Fernanda Maciel – Transvulcania 2013

Posted on May 9, 2013 by talkultra

Fernanda Maciel, The North Face – copyright Ian Corless

When I’m running on the top of the mountains or canoeing in the middle of the sea, I feel small as nothing…but yet I feel the highest sensation of freedom and peace, free spirit. I’m Brazilian, from the waterfalls and little mountains, Minas Gerais, my roots. I live in the Spanish Pyrenees’s mountains today, Coll de Nargó. I’ve worked as environmental lawyer, in recycle’s projects, international ONG Outward Bound (outdoor education), running Adventure Race… that means, working and teaching to protect the nature. My passion is for the forest, the mountains, the beaches and the rivers, to be there and take care of that. Move…positive.

I caught up with The North Face athlete, Fernanda Maciel less than 48 hours to the start of the 2013, Skyrunning Ultra, Transvulcania La Palma.

Location: Hotel SOL La Palma
May 9th

*apologies for the focus glitch at the end of the clip but I wanted leave the audio content as I felt it was important what Fernanda said.

Video on YouTube: HERE

Links:

Fernanda Maciel – HERE
The North Face – HERE
Transvulcania La Palma – HERE
Skyrunning – HERE

Transvulcania Press Conference

Posted on May 9, 2013 by talkultra

Press conference Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless

Fernanda Maciel, Timothy Olson, Emelie Forsberg, Kilian Jornet, Nuria Picas, Anton Krupicka and Luis Alberto Hernando attended the 2013 Transvulcania La Palma press conference at Hotel Sol Palma on the morning of Thursday May 9th.

It was a buzz of activity as press from all over the world discussed the exciting prospect of the battles that would unfold on the beautiful trails of La Palma.

Timothy Olson Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless

Timothy Olson, “I am just excited to be able to race in Europe. I have spent many days in the last two weeks running the trails here and it is fantastic. A beautiful island and beautiful trails”.

Anton Krupicka Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless

Anton Krupicka was in La Palma for the 2012 edition of the race but was unable to race. “I am thrilled to be back” he said, “I decided last year when I watched the race that I would return and test myself on this course. It’s a course that just makes so much sense and of course, it is beautiful”.

Fernanda Maciel Transvulcania 2013 copyright Ian Corless

As we all know, Anna Frost will not be running in the 2013 edition of the race. Fernanda Maciel, Emelie Forsberg and Nuria Picas all expressed sadness that the 2012 winner and course record holder would not be able to race.

Nuria Picas Transvulcania 2013 copyright Ian Corless

Emelie said, “Of course we are sad. I have raced and run with Anna so much. Not to have her with us is a great shame but a priority for Anna is that she gets well and thinks about running and running well into the future”.

Emelie Forsberg Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless

Luis Alberto Hernando had some laughs with the press and Kilian Jornet at the prospect of running his first ultra against some of the best in the world. Kilian also smiled and teased his sparring partner. It will be great to see how this battle unfolds.

Kilian Jornet Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless

Luis Alberto Hernando Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless

A common bond was expressed by all. Transvulcania is a beautiful race on a beautiful island. In just 48 hours runners will be spread all over the 83km’s of the GR131 between Fuencaliente and Los Llanos and we will be rewarded with two new champions.

Follow @talkultra on Twitter and Talk Ultra on Facebook for updates.

What’s cooking at Transvulcania?

Image

Joe Grant heads to La Palma

Posted on May 7, 2013 by talkultra

Joe Grant with Ian Sharman at the 2012 edition of the race – copyright Ian Corless

TWO months after conquering 350 miles of frozen wilderness in Alaska, hardcore inov-8 athlete Joe Grant is preparing to make his racing comeback – this time on much drier ground.

The 29-year-old overcame exhaustion and pain to smash the epic Iditarod Trail Invitational – an event described by organisers as the world’s longest human powered winter ultra-marathon – in just six days.

Now, fired up by his joint-second place finish in Alaska, Joe is ready to go head-on with the rest of the planet’s elite mountain runners this summer.

His first assignment is this weekend’s 52-mile Transvulcania ultra-marathon monster on the island of La Palma in the Atlantic Ocean.

The gruelling race, which features 4,415m of elevation gain over volcanic and technical terrain, is the first in the Skyrunner world ultra series and, as a result, the entry list is stacked with extreme talent.

Joe placed joint 11^th on La Palma last year before recording an outstanding second-place finish at the 2012 Hardrock 100-mile race in the US – achievements he wants to better this year.

