Asian Traveler – Skyrunning

Posted on April 3, 2013 by talkultra

You can see a full set of IMAGES from TROFEO KIMA – HERE

You can download the full PDF article HERE and it includes an additional article on Kinabalu – “Climax at Kinabalu”

Skyrunning Interviews featured on MST

Posted on March 28, 2013 by talkultra

You can read the post on Mud, Sweat & Tears HERE

Who nicked my Mojo?

Posted on March 26, 2013 by talkultra

I have been plagued with knee issues since early in 2012. They finally came to a head in August and i had no choice to take time off. A few weeks off and away from running wasn’t too much of a problem, the big reason I think is that in my mind I needed that break. I was tired of running and just not feeling ‘right’. You know what I mean?

We become addicted to running and therefore, like a job, we get up and do it because we feel we have to. But should that be the case? Eventually, the reason ‘why’ we run can get lost and with that, we can loose our Mojo.

I have to say since August last year my Mojo has been and gone several times. For me, the issue has been somedays feeling great and then other days not feeling great. So, to remove any pressure of ‘having’ to be fit, I decided I would not race in 2013.

Now you may read that and think whoa! that is a little drastic! But no, not for me. My diary is crazy with race coverage and to be honest, when I attend races I seriously get my Mojo back when I get the opportunity to play on the trails and run with some of the best runners in the world. I get to play without pressure to perform, it gives me back my Mojo. I love this sport and the people in it.

But what can you do if you have lost yours? This is by no means ‘a guide’ but you may find the tips below useful.

Find your MOJO

Training and racing can be a 12 month process. The addition of more and more races does mean that the beginning and end of a season has become somewhat clouded, so, first of all look at your year and break it down into blocks. Each block can have several targets but ultimately, each block will finish with a rest/ recovery period before starting the next training and racing block.

It can be tough to go out of the door sometimes. Particularly when it’s cold and wet. So I ask the question, the goal that you have set yourself, is it challenging? If your goal is a challenge then you are far more likely to head out of the door because the consequences of not going out, may very well mean that your goal will not be achieved. Nobody likes a DNF. So, set a goal that is challenging BUT achievable.

If you have lost your Mojo. You may need to look for a new objective? Try these bullet points to help you.

Choose a new distance to race. You can either challenge yourself by going longer, say, moving from a 50k to a 50 mile or a 50 mile to 100k. That is usually the way most ultra runners do things, but how about throwing a curve ball in the mix? Step down a distance but aim to go faster…. that will mean a change in training and in the long run the speed will enhance and progress your ‘longer’ races.
Include some B or C races in training that remove the pressure from the A race. This will allow you to turn up, race but without a pressure to perform. Just run and enjoy the process of being with other people. You can always be a ‘pacer’ looking after slower or new runners. This will give you an objective and make the journey more rewarding.
If you are a road runner, try some trail. If you are a trail runner, try the mountains. If you are a mountain runner, try something more challenging like navigation. We can all test ourselves in different ways but we get comfortable with our daily running and don’t test ourselves. Mix things up.
Pick a weekend, pick a location and just go and spend 2 or 3 days exploring. You can fast pack or stay in small hotels. I like to pick a point-to-point when doing this as it gives a real motivation to get to the end. Time is not important so you can enjoy it for what it is; just time out running.

Running in La Palm – no pressure, just fun!

One thing that usually gets a Mojo lost is doing the same things day in and day out. Not only that, but always doing the same pace or the same routes. Mixing things up is really key in keeping the motivation going and don’t be worried to take time off.

