Run It Fast®

Trail of Fears Race Report by 2nd place finisher Steve Troxel

To put this report in perspective, you ought to know a few things about me.

I’m 58 years old with 10 grandkids.
I’m relatively new to running – been consistent for about 6 years.
I’m very new to this ultra world – first ultra distance was 50 miles at RUTS last year.

I ran TOF last year and made it 10 loops for an 8th place finish. This year I knew I was in better condition and said I would be absolutely thrilled to make it to the final 5 or 6. I have such great respect for the group that showed up for this race.

The intriguing thing about ultra events is that you really don’t know how your body will respond. There are so many variables with nutrition, gut, and muscle fatigue/strain that it’s difficult, if not impossible to accurately predict a specific outcome – too many things can go wrong, and they usually do.

My plan from the beginning was to run super easy and meet new people. The first several loops were great as I talked a bunch and was usually one of the last to finish the loop. By loops four and five I noticed my quads were a lot more tired than they ought to be. This was not a good sign. I had just run a PR marathon (3:17:01) at St. Jude two weeks earlier and figured I wasn’t fully recovered. I kept with the plan and the loops just kept clicking off.

On loops eight and nine, I had to run a little faster so I could change into my tights and different socks. This transition went well and I felt prepared as darkness approached. Loop 10 we had 13 runners and this was the first loop we had to switch on our headlamps. By the start of loop 11 we were down to 7 runners, and as we took the picture to start the loop I actually teared up. As I looked at the group I was on the line with, I just felt so incredibly blessed.

Now a side bar. One of the issues with getting a little older is with night vision. My vision becomes more and more blurry as the lights begin to fade. I knew this was going to be a problem so I ordered a new headlamp and some handheld flashlights. Loop 11 was great! I felt I could see as well as in the daylight. But on loop 12 my lights began to dim. What the heck!!? The rest of the loops became a lighting headache.

No one dropped on loop 11. On loop 12, I ended up behind Francesca Muccini and we power walked much of the second half of the course. This is actually not a bad strategy. Francesca is a fast walker and, if you stay focused, you can almost walk as fast as you can run over much of the course. Plus, walking behind allowed me to get some help from her headlamp.

I changed batteries after loop 12 and thought I was good. All 7 runners started loop 13 and I, once again, fell in behind Francesca. However, she was doing a lot of power walking at the beginning of this loop and I started to get concerned. By the halfway point, I felt we were too far behind to continue this strategy so I said I had to press ahead. Francesca just missed the cutoff for loop 13. That left 6 for the start of loop 14.

No one dropped on loop 14 but my headlamp problems continued. The lamp/flashlight combination would work for a short time and then begin to dim. As the lights dimmed, I became tentative in my steps and fell hard on both the 14th and 15th loop.

All 6 runners started the 15th loop and I started behind Randy Broadway. When we came out of the first side branch, he stopped and said he was done. I gave him a big hug – I really like and respect Randy – and continued. I really just kept plodding along. My legs felt good and I wasn’t having any major stomach issues. I still have a ways to go with proper eating in these longer races but at least I wasn’t completely falling apart. But as I already said, my lighting was not good and I fell hard. Marylou sprinted in with just 1 second left on the clock and Stewart Crouch said he was done. That left 4 runners to start loop 16.

Loop 16 was exciting since it was going to set a course record. I continued to fight my headlamp issue. I found that if I turned it off for a while and just used the flashlight I could then turn it back on for a while. This was working but it was draining me mentally. After completing the 16th loop, I asked if anyone had a headlamp I could borrow.  William Pinson let me borrow Megan‘s. This allowed me to step to the line on the 17th loop. I was surprised that Marylou decided to drop. Three of us started loop 17.

Though the borrowed headlamp helped, I really needed something brighter. I was able to run but had to keep telling myself, “Get ready to fall, get ready to fall.” Midway through this loop I decided this was no longer safe. I felt ok, but just knew I was going to get hurt. Again, this is more a mental struggle than anything, and I was getting mentally worn out. I decided I was going to line up for loop 18 but if Joshua Holmes started running I was going to stop.

All three of us lined up for loop 18. Josh said go, I took several steps and, to my surprise, Josh stayed on the line and said, “Have a good run.” I quickly ran up to Whit Guthrie and let him know Josh was not continuing. I said that if he would help guide me with his headlamp we could call this the last lap and he would win. Turns out, he was very ready to be done and was glad for the plan. We made it through the loop without incident and Whit is a true champion!

In my limited experience, I have found that competing at the ultra level is both physical and mental. I was definitely prepared physically and would not change anything in my training. Mentally, I learned a bunch, as we probably do in every race we run. I will NEVER be in this situation with lighting again – this is an easy problem to fix. The mental lessons are something I will take with me into my next bunch of races, including 2019 TOF, and will make me stronger.

My parting note to older runners: You can do more than you think is possible!

My parting note to all runners: I lost my mom to cancer when she was 43 and then lost by baby sister to cancer when she was 43. NEVER forget that what we do is a wonderful gift. Be determined to truly live each day we are given!!

– Steve Troxel (2nd place finisher of the 2017 Trail of Fears)
December 16, 2017

Conservation of our Land and Water

I’ve been blessed to run challenging races in National and State Parks in some of the most beautiful parts of the United States. In doing so I’ve seen sunrises, sunsets, mountains, canyons, rivers, and wildlife more beautiful than my most vivid imagination.

I’m never going to agree fully with every action of any president, but I’m thankful for the actions President Obama has taken to protect more land and water than any president in U.S. history.

I hope his successor will value conservation just as much as President Obama no matter the letter that might appear next to his or her name. Let’s also do our part to protect and keep clean our deserts, forests, oceans, and mountains.

And the best way to conserve our health is to get out, be active, run, hike, and swim in these beautiful places.

Follow me on Instagram at @JoshuaHolmes

#FindYourPark#ActOnClimate #thanksObama@whitehouse #conservation #RunItFast

RIF #190 John Leighton, the Susan Lucci of the Extreme Racer challenge with several runner-up finishes, is Run It Fast’s 2015 Extreme Racer of the Year with 1,706.27 points. That’s over, 1,700 miles of racing that covered several states.

“All they found of John back in Ohio was a muddy set of running clothes, a bar of soap, and an old pair of Hokas, damn near worn down to the nub. I remember thinking it would take a man six hundred years to race as far as he did. Old John did it in less than three hundred sixty-five days..

John ran, walked, and crawled to freedom through seventeen hundred race miles of sh!t smelling foulness I can’t even imagine, or maybe I just don’t want to. Seventeen hundred miles… that’s the length of 29,920 football fields, just shy of 9 million feet.” – JohnShank Redemption

John had just enough points, with a final push on the last day of the year, to eclipse RIF #279 George Southgate who finished in second place for the year with 1,592.2 points.

Third place once again this year went to RIF #1 Joshua Holmes with 1,456.2 points.

Congrats to John on being the Run It Fast’s 2015 Extreme Racer of the Year!

