I remember it well, two days before Cavalls del Vent in 2012 I was in the race hotel in Berga having dinner with Terry Conway, Emelie Forsberg and Philipp Retier.
Midway through the meal, Kilian Jornet joined us. Just the day before he had been in Barcelona for testing.
If you have seen the recent Summits of my Life movie, ‘A Fine LIne‘ you will see Kilian undertaking part of this test.
We discussed over food how this test had gone… Kilian seemed happy, he said that he had managed to last longer than previous tests. An improvement! You can see the results here:
Copyright Kilian Jornet/ Seb Montaz
Spirometry
Lung capacity: 5.3 L VEMS: 4750 Tiffenneau: 88.28 PEFR: 10,63
Transgrancanaria is a race that has been held on the island of Gran Canaria since October 2003. In the Transgrancanaria participants must cross the island on foot passing through several aid stations where they can replenish their water and food supplies, also giving the organisation a chance to monitor the competitors’ progress.
The Transgrancanaria is the pioneer of this kind of event in the Canary Islands. Arista, the organizer of the race, have placed Transgrancanaria as one of the main highlights on the national , European and now, the World stage.
The Transgrancanaria is held in the first week of March and has four different races, making accessible to everyone:
Transgrancanaria: DISTANCE: 119km. Elevation: + 7.000 m. 31 Hours.
South-North Transgrancanaria: DISTANCE: 83km. Elevation: + 4.700 m. 24 Hours.
Media Transgrancanaria: Distance: 42km. Elevation: +- 4.000 m. 14 Hours.
Transgrancanaria Starter: 24km Ascent: +- 1.800 m. 10 Hours.
The first edition of Transgrancanaria in October 2003 had a total of 65 participants, and over the years has grown to more than 1400 athletes, walkers, joggers and nature lovers from more than 20 countries that have decided to take the challenge of crossing the island on foot in less than 31 hours. On this route participants can find rain, sun, mud, dust … but above all they will enjoy direct contact with nature. The course is the same for everyone and will be fully marked to avoid errors.
The Transgrancanaria not intended only to test the elite, but is an event for everyone, which is why you have 31 hours to do it. The first competitors will finish in daylight and the last will finish in darkness, however all will pass through the aid stations ensuring the competitors’ safety and comfort.
The North Face Transgrancanaria 2013 will be on 1st, 2nd and 3rd of March and will have four races: Starter, Marathon, Advanced and Transgrancanaria. The main race (Transgrancanaria) being one of the highlights in the national and European racing calendar.
The North Face athlete, Sebastien Chaigneau 3rd in 2011 and winner in 2012 with a time of 12:54:19 will be returning in 2013 to hopefully dominate on this rough and tough course. He will have some competition though from Salomon athletes Ryan Sandes and ‘wonder kid’ Philipp Reiter.
The ladies race will have returning champ and The North Face athlete Lizzy Hawker(**updated 18th Feb Lizzy Hawker will no longer be racing, she is still recovering from a stress fracture) and Julia Boettger fighting for the win. UPDATE – Emelie Forsberg has now confirmed that she will be racing (17th Feb 2013)
Although some elite runners are still to be confirmed , just over a month before the start of the race, some of the most internationally renowned professionals shave secured an entry for March 2nd in Gran Canaria. Sebastien Chaigneau and other runners such as Ryan Sandes, John Tidd, Zigor Iturrieta or Portuguese Carlos Sa, are favorites to win the test.
Also included in the participation of the race is ultra legend, Italian Marco Olmo, who at 64 is still running in the most demanding tests and competing at the highest level. Like other elite runners as Aitor Leal, Llorens brothers, Philipp Reiter, Armando Teixeira, Fernanda Maciel, Nerea Martinez, Lizzy Hawker (not racing), Julia Boettger and Emelie Forsberg.
Published on Mar 20, 2012
Join us in celebrating 1st place wins for The North Face®athletes Sebastien Chaigneau and Fernanda Maciel at the 123km ultra-race of The North Face® Transgrancanaria – Gran Canaria, Spain, 2nd-4th March, 2012.