We are very fortunate that a year is broken down into 12 months, so, take one weekend a month and do something different. This can be a different training session, it may very well be a completely different race experience or it may very well be a weekend away with no running… don’t worry, you will survive and I guarantee your run on Monday morning will be great!
Do you always do a speed session on a Tuesday and then some tempo running or hills on a Thursday with your long run on Sunday? Why? Mix it up. I fully appreciate that work or family commitments means that we all can’t be completely flexible but I am sure we can all mix things up. Move your rest day, add a session, remove a session, do back-to-back long runs or just do a long walk.
Incorporate some new stimulus in your training such as cross training, weight training, core work, pilates, yoga and/or stretching. We all love running and more often than not, that is all we do. But, some cross training really will mix things up for you, it will also work areas of the body that get neglected when running. You will become a better and stronger runner.
This is a no brainer, but get your credit card out and go shopping. Nothing makes me want to run more than some new kit to run in. It may very well be a short term fix but it does work. That stimulus to get you out of the door may very well be all that was needed to get you back on a roll with your Mojo fired up.
Running at night, particularly for trail and ultra runners is something that can really get you fired up. Don’t train at your normal time and decide one day that instead of going to bed, you will turn a head torch on and head out on the trails to play in the dark. This really provides a great stimulus and speed doesn’t become important as the main priority is all about finding your way and not falling over. Of course, depending on what racing you are doing, this may very well be a ‘specific’ training session if your doing longer races that will go into the night. (Please think about safety and if running alone let somebody know what you are doing, alternatively, buddy up, these runs are more fun with company).
Social media is a great way to get a buzz from your running. You can join forums, chat on Facebook, follow on Twitter or of course you could listen to a really good podcast like Talk Ultra to get you fired up and motivated.
Music or listening to a podcast while running may not be something that you do. So why not try it? Finding music with a great beat can be really instrumental in providing a stimulus to run longer or faster. If you listen to a podcast, you can get engrossed in the chat and time just passes. Of course, if you already do this, why not try a run ‘without’ your iPod? Listen to the ‘quiet’.

A lost Mojo doesn’t normally stay lost for too long but getting it back can be a tricky process. It doesn’t always come back when you want it too. Just as you don’t plan to loose it, you can’t plan to get it back. But maybe some of the tips above will help provide that stimulus you need….

“Let’s hop on the good foot and do the bad thing.” Austin Powers, The Spy who Shagged me.

The Coastal Challenge – in Spanish

Posted on March 22, 2013 by talkultra

The Coastal Challenge por Ian Corless

by matiasfbr on March 21, 2013

Ian Corless, presentador y creador de Talk Ultra comparte con nosotros su experiencia reporteando y corriendo en The Coastal Challenge. 236 Kilometros en una carrera por etapas que dura 6 días. Pero mejor no les cuento más. Lee el reportaje completo de Ian y sorprendete con las imágenes que ha tomado. Definitivamente una de las carreras para tener en la lista de carreras por correr. Reclina tu asiento y prepárate para un viaje a través de playas, selva, serpientes y monos con éste ultra reportaje.

Ian Corless es presentador de Talk Ultra, escribe para Running Fitness, GOTRAIL, Ultrarunning,Mud Sweat and Tears, Run 24 7. Además trabaja con la Federación Internacional de Skyrunning y con la revista Trail Magazin. Si quieres conocer más sobre Ian, revisa su blog en https://iancorless.org/

The Coastal Challenge, Costa Rica 2013-03-20

Texto Original y fotografías: Ian Corless

Traducción: Diego Bonifacino

Revisión: Matías Bull

En última instancia, cada persona tenía una historia, un recuento singular que se celebraría dentro de sí mismos por siempre. A pesar de todos los bajos momentos de cada uno, el viaje valió la pena. Si fuera fácil, todo el mundo lo haría… The Coastal Challenge en Costa Rica ofrece un terreno desafiante en un calor implacable, con una humedad pegajoza que provee una experiencia que empuja a cada uno de los participantes hasta el límite. Esta novena edición, creada por el arquitecto y aventurero costarricense Rodrigo Carazo, cubrió 236 kilómetros a lo largo de seis días. Cruzar la línea de llegada requeriría compromiso, dedicación y, diría, hasta un poco de suerte. Tuve la suerte de ser invitado a la carrera para trabajar como fotógrafo y periódista, no sólo desde afuera, sino que participando de ella, desde dentro.