“I’m super excited to kick off the skyrunning season with this now classic race in the series,” said Joe, who was born in Oxford in the UK, raised in France and Spain, and now lives in Colorado, US.

“The course is spectacular, the crowds are fantastic and the race is about as competitive as it gets.

“Following the ITI (Iditarod Trail Invitational), I went to Japan and trained hard while I was there.

“I’m feeling fit and ready to race.

“Knowing the course is also helpful, and I hope to improve on last year’s time and place.

“Transvulcania will set me up nicely in preparation for the Hardrock 100, which takes place in July.”

Joe will wear shoes from inov-8’s trailroc™ and roclite™ ranges to race over trails and mountains across the world in 2013.

He added: “The super-lightweight trailroc 235s will be spot on for this weekend’s tough course.

Links

Joe Grant HERE
Inov-8 HERE
Arc’teryx HERE

Anna Frost “I have decided not to race TransVulcania”

Posted on May 7, 2013 by talkultra

I have decided not to race Transvulcania. An obvious decision, but a hard one to make out loud and on paper. But what is important is that I am healthy. That I can explore without pain, without further damage. I will take pleasure in watching my friends and fellow trail runners challenge themselves in such a beautiful race. I will enjoy the islands beauty with my bike and in the ocean, hoping to gather up some energy from the land to move my injury on. To find new strength and direction for the long season ahead.

Good Luck to all who are racing. Look up and face the challenge!

Needless to say, this is sad news for the race and all involved in the 2013 edition of the Transvulcania La Palma. Without doubt, ‘Frosty’s’ health and onward health is the most important thing and I hope you all along with myself will wish her the very best and a speedy recovery.

Anna made a full post on iRunFar which you can read HERE

Transvulcania La Palma – The Elites

Posted on May 6, 2013 by talkultra

Just five days to go to the 2013 Transvulcania La Palma on the island of La Palma in the Canaries. Without doubt one of the racing highlights of the 2013 calendar. It is a who’s who of ultra running and here is the current confirmed line up for May 11th.

Make sure you follow all the race build up by Talk Ultra. I will be uploading images and commentary to Facebook, Twitter and this website. In addition, I will be conducting pre race audio and video interviews.

On race day we will keep you informed of all the action, phone connections allowing. Rest assured, we will be providing all the information and excitement as this iconic event unfolds.

2013 Confirmed Elite Entrants

Mohamad Ahansal – UVU

Nicola Bassi – Vibram

Jennifer Benna – Hoka One One

Patrick Bringer

Miguel Caballero – La Sportiva

Adam Campbell – Arc’teryx

Sage Canaday – Scott Sports

Cameron Clayton – Salomon

Sylvain Couchaud – New Balance

Yann Curien – Sigvaris Trail

Francois D’Haene – Salomon

Nuria Dominguez

Emelie Forsberg – Salomon

Uxue Fraile – Adidas

~~Anna Frost – Salomon~~ *Anna will not race see HERE

~~Maud Gobert – Adidas~~ *update 7th May, Maud will not race

Lidia Gomez – Studio54, Helly Hansen, Team A

Joe Grant – Inov-8

Miguel Heras – Salomon Santiveri *update 7th May, Miguel will not race

Luis Alberto Hernando – Adidas Trail Running

Zigor Iturrieta

Dave James

Kilian Jornet Burgada – Salomon Santiveri

Anton Krupicka – New Balance

Emelie Lecomte – Quechua

Thomas Lorblanchet – Team Asics

Fernanda Maciel – The North Face

Giuseppe Marazzi – Vibram

Nathalie Mauclair – Lafuma France

Sebastien Nain – Vibram

Luke Nelson – Patagonia Ultra Running Team

Santiago Obaya

Timothy Olson – The North Face

Nuria Picas – FEEC/Buff

Yanis A Povea

Philipp Reiter – Salomon

Gustavo Reyes – Salomon

Stefano Ruzza – Vibram

Karine Sanson

Armando Teixeira – Salomon Portugal

Xavier Thevenard – Team Asics Trail

Sean Van Court – Vibram

Information

Read my race PREVIEW HERE
Read my ‘TRAINING FOR‘ article HERE

Causeway Crossing Race Report

Posted on May 5, 2013 by talkultra

Sun broke the horizon just 30 or so minutes before the 0600 start of the 100k, the first of three events in the Lost Worlds Racing, Causeway Crossing series. It would be followed with a 50k starting at 1300 in the Quarry and a 25k starting at 1530 at the final turn point in the 100k event.

