-par days as well. They were led by Dresden, TN legend JR Reynolds who pieced together several runs for 34.05 miles. JR has been strong throughout this race just months after knee surgery. He has 139.61 total miles for the race. The Sultans of Swat brought a lot of asphalt kickers to join JR today that included Alex Barrientos, with a big 33.38 miles, along with Barry Reece (27.55), Chris Clemens (26.39), and David Nichols (22.83).

The most heroic performance of the day, for the Suzys, came from Kimberly Atkins who had to go to the ER. She passed a kidney stone into her bladder. She then went home and did 8 miles to help the team out. This team is full of crazed addicts.

This team is less than 840 miles from the finish in New York City. They went over 2,000 miles today and the race is theirs to lose. Earlier today they passed Lebanon, Tennessee, where their own Jeff Lea calls home.

Suzy Team Data at a Glance
Place: 1st
Day 11 Miles: 201.62 (1st)
Total Miles: 2,071.22
Top 5 SMT Runners (Day 11)

1. JR Reynolds – 34.05
2. Alex Barrientos – 33.38
3. Barry Reece – 27.55
4. Chris Clemens – 26.39
5. David Nichols – 22.83

Jeffrey Price Team: One of the secrets to the success of the JPT is that they know they are starting the day with an automatic 40-45 miles from Heather McComb and Tom Orr. Neither disappointed today as Heather, true to her nickname ‘Double-Dime,’ put down 20.52 miles and Tom added a cool 20.70.

A rising star on the team this week is California native Alfa Severino who contributed 17.40 miles. Karl Studtmann had 16.68 miles and John Leighton added 11.15 miles.

The team finished in 3rd again for the day by just a couple of miles. They are poised to have a big weekend. It might be too late to catch The Suzys, but I expect another strong charge at them this weekend.

The Jeffs are currently at the Madison Light Missionary Baptist Church in Madison, Arkansas.

Jeffrey Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 2nd
Day 11 Miles: 141.24 (3rd)
Total Miles: 1,767.07
Miles Back: -304.15
Top 5 JPT Runners (Day 11)

1. Tom Orr – 20.70
2. Heather McComb – 20.52
3. Alfa Severino – 17.40
4. Karl Studtmann – 16.68
5. John Leighton – 11.15

Charlie Taylor Team: A late day surge got the Chucks over the 100-mile mark for the day and near their daily average. Today they had 144.06 total team miles. This team is gritty and grinds out what they can every day, often going out for one more run when they think they have nothing left.

Today, they were led by Steve Acciarito with 24.35 miles. Steve has had a huge week. Elva Matamoros added 18.55 miles and has 144.73 miles for the race. Seth Crowe, in between filling prescriptions, pieced together 16.29 miles. Tiffani Glass followed yesterday’s 25-miles with 14.22 today.

The team finished second for the day, a handful of miles ahead of the Jeffs. They have made up some ground on the Jeffs this week. Can they continue to make a push for 2nd place? We will have a better picture of the odds of that reality after the weekend.

The Chucks are in Conway, Arkansas, the birthplace of NBA legend Scottie Pippen. They hope to make it to Memphis tomorrow if all goes well.

Charlie Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 3rd
Day 11 Miles: 144.06 (2nd)
Total Miles: 1,649.72
Miles Back: -421.50

Top 5 CTT Runners (Day 11)

1. Steve Acciarito – 24.35
2. Elva Matamoros – 18.55
3. Seth Crowe – 16.29
4. Joshua Holmes – 16.0
5. Tiffani Glass – 14.22

Hope Shull Team: Team Captain Marylou Corino got her team over their daily average today with a solid 129.00 miles. They were led by Kit Brazier’s 22.41 miles. It’s Kit’s 6th performance of 20 miles or more in 11 days. Randy Broadway showed up for work with 18.02 miles. Marylou added 15.2 miles.

Jimmy Girten was a beast today for the team with 16.34 miles. His highest output of the event and in many months. It’s good to see Jimmy G running well.

The Hopes are literally stuck in Shawnee, Oklahoma after a round-robin buffet at Cracker Barrel, WhataBurger, McAllister’s Deli, and Chick-fil-A.

Hope Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 4th
Day 11 Miles: 129.00 (4th)
Total Miles: 1,379.34
Miles Back: -691.88

Top 5 HST Runners (Day 11)

1. Kit Brazier – 22.41
2. Randy Broadway – 18.02
3. Jimmy Girten – 16.34
4. Marylou Corino – 15.2
5. Cathy Downes – 8.40

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

• Suzy Michelson Team – JR Reynolds (34.05 mi)
• Jeffrey Price Team – Tom Orr (20.70 mi)
• Charlie Taylor Team – Steve Acciarito (24.35 mi)
• Hope Shull Team – Kit Brazier (22.41 mi)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

1. JR Reynolds (SMT) – 34.05
2. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 33.38
3. Barry Reece (SMT) – 27.55
4. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 26.39
5. Steve Acciarito (CTT) – 24.35
6. David Nichols (SMT) – 22.83
7. Kit Brazier (HST) – 22.41
8. Tom Orr (JPT) – 20.70
9. Heather McComb (JPT) – 20.52
10. Elva Matamoros (CTT) – 18.55

Top 10 Race Mile Leaders

1. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 275.61
2. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 233.56
3. Heather McComb (JPT) – 229.52
4. Tom Orr (JPT) – 223.13
5. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 222.89
6. David Nichols (SMT) – 216.56
7. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 206.49
8. Jeremy Reed (CTT) – 199.82
9. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 197.82
10. Marylou Corino – (HST) – 195.80

J.R. Reynolds, with his 34.04 miles for the Suzy Michelson Team, is the ‘Race Across the USA’ –  Peak Performer of the Day.

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

• Day 11: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Popeye Jones
• Day 10: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Rise of the Chucks
• Day 9: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Jeremy’s Calling
• Day 8: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Lt. Dan Taylor
• Day 7: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Ben Hur-on
• Day 6: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Russell Branded
• Day 5: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Stairway to Heaven
• Day 4: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – 5 Nichols & 1 Penny
• Day 3: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Razing Arizona
• Day 2: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Showdown in the Desert 
• Day 1: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – And They Are Off…

Run It Fast’s ‘Race Across the USA‘ Day 10 has concluded and the Charlie Taylor Team, for the first time, had the most miles for a day. They finished the day with 176.17 miles, their second highest single-day tally of the race. Finishing behind them was the Suzy Michelson Team with 163.65 miles. Ten miles behind the SMT was the Jeffrey Price Team. The Hope Shull Team finished with 107.75 miles.

The Chucks have performed consistent throughout the race, and they have the past four days turned up the intensity centered around the two-day outburst from Jeremy Reed.

Day 10 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

• Suzy Michelson Team – 163.65 miles (10.91 mi/runner)
• Jeffrey Price Team – 153.58 miles (10.24 mi/runner)
• Charlie Taylor Team – 176.17 miles (11.74 mi/runner)
• Hope Shull Team – 107.75 miles (7.18 mi/runner)

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings 

1. Suzy Michelson Team – 1,869.60 miles (186.96/day, 64.3% completed)
2. Jeffrey Price Team – 1,625.83  miles (162.58 mi/day, 55.93% completed)
3. Charlie Taylor Team – 1,505.66 miles (150.57 mi/day, 51.8% completed)
4. Hope Shull Team – 1,250.34 miles (125.03 mi/day, 43.01% completed)

Click HERE to view where the teams are on the Google Map

Suzy Michelson Team: More of the same from the front-leading Suzys. Chris Clemens with a marathon of work today, assisted by David Nichols going for 21.3 miles and Barry Reece with 19.3 miles. Alex Barrientos (17.61) and Kimberly Atkins (15.56) also had very strong contributions.

They currently are in Brownsville, Tennessee. And I don’t even know how to word this… But in one of the most flagrant WWE moves of all-time, Anthony Ohrey picked the lock to Tom Orr and Donna Burns‘ house and the team bum-rushed in like Andrew Jackson’s Tennesseans did into the White House on the night of Jackson’s inauguration when they destroyed all the carpets and drapes with food and drink. The SMT is sleeping in Tom’s house for the night and Chris Clemens is passed out, greased up with Ben-Gay in Tom’s own bed. Oh the humanity and brashness of this team. Tom and Donna are still back in Arkansas with the Jeffrey Price Team.

