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

The North Face announce team for UTMB

Posted on August 2, 2013 by talkultra

The North Face have announced the team line up for the 2013 UTMB and what a line up…

Seb Chaigneau fresh from an impressive Hardrock 100 win will be gunning for the top the podium in Chamonix.

The queen of UTMB, Lizzy Hawker is currently recovering from injury, fingers crossed she will toe the line.

Jez Bragg certainly will provide great interest at the event this year. A previous winner of the shortened version he has always struggled to repeat his form. However, after solving some diet issues and conquering the Te Araroa in New Zealand, I think we will see a new Jez ready to do battle of the circular route of Mont Blanc.

Fernanda Maciel also has had some injury issues but she would appear to be well on her way to recovery.

Rory Bosio has consistently performed well at both Western States and UTMB, she will be looking for a repeat performance.

Zigor Iturrieta has already had a busy 2013 and once again he will line up to battle against a race he conquered in 2010 with a third place on the podium.

Mike Wolfe has had some time away from the sport but is back. He has recently had a top placing at Lavaredo Trail and it will be great to see Mike back in Europe.

Mike Foote made the podium in 2012 over a shortened race distance, he will certainly be hoping to move up at least one place higher this year.

Timothy Olson has had two seriously impressive years, a Western States course record in 2012 and then a back-to-back victory in 2013. This will be his first time racing in Chamonix and without doubt he will be gunning for the top slot!

Helen Cospolich, Jason Loutitt complete the TNF North American line up and then we look at Japan. Tsuyoshi Kaburaki heads the TNF line up and can never be ruled out for a great performance at this iconic race. He will be followed by Hiroaki Matsunag and Minehiro Yokoyama.

Finally, The North Face will complete the team with runners from China and Brazil. Yun Yanqiao, Xing Ruling and Stone Tsang for TNF China and Manu Vilaseca, Ligia Madrigal (Costa Rica) and finally Felipe Guardia(Costa Rica).

Ligia Madrigal in Costa Rica

Without doubt, the 2013 TNF UTMB is going to be an exciting race. The TNF line up along with strong competition from the likes of Julien Chorier, Anton Krupicka and Dakota Jones it does mean that we can expect fireworks in the mens race.

UTMB_TNF Athletes_2013

Kilian Jornet – An Interview

Posted on August 1, 2013 by talkultra

As another day draws to an end and the sun creeps behind the mountains, I catch up with Kilian Jornet outside his hotel on the outskirts of Canazei in the Dolomites. Looking fresh and relaxed he is on his iPhone, no doubt tweeting and replying to many of the messages he will have received congratulating him on another stunning win in the ISF Skyrunning Dolomites Skyrace. Just forty-eight hours earlier he had also won the Dolomites Vertical Kilometer.

Kilian needs no introduction. He is without doubt the leading example of everything that is great about our sport, not only on the trails, but also off them. He is the superstar of the sport. Always in the limelight, always in demand, I have been fortunate to see both sides in close quarters for some time now. It’s not just racing! Kilian has so many demands placed upon him, that it is miraculous that he can perform at the consistently high level that he does.

After our chat he must prepare for a long drive to Switzerland the following day for a four-hour meeting. Returning the same day to Canazei he will then leave for Verona, attend a meeting and then depart for the ISF Skyrunning Trans D’Havet ultra, he will attend three stores to do signings, photos and maybe go for a run. It is a hectic, full on, non-stop life. Despite all this, despite all the pressures placed upon him, I have never witnessed him say no to a photograph or an autograph. His dedication to the sport, his fans and al those around him is remarkable, so, when I ask to take up some of his valuable time for a chat it is always with a sense of guilt… I, just like you, want to hear what he has to say; I want his thoughts and his input. But at the same time, I also want to leave him, let him relax and just find some downtime away from the buzz that his ability as a runner attracts.

So, when I chat, although I would love that full hour with him so that I can go deep, ask about his life, talk through his progression I don’t. I set myself a fifteen-minute deadline, conscious of the fact that when I ask in the future, I hope, Kilian will always say yes!