Races from all over the world lined up for the start of the second edition of the Lost Worlds Causeway Crossing. Representation came from Japan, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, UK and Ireland.

Starting in Waterfoot in the Glens of Antrim, the race passed through areas of local beauty such as Larry Bane quarry, Carrick-A-Rede, the Moyle Way and the Causeway Coastline including the Giants Causeway.

As often happens, the longest event of the day always attracts the most attention, however, the 50k event certainly had some names to watch.

However, as the “3,2,1 and GO” was being uttered by race director, Tim Holmstrom, Jonny Steede flew off like a rabbit that had just been scared in headlights and really, that is the last that any runner saw of him all day… of course, they did get an opportunity to see him run back against them later in the day as he returned along the ‘Causeway’ to secure a very impressive win over his first 100k race. Jonny had recently won the Wicklow Way 51k and was a ‘hot tip’ going into this race. His time of 8:35:23 was very impressive.

Jonny Steede – copyright Ian Corless

Fast man, Dave James was over in Europe from the USA and just the weekend before Ireland had taken part in Lost Worlds Racing Tuscany event and was now on the start line for the 100k. It is worth pointing out that Dave is in Europe for several weeks. In just seven days he will be lining up against the best in the world at Transvulcania La Palma and then just two weeks later he will go to Zegama before attempting, in June, the brutal Ronda del Cims 100m mountain race in Andorra. Dave also like to race on a regular basis, but with the proximity of Transvulcania he was never going to push too hard at the Causeway Crossing. He ran a very solid second place behind a dominant Jonny Steede but by the time he arrived at the 50k point he was approximately 40 mins in arrears of the fast man up front and decided to call it a day and prepare for the next race in just a week.

Noel Brick took 2nd place after gaining some places in the latter stages of the race. When I saw him at the Giants Causeway he said he was tired and hurting but he would push on… push on he did crossing the line in 11:20:26 ahead of Ronald Peacock 11:58:10.

Local runner Hannah Shields is somewhat a legend in Irish running and she fulfilled her pre race ‘favourite’ billing by running a smart race despite some calf niggles. Always smiling, always chatting she powered her way through the 100k and not only did she win the ladies race convincingly in 12:13:33 but she also finished sixth overall.

Hannah Shields – copyright Ian Corless

Susanne Hastrup from Sweden took 2nd place in 14:10:27 and Amy Beggs (tbc – possibly Mette Kildermoes in 15:01:30) crossed the line in 15:01:30 for third making it a truly international podium.

The 50k race started at Larrybane Head Quarry (the halfway point for the 100k and finish line for all races). Runners headed out along the coast as a cold, strong wind blew in from the sea. Running around the Giants Causeway they turned at Dunluce Castle before heading back to the finish line at Larrybane Head Quarry this time via the Giants Causeway.

Hot tip and last minute entrant to the race was Scot, DR Andrew Murray. He pushed hard from the beginning of the race and gradually built an advantage over his rivals to finish in 3:55:54 in first place. He was very enthusiastic when I caught up with him, “How could you not enjoy this… it’s a beautiful coastline. I had a great day out with some great views”.

Martin Rea and Shane Whitty had a fight for second place but it was the man from North Belfast (Martin) who pushed ahead in the latter stages to cross the line in 4:07:02 with just over three minutes lead over Shane who finished in 4:10:36 for third place.

Jolene Mellon from Ireland started the race as she meant to go on and dominated the 50k event from beginning to end. She crossed the line 4 mins ahead of Col Conway, finishing times 4:49:48 and 4:53:58 respectively. Stefani Jackenthal from the USA, before the race had said how excited she was to be running on this course, she is a journalist and sports writer, so the challenging course and a solid third place will almost certainly make a feature in an up and coming article, her time 5:07:54.

Stefani Jackenthal – copyright Ian Corless

The final event of the day, the 25km started at the final turn point for the 100k and 50k races. Karen Alexander flew away from the start and never looked back… running up the climb out of the Giants Causway she made the gradient look easy. So easy that not only did she win the ladies race but the 25k race overall. Her finish time of 1:53:17 very impressive.

Karen Alexander – copyright Ian Corless

Patrick Thompson was the first male runner home in 2:00:33 taking a win in the category but ultimately was second place overall. Chris Heaney had a sprint for the line and secured third place by just 2 seconds in 2:01:09 ahead of fellow American, Kalle Kraften. Laura O’Driscoll was second in the ladies race in 2:06:45 and Helena Dornan third in 2:13:31.

