Joe Stilin took no time making his mark on the ZAP-Reebok program. A few short weeks after signing with ZAP-Reebok Stilin flew overseas for his first European track tour. Stilin showed no ill-effects of jet lag as his first race off the the plane was a near personal best over 1500m with a 3:39 clocking. Stilin went on to run another near personal best in the KBC Nacht 5,000m in Heusden, Belgium. Stilin went to the lead as the pace lagged late in the race before losing the lead over the final lap and running 13:34, one second off his personal best time set earlier in the year.
In a unique turn of events, Stilin had secured a spot in 3,000m race the day after his 5,000m race in Heusden. Stilin was not planning on racing the 3,000m event, but as it was his last race before flying home he decided to go ahead and give it a shot after missing out on a personal best the day before. Stilin chopped 3 seconds off his personal best and won the race in a new ZAP-Reebok record of 7:49.64!
After returning from Europe Stilin took some time off before ramping back up and competing in his first race of the fall last weekend at the US 5k Road Championships in Providence, RI. Stilin hung with the pack throughout and when the race broke open with 1k to go Stilin was able to keep his nose in things and secure a 5th place finish. By virtue of his 5th place finish Stilin qualifies for the US Road Running Championships in November where he will be joined by ZAP-Reebok teammate Tyler Pennel.