Para leer el resto del artículo, por favor vaya AQUÍ

To read the rest of the article, please go HERE

Episode 31 – Joe Grant & Ruby Muir

Posted on March 22, 2013 by talkultra

Episode 31 of Talk Ultra. Joe Grant tells us all about his experiences covering 350 miles at the Iditarod Trail Invitational in Alaska. New run sensation, 21 yr old Ruby Muir from New Zealand tells us what it’s like dominating Tarawera Ultra and placing 7th overall. We speak with Daniel Rowlands & Rebecca Pattinson, respective winners of the Atacama Crossing in Chile. Ian Sharman discusses the News, Marc Laithwaite talks hills in Talk Training, Speedgoat has a Meltzer Moment and of course we have A year in the life of, MDS special and the Up & Coming Races.

00:00:44 Start

00:20:10 A Year in the life of… with Amanda Hyatt. Amanda finally seems to be getting the hand of ultra running. After being ‘shocked’ with her first race experience, she now has another race under her belt and feels far more confident.

00:33:30 News with Ian Sharman. Ian has had a niggle with a knee injury but is back in training and has a race coming up in the next couple of weeks. He discusses the news from around the world.

00:41:40 Ruby Muir – 21 year old ultra newbie, Ruby Muir has elevated herself to a whole new level with a stunning performance at the very competetive Tarawera Ultra in New Zealand. Not only did she dominate the ladies race, she placed 7th overall. I caught up with her just this last week… “I am just a runner” this modest star of the future says.

01:00:00 Back to News

01:04:40 Daniel Rowlands from Zimbabwe has just won the Atacama Crossing in Chile. You can hear what he has to say and read his blog HERE

01:14:05 Rebecca Pattinson from the UK won the ladies race at Atacama Crossing and is somewhat surprised! She talks about her training and racing money for Autism. Take a look HERE

01:34:40 Back to News

01:42:15 Blog/ Video – SILENCE – Surrounded by the noise of the city, a noise that can drown out our ability to fully listen to what our bodies are telling us, the video highlights how it can disconnect us from the places that we’re running in and although running becomes an escape – it isn’t always relaxing. Why we Run? Watch it HERE

01:45:00 Talk Training with Marc Laithwaite, this week we discuss Hills. Going up and down them.

02:06:45 Interview. Our final catch up with Arc’teryx/Inov-8 athlete Joe Grant. Joe has just completed the 350 mile Iditarod Trail Invitational in joint 2nd place. It was a little tougher than he expected.

02:49:35 Back to Karl

02:56:30 A Meltzer Moment with Speedgoat Karl

03:03:05 MDS Special – This week we have our final catch up with Stuart Rae. The next time we speak it will be in the Sahara.

03:12:10 Up & Coming Races for the next two weeks.

03:14:45 Close

03:16:37

http://traffic.libsyn.com/talkultra/Episode_31_Grant__Muir.mp3

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

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

Website – talkultra.com

Tom Owens -is the SKY the limit?

Posted on March 21, 2013 by talkultra

http://www.mudsweatandtears.co.uk/2013/03/21/tom-talks-ultra/

You can read the full article on Mud, Sweat & Tears by clicking HERE

All Terrain Human – Kilian Jornet

Posted on March 20, 2013 by talkultra

Copyright - Levon Biss for The New York Times

By CHRISTOPHER SOLOMON

Excellent article on Kilian Jornet in The New York Times by Christopher Salomon with images by Levon Biss

Kilian Jornet Burgada is the most dominating endurance athlete of his generation. In just eight years, Jornet has won more than 80 races, claimed some 16 titles and set at least a dozen speed records, many of them in distances that would require the rest of us to purchase an airplane ticket. He has run across entire landmasses (Corsica) and mountain ranges (the Pyrenees), nearly without pause. He regularly runs all day eating only wild berries and drinking only from streams. On summer mornings he will set off from his apartment door at the foot of Mont Blanc and run nearly two and a half vertical miles up to Europe’s roof — over cracked glaciers, past Gore-Tex’d climbers, into the thin air at 15,781 feet — and back home again in less than seven hours, a trip that mountaineers can spend days to complete. A few years ago Jornet ran the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail and stopped just twice to sleep on the ground for a total of about 90 minutes. In the middle of the night he took a wrong turn, which added perhaps six miles to his run. He still finished in 38 hours 32 minutes, beating the record of Tim Twietmeyer, a legend in the world of ultrarunning, by more than seven hours. When he reached the finish line, he looked as if he’d just won the local turkey trot.

