Max King smashes ‘Way to Cool 50k’

Posted on March 10, 2013 by talkultra

‘Way to Cool’ is almost perfectly named as a way to cool Max King smashed the previous course record at the 24th running of the 50k event.

The Way to Cool 50k is traditionally the ‘start’ of the Northern Californian race calendar and as such is always a great indicator of form for the coming season.

Max King, previously interviewed on episode 23 on Talk Ultra (available HERE) continued his outstnding performances from 2012 and pulled away from strong competition and set a new CR of 3:08:50. This CR is over 9 mins clear of the previous record set by Uli Steidl (2003). Chris Vargo was 2nd over 10 mins back and Leor Pantilat took the last podium place.

In the ladies race Meghan Arbogast once again proved that age is not an issue and apparently overcame a 4-5 min deficit in the final 10k of the race and took the lead from Rory Bosio who finally finished 2nd and Jennifer Pfeifer finished 3rd. Meghan had a winning time of 4:06:46

Men
1. Max King, 3:08:50 (course record, old record 3:18:17 by Uli Steidl, 2003)
2. Chris Vargo 3:18:44
3. Leor Pantilat 3:21:51
4. Galen Burrell 3:26:01
5. Chris Eckman 3:33:31

Women
1. Meghan Arbogast 4:06:46
2. Rory Bosio 4:07:38
3. Jennifer Pfeifer 4:14:10
4. Danielle Windemann 4:17:46
5. Tera Dube 4:25:18

Episode 30 – Owens, Reiter & Bottger

Posted on March 9, 2013 by talkultra

Episode 30 of Talk Ultra – We bring you interviews with Philipp Reiter and Julia Bottger from Gran Canaria. We have a main interview with Brit, Tom Owens. Talk Training is about nutrition and was recorded live with an audience in Lanzarote. We have all the usual features, the news, up and coming races, ‘A Year in the life of…’ our MDS special, Speedgoat Karl and of course the up and coming races.

SHOW NOTES

000000

000044 start

000408 ‘A year in the life of…’ with Tyler. It has been a while since Tyler was on the show. He has an excuse though… a wedding. His own!

001218 News with Karl Meltzer

002315 An interview with Salomon athlete Philipp Reiter just before he ran an incredible 2nd place at the 83km race at Transgrancanaria. Website HERE

005510 News

005600 An interview with Julia Bottger. Julia was 3rd lady at the 2012 Diagonale des Fous (Raid de la Reunion) and this year plans to run Ronda del Cims. Website HERE

012300 News

012956 Trail Atlas Tafraout had it’s first edition race in February and Niandi Carmont attended to feed back how this inaugural event.

014015 News

014126 Blog – http://sebmontaz.com video blog. The man behind so many incredible films about adventure. Of course many of you will know him from his efforts with Kilian Jornet and Salomon running but take a look… he is quite the inspiration.

014210 Talk Training – On this weeks talk training Marc Laithwaite and myself took advantage of being in the same location at our training camp in Lanzarote. We decided to do a talk on nutrition and include the audience…. We hope you enjoy!

022415 Our main interview is with Brit Tom Owens. Tom Owens is at home in the fells or the mountains. In 2012 he achieved new heights with a series of impressive results in the Skyrunning series.

Achievements:
1st Senterio delle Gringe Skyrace 2011
3rd Transrockies Race 2011
4th Giir di Mont Skyrace 2011
1st Salomon 4 Trails 2011
2nd World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge, Slovenia 2011
2nd Zegama Skyrace 2011
1st Yorkshire 3 Peaks Race 2011
1st Mournes Peaks Race 2011
1st TransGrancanaria Marathon 2011
1st Carnethy 5 Hill Race February 2011
1st TransAlpine Race 2009 & 2010
1st SkyRaid®World Championships 2010
6th Giir di Mont Skyrunning World Championship
1st Trail du Ventoux 2009
1st Scottish Hill Running Championship 2009
2nd British Hill Running Championship 2009
2nd World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge 2008
2nd TransRockies Race 2008
2nd Mountain X Race 2008
3rd in British Hill Running Championship 2007
1st ToughGuy Race 2006

Occupation: Ecologist/ Environmental Advisor
Based: Glasgow, Scotland
Coached by: Malcolm Patterson
Type of Runner: Persistent!
Favourite Salomon Shoe & why: Speedcross. Super comfy & good grip. Ideal for trails.
Favourite distance: 2 – 5 hour hill races
Favourite race or event: Multi-day mountain races e.g. TranAlpine Race
Favourite Training session: Recce of a long hill race
Favoured pre- race meal/ snack: Flapjack
Best piece of advice for beginners and young athletes: Try to run with others – even better join a running club.
Interests and Hobbies: Cycling, racket sports & football. Travelling.