Suzy Team Data at a Glance
Place: 1st
Day 10 Miles: 163.65 (2nd)
Total Miles: 1,869.60
Top 5 SMT Runners (Day 10)

1. Chris Clemens – 26.29
2. David Nichols – 21.30
3. Barry Reece – 19.30
4.  Alex Barrientos – 17.61
5. Kimberly Atkins – 15.56

Jeffrey Price Team: Tom Orr, once again, was running today like he had a 6th sense that something was awry he needed to get to. He just didn’t know exactly what, yet. Oh, that day is coming! Tom put down 23.35 miles. He has been strong every day of the competition. Heather ‘Double-Dime’ McComb…wait for it…dropped another 20 miles for the 10th consecutive day. Karl Studtmann added 20.16 with solid performances from Alfa Severino and Lance Forest as well.

It should be noted that team captain, Melissa Price, has notched double digit miles for all ten days and sets a great example for her team day in and day out. A true inspiration.

The Jeffs finished with the 3rd most miles of the day. They are in good shape and charging up to make another strong weekend push. They are currently in Blackwell, Arkansas.

Jeffrey Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 2nd
Day 10 Miles: 153.58 (3rd)
Total Miles: 1,625.83
Miles Back: -243.77
Top 5 JPT Runners (Day 10)

1. Tom Orr – 23.35
2. Heather McComb – 20.32
3. Karl Studtmann – 20.16
4. Alfa Severino – 15.11
5. Lance Forest – 14.11

Charlie Taylor Team: What a surge this team has had the past five days, and it’s been a powder keg the past two days in major part to Jeremy Reed, who followed yesterday’s 42.03 miles, with 30.20 miles today. This galvanized team used that to help put down the most miles for the day. It’s the first time during the race they’ve done this. Another big reason they were able to do this today was that they, once again, got contributions from every team member.

Jeremy had some big-gun help from Tiffani Glass with 25.10 miles. It’s her 4th 20+ mile day of the race and her highest single day output. She’s been a consistent and big contributor to the Chucks every day.

Then it was the three amigos of Seth Crowe (21.01), Elva Matamoros (19.05), and Steve Acciarito (17.80) helping the team rise to the top today..

The Chucks are no longer looking in their rear-view mirror, as they are seem intent on pushing the pedal down to try to find anyone else on the road ahead. They currently are pinning in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and will reach Arkansas shortly.

Charlie Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 3rd
Day 10 Miles: 176.17 (1st)
Total Miles: 1,505.66
Miles Back: -363.94

Top 5 CTT Runners (Day 10)

1. Jeremy Reed – 30.20
2. Tiffani Glass – 25.10
3. Seth Crowe – 21.01
4. Elva Matamoros – 19.05
5. Steve Acciarito – 17.80

Hope Shull Team: Double-Trouble Marylou Corino (25.00 mi) and Kit Brazier (22.41 mi) provided most of the fuel for the Hopes on Day 10. They hit a decent groove with 107.75 miles. Other contributors included Sherry Meador (13.25 mi), Cathy Downs (10.05 mi), and Ben Herron (9.49 mi).

Tomorrow could be a low-mileage day as they are due to run by (and likely into, up, down, and all around) the Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park in Clinton, Oklahoma. Photos, please!!!

Hope Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 4th
Day 10 Miles: 107.75 (4th)
Total Miles: 1,250.34
Miles Back: -619.26

Top 5 HST Runners (Day 10)

1. Marylou Corino – 25.00
2. Kit Brazier – 22.41
3. Sherry Meador – 13.25
4. Cathy Downes – 10.05
5. Ben Herron – 9.49

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

• Suzy Michelson Team – Chris Clemens (26.29 mi)
• Jeffrey Price Team – Tom Orr (23.35 mi)
• Charlie Taylor Team – Jeremy Reed (30.20 mi)
• Hope Shull Team – Marylou Corino (25.00 mi)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

1. Jeremy Reed (CTT) – 30.20
2. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 26.29
3. Tiffani Glass (CTT) – 25.1
4. Marylou Corino (HST) – 25.00
5. Tom Orr (JPT) – 23.35
6. Kit Brazier (HST) – 22.41
7. David Nichols (SMT) – 21.30
8. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 21.1
9. Heather McComb (JPT) – 20.32
10. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 20.16

Top 10 Race Mile Leaders

1. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 249.22
2. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 216.88
3. Heather McComb (JPT) – 209.00
4. Tom Orr (JPT) – 202.43
5. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 195.34
6. David Nichols (SMT) – 193.73
7. Jeremy Reed (CTT) – 188.43
8. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 181.53
9. Marylou Corino – (HST) – 180.60
10. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 173.11

Tiffani Glass,with her impressive 25.1 mile day, is the ‘Race Across the USA’ –  Peak Performer of the Day.

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

• Day 10: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Rise of the Chucks
• Day 9: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Jeremy’s Calling
• Day 8: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Lt. Dan Taylor
• Day 7: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Ben Hur-on
• Day 6: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Russell Branded
• Day 5: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Stairway to Heaven
• Day 4: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – 5 Nichols & 1 Penny
• Day 3: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Razing Arizona
• Day 2: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Showdown in the Desert 
• Day 1: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – And They Are Off…

Run It Fast’s ‘Race Across the USA‘ has all the teams to Texas or beyond. Every team was solid today with the Charlie Taylor Team having the best day outperforming their daily average by 24 miles. They had the 2nd most miles for the day, fourteen miles behind the race leaders, the Suzy Michelson Team, that racked up 185.59 miles, just below their daily average. The Hope Shull Team paced above their daily tracking average, and the Jeffrey Price Team fell about 20 miles below their average.

All-in-all, it was a great day with some strong performances once again. None bigger than the 42.03 miles Jeremy Reed led the Charlie Taylor Team and entire race for Day 9.

Day 9 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

• Suzy Michelson Team – 185.59 miles (12.37 mi/runner)
• Jeffrey Price Team – 142.95 miles (9.53 mi/runner)
• Charlie Taylor Team – 171.50 miles (11.43 mi/runner)
• Hope Shull Team – 131.36 miles (8.76 mi/runner)

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings 

1. Suzy Michelson Team – 1,705.95 miles (189.55/day, 58.68% completed)
2. Jeffrey Price Team – 1,472.25  miles (163.58 mi/day, 50.64% completed)
3. Charlie Taylor Team – 1,329.49 miles (147.72 mi/day, 45.7% completed)
4. Hope Shull Team – 1,142.59 miles (126.95 mi/day, 39.3% completed)

Click HERE to view where the teams are on the Google Map

Suzy Michelson Team: The Suzy’s were back in the throttle for a second day in a row with three teammates knocking out 20’s with many strong supporting performances. Chris Clemens did his thing with 25.56 miles, Kimberly Atkins hit 20 again as did David Nichols. Barry Reece (18.62) and team captain Shane Tucker (17.97) more than did their part. The Suzys had miles from all of their runners today with ten hitting double digits.

Dinner tonight was at Nick’s BBQ and Catfish about 30 miles east of Little Rock, Arkansas. Trent Rosenbloom, a Nashville Hot Chicken expert, persuaded the cook to add some Nashville heat. He then challenged several teammates to match him bite for bite. If they couldn’t they had to buy him a beer. Fourteen beers later for Monkey Trent, the team left Nick’s. Tomorrow should be interesting for the Suzy’s on the road putting down miles after their hot night. Hopefully, Anthony Ohrey remembered to pack the Home Depot bucket for the team. He’s got to be good for something.

Suzy Team Data at a Glance
Place: 1st
Day 9 Miles: 185.59 (1st)
Total Miles: 1,705.95
Top 5 SMT Runners (Day 9)

1. Chris Clemens – 25.56
2. Kimberly Atkins – 20.04
3. David Nichols – 20.00
4. Barry Reece – 18.62
5. Shane Tucker – 17.97

Jeffrey Price Team: After an amazing weekend where the Jeffs put miles on the race leading Suzys, it was only natural that they’d likely take a step back today. They did only have the 3rd most miles on Day 9, but it was still a respectable 142.95 miles. ‘Friendly Delivery’ Tom Orr was back on route and delivered 20 miles today with 21.28. He led the team but was followed closely by Heather ‘Double-Dime’ McComb with ANOTHER 20-spot – her 9th straight.

Karla Kent (14.13), John Leighton (14.06), and Sofie Romero (13.50) solidified the output for the Jeffs today.

The team is in Warner, Oklahoma and tomorrow will rock into Arkansas, just one state away from where most of the team resides, Tennessee.