Racing at the Dolomites Skyrace just hours before he had a close race; just three seconds…. Not many people can push Kilian to the line like that!

IC – Another great win Kilian and this time you had a real battle on your hands with your old adversary, Marco De Gasperi. You won by just three seconds, an incredible race!

KJ – Yes, a hard and incredible race. It’s always great to race Marco and today was very hard. During the race it’s hard and then it is beautiful afterwards. This is how we like it.

IC- Many people think that when they see a start list with your name on it, that you are automatically going to win. However, when we see Marco’s name, it’s great because we know he will push you along… Luis Alberto Hernando can do this too. Do you relish the opportunity to race these people so that you are pushed?

KJ – I think people think I am going to win but in my mind it is not like that. When I see Marco or Luis is in a race I think, this is going to be super hard. For sure, it is motivating. I relish competition. For the last three weeks I have done many races, for example the VK I have just done and the Skyrace when competition is tough that is what I like. I knew here at the Skyrace it would be tough against Marco. He likes short distances and I knew that he would go hard from the start. I needed to push myself. It may be easy from the outside to look in and think I am going to win but it is much harder than this.

IC – I agree, we all know your ability. Your skill in the mountains and your skill as a runner are without question. It is unfair to assume that you can race Ice Trail, the VK, The Skyrace and then go to Trans D’Havet and for us all to assume that you will win… when you approach a race like the Dolomites Skyrace and particularly this year with lots of snow, you must think that plays to your advantages, is that correct?

KJ – I know this race. I know the route quite well. I have raced here twice before. The snow wasn’t great for racing this year. It was soft, so not ideal to race fast. The snow wasn’t an advantage this year, however, it was more of an advantage to know the route. When I started with Marco I pushed on the uphill, at the top I had 20 seconds so I thought, we will do the downhill together. The downhill you need the correct line, so it was important to get the best line and if you are in front or if you have someone in front it is easy to follow, so, it would have been impossible to drop Marco. I was sure we would finish together. For me, I thought Marco would be stronger uphill. I thought he would start fast. But when I was with him uphill, I knew it would be a race to the line.

IC – Now Emelie Forsberg keeps tweeting about sprint sessions and interval work. The last time I spoke to her, she told me that she was going to make you do some speed work! After that VK finish when you sprinted from third place to take the win and then in the Skyrace finish you won by three seconds, does that mean you are not telling us something?

(Laughs)

KJ – I am improving in my sprint for sure. I am not a sprinter, in SkiMo I am a bad sprinter, but yes, I always have a little speed for the last meters. It is something I never train so I need to work on this, it’s good for me to train and work on this. Sometimes when you follow someone it’s better… last week we tried to catch Chamois, it was impossible but good for sprint training.

IC – Well it has worked! I mentioned the VK. The VK here is a tough course, very steep. I actually went up myself, boy it was tough and steep. Watching you three race up, I am guessing you placed yourself in third so that you could surprise the others. Did you have a race plan to use this tactic?

KJ – It’s a very particular VK, I have raced here three times before and I never felt good. So I was a little afraid, not afraid, I mean not confident. For all three races, (VK, Sky and Ultra) the VK is the race I was less confident about. It is a specialist race and it suited runners like Urban Zemmer. I was thinking before the start that I needed to relax and then when I saw that I was in good shape I tried to follow Urban, he is the best at this discipline. I was following and in the steep parts he was super strong, it was really difficult to be in touch with him. When it was less steep I could run and I felt better. It was okay. I needed to make sure I didn’t loose time or contact. When I saw the finish, I thought it was perfect for the sprint.

IC – It was an impressive sprint. I watched a clip on YouTube, you put your poles together, you went down the outside and then that final 50m is a wall. You have to grit your teeth and get up as quick as possible. Now one thing that many were interested in, is the fact that you used poles. Not something that you use a lot, the VK here is so steep that it would be foolish not to use them. What advantages do they bring?

KJ- I don’t use poles often for running but in SkiMo I use them everyday! I am extremely used to them. For years I used them everyday for 6-7 months. It is a particular exercise that you need to work on. On a VK like this it is like having four legs because you have the arms and upper body and you can really push. So when it is really steep it makes a big difference.

