Connilee Walter

Pikes Peak Ascent 2003

“If not now, then when?”

City: Colorado Springs State: CO

Favorite Shoe: Nike Pegasus

Age: 37.5 years old

Marital Status: Married

Family members:
Hubby Pat
Young son Payton
Preschooler daughter Ryleigh
Preschooler son Casey
Toddler girl Tessa
Golden retriever Cody

What I do for work:
Mostly, I'm a stay at home mom who is pretty involved in nurturing our family life. I also work part time as a project manager.

Places I’ve called home and why I like where I am now:
Arizona and Colorado. I love it here in Colorado Springs because I am hooked on sunshine, mountains, clean air and a healthy lifestyle.

When I started running and what got me started:
Started running in my early twenties to shed *ahem* a few pounds I had gained in college. My first running accomplishment was jogging the 1/2 mile from my college dorm to the recreation center. Somehow I built up my base from there and have managed to make it to the top of Pikes Peak a few times.

What does running mean to me:
Mostly, running provides a way to maintain (or sometimes find...) my sanity. But it also means: a chance to relax, pray, think, breathe fresh air, push my limits, and most of all to challenge myself.

Running accomplishments: View my Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon results
With four little ones at home, every run is an accomplishment!

What I like about trail/mountain running:
I love being out in God's creation, the challenge of the hills and mountains and getting away from the rush of 'real life' for a while.

Favorite running trail and why:
Waldo Canyon is one my favorite trails. The view of Pike's Peak at the top of the lollipop is awesome!

Favorite trail/mountain race and why:
The Barr Trail Mountain Race. It is the most scenic and well-organized race (road OR trail) that I have ever volunteered with or run. Before 2008, I had not run the race in several years though, b/c my hubby Pat is a very dedicated volunteer for this race (and one of us needs to be home with the kiddos); if you've ever run it you will find him at the top of the Ws, taking your split times. Be sure to wave and say "Hi Pat!"

Edited to add that I did run the BTMR again in 2008, after a 7 year hiatus. It was as great of a race as I'd remembered it to be - great high school aid station challenge, fantastic fundraiser, good competition, gorgeous scenery. Best yet, I PRd and managed to complete the downhill without crashing!

Neatest thing found on a run:
My running buddy Anne Marie. I had to chase her up Barr Trail for half a season until I could run fast enough to keep up with her. To this day she's an awesome friend and training partner.

Other stuff:
Whatever your goal is, go for it. You'll never know if you don't try.

Page last modified: 7/25/2008