Jeffrey Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 2nd
Day 9 Miles: 142.95 (3rd)
Total Miles: 1,472.25
Miles Back: -233.7
Top 5 JPT Runners (Day 9)

1. Tom Orr – 21.28
2. Heather McComb – 20.27
3. Karla Kent – 14.13
4. John Leighton – 14.06
5. Sofie Romero- 13.50

Charlie Taylor Team: What an amazing three-run performance Jeremy Reed put down today for 42.03 miles to give the Chucks their highest daily finish of the race. His phone went dead on his last run, but his wife Greta gave us a head’s up that Jeremy would be calling in big miles shorty…and boy did he with a 21.17 miles to finish with 42 miles. Steve Acciarito delivered another heroic performance after yesterday’s 32.78 miles by following it up today with 23.85 miles. Seth Crowe gave a solid contribution again with 15.21 miles as did Elva Matamoros with 12.57 miles. Even more bright news for the team today was that Sharon Carver, feeling better from her injury, was able to run 7 miles.

The Chucks are currently at the Starbucks in Yukon, Oklahoma where Jen Metcalf is propped up against a duffel bag double fisting frappuccinos.

Charlie Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 3rd
Day 9 Miles: 171.50 (2nd)
Total Miles: 1,329.49
Miles Back: -376.46
Top 5 CTT Runners (Day 9)

1. Jeremy Reed – 42.03
2. Steve Acciarito – 23.85
3. Joshua Holmes – 16.52
4. Seth Crowe – 15.21
5. Elva Matamoros – 12.57

Hope Shull Team: A great bounce-back day for the Hope Shull Team with 131.36 miles after failing to break the century mark yesterday. They were led today by Randy Broadway with 22.52 miles. Kit Brazier was strong as always contributing 22.06 miles. After several runners on the team needed rest yesterday, they all bounced back to contribute today. A total team effort and a result they should all be proud of.

They look forward to reaching Oklahoma tomorrow after a quick one-day stay over in Texas.

Hope Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 4th
Day 9 Miles: 131.36 (4th)
Total Miles: 1,142.59
Miles Back: -563.37
Top 5 HST Runners (Day 9)

1. Randy Broadway – 22.52
2. Kit Brazier – 22.06
3. Sherry Meador – 12.31
4. Marylou Corino – 10.00
5. Cathy Downes – 10.00

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

• Suzy Michelson Team – Chris Clemens (25.56 mi)
• Jeffrey Price Team – Tom Orr (21.28 mi)
• Charlie Taylor Team – Jeremy Reed (42.03 mi)
• Hope Shull Team – Randy Broadway (22.52 mi)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

1. Jeremy Reed (CTT) – 42.03
2. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 25.56
3. Steve Acciarito (CTT) – 23.85
4. Randy Broadway (HST) – 22.52
5. Kit Brazier (HST) – 22.06
6. Tom Orr (JPT) – 21.28
7. Heather McComb (JPT) – 20.27
8. Kimberly Atkins (SMT) – 20.04
9. David Nichols (SMT) – 20.00
10. Barry Reece (SMT) – 18.62

Top 10 Race Mile Leaders

1. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 222.93
2. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 196.72
3. Heather McComb (JPT) – 188.68
4. Tom Orr (JPT) – 179.08
5. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 176.04
6. David Nichols (SMT) – 172.43
7. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 160.43
8. Jeremy Reed (CTT) – 158.23
9. Marylou Corino – (HST) – 155.60
10. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 155.50

Jeremy Reed,with his massive 42.03 mile day, is the ‘Race Across the USA’ –  Peak Performer of the Day for Day 9.

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

• Day 9: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Jeremy’s Calling
• Day 8: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Lt. Dan Taylor
• Day 7: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Ben Hur-on
• Day 6: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Russell Branded
• Day 5: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Stairway to Heaven
• Day 4: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – 5 Nichols & 1 Penny
• Day 3: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Razing Arizona
• Day 2: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Showdown in the Desert 
• Day 1: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – And They Are Off…

Run It Fast’s ‘Race Across the USA‘ entered week two with all four teams pushing their limits just as they have for eight days now. Week 2 started, like week 1, did with the Suzy Michelson Team putting down a very strong day, almost an exact replica of their day 1. A week ago they started the race with 188.97 miles and today landed on 188.23. That’s impressive! Our middle two teams, Jeffrey Price Team and Charlie Taylor Team, had nearly identical performances today. JPT maintains a healthy lead over 3rd and a good ways behind the SMT for first. The Hope Shull Team fell back asleep today failing to break 100 mi/day with just 96.90

Day 8 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

• Suzy Michelson Team – 188.23 miles (12.55 mi/runner)
• Jeffrey Price Team – 147.82 miles (9.85 mi/runner)
• Charlie Taylor Team – 145.32 miles (9.69 mi/runner)
• Hope Shull Team – 96.90 miles (6.46 mi/runner)

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings 

1. Suzy Michelson Team – 1,520.36 miles (190.05/day, 52.3% completed)
2. Jeffrey Price Team – 1,329.30  miles (166.16 mi/day, 45.7% completed)
3. Charlie Taylor Team – 1,157.99 miles (144.75 mi/day, 39.8% completed)
4. Hope Shull Team – 1,011.23 miles (126.40 mi/day, 34.8% completed)

The four teams are nearly residing in four separate states. The Suzy Michelson Team, currently in 1st place, is literally a few hundred feet from crossing into Arkansas. They likely would have if the Cherokee Casino had not been directly on their route. Anthony Ohrey and Leslie Studtmann talked team captain Shane Tucker into stopping for some Blackjack. Their next runner to take the baton will run them into the Razorback State.

The Jeffrey Price Team is in Yukon, Oklahoma, just short of Oklahoma City, currently in 2nd place. The third place Charlie Taylor Team is currently in McLean, Texas in hope of that ‘American Pie,’ but all they’ve found there is Devil’s Rope Musuem. The Hope Shull Team is still in New Mexico, only two states behind The Suzys, are holed up at the Russell’s Truck Stop. They should finally cross into Texas tomorrow morning.

Click HERE to view where the teams are on the Google Map

Suzy Michelson Team: Sound n’ Pound, big talking and even bigger miles, returned today with strong, long miles from so many on the Suzys. The team pounded the asphalt non-stop today stopping for nothing. They were truly 2 Legit 2 Sh!t.

They were led by Texan Alex Barrientos with 27.50 miles, Chris Clemens 24.51 miles, and David Nichols 21.28 miles. Leslie Studtmann had 18.27 miles (57.56 over the last 3 days). Barry Reece was strong once again with 17.02 miles and Kimberly Atkins with 15.02 miles.

SMT will step foot into Arkansas in the morning. It will be their 6th state the team has reached in 9 days.

Suzy Team Data at a Glance
Place: 1st
Day 8 Miles: 188.23 (1st)
Total Miles: 1,520.36
Top 5 SMT Runners (Day 8)

1. Alex Barrientos – 27.50
2. Chris Clemens – 24.51
3. David Nichols – 21.28
4. Leslie Studtmann – 18.27
5. Barry Reece – 17.02

Jeffrey Price Team: After winning their first day yesterday with the most miles, the JPT took a bit of a step back today with four members taking the day off after a smashing weekend. However they still wound up with 147.82 miles that was good enough for the second most miles of the day. JPT was fueled once again by their tri-cycle of excellence from Karl Studtmann, Heather McComb, and Tom Orr. Karl had the second most miles of any runner on Monday with 30.49 miles, giving him 108.22 miles over the last three days. Heather completed her 8th consecutive day of 20+ miles with 20.33. Orr added 16.1. Sofie Romero had her biggest day so far with 18.58 miles.

Jeffrey Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 2nd
Day 8 Miles: 147.82 (2nd)
Total Miles: 1,329.30
Miles Back: -191.06
Top 5 JPT Runners (Day 8)

1. Karl Studtmann – 30.49
2. Heather McComb – 20.33
3. Sofie Romero – 18.58
4. Tom Orr – 16.1
5. Karla Kent – 12.07

Charlie Taylor Team: Steve Acciarito has gutted out strong miles every day of the race, but on Monday he ramped it up to a level very few in the race have so far. Steve, over the course of five segments, pumped out the most miles of any runner today with 32.78 miles. Steve is battling bad knees, a bum foot, yet keeps trying and doing all he can for the Chucks. Tiffani Glass eclipsed her third 20+ mile performance of the race. Seth Crowe contributed 14.12 miles along with Jeremy Reed (12.39 miles).

Everyone on the team contributed for the eighth consecutive day including Sharon Carver who is battling a couple of injuries.

