I am so sad to tell you all that we lost one of my first loves, Rich Martinez on Tuesday, December 8th, 2020. I met Richie the fall of 1985, my freshman year at UNM running XC. We got married had a son together, Zachary Wayne. Rich is the best runner I ever knew. He was so naturally gifted and worked hard, which earned him the Colorado State HS mile record, which still stands today. He also earned All American status in Division I Track & Field, a member of the US Team and 5th at the 1988 US Olympic trials in the 1500m. His PR of 3:37.2 is still very fast and he is in an elite status of American running. He ran with Nostros and was coached by Mike Mittelstaedt. He taught me how to train hard and how to race to win. He believed that running was an art and racing performance was tied to mental preparation as much as physical training.
After he running, he found cycling and would ride his bike from Colorado Springs to Boulder, the back way- which just astounded everyone. He loved joking, laughing and pulling pranks. If he tangled with you it was because he thought of you as a worthy opponent. He lived life to it's fullest, with so many adventures. I'm sure those of you who knew him have a few stories of your own. He took the trail less traveled and definitely left an impression on all who knew him.
Thanks for following him and keep running! Rich would have wanted you to.