Fernanda Maciel (The North Face) has an impressive running cv. She loves long distance… really long. She set a record for running the Santiago de Compostela in just 10 days.
She has a very busy run schedule ahead. In May she lined up at Transvulcania La Palma in the hope that she would have a great race. Unfortunately, she fell over and had to stop. The fall caused some issues to her back and shoulders but she now feels much better.
Haria Extreme at 35km’s is probably too short for Fernanda, however, it will allow her a great opportunity to push the pace and obtains as she says, ‘some speed work’.
Following Haria Extreme she races at Lavaredo, the Skyrunning European Championships and then TNFUTMB. Later in the year (November) she will also go to the Everest Trail Race. A busy year indeed!
Links:
Fernanda Maciel website HERE
The North Face HERE
Haria Extreme HERE
Photographs pre race:
Luis Alberto Hernando speaks to Ian ahead of Haria Extreme (translation by Celeste). He discusses his race at Transvulcania, his head-to-head race with Kilian Jornet at Zegama, his expectations at Haria Extreme and what races are in the future.
Luis Alberto is without doubt in excellent form at the moment. The 2012 winner of Haria Etreme, will he break his own course record in 2013?
Interview:
YouTube link HERE
Luis Alberto Hernando (Adidas) is in incredible form at the moment. Transvulcania La Palma in May was his first ultra and he excelled in what was an incredible field. At the finish line he was second to an in-form Klian Jornet.
Weeks later, he once again pushed Kilian Jornet to the finish line at Zegama. This time it was oh so close…. just twelve seconds!
This weekend he will toe the line at Haria Extreme in Lanzarote. Last year he was triumphant over Tofol Castanyer. His time of 2:24:28 is the current course record and I wouldn’t be surprised on his current form if he may well beat this. He is certainly motivated.
When I asked him about Transvulcania, he replied, “It was my first ultra and all in preparation for my attempt at TNFUTMB in 2014”.
Very exciting to hear that Luis Alberto will move to the 100 mile distance. When I asked him about his next race, he confirmed, “I will race Kilian and very competitive field at Mont Blanc Marathon at the end of June. Kilian is the master but I hope to push him like I did in Zegama”.
Haria Extreme is 35km mountain race on the island of Lanzarote. The race will start at 0800 Local time (same as GMT) and you will be able to follow updates on Twitter and Facebook.
Stats:
Links:
Images pre race of Luis Alberto Hernando:
Episode 37 of Talk Ultra: Rob Krar talks to us about his running history, hiw incredible Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim run and what his expectations are for Western States. Holly Rush talks marathon running and Comrades. Ellie Greenwood makes a guest appearance for Talk Training and provides an insight into running injuries. Nick Clark joins us for a reguar slot as he attempts the ‘Grand Slam’ of ultra running. We have the news, a year in the life of, and we find out: You know you are an ultra runner when… ?
I started running as a fun runner when I was at University but didn’t start formally training until 2005 when I met my coach and now husband martin rush. I had a break through run at London Marathon improving my time by 10 minutes. Since then I have run over 20 marathons all over the world and been lucky enough to represent Great Britain and England 6 times, something that I never dreamt I would do as a non-exercising beer swilling student. I wouldn’t say i am the most talented or natural runner but I think I have plenty of endurance and just love the feeling that running and training gives me. In between training I work full time doing sports massage and working in my local deli. I have been struggling with a painful hamstring for over 2 years now and after 2 failed injections I am now backing off my training to receive intensive treatment for 2 months so that I might be able to run pain free again. Fingers crossed!.As well as talking about all things running I will most probably ramble on about my two other passions – food and my training partner Mr Mole (the dog).
Following on from the great success of ‘You know you are an ultra runner when… ?’ we have part deux!
‘You know you are having a bad ultra when… ?’
Again, some really funny comments. Thank you all so much for the input and feedback.
Richard Hurdle Whats a bad ultra???
David Reese You did get a good-night’s sleep the previous night before and you don’t get in the pre-race bowel movement.