IC – Canazei is over and in 5-6 days you will race at Trans D’Havet*, it is the third event in the European Skyrunning Championships, you will be up against Luis Alberto Hernando, he will be arriving at that race fresh. You have lots of racing in your body, how do you think this race will be go?

KJ – It will be a great fight, I haven’t seen the list of other racers but I am sure it will be quality. I am in good shape. I am strong. Mont Blanc Marathon a few weeks ago was a fast race, Ice Trail Tarentaise was like a long training session and then the two races here makes it hard but I am good. I hope I can keep this shape for one week and then I will rest. Yes, it will be hard, Luis is strong this season and of course he hasn’t raced recently, he is focused on Trans D’Havet it is going to be hard but the hardest part of the race is the 0100am start… that is horrible.

(Laughter)

*Kilian and Luis Alberto raced head-to-head at Trans D’Havet and both crossed the line together in what will be seen as a defining moment of the sport, read my race report HERE

IC – You flippantly talk about races such as Mont Blanc and Ice Trail. Particularly Ice Trail, you said it was easy but everybody else thought it was super tough… you are here now for the VK and Sky but you have missed your Chamonix-Mont Blanc-Chamonix record… super impressive! A fantastic achievement, many look and find it difficult to comprehend how someone under human power can do something like this. What is it in the Summits project that has illuminated the fire within you to push to new depths?

KJ – Summits it is about pushing in the mountains. It is about being light. It is more than records, a record is nice but it is about being light and moving fast. How light can I be in the mountains? If you are light you need to be fast to be safe. Mont Blanc took a lot of time. We had too much snow early season, I attempted ‘CMBC’ after Mont Blanc Marathon but it wasn’t the correct time. The snow wasn’t correct. The week before my attempt I was in the mountains everyday to form an opinion on when was the best time and when the best day would be. It was all about timing. It is not like a race. Here you need to be in the mountains, to understand. Every mountain is different; you need to understand how it works how it breathes. I had perfect conditions for my attempt and the perfect day. I was with Mateo Jacquemoud for all the uphill and most of the downhill so it was just pushing, pushing each other. (Note – Mateo fell on the downhill and insisted that Kilian carry on)

IC – You mentioned a couple of great points. The one I concentrate on most is the need of understanding the mountain. It is very easy for people to follow Talk Ultra, websites or blogs and look at what you do and think, Chamonix-Mont Blanc-Chamonix, I can do that! But it is a real risk, a real understanding of the mountain is required, you make it look easy, I know that it is not. Do you feel you have a responsibility to those who follow you?

KJ – I saw Alex Honnold do soloing in Yosemite, I saw Ueli Steck doing the north face of the Eiger, and it is not because of this that I would do an attempt. It is inspiring but it is important not to follow. We can all have our goals, our own summits, but of course when we do these things, we have a responsibility. Chamonix is accessible, many people climb every year, and I am not dangerous but every year people die. That is because of rock falls, avalanches etc… you need to know the mountain, you need to know yourself and you need to know your limits. We take risks when we go, of course, but we accept those risks based on our ability.

IC – It is about your personal summits and about you understanding what risks you can take, about how light, how fast you can go?

KJ – Yes, it is about knowing each persons capacity and knowing the conditions, the mountain conditions change daily. Maybe one day you have the capacity and conditions but the next day it changes. I know people who climb a mountain and then they say it was easy… It is not like that! Today they climbed but another day maybe more wet, cold, snowing and everything changes; it is no longer the same mountain. Nobody is stronger than the mountain. You need to understand that, you need to take time, spend time in the mountains and understand them.

IC – The Matterhorn will be your next summit?

KJ – After Trans D’Havet I will take a break. I plan to stay more than one month without a race to recover and then prepare for the Matterhorn. It is a technical mountain. Bruno Brunod has a record of 3:14. It is a technical route that is not difficult BUT if I fall, I will die! I need to know the route very well, I need to spend time on the mountain, and I need to learn every step.

IC – And the process? Will it be going on the mountain everyday, working routes and understanding how the mountain adapts to the weather?