Charlie Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 3rd
Day 8 Miles: 145.32 (3rd)
Total Miles: 1,157.99
Miles Back: -362.37
Top 5 CTT Runners (Day 8)

1. Steve Acciarito – 32.78
2. Tiffani Glass – 20.37
3. Joshua Holmes – 15.45
4. Seth Crowe – 14.12
5. Jeremy Reed – 12.39

Hope Shull Team: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Hope Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 4th
Day 8 Miles: 96.9 (4th)
Total Miles: 1,011.23
Miles Back: -509.13
Top 5 HST Runners (Day 8)

1. Kit Brazier – 21.46
2. Marylou Corino – 20.00
3. Scott Kufferath – 14.03
4. Cathy Downes – 12.54
5. Megan Chiu – 6.27

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

• Suzy Michelson Team – Alex Barrientos (27.50 mi)
• Jeffrey Price Team – Karl Studtmann (30.49 mi)
• Charlie Taylor Team – Steve Acciarito (32.78 mi)
• Hope Shull Team – Kit Brazier (21.46 mi)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

1. Steve Acciarito (CTT) – 32.78
2. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 30.49
3. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 27.50
4. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 24.51
5. Kit Brazier (HST) – 21.46
6. David Nichols (SMT) – 21.28
7. Tiffani Glass (CTT) – 20.37
8. Heather McComb (JPT) – 20.33
9. Marylou Corino (HST) – 20.00
10. Sofie Romero (JPT) – 18.58

Top 10 Race Mile Leaders

1. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 197.37
2. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 184.36
3. Heather McComb (JPT) – 168.41
4. Tom Orr (JPT) – 157.80
5. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 157.42
6. David Nichols (SMT) – 152.43
7. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 148.28
8. Marylou Corino – (HST) – 145.60
9. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 145.22
10. Kimberly Atkins (SMT) – 130.28

Steve Acciarito is the ‘Race Across the USA’ –  Peak Performer of the Day for Day 8.

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

• Day 8: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Lt. Dan Taylor
• Day 7: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Ben Hur-on
• Day 6: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Russell Branded
• Day 5: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Stairway to Heaven
• Day 4: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – 5 Nichols & 1 Penny
• Day 3: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Razing Arizona
• Day 2: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Showdown in the Desert 
• Day 1: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – And They Are Off…

Run It Fast’s ‘Race Across the USA‘ has moved into it’s seventh day. No one on any of these teams rested though, even after yesterday’s record setting day by all four teams.

The weekend was won by the Jeffrey Price Team. For the second day in a row they made up ground on the first place Suzy Michelson Team. The Jeffs compiled 461.61 miles over the two days with 190.95 coming today after their race high of 270.66 miles on Saturday. With this strong push they’ve gained 24 miles on The Suzys.

The Suzy’s still hold a comfortable overall lead of 150.65 miles. However, after smashing the first five days with the most daily miles every day, they’ve been beaten the last two days, and today two teams finished with more miles than they did. The resurgent Hope Shull Team tallied 178.74 miles today just edging the Suzys. The Suzys ended up with 175.03.

The Charlie Taylor Team had what they thought was a strong day, with 157.03, until they heard what the other three teams recorded for the day. They had the fourth most miles for the day, but they remain a strong hold of third place over the fourth place team.

Day 7 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

• Suzy Michelson Team – 175.03 miles (11.67 mi/runner)
• Jeffrey Price Team – 190.95 miles (12.73 mi/runner)
• Charlie Taylor Team – 157.03 miles (10.47 mi/runner)
• Hope Shull Team – 178.74 miles (11.92 mi/runner)

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings 

1. Suzy Michelson Team – 1,332.13 miles (192.85/day, 45.8% completed)
2. Jeffrey Price Team – 1,181.48  miles (165.09 mi/day, 40.6% completed)
3. Charlie Taylor Team – 1,012.67 miles (142.61 mi/day, 34.8% completed)
4. Hope Shull Team – 914.33 miles (122.6 mi/day, 31.5% completed)

Click HERE to view where the teams are on the Google Map

The four teams currently are split into three states. The Suzy Michelson Team, currently in 1st place, is already in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Jeffrey Price Team is in Shamrock, Texas and getting very close to the ‘Sooner State.’ Our third and fourth place teams, the Charlie Taylor Team and the Hope Shull Team, are still in New Mexico with the Chucks practically nestled up on the barbed wire of the Texas border.

Suzy Michelson Team: Any true criticism of this team would be nitpicking. They dominated this week with 1,332.13 miles over seven days. They have a 150 mile lead, and they have heavy hitters that would make the 1932 New York Yankees envious.

Today they had the third most miles with 175.03 but were just 15 miles off the top team of the day. They were led once again by the ‘Tullahoma Tornado’ Chris Clemens with 24.1 miles. He’s had a remarkable 172.86 miles since the start of the race a week ago, the most of any runner on any team. His main support today came from JR Reynolds with 20.41 miles, his third 20 mile day of the week.

Other strong efforts for the race leaders today came from Barry Reece (17.01 mi), Leslie Studtmann (15.25), and Kimberly Atkins (15.14).

Violeta Heisler, who has been burning the candle at both ends while working herself back into shape from an injury, rocked out with 29.09 miles for the weekend. So many stories like Violeta’s have uplifted and inspired so many people this week.

Suzy Team Data at a Glance
Place: 1st
Day 7 Miles: 175.03 (3rd)
Total Miles: 1,332.13
Top 5 SMT Runners (Day 7)

1. Chris Clemens – 24.1
2. JR Reynolds – 20.41
3. Barry Reece – 17.01
4. Leslie Studtmann – 15.25
5. Kimberly Atkins – 15.14

Jeffrey Price Team: The Jeffs shoot 20-mile bombs out of a cannon day in and day out. Heather McComb finished her week of 20+’s with 21.04 miles. She had an astounding 148.08 miles this week. She has set the early tone, day in and day out. Tom ‘Stairway’ Orr took a step down today, but he still knocked out 20.37 miles. He finished the week with 141.7 miles, the biggest mileage week of his life. Heather and Tom have provided a consistent base every day that the team built on this weekend that led this team to the most miles of the weekend.

Karl Studtmann had a cool 20.53 miles after his 57.2 megatron bomb yesterday that reset the narrative of the race between the Jeffs and Suzys. Alfa Severino also contributed 20.01 miles.

Team captain Melissa Price finished the week with 15.01 miles topping off with the week with 102.96 miles. A epic week from this entire team, top to bottom. Can they keep it up and catch the leaders? Week two will tell a lot.

Jeffrey Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 2nd
Day 7 Miles: 190.95 (1st)
Total Miles: 1,181.48
Miles Back: -150.65
Top 5 JPT Runners (Day 7)

1. Heather McComb – 21.04
2. Karl Studtmann – 20.53
3. Tom Orr – 20.37
4. Alfa Severino – 20.01
5. Alicja Miles – 16.30

Charlie Taylor Team: Today the CTT team got a major performance from Elva Matamoros with 32.02 miles. Those big miles gave her 90.53 miles for the week. Her miles were a major boost to the Chucks today after many members of this team were sore and hobbled today. The team also got help from Seth Crowe  with 29.25 miles. Seth’s 131.1 miles easily made him the team’s MVP of the Week. Team captain Joshua Holmes rounded out his week with 21.7 miles.

The Chucks once again had everyone contribute and finished the week a perfect 105 for 105.

Charlie Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 3rd
Day 7 Miles: 157.03 (4th)
Total Miles: 1,012.67
Miles Back: -319.46
Top 5 CTT Runners (Day 7)

1. Elva Matamoros – 32.02
2. Seth Crowe – 29.25
3. Joshua Holmes – 21.70
4. Steve Acciarito – 13.13
5. Aimee Shilling – 12.04

Hope Shull Team: Ultra veteran Ben Herron led a multi-faceted attack today for Hope’s team. He rolled off 32.42 miles, by far his most miles of the race to this point. He was joined by team captain Marylou Corino who nailed 25.0 miles, her third 25+ mile performance of the week. More help came from Cathy Downes with 20.16 miles which gave her an impressive 51.51 miles for the weekend. Arizona native Lori Robinson was also superb today with 20.22 miles making a strong two day contribution of 38.36 miles. Sherry Meador’s 15.08 miles topped off a nice weekend for her, and Jimmy Girten ran 10.07 miles today. His longest run since the inception of the iPhone.