I will provide an elite start list for the mens and womens race as soon as possible. I am just waiting for this information from the race officials.
The originators of the two day mountain marathon have announced an expanded program of events for 2013 offering opportunities for adventure to rival any experience.
OMM began the discipline of mountain marathon as the KIMM way back in 1968. Over the years little has changed about the core event and the challenge it represents. Pairs pit their fitness and navigation skills against the course, other competitors and the elements to race across the wild areas of the UK over two days whilst being self sufficient.
The core event continues to be the largest of its type in existence and will again take place in the final weekend in October in Wales. Stu Hamilton, Events Director, said, “This time of year helps set the character of the event. No matter where we are you just don’t know what the conditions may bring. The teams therefore have to be ready for anything.”
In order to appeal to the rapidly growing community of up and coming adventurers and those who find road races, triathlons, ironmen etc yesterdays news OMM have launched a number of supporting events in the UK as well as a couple of truly inspirational international events.
OMM Iceland 25th – 26th May, The Blue Lagoon, Reyjavik. Entries open
OMM France 17th – 18th August, Jura Mountains. Entries open
Extrem Maraton – Denmark. 25th – 26th May. Entries open.
2013 sees the arrival of OMM Lite and OMM Bike in the Peak District on the weekend 18th May,
In order to protect the environment and the experience for the competitors the places are unfortunately limited. Entries for all events will be open by 31st Jan. If you are up for the challenge then go to the website www.theomm.com.
Thomas Dold once again confirms his prowess as the world’s number one skyscraper racer, despite his second place in the VWC final in Brazil won by Italian Fabio Ruga. Australia’s Suzy Walsham wins the race and takes the title.The King of skyscraper racing, German Thomas Dold, was crowned Vertical World Circuit Champion for the fourth time, despite coming a close second to Italian Fabio Ruga in the Corrida Vertical in Sao Paolo, Brazil on January 25. The ladies’ winner, Australian Suzy Walsham, also took the World Champion title based on ranking points scored in the eight-race Circuit.
Ruga, the man who beat the seemingly invincible Dold by a mere two seconds, reached the summit of the 140 metre builing in 3’04”, Dold was second in 3’06” and third, Belgian Omar Bekkali in 3’16”. The women’s times were 3’45” for winner Suzy Walsham, and Brazilians Criastina Marcia was second in 4’40’ and Alnmeida Ligia, third in5’19”.
Race winner Fabio Ruga, together with three hundred runners, raced up the 672 steps and 29 floors wearing a pair of Vibram® FiveFingers®– the “barefoot sports shoes”, winning Friday’s Vertical World Circuit final outright.
January 25th was the date chosen by the Corrida Vertical to celebrate Saõ Paolo’s foundation in 1554. On the same day, an annual “Skyrunning Day” has been introduced to create awareness of the health benefits of tower running to the sports-loving Brazilians.
Skyscraper racing, governed by the International Skyrunning Federation, is becoming increasingly popular: last year more than 7,000 runners from 30 countries took part in the Vertical World Circuit which unites some of the world’s most iconic skyscraper races in eight major cities across four continents – from the Americas to the heart of Europe and the Far East.
Look out for the 2013 Vertical World Circuit to be announced shortly by the ISF, where Brazil aims for a repeat performance as one of the major venues.
Question – “Ian, are you free the first 10 days of February?”
Answer– “I leave Spain today and I am back in the UK late tonight. I have a busy morning on Saturday and I have some interviews to do Saturday afternoon but I will be free around midday to chat if you are? Alternatively drop me an email. Hope you are well? February should be okay, lets discuss.”
Reply– “Great, so you can go to Costa Rica for the multistage ‘Coastal Challenge'”
Answer – “Erm, yes! of course”
So, with just 4 weeks to prepare I was suddenly thrust into a week in the jungle. A whole new experience for me but one that I am so excited about! The Coastal Challenge.