Extreme Racer Final Top 10 Leaderboard
1. John Kent Leighton – 1,706.27 (RIF #190)
2. George Southgate – 1,592.2 (RIF #279)
3. Joshua Holmes – 1,456.2 (RIF #1)
4. Mark McCaslin – 1,314.1 (RIF #486)
5. Steven Smith – 1,269.1 (RIF #387)
6. Teal Clark – 1,217.5 (RIF #473) – Top Female
7. Patricia Klein – 1,201.6 (RIF #450)
8. Diane Bolton – 1,160.46 (RIF #159)
9. Carol Earles – 1,049.7 (RIF #287)
10. Deo Jaravata – 1,029.7 (RIF #333)

Congrats to RIF #473 Teal Clark on finishing 2015 with the most points of any female competing in Run It Fast’s Extreme Racer with 1,217.5 points.

Second place female goes to RIF #450 Patricia Klein who had a very strong finish to the year with a total of 1,201.6 points.

Three-time Extreme Racer female winner, RIF #159 Diane Bolton, finished with 1,160.46 points for third place barely edging out RIF #287 Carol Earles who finished in fourth with 1,049.7 points.

Congrats to Teal, Patricia, and Diane on their hard work and extreme racing in 2015!

Extreme Racer Women’s Leaderboard
1. Teal Clark – 1,217.5 (RIF #473)
2. Patricia Klein – 1,201.6 (RIF #450)
3. Diane Bolton – 1,160.46 (RIF #159)
4. Carol Earles – 1,049.7 (RIF #287)
5. Marylou Corino – 1,027.9 (RIF #410)
6. Cathie Johnson – 843.8 (RIF #507)
7. Heather Zeigler – 832.18 (RIF #246)
8. Andrea Kooiman – 672.1 (RIF #404)
9. Angie Whitworth Pace – 645.1 (RIF #447)
10. Suzanne Michelson – 580.5 (RIF #280)
11. Amanda Staggs – 563.6 (RIF #210)
12. Cheryl Bryll – 557.9 (RIF #432)
13. Lisa Van Wolde – 505 (RIF #469)
14. Alicia Eno – 445.6 (RIF #126)
15. Tiffani Glass – 403 (RIF #328)
16. Belinda Young – 361.4 (RIF #358)
17. Jamila Williams – 353.7 (RIF #459)
18. Nicole Eldridge – 347 (RIF #446)
19. Leslie Harwell – 339.1 (RIF #417)
20. Christy Bowers – 338.01 (RIF #60)
21. Aimee Shilling – 310.7 (RIF #418)
22. Christa Baker – 283.2 (RIF #436)
23. Lisa Gonzales – 273 (RIF #5)
24. Kim Crowe – 271.9 (RIF #245)
25. Christy Scott – 265.4 (RIF #231)
26. Jennifer Hatcher – 255.1 (RIF #323)
27. Marj Mitchell – 224.8 (RIF #4)
28. Audrena Liu – 212 (RIF #463)
29. Erin Goetz – 164.7 (RIF #443)
30. Shannon Miller – 123.1 (RIF #338)
31. Ines Cooper – 120.5 (RIF #448)
32. Julia Beavers – 94.2 (RIF #339)
33. Donna Dworak – 92 (RIF #310)
34. Heather Shoemaker – 91.7 (RIF #44)
35. Katy Cook – 57.9 (RIF #510)
36. Michelle Bischof – 52.4 (RIF #285)
37. Sue Stephens-Wright – 26.2 (RIF #321)
38. Helen McMullin – 26.2 (RIF #390)
39. Debra Jacildo – 22.2 (RIF #98)
40. Martine Kincade – 18.6 (RIF #260)
41. Laura Ann Evanoika – 13.1 (RIF #433)

Extreme Racer Men’s Leaderboard
1. John Kent Leighton – 1,706.27 (RIF #190)
2. George Southgate – 1,592.2 (RIF #279)
3. Joshua Holmes – 1,456.2 (RIF #1)
4. Mark McCaslin – 1,314.1 (RIF #486)
5. Steven Smith – 1,269.1 (RIF #387)
6. Deo Jaravata – 1,029.7 (RIF #333)
7. Shane Tucker – 1,024.1 (RIF #337)
8. Ed Ettinghausen – 966.34 (RIF #121)
9. Troy Johnson – 870 (RIF #506)
10. Brian Recore – 673.2 (RIF #395)
11. Denis McCarthy – 628.8 (RIF #263)
12. Ben Herron – 578.1 (RIF #408)
13. David Essary – 435.7 (RIF #475)
14. Jeff Liu – 403.2 (RIF #275)
15. John Sotomayor – 402.2 (RIF #393)
16. Arland Blanton – 295.8 (RIF #290)
17. Chris Baker – 283.2 (RIF #437)
18. Michael Dasalla – 280.3 (RIF #411)
19. Jeff Van Demark – 279.1 (RIF #322)
20. Jeff Le – 183 (RIF #248)
21. Rick Glass – 168.3 (RIF #401)
22. Nathan Bass – 157.9 (RIF #174)
23. Charlie Taylor – 157.2 (RIF #353)
24. Winston Trice – 126 (RIF #29)
25. Stephen Griffin – 97.9 (RIF #48)
26. David Mickelsen – 92.5 (RIF #164)
27. Dennis Arriaga – 63.1 (RIF #140)
28. Mark Ogletree – 41.7 (RIF #247)
29. Robin Robbins – 35.64 (RIF #33)

Congrats to everyone who submitted Extreme Racer points in 2015. So many great runners from The Club did amazing races all over the globe. Thank you to everyone who participated.

All-Time Records
1,000 Point Extreme Racer Club
1. Ed Ettinghausen – 4,803.8 (2014) – Overall Winner
2. Steve Hughes – 2,742.4 (2012) – Overall Winner
3. Diane Bolton – 1,961.9 (2012) – Female Winner/2nd Overall
4. David Wingard – 1,928.3 (2013) – Overall Winner
5. John Kent Leighton – 1,910.9 (2013) – 2nd Overall
6. Joshua Holmes – 1,834.7 (2013) – 3rd Overall
7. Diane Bolton – 1,783.45 (2013) – Female Winner
8. John Kent Leighton – 1,706.27 (2015) – Overall Winner
9. John Kent Leighton – 1,703.8 (2014) – 2nd Overall
10. Joshua Holmes – 1,652.1 (2012) – 3rd Overall
11. John Kent Leighton – 1,648.88 (2012)
12. Joshua Holmes – 1,644.4 (2014) – 3rd Overall
13. George Southgate – 1,592.2 (2015)
14. George Southgate – 1,524.04 (2013)
15. Diane Bolton – 1,486.56 (2014) – Female Winner
16. Joshua Holmes – 1,456.2 (2015)
17. George Southgate – 1,452.6 (2014)
18. Carol Goslin – 1,388.8 (2013)
19. Mark McCaslin – 1,314.1 (2015)
20. Carol Earles – 1,284.19 (2013)
21. Steven Smith – 1,269.1 (2015)
22. Teal Clark – 1,217.5 (2015) – Female Winner
23. Patricia Klein – 1,201.6 (2015)
24. Carol Goslin – 1,188.3 (2012)
25. Jennifer Hatcher – 1,187.2 (2014)
26. Diane Bolton – 1,160.46 (2015)
27. Hideki Kinoshita – 1,153.8 (2012)
28. Denis McCarthy – 1,117.36 (2013)
29. Carol Earles – 1,049.7 (2015)
30. Steven Lee – 1,044.4 (2012)
31. Deo Jaravata – 1,029.7 (2015)
32. Shane Tucker – 1,024.1 (2015)
33. Marylou Corino – 1,027.9 (2015)
34. Kerri Haskins – 1,026.5 (2013)

Extreme Racer Winners By Year
2015 – John Leighton (Final Standings)
2014 – Ed Ettinghausen (Final Standings)
2013 – David Wingard (Final Standings)
2012 – Steve Hughes (Final Standings)

[Extreme Racer points are rewarded per each racing mile completed. Example: marathon = 26.2 points, half marathon 13.1 points, etc.]