KJ – Yes I will be in Cervinia (Italian side of the Matterhorn) with my van and I will stay for at least a month. I know many guides in the area and I also know that it has too much snow at the moment but during this time I will go up and down, up and down etc… I need to know everything. I think Bruno climbed thirty times before the record attempt; so, I need to go up 10-15 times at least.

IC – And your attempt, will that come before or after the ISF Skyrunning Matterhorn Ultraks?

KJ – It depends on the weather? I planned Mont Blanc for May but snow made it impossible… I actually did it in June! I have planned the Matterhorn for late August or early September, however, the mountain will decide.

Image taken by Kilian Jornet, Friday Aug 2nd w/ Emelie Forsberg at the summit of the Matterhorn copyright: Kilian Jornet

IC – Kilian, thank you so much for your time. I wish you all the very best for the coming months.

KJ – Thank you so much Ian, see you at the Matterhorn!

You can listen to this interview on Episode 40 of TALK ULTRA – HERE

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LINKS:

Dolomites Vertical Kilometer HERE
Dolomites Vertical Kilometer IMAGES HERE

Dolomites Skyrace HERE
Dolomites Skyrace IMAGES HERE

Trans D’Havet HERE
Trans D’Havet IMAGES HERE

Skyrunning HERE

Kilian Jornet HERE
Summits of my Life HERE
Salomon Running HERE

TomTom launch new GPS products

Posted on August 1, 2013 by talkultra

TomTom today announces availability and pricing for its new range of GPS watches that deliver at-a-glance performance information for runners, cyclists and swimmers. The TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport are available to pre-order from today at http://www.tomtom.com, and to buy from leading running speciality retailers later this month. They will be priced from £149.99 and £179.99 respectively.

Both the TomTom Runner and the TomTom Multi-Sport feature an extra-large display, full-screen graphical training tools and the industry’s first one-button control to make it easier for users to access the information needed to stay motivated and achieve their goals.

TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport also include a broad range of advanced features that are designed to address the needs of runners and multi-sport enthusiasts alike:

· Ultra-Slim Design: At just 11.5mm, the slim design of the watch module, comfortably fits men and women, and all wrist sizes
· Indoor Tracker: Accurately track indoor runs using built-in sensors to count strides, so that users can monitor pace and distance even while running on a treadmill.
· QuickGPSFix: Get started faster by using the latest in GPS and GLONASS satellite technology to quickly find their precise location.
· Desktop Multi-Platform compatibility: Sync, analyse and share stats on popular running sites and community platforms, including the TomTom MySports website, MapMyFitness, RunKeeper and TrainingPeaks.
· Super-Tough Display: Scratch- and impact-resistant glass stays easy-to-read, workout after workout.
· Weather- and Waterproof: Waterproof up to 50 metres/5ATM
· Long-lasting battery: Up to 10-hour battery life (GPS Mode)
· Heart Rate monitor*: Use the Bluetooth® Smart Heart Rate Monitor to track training zone for weight control, performance or speed.

TomTom Multi-Sport includes all the features included in TomTom Runner, and also allows multi-sport athletes to track their distance, time, speed and other key metrics when they cycle or swim. The TomTom Multi-Sport is also enhanced with the following features and options:

· Dedicated Bike Mount: Easily see key stats at a glance with the specially-designed bike mount
· Cadence Sensor**: Track cadence, speed and distance, indoors and out.
· Built-in Altimeter***: Accurately track elevation, ascent, descent and grade with the built-in barometric altimeter
· Swimming Motion Sensor: Check detailed swim metrics such as laps, strokes, time and speed, and calculate a SWOLF score to show swim efficiency

Ben Abdelnoor smashes Lakeland 50

Posted on July 31, 2013 by talkultra

Ben Abdelnoor obliterated the course record to win the Lakeland 50-mile ultra race over some of the UK’s toughest trails. His winning time of 7:39:26 was over 40 minutes quicker than anyone else on the day.

Ben wore our lightweight, super-gripping Roclite shoes. He also used our Race Ultra Vest, which is part of our exciting new pack range for spring/summer 2014.