025500 A Meltzer Moment with Speedgoat Karl

Video link – Is ultra running bad for us? – HERE

030130 Mds Special with Tobias Mews – just less than 4 weeks to go….

030850 Races – Up and coming races for the coming two weeks.

031038 Close

031353 End

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Website – talkultra.com

The Coastal Challenge – RUN247

Posted on March 5, 2013 by talkultra

Race report: Talk Ultra’s Ian Corless recently travelled to Costa Rica to cover the The Coastal Challenge 2013, a six day stage race

All things must come to an end…. the atmosphere around camp was a little subdued. Some participants looked relieved that they didn’t have to squeeze a pair of shoes onto blistered feet. Others seemed sad that another day on awesome Costa Rican trails didn’t await.

Some required quiet time away from the camp to walk Drake Beach as the sun welcomed a new day. Others huddled in groups telling stories of water crossings, quad busting descents and dehydration.

Ultimately every person had a story. Unique stories, personal to each participant, stories that they would hold within themselves forever. No matter how low the low points, the day after never seems so bad. If it was easy, everyone would do it. The Coastal Challenge offers some very testing terrain with relentless heat and humidity to provide an overall race experience that will test each and every person. To cross the line on the final day requires commitment, dedication and some luck.

The Coastal Challenge 2013

Photos © Ian Corless

The logistics of mobilising a camp and moving it everyday in tough terrain is nothing short of remarkable. The course marking and dedication from the TCC crew was available for all to see. This is no easy race to run, but it is certainly no easy race to coordinate. The catering team showed a dedication not often seen, rising at 0200 to have breakfast ready for 0400, break down camp, move to the next location, set up and then cook lunch ready for the runners arrival. Clear lunch and then prepare dinner all for the process to be repeated again. Respect!

Marking the course was done before the race and then every stage had TCC crew heading out in front of the race to ensure that nobody would get lost. While the race was underway, the camp crew would mobilise moving luggage, tents and all other elements of base camp and then set up again. All this in searing heat – it was tough work.

Base camp had a full medical team and feet specialists to ensure that everyone would be in the best shape possible to start the next day. It’s a really important aspect of multi stage racing and without it, many would not see the finish.

Stage races are not meant to be easy! Was the The Coastal Challenge too hard? No, of course not. Was it hard? Yes, without doubt.

The Coastal Challenge 2013

Photos © Ian Corless

Several runners at TCC had participated in Marathon des Sables several times, on questioning they all said that The Coastal Challenge was a much harder race. The combination of heat, humidity, climbing and tough technical terrain was a much greater test of mind and body.

A key aspect of this race is camp life. An opportunity to relax in beautiful locations, make new friends and sleep under the stars. Strangers by the end of day 1 became best friends by day 2. The comradeship, the willingness to sacrifice time to help another is a great thing to see. One persons’ suffering was taken on by others and the burden shared.

With the race over these friendships will continue and no doubt be renewed at other races in the future.

The excitement and beauty of 236km’s, with over 30,000ft of climbing in South American rainforest over six days was a joy to behold and conquer. The journey came to an end by boat. We left Drake Beach speeding through the ocean to our bus that would eventually return everyone to San Jose and a comfortable bed.

It was time to switch off, let the experience soak in and remember what had been achieved.

Congratulations to Dave James and Gemma Slaughter for the respective wins in the Expedition category.

Ultimately though, the credit goes to every participant who battled and endured the TCC Expedition or Adventure category. Tam Miller from Vancouver Canada summed it up for me when she said: “I feel whole and complete and I have no unfinished business”

Pura Vida!

The Coastal Challenge 2013

Photos © Ian Corless

You can read day to day blog posts here: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6

And you can view images from each day here: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6

Click here to check out the event website

Men’s results

1	David James	26:54
2	I. Dris	29:17
3	Jose Lopez	32:59

Women’s results

1	Gemma Slaughter	39:42
2	Angela Meyer	41:32
3	Irene Hale	41:38

TNF Trans Gran Canaria – Results

Posted on March 2, 2013 by talkultra

Tough weather conditions took it’s toll on the 2013 The North Face Trans Gran Canaria with some key favourites in the 119km race dropping – Miguel Heras, Carlos Sa and Gustav Reyes amongst others did not make the finish.

