CJ Hitz

Doesn't get much better than this

““Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” - T.S. Eliot”

City: Colorado Springs State: CO

Favorite Shoe: Nike Pegasus/Montrail RR Size: 11.5

Age: 40 years old

Marital Status: Married

Family members:
Wife Shelley - 1998-present

What I do for work:
Author/Speaker/Teacher/Entrepreneur

Places I’ve called home and why I like where I am now:
Myrtle Creek, Oregon
Findlay, Ohio
San Ignacio, Belize
Toyota RV - Anywhere, USA
Colorado Springs, CO

The Springs are incredible! Love the access to trails and the view of Pikes Peak out my front window

When I started running and what got me started:
Spring 2008 - inspired by the book "Ultramarathon Man" by Dean Karnazes

What does running mean to me:
Fresh air, adventure, solitude, community, competition, challenge, goals, outdoors

Running accomplishments: View my Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon results
2009 Trail Runner Trophy Series Age group champion (30-39)
5k - 17:40
4 mile - 23:33
5 mile - 29:39
10 mile - 1:00:24
1/2 Marathon - 1:22:17

What I like about trail/mountain running:
I love the challenge, the majestic beauty, and the variation in terrain

Favorite running trail and why:
Love to explore them all but anything in the Rockies or west of there

Favorite trail/mountain race and why:
*Pikes Peak Ascent - tough & picturesque
*Mt. Evans Ascent - tough, unique grinding race
*Lead King Loop 25k - Marble, CO - gorgeous area on knarly course
*Lithia Loop Trail Marathon - Ashland, OR
*Gristmill Grinder Half-Marathon - West Virginia
*Tacqua Trail Run (25k) - Paradise, MI
*Pinckney Trail Half-Marathon - Pinckney, MI - very tough midwest course
*Kendall Mt. Run - Silverton, CO - beast of a race on jeep road, straight up & down

Best running experience:
Winning my first race ever (5k) in 2010. Continuing to set new PRs in various races I run

Worst running experience:
Taking a wrong turn at the Halliburton 26k in 2009. I was on my way to a top 3 finish and missed a turn less than a mile from the finish.

Neatest thing found on a run:
my stride

Running related bathroom stop story:
Thank God for that McDonald's on on my way back from an 8 mile morning run...otherwise, it could have been ugly.

Running pet peeves:
When other runners don't move over on the trail to let you pass

Something non running related that no one would guess about me:
I hated running up until 2008

Other hobbies and interests:
Reading, hiking, traveling

Other stuff:
Goals:
*Sub 2:50 at 2013 Pike's Peak Ascent
*Top 5 overall for 2013 Triple Crown of races
*Stay healthy

Favorites: strong coffee, dark chocolate, Mexican food, pecan pie, smoothies, Oregon Ducks football, Oregon coast, mountains

Page last modified: 2/2/2013