I would normally be thinking to myself this is awesome. I get to go to Costa Rica, take part in a 6 day multistage, take photos, write an article and of course get some interviews. Unfortunately my long term knee injury is going to stop that… 225km over 6 days will just be too much and of course, I am not fit! Well, not race fit.
But as I said to my client and the RD, I think it is important to go these events and see it from both sides. If I am taking part, I wont see what is happening at the front of the race. I wont see ‘the race’ for the win. I also wont see the logistics and planning that go into a race like this. My trip is all about understanding every aspect of this race. So I am happy. I plan to dip in and dip out of stages but ultimately report on and bring back a whole series of images and stories that I can relate back to readers and listeners worldwide.
The first question I had was, can I die?
Heat Illness and Dehydration
Individuals who are not well conditioned traveling in hot, humid environments are susceptible to both heat illness and dehydration. Heat illness includes both very benign conditions such as heat rash as well as life threatening conditions including heat stroke. Participants should carry enough liquids to ensure hydration during the event. It is important to eat and drink appropriate amounts of liquids with electrolytes during the event to reduce the incidence of hyponatremia. Water has not been an issue in previous Coastal Challenge’s, however, this year portions of the race will be through agricultural areas that will require purification before drinking.
Plants and Animals
There are 135 species of snakes in Costa Rica with 17 being considered dangerous. Mostly these are members of the Viper, Coral and Boa families. The best prevention is watching your path and being aware.
Water Safety
While the water in Costa Rica is generally considered among the safest in Central America, traveler’s diarrhea does occur. It is advised that any water be treated prior to drinking unless its safety can be guaranteed. Speak to your Family Physician about treatment issues (Pepto Bismol, Antibiotics, etc.)
Sun
February is considered the dry season so expect warm temperatures with average highs of 20-25C/70-85C depending on altitude. Furthermore the race will be going through some of the driest areas of Costa Rica. Proper sunscreen is essential (SPF 15 or greater) with enough to last multiple daily applications for the entire race.
Okay okay, that sounds okay… the chances of survival are pretty good. So then, what is The Coastal Challenge?
225km
Costa Rica
Supported stage race
6 stages
February 2013
The “Rainforest Run” promises to be spectacular and challenging. The course has been designed to emphasize point-to-point racing, which will put the “finish line” at or near camp at the end of each day’s race. The course is measured and will be marked. You will be given accurate course measurements and maps (Google Maps, Nat Geo maps) with route profiles for terrain, approximate distances and elevation gain or loss.
Set along Costa Rica’s tropical Pacific coastline and weaving into the Talamancas, a coastal mountain range in the southwest corner of Costa Rica. The race finishes near the border of Panama in a small and serene fishing village that until recently was only accessible by fishing boat.
Mountain, trail, rainforest, single track, across ridges, highlands and coastal ranges. We will run along beaches, rocky outcrops, reefs, river estuaries and the race finishes in the Corcovado National Park, one of the premier rainforest experiences in the world. A Unesco World Heritage site it defies description.
The course has a total elevation gain of more than 34,000 feet.
What is a Rainforest?
Rainforests are forests characterized by high rainfall, with definitions based on a minimum normal annual rainfall of 1750–2000 mm (68-78 inches). The monsoon trough, alternatively known as the intertropical convergence zone, plays a significant role in creating the climatic conditions necessary for the Earth‘s tropical rainforests.
Around 40% to 75% of all biotic species are indigenous to the rainforests.[1] It has been estimated that there may be many millions of species of plants, insects and microorganisms still undiscovered in tropical rainforests. Tropical rainforests have been called the “jewels of the Earth” and the “world’s largest pharmacy“, because over one quarter of natural medicines have been discovered there.[2] Rainforests are also responsible for 28% of the world’s oxygen turnover, sometimes misnamed oxygen production,[3] processing it through photosynthesis from carbon dioxide and consuming it through respiration.