RESULTS

100k

Jonny Steede 8:35:23
Noel Brick 11:20:26
Ronald Peacock 11:5810

Hannah Shields 12:33:33
Susanne Hastrup 14:10:27
Amy Beggs 15:46:30 (tbc) possibly Mette Kildermoes in 15:01:30

50k

Andrew Murray 3:55:54
Martin Rea 4:07:02
Shane Whitty 4:10:36

Jolene Mellon 4:49:48
Col Conway 4:53:58
Stefani Jackenthal 5:07:54

25k

Patrick Thompson 2:00:33
Chris Heaney 2:01:09
Kalle Kraften 2:01:11

Karen Alexander 1:53:17
Laura O’Driscoll 2:06:45
Helena Dornan 2:13:31

A portfolio of RACE PHOTOGRAPHY is available to view HERE

Images will be available to purchase from May 8th using this LINK HERE

LINKS

Lost Worlds Racing – Here
The Causeway Crossing – Here

Thanks

To the Lost Worlds Racing staff, Ryan and Justin at NI Running and all the local hospitality and help.

A beautiful start to a day… – copyright Ian Corless

Causeway Crossing – A race in images

Gallery

Posted on May 5, 2013 by talkultra

This gallery contains 101 photos.

Giants Causeway – Ireland

Posted on May 3, 2013 by talkultra

A selection of images from an afternoon on the Giants Causway, Ireland ahead of Saturday’s ‘Causeway Crossing’ by Lost Worlds Racing.

Thought for the day….

Posted on May 3, 2013 by talkultra

Team RWB is transforming the way that America supports its veterans when they return from combat. Team RWB are creating communities of veterans, their families, and American citizens that enjoy authentic interaction through physical and social activities and events all across the country.

Today Eric Browy is preparing to take part in the Causeway Crossing in Ireland, part of the Lost Worlds Racing series of races.

Need I say more…. inspirational.

Eric Browy from Team RWB ahead of the Causeway Crossing in Ireland

Eric’s first tour of duty in Iraq lasted from March 2003 to March 2004. Eric’s unit was part of an operation that took the town of Taj and held it during this period. The unit did many missions and patrols, provided security for rocket systems, and set up and manned operations posts (OPs). Engaging in any number of firefights with insurgents and foreign fighters, Eric’s unit sustained nine killed in action, as well as four wounded. Three Bradleys assigned to his unit hit improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
During his second tour of duty in Iraq, which began in December 2005, Eric served as a scout in the southern part of Baghdad, doing patrols, OPs, and other scouting tasks. In March 2006, Eric was setting up observation posts. He was walking atop a wall 25 feet above the ground, carrying 80 pounds of gear while, at the same time, keeping track of a suspicious guy on the ground through his night vision goggles. He missed a step, falling from the wall and severely damaging both feet.
A helicopter took him to an Army hospital in Baghdad. From there he was flown to the Army’s Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where he stabilized for a week. He then went to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where his right leg was amputated below the knee. Because his left foot was so severely damaged, amputation of great toe and ball of that foot was also required.
Eric had ten surgeries in all.
Eric received medical retirement from the Army on December 28, 2006.
Recuperation: “Walter Reed’s rehabilitation system rocks,” Eric said enthusiastically. “I was walking without limping within two months. It was painful. It was work. But the system is great.”
Involvement with Wounded Warrior Project: “WWP was awesome because, when I got back I didn’t even have underwear. So when WWP came by with a backpack, it contained something I definitely needed, and a whole lot more. And when I was in a wheelchair, I used that backpack as a wheelchair backpack.”
“WWP makes sure everything’s okay.”
Employment Narrative: Eric plans to do volunteer work until he begins college in the fall. He will study engineering.
Feelings about Military Service: “Loved it.”
Feelings about Helping Other Vets thru WWP: “Now that I’m further along in recovery, the WWP rep tells me about other veterans who need help, and I go talk to them: what happened to me and how I recovered. There are a lot of people like me, who are facing recovery, and they need to talk to somebody who’s been down that road. I know I would not have had as much confidence as I made my own decision about amputation if I hadn’t talked to other amputees. So I know how important it is now for me to talk with others who are facing that decision.”

Article taken from: http://anamericanconservative.blogspot.co.uk