You know you are an Ultra Runner when… ?

Posted on August 8, 2013 by talkultra

You know you are an Ultra Runner when… ?.

Matterhorn Ultraks Race Preview

Posted on August 8, 2013 by talkultra

image copyright Matterhorn Ultraks – www.

On the Italian border of the Canton of Valais in the west of Switzerland, at the end of the 30 km-long Nikolaital, lies Zermatt, the village at the foot of the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world. Zermatt epitomizes their image of Switzerland; high alpine, awe-inspiring and original. Almost one-third of the 4,000-metre mountains in the Alps are grouped around this word-famous health resort, which has been visited by mountaineers from all around the world since the first successful ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. The hotels and restaurants are world-class, and the ski area is not only the highest in the Alps – it is also one of the best developed and most convenient in the world. The climate is of an excellent quality; with 300 sunny days a year, there is less rainfall than anywhere else in Switzerland. The air in Zermatt is clear, dry and clean, because, since 1947, only electric cars without a combustion engine are allowed to operate in the village. Things are a little different in Zermatt. Zermatt – A world of its own.

The ISF Skyrunning Matterhorn Ultraks is the penultimate race in the SkyUltra series. It will be a magical race, 46 km long with  D+ : 3’600 m | D- : 3’600 m. It has a great combination of wild open spaces, high mountains and a course that will require a thrilling combination of speed and technique. The highest summit of Gonnergrat at 3100m will be a test for all, however, at the summit it offers incredible panoramic views and of course, the ever-present Matterhorn will dominate.

Want to race? limited places are still available at ultraks.com

Men

Kilian Jornet comes to this race the outright favorite. At the ISF Skyrunning European Championships he came away with three gold’s in VK, Sky and Ultra. Post Trans D’Havet he moved over to Cervinia (Italy) and he is now preparing meticulously for his next ‘Summit’, a speed attempt up and down the Matterhorn itself. He will be prepared and adapted for everything that the Ultraks can throw at him.

Breaking news just in, 14th August. Luis Alberto Hernando to join the line up at Ultraks. Of course this is great news. Luis is one person that has pushed Kilian Jornet throughout 2012. He placed second at Transvulcania, he pushed Kilian to the line at Zegama, placed third at Mont Blanc and of course, Kilian and Luis crossed the line together to be crowned European Skyrunning Champions at Trans D’Havet. One thing is for sure, Luis will push Kilian and all the other contenders for the top spot right to the line!

Tofol Castanyer has had a troubled early 2013 with a series of injuries, however, a win at Salomon Four Trails and a second place at the recent Giir di Mont means he is coming back in form. If he has a good day, he will certainly be up at the front pushing with Kilian.

Michel Lanne secured a joint win with teammate, Francois D’Haene at the Mont Blanc Marathon ultra event but then had to miss Trans D’Havet due to an injury. Michel, along with Tofol, Philipp, and Cameron will dictate the early pace at the front and as his reputation confirms, he has all the ability and potential to make the podium. *injured

Philipp Reiter romped to a great podium place at Ice Trail Tarentaise and was ready to repeat his performance or move up the podium at Trans D’Havet, however, a bad fall in the first 30% of the race unfortunately meant some time in hospital and recuperation. At this stage his recovery is progressing well and we hope that he will toe the line in Zermatt.

Cameron Clayton has had a very impressive rise in the ultra world. He is young and races just one-way; hard! He applied that principal at Transvulcania La Palma and lead the race in the early stages but later faded to still secure a top placing. At Western States, his first hundred miler, he applied the same principal but came unstuck. Just the other weekend he raced at Speedgoat 50k but I am sure this was very much ‘getting back into racing’ race post Western. If he is making a trip from the US to Zermatt, you can be sure of one thing; he will turn up to run hard and win. Question is, will he be able to? Most certainly he has all the ability to mix it up at the front and push his peers. Cameron is an exciting addition to the race line up.

Nicola Golinelli had a great race at Mont Blanc Marathon and then placed in the top fifteen at Dolomites Skyrace. It wasn’t a great race for him; he certainly would have expected to be at the front end of the race. So, with that in mind, Nicola will be looking to put the record straight at Ultraks.

Florian Reichert and Didier Zago, both had similar stories to Arc’teryx teammate, Nicola Golinelli. Great racing and top ten placing’s at Mont Blanc and then below par performances in Canazei at the Dolomites Skyrace. Didier is experienced and will bounce back, Florian however is new to Skyrunning and once again found the Dolomites and its combination of steep gradients and snow another learning curve. However, he is a sub 2:30 marathon runner and the Ultraks course will suit his abilities.

Ben Abdelnoor is coming to Zermatt after an impressive win and new course record at the Lakeland 50 in the UK. For sure he is going to relish the opportunity to push against some of the best in the world. Joining Ben we have his new inov-8 teammate, Erik-Dagsson Haugsness. Erik from Norway placed fifth at Mont Blanc Marathon and is certainly a name to watch in the future.

Tadei Pivk has consistently performed in 2013 with great results at Zegama and Dolomites Skyrace; without doubt he will be coming to Zermatt to move from third place on the podium to second or even the top. Watch this space, without doubt he will add spice to the front of the race.

Stuart Air from the UK is starting to get a reputation for himself within the Skyrunning calendar. With little fanfare he turned up at the brutal Ronda dels Cims and placed thirteenth overall, he then followed this up with nineteenth at Ice Trail Tarentaise. He will participate at Matterhorn Ultraks as a guest for Scott Running. At 46km, the race may very well be a little too short and too fast for him, but it will be great to see how he performs.

The men’s field at Ultraks has great depth, Nicolas Pianet, Dai Matsumoto and representation from Russian Skyrunning, Diedre-Matxacuca, Euskal Herriko Mendi Lasterkarien Selekzioa and the FEEC will mean that an iconic and fast race awaits us.

Ladies

Emelie Forsberg, how can you bet against her? Her rise in the sport is meteoric and after winning at San Francisco in late 2012, Emelie has rarely been off the top of the podium. Her 2013 result sheet is incredible and like Kilian, she is becoming a dominant leader in the sport. Her recent results and performance ability at any distance from VK to Ultra puts her way ahead of the competition at Ultraks. I honestly don’t see anyone coming close, particularly if Emelie decides to push.

Silvia Serafini does offer a glimmer of hope at the front of the race and like Emelie, Silvia has also had a speedy rise in the sport. Just recently everything has started to click. A podium place at Dolomites Skyrace and while Emelie was dominating Trans D’Havet; Silvia topped the podium at Giir di Mont. For sure, Silvia will be Emelie’s biggest rival at Ultraks.

