September 2014 Rider of the Month, Rusty Snow & Deb Maier
These accomplished runners and newly-crowned 2014 ElliptiGO World Champions both set new ascent records on Palomar Mountain on their way to winning. For Masters Runner, Rusty Snow, this was his 3rd World Championships race on Palomar Mountain and despite some serious challengers, for the 3rd year in a row he remained unbeaten. Newcomer and Brooks Beasts professional runner, Deb Maier, became the first woman to ride sub-1:30, posting a new record of 1:28:55. Their inspirational rides made them both deserving of the Rider of the Month title and we look forward to welcoming them back next year!
Quick Facts About Rusty
1. How long have you been riding an ElliptiGO and what model do you ride?
I’ve been riding the ElliptiGO 8C since 2011. I then bought an 8S for our team “Santa Barbara Running and Racing” to use, so now I use both models.
2. Have you done any events since you started using the ElliptiGO?
Since riding the ElliptiGO, I raced the masters cross country nationals in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, placing 4th, 2nd, 3rd, and 2nd, respectively. At the Carlsbad 5K elite masters division in 2013, I placed 2nd in 15:37 with very little running and no fast running (just tempo/threshold efforts.)
3. What’s your most memorable experience related to the ElliptiGO?
My most memorable experience would be racing against cyclists up the 14,000ft ascent of Mt Evans last year. Very painful.
4. What are your ElliptiGO-related goals for the next year?
My next ElliptiGO-related goal is to hold on to the world champ stripes in 2015 that Rick Bienias gave to me after 2014’s win…which I am certain will not be easy!
Quick Facts About Deb
1. How long have you been riding an ElliptiGO and what model do you ride?
I first started riding the ElliptiGo this past May.
2. Why did you start riding your ElliptiGO?
I was recovering from a stress fracture and trying to maintain cardio fitness. Prior to trying out the ElliptiGO, I had been on a stationary bike in a sweaty gym, staring at a white wall. Needless to say my quality of life increased exponentially once I started ElliptiGOing.
3. Have you done any events since you started using the ElliptiGO?
My first ElliptiGO race was the ElliptiGO World Championships. I won the race and had a total blast!
4. What’s your most memorable experience related to the ElliptiGO?
My most memorable experience is definitely the ElliptiGO World Championships. It was so fun to take on the challenge of climbing Palomar Mountain with such a great community. Everyone was so encouraging and really just celebrating being active.
5. What are your ElliptiGO-related goals for the next year?
I’m aiming to use the ElliptiGO as a supplementary tool for my training as a professional runner. I’m hoping to ElliptiGO several days a week in order to avoid injuries while also building fitness