A super motivated and inform Sebastien Chaigneau dominated the race for The North Face team and secured a dominant victory. After a mixed year in 2012 he will be really motivated and confident with this performance. Oier Ibarbia was 2nd some 25 minutes behind and Yeray Duran was 3rd another 30 minutes behind.

Nerea Martínez completed the 119km race in 17 hours and 16 minutes to take the win, the Canarian, Esther Fernández placed 2nd once again (same as 2012) and the Swiss Denise Zimmerman placed third.

In the 83km race as predicted, Ryan Sandes dominated the race to take the win and in doing so has now won races on four continents. It’s a great start to his 2013 campaign. Behind Ryan was his Salomon team mate, Philipp Reiter. Philipp has only just come of skis so he has found form very early. It will now be interesting to see how he performs on anothe Canary Island in May for the Transvulcania La Palma. Taking the final spot on the podium was David Lutzardo.

In the female category of the 83k race, Yurena Castrillo got first. Lidia Gómez arrived in the second position: she was one of the favourites due to the fact that in the past she had won three times this race. Sophie Grant, the New Zealand runner, placed third.

The marathon race was won by Marcin Świerc in 02:58:53 dominating the distance ahead of Lexis Almedia Benitez who was over 15 mins behind. Rafael Bethencourt Guimera completed the podium 30 minutes behind the winner.

Emelie Forsberg from Salomon running once again confirmed that she is ‘one to watch’ in 2013 by winning her first race of the season. Nuria Dominguez arrived at the finish just 3 mins behind Emelie and Janelle Tarum arrived 10mins later.

Marco Olmo racing the 83km

Philipp Reiter in the early stages

Philipp Reiter putting his poles to great use for 2nd place in the 83K

Ryan Sandes on his way to victory in the 83k race

Ryan Sandes

Seb Chaigneau in the early hours of the morning after a midnight start

Seb taking a really tough section of trail in his stride on his way to victory in the 119km race

Ryan talking about another victory. He has now won races on four continents

RESULTS

CLASIFICACIÓN GENERAL MASCULINA 42 KM

MARCIN ŚWIERC 02:58:53
ALEXIS ALMEIDA BENITEZ 03:15:19
RAFAEL BETHENCOURT GUIMERA 3:28:17

CLASIFICACIÓN FEMENINA GENERAL MARATON 42 km

EMELIE FORSBERG 03:42:55
NURIA DOMINGUEZ 03:45:46
JANELLE TARUM 03:54:52

CLASIFICACIÓN GENERAL MASCULINA 83 KM – Ladies results to follow

RYAN SANDES 08:11:26
PHILIPP REITER 08:27:30
DAVID LUTZARDO 08:46:02

CLASIFICACIÓN GENERAL MASCULINA 119 km – Ladies results to follow

SEBASTIEN CHAIGNEAU 14:05:53
OIER IBARBIA 14:30:52
YERAY DURÁN 15:03:23

The North Face Transgrancanaria – Press Release

Posted on March 1, 2013 by talkultra

The North Face® Transgrancanaria 2013

More than 2500 runners from 30 different countries will take part in The North Face® Transgrancanaria, a race that aims to bring the mountain closer to everyone.

Marco Olmo, Sébastien Chaigneau, Miguel Heras, Ryan Sandes, John Tidd, Philipp Reiter, Julia Boettger, Gustavo Reyes, Santiago Obaya, Marta Prat, Emilie Forsberg, Carlos Sá, Yeray Durán and Nerea Martínez are some of the great runners that will be fighting to win the race.

The North Face® Transgrancanaria has become a real challenge for all the ultra race lovers. This Saturday 2^nd March 2013, at midnight, one of the most anticipated ultra trail events in Europe will begin. Each year, more and more people come from all over the globe to Gran Canaria to face this race, now established as one of the most renowned mountain races in Europe.

This ultra trail race, which besides will be marking the start of the great European season, celebrates its 10th anniversary and once more Gran Canaria will turn into the meeting point for the best ultra trail runners in the world, for whom the diversity of the landscapes and the sheer spots of the island make the race even more attractive. Among the great events of that kind that take place over the world, The North Face® Transgrancanaria is internationally well known for its complexity.