For more information on Run It Fast – The Club and to join then click HERE!

The conclusion of November brought the Run It Fast – Extreme Racer standings into an extremely tight competition as the top three overall were separated by less than 42 points with John Leighton leading the way with 1,458.67. Following closely in 2nd was George Southgate with 1,427.1 points and in Joshua Holmes in 3rd place with 1,417.5 points.

When we look at the women’s side we have a new leader as well as Arkansas native Teal Clark takes over the pole position with 1,124.1 points. Diane Bolton, last year’s Extreme Racer top female, moves into 2nd place with 1,077.06 points. Patricia Klein drops to third with a staggering 1,069.4 points to round out an extremely competitive leaderboard amongst the women.

With one month to go…actually just a couple more weeks left in the year…it will be interesting to see who can knock off more race miles while finishing their races. DNF miles do not count towards ER points. Will John and Teal be able to hold on to their top spots or will George, Diane, or Patricia be able to over take them? We will know soon enough.

Thank you to all RIF members who have submitted race points throughout the year.

Here is a look at the full standings:

Extreme Racer Top Ten Leaderboard
1. John Kent Leighton – 1,458.67 (RIF #190)
2. George Southgate – 1,427.1 (RIF #279)
3. Joshua Holmes – 1,417.5 (RIF #1)
4. Mark McCaslin – 1,314.1 (RIF #486)
5. Steven Smith – 1,269.1 (RIF #387)
6. Teal Clark – 1,124.1 (RIF #473)
7. Diane Bolton – 1,077.06 (RIF #159)
8. Patricia Klein – 1,069.4 (RIF #450)
9. Shane Tucker – 1,024.1 (RIF #337)
10. Marylou Corino – 972.1 (RIF #410)

Extreme Racer Women’s Leaderboard
1. Teal Clark – 1124.1 (RIF #473)
2. Diane Bolton – 1077.06 (RIF #159)
3. Patricia Klein – 1069.4 (RIF #450)
4. Marylou Corino – 972.1 (RIF #410)
5. Carol Earles – 956.3 (RIF #287)
6. Cathie Johnson – 811.4 (RIF #507)
7. Andrea Kooiman – 672.1 (RIF #404)
8. Angie Whitworth Pace – 645.1 (RIF #447)
9. Heather Zeigler – 622.58 (RIF #246)
10. Amanda Staggs – 563.6 (RIF #210)
11. Suzanne Michelson – 541.2 (RIF #280)
12. Cheryl Bryll – 531.7 (RIF #432)
13. Lisa Van Wolde – 505 (RIF #469)
14. Belinda Young – 361.4 (RIF #358)
15. Tiffani Glass – 359.6 (RIF #328)
16. Nicole Eldridge – 347 (RIF #446)
17. Leslie Harwell – 339.1 (RIF #417)
18. Christy Bowers – 317.42 (RIF #60)
19. Aimee Shilling – 310.7 (RIF #418)
20. Christa Baker – 283.2 (RIF #436)
21. Kim Crowe – 271.9 (RIF #245)
22. Christy Scott – 265.4 (RIF #231)
23. Lisa Gonzales – 260.6 (RIF #5)
24. Jennifer Hatcher – 202.7 (RIF #323)
25. Alicia Eno – 195.2 (RIF #126)
26. Marj Mitchell – 172.4 (RIF #4)
27. Erin Goetz – 164.7 (RIF #443)
28. Shannon Miller – 123.1 (RIF #338)
29. Ines Cooper – 120.5 (RIF #448)
30. Julia Beavers – 94.2 (RIF #339)
31. Donna Dworak – 92 (RIF #310)
32. Heather Shoemaker – 91.7 (RIF #44)
33. Katy Cook – 57.9 (RIF #510)
34. Michelle Bischof – 52.4 (RIF #285)
35. Sue Stephens-Wright – 26.2 (RIF #321)
36. Helen McMullin – 26.2 (RIF #390)
37. Debra Jacildo – 19.1 (RIF #98)
38. Laura Ann Evanoika – 13.1 (RIF #433)

Extreme Racer Men’s Leaderboard
1. John Kent Leighton – 1458.67 (RIF #190)
2. George Southgate – 1427.1 (RIF #279)
3. Joshua Holmes – 1417.5 (RIF #1)
4. Mark McCaslin – 1314.1 (RIF #486)
5. Steven Smith – 1269.1 (RIF #387)
6. Shane Tucker – 1024.1 (RIF #337)
7. Ed Ettinghausen – 966.34 (RIF #121)
8. Deo Jaravata – 964.2 (RIF #333)
9. Troy Johnson – 837.6 (RIF #506)
10. Brian Recore – 673.2 (RIF #395)
11. Denis McCarthy – 628.8 (RIF #263)
12. Ben Herron – 578.1 (RIF #408)
13. David Essary – 435.7 (RIF #475)
14. Jeff Liu – 373.9 (RIF #275)
15. Arland Blanton – 295.8 (RIF #290)
16. Chris Baker – 283.2 (RIF #437)
17. Michael Dasalla – 267.2 (RIF #411)
18. John Sotomayor – 252.2 (RIF #393)
19. Jeff Van Demark – 230.5 (RIF #322)
20. Jeff Le – 183 (RIF #248)
21. Rick Glass – 168.3 (RIF #401)
22. Nathan Bass – 157.9 (RIF #174)
23. Charlie Taylor – 157.2 (RIF #353)
24. Winston Trice – 126 (RIF #29)
25. Stephen Griffin – 97.9 (RIF #48)
26. David Mickelsen – 92.5 (RIF #164)
27. Dennis Arriaga – 63.1 (RIF #140)
28. Mark Ogletree – 41.7 (RIF #247)
29. Robin Robbins – 35.64 (RIF #33)

Things have been interesting all year and the standings have never been constant. The last 3 months will no doubt see many changes and many more numbers added to this already impressive roster of miles. This club continues to inspire all kinds of people all over the world. Keep racing, keep running, keep being awesome!

[Extreme Racer points are rewarded per each racing mile completed. Example: marathon = 26.2 points, half marathon 13.1 points, etc.]

