Five Years...Ten Posts: Part 2

As we count down the days to The Two R's Fifth Anniversary, we continue to look back at some of my favorite posts.

Today, at number nine, we're not looking back at my favorite post...we're looking at yours. And frankly, it's not even close.

I've written about Jenn Shelton only a handful of times in the past five years, but those are some of the most popular posts ever. And the post below truly has no equal. A usual post at the R's attracts maybe 20-50 hits. A good post between 50-100. Anything over 100, I consider solid. As an example, my recent review of the Nike Pegasus 29 is rolling quickly toward 200 hits. That's a good post.

The Jenn Shelton Goes for the Title post, from June 1, 2010...has over 18,000 hits! Yes, 18,000.

Why? Well, the obvious reason is that swimsuit. There are a lot of guys out there on the interwebs, my friends...and they all enjoy a good swimsuit.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that Jenn Shelton is the sweetheart of Born to Run, speaks her mind ever so clearly on her Twitter feed, and is a hell of a runner.

But yeah, it's the swimsuit.

JENN SHELTON GOES FOR THE TITLE!

Yeah, that would be the title of Oregon's Hottest Runner! Well, she won the Pear Blossom Ten Miler too, but c'mon, let's focus here!

I realize that Kara Goucher is at a bit of a disadvantage here, being pregnant and whatnot, but hey, I've got nothing against pregnant women - it's just hard when you're trying to battle against Shelton's swimsuit!

That thing has got to be homemade right? I mean...it's got pears on it! That swimsuit does bring back some bad memories of Borat, but Shelton somehow makes it work.

Bonus points for the look on the guy's face that's running beside her. I'm guessing lots of guys would have been running with her...if they could have kept up.

Go Jenn!


Thanks to RaceCenter for the photo. Which reminds me...I was supposed to talk about my new article for RaceCenter, but I got distracted. Tomorrow.

Best Running Quote of All Time

Is this the best running quote in the history of running history?

Yes, yes it is.

Running is like sex with the SAME person everyday forever. In concept, boring, but once it's done, you really do feel smug and better than other people.

Original quote/Tweet from Jenny Mollen.

Requoted/Retweeted by Jenn Shelton.

Jenn Shelton on Twitter

What do you mean you're not following Jenn Shelton on Twitter? She's one of the fastest women in Oregon. She's awesome on the trails. She's the sweetheart of "Born to Run." And she's funny as hell.

You could be seeing all sorts of great running tips...and fashion advice. Don't forget about the fashion advice.

Don't wait - follow Jenn now.

Jenn Shelton Qualifies for Olympic Trials!

Hey, congrats to R's favorite Jenn Shelton, from Ashland, OR, for running a 2:45:01 at the California International Marathon last weekend.

The time qualifies Shelton for the Women's Olympic Marathon Trials!

Nice job!

I Demand Warm Weather!

Is there anything worse than living in a part of the world where all the runners are covered up in pants and jackets, not to mention hats, for most of the year?

BOOOO on clothing!

In celebration of winter, and the horrible lack of toned, runner skin that it brings, here are a few shots of Oregon's hottest runners!

You're welcome.

Jenn Shelton, Jenn Shelton, umm, Jenn Shelton

The R's has been getting a lot of hits lately...a lot of hits.

Where are all these hits coming from, you might ask? Actually, you don't even need to; I'm asking for you!

I'll tell ya where they're coming from: Jenn Shelton, that's who!

Well, not actually from her, but you know what I mean...

See, I did a little post after Jenn Shelton won the Pear Blossom a few months back...while decked out in a resplendent swimsuit-thing.

Now, I'd like to think you're coming here for the great running, writing and tri insights. But I'm not stupid.

I'd also like to think you're coming here for updated info on the latest superstar runners of the NW. Again, not that dumb.

I'd like to believe you're not coming to the R's to check out fully-toned women in inappropriate running gear that could run you up one side of the street and down the other.

But I know you are.


Hey, thanks to Scott Winterton of the Deseret News for the photo.

Jenn Shelton Goes for the Title!

Yeah, that would be the title of Oregon's Hottest Runner! Well, she won the Pear Blossom Ten Miler too, but c'mon, let's focus here!

I realize that Kara Goucher is at a bit of a disadvantage here, being pregnant and whatnot, but hey, I've got nothing against pregnant women - it's just hard when you're trying to battle against Shelton's swimsuit!

That thing has got to be homemade right? I mean...it's got pears on it! That swimsuit does bring back some bad memories of Borat, but Shelton somehow makes it work.

Bonus points for the look on the guy's face that's running beside her. I'm guessing lots of guys would have been running with her...if they could have kept up.

Go Jenn!


Thanks to RaceCenter for the photo. Which reminds me...I was supposed to talk about my new article for RaceCenter, but I got distracted. Tomorrow.

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