Anna Lupton had a troubled performance at Zegama and then found some consistency at Mont Blanc Marathon. She has recently raced in Poland and will be coming to the Matterhorn with several weeks’ recovery and training, so, she may well perform as she would expect and add some pressure to the front of the race.

Ragna Debats, Aitziber Ibarbia Beloki, Anna Comet Pascua, Paloma Lobera Grau and Eugenia Miro Figueras all have the potential to make the podium and it will be interesting to see who has the strength on the day to push the outright favorites to the line.

LINKS:

Skyrunning HERE

Race start list HERE

Matterhorn Ultraks website HERE

Race start 0700 am 24^th August 2013.

Follow on Facebook, Twitter and on iancorless.com
Images and photography HERE

Legends! what if… Ann Trason

Posted on August 6, 2013 by talkultra

I posted today on my Talk Ultra Facebook page, ‘Question? Who is excited to see how Scott Jurek does at Leadville 100 on the 17th August… I am for sure!’

Now, Scott is a legend of the sport, but for a while now he hasn’t raced in anger… to be honest, he has hardly raced! He has paced Anton Krupicka at Leadville and most recently he paced Seb Chaigneau at Hardrock 100, but, Scott has not toed a line for himself for some time. Probably the 24-hour was his last big race when he set an American record?

Now of course, he may be just turning up at Leadville to run for fun. I am sure all will become clear… to be honest, I am not too concerned. First or last, I for one am just going to be really happy to see him out on the trails.

With that in mind, I was thinking, who else would I love to see back in the mountains, back on the single track mixing it up with everyone else?

I laughed a little.

Of course, I would love to see Ann Trason back in a race again.

Then I thought to myself, my good buddy, Marcus Warner over at Ultra168 told me how Ann was pacing at Western States this year. In actual fact, Marcus spoke with her and ran with her. So, never say never!

Ping!

My email alerts me…

The contents are simple. Just a link. A link that says, click HERE

Now I know who this email is from, so my concerns about it being a problematic email are eased, however, I do wonder, is it a joke? If I click ‘here’ what will happen?

I press.

It’s a list of runners.

At the top it says, ‘2013 IMTUF 100 – Idaho Mountain Trail Ultra Festival – Registered Entrants’

I look down.

BINGO! all becomes clear.

RANK it says 99.5%

AGE RANK it says, 100%,

RESULTS it says, 51,

TARGET it says, 34:24:53,

F53 and the name…

ANN TRASON, Kensington, CA

Now, lets get one think clear. Ann Trason has been away from our sport for a long time. To see her name on a start sheet means just one thing.

She is back running.

For me, that is enough… I won’t discuss what can she do, why, what if or maybe.

All I want to say is, welcome back Ann.

This list below says it all.

LEGEND!

51 races, 49 wins.

Idaho Mountain Trail Ultra Festival website HERE

Ann Trason on Ultra Signup HERE

Trail running for me is?

Posted on August 5, 2013 by talkultra

“TRAIL RUNNING, FOR ME, IS NOT ABOUT RUNNING.”

Kilian Jornet very kindly signed a copy of his photo book, “TRAIL RUNNING, FOR ME, IS NOT ABOUT RUNNING.” I realised that this would be something that many listeners to Talk Ultra and followers of my website would like, so, with that in mind, I asked the question, “What is trail running?”

The winner will be selected and the signed book by Kilian Jornet will be posted to you. This is the last chance to add to this list. The winner will be announced on Friday August 9th.

Here are the responses:

Michael Roberts Trail running is living and everything else is just waiting.
    Kevin McFaul Trail Running is peacefully, a way to escape the every day.
    Bazimus Dunn Infinite horizons and broken limitations.
    John Gaivin Trail running for me is a release…a time to just let go and zip through the trees and rocks and fell without a worry in the world!
    La cave à Jaife Trail running is my way to discover the beauty of nature!
    Benj Lance Trail running is freedom and pure bliss. Trail running is hard lessons and suffering that makes the rest of life seem much easier. Trail running is exploring the world and tapping into your primal self to move quickly through the mountains and woods. Trail running is an attitude and a lifestyle.
Kevin O’Rourke Trail running for me is about kissing goodbye to asphalt and saying hello to nature .
    Andrew Morley Trail running is getting away from burks in cars!
    Christopher Wiley Trail running for me is the opportunity to experience God’s creation and have an adventure!
    Sarah Lo trail running is breathing .
    Iain Wallace Trail running is moving through nature, swiftly, lovingly, and peacefully.
    Torsten Stuart Norgate Trail running is using your physical body, your strength, your sweat, your ability to push yourself, to take your spirit into new landscapes and adventures.
    Henrik Modin It’s my escape from health-issues and work-related stress. A valve through which I can release tension. A way to get closer to nature. And my legs look great!
Robert Nelson for me it’s all about the fun of jumping in muddy puddles.
    Franz Dill A reconnection to true origins, primordial places, to distill to basics, and appreciate the simplicities in life.
    David Monge Garcia Lol Simon Edwards, funnily enough we see trail running as opposites (forgetting / finding.
    Nate Blouin it’s about seeing what I’m made out of physically and mentally. It started as a way to see more of the mountains I’m used to skiing and has become so much more.
    Simon Dick Trail running is nuts, bonkers, and crazy. So I stick to pub-crawls…
    Steven Stainthorpe Trail running has become my new adventure!
    Marco Balsarini Trail running for me is a way to experience nature in total freedom!!!
Santiago Fernandez Indefinable  Like · Reply · July 23 at 7:44pm via mobile
 Chris Valenti 1. To do what should not be possible, to be free, to explore an unknown, forbidden place. It is about using one’s physical body to transcend its own existence. The first thing that happens as you deplete yourself is that you find you have another self in there, trying to control you. Then, as you further your relationship with your dual self, and if you are lucky, you transcend both selves and become a…fleetingly…another consciousness.
    Nicola’s Holy Trail running is nowhere, with everybody .
    Graeme Waterworth Peace.
    Shannon Koch Simplicity .
    Charlie Hunsberger Trail running is my commune with nature, the very necessary nourishment my soul demands to remain sane.
Sabrina Moscatelli Trail running brings me back to the origin of human move on earth .
    Adam Briggs Trail running to me is about finding myself, testing my limits, and hopefully making my heart donor proud, as I thank him on every run.
    Cait Morgan It is my release, my liberation .
    Dan Ripple For me, the trails are simply an analogy for life. Along those paths, whether it be high in the mountains of Chamonix or at the start of Badwater, I, along with others, come to find and connect with ourselves, with others, and with life itself. I can either be in a race with 2000 other runners or be completely alone in the mountains; I am, with each step, with each breath, and with each heartbeat, humbled and forever grateful to be given such an opportunity.
Darren Hutchings Friends for life .
    David Eastham Trail running is a means to stay in touch with Mother Nature and help me remember what’s important .
    Transvulcania, isla De La Palma Uff…difficult to say and to answer…. It’s everything for us!
    Mikey Pm Trails are my temple and running is my religion together I’m practicing my religion in my temple as much as possible.
    Jordi Nunez Freedom. Disconnection.
    Tony Branam For me, trail running is The Way – If you are in The Way, you are of The Way and not in the way but are one with The Way. If you are not of The Way, you are in the way, and must be moved out of the way and toward The Way. We who are in The Way know The Way and follow therein. Those in the way know not The Way and must be shown The Way lest they remain in the way. Some seek The Way and need guidance. Some seek The Way and need no help to find their own way to The Way. Some seek not The Way and need guidance to see their need lest they remain in the way. We of The Way must seek our way to guide those poor wayward souls not in The Way to The Way so that they may become one with The Way the way we of The Way are now.
Kate Newman Freedom, peace, breathing.
    Marlon Voorn Trailrunning is for my freedom and are one with the nature!!!
    Pablo Aznar It’s a place without time where you can meet yourself. At the same time that you enjoy all around and get worried on the basics: breathing, eating, and drinking.
    Ronan Hickey It’s about leaving the crowds behind. We all start in the same place, but trail runners reach heights no one else can.
    Gavin Markey Trail time is dreamtime. Everything that a dream can hold is within reach while on the trail/mountain.
    Amanda Hyatt Trail running is the runner’s mirage; always calling, forever a little further away; filled with dreams and possibilities and maybe, just maybe, if you take just one more step, there’s a runner’s oasis on the other side.
    Jp Syverud Trail running is my religion. There is no place I feel more alive and happy as when I am outdoors exploring nature and running. Most people go to church on Sunday mornings. I hit the trail.
Emanuel Simoes trail running is a way out of myself, a way to forget the world’s problems and merging with Mother Nature. I feel as small as an ant when I run in the mountain, and that feels so good.
    Daniel Henderson Trail running is about the adrenaline fuelled terrifying descents.
    John Eden Getting away from point A.
    Ewa Crazychick it’s a desire. With you every minute.
    Eje Carlos Navarro Trail running is another way to stay in the mountains…
    Phil Beeston Trail running is an escape. An escape from the urban jungle and cluttered life that man has created that takes us back to the ‘real world’. A world where we can take a moment to breathe, to see, and where our soul is stripped bare.
    Antonio Moreno Trail running is going back to the roots, to a time when being fast on your feet meant the difference between life and death, between progress and decay. If we are here today it’s only because our ancestors ran… in nature. It’s only natural that we crave to follow in their footsteps!
Reece Ingram Trail running is about being at one with yourself & nature!
    John Bryant Trail running is always a “get to know you” session with myself. I rediscover who I am, gain perspectives that probably wouldn’t be gained anywhere else, and simplify my life to it’s barest essentials. It allows me to strip away the fluff of the world and emerge free and satisfied, yet yearning for more.
    Claire Akin-smith Being out on the trail: Space to think, feel & move at the same time.
    Shirley Treasure Trail running clears my mind; quality time on some single track makes me ready to take on the FWY’s of life.
    Bernhard Rohrbacher Trail running is about freedom. Yes, you can follow a trail but the beauty is making a trail of your own.
    Keith Crook Trail running is the air I breathe .
    Pablo Cascante Barahona Trail running is the beginning of the rest of my life…
Craig Calderwood Trail running is pain, sweating, sore quads; lost toenails, skin knees, blisters and chafing. Fun though.
    Gabriel Drilea Trail running gives you the opportunity to be with yourself away from the life low-level distractions. It brings you closer to God and humanity.
    Mark Johnston a good reason to exist!
    Kerstin Grupinski Trail running is the heart of my life.
    Rute Roque It’s being one with the earth accepting the final union .
    Dewayne Tim Stephens To Trail Run = To Be.
    Lior Sion Trail running for me is freedom in a busy world .
    Amanda Hyatt Trail running … Comfort food for the sole(s)
    Justin Rea Road running exercises the body. Trail running exercises mind and body
Mark McGinn It’s about the five foot of trail ahead of you and constantly scanning it to decide where your foot will land in 3 steps time. Until you lift your head and discover you 15 miles from where you started. People who admire the views when trail running have too much free time on their hands!!
    Paul Hart Trail running is simply escaping from the man made and trying to reconnect with nature and our inner-selves .
    Tammy Clauser Wuerth I wrote this several years ago… When I run the trails. I feel alive. I feel and believe I can conquer anything life throws at me… I am a free spirit who can soar to the highest mountains… endure distances unlike any other, and I can just “be” me…. w/o judgment, as I just flow and go deep into my soul… and, run… run. And run… through it all… conquer my deepest fears. And, just be…. and that my friends… is a beautiful thing…. to have found in this lifetime…. ahh. Yes. The “essence of trail running”