The year is winding down and the standings through October are pretty close on both sides of the gender coin for Run It Fast members. The overall leader is Joshua Holmes with 1,377 points while the current top female is Patricia Klein with 1,024.1 points.

After Holmes, Steven Smith is in 2nd place with 1,269.1 points and in third is John Leighton with 1,259.57 points. Fourth male is the ever steady thoroughbred known as George Southgate with 1,217.2 points.

On the women’s side after Klein, we have Teal Clark of Arkansas with 976.9 points in 2nd place and Diane Bolton in 3rd with 940.76 points. Forth female is Canadian Marylou Corino with 864.9 points.

These standings should change often until the end of the year when we will crown a new Extreme Racer.

Extreme Racer Top 10 Leaderboard
1. Joshua Holmes – 1377 (RIF #1)
2. Steven Smith – 1269.1 (RIF #387)
3. John Kent Leighton – 1259.57 (RIF #190)
4. George Southgate – 1217.2 (RIF #279)
5. Patricia Klein – 1024.1 (RIF #450)
6. Teal Clark – 976.9 (RIF #473)
7. Mark McCaslin – 969 (RIF #486)
8. Ed Ettinghausen – 966.34 (RIF #121)
9. Diane Bolton – 940.76 (RIF #159)
10. Shane Tucker – 924.1 (RIF #337)

Extreme Racer Women’s Leaderboard
1. Patricia Klein – 1024.1 (RIF #450)
2. Teal Clark – 976.9 (RIF #473)
3. Diane Bolton – 940.76 (RIF #159)
4. Marylou Corino – 864.9 (RIF #410)
5. Carol Earles – 864.6 (RIF #287)
6. Cathie Johnson – 811.4 (RIF #507)
7. Andrea Kooiman – 642.8 (RIF #404)
8. Heather Zeigler – 622.58 (RIF #246)
9. Angie Whitworth Pace – 602.7 (RIF #447)
10. Lisa Van Wolde – 505 (RIF #469)
11. Cheryl Bryll – 479.3 (RIF #432)
12. Amanda Staggs – 470.7 (RIF #210)
13. Suzanne Michelson – 446.4 (RIF #280)
14. Belinda Young – 361.4 (RIF #358)
15. Nicole Eldridge – 347 (RIF #446)
16. Leslie Harwell – 339.1 (RIF #417)
17. Tiffani Glass – 291.6 (RIF #328)
18. Christa Baker – 283.2 (RIF #436)
19. Christy Bowers – 277.82 (RIF #60)
20. Christy Scott – 265.4 (RIF #231)
21. Aimee Shilling – 226.9 (RIF #418)
22. Kim Crowe – 218.3 (RIF #245)
23. Lisa Gonzales – 215.1 (RIF #5)
24. Jennifer Hatcher – 202.7 (RIF #323)
25. Alicia Eno – 195.2 (RIF #126)
26. Marj Mitchell – 172.4 (RIF #4)
27. Shannon Miller – 123.1 (RIF #338)
28. Ines Cooper – 120.5 (RIF #448)
29. Erin Goetz – 110.5 (RIF #443)
30. Julia Beavers – 94.2 (RIF #339)
31. Donna Dworak – 92 (RIF #310)
32. Heather Shoemaker – 91.7 (RIF #44)
33. Michelle Bischof – 52.4 (RIF #285)
34. Sue Stephens-Wright – 26.2 (RIF #321)
35. Helen McMullin – 26.2 (RIF #390)
36. Debra Jacildo – 19.1 (RIF #98)
37. Laura Ann Evanoika – 13.1 (RIF #433)

Extreme Racer Men’s Leaderboard
1. Joshua Holmes – 1377 (RIF #1)
2. Steven Smith – 1269.1 (RIF #387)
3. John Kent Leighton – 1259.57 (RIF #190)
4. George Southgate – 1217.2 (RIF #279)
5. Mark McCaslin – 969 (RIF #486)
6. Ed Ettinghausen – 966.34 (RIF #121)
7. Shane Tucker – 924.1 (RIF #337)
8. Troy Johnson – 837.6 (RIF #506)
9. Deo Jaravata – 655.7 (RIF #333)
10. Brian Recore – 573.2 (RIF #395)
11. Denis McCarthy – 550.2 (RIF #263)
12. Ben Herron – 520.9 (RIF #408)
13. Jeff Liu – 373.9 (RIF #275)
14. David Essary – 333.3 (RIF #475)
15. Arland Blanton – 295.8 (RIF #290)
16. Chris Baker – 283.2 (RIF #437)
17. Michael Dasalla – 256.2 (RIF #411)
18. John Sotomayor – 252.2 (RIF #393)
19. Jeff Van Demark – 230.5 (RIF #322)
20. Jeff Le – 183 (RIF #248)
21. Rick Glass – 168.3 (RIF #401)
22. Nathan Bass – 157.9 (RIF #174)
23. Charlie Taylor – 157.2 (RIF #353)
24. Winston Trice – 126 (RIF #29)
25. Stephen Griffin – 97.9 (RIF #48)
26. David Mickelsen – 92.5 (RIF #164)
27. Dennis Arriaga – 63.1 (RIF #140)
28. Mark Ogletree – 41.7 (RIF #247)
29. Robin Robbins – 35.64 (RIF #33)

Things have been interesting all year and the standings have never been constant. The last 3 months will no doubt see many changes and many more numbers added to this already impressive roster of miles. This club continues to inspire all kinds of people all over the world. Keep racing, keep running, keep being awesome!

[Extreme Racer points are rewarded per each racing mile completed. Example: marathon = 26.2 points, half marathon 13.1 points, etc.]

It’s hard to believe how fast 2015 has flown by. We are looking towards the end of the year, and the last few months in the Extreme Racer competition for 2015. Even though there are only 3 months left to accrue race points, this time of year brings some of my favorite races, at least in this corner of the world. The Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon, Tunnel Hill 100/50 miler, and RIF’s own Black Diamond 40 miler, Double Black Diamond 40 miler, and Sequoyah series are all taking place in November and each will be a reunion of sorts for many RIF members who plan to attend.

Founder and RIF #1 Joshua Holmes is still in the lead with 1350.8 points. Only 81.7 points behind is RIF #387 Steven Smith with 1269.1 points. Taking third place is RIF #190 John Kent Leighton with 1207.17 points.

The top women seem to be continuously shaking things up. RIF #450 Patricia Klein has taken over first place with 965.7 points. Coming in second place is RIF #473 Teal Clark with 869 points. And in third place is Canadian RIF #410 Marylou Corino with 781.5 points.