You can read the rest of the article by following HERE

TRANSVULCANIA LA PALMA 2013 Preview

Posted on March 19, 2013 by talkultra

Without doubt, the International Skyrunning Federation and the organization of the 2012 edition of the Transvulcania La Palma created a race that ultra runners throughout the world had been waiting for. A showdown! The best-of-the-best racing ‘head-to-head’ on a tough and technical mountain route on the island of La Palma.

Billed as the ‘race of the year’ the tough La Palma course did not disappoint. Both the ladies race and the male race created a topic of discussion, not only during and after the race but also before it… the build up, the media and the buzz was unparalled.

The 2012 race is now history; Dakota Jones triumphed over the volcanic course and in doing so created a moment in ultra history that will be talked about for years to come. Anna Frost for the ladies produced a performance that was nothing short of miraculous. She smashed the female course record and confirmed herself as one of the most dominant forces in mountain running. So strong was her performance, she actually almost made the top 10 overall.

Dakota Jones, 2012 winner and course record holder copyright Ian Corless

Anna Frost, 2012 winner and course record holder copyright Ian Corless

On May 11^th, once again we will have one of the greatest ultra fields assembling in ‘La Isla Bonita’ to climb, sweat and survive over one of the most beautiful run courses I have had the pleasure to witness.

Ladies first

Anna Frost is returning in the hope to defend her title. Once again she will arrive on the island weeks in advance and prepare meticulously in the hope not only of taking out the win once again but maybe beating her own CR and creeping into the top 10. She has had a quiet winter and raced at El Cruce 3 day stage race for a 3^rd lady place and just recently ran a relay with Rickey Gates at Tarawera ultra in New Zealand. *update 5th May, Anna is having some ongoing health issues and her presence in the 2013 Transvulcania is currently 50/50. Anna’s priority is her health and as much as we want ‘Frosty’ in the race,more importantly we want her healthy. Best wishes Anna.

**6th May – “I have decided not to race Transvulcania” Anna Frost has announced she will not run the 2013 Transvulcania – you can read a post HERE**

Frosty training on La Palma copyright Ian Corless

Nuria Picas will return to push Frosty to the limit. Nuria had an incredible 2012 and most certainly stepped up a notch. With incredible diversity and wins at iconic races such as Trofeo Kima and Cavalls del Vent, Frosty and the rest of the ladies will have their hands full stopping the Catalan charging over the course and taking the win.

Nuria Picas at Trofeo Kima copyright Ian Corless

Missing from the 2012 race, Emelie Forsberg, now more relaxed at the 50-mile distance will join her friends and sparring partners to make an incredible three Musketeers at the front of the field. Emelie burst onto the 2012 race season and impressed with every race performance, she can run down hill like no other as she proved at Pikes Peak. She also placed 2^nd or 3^rd behind Frosty and Nuria for most of 2012 but she finished of the season with an incredible win at San Francisco. Emelie has all the potential to win at Transvulcania. She started 2013 with a win over the marathon distance at Transgrancanaria and recently raced Tarawera as a relay with Francois d’Haene.

Emelie Forsberg at Templiers copyright Ian Corless

Silvia Serafini like Emelie has had an incredible rise in 2012. An incredible talent who is new to the longer distances may very well find Transvulcania La Palma a learning curve race. However, she has the ability, passion and dedication to push at the front. *Update May 5th via email: I decided together with Greg (Salomon International Team Manager) and Fabio (Team Manager) not to race at Transvulcania. I have to run the ‘Great Wall marathon’ the week after, and Zegama on the 26th.