In this edition, 2170 people will take part in the 4 types of races available: 420 will be running the Transgrancanaria (119km), 350 will face the Advanced (83km), 700 will run the Transmaratón (42km) and 700, the Starter (24km).

Some of the most famous professionals taking part in The North Face® Transgrancanaria 2013 are: Sebastien Chaigneau, current champion of the event, and other runners of his kind such as Ryan Sandes, Miguel Heras, Gustavo Reyes, John Tidd, Zigor Iturrieta, Philipp Reiter and Carlos Sa, all favourites to achieve the title.

Additionally, a real ultra trail legend will participate in the race, the Italian man, Marco Olmo, who keeps running the most difficult races at the highest level at his 64 years old. Others top runners such as Aitor Leal, the Llorens Brothers, Emelie Forsberg, Nerea Martínez and Julia Boettger, will attend the race, as they always do.

Miguel Heras copyright Ian Corless

They all have the same goal to face the Nature and push their limits to their ends, challenging the mountains of the island to become the champion. Pablo Criado, Santiago Obaya, Chelis Valle, Lidia Gómez, Nuria Domínguez and Marta Prat are also some of the Spaniards that confirmed their participation. On the other hand, Yeray Durán, David Lutzardo, Carlos García, Evaristo Almeida and Esteban García, among others, will represent the Island. In the women category, the runners Esther Fernández, Diana de la Rosa and Yurena Castrillo, among others, will do the same.

The high level and motivation displayed each year by the hundreds of runners from over 30 different countries (such as Japan, France, Turkey, South Africa or USA) when taking up the challenge of The North Face® Transgrancanaria, together with the spectacular nature of the race itself provide the event with a great dose of emotion and competitiveness. That’s why the event can only bring surprises and experience that all participants, as well as the public attending the race, will remember.

The North Face® Transgrancanaria got to strengthen its commitment to society, doing its best so that the participation to the race grew bigger each year and also making possible for runners of all ages and conditions to take part. The children’s and junior categories were thought to get all the family involved in the project and to teach to the youngest ones the Sport and Nature values. 400 kids between 6 and 17 years old will run among the Kid, Infantil and Junior categories

This is the second consecutive year in which people with physical, mental or sensory impairment can participate in the Transcapacidad race. This race had a great reception and high turnout last year.

The increase in the number of participants to the race leads to an increase in the number of visitors who come to Gran Canaria to take part in The North Face® Transgrancanaria. This confirms that the event is an excellent way to promote the fact that Gran Canaria is a many-sided destination that counts with a great variety of landscapes that go from the coast to the mountains and that provides its visitors with a wide offer of leisure activities.

The North Face® Transgrancanaria is sponsored by The North Face®, Patronato de Turismo and Consejería de Deportes del Cabildo de Gran Canaria, organized by Arista and will be held with the co-production of Overstim, Sonocom and Loype, and the support of some companies from Gran Canaria.

THE NORTH FACE® TEAM’S RUNNERS INFO SHEET

Seb Chaigneau copyright Ian Corless

SEBASTIEN CHAIGNEAU (France)

Sébastien Chaigneau was born and brought up in the ‘flatlands’ of France (La Vienne) and from an early age he heard the call of the mountains, and he looked for the limits of the far horizon.

Over the last years, Sébastien has found his strength in ‘ultra-races’ and has achieved great successes, most particularly in the Libyan Challenge and the 2009 edition of The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®. In 2010, he won the Chilean The North Face® Endurance Challenge and the Olympus Marathon. In 2011, he placed third in The North Face® Transgrancanaria and in The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®. And in 2012, Chaigneau became the champion of The North Face® Transgrancanaria, beating a time record, passing the finish line in a bit more than 13 hours.

ZIGOR ITURRIETA (Spain)

Zigor Iturrieta is one of Spain’s best mountain runners. He was born in Guipúzcoa, Basque Country. He has travelled around the world from race to race enjoying a long running career already at the age of 36.

In 2009, he participated in six races including a win at the Copa de Euskadi. This was the year he entered the world of ultra trail running – with great results: 4th in the Travesera Integral of the Picos de Europa, 5th in the Vent Cavalls, and 9th in the Ultra Trail Aneto.

