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Springs resident rolls to win in inaugural 5K |
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Saturday, November 12, 2011 13:21 |
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By Nathan Van Dyne, OutThereColorado.com
If you're organizing a first-year running event, expect to see Mike Stephens at the start line on race day.
The Colorado Springs resident was among a crowd of runners who turned out on a sunny Saturday morning for the inaugural Girls on the Run 5K at Venetucci Farm in southern Colorado Springs. Stephens' reason behind flocking to new events is simple.
"I feel like they're easier to win if it's the first time," he said. "I figure not very many people know about them so I have a better chance to get first."
Check out a photo gallery from the race!
The 28-year-old did just that Saturday, finishing the 3.1-mile race in 19 minutes, 15 seconds.
"I didn't go out as conservatively as I should have," Stephens said. "I have a bad habit of going out too fast. I actually slowed in the middle a little bit on purpose -- not much -- to try to have a little bit more at the end."
Stephens never was threatened on the deceptively hilly course.
Girls on the Run is a learning program for girls age 8-13. The programs combine training for a 5K with self-esteem enhancing workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. |