Silvia Serafini at Royal Parks Ultra copyright Ian Corless

Emilie Lecomte is renowned for running long distance races and performing at the highest level. In 2012 she set a female record for covering the GR20 in Corsica and she finished the season with a win at Diagonale des Fous on Reunion Island. Without doubt she has all the ability to make her presence known at the front end of the race. I just wonder if 80km’s is just a little too short for her?

Emelie Lecomte, Quecha. copyright www.ledauphine.com

Emelie Lecomte, Quecha. copyright http://www.ledauphine.com

Fernanda Maciel from Brazil has had some great results. In 2008 she was 4th at TNF 80k in California. In 2009 she won the TDS and in 2010 she placed 4th lady at UTMB. She may well be a dark horse in the ladies with no Frosty and Maud Gobert, Fernanda may well make top three and if she has a great day, she may take the top slot. In 2012 she was first at The North Face Transgrancanaria 123k. In June, she finished second at TNF Lavaredo Ultra Trail. She placed at the TNFUTMB and in October, she ran the 860k Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Fernanda Maciel copyright The North Face

Maud Gobert from France had a strong 2012 season and raced throughout the year but ultimately, the key performance came at the end of the year placing 3rd behind Emelie Forsberg at San Fran 50. After a quiet winter it will be interesting to see how she progresses. Maud was 6th at Transvulcania 2012 in 9:54:40. *Update 7th May, Maud will not race and go to Zegama two weeks later instead.

Maud Gobert copyright maudgobert.com

Notable mentions go to ~~Tina Lewis~~ *no longer racing, updated 1st May 2013, Karine Sanson, Uxue Fraile and Lidia Gomez.

The Men

Boy oh boy… the men will have a battle. On paper, the 2013 race has all the makings of a classic. Kilian Jornet, Miguel Heras, Anton Krupicka, Timothy Olson, Mike Foote, Francois d’Haene, Philipp Reiter, Cameron Clayton, Thomas Lorblanchet, Sage Canaday, Tofol Castanyer, Gustav Reyes and so many more.

With no Dakota Jones (winner 2012) and no Andy Symonds (2^nd in 2012) first roll call goes to Kilian Jornet. Kilian placed 3^rd in 2012 after being in the lead with Dakota and Andy for the best part of 74k. However, in the final km’s just after the long hard descent to Tazacorte Port, Kilian was hit with fatigue and dehydration. He crossed the line and promptly passed out. It’s not often we see Kilian look ‘human’ but at Transvulcania he did. We must point out that only 7 days previous he had taken off his ski’s after a long racing season. The question is for 2013 will he allow himself more preparation time? It certainly looks as though he has. Nobody doubts Kilian’s ability and his incredible 2012 season confirms that he is the main favourite for Transvulcania.

Kilian pre race at the 2012 Transvulcania copyright Ian Corless

Anton Krupicka injured for most of 2011 and 2012 returned with a bang in the latter half of 2012 and got a great 2^nd place behind Kilian at Cavalls del Vent. His 2013 season was due to see him start his year at Tarawera in New Zealand but he pulled out just 10 days. He did say he had a hip injury that was very much on the mend but he didn’t want to take any risks. He will be arriving in La Palma in form, in shape and without doubt running with only one objective, to win the race!

Anton Krupicka at Cavalls del Vent copyright Ian Corless

Sage Canaday has burst on to the ultra scene and has pretty much left the community looking on in wonder. A 2:16 marathon runner he has introduced that speed to the longer races and although as he says himself, he is still learning he is dominating and setting course records. He blazed a trail at Bandera 100k and set a new CR in early 2013 and just recently set the trail on fire at Tarawera. Mid race he was over 12 minutes ahead but at the end that had been reduced to just 3 minutes. Transvulcania is a runnable course but the elevation may be more demanding on Sage and his learning curve may very well take a sharp swing in the ‘up’ direction. However, with his speed and ability he can win the race. In particularly, if Sage is in contention at Tazacorte Port, the final kilometers of the race include road and if Sage gets chance to use his speed it could be devastating.