The undergrowth in a rainforest is restricted in many areas by the poor penetration of sunlight to ground level. This makes it easy to walk through undisturbed, mature rainforest. If the leafcanopy is destroyed or thinned, the ground beneath is soon colonized by a dense, tangled growth ofvines, shrubs and small trees, called a jungle. There are two types of rainforest, tropical rainforest and temperate rainforest.
Logistics
The race is supported. This makes a big big difference. Although the race has a similar format to the Marathon des Sables, the big difference is that you do not need to carry your kit whilst running. This multistage is very much a race from the sense that the runners can race light and fast. The top runners will keep it minimal, hand bottles or a small pack. However, for most participants they will carry a pack with some ‘essentials’ and of course a bladder or bottles.
Base camp is set up by the race team. They transport the participants baggage to the finish of each day. Runners can sleep in a hammock or tent.They provide food (apparently excellent) and they also provide a series of check points and feed stations during the race.
After asking several questions, I was told by Rodrigo Carazo the following:
‘In regards to the race, it is a VERY HUMID race, plus it is also VERY HOT, if you have been to MDS, our conditions feel worse in terms o humidity, it rarely gets above 35 degrees but he humidity factor makes it feel hotter. But dont worry the sights and race course and race atmosphere really make the heat a minor issue in regards to the experience, but nonetheless it makes for a very demanding race and it is very rewarding once the race is finshed!!!!
Once the race begins we provide everything you need for the next seven days except your specific racing food. We provide all meals, a highlight of our race you will see, and on course we provide water gatorade, fruits , nuts, sandwiches and cookies, but we dont provide energy bars or similar. At night you will be staying in campsites so bring your tent-with rainfly just in case ( its the tropics!) and a sleeping mattress. Some people bring sleeping hammocks.
Also bring plenty of running and beach clothes, you will need them as after every stage you will end up full of mud and bathed in sweat!! Do not bring shoes or socks you haven’t tried or raced with, this is because your feet will be constantly wet and humid, and blisters could be your worse enemy! Also bring a lot of sun protection, we see a lot of people coming from winter in their home countries leaving back with very sexy ruby red tans!!!!
We transport all you gear daily in a duffel bag or action packer plus your tent.”
Simple!
Okay, loads of run kit, loads of beach clothes, mattress, tent etc etc etc… I have 4 weeks!
I make a couple of calls and send a few emails and BIG thanks need to be expressed here to The North Face and Arc’teryx.
Both companies have stepped in at the 11th hour and have provided me with a selection of kit that will help me on the trip.
The North Face have provided a tent, luggage and a selection of run clothing. Arc’teryx have provided travel and relaxation clothing.
The North Face
TNF Mica 1 Tent
The Mica 1 tent will be excellent as I can pitch just the ‘inner’ allowing me to potentially remain a little cooler in the ridiculously hot and humid climate.
Single Track Hayasa Shoes
GTD shorts
GTD LS top and SS top
Waterproof Pack
Enduro 13 Pack w/ bottles
Mica 1 Tent
Arc’teryx
Incendo Short
Motus Shirt
Neutro Vizor
Race Schedule
One’s to watch
Dave James from US – interview with Dave James on episode 27 of Talk Ultra HERE
Jen Segger from CA
Roiny Villegas from CR
Ligia Madrigal from CR
Ismael Dris from Spain
Footnotes
FEET CARE by John Vonhof
Conditioning Your Feet
In the same way you train your legs and cardiovascular system, you need to condition your feet for the rigors 150 miles of The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica. In short, that means training your feet in simulated race conditions. Train on somewhat similar terrain—sand, rocks, trails, hills, and in water. Knowing in advance how your feet will respond to these conditions will help you anticipate problems before they occur. Strengthening your ankles will help prevent sprained ankles common to uneven terrain and trails. Add in some walks or runs of longer amounts and vary your distance. The more miles you can get on your feet the stronger your feet will be.
Shoes
When selecting shoes, make sure your toes have wiggle room and your heels are snug with little up and down movement. Shoes with mesh may be cooler but tend to allow trail debris and sand into the shoe. Don’t start the race with worn out shoes. Make sure the shoes fit well and have space for swollen feet and toes.