2010 was one of his most successful years. Taking part in four races and three ultra trails, he premiered at the eighth edition of The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® where he reached podium 3rd place with a time of 21 hours and 6 minutes. Zigor achieved first place win at The North Face® Transgrancanaria 2011 in Gran Canaria.

THE NORTH FACE® TRANSGRANCANARIA INFO SHEET

Name: The North Face® Transgrancanaria

Dates: March 1st, 2nd and 3d 2013

Organizer: Club Deportivo Arista

Place: Gran Canaria

Route: Agaete, Tamadaba, Artenara, Bentayga, Aserrador, Presa de Las Niñas, Presa de Chira, Garañón, Teror, Santidad, Tenoya, Plaza de la Música (nearby the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium)

Race categories:

– TRANSGRANCANARIA: 119 km long, positive incline of 7.300+ meters. Duration: 30 hours. Starting time 00:00 from Agaete.

– ADVANCED: 83 km long, positive incline of 4.700+ meters. Duration: 24 hours. Starting time: 06:00 from Agaete.

– MARATHON: 42 km long, accumulated slope of 4.000 meters. Duration: 12 hours. Starting time: 10:00 from Garañón.

– STARTER: 24 km long, accumulated slope of 1.800 meters. Duration: 10 hours. Starting time: 11:00 from Teror.

– TRANS-INFANTIL: Playa de Las Canteras

– KIDS: from 6 to 9 years old – 1500 meters long.

– INFANTIL: from 10 to 13 years old – 2 km long.

– JUVENIL: from 14 to 17 years old – 6 km long.

Ryan Sandes – Trans Gran Canaria

Posted on February 28, 2013 by talkultra

“Howzit”

“I’m good Ryan, it’s great to finally meet up”

Ryan Sandes in Europe is quite a treat and for sure, the runners on Gran Canaria appreciate it.

Our first meeting is in a secluded mountain campsite. Ryan has arrived from South African heat so the chill in the air is noticeable by the several layers he is wearing. Our initial chat is purely a catch up about mutual friends and who is doing what. But then over dinner we discuss the season ahead and what it holds.

We discuss the pitfalls of too much racing and too much training and Ryan explains that the end of February, beginning of March is still VERY EARLY in the season. His decision therefore to move from the 119km race and enter the 83km seems logical.

Ryan very much carves his own niche in the ultra world. Maybe the ‘isolation’ of South Africa allows him to do this? But what is for sure is that this guy nows exactly his strengths and weaknesses and knows how to maximise what he has.

“My first marathon was like teenage sex… it wasn’t pretty”

Ryan explains at a talk/ video presentation at the H10 hotel in Meloneras on the southern coast of the island. He has a great story, an ex rugby player who stopped growing and decided to move sports… He ran a marathon, it wasn’t pretty but somehow picked up the bug. He wanted a challenge and thought big! So big he chose a multi stage race in the Gobi desert.

Why did he choose it?

“Well the Gobi desert sounded like a cool place to go but to be honest, I didn’t even know where it was let alone a multi day race. But I gave myself six months, trained hard and amazed myself by winning the race”

Quite amazing. That natural ability came through and he then went on to win all the ‘four’ desserts.

2010 4 DESERT CHAMPION AND ONLY COMPETITOR TO WIN EVERY STAGE OF EACH OF THE 4 DESERT RACES (www.4deserts.com)

Always looking for a challenge he needed to test himself against the best in the world, at the time this ‘stage’ for ultra running was America. Paced by team mate, Anna Frost, Ryan ran Leadville 100 in 2011 and won it! Suddenly the North American runners started to take notice.

Results 2011

2011 The North Face 100 Australia – 3rd

2011 The Salomon Zugspitz Ultra – 4th

2011 Leadville 100 Mile Trail Run – 1st in 3rd fastest time in history

In 2012 all attention was focused on Ryan as he moved to the ‘Big Dance’ Western States 100. After a win at Vibram Hong Kong 100km Ultra (new record) and The North Face 100 in Australia what would Ryan do… many thought that ok, yes, he won Leadvillie and yes, no doubt he is a good runner. But this is Western Sates!

An usually cold year at the Big Dance produced the fastest year on record with Timothy Olson setting a new bar for the 100 mile race. But pushing him all the way was Ryan. Ryan crossed the line in 2nd place also breaking the old course record set by Geoff Roes.