2012 Western States winner and course record holder, Timothy Olson is almost duplicating the racing calendar of Anton. They had planned to face up against each other at Tarawera and then follow with Transvulcania and TNF UTMB. Timothy without doubt has all the potential to create a stir. With a new sponsorship deal with The North Face, 2013 looks like it will be an incredible year. He raced early on in 2013 at Bandera 50k and although he won the race his pace wasn’t fast (by his standards). Going in to Tarawera ultra he said he had trained well and that he was in form. He was! Trailing Sage Canaday by over 12 minutes at half way he reeled Sage in and at the finish was just 3 minutes behind to take 2^nd place. I can’t help but feel that Timothy is just warming up and I am now moving him up to a ‘favourite’ for Transvulcania.

Miguel Heras had a mixed early part to 2012 but finished it of with a podium place at La Course des Templiers and a win at San Francisco. In form he is most certainly one to beat and he will be mixing it with Kilian at the front end of the race… can he win? Absolutely. He raced the 119km Trangrancanaria but pulled from the race relatively early on. *Update 7th May, Miguel Heras will not start the 2013 Transvulcania.

Miguel Heras at Templiers copyright Ian Corless

Francois d’Haene, 4^th at Transvulcania in 2012 and winner of the shortened TNFUTMB has all the potential to make the podium and even win the race. He just needs a perfect day. Like Kilian he has the advantage of already racing over the course. He will know how to pace himself. He raced at El Cruce early in 2013 and made the podium behind Max King. He has also just raced at Tarawera in New Zealand.

Francois d’Haene just after his win at UTMB copyright Ian Corless

German, Philipp Reiter, like Emelie Forsberg created a name for himself in 2012 with consistently top-notch performances. At the 2012 edition of the Transvulcania he had a few issues early on, which cost him a top 10 place. However, he battled on and finished side by side with Joe Grant. He raced at the 83km Transgrancanaria in 2013 and placed 2nd behind Ryan Sandes. I spent several days with Philipp in Gran Canaria and he is definitely looking to arrive on the island of La Palma to improve on his 2012 placing.

Philipp Reiter stretching his legs on an evening run in Gran Canaria copyright Ian Corless

Thomas Lorblanchet figured well in the 2012 race but had a breakthrough moment when he took the win at Leadville 100 ahead of Tony Krupicka. He has secured a new sponsorship deal for 2013 with Asics so it will be interesting to see how he performs.

Thomas Lorblanchet image from Asics http://www.asics.fr

*Tofol is not racing. Apparently we had some confusing information and Tofol had not planned to race at Transvulcania – apologies

Tofol Castanyer adds more Salomon weight to an already packed field. Tofol was the 2010 Skyrunning World Series champion. He always packs a punch when racing and his stunning performance at the CCC in 2012 proves this. He was 5th at Sierre-Zinal, he won at Giir di Mont Skyrace, 6th at Dolomites Skyrace and 3rd at Mont Blanc Marathon amongst others. He had a long 2012 season and suffered like many others at Cavalls del Vent. Without a doubt he will me a main contender at Transvulcania.

Tofol Castanyer at Cavalls del Vent copyright Ian Corless

Adam Campbell had a mixed 2012. I was with him in the Pyrenees for an Arx’teryx media camp mid year and his plan was to race TNF UTMB. However, a recurring injury saw him return home and not race at the iconic 100-miler that ultimately was reduced to 100k. Once recovered he managed to set a new Guinness World Record for the marathon by running in a business suit and then at San Fran 50 he competed with the best, including Sage Canaday, however, he managed to go off course and gave away any chance of a win. Adam once again had an injury issue early season but he has assured me all will be good by May.

