Jon Magistro

“I believe I am a Rockstar no matter what the watch says”

City: Colorado Springs State: CO

Favorite Shoe: New Balance Size: 114E

Age: 46.6 years old

Marital Status: Married

Family members:
wife and the most beautiful daughter I know

What I do for work:
I am a Director of Recruitment for a recruiting company.

Places I’ve called home and why I like where I am now:
Syracuse NY growing up until the end of high school, El Paso TX (US Army), South Korea (US Army), Colorado Springs (17 years)Roseburg OR (only there 8 months - what were we thinking), Colorado Springs again, then to other parts of the state!!!

When I started running and what got me started:
I have been running on and off for years, re-started in July of 2004, was trying to lose weight until a guy I work with ran the ascent, then training for the mountain is the yearly goal.

What does running mean to me:
Challenge and freedom. It means being able to go out on a trail...and enjoy the solitude and focus that it takes to find where I'm going to put my foot on that downhill.

Running accomplishments: View my Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon results
2 ascents and now a the marathon (2007)!!! 3 Barr Trail races ( I was most improved this year)!! A couple of half-marathons in other locations too.

What I like about trail/mountain running:
Being alone on the trail, thinking, climbing to higher elevations, quieter than in town, better fitness, softer than roads, it is beautiful out here!!!!

Favorite running trail and why:
It was Estes Park CO, until I began running on Barr trail. What a great trail. Wish I was better on the W's that is a killer (isn't it great!!!!!)

Favorite trail/mountain race and why:
I would say the Barr Mountain Trail race would be my favorite, The way it gives back to the community, and the aid stations. I think anyone who volunteers to support is a great person and I thank all of them dearly for their help!!!

Best running experience:
2005) Ascent, I had been trying to work up to it for a year (a long run for me was only 40 mins a year ago). When I got to the top, I was handed my finisher's medal and then my daughter was there hugging me and telling me she was glad I was safe (lots of lightning). It was a very emotional moment for me, and one that I will never forget.
I would also say finishing the marathon (2007) - It was almost as emotional as the first ascent. My family had come in from out of town and I had spent many cold mornings in the winter thinking of my finish and having them there to see. I had to keep my focus as the emotion almost got to me a couple of times on the downhill. I did it - I am a Rockstar!!!!

Worst running experience:
In 1998 I was signed up for the ascent and really thought I could do well. I had run my half-marathon the year before and was keeping on with my training very well. I was running up Gold Camp rd weekly but in June of 1998 I was coming down after a long run when my knee just totally let go. I could barely walk home (luckily it was close by) Didn't run for a few years after that, really sucked!

Neatest thing found on a run:
1. I have found myself during my runs. The time spent training has again re-affirmed my belief that the human spirit can accomplish anything it commits to.
2. Running a trail in Rocky Mountain National park, I came around a corner to see an elk who decided to take off running (trotting) in front of me for quite a while before jumping off the trail. It was like we were pacing each other LOL.

Running pet peeves:
Dog poop, dogs are great running partners just move it off the trail please. Also people who don't want to share the trail, uphill/downhill either way let's just share it. (especially when I am dead tired on my way down)

Something non running related that no one would guess about me:
I am sooooo much faster than every stopwatch says I am (LOL).

Other hobbies and interests:
Family!!!! Road Biking.

Other stuff:
I want to finish the accent in 4:04 someday, my mother-in-law finished the Ascent in 4:05 20+ years ago and my goal is to beat that time at some point. This year I will doing the ascent with her (I don't think we will get to 4:05 but it will be great)

Page last modified: 8/24/2007