Here the 33-year-old reflects on one of the biggest wins of his career.

The Lakeland 100 is a race that has caught my imagination in a way no other race has, or probably ever will.

In each of the previous three years I’d supported the event as it passed through my hometown of Ambleside – it actually passes my front door!

In 2010, I cheered on my girlfriend in the 100-mile event. She passed through Ambleside late at night in the cold and rain, struggling and in pain, but determined to finish. I remember being quite emotional at the time.

I’d then proudly watched her finish in Coniston to take the victory after a tortuous 32 hours of running.

That same day I’d witnessed an incredible neck-and-neck battle between the awesomely talented pair of Andrew James and Jon Morgan in the Lakeland 50-mile event.

James had eventually won by a few minutes, setting a new course record of 7 hours 47 minutes in the process.

This year I took the plunge and entered the 50-mile race – which has 3,100m of ascent – making it my big target for the season.

With that in mind – together with inov-8 team-mate Paul Tierney – I won the 37-mile Old County Tops mountain race earlier this year, taking 7 hours to cover the course. I also won the recent 21-mile Wasdale race over England’s highest mountains.

Confident I had a 50-miler in my legs, my next job was to work out what pace to run at. Using the splits from Andrew James’ 2010 victory, I paced the legs from Pooley Bridge to Ambleside, and from Ambleside to Coniston.

My training consisted of long runs (2-3 hours), as well as some longer fell races (20-plus miles).

Mentally I prepared by poring over the map and memorising the route. Every climb, every twist of the path and every bit of terrain – I scrutinised them all.

I use mentally imagery a lot to help me prepare for races, and again before the Lakeland 50 I pictured myself running strong and committed throughout the course of the race. This helped build my confidence and self-belief.

Toeing the startline, I knew Marcus Scotney was the favourite to win, and with good reason. He’d won a hilly Windermere Marathon in a time of 2 hours 38 minutes, and came within 30 seconds of the course record in the Coniston Trail Marathon.

So when Marcus flew off from the start and disappeared across the fields, I tried not to panic.

By the first checkpoint at Howtown there was three of us were following Marcus, not that we could see him!

Next came a sweltering traverse along Haweswater reservoir, before we dropped into checkpoint two at Mardale.

We then hit the stiff climb up over Gatesgarth Pass, and soon I was on my own, in sole pursuit of the leader.

I say on my own, but actually I had many Lakeland 100 runners for company. They had set off the previous evening on the longer course. Without them I think I would have struggled. I don’t think it was any coincidence that my two low points in the race were the times when I had no 100-mile runners to aim for up ahead and no-one to offer, or receive, encouragement to or from.

By the time I arrived in Kentmere I’d been running for over four hours, but was still relishing the thought of every ascents.

I was finding the flat sections a bit of a struggle though, dropping to what felt like a rather slow pace a little too easily.

I was, however, buoyed when I spotted Marcus up ahead. I had hoped I’d been gaining on him but couldn’t be sure – one person I passed reckoned he was 19 minutes ahead!

I finally caught Marcus near the top of Garburn Pass. We exchanged a quick word and then I focused my mind on the long descent into Troutbeck, determined to try and open up a lead on my rival.

After Troutbeck came Ambleside, and very familiar territory! I have to admit to choking back a tear upon seeing so many friends and supporters cheering me as I headed into the checkpoint there.

I received even more encouragement in the news that Marcus was dropping out and that there was therefore a 15-minute gap back to the new second-placed runner.

Heading over the bridge in the park at Ambleside there was encouragement from my flatmate in the form of a banner marked with two arrows – the right-pointing arrow, indicating the race route over Loughrigg, was marked ‘victory’ whilst the left-pointing arrow, towards our house, read ‘cake’!

In need of further encouragement I put my earphones in and tuned in to some music. I wanted something to further fire me up. Slipknot, System of a Down, Marilyn Manson, Korn; these are my guilty pleasures. They all gave me increased drive!

Ben testing exciting new inov-8 product, including the Race Ultra Vest, in the Alps. Photo byhttp://www.iancorless.com

From Ambleside it felt a long couple of hours, and a long way up the Great Langdale valley to the checkpoint at Chapel Stile.