Results 2012

2012 Vibram Hong Kong 100km Ultra – 1st in new record

2012 The North Face 100 Australia – 1st

2012 Western States 100 Miler USA – 2nd in 2nd fastest time in history

2012 Fish River Canyon Trail – 6h 57min ( record time )

The Fish River Canyon was a personal project… a fastest known time attempt. He had tried the ‘fish’ before and as he explained at his talk;

“I looked at the distance and thought, no problem. I just wasn’t prepared for the severity of the course. It chewed me up and spat me out”

Returning to the Canyon in 2012 he put the demons to rest and as his video shows, he tamed the beast that had chewed him up.

The Beauty of the Irrational

So how will Ryan perform at Trans Gran Canaria in 2013? Well for sure, he is going to be competitive. However, he does have ‘Wonder Kid’ Philipp Reiter to race against plus plenty of other talent. Very often in these events the focus is on the ‘main’ event. At Trans Gran Canaria that is the 119km race. With Sebastien Chaigneau and Miguel Heras on the start line of the 119km, a classic race is in the making, but don’t forget the little brother, I think this year spectators and followers of ultra racing are going to get a 2 for 1 deal.

You can see images from my photo shoot with Ryan HERE

Ryan Sandes website HERE

You can check out the race website HERE

Follow the race on Facebook HERE

Kilian Jornet’s calendar 2013

Posted on February 28, 2013 by talkultra

Kilian Jornet copyright Ian Corless

Kilian Jornet has just announced his 2013 calendar. In just one glance you can see the dominance of Skyrunning. I am sure Kilian is laying his stall out and wants to be World Champion in VK, Sky and Ultra in the series.

Apart from one or two races, I will be at all of the events listed below bringing you interviews, images and audio as the action unfolds.

His 2012 placing of 3rd at Transvulcania must be a high priority on his list. I am sure he will be gunning for the win in 2013. Notably he has already stopped his skiing season allowing for more adequate preparation for the start of the 2013 season.

A surprise is a return to Raid de la Reunion. Maybe he wants a course record…?

2013 is going to be a very exciting season. I can’t wait to see it unfold.

CALENDAR

07/05/2013 – VERTICAL KILOMETER ELBRUS – RUSSIA – http://www.elbrus.redfox.ru/english/news/

11/05/2013 – TRANSVULCANIA – SPAIN – http://transvulcania13.com/index.php/en/

Kilian at Transvulcania 2012 copyright Ian Corless

26/05/2013 – ZEGAMA AIZKORRI – SPAIN – http://www.zegama-aizkorri.com/

09/06/2013 – CERDANYA ULTRAFONS – SPAIN – http://www.ultrafons.com/

28/06/2013 – VERTICAL KILOMETER CHAMONIX – FRANCE – http://www.montblancmarathon.net/fr/

30/06/2013 – MARATON CHAMONIX – FRANCE – http://www.montblancmarathon.net/fr/

06/07/2013-07/07/2013 – KILIAN’S CLASSIK – FRANCE – http://www.traildefontromeu.com

14/07/2013 – ICE TRAIL TARANTAISE – FRANCE – http://www.icetrailtarentaise.fr/

19/07/2013-21/07/2013 – EUROPEAN SKYRUNNING CHAMPIONSHIP – ITALY – http://www.dolomiteskyrace.com/portali.asp

Kilian at Cavalls del Vent 2012 copyright Ian Corless

27/07/2013 – ULTRA SKYRUNNING DOLOMITI – ITALY – http://www.dolomiteskyrace.com/portali.asp

24/08/2013 – MATTERHORN ULTAKS – SWITZERLAND – http://www.ultraks.com/

01/09/2013 – MEET YOU MAKER – CANADA – http://www.meetyourmaker50.com/

28/09/2013 – UROC – USA – http://www.ultraroc.com

11/10/2013-13/10/2013 – LIMONE – ITALY – http://www.skybikextreme.com/

25/10/2013-27/10/2013 – GRAND RAID REUNION – REUNION ISLAND –
http://www.grandraid-reunion.com

Philipp Reiter – wonder kid !

Posted on February 27, 2013 by talkultra

Philipp Reiter makes me laugh… he makes me laugh lots! 21 years old, the world is ahead of him and he embraces each day as though it was his last. His passion for life and running is matched by his appetite for the ‘buffet’ at our hotel. Boy can he eat!