    Simon Edwards Trail running is finding myself among the chaos, and learning to like what I find .
    David Monge Garcia Trail running is forgetting myself.
Amanda Crozier Trail running for me is my peace, my link with nature.
    Albert Franklin Miller Jr Trail running, pure bliss powered by “PRE”!
    Nico Meunier Trail running is feeling like a superhero.
    Larry Lobb Trail running is my silence. When I get to check my thoughts at the trailhead and just exist. It allows me to lose myself, settle myself, and find myself. A return to innocence. Trail running is my moment of Zen.
    Sanja Jugovic Burns One of the greatest ironies. An insane sanity…
    Amanda Shumway Grimes for me trail running allows my soul to grow.
    Miriam Riba Rossy It’s about being ourselves. It’s the way of mountain lovers. Trail Running are all days of our lives when rain, snow, thunder and lightning get together to test us, to feel what we love with our soul and what we are. What I am. It’s a beginning of my new life. Regards Catalonia, Miriam Riba-14 years old
Radu Milea Trail running for me is a way of life!
    Mike Saporito Trail running for me is a return to the basics of what life should be about – nature, simplicity – one with the world. It is at the same time very physical and very mental – it exhausts me and it rejuvenates me.
    Ana Čufer Trail running is a gift, given to few. Every step brings us closer to becoming worthy of it, yet we never quite reach it. The trick is to never stop running.  Like · Reply · 6 · July 23 at 8:11pm
    Eric Ahern Trail running is what I do to work on becoming the best possible version of myself. (All respect to Rich Roll.)
    Katie Simpson Trail running is perfect clarity .
    Thomas Lelu Trail running is enjoy the life in all of its aspect s.
 Suzanne F. Stroeer Trail running is the freedom, the ability to choose. Trail running is running fast to be completely still.
Paul Weir Trail running run for me is the ability to explore nature, to escape the trappings of human beings and become one with nature, the sights and smells and not to see a single sole for miles and hours
    Sabine Heiland Trail running is loosing myself in nature.
    Ben Brindley Trail running is letting go!
    Mark Warner I call it “trail meditation” Tune in, free your mind and the body will follow….
    Mark McGoldrick Felling of been free, & clearing the mind, sense of adventure, meeting new friends & exploring new places .
    Jono Mervis Trail running to me is the ability to leave the day-to-day world behind. It allows me to experience the numinous. To wonder at the incredible world & universe that we call our home. To feel true freedom. To feel the wind on my face and blood flow through my veins. To feel at one with myself, with the world and the people around me. It allows me to experience the joy of movement, the joy of health, the joy of nature and, more than anything before it, the joy of life. Every step, every breath and every meter out on the trails are the best of the day.
Ally Speirs The freedom to go where few can go, the silence at the top, and the peace within .
    Mario Perez Bautista Trail running is all about free your mind and move your soul according with nature .
    Richard Hurdle Trail running for me is about finding new amazing places, sometimes far away, sometimes on your doorstep, always in your soul .
    Ian Campbell Running the way you feel. Taking a familiar route or exploring the options of new trails. I love running the same trails throughout the year, spring, summer, autumn or winter, day or night. They are all different and you experience everything that nature and this earth has to provide and it creates a love of this earth much more so than in the cities on Tarmac.
    Abhishek Sengupta Trail running for me is about searching for those pockets of silence where I can root and grow.
    Chris Schultheiss Trail running fro me is about the community of runners, I love the people!
Martin Pether Trail running is ‘special’, simple as .
    Picos Xtreme Trail running is a lifestyle and a way of live that we love!!
    Emanuel Simoes trail running is a way out of myself, a way to forget the world’s problems and merging with Mother Nature. I feel as small as an ant when I run in the mountain, and that feels so good.
    Michael Roberts if you’re trail running, you’re living and everything else is just waiting.
    Andrew Titus trail running for me is knowing that I am the part of the forest that is breathing.
    David Eastham Trail running for me is about finding my ‘self’…. Who I am.
    Marlon Voorn Trail running is for my…. freedom and are one with the nature!!!
Asmina Piškulić Being I.
    Nicola’s Holy It’s like explore myself everywhere .
    Ellie Mackin Trail running is different things on different days: a chance to escape, a chance to push myself, a chance to meditate, a chance to sweat it out. Trail running is what you need it to be on the day.
    Trailrunning Osttirol trail running isn´t a lifestyle. It´s life!
    Wlodec Da Lukas This is my way.
    Martin Pether Trail running is ‘special’, simple as .
    Picos Xtreme Trail running is a lifestyle and a way of live that we love!!
    Emanuel Simoes trail running is a way out of myself, a way to forget the world’s problems and merging with Mother Nature. I feel as small as an ant when I run in the mountain, and that feels so good.
Alessandro Vigano’ exploring the world!!
    Angie Zee quiet .
    Curt Krieger Hitting the trails each day is like hitting the reboot button and getting that fresh start!
    Jill Buckenham Trail running teaches me to open my mind… to listen… to see… to be patient… to find peace and energy.
    Geoff Smyth Being in the midst of beauty finding my inner self-losing the hectic world around us. If I were fit enough I would stay on the trails day and night.
    Charlie Hunsberger Trail running for me is about re-convening with nature, and nurturing my soul!
    Kristin Jossi Zosel Trail running is about freedom and celebrating life!
    Ron Castillo Finding my peace.
d’Jo Vander Linden Trail running is one of the millions of ways to find sensations you are looking for, find yourself, freedom, escape from stress, break routine, get stronger and fitter…. But most of all, a motivation to live life, there’s always a new track for tomorrow .
    Dave Deason Trail running is about the clean air, the freedom and the feel of a mountaintop as we summit .
    Steven Stainthorpe trail is my way of meeting new people and new runs; it’s my new adventure .
    Chris Tack is about not having to answer questions about what things are about!
    John Dayton Trail running is pushing beyond your comfort zone and testing your limits all while being surrounded by nature. And sometimes she’s a mother.
    David Monge Garcia What about ‘trail running is increasing the flavor of a beer x5’??? Everything smells and tastes of heaven after a trail LR!!!
Rannelle McCoy Trail running is harmony of mind, body and spirit, in the nurturing embrace of Mother Nature.
    Holly Miller It’s my moving meditation.
    Stephan Roos Trail running for me is about freedom and connecting with nature and friends.
    Brian Watson Trail running …feel alive were all signs of man disappear. (Somewhere in the Australian bush).
    Rubén Quesada López Trail running is MOUNTAIN LIVE .
    Tefal Trailrunner T – Trepidation, taking the first steps in to the wilderness – Rejoicing in what Nature can offer us. A – Adventure, going where you want, when you want. I – Inspiration, from all the scenery and experiences you run through. L – Laughing out loud during a fast descent or when on your own in the middle of nowhere.
    Jorge Laustalet Trail running is returning to nature .
    Les Hall Trail running is my ALIVE time.
Richard Lendon Trail running quieting the voice inside
    John Meijberg Trail running is living your life and leave the trails.
    Omar Rodríguez Rodríguez Trail Running brings you freedom when you’re running through the mountains and trees, while you’re breathing fresh air in the morning or in the evening. It doesn’t matter where you do it, always it feels the same. This is because Trail Running is a life way. Everyone can touch the sky, there’s no limit.
    Mayte Pach Trail running for me is a mix of inside peace, mental relax and love the nature.
    Pablo Cascante Barahona For me trail running is the beginning of the rest of my life.
Phillip Gibb Freedom
    Sophia Tam Trail running is a way to know myself and enjoy the moment in the nature.
    Andrew Bowen In a word Therapy! A path to leave the world behind, think clearly and to do more than you ever thought you could.
    Alain Riedacker Exploration of our environment and own limits in peaceful settings .
    Richard Ferron is about getting out of the city for real pleasure, not artificial.
    Joeri Van den Brande being completely free as a person and completely connected to nature as a being.
    Josep M. Vileu Freedom.
Martin Stacy Escape.
Darren Gillman It’s the part of my life that I love, and that keeps me just about sane enough to survive those parts of my life that I have to do.
    Marcelo Jiménez Roqhuett Trail Running is about exploring my life thru that experience, and finding more inspiration around every corner I turn.
 Gemma Carter Trail running is where I experience a deeper sense of myself- its the opportunity to dig down deeper. Under the layers that our superficial life can build around me that cause me stress and worry. It’s where I feel simply most me. Pure. Calm and free…

