Valerie Prothe

Final preps for the Imogene Pass Run start - 2005

"Not all who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien

City: Colorado Springs State: CO

Favorite Shoe: Asics Size: 9.0

Age: 49.2 years old

Family members:
Fabulous daughter, Christine age 13

Places I’ve called home and why I like where I am now:
Wichita, Ks
Denver, CO
Long Beach, CA
Huntington Beach, CA
Colorado Springs, CO

I love Colorado Springs because of those big bumpy things off to the West. I love to snowshoe, hike, run, and even just wander through those geological guys. When I first moved back to Colorado, I was truly a traffic hazard as I couldn't keep my eyes off the mountains and on the asphalt covered ground in front of me. It was a bit of a problem, but I finally got the hang of appreciating them at the appropriate times.

When I started running and what got me started:
I started running in 1998. As for what got me started? I, like everyone at times, had a few troublesome events in my life. It was either, take Prozac, drink myself into a coma, or start running. After doing a bit of ciphering, I figured running was the safest alternative. :)

What does running mean to me:
Peace, serenity, perfect time to reflect, and it improves how I look when I'm all naked. :)

Running accomplishments: View my Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon results

What I like about trail/mountain running:
The serenity of it all. Being on a trail is quite beautiful and a good place to let your mind wander. Whether it be: hearing the wind through the trees, running through the falling snow, seeing the wild flowers in bloom, or watching a herd of big horn sheep run across your path above treeline can be extremely euphoric at times.

Favorite running trail and why:
Barr Trail, Elk Park, and Imogene. Elk Park and Imogene are absolutely beautiful, and Barr Trail has a lot of fond memories for me.

Favorite trail/mountain race and why:
Pikes Peak Ascent. First off, PPA over PPM because I really dislike spending a year trying to regrow toenails (when there's so much else to do ;). Second, I finally found something I can kind of do. Having never heard the term "natural born athlete" in conjunction with my name, it is fun to (finally) place relatively higher in the PPA than in a flat half marathon. Lastly, PPA is the first trail race I ever attempted and will always be special for that reason alone.

Worst running experience:
Mt Evans Ascent 2003. White out conditions...got my first and only DNF.

Neatest thing found on a run:
Great people! :)

Running related bathroom stop story:
Not really a story...but I have factored in a split of 1:40 during the PPA race. If I've hydrated correctly, I can usually skip it.... :D

Running pet peeves:
Getting injured due to my own negligence.

Something non running related that no one would guess about me:
I once applied to be an Astronaut...although I didn't make the cut, I DID qualify! :)

Other hobbies and interests:
Hiking and nontechnical climbing.

Other stuff:
In August, 2010, I was able to complete the Colorado 14ers without significant injury to myself or my hiking/climbing partner. That goal took me to some gorgeous places and gave me wonderful adventures and memories! :)

Page last modified: 11/29/2010