In 2012, he emerged on the ‘world’ stage by clocking up a series of top 10 places and wins that only a fool could ignore. He won the Salaomon Four Trails ahead of Thomas Lorblanchet and Francois d’Haene. He teamed up with teammate, Iker Karrera at Trans Alpine and won. He suffered a little at Transvulcania, ran strong at Trofeo Kima and dug deep at Cavalls del Vent.

After Trofeo Kima I asked him what his aspirations are for the future….

“I want to be the new Kilian” he replied.

Today, just before we headed out on to the beach to take the photos that you can see in the post, I questioned him again. His answer today?

“I want to beat Kilian”

He has just spent the last two to three months ski mountaineering and this weekend he lines up at the 83km TNF Trans Gran Canaria to take on a competetive field that includes teammate, Ryan Sandes. With no running in his legs is it possible to perform over 83km on tough trail? Philipp thinks so.

On the trails yesterday, Philipp flew off like a man possessed. It was hard to believe that he hadn’t run… no small stops to ease himself in. No, not at all. He bounded and leaped down the trail as though some binding shackles had been removed.

“When you take the skis off and run, you feel so light. It’s incredible. It’s a joy to run” said Philipp in my 30+ min interview scheduled to be aired in episode 30 of Talk Ultra on March 8th.

“The break from running freshens the mind, it’s a good thing, I love sport, I love cycling, I love going to the gym, I love variety. That is what is so exciting about what I do”

You can see the logic. Look at his peer group; Kilian Jornet, Nuria Picas, Emelie Forsberg and so on… they all turn from trails to snow in the winter months.

This coming weekend will show us how Philipp’s form is after months of no running. But ultimately the 83km on Saturday are only small and tiny steps on what will be a very interesting 2013 season.

A full set of images from today are available HERE

You can see how Philipp gets on against Ryan Sandes and the other runners at : http://www.transgrancanaria.net

You can listen to my interview with Philipp on the next episode of Talk Ultra. It will be available for ‘free’ download on iTunes, Libsyn and talk ultra.com.

ITunes http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk-ultra/id497318073

Libsyn – feed://talkultra.libsyn.com/rss

Website – talkultra.com

TNF Trans Gran Canaria – Pre Race

Posted on February 26, 2013 by talkultra

It was a cold night in the mountains… the hot temperatures on the coast at lunch had disappeared. Wrapped under four blankets and still fully dressed during the night we emerged to a glorious new day.

As the sun rose so did the temperature. It wasn’t really hot but hey, it was warm enough. A couple of hours on the trails to allow me to capture images, that is all I needed. I love the light in the mountains. It’s warm and at this time of the year the sun is low in the sky providing some strong directional light.

Gran Canaria has some incredible trails and when you put Ryan Sandes, Philipp Reiter and Trailschnittchen Julia Böttger on them and only good things can come of it.

Philipp was like a wound up cork, he literally hasn’t run for 3 months. He has been skiing. It didn’t affect him, he shot up the trail immediately and we chased. What followed was a series of memorable moments on some incredible trail. Here is a highlight but you can see all the images HERE.

Our morning fun over we left for the coast at midday. A leisurely lunch of fresh seafood and salad with views of the beach. The break over and another short journey, we arrived at what can only be referred to as a palace. Our hotel for 2 nights, the H10. In incredible hotel.

Ryan Sandes did a talk and presented a video of his Fish River Canyon run. It was a really enlightening and informal chat… I have to say, Ryan came out with some great quotes:

“My first marathon was like a teenager having sex… It wasn’t pretty!”

“I enjoy the mental aspect of ultra trail races. Immense highs and lows. I’ve learnt lots about myself. But it’s about enjoyment. I really respect those runners that take twice as long to complete the race than I do…. But, they get better value for money!”

“Lots of foot prints on the trail, do you follow them or do you make your own?”

So as our first day draws to a close it’s time to make the most of the H10 hotel and take advantage of a wonderful dinner laid on for us by the management.

Ryan Sandes website HERE

Philipp Reiter website HERE

Julia Bottger website HERE

The TNF Tran Gran Canaria website HERE

Te Araroa Episode 2 – Jez Bragg

Posted on February 26, 2013 by talkultra

After 53 days 9 hours and 3,054 km of running, Jez Bragg crosses the finish line of Te Araroa trail arriving in Bluff — lands end on the southern tip of New Zealand’s South Island.

“I’m just so proud of that because, it was bold, and I did pull it off. And that’s cool.” Jez Bragg