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Ronda dels Cims 2013 – Trail Magazin, Germany

Posted on August 4, 2013 by talkultra

The latest edition of Trail Magazin is available on line and can be downloaded for just 4€ from HERE

Transcript:

Julien Chorier and Francesca Canepa dominate the 177km 2013 Ronda dels Cims.the second race in the Skyrunning Ultra series.

It was without doubt an incredible and dramatic race in Andorra. Due to late season snow and potential storm risk on Friday night of the race, certain safety measures had to be made and the course was modified to ensure runners safety. It did mean a little less elevation, however, this was compensated for by the race organisers adding additional km’s, making the final distance 177km with a total elevation gain of 12,200m.

An International field lined up in Ordino, Andorra on Friday 21^st June for the 0700 start. The awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon affirmed the International representation present at the race with five different nationalities on the podium.

Described as one of the hardest 100+ mile races in the world, it did not disappoint. Warm sunshine in the early stages of the race where followed with torrential downpours of rain and cooler temperatures as night arrived. However, the weather cleared and as the full moon glowed in the night sky, temperatures dropped. It was a long and cold night for the runners turning many sections of the course into unpredictable slippery sections. A new dawn and a new day, the sun burnt the mist away and temperatures rose revealing blue skies and a perfect day and night in the mountains to welcome runners home.

Frenchman Julien Chorier dominated the race from the front and I have to say, it is possibly one of the most impressive performances I have been fortunate to witness. He looked so calm, relaxed and focused. Kenichi Yamamoto from Japan placed second and along with his impressive entourage of photographers and camermen proved not only his ability to run but also how popular he is with the crowds and supporters. Matt Copper from Australia completed an impressive podium and produced a really solid run. He had been at the front of the race over the initial twenty kilometers and then settled in third, however, a fall into a stream during the night meant extended time at a refuge to warm up, this saw him loose a couple of places and drop to fifth. However, as daylight broke his batteries became recharged and he pushed as hard as he could to gain places and eventually finish third.

For the ladies, Francesca Canepa from Italy dominated after 65km’s and never looked back. She is a specialist in long distance races such as TNF UTMB and Tor des Geants, so, a top performance was expected here; she didn’t disappoint. She did say after the race that it was the hardest race she has ever done!. A late surge by Olga Mankò from the Ukraine elevated her to second on the podium and Emilie Lecomte, from France, after leading the race over the first 35% of the race faded but bravely battled for a hard won final podium place.

Men

1. Julien Chorier (FRA) – Salomon – 28h41’06”

2. Kenichi Yamamoto (JAP) – Houdini) – 31h12’00”

3. Matt Cooper (AUS) – Salomon – 31h24’54

Women

1. Francesca Canepa (ITA) – Montura-Vibrio – 36h18’55”

2. Olga Mankò (UKR) – 38h19’47”

3. Emilie Lecomte (FRA) – Quechua -39h30’14”

Zeagama-Aizkorri 2013 – Trail Magazin, Germany

Posted on August 4, 2013 by talkultra

The latest edition of Trail Magazin is available on line and can be downloaded for just 4€ from HERE

Transcript:

Zegama-Aizkorri

When asked about Zegama, Kilian Jornet replies, ‘It’s Zegama’. In other words, no explanation is needed. The word itself is enough. Zegama-Aizkorri is THE ultimate mountain race.

Located in the heart of the Aizkorri nature reserve, Zegama village is the hub for the Zegama-Aizkorri race. On July 7^th 2002 in conjunction with the Amezti Mountain Society, the Zegama-Aizkorri Alpine marathon was created, its main goal to promote and revitalize the Zegama region in terms of economics, culture and tourism.

The race is now one of the most prestigious alpine marathons in the world. It was the European Mountain Race Championship event in 2008 and is now a key race in the Skyrunning World Series.

At 42.195 kilometers it is a classic Sky marathon. The route has an accumulated height gain of 5472m over the Aratz massif and the Sierra of Aizkorri which includes the four highest peaks in the Basque Autonomous Region; Aratz, Aitzkorri, Akategi and Aitxuri at the highest point of the course at 1551m. Starting in the town of Zegama at 296m runners climb to Otzaurte at 652m. From here, following paths and mountain tracks with stunning natural beauty, participants are confronted with forest; rocky slopes, technical ridges and high grazing pasture land. It’s a tough and technical course. A capped field of 450 must cover the terrain within the eight hour cut off.

The Race

It is the race that many want to do… like London Marathon or an Ironman event; the race has far more demand than places available. The 2013 allocation of 450 participants saw over sixteen countries represented.

After several years of very wet and cold weather, a race day with good conditions could see the long-standing records of 3:54:18 by Rob Jebb in 2005 and 4:38:19 by two-time world champion, Emanuela Brizio set in 2009 challenged.

However, snow and rain in the days before race day ruled out ‘good conditions’ underfoot. As it happened, race day was a glorious, warm and sunny day. Maybe even a little too hot for some. As 450 eager participants departed from the start line, the early morning mist lifted and what lay ahead was a stunning day of mountain racing by the best in the world.

Kilian Jornet and Luis Alberto Hernando had placed one and two respectively at Transvulcania La Palma just two weeks earlier. Emelie Forsberg and Nuria Picas also had the same result on the island of La Palma, would we see a repeat in the Aizkorri nature reserve?

Last minute entrant, Marco De Gasperi dictated the early pace in the men’s race with Kilian Jornet and South African, AJ Calitz close on his heels. Marco, a world champion in his own right had been injured in the build up to Zegama and although he started the race, his long-term plan was always to pull out at halfway.

