A New Contender?

Yes, there's a new contender for hottest runner...and once again, it's an Oregonian!

If you're not familiar, that's Jenn Shelton, from Ashland. She may not have the same speed as the R's other favorite Oregon runner, Kara Goucher, but the two don't often hit the same courses. Shelton is more comfortable running 50 and 100 mile ultras, although she has run marathons in the 2:50 range, so she's hardly slow at the shorter distances.

And Shelton has the attitude to go with the looks: "I started running ultras to become a better person. I thought if you could run 100 miles you'd be in this Zen state. You'd be the Buddha, bringing peace and a smile to the world. It didn't work in my case. I'm the same old punk-ass as before, but there's always hope," she told Outside magazine.

As a reference to her speed, the bikini pic came from the finish area after she won the Frederick, Virginia Marathon with a 2:53. Why the bikini? Hot, I guess. Personally, I feel it's a fashion trend other female runners should get behind.

And if any guys out there are thinking of breaking out the Speedo suits for running, please just say no.

Go Jenn!

RACES FOR WEEK OF FEBRUARY 8th TO FEBRUARY 14th

February 13th / Rotary Run 2 miler / Portland, OR

February 13th / Love 'em or Leave 'em 5k / Seattle, WA

February 13th / Matchmaker 5k / Centralia, WA

February 13th / Cupid's Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10 miler, 10k, and 5k / Rochester, WA

February 13th / Two for the Road 5k / Bellingham, WA

February 13th / Erik Anderson Memorial 4k / Spokane Valley, WA

February 14th / Valentine Fanconi Anemia 8k and 5k / Portland, OR

February 14th / You Knock My Socks Off 4 miler / Gig Harbor, WA

February 14th / Worst Day of the Year Ride (bike) / Portland, OR