The Hopes had 380.06 miles over the two day weekend. They have a lot of momentum going into the new week as they try to chase down the Charlie Taylor Team that is in front of them.

Hope Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 4th
Day 7 Miles: 178.74 (2nd)
Total Miles: 914.33
Miles Back: -417.8
Top 5 HST Runners (Day 7)

1. Ben Herron – 32.42
2. Marylou Corino – 25.00
3. Lori Robinson – 20.22
4. Cathy Downes – 20.16
5. Sherry Meador – 15.08

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

• Suzy Michelson Team – Chris Clemens (24.10 mi)
• Jeffrey Price Team – Heather McComb (21.04 mi)
• Charlie Taylor Team – Elva Matamoros (32.02 mi)
• Hope Shull Team – Ben Herron (32.42 mi)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

1. Ben Herron (HST) – 32.42
2. Elva Matamoros – (CTT) – 32.02
3. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 29.25
4. Marylou Corino (HST) – 25.00
5. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 24.1
6. Joshua Holmes (CTT) – 21.7
7. Heather McComb (JPT) – 21.04
8. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 20.53
9. JR Reynolds (SMT) – 20.41
10. Tom Orr (JPT) – 20.37

Top 10 Race Mile Leaders

1. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 172.86
2. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 153.87
3. Heather McComb (JPT) – 148.08
4. Tom Orr (JPT) – 141.70
5. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 140.40
6. David Nichols (SMT) – 131.15
7. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 131.10
8. Marylou Corino – (HST) – 125.60
9. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 120.78
10. Thomas Fowler (SMT) – 120.02

Ben Herron (HST) is the ‘Race Across the USA’ –  Peak Performer of the Day with his 32.42 miles.

Honorable Mention: Elva Matamoros (CTT) with 32.02 miles.

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

• Day 7: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Ben Hur-on
• Day 6: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Russell Branded
• Day 5: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Stairway to Heaven
• Day 4: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – 5 Nichols & 1 Penny
• Day 3: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Razing Arizona
• Day 2: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Showdown in the Desert 
• Day 1: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – And They Are Off…

Run It Fast’s ‘Race Across the USA‘ brought out the freaks on Saturday as Day 6 was one for the record books. It included six runs of 31+ miles, a record day from Karl Studtmann with 57.2 miles, and team highs from every team. It even saw one of the teams finally put down more miles than the Suzy Michelson Team.

There’s a lot to get to, and likely some things will be overlooked by mistake, but let’s get to it…

Suzy Michelson Team: The Suzy’s were epic one again on Saturday. It included nearly matching 35+ mile performances from Chris Clemens (36.52 mi) and David Nichols (35.05 mi). They both have been on fire throughout the race and have both set a tone that the rest of the team has played in harmony to.

Alex Barrientos added a superb supporting total of 31.3 miles. Barry Reece hit 20 again with 20.04. Thomas Fowler a 23.74 giving him 110 miles for the week. Leslie Studtmann racked up 24.04 miles going over 20 miles in a day for the first time in the race. Eleven of fifteen on the team reached double digits today. A thoroughbred of a team that has dominated since leaving the pier in Santa Monica.

The Suzy’s passed Amarillo this morning and currently are positioned in McLean, Texas, a town of just 756 people directly on the ‘Mother Road’ – Route 66. They will be out of Texas as quickly tomorrow as they entered it today. Their eyes are set on Oklahoma City.

They finished the day with 262.39 miles, their biggest day of the race. However, it was only good enough for the second most miles on Saturday.

Suzy Team Data at a Glance
Place: 1st
Day 6 Miles: 262.39 (2nd)
Total Miles: 1,157.10
Top 4 SMT Runners (Entire Race)

1. Chris Clemens – 148.76
2. Barry Reece – 123.39
3. David Nichols – 116.13
4. Alex Barrientos – 114.08

Jeffrey Price Team: Strong, sturdy, steady, and relentless would sum up this team. They had a record high number of miles today, not just for their team but by any team in the event so far.

They finished the day with 270.66 miles.

As aforementioned in the intro, they were led by the massive performance by Karl Studtmann who laid down the gauntlet with 57.2 miles. Karl did it with multiple 5+ mile runs over the last 24 hours. His performance was buttressed with super strong efforts from team captain, Melissa Price (25.89 mi), Darrell Richardson (24.6 mi), Heather ‘Double Dime’ McComb (20.64 mi), Karla Kent (19.05 mi), and the Orr man…

Tom ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Orr continued his daily mileage ascension for the sixth consecutive day. He put down 22.21 miles on Saturday.. His daily is as follows: 16.09, 18.39, 20.29, 21.14, 22.21, and 23.21.

It was Heather’s sixth consecutive day of 20+ miles for the Jeffs.

The team finally gained ground on the race leading Suzys. It wasn’t much, but they gained 8.27 miles on the leaders.  They are now 166.57 miles behind in second. They are currently just west of San Jon, New Mexico.

Jeffrey Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 2nd
Day 6 Miles: 270.66 (1st)
Total Miles: 990.53
Miles Back: -166.57
Top 4 JPT Runners (Entire Race)

1. Karl Studtmann – 133.34
2. Heather McComb – 127.04
3. Tom Orr – 121.33
4. Melissa Price – 87.95

The entire Jeffrey Price Team is the ‘Race Across the USA’ –  Peak Performer of the Day for putting down the most single team miles in a day with 270.66. Karl’s 57 mile performance along with Melissa’s multiple runs to get close to 26 miles exemplified how deep this team is digging. Melissa has accumulated 87.95 miles in the last six days. The Jeff’s had twelve runners run between 10 – 57 miles each today.

Charlie Taylor Team: The Chuck’s had their best day of the race. Everyone contributed for the 6th consecutive day. They were led by Jen ‘Big Sexy’ Metcalf with her impressive 32.6 miles. It was her biggest output of the race, and one of the biggest by any runner so far. She had support from Tiffani Glass (24.04 mi), Seth Crowe (21.02), and Aimee Shilling (22.55) for the Charlie Taylor Team. It was Aimee’s biggest day of the race.

The most inspirational performance of the entire race came from Renee Holcomb. She pieced together six different runs/walks to tally 17.37 big miles. She had 12.55 miles the previous five days combined. She just kept reloading, giving it all she had, and then would take the baton again to put down a few more miles. Even when she looked totally wiped out, she went out once again for even more.

It was the most miles in a day for the CTT. They will restart in the AM east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. If they can build on today, then they might just make it to Texas before tomorrow night’s check-in.

Charlie Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 3rd
Day 6 Miles: 215.64 (3rd)
Total Miles: 855.64
Miles Back: -301.46
Top 4 CTT Runners (Entire Race)

1. Seth Crowe – 101.85
2. Jeremy Reed – 93.47
3. Joshua Holmes – 92.73
4. Jen Metcalf – 78.91

Hope Shull Team: What a difference a day can make. The Hope’s, less than 24 hours of their worst day of the race with just 52.07 miles, bounced back with their most miles today with 201.32. They were led by Randy Broadway with 32 miles and  Cathy ‘Chicken Legs’ Downes with 31.35 miles. Houston Wolf added 22.16 miles to help in the cause. Other notable performances for the team today included Lori Robinson (18.14 mi), and Racheal Anderson (13.05).

Captain Marylou also got 7.8 miles from Juleann Roberts. The 9-year old running sensation has put down miles every day of the event so far for a total of 29.08 miles.

The team was super excited after today’s outburst of miles. They remain in a distant fourth, but are having a lot of fun and food along the way. They are still in New Mexico, about halfway between Gallup and Albuquerque.