On the climb to Otzaurte Kilian and Marco had dropped AJ and pushed the pace. Hands on knees, bent double; they pushed from left leg to right leg at a relentless pace while all behind suffered. Pre race favorite, Luis Alberto Hernando running with ‘poles’ was minutes back.

Stevie Kremer from the US (now living in Italy) pushed hard in the early stages of the ladies race. She is the current long course world mountain running champion and although new to Skyrunning, she was not letting this daunt her. Stevie said post race, “I am new to Skyrunning and although I love to climb I was worried by the technical aspects of the descents, in particular the last descent which dropped from 1551m to the finish line. I wanted a time buffer!”

Behind Emelie Forsberg followed patiently. She looked calm, relaxed and focused. A surprise came from Nuria Picas. Nuria had placed second in 2012 at Zegama and was now lying in seventh place minutes behind the front of the race.

US runner, Dave James who is a USATF 100m champion had his first experience of a Sky Marathon, post race said, “The ridgeline I crawled over would make a great place for a trail if they would move some of those jagged rocks out of the way he laughed. Welcome to Skyrunning in Europe; an entirely different “sport” that combines the ascent and descents of the mountain in its purest form! Poles, hands on quads, people descending on their butts, knee-deep mud and power hiking! Was I at a mountain trek or a running event? Or was it a perfect mix of the two? The most historic off road race in the Basque Country, Zegama has it all, and for me is the toughest marathon in the world!”

As Marco dropped from the race, Kilian was left alone. He was running within himself. Enjoying the views, the blue skies, the incredible support.

“I drifted away a little,” said Kilian, “I was enjoying a wonderful day in the mountains and then suddenly I heard deep breathing. As I looked around I saw Luis Alberto Hernando, he had caught up with me along the ridgeline, and he was focused. I suddenly realized I had a race on my hands”.

Kilian was correct. Luis Alberto had the bit between his teeth and he was pushing harder than ever before… he wanted to move up from second and top the podium. If Kilian was going to win this race, he was going to have to earn it. From the final summit at Aitxuri the two dropped some 1300m on technical, twisty, muddy and very slippery terrain. Pushing each other to the limit they would alternate the lead. This race could come down to who makes a mistake!

With just a couple of kilometers to go, trail turned to road and Kilian made his move. He opened a small gap over Luis Alberto and at the line he had a handful of seconds to spare. It was an incredible finish and one that was reflected on the faces of both. Bent double, hands on knees they gulped for air. Each a spent force! They had raced hard and the best man had won

Behind, Tadie Pivk from Italy flew around the final bend, arms outstretched. He had made the podium.

The ladies race also reflected the excitement of the men’s race. Early leader Stevie Kremer was caught and passed by Transvulcania La Palma winner, Emelie Forsberg. Emelie was in her element, she just loves the mountains and you can see it reflected in her smile. Stevie was joined by teammate, Silvia Serafini and the two pursued as fast as they could.

Behind, Nuria Picas was having a stunning race, she moved up from eighth on the first climb to now catch Silvia and Stevie and go past them. As Stevie had predicted it was all going to come down to that final descent! Pushing the pace Silvia twisted an ankle and although not out of the race it hampered her ability to chase.

Emelie ultimately was a comfortable winner of the race. Nuria in the final meters of the finishing straight waved to the crowd and high fived… suddenly Stevie appeared! She had made up time on that final drop from the summit. Had Nuria been facing the wrong way, she may very well have lost second place. Nuria turned and ran for the line. It was close, so close that only three seconds separated Stevie and Nuria in the final results.

Zegama is without doubt a highlight of the mountain running racing calendar. The course and the crowd support are like a stage of the Tour de France. Although weather conditions were perfect for race day, underfoot was less than perfect. Despite this, Kilian missed the course record of 3:54:18 by only twenty seconds. The ladies record of 4:38:19 was very safe with almost 10 minutes to spare.

Race results

Men

1. Kilian Jornet (Salomon Santiveri) – 3h54’38”

2. Luis Alberto Hernando (Adidas) – 3h54’50”

3. Tadei Pivk (Crazy Idea) – 3h58’07”

Women

1. Emelie Forsberg (Salomon) – 4h48’12”

2. Nuria Picas (FEEC) – 4h49’55”

3. Stevie Kremer (Salomon Agisko) – 4h49’58”

Technical details:

DATE: 26th of May, 2013
START AND FINISH: Zegama ( Guipúzcoa ) –09:00 Start.
TOTAL LENGTH: 42.195 km.
CONTROL POINTS: 14
REFRESHMENT POINTS: 13
FLYING SPRINT: Aizkorri ( 22.58 km )
ACCUMULATED HEIGHT GAIN: 5.472 metres
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 1.551m Aitxurri
MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 296m Zegama.
TECHNICAL PERCENTAGE OF COURSE: 70% approx.
CLIMATE: Medium mountain, possibilities of intense heat, strong winds, fog or rain.
TIME LIMIT: 8 Hours
DIFFICULTY: Very high.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 450

Marathon des Sables – Running Fitness

Posted on August 3, 2013 by talkultra

Very pleased to have a four page spread in the September edition of Running Fitness on the Marathon des Sables. Please support the magazine by purchasing a copy in your local store for £2.99 or online at http://www.runningfitnessmag.com

40 Marathons. 40 Days. No legs!

Posted on August 2, 2013 by talkultra

Why would anyone run a marathon a day from John O’Groats to Land’s End? The answer is simple – to prove that any barrier can be overcome. Richard Whitehead is living proof that having a disability shouldn’t stop anyone from achieving your goals. He is a strong believer in living a life without limits, what his life has been about is accepting who you are and making the most of it. Once you’ve done that, you can push the barriers as far as they’ll go.

Winning a Gold medal at the 2012 Paralympics in London was a stepping stone on this mission and the Run is the next stage for Richard. Hopefully he can pass on a message of hope through his dedication to sport and be an inspiration to all.

Richard’s inspiration is a man called Terry Fox. Terry was an amputee and sarcoma cancer sufferer who attempted to run the breadth of Canada before his death at the age of 22. Sadly he never completed his challenge. The idea of a run the length of Britain came from him and has been on Richard’s mind for about five years.

The run starts on August 13th and finishes around September 23rd – by which time Richard will have covered a staggering 977 miles (1572km

GET INVOLVED

Richard’s aim is to raise £1million – So he is going to need your help!