Here are the Extreme Racer standings through September:

Extreme Racer Top 10 Leaderboard

1. Joshua Holmes – 1350.8 (RIF #1)
2. Steven Smith – 1269.1 (RIF #387)
3. John Kent Leighton – 1207.17 (RIF #190)
4. George Southgate – 1055 (RIF #279)
5. Ed Ettinghausen – 966.34 (RIF #121)
6. Patricia Klein – 965.7 (RIF #450)
7. Teal Clark – 869 (RIF #473)
8. Mark McCaslin – 869 (RIF #486)
9. Shane Tucker – 840.9 (RIF #337)
10. Marylou Corino – 781.5 (RIF #410)

Extreme Racer Male Leaderboard:

1. Joshua Holmes – 1350.8 (RIF #1)
2. Steven Smith – 1238.1 (RIF #387)
3. John Kent Leighton – 1044.17 (RIF #190)
4. George Southgate – 1055 (RIF #279)
5. Ed Ettinghausen – 966.34 (RIF #121)
6. Mark McCaslin – 869 (RIF #486)
7. Shane Tucker – 780.2 (RIF #337)
8. Deo Jaravata – 655.7 (RIF #333)
9. Brian Recore – 516 (RIF #395)
10. Ben Herron – 513.3 (RIF #408)
11. Denis McCarthy – 419.2 (RIF #263)
12. Jeff Liu – 373.9 (RIF #275)
13. Chris Baker – 283.2 (RIF #437)
14. John Sotomayor – 252.2 (RIF #393)
15. David Essary – 85.5 (RIF #475)
16. Michael Dasalla – 216.9 (RIF #411)
17. Arland Blanton – 195.8 (RIF #290)
18. Jeff Van Demark – 175.7 (RIF #322)
19. Jeff Le – 183 (RIF #248)
20. Rick Glass – 168.3 (RIF #401)
21. Charlie Taylor – 157.2 (RIF #353)
22. Nathan Bass – 125.5 (RIF #174)
23. Winston Trice – 126 (RIF #29)
24. Stephen Griffin – 97.9 (RIF #48)
25. David Mickelsen – 92.5 (RIF #164)
26. Dennis Arriaga – 63.1 (RIF #140)
27. Mark Ogletree – 41.7 (RIF #247)
28. Robin Robbins – 35.64 (RIF #33)

Extreme Racer Female Leaderboard

1. Patricia Klein – 965.7 (RIF #450)
2. Teal Clark – 869 (RIF #473)
3. Marylou Corino – 781.5 (RIF #410)
4. Carol Earles – 759.8 (RIF #287)
5. Diane Bolton – 736.76 (RIF #159)
6. Andrea Kooiman – 642.8 (RIF #404)
7. Heather Zeigler – 517.78 (RIF #246)
8. Lisa Van Wolde – 505 (RIF #469)
9. Cheryl Bryll – 453.1 (RIF #432)
10. Angie Whitworth Pace – 450.3 (RIF #447)
11. Belinda Young – 448.6 (RIF #358)
12. Suzanne Michelson – 394 (RIF #280)
13. Nicole Eldridge – 357 (RIF #446)
14. Amanda Staggs – 340.1 (RIF #210)
15. Leslie Harwell – 339.1 (RIF #417)
16. Christa Baker – 283.2 (RIF #436)
17. Christy Scott – 265.4 (RIF #231)
18. Tiffani Glass – 251.3 (RIF #328)
19. Christy Bowers – 247.57 (RIF #60)
20. Aimee Shilling – 226.9 (RIF #418)
21. Kim Crowe – 218.3 (RIF #245)
22. Alicia Eno – 195.2 (RIF #126)
23. Lisa Gonzales – 178.9 (RIF #5)
24. Marj Mitchell – 156.2 (RIF #4)
25. Shannon Miller – 123.1 (RIF #338)
26. Ines Cooper – 120.5 (RIF #448)
27. Erin Goetz – 103.4 (RIF #443)
28. Julia Beavers – 94.2 (RIF #339)
29. Donna Dworak – 92 (RIF #310)
30. Heather Shoemaker – 91.7 (RIF #44)
31. Jennifer Hatcher – 81.7 (RIF #323)
32. Michelle Bishof – 52.4 (RIF #285)
33. Sue Stephens-Wright – 26.2 (RIF #321)
34. Helen McMullin – 26.2 (RIF #390)
35. Debra Jacildo – 19.1 (RIF #98)
36. Laura Ann Evanoika – 13.1 (RIF #433)

Things have been interesting all year and the standings have never been constant. The last 3 months will no doubt see many changes and many more numbers added to this already impressive roster of miles. This club continues to inspire all kinds of people all over the world. Keep racing, keep running, keep being awesome!

[Extreme Racer points are rewarded per each racing mile completed. Example: marathon = 26.2 points, half marathon 13.1 points, etc.]

Finally, we are beginning to see some cooler temperatures blowing in. Summer is slipping away and Autumn is making its appearance. Autumn is my favorite season. It brings with it not only cooler weather, but beautiful colors, warm flavors, crisp air, fun holidays and great races, too. And there are only a few months left in the year to accrue race miles and battle for the top spot in the Extreme Racer competition.

Having recently finished the Wasatch 100 and successfully attaining a victory in the “Slamwater” challenge (a combination of the Grand Slam of 100’s and Badwater 135 in the same summer), Run It Fast’s founder and leader RIF #1 Joshua Holmes is leading the men with 1250.8 points. However, RIF #387 Steven Smith is hot on his heels in second place with 1238.1 points after winning the Silverton Challenge 6-Day, only a 12.7 point difference. RIF #279 George Southgate takes third place with 1055 points.

RIF #473 Teal Clark has taken over the first place spot in our women’s leaderboard with 761.8 points. Only 2 points behind, RIF #287 Carol Earles takes second place with 759.8 points. And RIF #410 Marylou Corino takes third place with 731.5 points, only 28.3 points behind Carol.

Here are the Extreme Racer standings through August:

Extreme Racer Top 10 Leaderboard

1. Joshua Holmes – 1250.8 (RIF #1)
2. Steven Smith – 1238.1 (RIF #387)
3. George Southgate – 1055 (RIF #279)
4. John Kent Leighton – 1044.17 (RIF #190)
5. Ed Ettinghausen – 966.34 (RIF #121)
6. Shane Tucker – 780.2 (RIF #337)
7. Teal Clark – 761.8 (RIF #473)
8. Carol Earles – 759.8 (RIF #287)
9. Marylou Corino – 731.5 (RIF #410)
10. Patricia Klein – 685.7 (RIF #450)

Extreme Racer Male Leaderboard:

1. Joshua Holmes – 1250.8 (RIF #1)
2. Steven Smith – 1238.1 (RIF #387)
3. George Southgate – 1055 (RIF #279)
4. John Kent Leighton – 1044.17 (RIF #190)
5. Ed Ettinghausen – 966.34 (RIF #121)
6. Shane Tucker – 780.2 (RIF #337)
7. Deo Jaravata – 655.7 (RIF #333)
8. Brian Recore – 516 (RIF #395)
9. Ben Herron – 513.3 (RIF #408)
10. Denis McCarthy – 419.2 (RIF #263)
11. Jeff Liu – 373.9 (RIF #275)
12. Chris Baker – 283.2 (RIF #437)
13. John Sotomayor – 252.2 (RIF #393)
14. Michael Dasalla – 216.9 (RIF #411)
15. Arland Blanton – 195.8 (RIF #290)
16. Jeff Le – 183 (RIF #248)
17. Jeff Van Demark – 175.7 (RIF #322)
18. Rick Glass – 168.3 (RIF #401)
19. Charlie Taylor – 157.2 (RIF #353)
20. Winston Trice – 126 (RIF #29)
21. Nathan Bass – 125.5 (RIF #174)
22. Stephen Griffin – 97.9 (RIF #48)
23. David Mickelsen – 92.5 (RIF #164)
24. David Essary – 85.5 (RIF #475)
25. Dennis Arriaga – 63.1 (RIF #140)
26. Mark Ogletree – 41.7 (RIF #247)
27. Robin Robbins – 35.64 (RIF #33)