Carl Wibberley When every piece of kit you have on is irritating you at 10k. Holly Rush You hope you trip on a curb and knock yourself out so you dont have to keep feeling the pain… Tripp Furman You forgot sport glide. Andy Ellis The medic tells you your shoe is bleeding… Seamus Foy The RD tells you he was about to send out a search party. Remember that Josh Josh Katzman? Good thing it was 10k loops! Richard Lendon When you vomit up everything you’ve ingested over the last 2 hours. Talk Ultra My fave of all time is from an Ironman (one of the very early ones) when a participant post race said, “You know you are having a bad day when the morning papers have the results of a race that you are still running in!”
Lorna Downes There’s a bad ultra?
Carter Swampy When you walk into the aid station and the volunteers say “oh shit, you’d better sit down”
Steve Blythe The pain stops.
Tim Steele The volunteers are packing up the aid station as you are limping towards it.
Malcolm Cox You fill in the entry form!
Jim Tinnion or you decide not to look at your feet because there are some things it’s better not to know.
Ewan Dunlop You visit the same aid station twice.
John Hitchen When you DNS.
Jeremy Spainhour When your trekking pole becomes your crutch (screw you, ITBS!).
Terence Lim Abrasion starts at 10k mark.
John Fitz You DNF.
Larry Roberts When you think if I walk a little slower I will get forcibly pulled from the race and can say you didnt quit.
Jim Tinnion when your stomach contents keep overtaking you.
Brent Colwell When you throw up 5 miles into a 100 mile run because you’ve been sick all week.
Dave West You abort at 125K, it’s only just past 1/2 way and you’re frightened to sit down because you don’t know where your support team will stop but you do know you won’t be able to get back up to find them.
Francis Pardo You think about retiring but the only way out you know is through the race course.
Shelb Snod When you break both of your handhelds, twice.
Ultrarunner Moorsman You think your in hospital with an IV Drip attached to your arm……..then realise its not an hallucination.
Jeremy Clark When you are stung on the heel in the first mile.
Steven Stewart You forget what day it is.
Endurance Fitnessuk Your laces in your huaraches snap within the first 10 paces, after you had a conversation with yourself stating “Yep, these are good for another 50 easy.”
Alan Johnson Half way through, The pizza arrives 30 mins late at pick up point and they added extra spicy peppers free of charge!
Henry Bickerstaff When the battery on your gamin dies before the first aid station.
Rob Bateman you cant find a secluded wall to go behind.
Russell Webster You wish you were just doing a marathon.
UTMB copyright Ian Corless
Snow and the late arrival of Spring continues to cause issues for race organisers. Earlier today we notified of changes for the Ronda dels Cims route in Andorra and now it looks likely that changes may need to be made for the 80km race at the Mont Blanc Marathon weekend. This freak weather has not been experienced for over 11 years!
A plan in has been put in place to prioritize safety!
This year the Mont-Blanc Marathon is inaugurating a new race: the Mont-Blanc 80KM. With an ultra profile (6000m vertical gain) and a peak at 2643m (col de la Terrasse), the snowfall accumulated from spring has made certain portions of the race very delicate. To ensure a smooth race format, the organization have provided alternatives to the original race route to circumvent the areas with abundant snow prioritizing athlete safety.
If by the end of the June the temperatures stay below normal for the season, and the snow does not melt sufficiently, the organization will use plan B for the Mont-Blanc 80km race. This alternative route will still be 80km long with 6000m of vertical gain and loss.
Even though snow was initially expected on certain sections of the 80km race (regularly present end of June at certain altitudes) it must be noted that this is the first time in 11 years that the organization has been faced with this amount of snow at this time of year. Measures are being implemented to guarantee a safe route for all participants.
The organization are not worried about the snow for the other races. For the Mont-Blanc 10K and the Vertical KM the routes are totally clear of snow.
For the Mont-Blanc Cross and Marathon there are currently still snow patches on the traverse from Flegere to Planpraz but they should quickly disappear. At the summit of the Aiguille des Possettes the remaining snow should also melt by the end of June allowing Marathon runners to take this portion of the course without any trouble.
Registration records for all Mont-Blanc Marathon races
This year the five races of the Mont-Blanc Marathon have shown to be a total craze among runners. The Marathon sold out in ten days! Today there is not a single spot left in any of the races!
Never seen before!