You can fundraise in one of the following ways:

Via a simple donation to myVirgin Moneygiving page
By running with me for a section of the run (5k, 10k or a full marathon)
Participate in the Nottingham 5k Family Fun Run
Or, via a direct donation by cheque, credit card or bank transfer – please download this form for further information
If you would like to collect cash or monies directly from your sponsors, please use the attached sponsorship form.Please download this form for further information.

All this information is taken from Richard’s website – HERE

Stuart Mills – Lakeland 100

Posted on August 2, 2013 by talkultra

By 2013 race winner, Stuart Mills

The MONTANE® Lakeland 100 is widely regarded as the ‘premier’ ultra trail race in the UK. 2013 was the event’s sixth year and the third time that I had run it. On my first attempt in 2010, I managed to win in a time of 24:10:54. When I returned in 2012, although I ran twenty five minutes quicker, finishing in 23:45:48, the standard of UK ultra trail racing during the two year gap had improved significantly and I only managed to finish in fifth place. So coming into this year’s race, although I was satisfied with my preparation and was therefore expecting to race quicker than 2012, what my finish position would be was totally unknown.

#The variety of pacing strategies adopted by ultra trail athletes during a 100 mile race is huge. Some prefer to start slowly, progressively working their way through the field. Others adopt a consistent pace approach and attempt to run steady throughout the entire race. Me? I have a simple pacing approach; “Run as fast as I can, while I can!” I therefore start extremely fast while I am fresh and feeling strong and then simply try to ‘hang on’ and not let too many runners overtake me. This approach was therefore implemented at 6:00pm on Friday 26th July 2013, as the race commenced at Coniston in warm, sunny conditions. Take a look at the data in the image gallery above this report which illustrates the amazingly large variation in pacing strategies adopted by the leading runners.

#Although the race is called the MONTANE® Lakeland 100, it is actually 105 miles in length, split into fifteen legs, where one is able to refuel and rehydrate at the checkpoint at the end of each leg. Even though I was running probably ‘ridiculously’ fast, I arrived at the first checkpoint at Seathwaite in second place around one minute behind the lead runner, Ken Sutor. Following a short stop where within an instant I had consumed a cup of water at the checkpoint, the two of us left together and continued to run extremely fast, especially when taking into account that we still had a little less than one hundred miles to go. We reached the checkpoint at the end of leg two, located at Boot, pretty well together. I again passed through the checkpoint very quickly and continued on to leg three, now running on my own, as Ken spent more time refuelling.

#My fuelling strategy for this race was slightly different to previously. As there is a large range of food available at each checkpoint, previously I had tended to consume probably only one or two gels during the entire race and get the majority of my fuel by eating the checkpoint food. Earlier this year I discovered TORQ Gels. Apparently they have been available for nearly ten years, but tend to be used mainly by mountain bikers or triathletes. They are awesome! So this year, the plan was to take on one gel every 45 minutes. I therefore started the race carrying fourteen gels, which would fuel me to the Dalemain checkpoint, where I would be able to pick up more gels to get me to the end of the race from my drop bag. I also decided that I would be very strict on myself in consuming one gel every forty five minutes. In some of my previous races I perhaps had not taken on board enough fuel, so I didn’t want to make the same mistake again. The evidence from scientific literature suggests that probably one gel every 20 – 30 minutes is ideal for endurance performance, but the research is not carried out on 100 mile running events, where “the normal limits do not apply”! So I decided every 45 minutes should be plenty.

#During the next two legs, as I ran through Wasdale Head, then over the two tough climbs of Black Sail Pass and Scarth Gap, the surrounding scenery was unbelievable, with a sunset creating amazing colours to light up the landscape. As I approached checkpoint four at Buttermere, I had no idea how far ahead of the other 273 runners I was. Whilst I am racing I try to focus on what I am doing and try to ignore what others are doing. I can’t control their pace, so I try not to pay my competition much attention. I run hard and fast in order to get to the finish line as quickly as possible, therefore let my actual finish position ‘look after itself’!

#I started leg five (over Sail Pass to Braithwaite) and although night had fallen, it wasn’t actually that dark. There was an amazingly bright moon within a clear night sky. On occasions the headtorches of the chasing runners behind me attracted my attention and reminded me that I was in a highly competitive ultra trail race. However, I reminded myself to focus on the present moment, not to worry about what other runners were doing, to enjoy the amazing journey that I was on and appreciate just how fortunate I was that I was fit and healthy enough to experience this truly amazing challenge that I was part way through. The night time just seemed to ‘fly past’ and it became daylight as I reach checkpoint eight located at Dalemain, having completed 59 miles since leaving Coniston.

At each checkpoint, in addition to taking on food and drink, one also has to ‘dib’ into an electronic timing box. This information is then automatically loaded onto the race website, enabling all my family and friends to track my progress from anywhere in the world, including my brother tracking my progress in New Zealand.

Having dibbed 1st at seven consecutive checkpoints, I reflected on how my family and friends would be reacting to my good progress and found myself getting excited about the prospect of holding onto my lead for the remaining 46 miles and getting back to Coniston to record the win! At that point it was nine hours since I had seen another runner, way back at checkpoint two, however at the last two checkpoints I was informed of the time gaps to the following runners – 14 minutes at the end of leg six, but only 10 minutes at the end of leg seven. I found myself wondering what may happen during the upcoming legs; would they catch me? When might they catch me? Would I be able to keep in contact with them? Etc. Fortunately, I managed to snap myself out of this potential performance inhibiting thought process and reminded myself to take one leg at a time and most of all just enjoy every moment, during that moment!

#As I completed legs nine and 10, that took me first to Howtown and then over High Kop (the highest point of the route at 670m) and onward to Mardale Head, the heat from the sun on another glorious day was making its presence known. It was getting pretty hot! Having lived in Britain for over twenty years since emigrating from New Zealand, the one thing I have learnt to deal with is the contrasting British weather, often being colder than one would like. So at that point, with the British weather finally coming right for a decent summer, the last thing I was going to do was to complain about it. As the sun seemed to get brighter and more powerful, making me feel hotter, I was absolutely loving it. “Yes, give me heat! Yes, give me more!” I was chanting out loud, knowing that other runners may be reacting less positively to this beautiful hot summer’s day.

From Mardale Head, there were still five legs to complete totalling 29.4 miles, however, there was an overarching feeling that one is now on the ‘home straight’, not that the route is flat. No, there were plenty of tough climbs to get over including Gatesgarth Pass on leg 11 and then Garburn Pass on leg 12, before reaching checkpoint 12 at Ambleside.

