2020 has been a year like no other. Responding to the challenges of race cancellations, many team members have successfully taken on new ways to stoke their competitive fire.
Several went after top marks on some of our favorite local Strava segments, including Matt Leach - Lake Merced, Steven Grolle - Baylands 5 Mile Loop and Stanford 2 Mile Loop, Benedikt Bünz and Kevin Bishop - Old La Honda (cycling), Dena Evans and Melinda DiNapoli - Old LaHonda (running). Others participated in lengthy journeys with a focus on completion rather than competition. Benedikt Bünz cycled down the coast of California from central Oregon. Tasia Potasinski and Amy Schnittger ran Rim to Rim to Rim at the Grand Canyon, while Melinda DiNapoli and Dena Evans went Rim to River to Rim.
Others rallied for time trials with great results and personal bests including Maya Weigel with 15:47 for 5000m this summer, 9:19 for 3000m this fall on the track. Steven Grolle and Josh Sealand debuted over the half marathon distance with Zach Swenson testing out the 10K alongside newcomer Jason Intravaia on Guadalupe Parkway this October, while Intravaia pulled off a personal best in the 3000m on the track just last week.
Throughout the year, virtual races have become the new normal as well, with the benefit of competition with others from across the area, the country, and even the world. Many of these have been now compiled on our results page, including top marks for Chris Olley in several competitions, and wins for Maya Weigel in the virtual Wharf to Wharf as well as the Training Group 3K Time Trial. While we head toward more virtual competitions and hopefully restarted in person opportunities, the unique challenges of 2020 have been many, but where a door has closed, a window has opened.