Even the 10Km is full, demonstrating the success of trail running in all formats. 6150 registered runners that will take the start line.
The Mini cross, reserved for the youngest runners, is also showing a huge success with 100 registrations thus far, and 400 expected the day of the race. There are three distances depending on the age group:
800m = Ecole d’Athletisme category (7-9 years old)
2km = Poussin category (10-11 years old)
3km = Benjamins category (12-13 years old) & Minimes (14-15 years old)
Registration is free and there are still spots available.
For registration please visit: http://www.montblancmarathon.net/fr/les-courses/mini-cross.
Race-bib distribution at the Chamonix Sports Complex:
| Thursday June 27, 2013 | from 14:00 to 20:00 |
| Friday June 28, 2013 | from 3:00am to 4:00am – 80kmfrom 10:00 to 20:00 – other races |
| Saturday June 29, 2013 | from 6:00 to 20:00 |
| Sunday June 30, 2013 | from 5:00 to 6:30 |
Friday June 28, 2013
Place Balmat
4:00: Start of the 80km
16:00: Start of the Vertical KM
20:30: Awards ceremony for the Vertical KM
Saturday June 29, 2013
8:30: Start of the Mont-Blanc Cross -23km
9:00: Start of the 10km Mont-Blanc race (depart in three waves)
11:00: Start of Mini-cross
From 12:00 : Buffet Mont-Blanc Cross (free for runners)
From 18:30: Pasta party, live music…
15:00: Awards ceremony for the Mont-Blanc 10KM
16:00: Awards ceremony for the Mont-Blanc Cross
16:30: Awards ceremony for the 80Km
Sunday June 30, 2013
7:00: Start of the Mont-Blanc Marathon – 42,195km
16:30: Awards ceremony for the Mont-Blanc Marathon
From 12:00: Buffet for Mont-Blanc Marathon (free for runners)
Four hundred participants will toe the line for an incredible Vertical Kilometer on a stunning world stage in Chamonix. Part of the Skyrunner World series.
1. RUSSIA: Mount Elbrus Vertical Kilometer®, Mount Elbrus – May 7
2. SPAIN: Cara Amón Vertical Kilometer®, Barruera – May 18
3. FRANCE: KM Vertical, Chamonix – June 28
4. GREECE: Gerania Vertical Kilometer®, Loutraki – September 8
5. ITALY: Vertical Grèste de la Mughéra, Limone sul Garda – October 11
Image – http://www.montblancmarathon.net
The VK® is a 100% pure mountain experience. Runners will depart from the centre of Chamonix every 30 seconds to climb 1000m over 3.8km. The arrival at Plan Praz Gondola Brevenet is preceded by rolling terrain in the early stages but is soon followed by tough and technical rocky sections ladders, ropes and cables! Not recommended if you have vertigo…
Please note: Poles are not allowed.
Image by – http://www.montblancmarathon.net
The action starts at 16:00 local time on Friday June 28th.
Follow Talk Ultra on Twitter, Facebook and on this website for the event.
11th June
Due to ongoing issues with heavy snow on the Ronda dels Cims course, a route change has been made.
It is possible to download a route from HERE
However, please see an overview on the map below.
Please ensure that if you are taking part in this race that you have ALL mandatory kit with the addition of ‘crampons’.
Race website HERE
Image from – http://www.geauxrun.com
I asked the question on Facebook and I got an incredible response. In actual fact, the answers keep coming in, so, I will try to add and update on a regular basis.
Look at some of the names who have posted too. A few Talk Ultra interviewees crop up.
Holly Rush you consider running to your friend’s house for lunch and she lives 30 miles away…
Carl Wibberley A marathon is a training run.
Ben Wittenberg You sell your road bike to buy a Fenix gps.
Wayne Sylvester 26.2 sounds like an aid station.
George Knights you can count your toenails on one hand.
Chris Beaven You’re diagnosed with atrial fibrillation…
Ceri Careful Roberts When you’ve vomited all over yourself, then get going again.
Dave Douglas One minute you swear you’ll never do it again, the next your’e looking at a bigger challenge!
Brock Currie Instead of memorizing what street you need to turn right on, you need to remember what city the street is in.