There was little by way of incident, except for what I called ‘the man in black’. Up until seeing him I’d been fairly confident that the 15-minute lead I was told I had at Ambleside was only growing, given that I was hitting my split times.

As I skirted Blea Tarn I overtook a female 100-mile competitor, the first runner in either event I’d seen for well over an hour. A little while later I looked back to see the same lady making her way along the path, closely followed by a runner dressed in black, and shifting very quickly.

It was unlikely a 100-mile competitor would have suddenly picked up such pace, so it could only be a 50-mile competitor running a well-paced race with a strong second half.

I couldn’t believe it. How could this happen? Suddenly my vision of a glorious run into Coniston was turned on its head. I was going to have to run for my life thinking I was being chased. (I realise it could have been someone just out running, but for anyone who knows that area, it’s not a common path to take whilst out on a run).

Not until I hit the Coniston Coppermines track and headed down the final mile of road into Coniston was I sure I’d done it.

To run along the main street and receive so much support from folk sitting outside the pubs, cheering and applauding, was just about the greatest welcome I’ve ever received in a race.

I crossed the finish line in a time of 7:39:26, breaking the course record by eight minutes.

As for the ‘man in black’, I did in fact, have a 40-minute cushion at the end over the second-placed runner. The female 100-mile competitor had run from Ambleside to Coniston completely alone. So I guess it must have just been someone out for a run…

I wore my inov-8 Roclite 285 shoes (the new model of which is the Roclite 243). An excellent lightweight trail shoe, they ensured me a solid grip over rock and grass as well as plenty of cushioning over rough ground. I had no blisters, rubbing or sore spots on my feet after 50 miles of competition.

I also used the inov-8 Race Ultra Vest (available spring/summer 2014). This is, without doubt, the most comfortable pack I’ve worn whilst running. Multiple straps on the back of the vest and across the chest allow for an exact fitting. I stuffed gels into the stretchable, easy-access pockets and fitted a wide-neck 500ml drinks bottle into a hip-pocket.

Although I carried more, I consumed only four energy gels, mostly early in the race when I could still stomach them.

At some of the checkpoints I picked up a biscuit or two. Twice I tried to eat a cheese sandwich, but was unable to do so.

Fluid intake, however, was a different matter. I filled up my 500ml bottle with water, or a cola-water mix, at every checkpoint. I carried a small plastic food bag to scoop up beck water either to drink, or to cool me down by pouring it over my head, chest and neck. I’d estimate I drank around 4 litres of fluids during the race.

Article published on – http://teaminov8.wordpress.com

Trans D’Havet – RACE SUMMARY

Posted on July 27, 2013 by talkultra

Trans D’Havet was the concluding race in the ISF European Skyrunning Championships. Following on from the VK and SKY race in Canazei last weekend, the 80km Trans D’Havet was always going to be a test of many aspects of human will and the power to dig deep and find something from within. However, little did we know how deep some people are able to go?

Runners assembled in Piovene Roccchette for the 0100am start. It was quite a site, local revelers were dancing and drinking while around them, lycra clad runners milled around waiting for the off. The arrival of Kilian Jornet, Luis Alberto Hernando, Nuria Picas, Emelie Forsberg and Philipp Reiter created some additional buzz as locals and participants in the race looked for a photo opportunity or an autograph.

With five minutes to go, it was already 27 degrees, it was going to be a very hot race! Missing from the start line was Luis Alberto; he had unfortunately received some devastating personal news. After some contemplation, he decided to run. Goodness knows what he felt like. Of course we can only guess and this is not the place to pursue that thought. With his decision to race confirmed, on the stroke of one, the masses disappeared into the dark.

The route is a spectacular one, which winds through the Piccole Dolomiti between the Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige on the Pasubio and Carega group. These mountains are the setting for some of the bloodiest battles in the First World War. Starting with 1000m altitude to Mount Summano the course goes up and down taking in, Forte Rione on Monte Novegno, Monte Alba and Passo Xomo. Taking in fifty-two tunnels that have total distance of some 6km the course offer much variety. With over halfway completed, runners pass Monte Cornetto and then the final big climb to the highest point of the course at 2238m, leaving the Passo Campogrosso runners climb to the Faccaroli refuge. From here the course looks to be downhill but 12km of ups and downs await before the finish line in Valdagno.

