Jason Mehlos

“I'd rather be running.”

City: Manitou Springs State: CO

Favorite Shoe: Inov-8, Mudroc 290 Size: 10.5

Age: 35.2 years old

Marital Status: Married

Family members:
Wife - Michelle
Dog - a Boxer - Tugman

What I do for work:
Air Force - Contracting - I buy stuff for the Air Force.

Places I’ve called home and why I like where I am now:
Wisconsin for 22 years, Alabama for 7, Texas for 2.5 and now Colorado since January '07. Love the mountains and trails!

When I started running and what got me started:
2004 as preparation for Air Force Pararescue.

What does running mean to me:
A way to get the bugs out.

Running accomplishments: View my Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon results
Some top 10 finishes at half marathons and finally finished a 50k in November '06. Ascents in '07 and '08. Missed '09 while in Afghanistan. First 50 miler in Feb '09.(9:06)

What I like about trail/mountain running:
Being outside and experiencing a part of God's Creation. I love the quick-thinking mental challenge of running downhill. Knowing "I'll break something if I fall at this speed on this stuff" is kind of intense.

Favorite running trail and why:
Barr Trail so far. The views are incredible! Garden of the Gods is nice since I live right outside of it.

Favorite trail/mountain race and why:
November 2006 Rockledge Rumble, Dallas, Texas. That's where I ran my first successful 50k. Successful = No debilitating injury.

Best running experience:
'08 Ascent.

Worst running experience:
Heat exhaustion while training in Texas. July '06. I waited 'till it cooled down to 95 degrees at midnight (105-108 day) and went out for a 20 miler. Difficult finish the first time, couldn't finish the second time. Drank what I thought was plenty but still lost about 8 pounds that night.

Neatest thing found on a run:
The scattered roadside remains of a Barbie doll. First the torso, then one leg, an arm, etc... I was able to occupy my mind for several miles scanning for parts. Never did find the head.

Running related bathroom stop story:
I'm glad that gas station was there 'cause the Port-A Potty at the construction site was guarded by some security guy and I HAD to go.

Running pet peeves:
Trash on the trails! Pick up and pack up your trash!

Something non running related that no one would guess about me:
I have a special internal knowledge that I'd be a great NFL kicker. I just haven't pursued it...'cause...I don't want to.

Other hobbies and interests:
Strong, fresh ground gourmet coffee. Eating cookies, pretzels, graham crackers, dark chocolate...

Other stuff:
See everyone Thursdays and whenever...

Page last modified: 1/7/2010