Socks
Athletes should wear moisture-wicking socks. Try a few types of socks and decide whether a single sock, a thin liner with an outer sock, or two socks are the best for your feet. Remember if wearing more than one pair, more space is required inside your shoes so be sure your shoes are sized big enough. Plan on several changes of socks. The Injinji toe socks place each toe into its own little sock and might be a good move if you are prone to toe blisters.
Gaiters
Gaiters keep sand, grit and gravel, and trail debris out of your shoes and socks. There are many commercially made gaiters available to purchase or make your own. Those with a breathable material are preferred. Styles which attach to the shoe’s upper are preferred over those with the strap under the shoe since they make it easier to change socks.
Skin Preparation
The most beneficial step you can take to prevent problems is to reduce your calluses. Treating blisters under calluses is difficult and sometimes impossible. Use a callus file after showering or use callus remover creams to soften the skin.
Toenail Preparation
Untrimmed nails catch on socks putting pressure on the nail, causing blisters and black toenails, and cut into other toes. Toenails should be trimmed regularly, straight across the nail. Leave an extra bit of nail on the outside corner of the big toe to avoid an ingrown toenail. After trimming, use a nail file to smooth the top of the nail down toward the front of the toe and remove any rough edges. If you draw your finger from the skin in front of the toe up across the nail and can feel a rough edge, the nail can be filed smoother or trimmed a bit shorter.
Blister Prevention
If stopping to rest on the trail, take your shoes and socks off to air your feet, elevating them if possible. If near water, cool your feet with a quick soak. Use a silicone-based lubricant, like Hydropel or Sportslick which helps drive moisture away from your skin and reduces friction between your feet and shoes. Empty your socks of rocks and debris that can cause blisters, sores, abrasions, and cuts. If prone to blisters, consider taping your feet before problems develop.
Blister Treatment
Attend to hot spots when they develop to prevent them from turning into blisters. Cover these with tape to eliminate friction. Blisters should be drained and covered with Spenco 2nd Skin, Blister Block, or Compeed, and then tape. Your feet must be cleaned of all lubricant and oils for the patch to stick. If using a pin to drain the blister make several holes. If using a small scissors, make two small “V” cuts. Make the holes or cuts at a
point where foot pressure will expel any additional fluid build-up. Try to keep the skin on the roof of the blister. After applying a patch, roll your socks on and off to avoid disturbing the patch. Practice applying blister patches on areas of your feet most prone to problems.
Your Foot Care Kit
Wise competitors carry a small foot care kit in their packs. It doesn’t have to be big but it has to be right for your feet and small enough to fit in a Ziplock bag. I’d recommend a small container of Zeasorb powder or BodyGlide lubricant, alcohol wipes to clean oils off the skin before applying a blister patch, tincture of benzoin wipes, a small Ziplock bag with 1-inch Spenco 2nd Skin patches, a sewing needle and thread to drain blisters, and at least two yards of Leukotape wrapped around a small pencil. Duct tape can be substituted for Leukotape if you prefer. Of course it goes without saying that carrying a blister kit is useless if you don’t know how to use the materials. Use the time between now and the race to learn how to patch blisters and tape your feet before an event.
Foot Care at the End of the Day
After each day’s segment, proper care of your feet can help prepare you for the next day.
Using lightweight flip-flops around camp will allow your feet time to air and heal. If possible, soak your feet in cool water. Elevate your feet when resting. Rotate your socks to keep your feet as dry as possible and wash dirty socks. If your feet swell, you may have to remove your insoles. Use Super Salve, Bag Balm, Brave Soldier Antiseptic Healing Ointment, or a similar ointment to keep your feet as healthy as possible.
John Vonhof – Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes, 3rd edition, June 2004 www.footworkpub.com
Essential Medical Kit
Alcohol hand rub or equivalent. Have 2 X 100ml bottles available. Take one with you on run or event. Use on every occasion that you use the toilet/ wash room. Use before and after eating food.