#Whether it was the effects of the heat, or the tough climbs, or the technically challenging underfoot conditions of loose boulders/gravel, or simply that I had run non-stop overnight for over 18 hours (I don’t really know), getting through legs 11 and 12 had been pretty challenging. So when I was told at Ambleside that I was being chased down, not just by Ed Batty, who had been in 2nd place at around 10 – 20 minutes for the previous 15 hours, but also by two other runners, Charlie Sharpe and Richie Cunningham, who are known for adopting the ‘start slow / burst through the field and finish strong’ strategy, I wasn’t really surprised. But the key issue was, how was I going to respond to being hunted down?

I’ve highlighted that I attempted to focus on myself and disregard my competitors. But by now, having been in the lead for now nearly 18 hours, the thought of winning was getting strong – the desire to win, the anticipated satisfaction of crossing the finish line first… The thought of losing the lead at this late stage, as at Ambleside there was only 15.6 miles to go, would be ‘heart breaking’, it would be devastating, it wouldn’t be fair! Was I going to simply let it happen? No! I decided that if they were going to beat me, they were going to have to work extremely hard. So I started on leg 13 with a really determined mind-set, which resulted in a substantial increase in my running pace.

#The section of the route during leg 13 that travels through Elterwater to Chapel Stile is simply ‘picture postcard’. Therefore whilst maintaining my determination, I also had to remind myself continually to ‘take it all in’, enjoy this amazing moment, during this present moment. Although I was working really hard and finding it pretty ‘tough’, this section of the race was probably the most enjoyable, the most satisfying. I was extremely pleased with myself and the way that I had responded to the news of being chased down at Ambleside. I was also happy with the substantial increase in my running speed since Ambleside. Although ‘suffering’ I was really ‘buzzing’!

As I reached checkpoint 13 I interrogated one of the volunteers – what was my time gap now? How far behind were they? How much time had they gained during the last leg? He informed me that the gap had been further reduced! I couldn’t believe it. How could that be? I had been running really well for the last five miles, but they had still gained time on me.

As you may have gathered, with it now being nearly 20 hours since the race had started, my mind wasn’t functioning correctly. The time gap the volunteer was referring to was the time gap change from checkpoint 11 to checkpoint 12. Not leg 13 that I had just run strongly over. I didn’t really take this on board, so I panicked even more. Right, let’s now give it everything. I just can’t get overtaken now! Some supporting runners who I knew were doing their best to try to calm me down, but I wasn’t really listening to them. I took off on the penultimate leg knowing that even more effort was required!

#In what seemed like barely a few minutes, but was in fact one hour and thirty minutes, I reached the final checkpoint at Tilberthwaite. Although the leg had been tough, it also had been extremely satisfying. I had run well. In fact comparing this leg time to my leg 14 times from my two races in 2010 and 2012, I had run it 25 and 24 minutes quicker respectively!

The last leg involved one final tough climb before dropping down to the finish at Coniston. I worked hard up the steep incline and then as I reached the summit I asked two runners who were watching to have a good look back along the track to see if they could view those runners that had been ‘haunting’ me, chasing me down for the last few hours. They were nowhere to be seen! The watching runner wanted to shake my hand to congratulate me, as I crested the summit. I refused as I hadn’t yet won the race, but at that moment in time I knew I would win the MONTANE® Lakeland 100 for the 2nd time. This realisation drained all of my focus. All of my energy immediately vanished. I therefore absolutely struggled on the steep descent, struggled along the gravel road and then struggled even more along the final half mile of smooth road as I ran through Coniston to reach the finish line.

I crossed the finish line having completed the most amazing clockwise journey of the Lake District in 22:17:50. Nearly one and a half hours quicker than my 2012 finish time. There was a large crowd cheering me which I tried to take on board, but not only is the body pretty shattered, the mind is also not fully functioning. However, over the next hour or so, I gradually recovered and enjoyed welcoming and chatting to the other runners as they finished their equally challenging but amazing journey of the Lake District.

Although the time gap had only been 13 minutes at my ‘panic attack’ at checkpoint 13 at Chapel Stile, the huge increase in focus, effort, intensity I put in following this point resulted in the gap increasing to 45 minutes at the finish line, with Charlie Sharpe finishing 2nd (23:02:45), having managed to overtake long time 2nd place holder Ed Batty during the final leg, for Ed to finish 3rd in 23:07:40. The wait for the 1st women to finish wasn’t long, with Lizzie Wraith winning in the time of 24:15:06, finishing in 8th place overall; an outstanding performance.

Over the next 16 hours there was a continuous stream of weary runners crossing the finish line. As the 40hour cut-off time passes, the final two competitors to complete the 105 miles, Steve Harvey and Paul Brown, cross the finish line in the time of 40:21:58 in 123rd and 124th place.

Out of the 274 runners that had taken on the challenge of the 105 mile journey of the Lake District, 150 of them were unable to successfully complete it. There are many reasons for such a high non-completion, which equates to a 55% drop-out rate, however, no matter what the end result, every runner that stepped up to the start line to take on the amazingly demanding challenge of the MONTANE® Lakeland 100 is in essence a winner. Some may be disappointed with their performance; however I would imagine most, like myself, are feeling a real sense of pride at having really challenged and extended themselves. Each runner will have their own individual story, but if their story is anything like mine, the end result is that they are a stronger and richer person.

Thanks to absolutely everyone that was involved in making the MONTANE® Lakeland 100 the most fantastic successful event one could ever do. Thanks to everyone that helped me on my journey in both the preparation for and the accomplishment of it. Your support is really, really appreciated, and I know one thing for sure, I would not have been able to achieve such a successful performance without this support. A huge thank you.

Original post on – Montane Website HERE

All photography copyright iancorless.com

In the High Country – Wolpert/Krupicka

Posted on August 2, 2013 by talkultra

In the High Country is an impressionistic mountain running film: a visual essay about a life in the mountains. It looks at running from a new perspective, both visually and in the style of running. This kind of movement blurs the lines between running and climbing, between human and mountain.

One way to learn our place in the world is through millions of accumulated steps: on gravel roads, glacial creeks, and over high mountain summits. Each stride imprints the terrain more deeply in the mind. The importance of any specific event falls away in the face of an ever-building accumulation of understanding.

In the High Country is the result of a year-long collaboration between filmmaker Joel Wolpert and mountain-runner Anton Krupicka. The film follows Krupicka’s evolution in running from his roots in Niobrara, Nebraska, to the Roost, his pickup truck home, and the miles in between; from itinerant shenanagins to speed soloing on the Flatirons

The film is available for download for $15.00 from HERE