Luis Alberto and Kilian Jornet started together and finished together. Matching each other over every meter of the 80km course, it would maybe appear that a decision was made to race the rest of the field but not each other. They had occasional time gaps but that was more due to natural breaks and feed stations. Ultimately, the decision to cross the line together was the correct one, the statement made in the finishing straight said far more that any one individual victory. Today was ’really’ about trail and Skyrunning. Kilian has a photo book titled, ‘Trail running for me is not about running’ and today both he and Luis proved it. It was an honor to witness that moment.

Csaba Nemeth from Hungry was doing a great job in the European Championships and his efforts paid off, his consistent pace and strong climbing in the growing daily temperatures secured him a third place. Podium prospect Philipp Reiter unfortunately had to pull out of the race after falling and damaging his knee.

The ladies race was always going to come down to a battle between Nuria Picas and Emelie Forsberg. Emelie has had a stunning 2013 and her calendar of late has seen her race multiple times and place 2^nd at Mont Blanc Marathon, 1^st at Ice Trail Tarentaise, 2^nd at Dolomites VK, 1^st at Dolomites Skyrace and then of course she was coming to Italy to tackle 80km’s with over 5000m+ of vertical gain and ascent against a fresh Nuria.

Emelie had a small gap in the early stages but as per usual, both Emelie and Nuria ran together again, on the final big climb from Campogrosso, Emelie had a two-minute lead and then extended that, continually pulling away. With the throttle open, the gap extended and she scored a convincing victory. Equally impressive, once again she placed 10^th overall.

Nuria arrived in Valdagno and looked to be a spent force. The temperatures were now around the mid 30’s and the combination of heat and pace had cooked her. She said after the race. ‘The miles just didn’t tick past today. I had to push for everyone and it was a tough day’.

The third podium spot actually turned out to be an exciting battle. Taken by Uxue Fraile, less than a minute after Nuria, this confirmed the stranglehold by Spain both in the men’s and ladies events over the ultra distance.

The ISF Skyrunning European Championships have been a great success. We have seen some incredible racing over VK, Sky and Ultra and the locations, terrain and temperatures have been varied; what more could you want!

Full results and classifications of how the European rankings stand will be posted later today.

Results:

Men

Kilian Jornet (Spain) 08:59:47
Luis Alberto Hernando (Spain) 08:59:49
Casaba Nemeth (Hungary) 09:43:25

Ladies:

Emelie Forsberg (Sweden) 10:21:32
Nuria Picas (Spain) 10:33:34
Uxue Fraile (Spain) 10:34:20

Links:

Skyrunning HERE

Trans D’Havet HERE

RACE DAY IMAGES HERE

Trans D’Havet – Race Day Images

Posted on July 27, 2013 by talkultra

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Trans D’Havet – location hunting

Posted on July 26, 2013 by talkultra

Less than 12 hours to go to the start of the 2013 ISF Skyrunning Trans D’Havet, 80km race.

Campogroso at 48km and then the final big climb of the day has some stunning vistas and landscape. Due to the 0100 start, this area will see the front runners climb up the mountain with sunrise. I’m hoping to get some great images!

Follow on:

Facebook HERE

Twitter HERE

Skyrunning HERE

Episode 40 – De Gasperi, Jornet, Air, Forsberg

Posted on July 26, 2013 by talkultra

This is episode 40 of Talk Ultra and on this weeks show we have audio from Marco De Gasperi on the finish line at the Dolomites Skyrace. We have a chat with Kilian Jornet. We introduce a new regular addition to the show called ‘smilesandmiles’ with Emelie Forsberg. We have an interview with Brit, Stuart Air about his 13th placing at Ronda dels Cims and for one show only, Philipp Reiter is my co host!

