My running story is only just beginning.

I’m 52 years old, and until about five months ago, I had never run a mile in my life. Sure, a couple of times over the years I’m sure that I made an attempt or two: a New Year’s resolution to finally get into shape, or a short-lived attempt, here or there, at turning around unhealthy habits in middle age by making a pledge to myself to exercise. But lacing up sneakers and getting out on the road just never appealed to me; I’m not afraid to admit it.

But I’ve always LOVED the outdoors: camping, hiking & bouldering, and traveling to national parks—or state parks—has always brought me joy.

Continue reading “Member Spotlight: Scott Homolka” →

2020 was a challenging year for me, as it was for many people. I was newly single, with an infant, in the middle of a pandemic, 10 hours away from any member of my family.

In September, I finally realized, I needed to find a healthy way to deal with the stress and anxiety I was feeling, so I started casually running with my daughter in a jogging stroller.

Continue reading “Member Spotlight: Ainsley Cain” →

I was never a runner as a teen or young adult. I preferred the gym and aerobics classes. When my two daughters were young, I took them along and they played well in the gym daycare.

Continue reading “Member Spotlight: Kim Whalen” →

I started running as a freshman in high school in Carroll County, after deciding that my passion for the sport of soccer had faded.

I ran track and cross country all four years and managed to make all-county my senior year (alongside current Steeps, Arthur Leathers and Jessie Henderson). Running provided a wonderful outlet for …

As a young teen, I tried to get into running a few times, but never stuck with it. I was much slower than my peers and struggled through every run.

About 17 years ago in college, I decided to try again, just to stay in shape. This time, I stuck with it.

Justine

Racing was never on my radar; I was just in it for exercise.

Continue reading “Member Spotlight: Justine Springer” →

By Oksana Lightfield

The 59th annual JFK 50-miler was held on November 20, 2021. If you are a Frederick Steeplechaser, just an occasional runner, local or not, chances are you’ve heard of JFK 50. This year, it proved to be the oldest continuously held foot race of any distance in the nation.

Continue reading “Frederick Steeplechasers Run 59th Annual JFK 50 Mile Race” →

I began running about 10 years ago in my early 40s and ran four half-marathons in two years.

Unfortunately, I let life (three busy daughters) and work get in my way. I didn’t run for the most part of about seven years. I started back up a couple years ago, when a friend invited me to be a part of a Ragnar Trail team.

Continue reading “Member Spotlight: Michelle Edwards” →

by Lynn Whiten

#WeFinishTogether and #BrownSkinGirls These two hashtags inspired me to invite my friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors to join Team #BrownSkinGirls for the best race in Frederick: The Frederick Women’s Distance Festival.

The WDF has always been my favorite race.  It was my first 5K race as a Steeplechaser after joining the Women’s …

Despite Distance, Club Members Stay Close

~Second in an occasional series~

Editor’s Note: Many Steeps members who have moved away from Frederick continue to stay in touch with us, and even travel back here for training, racing and socializing from time to time. We thought we’d reach out to learn more about our long-distance club …

by: Tim O’Keefe

The 2021 version of the Summer Decathlon was like no other of the 28 previous events. It came after a year when the Decathlon was cancelled. Due to the high school track season being extended, the first 5 events were NOT held on the track. AND it started just as COVID restrictions …