Simon's Running Story

 

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Simon Gutierrez found success in running as early as age 12 and continued to develop in the sport with the early mentorship of a few great coaches of his own.  Their support and guidance allowed him to foster a lifelong love of running which led to success on the track, roads, and mountains and an eventual career in physical therapy.

 

As a teen, Simon was a two time state champion in NM and placed as high as third at the Kinney Footlocker National Cross Country Championship (1983).  While still in high school, he began to have success on the roads. He still holds the 17-year age group record over 10km (Continental Homes 10km, Phoenix, AZ, 1984, 29:45). Additionally, Simon was a two time member of Team USA’s junior cross country team. He competed in Meadowlands, NJ (1984) and Lisbon, Portugal (1985).

 

From 1984-1988, Simon ran NCAA Division 1 cross country and track at the University of Arizona. He was a 4 year letterman in XC and contributed to their team success with a team finish as high as second at the NCAA DI XC Championships. As a post collegiate athlete, Simon once again earned a place on the USA's Senior World XC  Team, placing 83rd overall in Stavangar, Norway (1989).

 

Following college, Simon began to coach himself with continued success and enjoyment during his post-collegiate career. Simon moved to Sweden where he enjoyed competition within the club system that dominates European athletics. Simon was a long time member of Hässelby SK. Top performances include 63:47 at the City Pier City Half Marathon in The Haag; 2:18.36 Stockholm Marathon in June of 1991, and 8;07 for the 3k on the track.  During this time Simon also earned his degree in physical therapy from Linköping University. He has been a practicing physical therapist since he graduated in 1997.

 

It was in the early 2000’s that Simon found his niche in the world of mountain and trail running.  This disciple took him across the country and around the world in search of steep things to run up.  Simon boasts three wins at the Mt Washington Road Race (2002, 2003, and 2005) and three wins at the Pikes Peak Ascent (2003, 2006, 2008). Simon also holds the record for the most wins at the La Luz Trail run with 11 career wins. Simon represented Team USA at seven different World Mountain Running Championships, placing 10th overall in 2005 (Wellington, NZ) and 2006 (Uludag, Turkey).  He is a three time World Master Mountain Running champion (2006, 2007, 2008). Simon was named Mountain Runner of the Year by USATF in 2005. Simon ended his career with inductions into both the Colorado Running Hall of Fame and Mt Washington Road Race Hall of Fame.

 

Simon’s experience with running injuries started as a freshman in college, an experience which spurred him to eventually study physical therapy. When you run everyday for 45 years, injuries are bound to happen, though Simon has kept himself mostly healthy and currently has a running streak of 15 years (with three days off in 2016 after banging his knee on a boulder at the top of Pikes Peak).  Simon continues to run daily and enjoys racing and training as much as ever, although most of his workouts now are designed around his wife’s goals.  He also continues to work full time as a physical therapist. Simon is also a dad to two preschool-aged children who already enjoy a good cool down around the block with dad.

 

After so many years in the sport, Simon wants to share the knowledge that he has gained to assist runners of all ages to achieve happiness, well being and performance goals through the sport.