Extreme Racer Female Leaderboard

1. Teal Clark – 761.8 (RIF #473)
2. Carol Earles – 759.8 (RIF #287)
3. Marylou Corino – 731.5 (RIF #410)
4. Patricia Klein – 685.7 (RIF #450)
5. Andrea Kooiman – 642.8 (RIF #404)
6. Diane Bolton – 559.6 (RIF #159)
7. Lisa Van Wolde – 505 (RIF #469)
8. Belinda Young – 448.6 (RIF #358)
9. Heather Zeigler – 439.18 (RIF #246)
10. Angie Whitworth Pace – 396.4 (RIF #447)
11. Nicole Eldridge – 357 (RIF #446)
12. Suzanne Michelson – 341.6 (RIF #280)
13. Amanda Staggs – 340.1 (RIF #210)
14. Leslie Harwell – 339.1 (RIF #417)
15. Christa Baker – 283.2 (RIF #436)
16. Cheryl Bryll – 280.9 (RIF #432)
17. Christy Scott – 265.4 (RIF #231)
18. Tiffani Glass – 228.1 (RIF #328)
19. Aimee Shilling – 226.9 (RIF #418)
21. Kim Crowe – 218.3 (RIF #245)
21. Alicia Eno – 195.2 (RIF #126)
22. Christy Bowers – 192.67 (RIF #60)
23. Lisa Gonzales – 153.4 (RIF #5)
24. Shannon Miller – 123.1 (RIF #338)
25. Ines Cooper – 120.5 (RIF #448)
26. Marj Mitchell – 115.1 (RIF #4)
27. Julia Beavers – 94.2 (RIF #339)
28. Donna Dworak – 92 (RIF #310)
29. Heather Shoemaker – 91.7 (RIF #44)
30. Erin Goetz – 90.3 (RIF #443)
31. Jennifer Hatcher – 81.7 (RIF #323)
32. Michelle Bishof – 52.4 (RIF #285)
33. Sue Stephens-Wright – 26.2 (RIF #321)
34. Helen McMullin – 26.2 (RIF #390)
35. Debra Jacildo – 19.1 (RIF #98)
36. Laura Ann Evanoika – 13.1 (RIF #433)

Run It Fast has officially reached 500 members, which is a pretty big milestone. That’s over 500 of the most driven and inspiring runners across the globe, and I am so proud to say I’m a part of it. Every one of you continues to inspire me and make me want to be better, both in running and in every other aspect of my life. Whether you’re just starting out or are a grizzled veteran of the running world, keep doing what you’re doing. Keep pushing on and inspiring the people around you to change their lives. You may not think anyone is watching, but I promise you, they are.

Happy running!

[Extreme Racer points are rewarded per each racing mile completed. Example: marathon = 26.2 points, half marathon 13.1 points, etc.]

[image: Aravaipa Running]

July was a busy and exciting month for many Run It Fast members, as it hosts both the Last Annual Vol State 500k and Badwater 135. These two races helped several RIF members to rake in the race miles, which has no doubt given us quite a shake-up in the standings for the Extreme Racer competition.

Somehow, our top 3 men managed to hang on to their spots. Leading the way, is RIF #1 Joshua Holmes with 1150.8 points. Second place is held by RIF #279 George Southgate with 974 points. Coming in third place is RIF #190 John Kent Leighton with 897.67 points.

We have had a change in our leading females, as Canadian record holder and 2015 finisher of the Vol State 500k, RIF #410 Marylou Corino has taken over first place with 731.5 points. Moving up to second place is RIF #450 Patricia Klein with 685.7 points and taking third place is RIF #287 Carol Earles with 681.2 points.

Here are the Extreme Racer standings through July:

Extreme Racer Top 10 Leaderboard

1. Joshua Holmes – 1150.8 (RIF #1)
2. George Southgate – 974 (RIF #279)
3. John Kent Leighton – 897.67 (RIF #190)
4. Steven Smith – 893.8 (RIF #387)
5. Shane Tucker – 761.6 (RIF #337)
6. Marylou Corino – 731.5 (RIF #410)
7. Ed Ettinghausen – 704.02 (RIF #121)
8. Patricia Klein – 685.7 (RIF #450)
9. Carol Earles – 681.2 (RIF #287)
10. Deo Jaravata – 655.7 (RIF #333)

Extreme Racer Male Leaderboard:

1. Joshua Holmes – 1150.8 (RIF #1)
2. George Southgate – 974 (RIF #279)
3. John Kent Leighton – 897.67 (RIF #190)
6. Steven Smith – 893.8 (RIF #387)
8. Shane Tucker – 761.6 (RIF #337)
4. Ed Ettinghausen – 704.02 (RIF #121)
5. Deo Jaravata – 655.7 (RIF #333)
12. Ben Herron – 513.3 (RIF #408)
7. Brian Recore – 466 (RIF #395)
9. Denis McCarthy – 393 (RIF #263)
10. Jeff Liu – 318.4 (RIF #275)
11. Chris Baker – 283.2 (RIF #437)
13. Arland Blanton – 195.8 (RIF #290)
14. John Sotomayor – 190.2 (RIF #393)
16. Jeff Le – 183 (RIF #248)
19. Michael Dasalla – 172 (RIF #411)
15. Rick Glass – 168.3 (RIF #401)
17. Charlie Taylor – 157.2 (RIF #353)
18. Jeff Van Demark – 148.4 (RIF #322)
20. Winston Trice – 126 (RIF #29)
21. Nathan Bass – 120.5 (RIF #174)
22. Stephen Griffin – 97.9 (RIF #48)
23. David Mickelsen – 92.5 (RIF #164)
24. David Essary – 85.5 (RIF #475)
25. Dennis Arriaga – 63.1 (RIF #140)
26. Mark Ogletree – 41.7 (RIF #247)
27. Robin Robbins – 35.64 (RIF #33)

Extreme Racer Female Leaderboard

1. Marylou Corino – 731.5 (RIF #410)
2. Patricia Klein – 685.7 (RIF #450)
3. Carol Earles – 681.2 (RIF #287)
4. Teal Clark – 643.9 (RIF #473)
5. Andrea Kooiman – 642.8 (RIF #404)
6. Diane Bolton – 559.6 (RIF #159)
7. Belinda Young – 448.6 (RIF #358)
8. Heather Zeigler – 386.78 (RIF #246)
9. Angie Whitworth Pace – 381.2 (RIF #447)
10. Nicole Eldridge – 357 (RIF #446)
11. Leslie Harwell – 339.1 (RIF #417)
12. Amanda Staggs – 313.9 (RIF #210)
13. Suzanne Michelson – 306.1 (RIF #280)
14. Christa Baker – 283.2 (RIF #436)
15. Cheryl Bryll – 280.9 (RIF #432)
16. Christy Scott – 265.4 (RIF #231)
17. Tiffani Glass – 220 (RIF #328)
18. Aimee Shilling – 208.8 (RIF #418)
19. Christy Bowers – 205.77 (RIF #60)
20. Kim Crowe – 187.3 (RIF #245)
21. Lisa Gonzales – 127.2 (RIF #5)
22. Alicia Eno – 127.2 (RIF #126)
23. Shannon Miller – 123.1 (RIF #338)
24. Ines Cooper – 120.5 (RIF #448)
25. Marj Mitchell – 115.1 (RIF #4)
26. Julia Beavers – 94.2 (RIF #339)
27. Donna Dworak – 92 (RIF #310)
28. Heather Shoemaker – 91.7 (RIF #44)
29. Erin Goetz – 84.1 (RIF #443)
30. Jennifer Hatcher – 81.7 (RIF #323)
31. Michelle Bishof – 52.4 (RIF #285)
32. Sue Stephens-Wright – 26.2 (RIF #321)
33. Helen McMullin – 26.2 (RIF #390)
34. Debra Jacildo – 19.1 (RIF #98)
35. Laura Ann Evanoika – 13.1 (RIF #433)

Here are a few numbers to wrap your mind around:
In 2015, 11 Run It Fast members finished the Last Annual Vol State 500k, meaning that RIF covered 3,454 miles at one race, in one year. Just from what I can tell at taking a quick look, it looks as though RIF members from 2011 to present have finished LAVS 31 times. That is 10,048 miles on one course. That does not count the miles covered up to a DNF, and I’m sure there are probably a few finishes that I missed in counting. Still, that number is the equivalent of running from the east coast to the west coast roughly 3.14 times. That is a lot of miles and extremely impressive.

This group of extraordinary people continues to awe me on a daily basis. No matter where you are or what kind of running you’re doing, you are making a difference and there is always someone watching. Someone you are inspiring to get up, get out, and get active. We are all changing peoples lives, even if we don’t realize it.

Happy running!

[Extreme Racer points are rewarded per each racing mile completed. Example: marathon = 26.2 points, half marathon 13.1 points, etc.]

This has been a very busy summer for Run It Fast members all over the globe, and the Extreme Racer standings are constantly changing. June was the host month of Run It Fast’s own Jackal Marathons, a series of 5 marathons in 5 days held in 3 different locations in West Tennessee. Several RIF members racked up race miles over the course of those 5 days, some running more than one marathon. There were 5 awesome people who ran all 5 Jackal marathons: RIF #1 Joshua Holmes, RIF #159 Diane Bolton, RIF #417 Leslie Harwell, RIF #19 David Oglesby, and RIF #27 Anthony Ohrey. Between the mileage, the heat, the humidity and the bugs, the conditions were rough and all of the runners battled each day to finish. Every runner who took home a medal deserves a big congratulations, but these particular 5 who finished all 5 days deserve an outstanding round of applause and all the respect that can be mustered.

Having run all 5 Jackal marathons in June along with 51 miles at RUTS and the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, #1 Joshua Holmes is now leading the men with 915.8 points. Joshua just finished the Vermont 100 last week, and will be running the Badwater 135 next week, so he will likely be leading the standings for July as well. Coming in second place is RIF #279 George Southgate with 836.5 points. And rounding out our top 3 men is RIF #190 John Kent Leighton.

Leading our females is RIF #287 Carol Earles with 625.7 points. In second place is RIF #450 Patricia Klein with 604 points. Coming in third place is RIF #473 Teal Clark with 597.7 points.

Here are the Extreme Racer Standings through June:

Extreme Racer Top 10 Leaderboard

1. Joshua Holmes – 915.8 (RIF #1)
2. George Southgate – 836.5 (RIF #279)
3. John Kent Leighton – 763.15 (RIF #190)
4. Ed Ettinghausen – 704.02 (RIF #121)
5. Deo Jaravata – 655.7 (RIF #333)
6. Carol Earles – 625.7 (RIF #287)
7. Patricia Klein – 604 (RIF #450)
8. Teal Clark – 597.7 (RIF #473)
9. Steven Smith – 579.8 (RIF #387)
10. Steven Smith – 559.6 (RIF #159)

Extreme Racer Male Leaderboard:

1. Joshua Holmes – 915.8 (RIF #1)
2. George Southgate – 836.5 (RIF #279)
3. John Kent Leighton – 763.15 (RIF #190)
4. Ed Ettinghausen – 704.02 (RIF #121)
5. Deo Jaravata – 655.7 (RIF #333)
6. Steven Smith – 579.8 (RIF #387)
7. Brian Recore – 462 (RIF #395)
8. Shane Tucker – 447.6 (RIF #337)
9. Denis McCarthy – 314.4 (RIF #263)
10. Jeff Liu – 313.4 (RIF #275)
11. Chris Baker – 283.2 (RIF #437)
12. Ben Herron – 199.3 (RIF #408)
13. Arland Blanton – 195.8 (RIF #290)
14. John Sotomayor – 190.2 (RIF #393)
15. Rick Glass – 168.3 (RIF #401)
16. Jeff Le – 160 (RIF #248)
17. Charlie Taylor – 157.2 (RIF #353)
18. Jeff Van Demark – 148.4 (RIF #322)
19. Michael Dasalla – 142.7 (RIF #411)
20. Winston Trice – 126 (RIF #29)
21. Nathan Bass – 114.3 (RIF #174)
22. Stephen Griffin – 97.9 (RIF #48)
23. David Mickelsen – 92.5 (RIF #164)
24. David Essary – 65.5 (RIF #475)
25. Dennis Arriaga – 63.1 (RIF #140)
26. Mark Ogletree – 41.7 (RIF #247)
27. Robin Robbins – 35.64 (RIF #33)

Extreme Racer Female Leaderboard

1. Carol Earles – 625.7 (RIF #287)
2. Patricia Klein – 604 (RIF #450)
3. Teal Clark – 597.7 (RIF #473)
4. Diane Bolton – 559.6 (RIF #159)
5. Marylou Corino – 417.5 (RIF #410)
6. Belinda Young – 393.1 (RIF #358)
7. Nicole Eldridge – 357 (RIF #446)
8. Andrea Kooiman – 352.3 (RIF #404)
9. Leslie Harwell – 339.1 (RIF #417)
10. Heather Zeigler – 327.5 (RIF #246)
11. Angie Whitworth Pace – 319.2 (RIF #447)
12. Amanda Staggs – 313.9 (RIF #210)
13. Suzanne Michelson – 306.1 (RIF #280)
14. Christa Baker – 283.2 (RIF #436)
15. Christy Scott – 265.4 (RIF #231)
16. Cheryl Bryll – 254.7 (RIF #432)
17. Tiffani Glass – 220 (RIF #328)
18. Aimee Shilling – 208.8 (RIF #418)
19. Kim Crowe – 187.3 (RIF #245)
20. Christy Bowers – 186.1 (RIF #60)
21. Alicia Eno – 127.2 (RIF #126)
22. Lisa Gonzales – 124.1 (RIF #5)
23. Shannon Miller – 123.1 (RIF #338)
24. Ines Cooper – 120.5 (RIF #448)
25. Marj Mitchell – 115.1 (RIF #4)
26. Julia Beavers – 94.2 (RIF #339)
27. Donna Dworak – 92 (RIF #310)
28. Heather Shoemaker – 91.7 (RIF #44)
29. Erin Goetz – 84.1 (RIF #443)
30. Jennifer Hatcher – 81.7 (RIF #323)
31. Michelle Bishof – 52.4 (RIF #285)
32. Sue Stephens-Wright – 26.2 (RIF #321)
33. Helen McMullin – 26.2 (RIF #390)
34. Debra Jacildo – 19.1 (RIF #98)
35. Laura Ann Evanoika – 13.1 (RIF #433)

Next month’s standings update should prove to be interesting, as several Run It Fast members completed the Last Annual Vol State 500k and several are competing in the Badwater 135 next week. No matter where you are in your running adventure, keep on doing your thing. You are an inspiration and you are amazing. You never know who is watching or who you have encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, into a world that will change their lives forever. Keep being you.

[Extreme Racer points are rewarded per each racing mile completed. Example: marathon = 26.2 points, half marathon 13.1 points, etc.]

You can join Run It Fast – The Club HERE!

Since I am sitting here following the Western States Endurance Run 100 progress (where several RIF members, including RIF #1 and founder Joshua Holmes, are laying down the miles and getting close to the finish line), now is as good of a time as any to tally up the Extreme Racer points for the year through May.

Last year’s winner has joined the pack this month and entered his miles for the year. However, I am surprised to see that he is not in first place so far. Leading the way is RIF #279 George Southgate with 768.6 points. Second place is held by RIF #190 John Kent Leighton with 744.15 points. Last year’s winner, RIF #121 Ed Ettinghausen takes third place with 704.02 points.

RIF #159 Diane Bolton is in first for the women with 395.6 points. Following very close behind is RIF #450 Patricia Klein with 394.4 points. Third place is held by RIF #358 Belinda Young with 393.1 points. With a 2.5 point difference between first and third place, one race could completely rearrange the order of placings here for next month.

Here are the Extreme Racer standings through May:

Extreme Racer Top 10 Leaderboard:

1. George Southgate – 768.6 (RIF #279)
2. John Kent Leighton – 744.15 (RIF #190)
3. Ed Ettinghausen – 704.02 (RIF #121)
4. Joshua Holmes – 633.8 (RIF #1)
5. Deo Jaravata – 598.5 (RIF #333)
6. Diane Bolton – 395.6 (RIF #159)
7. Patricia Klein – 394.4 (RIF #450)
8. Belinda Young – 393.1 (RIF #358)
9. Andrea Kooiman – 352.3 (RIF #404)
10. Steven Smith – 335.2 (RIF #335.2)

Extreme Racer Male Leaderboard:

1. George Southgate – 768.6 (RIF #279)
2. John Kent Leighton – 744.15 (RIF #190)
3. Ed Ettinghausen – 704.02 (RIF #121)
4. Joshua Holmes – 633.8 (RIF #1)
5. Deo Jaravata – 598.5 (RIF #333)
6. Steven Smith – 335.2 (RIF #387)
7. Shane Tucker – 294.9 (RIF #337)
8. Denis McCarthy – 288.2 (RIF #263)
9. Jeff Liu – 284.1 (RIF #275)
10. Chris Baker – 283.2 (RIF #437)
11. Arland Blanton – 195.8 (RIF #290)
12. John Sotomayor – 190.2 (RIF #393)
13. Ben Herron – 159.8 (RIF #408)
14. Charlie Taylor – 157.2 (RIF #353)
15. Jeff Van Demark – 114.9 (RIF #322)
16. Michael Dasalla – 112.7 (RIF #411)
17. Nathan Bass – 109.3 (RIF #174)
18. Brian Recore – 100 (RIF #395)
19. Stephen Griffin – 97.9 (RIF #48)
20. David Mickelsen – 92.5 (RIF #164)
21. Dennis Arriaga – 63.1 (RIF #140)
22. Mark Ogletree – 41.7 (RIF #247)
23. Robin Robbins – 35.64 (RIF #33)
24. Jeff Le – 31 (RIF #248)
25. Rick Glass – 8 (RIF #401)

Extreme Racer Female Leaderboard

1. Diane Bolton – 395.6 (RIF #159)
2. Patricia Klein – 394.4 (RIF #450)
3. Belinda Young – 393.1 (RIF #358)
4. Andrea Kooiman – 352.3 (RIF #404)
5. Suzanne Michelson – 306.1 (RIF #280)
6. Christa Baker – 283.2 (RIF #436)
7. Angie Whitworth Pace – 272.7 (RIF #447)
8. Amanda Staggs – 270.9 (RIF #210)
9. Marylou Corino – 260.2 (RIF #410)
10. Nicole Eldridge – 251.6 (RIF #446)
11. Cheryl Bryll – 179.9 (RIF #432)
12. Kim Crowe – 156.3 (RIF #245)
13. Christy Bowers – 149.9 (RIF #60)
14. Heather Zeigler – 131 (RIF #246)
15. Tiffani Glass – 128.3 (RIF #328)
16. Alicia Eno – 127.2 (RIF #126)
17. Lisa Gonzales – 121 (RIF #5)
18. Ines Cooper – 120.5 (RIF #448)
19. Leslie Harwell – 120.2 (RIF #417)
20. Christy Scott – 119.2 (RIF #231)
21. Aimee Shilling – 105 (RIF #418)
22. Julia Beavers – 94.2 (RIF #339)
23. Donna Dworak – 92 (RIF #310)
24. Heather Shoemaker – 91.7 (RIF #44)
25. Jennifer Hatcher – 81.7 (RIF #323)
26. Marj Mitchell – 68.8 (RIF #4)
27. Shannon Miller – 67.4 (RIF #338)
28. Erin Goetz – 57.9 (RIF #443)
29. Sue Stephens-Wright – 26.2 (RIF #321)
30. Helen McMullin – 26.2 (RIF #390)
31. Laura Ann Evanoika – 13.1 (RIF #433)
32. Debra Jacildo – 3.1 (RIF #98)

June has been a busy month for Run It Fast members, especially with Run It Fast’s own Jackal Marathon series, which ran for 5 consecutive days during the third week in June, so I’m sure these numbers will increase dramatically and placings will change all over the board. As always, Run It Fast members continue to inspire and amaze by pushing their boundaries and testing their limits. I look forward to seeing what the rest of the year holds for this incredible group of determined runners.

[Extreme Racer points are rewarded per each racing mile completed. Example: marathon = 26.2 points, half marathon 13.1 points, etc.]

photo: Tim Rogan