Use often Moist toilet tissues or baby wipes
Friars Balsam (Tinc Benz Co) 100mls in leak proof bottle.
Cotton buds around 20 kept in a plastic zip bag
Fleecy web in rolls or sheets
Zinc oxide tape or duct tape.
Compeed
Antiseptic liquid 100ml in leak proof bottle
Antiseptic dry spray 200ml
Sterile large bore needles x 10
Alcohol wipes, small x 20
Zinc oxide tape x 1 roll 5cm wide
Steristrip various sizes
Vasaline or Sudacrem
Adhesive remover or Zoff
Zeasorb powder or talcum powder
Small pair of dressing sicissors
Latex gloves
Gauze swabs
Sun screen and lip balm
Rehydrate salts or equivalent
Antibiotic cover
Just to clarify a point about running shoes, running shoes should be good fitting and not too big. You can bring a size bigger just in case your feet swell but do not start with them. Bring sandles/ flip flops for around camp in the evening.
Finally….
The Coastal Challenge chose the spiral symbol because of its simple and transcendent beauty. Many of the most universally recognized meanings attached to the spiral seem relevant to the adventure in which you are about the take part. To many cultures the circular motif signifies centeredness, tranquility and balance.
Also a basic element in Western ideography, the clockwise spiral is strongly associated with water, power, life, the earth or sun, time, a journey, independent movement, and migrations of tribes, all things that will most definitely shape your life over The Coastal Challenge
Yes, I openly admit I work for Skyrunning and I attend the events that they organize. I love the philosophy, the courses and the people.
To be honest, I love our sport. Don’t we all?
The WMRA – World Mountain Running Association, are once again making sure that WE understand what Mountain Running is and I guess what Mountaineering, Orienteering and Skyrunning is…
Mountain Running is Athletics. Differences with Mountaineering, Orienteering and Skyrunning.
To distinguish the sport of mountain running from mountaineering or orienteering or skyrunning we can look at the philosophy of each sport.
The philosophy of mountaineering is based on contact with and challenge to nature. The time factor is only important in relation to our planning and safety. Climbers seek their adrenalin rush climbing on rock faces, looking for new routes and overcoming the danger inherent in their sport. A considerable amount of technical equipment, (ropes, pitons, etc) is needed. It is a question of combat between man and nature.
The philosophy of orienteering is to work out the quickest router between two points. Speed is important but it is useless without map-reading, compass, and route finding skills. In a few competitions, orienteering moves out of the forest, its natural habitat, and onto the mountains but its philosophy is still distinct from that of mountain running.
The philosophy of skyrunning seems to be an adventure on the mountain, trying extreme difficulties: in fact skyrunning is the discipline of running in the mountains above 2.000 meters, where the incline exceeds 30% and the climbing difficulty does not exceed II° grade. Ski poles and hands may be used to aid progress.
The philosophy of athletics, in our case mountain running, is based on the time factor, how to reach the finish taking the defined way as fast as possible. This is the objective of those who take part in competitive mountain running. Courses are designed to eliminate danger. No equipment is needed, no ropes, no compass. Athletes find their challenge in matching their speed against that of other runners, a competition between man (woman) and man (woman).
Are we clear?
Just to make sure:
WMRA Council: definition of mountain running for IAAF Rule Book
During the final day of meetings for the WMRA Council in Monte Carlo, the definition of mountain running was discussed at length which resulted in proposed language for a new rule to appear in the IAAF rule book: this new rule numbered 251 could replace actual rule 250.10.
It was agreed by the Council that there are extreme variations in conditions in which Mountain running is practiced worldwide. The difference between very successful and unsuccessful events often lies in the natural characteristics of the venue and the abilities of the course designer.
The proposed rule from the WMRA Council is intended as a guide and incentive to assist countries to further develop Mountain running.
Guidelines are included to support worldwide race directors in the organization and logistics of their events.