Hope Team Data at a Glance
Overall Place: 4th
Day 6 Miles: 201.32 (4th)
Total Miles: 735.59
Miles Back: -421.51
Top 4 HST Runners (Entire Race)

1. Marylou Corino – 100.6
2. Kit Brazier – 99.98
3. Randy Broadway – 92.5
4. Cathy Downes – 71.98

Click HERE to view where the teams are on the Google Map

Day 6 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

• Suzy Michelson Team – 262.39 miles (17.49 mi/runner)
• Jeffrey Price Team – 270.66 miles (18.04 mi/runner)
• Charlie Taylor Team – 215.64 miles (14.38 mi/runner)
• Hope Shull Team – 201.32 miles (13.42 mi/runner)

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings (thru Day 6)

1. Suzy Michelson Team – 1,157.10 miles (192.85/day, 39.8% completed)
2. Jeffrey Price Team – 990.53  miles (165.09 mi/day, 34.1% completed)
3. Charlie Taylor Team – 855.64 miles (142.61 mi/day, 29.4% completed)
4. Hope Shull Team – 735.59 miles (122.6 mi/day, 25.3% completed)

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

• Suzy Michelson Team – Chris Clemens (36.52 mi)
• Jeffrey Price Team – Karl Studtmann (57.2 mi)
• Charlie Taylor Team – Jen Metcalf (32.6 mi)
• Hope Shull Team – Randy Broadway (32 mi)

Top 11 Mega-Miles of the Day

1. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 57.2
2. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 36.52
3. David Nichols (SMT) – 35.05
4. Jen Metcalf (CTT) – 32.6
5. Randy Broadway (HST) – 32
6. Cathy Downes (HST) – 31.35
7. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 31.3
8. Melissa Price (JPT) – 25.89
9. Darrell Richardson (JPT) – 24.6
10. Leslie Studtmann (SMT) – 24.04
11. Tiffani Glass (CTT) – 24.04

Top 10 Race Mile Leaders

1. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 148.76
2. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 133.34
3. Heather McComb (JPT) – 127.04
4. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 123.39
5. Tom Orr (JPT) – 121.33
6. David Nichols (SMT) – 116.13
7. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 114.08
8. Thomas Fowler  (SMT) – 110.01
9. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 101.85
10. Marylou Corino – (HST) – 100.6
11. Kimberly Atkins (SMT) – 100.12

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

• Day 6: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Russell Branded
• Day 5: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Stairway to Heaven
• Day 4: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – 5 Nichols & 1 Penny
• Day 3: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Razing Arizona
• Day 2: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Showdown in the Desert 
• Day 1: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – And They Are Off…

Run It Fast’s ‘Race Across the USA‘ has brought together strangers, friends, frenemies, and down-right enemies that are on four diverse teams working hard together, and for each other, to try to advance their team across the country towards the finish line in New York City.

Today was a workman/woman day on the road that was a bit boring from a spectator’s viewpoint looking at the race in a one day prism. But this race isn’t a one day event, and several performances today concluded amazing 5-Day workweek totals.

Suzy Michelson Team: The Suzy’s don’t have bad days. They have days where they inhale and other days when they exhale. Today was an inhale day for the team that included their usual impressive output from it’s very deep roster. They dipped slightly from yesterday’s record output but still easily had more miles than any other team. They finished the day with 164.93 miles. They had contributions from everyone on Day 5 and were led by Barry Reece (23.15 mi), Chris Clemens (20.73), JR Reynolds (20.06), and Kimberly Atkins (20.0). Other notable performances came from Thomas Fowler (16.01) and Alex Barrientos (13.11).

The Suzy’s put even more distance between them and the rest of the field. They are 2/3rd’s of the way through New Mexico which is amazing considering two of the four teams are still back in Arizona. They called in their miles for the day from Santa Rosa, New Mexico (population 2,848).

The Suzy’s (applying proper social distancing procedures) met with the Santa Rosa High School lawn mower racing club, one of the very first in the USA. They traded racing stories while eating pizza and drinking some awful electrolyte mix Captain Tucker has been making the team drink every night.

Our lawyers say we aren’t at liberty to discuss the special ointment Tucker has his team applying liberally to their legs every night and before they run the next day.

Suzy Team Data at a Glance
Place: 1st
Day 5 Miles: 164.93
Total Miles: 894.71
Top 3 SMT Runners (Entire Race)

1. Chris Clemens – 112.24
2. Barry Reece – 103.35
3. Thomas Fowler – 86.27

Jeffrey Price Team: It was the fourth consecutive day output dropped for the JP’s, but they still were able to put distance on the two teams behind them. The three most developing story-lines with this team are as follows. One, Heather ‘Double Dime’ McComb shows up and knocks out 20’s daily, every day. Friday was no different as she uncorked a 21.03 mile performance. It knocked her over the century mark for the workweek. Secondly, team captain Melissa Price has been running miles at such an escalating rate that the national debt is envious. She had her strongest day of the race with 16.47 miles (and has a total of 62.06 for the race). Jeffrey is for sure shining down on Melissa and how she is inspiring her entire team.

“And as we wind on down the road
Our shadows taller than our soul
There walks a lady we all know
Who shines white light and wants to show
How everything still turns to gold
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last
When all are one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll
And she’s buying a stairway to Heaven”

And lastly, Tom ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Orr did it yet again on Friday. Increasing his daily miles for the fifth consecutive day. He put down 22.21 miles on Friday, ending with 98.12 miles for the week. His progression this week is as follows: 16.09, 18.39, 20.29, 21.14, and 22.21.

Jeffrey Team Data at a Glance
Place: 2nd
Day 5 Miles: 126.9
Total Miles: 719.87
Miles Back: -174.84
Top 3 JPT Runners (Entire Race)

1. Heather McComb – 106.4
2. Tom Orr – 98.12
3. Karl Studtmann – 76.14

Tom Orr is the ‘Race Across the USA’ –  Peak Performer of the Day.

Charlie Taylor Team: This gang woke up fresh, dressed, like a million bucks, threw on white socks, with their all blue chucks, stepped out the RV with no other team in sight. So, Steve Acciarito took their first asphalt bite, while the rest of the team dilly and dallied, and Ms. Marj met this exotic tea dealer, Sally, in the ally, while Greta Reed continued the team’s rally that started back in Cali.

The Chucks all showed up again, finishing the week a perfect 75 for 75 with team participation for the first 5 days of the race.

While their miles were slow to accumulate in the AM, a late day, hot baton passed back and forth that led to a respectful 110.04 miles for the day. They were led by Joshua Holmes (20.20 mi), Jeremy Reed (19.13 mi), and Elva Matamoros (16.03 mi). The Chucks are currently straddling the Arizona-New Mexico border and beyond socially distanced from the 2nd and 4th place teams.

Charlie Team Data at a Glance
Place: 3rd
Day 5 Miles: 110.04
Total Miles: 640.0
Miles Back: -254.71
Top 3 CTT Runners (Entire Race)

1. Seth Crowe – 80.83
2. Joshua Holmes – 78.69
3. Jeremy Reed – 78.13

Hope Shull Team: The snooze crew, after two strong days, relapsed into Napageddon with just 52.07 miles for Day 5. They were led by team captain, Marylou Corino, with 13.1 miles. Sherry Meador followed Lou with 11.11 miles. Five runners didn’t lace up today for the HST. Load management was listed as the reason in the captain’s report. We are expecting a big weekend from this team, though. They are the most rested and well fed team in the race.

The Hopes were last seen at the Love’s Travel Stop in Joseph City, Arizona where Juleann Roberts was sipping a slushie and Houston Wolf was seen bagging four Tornados.

Hope Team Data at a Glance
Place: 4th
Day 5 Miles: 52.07
Total Miles: 534.27
Miles Back: -338.64
Calories Consumed: 783,193
Top 3 HST Runners (Entire Race)

1. Marylou Corino – 90.6
2. Kit Brazier – 85.48
3. Randy Broadway – 60.5

Click HERE to view where the teams are on the Google Map

Day 5 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

• Suzy Michelson Team – 164.93 miles (11.0 mi/runner)
• Jeffrey Price Team – 126.9 miles (8.46 mi/runner)
• Charlie Taylor Team – 110.04 miles (7.34 mi/runner)
• Hope Shull Team – 73.87 miles (3.47 mi/runner)

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings (thru Day 5)

1. Suzy Michelson Team – 894.71 miles (180.95/day, 30.8% completed)
2. Jeffrey Price Team – 719.87  miles (143.97 mi/day, 24.8% completed)
3. Charlie Taylor Team – 640.00 miles (128.00 mi/day, 22.0% completed)
4. Hope Shull Team – 556.07 miles (111.21 mi/day, 18.4% completed)

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

• Suzy Michelson Team – Barry Reece (23.15 mi)
• Jeffrey Price Team – Tom Orr (22.21 mi)
• Charlie Taylor Team – Joshua Holmes (20.20 mi)
• Hope Shull Team – Marylou Corino (13.10 mi)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

1. Barry Reece (SMT) – 23.15
2. Tom Orr (JPT) – 22.21
3. Heather McComb (JPT) – 21.03
4. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 20.73
5. Joshua Holmes (CTT) – 20.20
6. JR Reynolds (SMT) – 20.06
7. Kimberly Atkins (SMT) – 20.00
8. Jeremy Reed (CTT) – 19.13
9. Melissa Price (JPT) – 16.47
10. Elva Matamoros (CTT) – 16.03

Top 10 Race Mile Leaders

1. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 112.24
2. Heather McComb (JPT) – 106.4
3. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 103.35
4. Tom Orr (JPT) – 98.12
5. Marylou Corino – (HST) – 90.6
6. Thomas Fowler  (SMT) – 86.27
7. Kit Brazier (HST) – 85.48
8. Kimberly Atkins (SMT) – 85.1
9. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 82.78
10. David Nichols (SMT) – 81.08

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

• Day 5: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Stairway to Heaven
• Day 4: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – 5 Nichols & 1 Penny
• Day 3: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Razing Arizona
• Day 2: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Showdown in the Desert 
• Day 1: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – And They Are Off…

Day 4 of the Run It Fast ‘Race Across the USA‘ is in the books, and we are running out of adjectives to describe these endorphin crazed road warriors.  The four teams combined for a total of 605.93 miles on Thursday, the most of any of the four days of the race. Many thought coming into today that these teams, with tired legs and life on the road setting in, would have fewer miles today. That just simply wasn’t the case. More on that below.