Adam Campell copyright Ian Corless

Joe Grant has just finished the 350 mile Iditarod Trail Invitational in joint 2^nd place in just over 6 days. Having interviewed him several times about this event before and after one can only speculate how his recovery will be. He has openly said that the 6 day experience was much harder than he anticipated but relatively quickly afterwards he felt recovered. In fact, he has already been for an easy run to start the build up for his run season. Joe races Transvulcania in 2012 and finished just outside the top 10. He will be looking to move in the field this year but his big objective is improving on his 2012 2^nd place at Hardrock 100.

Luis A Hernando is a Skyrunning specialist and was the 2012 Skyrunning World Series champion and ranked 2nd last year. He loves the mountains and technical terrain and excels at the ‘marathon’ distance. The question is not his ability to perform at the highest level but if 83km’s will be be too far?

Luis A Hernando and Tom Owens in the early stages of Zegama 2012 copyright Ian Corless

Dave Mackey **update April 1st 2013 – Dave Mackey has withdrawn from the race – needs no introduction. He has been running for years with a string of consistent results. He has also placed highly at Western States, 4^th in 2012 with a masters record, so he will be coming to the island of La Palma with high hopes. At Bandera 100k 2013 he finished 2^nd behind Sage Canaday but he will have been getting the miles in since then and you can be sure that he will be ready to mix it up and push hard against the best.

Dave Mackey copyright Ultra Pace Photos

Dave James has a very strong reputation on the US ultra scene. He is a USATF national champion and has run some incredible times over the 100 mile distance, his PR is 13:06:52.. He has already had an an impressive 2013. He secured another win at the multi stage, The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica and then just one week later raced at Fuego Y Agua to get second place behind Nick Clark. He is racing The Lost Worlds Tuscany event and just 7 days later the Causeway Crossing. he will head to La Palma for Transvulcania, just two weeks later he will race at Zegama and then the big one! Ronda del Cims in Andorra. A super tough 100 miler that has a profile that looks like JAWS dental records. Without doubt Dave will be competitive but he has a busy diary… he is going to need to keep some powder dry.

Notable mentions also go to Gustav Reyes who placed 17th at Transvulcania, Armando Teixeira who was 2nd Transgrancanaria, 7th Cavalls Del Vent 2012 and 11th UTMB all in 2012 and Miguel Caballero who was 6th in the Skyrunning World Series last year. Also, Santi Obaya, Toti Bes, Zigor Iturrieta.

The surprise package may come from Marathon des Sables expert and champion, Mohamad Ahansal. Mohamad has just won his 5th ‘MDS’ and will be travelling to La Palma with great fitness. I for one will be very curious to see how he performs on this course and terrain.

Don’t hold your breath

2013 without doubt will once again be an iconic race. But don’t hold your breath… we have time to go yet and in that time we may even have more names to add.

The current records of 6:58:54 set by Dakota Jones in 2012 and 8:11:31 by Anna Frost are incredibly fast. However, we do have two incredibly talented and fast fields assembled. Will records fall in 2013? The 83km Transvulcania La Palma course course with 8525m of ascent and descent offers the perfect volcanic arena to watch one of the key races of 2013 unfold.

The growth of Skyrunning and ultra running has been incredible in just the last 12 months. Transvulcania La Palma has set the benchmark for all other races to follow. As 2010 Western States winner, Geoff Roes said:

“It was great to be at such a great race. It had everything you would want from a race. A point-to-point course with unique trail for the entire route. Tough climbs of mixed terrain. Amazing scenery. A finish line in the center of town with amazing crowds, it was like the Tour de France. It is certainly one of the most appealing events I have done. In my mind it has nothing lacking….”

I for one can’t wait to see what May 11^th has in store.

Links

Visit the Transvulcania La Palma website HERE
Visit the ISF website HERE
Are you racing at Transvulcania and need some info? Take a look HERE

“Find out everything concerning this Isla Bonita” : www.visitlapalma.es

The new SWS Team Partners supporting the Series, Salomon, Arc’teryx. inov-8 and La Sportiva, are joined at Transvucania by: adidas, Asics, Buff, Hoka, New Balance, Platinum Sigvaris, Salomon Agisko, Scott, The North Face and Quechua.