Nick Molina half of the dishes you take out of your dishwasher are water bottles.
Todd Fultz When you substitute (in conversation) hours ran, instead of miles ran…..
Scott Harris you take the time to read all the comments nodding approvingly at each one.
Carter Swampy You have wiped with a $15 pair of socks.
Karin Walder when you Change your Garmin to a Suunto because the Garmin only lasts 8 hours.
Tony Villano When you’re reading posts from Talk Ultra.
BE Murphy The length of the Adelaide Hills just because it is beautiful…
Sam Robson How do you know you’re an ultra runner and not a trail runner though? Or a mountain runner? Or a mountain trail runner? Or a…
Scott W. Kummer When duct tape becomes an option!
Sarah Girard Am I an ultra runner when I think of running through nature for 100 km as romantic and beautiful? I have never done more than 46km though.
Иван Димитров when… you run a mountain 100k, then hop on a mountain bike and do the route a second time in hope to make it to the cut-off time…
Gary Robbins You spend three hours listening to a podcast about ultra running…entirely while running…and it wasn’t even your long run.
Catra Corbett waking up at 3am and thinking you have to get ready to run a 100 miler. Realizing you don’t have another race for 3 weeks. LOL.
Nige Webber When you injure yourself and are told not to run for 2 weeks and you interpret that as one week.
Paul PT McCleery When you have to repeat the distance of your next race to everyone !
Jeffrey Wong you take pictures of your disgusting feet and then post them on Facebook: proudly!
James Short Your long run involves a train ride to get home.
Jeremy Spainhour That moment you realize you know more about running injuries than your PT… and you stop going to him.
Tammy Clauser Wuerth When you feel like you’re like giving birth to a baby. Then you say you will never do it again …but after a short break and a little foreplay you are ready to do it all over again:-)
Adam Lloyd When you need 3 shits in one race.
Dreama Lehman when you are not even sore after putting a 90 mile week in!
Russell Thomas when you go to bed before the dog!
Todd Fultz When you find yourself after 4-5 hours running singing to the trees, & every now then you swear something’s singing back!
Helen MacDermott Peeing in a toilet seems … unnatural.
Francis Pardo 1. You are signed up for more than one ultra at any given time. 2. When you think of a race and say: that’s equal to “x” number of marathons.
Ed Kumar When a dark moment lasts 20k or more and you’re fine with it.
Majo Majo You have more shoes than your girlfriend.
Chris Bair When there is no such thing as too much.
Johannes Kind When you run the last 20K on a sprained ankle.
Steve Blythe You check Talk Ultra on FB when you’re out with your wife!
David Mould 26.2 miles is speed work.
Tim Steele Your race outlasts your Garmin and two sets of headlamp batteries.
Ben Brindley When you decide running dusk till dawn is a great idea.
Darren Hutchings People say there’s something wrong with you.
Tim Steele You have more difficulty with the taper than with the race.
Neisa Condemaita When you apply super glue to your blisters so you can keep running.
Paul Beck a 4+ hour training run is your weekly long run, followed up by 2+ hours the next day.
Matthias Kodym you peel off the skin from your heels and think about the next run.
Scott W. Kummer you utter the words “only a 50”!
Paul Wathan you pick 210km with 14,000ft of elevation gain in a race to complete as your first distance over the marathon!
Mike Saporito 3-4 hour runs are recovery runs.
Mark Connolly You are injured.
Marissa Harris Only a 50 miler, It’s just a day race!
Steve Perkins You finish your first 50 miler then go home to sign up for a 100.
Martin Bell You just keep going!
Dat Le 50K’s become training runs for 100 milers.
Kate Driskell You enter a 50km race 3 weeks before the race, having done no specific training for anything in the last 5 months, having not run further than 9km in the last five months, have never run a marathon by itself ever, run the race, start at the back and pass half of the field of athletes in the last 5km of the race and run at pretty much the same pace through the whole 50km. Then enter an 80km race in 6 months time to have something to do after you get all of those pesky triathlons out of the way (they’re cross-training anyway, right?).
Steel Town Runner …the Barkley Marathons doesn’t seem like such a crazy idea!
IAN CORLESS 