The front of the race to this point has been dominated by the Suzy Michelson Team and today they showed out like a 21-year old woman on Tik Tok. It would be unfair to call them a broken record, because they are knocking out hit, after hit, after hit every day on the road. The Suzy’s just missed a 200-mile day coming in at 195.77 miles. This is the most single day miles, by a team, so far in the race. The team was fueled today by…everyone.

The Suzy’s were led by David ‘5’ Nichols ‘and a penny’ today who romped to 26.32 miles (and a relaxing dip in the pool). The 20-somethings didn’t stop there as motivational speaker Chris Clemens put down 25.19 miles before retiring for the night in a van down by the river. Other 20’s from the SMT were put down by Eryn Tyner (20.03) and JR Reynolds (20.11).

The Suzy’s galloped into New Mexico and are stationed currently in the town of Grants. They have completed 25.1% of the race with 729.78 miles. They sit comfortably ahead of the field with a 136-mile lead.

David Nichols is the ‘Race Across the USA’ –  Peak Performance of the Day.

The other three teams were very comparable today in the amount of miles they put down.

The Hope Shull Team, building on yesterday’s strong push, had another strong day with 129.48 miles. They have now put down strong back-to-back days that has lifted team morale. They simply refuse to roll over with the rest of the roadkill on the route. Today they were lead by Captain Marylou. She followed up yesterday’s 30-piece with 25 more miles today. She has turned it up the past two days. Again, she was joined by Kit Brazier for big miles today. Kit laid down 21.6 miles and has 79.49 miles over the last four days. Ben Herron, Cathy Downes, and Randy Broadway each went over double digit miles, as well.

HST is currently at 482.2 miles. They currently are at a Wal-Mart in Flagstaff, Arizona looking for muscle rub for Kufferath, peach pies, and sweet tea (3 teammates used the electric wheelchairs – no names were given).

The Jeffrey Price Team continues to be solid and strong. They are such a fierce and strong group just like their namesake was to so many. They lost some ground to The Suzys today, but they are in a good spot where they will be able to take advantage of any misfortune that might occur on the road ahead of them. Aaron Braunstein, left for dead on the injured list back in California, had a Lazarus awakening today coming back for 3 miles. He hobbled out of the van, Willis Reed style, then hobbled back up in the RV. ‘Mr. Climbing the Stairway to Heaven’ Tom Orr did it once again today with a remarkable 21.14 miles. His daily mile progression from the start has been 16.09, 18.39, 20.29, and 21.14 today (75.79 total). Alfa Severino stepped it up a notch with 19.07 miles for JPT.

But the MVP of the race so far for JPT has been Heather ‘Double Dime’ McComb. She knocked out her fourth consecutive day of 20+ miles with 20.13 today giving her a team leading 85.37 miles. That total is also the second most by an individual in the entire race.

JPT is currently at 592.97 miles and in 2nd place overall. On the tracking map it looks like they are in the middle of a Petrified Forest National Park in New Mexico. Many of their legs are likely feeling the same.

The Charlie Taylor Team (which we are petitioning to change to the Charlie Taylor Band) did their thing today. They increased their output over yesterday by 25 miles clipping off 137.06 miles before check-in tonight. Every single runner on the team contributed for the fourth day in a row (60-60).

They were led by Seth Crowe (22.06 mi), Tiffani Glass (20.01mi), and Joshua Holmes (18.29 mi). Crowe has been the high scorer for the team so far with 70.43 miles over the four days. Tiffani, stated that she wanted to get 10 today, but that she felt so good, with the warm sun at her back, that she just kept on running for a total of 20 miles. Jen Metcalf and Jeremy Reed also reached into double figures once again.

Steve Acciarito is currently listed on the injury report with pain on the top of his foot. He is listed as day-to-day.

CTT has completed 18.2% of the race with 529.96 miles. They sit in third place, a handful of miles just west of Winslow, Arizona.

Click HERE to view where the teams are on the Google Map

Day 4 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

• Suzy Michelson Team – 195.77 miles (13.05mi/runner)
• Jeffrey Price Team – 143.62 miles (9.57mi/runner)
• Charlie Taylor Team – 137.06 miles (9.14mi/runner)
• Hope Shull Team – 129.48 miles (8.63mi/runner)

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings (thru Day 4)

1. Suzy Michelson Team – 729.78 miles (182.45/day, 25.1% completed)
2. Jeffrey Price Team – 592.97  miles (148.24 mi/day, 20.4% completed)
3. Charlie Taylor Team – 529.96 miles (132.49 mi/day, 18.2% completed)
4. Hope Shull Team – 482.20 miles (120.55 mi/day, 16.6% completed)

 

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

• Suzy Michelson Team – David Nichols (26.32 mi)
• Jeffrey Price Team – Tom Orr (21.14 mi)
• Charlie Taylor Team – Seth Crowe (22.06 mi)
• Hope Shull Team – Marylou Corino (25.00 mi)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

1. David Nichols (SMT) – 26.32
2. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 25.19
3. Marylou Corino (HST) – 25.00
4. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 22.06
5. Kit Brazier (HST) – 21.6
6. Tom Orr (JPT) – 21.14
7. Heather McComb (JPT) – 20.13
8. JR Reynolds (SMT) – 20.11
9. Eryn Tyner (SMT) – 20.03
10. Tiffani Glass (CTT) – 20.01

Top 10 Race Mile Leaders

1. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 91.51
2. Heather McComb (JPT) – 85.37
3. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 80.2
4. Kit Brazier (HST) – 79.49
5. Marylou Corino – (HST) – 77.5
6. Tom Orr (JPT) – 75.91
7. David Nichols (SMT) – 74.65
8. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 70.96
9. Seth Crowe (CTT) – 70.43
10. Thomas Fowler  (SMT) – 70.26

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

• Day 4: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – 5 Nichols & 1 Penny
• Day 3: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Razing Arizona
• Day 2: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Showdown in the Desert 
• Day 1: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – And They Are Off…

Arizona is on fire as the four teams in the Run It Fast ‘Race Across the USA‘ blazed across ‘The Grand Canyon State’ razing up ruts of asphalt on their way towards Flagstaff and beyond for one team.

The story of the day came from the back of the field as the Hope Shull Team laid down 149.88 miles after their lackluster 94.79 miles the day before. The 149.88 also topped their Day 1 mark of 108.5 miles. HST had the second most team miles for the day. This team was led by Kit Brazier and team captain Marylou Corino. Brazier’s miles from the day before came in after check-in last night. So they were included in today’s total along with another big run she put down. They totaled a whopping 39.65 miles.

Marylou put down two 15 spots today for 30.39 miles. One of the highest single day totals of the event. It was an inspirational push that has inspired her team to realize that they have a chance in this contest.  Hope’s team finished the day a few miles past Kingman, Arizona having been led by two queens.

The double-headed dragon performances from Marylou Corino and Kit Brazier are the ‘Race Across the USA’ –  Peak Performances of the Day.

The Jeffrey Price Team was strong once again today. They were down a bit mileage from yesterday’s high, but they topped their Day 1 total by a couple of miles. They had a large number of runners knock out double digit runs. Their biggest drama today was fighting each other to get out of the van, and back on the road, each runner wanting to pound more pavement. This team is really pushing each other at a very high level.