The proposed rule will be forwarded to the IAAF for consideration with hopes for final approval by the IAAF Congress in August 2013, at Moscow.
The rule would then appear in the IAAF Rule Book
Big shout out here to my buddy, James at GoTrail for getting this incredible project off the ground and showcasing some of the best in trail movies.
I am eager to see the Marco Olmo film, ‘The Runner‘ but I am equally stoked to see that friends, Dean & Greg from The African Attachment will be showing ‘Collective Dreams‘. Collective Dreams is a film that delves into the professional world of trail running – a sport rapidly growing and changing around the world. At its core, trail running is a solitary pursuit born out of a love of the mountains. The film follows a group of individuals finding their way in this new professional world and, as they learn and gain experience, they are brought together by this common bond as a team and as friends.
The Trails in Motion Film Festival is a project aimed at creating an artistic and engaging platform to showcase the imaginative and awe-inspiring trail running film productions of both local and international film makers.
The objective is to not only capture the true spirit of trail running through the screening of high quality films and documentaries, but ultimately develop an exciting social and visual experience for everyone who shares a connection with the trail and a deep appreciation for the creative expression of others.
It has only taken four short years for ultra-marathon ace Ryan Sandes to rise to the very top of his game, earning the prestigious honor of winning all four of the 4Deserts events. He received this record-breaking accolade after a first place result in the Last Desert event in Antarctica at the end of 2010. The human running machine from South Africa led the 250km event from start to finish, battling challenging sub-zero temperatures and treacherous conditions with ice underfoot on the hilly course.
With his focus now shifted to some of the world’s premier single staged 100 kilometer and 100 mile endurance races, Ryan continues to work hard at achieving his goals, all the while maintaining the balance of life. More recently, Ryan’s achievements have included a win at the 2011 Leadville Trail 100, the 2012 TNF100 in Australia, a second place finish at the 2012 Western States 100 as well as a record breaking run through the Fish River Canyon in Namibia towards the end of 2012.
FILM LINE UP
Emilie Lecomte | portrait of a trail runner
Runtime: 6 minutes
Directed by: scenario-s.com
Produced by: Quechua & Montagne TV
Il Corridore | The Runner
Runtime: 52 minutes
Directed by: Paolo Casilas and Stefana Scarafia
Produced by: BODA’
Mountain Of Greatness
Runtime: 24 minutes
Directed by: Andrew King
Produced by: D4 Productions
Collective Dreams | The Documentary
Runtime: 26 minutes
Directed by: Dean Leslie
Produced by: Greg Fell
HEADLINE FILM
Marco Olmo – The Runner
Runtime: 52 minutes
Directed by: Paolo Casilas and Stefana Scarafia
Produced by: BODA’
Marco Olmo is a living legend of extreme ultra-running. In his “previous lives”, as he says, he has been a farmer, a truck driver and a workman. Running has became his reason for living, the way to take revenge on his hard destiny. At the age of 58 he has became Ultra-trail World Champion, winning the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc in France, the hardest and most important endurance race in the world. make no mistake about it, this is no easy feat: over twenty hours of uninterrupted running, 167 km (over 100 miles) and a circumnavigation of the tallest mountain in Europe. An almost unimaginable specialty, where mental and physical training and personal motivations are fundamental.
Despite age, physical problems and always younger and more prepared opponents, he doesn’t want to stop. For one year he prepares for the new edition of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. This competition, which for two consecutive times has consecrated him as the champion, could become the last of his career. Marco must win, to show himself that he can still do it.
This is his story.
Just when you think you have seen it all… run shoes with five toes, run shoes that look like a goat hoof or shoes that are built on inches of marshmallow and then Reebok bring us the ATV 19+. Lets face it, Reebok don’t really have a great reputation for ‘great’ run shoes. Will this nippled alien beast change that?
