Blaine Miller

“For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother”

City: Colorado Springs State: CO

Favorite Shoe: New Balance Size: 9

Age: 47.6 years old

Marital Status: married in 1-08

Family members:
Sister in Iowa with family; dad in Denver area; dog named Nike.

What I do for work:
English teacher and wrestling coach at MSHS; martial arts instructor; MA in Humanities from Regis University

Places I’ve called home and why I like where I am now:
I grew up in Boulder (stop laughing!!) and have lived in AZ. I love the Springs and have no real desire to leave. I love the view from my porch off to the west and Bear Creek Park is just down the street.

When I started running and what got me started:
My dad had this idea to do a marathon with his church. I trained mostly in AZ at sea level and came out, ran, walked, stopped, almost cried, and FINISHED.

What does running mean to me:
Running is an avenue for thoughts and a vehicle to get other physical endeavors accomplished. ALL sports require conditioning and running has not failed me yet. I am a better athlete because I run.

Running accomplishments: View my Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon results
I have completed the Double a couple of times.

What I like about trail/mountain running:
Variety and the scenery make it more pleasant. Something about running in and within nature makes it that much more pleasant.

Favorite running trail and why:
I like Bear Creek (east and west) because of the rolling (and smaller) hills that are really close to home.

Favorite trail/mountain race and why:
Over the years I have come to truly adore the Barr Trail Mountain Race because it helps a good cause and gives back to the high school running community. I wish more races would give back to its community. I think that is why I have also come to love the Estes Park Marathon and Half. The race gives 100% back to the youth in the town (schools, clubs, etc.) As a teacher, running takes on a different identity.

Best running experience:
I saw a wolf on a mountain trail coming down the hill. He glanced at me, scratched his ear, and walked on. I also saw the hind end of a mountain lion (yep, a mountain lion) on a rock above Gold Camp Road a couple of years ago. That one made the steps a bit quicker.

Worst running experience:
I ran the PPM in an "untrained" state due to an earlier non running-related injury. Never again will that happen.

Neatest thing found on a run:
I found a certain peace dealing with my mom's death during a Sunday morning run one summer...Sounds corny for a site like this, but isn't that what running is about?? Peace??

Running pet peeves:
People who are not aware of their surroundings when running or hiking. How many times should you have to say "on your left" or "coming up" or "excuse me, please"??? I also get rather annoyed when people throw their trash on the ground.

Something non running related that no one would guess about me:
I run, yes, but I believe in living the healthiest lifestyle that you can within your means. This might mean yoga, walking, playing with your kids.

Other hobbies and interests:
Writing, bookstores with coffee, Olympic-style weightlifting, triathlon, martial arts, learning about human performance especially exercise physiology and sports nutrition.

Page last modified: 11/25/2012