The break out star of the entire race so far has been JPT’s Tom Orr. Tom’s been building a mileage stairway to heaven over the first three days with totals of 16.09, 18.39, and 20.29. He is the ‘McFeely-Good’ story of the race so far.  ‘Double-Dime’ Heather McComb once again knocked out 20+ miles. Over the first 3 days of the event she has 65.24 miles. Karl Studtmann was strong again today running 20.16 miles, while, at the same time, taking 17 telemedicine calls (and nine from Leslie).

The team camped out atop Bill Williams Mountain in Williams, Arizona tonight at 6,765 feet. The West Tennesseans on the team kept referring to it as Mt Everest. JPT’s biggest mistake of the day was letting David ‘Smokeless’ Oglesby attempt to build the campfire. After a ‘loud’ text message from his wife Melissa, back in Tennessee, ‘500K Dave’ finally relented and let Donna Burns get the fire going. Jeffrey’s team finished the day with 144.16 miles, 2nd place overall and built upon their lead over third.

The Charlie Taylor Team had participation from all 15 members again today. The only team to have ‘perfect attendance’ over the first three days. The team had no massive-mile stars today, but everyone was solid with five reaching double-digits led by team captain Joshua Holmes‘ 13 miles. They finished the day with 112.5 miles just short of Seligman, Arizona. The team is healthy and sticking with their consistent, all-hands-on-deck approach. They remain in third place overall.

The Suzy Michelson Team fell off slightly today, but they still put down the most miles of Day 3 with 160.2 miles powered by five 20-mile days from Barry Reece, Captain Shane Tucker, Alex Barrientos, David Nichols, and led by Chris Clemens‘ 25.77 miles. Reece hit the 20-mile mark for the 3rd consecutive day. Kimberly Atkins added a half marathon+ after her 26.22 miles yesterday. This team has the most heavy hitters. If they can stay healthy, they will be tough to beat.

The team finished the day in Winslow.  A few minutes later, Mission Control received the following message from Clemens:

“Well, I’m a standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona
And such a fine sight to see
It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford
Slowin’ down to take a look at me”

Captain  Tucker made sure to pay for the rooms in cash and not put a credit card down for incidentals.

Hopefully the team is taking it easy, having a good night on the town, and safely asleep by now.  The SMT may lose, or they might win, but it’s sure they will never be here again.

The Suzy Michelson Team remains in the overall lead with 534.01 miles covered for the race.

Day 3 Mileage Results of the Race Across the USA

• Suzy Michelson Team – 160.2 miles (10.68mi/runner)
• Jeffrey Price Team – 144.16 miles (9.61mi/runner)
• Charlie Taylor Team – 112.5 miles (7.50mi/runner)
• Hope Shull Team – 149.88 miles (9.99/runner)

RIF’s Race Across the USA Overall Standings (thru Day 3)

1. Suzy Michelson Team – 534.01 miles (178.00/day, 18.4% completed)
2. Jeffrey Price Team – 449.25  miles (149.78 mi/day, 15.5% completed)
3. Charlie Taylor Team – 392.9 miles (130.97 mi/day, 13.5% completed)
4. Hope Shull Team – 352.72 miles (117.57 mi/day, 12.1% completed)

 

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

• Suzy Michelson Team – Chris Clemens (25.77 mi)
• Jeffrey Price Team – Heather McComb (21.1 mi)
• Charlie Taylor Team – Joshua Holmes (13.0 mi)
• Hope Shull Team – Kit Brazier (39.65 mi)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

1. Kit Brazier (HST) – 39.65
2. Marylou Corino (HST) – 30.00
3. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 25.77
4. Heather McComb (JPT) – 21.10
5. David Nichols (SMT) – 20.53
6. Tom Orr (JPT) – 20.29
7. Shane Tucker (SMT) – 20.25
8. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 20.23
9. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 20.16
10. Barry Reece (SMT) – 19.98

Top 11 Race Mile Leaders

1. Barry Reece  (SMT) – 69.0
2. Chris Clemens (SMT) – 66.32
3. Heather McComb (JPT) – 65.24
4. Kit Brazier (HST) – 57.89
5. Karl Studtmann (JPT) – 56.78
6. Alex Barrientos (SMT) – 55.56
7. Tom Orr (JPT) – 54.77
8. Thomas Fowler  (SMT) – 54.23
9. Marylou Corino – (HST) – 52.5
10. Randy Broadway (HST) – 50.0
11. Kimberly Atkins (SMT) – 49.91

Daily Updates and Standings Archive

• Day 3: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Razing Arizona
• Day 2: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – Showdown in the Desert 
• Day 1: Run It Fast’s Race Across the USA – And They Are Off…

The Run It Fast ‘Race Across the USA‘ relay got off to an amazing start today. It was almost as if all four teams were shot out of a cannon from the Santa Monica Pier towards the East Coast.

All four team’s eager to run in the newly minted ‘smog-less’ Los Angeles air, took off like 7-year old’s at a 5K with ill-regard to pacing or exactly where they were headed (more on that below).

Day 1 saw a remarkable 57 of the 60 runners put down a total of 566.24 miles. Every runner on the Charlie Taylor Team and Suzy Michelson Team put down miles today.

Jeremy Reed, of the Charlie Taylor Team, set the tone immediately, not just his team, but everyone in the race, when at 12:01 am he laid down a strong 12.0 mile run. He followed it up later in the day with a 11-mile piece.

But the big-mileage stars of the day were Barry Reece (27.02 mi) and Thomas Fowler (31 mi) from the Suzy Michelson Team.

Other heavy hitters from day one included Alex Barrientos (SMT – 20.05 mi), Jeremy Reed (CTT – 22.11), Heather McComb (JPT – 20.02), and Karl Studtmann (JPT – 20.27).

Our youngest runner, Juleann Roberts (HST) put down 7.02 miles.

RIF’s Race Across the USA Standings (Day 1)

1. Suzy Michelson Team – 188.97 miles (12.6mi/r)
2. Jeffrey Price Team – 142.29 miles (9.49mi/r)
3. Charlie Taylor Team – 126.93 miles (8.46mi/r)
4. Hope Shull Team – 108.05 miles (7.20mi/r)

Now the good stuff. Where exactly are the teams after Day 1?

Well, they might be at a convenient care by Thursday, but the Suzy Michelson Team, with smoke still on their soles, is currently at 188.97 miles. They are halfway between Barstow, CA and Needles, AZ resting at a Motel 6 for the night. No word yet if they set an alarm or not.

Next down the road is the Jeffrey Price Team at 142.29 miles. They are about 15 miles past Barstow on I-40 with hopes to get to Needles tomorrow and close the gap with the SMT.

The Charlie Taylor Team currently sits in 3rd, with 126.93 miles, and is also sitting at a honky-tonk in Barstow just as Charlie would have insisted. They appear to be well lubricated for the road ahead tomorrow. No word if they will start back from the honky-tonk around 3am or attempt sleep somewhere.

If the Hope Shull Team is telling their family and friends they are in fourth place then they are probably be congratulated proudly by them for being in 4th. Hopefully, they didn’t finish the sentence with, “…out of four teams.”

More detail could be added, but to get straight to the point for Hope’s Team, a wrong turn just off the I-10 ‘mare’ miles into the race led to a quick detour to Gus’s Fried Chicken. Once there the team refueled on chess pie, sweet tea, and chicken. They also used the opportunity to study the map and refocus on how to get back on the correct route. They did finish the day strong and made up a good bit of lost time. They finished the day with 108.05 miles and are near Bell Mountain which is just past Victorville, CA. Victorville is the site of the first Cracker Barrel in CA that opened just two years ago. Marylou insisted the team finish with a team meal there before retiring for the night a couple miles on down the road.

Team Mileage Leader of the Day

• Suzy Michelson Team – Thomas Fowler (31.01 mi)
• Jeffrey Price Team – Karl Studtmann (20.27 mi)
• Charlie Taylor Team – Jeremy Reed (22.11 mi)
• Hope Shull Team – Kit Brazier (18.24 mi)

Top 10 Mega-Miles of the Day

1. Thomas Fowler – 31.01 (SMT)
2. Barry Reece – 27.02 (SMT)
3. Jeremy Reed – 22.11 (CTT)
4. Karl Studtmann – 20.27 (JPT)
5. Alex Barrientos – 20.05 (SMT)
6. Heather McComb – 20.02 (JPT)
7. Kit Brazier – 18.24 (HST)
8. Tom Orr – 16.09 (JPT)
9. Chris Clemens – 15.00 (SMT)
10. Randy Broadway – 14.00 (HST)

A long way to go, but it was a wonderful start to the Race Across the USA Relay.