I haven’t seen these shoes yet. But they are about to be released onto the world on Feb 1st. Are we ready for it? I have no idea…
Bill McInnis, head of advanced innovation at Reebok thinks we are. Apparently he is a former NASA scientist! He says:
“The ATC 19+ has 19 bumps (hence the name) on the bottom of the shoe which are designed to grip as much terrain as possible each time you move. ATV? ‘All Terrain Vehicle’ – In other words, the shoe is designed to mimic how a real ‘ATV’ grips any terrain that is put beneath its wheels. The shoes ‘dig’ through the top layer of the surface and get traction on the layer underneath”
Jury is out on this one… on first impressions I can’t imagine it working too well in the wet, particularly on roads/ pavements or in the mud. But hey, I shouldn’t jump to conclusions… just because they look weird doesn’t mean that they wont perform.
Lets see what happens after Feb 1st!
Copyright Reebok
As a footnote. I have just seen this YouTube clip. Oh dear… any credibility that Mr McInnis gave the shoe in his ‘clip’ above seems to disappear rather quickly here.
Episode 27 of Talk Ultra – Fast man of the moment, Sage Canaday tells us about how he got into running and all about his transition to ultra. Joe Grant gives us an update on how his prepartion is going for his attempt at the 350 mile Iditarod Trail Invitational in Alaska. We also speak to Dave James who had a win at Coldwater Rumble recently and heads out to The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica on Feb 1st. We have talk tainining, a year in the life of, the news, a blog, a Meltzer Moment, up and coming races and we have the start of a new special on the build up to the 2013 Marathon des Sables.
00:00:00
00:00:45 Start
00:10:00 ‘A year in the life of…’ – this week it is Tyler’s turn to tell us what he has been up to since Christmas.
Email from Andrew Bentley – Following the tragedy in Glencoe this last weekend four climbers killed, is there any chance would you be able to put a shout out about this http://www.justgiving.com/Luke-BradleyChris Bell was a keen bike and triathlon racer, winning numerous races, some of which I was fortunate enough to be his team mate for. Chris was always the faster one- his dedication to being fast was unmatched.
01:00:23 Back to the News
01:05:00 Joe Grantneeds no introduction… his 2nd place at the 2012 Hardrock was a great result. In February 2013 he will be taking part in the 2013 350m Iditarod Invitational Trail. He gives us an update on how his preparation is going.
As a 2-time Olympic trials qualifier, Sage has competed at a national class level. In 2007 he was the youngest participant in the Olympic marathon trials at the age of 21.
A native of Oregon, Sage ran for Newberg High School and placed 13th in the state cross country meet his senior year. Determined to run DI in college, Sage traveled across the country to run for LetsRun.com co-founder Robert Johnson at Cornell University. At Cornell Sage not only qualified for the 2008 US Olympic trials marathon (junior year) – he also won the Ivy League Conference title for 10,000m on the track and qualified as an individual for the 2007 NCAA Championships in cross country.
Sage ran as a Brooks-sponsored elite runner on the post-collegiate Hansons-Brooks Distance Project team from August of 2009 to February 2012. His running resume from their website can be found here. During his time at Hansons, Sage placed 17th overall at the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon (8th American in the race), and placed 5th in the 2011 Rock n’ Roll New Orleans Mardi Gras half marathon with a personal best time of 1:04:32. Sage also ran a personal best marathon time of 2:16:52 at the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon that year (2011). In his final race wearing the Hansons singlet, Sage placed 43rd in the US Olympic Trials marathon in Houston with a 2:18:24.
At the start of 2012 Sage started ultra marathons and trail running. In his ultra debut had earned a 2nd place overall finish at the Chuckanut 50k in Bellingham, WA in March after missing a turn and running off course for 8 minutes. In June 2012, Sage won the Mt. Washington Road Race in 58:27…the fastest time ever by an American on the all uphill course. In July 2012 Sage won the White River 50 in 6:16 and bettered Anton Krupicka’s course record by over 9 minutes on the 50 mile course.
Sage looks to continue competing at a high level on the roads and trails at distances from the half marathon to 100k for the rest of the year with a focus on representing the US at the 2012 World Mountain Running Championships in Italy.
IAN CORLESS 