00:13:20 NEWS

Hardrock 100

Sebastien Chaigneau – 24:25:50 (counterclockwise course record; old record, Karl Meltzer 24:38, 2009)
Troy Howard – 25:20:09
Scott Jaime – 26:38:43

1. Darcy Africa – 29:54:55
2. Darla Askew – 31:09:52
Betsy Nye – 36:46:42

Eiger Trail

Iker Karrera 11:38
Urs Jenzer 12:28
Konrad von Allmen 13:13

Francesca Canepa 16:18
KathrinZbinden 17:06
Helene Ogi 17:33

Dolomites VK

Kilian Jornet 32:43 – SPA – * new course record
Urban Zemmer 32:50 – ITA
Philip Gotsch 32:54 – IT

Antonella Confortola 41:02 – ITA
Emelie Forsberg 43:01 – SWE
Iva Milesova 43:09 – CZE

Dolomites Sky

1. JORNET KILIAN (ESP) SALOMON SANTIVERI – 2h00’11”

2. DE GASPERI MARCO (ITA) GS FORESTALE – 2h00’14”

3. PIVK TADEI (ITA) CRAZY IDEA – 2h04’10”

1. FORSBERG EMELIE (SWE) SALOMON 2h26’52”

2. SERAFINI SILVIA (ITA) SALOMON AGISKO – 2h36’55”

3. DOMINGUEZ NURIA (ESP) TEAM ESPANA – 2h37’41

00:28:31 – MARCO De GASPERI AUDIO from the Dolomites HERE

Ice Trail Tarentaise

1. Kilian Jornet (Salomon) 07:35:32 new course record
2. Francois D’Haene (Salomon) 07:40:13
3. Philipp Reiter (Salomon) 08:12:38

Ladies:

Emelie Forsberg (Salomon) 09:11:11 new course record (and 10th overall)
Christel Dewalle (Terre de Running) 10:08:58
Francesca Canepa (Team Montura/Vibram) 10:31:59

Badwater 135

Carlos Sa 24:38
Grant Maughan 24:53
Oswaldo Lopez 25:27

Catherine Todd 29:55
Pam Reed 30:39
Meredith Dolhare 32:52

Vermont 100 (Grand Slam)

Jason Lantz 15:23
Chad Ricklefs 15:26
Nick Clark 15:54
Ian Sharman 15:57 *

Larisa Dannis 18:38
Traci Falbo 19:13
Amy Rusiecki 19:53

Zoe Romano completes TDF route on foot and now is finishing off in Corsica – http://www.zoegoesrunning.com

00:44:25 – KILIAN JORNET audio HERE

01:01:36 – BLOGS

What makes us happy? Emelie Forsberg – http://emelieforsberg.com/what-makes-us-happy/

“Happiness is a basic foundation in my everyday life. For me there are many ways to experience the joy in the everyday life. It´s about finding the happiness no matter what daily situation you choose to be a part of. To be satisfied with what you are doing.”

01:02:37 – SMILES AND MILES with Emelie Forsberg

No Talk Training this week but we are introducing Emelie Forsberg’s new regular slot called, Smiles and Miles with Emelie Forsberg. Emelie will be talking about what makes her tick but also she is going to bring a much needed female element to the show, so, if you have a question or would like us to discuss a particular topic, please email Emelie at:

smilesandmiles@yahoo.com

This initial audio, like the rest of the show was recorded on location so apologies for the audio.

01:30:58 – INTERVIEW, Stuart Air

This week’s interview is with Brit, Stuart Air. Stuart entered the 177km Ronda dels Cims, arguably one of the toughest 100 milers out there. Not only did he complete it but he placed 13th. I caught up with him after Ronda and just before he toed the line for the Ice Trail Tarentaise. At Ice Trail he proved Ronda was no fluke by placing in the top 20.

02:03:27 – UP and Coming RACES

Australia

Queensland

Flinders Tour – 50 km | 50 kilometers | July 28, 2013 | website

Canada

Alberta

Canadian Death Race | 125 kilometers | August 03, 2013 | website

France

Haute-Corse

Via Romana – 62 km | 62 kilometers | July 28, 2013 | website

Jura

Le tour du lac | 57 kilometers | July 27, 2013 | website