Why do we run?

Posted on March 18, 2013 by talkultra

Why do we run? Arc’teryx athlete Adam Campbell tells his “why” in a story with no words.

Surrounded by the noise of the city, a noise that can drown out our ability to fully listen to what our bodies are telling us, the video highlights how it can disconnect us from the places that we’re running in and although running becomes an escape – it isn’t always relaxing.

“The noise and bustle of a city often make my running feel tense and forced and I often feel like I’m trying to run away from it all,” said Campbell, one of Canada’s most renowned Ultra Runners.

“My greatest pleasures in running are those times when I’m not trying to run away, but rather, when I’m fully immersed in the moment. I find those moments when I’m running high in the mountains, when all I can hear are my footsteps on the trail, my breath and the sounds of nature around me. During these runs, I feel most in tune with my body and the places I’m running, making the act effortless and highly meditative. That quiet effort brings incredible inner peace and gives me a deep appreciation of the places I’m moving through,” Campbell said.

Directed by Austin Siadak (cinematographer & editor on The Gimp Monkeys) the film is shot on the streets of Vancouver and the high country around Whistler, Silence is the story of every runner, climber and skier who chases their passion rather than the modern world’s trappings.

It is an unusual way to depict the peace of running – via sound, but Austin was inspired after a run in Seattle trying to clear his head of his growing daily task list.

“I came up with the idea to tell a story about the challenge that so many of us face in trying to quiet the noise of city life and create silence in our lives. I wanted to capture that shared experience, and it seemed natural and fitting to use sounds instead of words to tell that story.” Says Siadak.

Best with headphones – ARC’TERYX and Duct Tape Then Beer, present – Silence

Enjoy the film:

http://www.arcteryx.com/Video.aspx?EN&video=Silence

You can download a high res image of Adam HERE

The Causeway Crossing, Ireland

Posted on March 17, 2013 by talkultra

St Patricks Day! A perfect opportunity to enter a race in Ireland.

The 100k Ultra will start in Glenarm on the eastern shore and will follow the roads and forest paths towards the world famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. From here participants will follow go through Ballintoy and past Dunseverick Castle, along the Causeway Coast Way which skirts the cliff path along the headlands of the Giants Causeway and passes stretches of sandy beach before reaching the turnaround at Dunluce Castle and retracing the route back to the finish at Ballintoy, close to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This run covers a route along one of the most spectacular coastlines in the whole of the UK and past one of the most photographed places in the world The Giants Causeway. The highlight of this section is a run through the Giants Causeway area and the Shepards Steps carved into the cliffside.

Where – Ireland, Antrim Coast
When – May 4, 2013. 100k and 100k relays start at 0600 hours. Please inquire about start times of other races.
Distance Options – Ultras 100k/50k
Additional race options – 25k
100k relay – 4 person team (NEW) (25k + 25k + 25k + 25k)
100k relay – 2 person team – (50k + 50k)
50k relay – 2 person team – (25k + 25k)
Team trek – 50k trek (team of 4)
Terrain – 85% trail, single track, forest, glens, coastal cliff trail, bogs, beach and headlands.
Pacer Option- (NEW) Pacers will be allowed to insert into the race to pace a competitor at either kilometer 50 or kilometer 75 at Dunluce Castle. They will not be ranked, timed or be given big numbers but must both register to be a pacer, check in with race organizers before race begins and check in with course officials at entry point, have signed waivers and have any mandatory gear required to be on route.

Peter Ferris MBE (Irish Marathon Record Holder) after running the shorter Causeway Coast Marathon: – “For me the Causeway Coast Marathon was a real cracker full of stunning, mind blowing world class scenery. It was the best ever marathon in my life and I have over 350 of them run from North Pole to Antarctica, from Mount Everest to Sahara Desert and the Causeway Coast Marathon is way out in front!”

Links: