Pikes Peak Ascent is Uniquely Demanding

Trail running straight up Pikes Peak climbing 7,815 feet takes amazing grit.  As we posted the last time Michelle ran this race, the race finishes at 14,050 fee elevation after the runners run UP 13.32 miles (downhill portions are virtually non-existent).

In this year's Pikes Peak Ascent on 8-24-19, Michelle finished FIFTH place in females, 2nd place in her age group, and 42nd overall.  She completed the run in 3 hours, 8 minutes, 27 seconds.  Michelle ran at a pace of 14:09 minute miles.  Given her recent injuries, this performance is simply astounding.

By the way, that's her fiancé Art Messal next to her in the photo above.  He's had some impressive running results in some of these races, too.  It's nice when your partner in life likes to do what you like to do, right?

Here's is a link to a video of Michelle crossing the finish line:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVq3b9jT5Os&feature=youtu.be&t=12035

Here's another link to an article about Michelle and her running philosophy:
https://lifelongendurance.com/athlete-spotlight-michelle-hiland/?fbclid=IwAR0yA8boVW8mx2ajOQR7JzSrnwrtDobqsqi2C6MCQPkzTcbhjbuonV_kti8

First Montana Race, First Place !! - Snowbowl 15K

Sleep-deprived, behind on training, and with family medical problems heavy on her mind, Michelle took FIRST place trail running at the Montana Snowbowl 15K.  Her time of 1 hour 15 minutes and 48.96 seconds beat the second place woman by 3 minutes!  She finished 9th out of 240 runners, so that means she was ahead of lots of guys, too.  Her pace was a stunning 8:08 minute miles.

The Snowbowl 15K is a 9.3 mile race that climbs 2,150 feet up for 4.65 miles.  This year, the race was on August 3, 2019.  Michelle said the trail was very scenic and fun.  Way to go, girl!!!

Here is a link from the local newspaper.  Scroll down toward the middle to read about Michelle:
https://missoulian.com/sports/brotherhood-of-guts-mission-valley-pals-battle-for-top-spot/article_8fe32ca5-1f8c-5830-a5a8-571b38658773.html

Triple Bypass Bicycle Ride - Not a Problem for Michelle

In a stunning surprise shift from her usual sport of trail running, our beloved Michelle entered the epic Triple Bypass bike ride -- just for fun.  On July 13th, 2019, she completed the intense 120 miles with 10,000 feet of elevation gain over three gorgeous mountain passes in 7 hours and 48 minutes.  This bicycle ride has been a premier event of the nation for 30 years and thousands of people participate.  The route goes from Evergreen to Avon, Colorado, over Juniper, Loveland, and Vail passes.

Take a close look at the photo.  Our Michelle, at the top of Loveland Pass, is riding with ease.

One Week After Taking 1st in a 50K, Michelle Pushes It to the Limit in One of the Most Challenging 10K's in the Nation

In a surprising late entry into one of the most challenging 10K's in the nation, Michelle took SECOND place overall and first in her age group on June 9, 2019, in a race in the high mountains of Vail, Colorado, just one week after taking first place in the 50K Golden Gate Dirty 30.

The Casio Pro Trek Smart 10K Spring Runoff is considered exceptionally difficult because the runners start at an elevation of 8,200 feet.  The uber runners cover the 6.3 miles of mountainous terrain with constant elevation changes for a total elevation gain of 1,457 feet.  Let's put that into perspective:  The tallest building in Denver, Colorado, is the 56-story Republic Plaza building which attains a height of 714 feet.  The Casio Pro Trek Smart 10K Spring Runoff climbs more than TWICE that.

Michelle achieved a race time of 53 minutes and 54 seconds with a pace that floored us all:    8:41 minute miles!

Watch for Michelle's next big challenge on July 13th, which is the Triple Bypass Bike Ride.  This tedious bike ride climbs three passes in 120 miles with 10,000 feet in elevation gain.  Yes, you read it correctly -- she's biking as well as running.

Our Michelle WINS the Dirty 30 Ultra Race June 1, 2019 !!!!!!

She ran it perfectly and won!  The Fan Club is ecstatic.

It is our greatest pleasure to share with you that Michelle Hiland achieved FIRST place out of 167 women in the 50K Golden Gate Dirty 30 Mountain & Trail Run on June 1, 2019!!!!!  She was the only woman to finish in under 6 hours with a winning time of 5 hours 53 minutes and 24.4 seconds.  The second place female finisher was 31 minutes behind her.  

Out of the 432 total women (167) and men (265) who ran the race, Michelle came in 14th overall, so she ran faster than 252 men!  Her pace over the 31+ miles was 11:22 minute miles.  

Check out the Elevation Profile on this race.  It's grueling.

Remember last year when she took third in this same race and also took a nasty tumble?  We knew it was only a matter of time that she would take first place and we are so proud.  We can all say "we knew her when . . . "