The Skyrunner World Series Matterhorn Ultraks took place today, August 24th. A first edition race covering 46km around the iconic Matterhorn. Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg were crowned winners.
Here are a selection of images from the day.
Episode 42 of Talk Ultra – We speak to Fernanda Maciel as she prepares for the up and coming CCC and the Everest Trail Race. Ray Zahab has inspired many a runner and we chat to him about his career, Impossible to Possible and his recent Gobi Crossing. We have a chat with Scott Jurek and Nick Clark about Leadville. Smiles and Miles with Emelie Forsberg, Talk Training, the News, a Blog and the up and coming races. It’s another packed show!
00:00:45 START
00:09:46 NEWS
What a race Leadville turned out to be. We had all discussed the race beforehand and the script had been written. However, somebody should have told the runners….
00:10:22 – To set the scene, here is a pre race interview with Scott Jurek
00:26:49
Leadville 100
Waldo 100k
Pikes Peak
* Stevie Kremer 12th overall and sets new CR for Age Group. Previous record of 4:21:09 and Stevie did 4:17:13. Interestingly, Stevie tells me she can’t run downhill… we all know Emelie Forsberg can! Well Stevie came down quicker than Emelie in 2012, Emelie did 1:34:09, Stevie did 1:33:08 so that is a new descent record too!
Arcteryx Squamish 50
North Downs Way 100
Transrockies
Lots of other races and classifications so go to http://transrockies-run.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Zone4-Results-RUN6-TRR-Teams-General-Classification-TransRockies-Run-20131.pdf
Finally, it is the Matterhorn Ultraks this weekend. Going to be exciting to see Kilian, Hernado and some of the other top Europeans going head-to-head.
Also, UTMB, TDS and CCC is just around the corner. Really strong American contingent… Anton K, Dylan Bowman, Gary Robbins, Dakota Jones, Mike Wolfe, Mike Foote, Timmy Olson and so on… is it the year for the US?
01:00:55 BREAKING NEWS
01:07:58 Brazilian, Fernanda Maciel is racing CCC and I caught up with her about her prep and how she is then preparing for Everest Trail Race later in the year!
01:31:06 BLOGS
Ian Sharman couldn’t sleep after his incredible Leadville win and instead decided to get his thoughts down in a blog post. – http://sharmanian.blogspot.co.u
“In summary, there were some fast guys aiming to do ridiculous times. Scott Jurek wanted to be the second man to break 16 hours and Ryan Sandes was coming back after a fast win in 2011… So Nick Clark and I were dark horses given the two 100s in our legs from recent weeks and we weren’t expected to be around the lead at the end.”
01:32:15 TALK TRAINING – Marc Laithwaite
01:57:47 INTERVIEW – Ray Zahab
This week’s interview is with Ray Zahab. Ray is a passionate guy who through Impossible to Possible has inspired many people. I finally had the opportunity to catch up with Ray after he completed yet another expedition, crossing the Gobi desert. We talk about his career and Ray shows his passion for i2P.
02:45:18 MELTZER MOMENT with Speedgoat Karl
02:54:38 SMILESandMILES with Emelie Forsberg – smilesandmiles@yahoo.com
03:16:20 CLARKY’S CORNER –It’s three down and one to go for Clarky and the other ‘Slammers’. Leadville is just around the corner. We catch up with Nick, discuss how Leadville went and what his chances are of taking the Grand Slam away from Ian Sharman
03:31:10 RACES
Austria
Linzer Bergmarathon – 54 km | 54 kilometers | August 24, 2013 | website
Belgium
La Transardennaise – Août | 160 kilometers | August 28, 2013 | website
Oxfam Trailwalker Belgium | 100 kilometers | August 24, 2013 | website
Canada
British Columbia
Meet Your Maker 50 Mile Trail Ultra & Relay | 50 miles | September 01, 2013 | website
France
Hautes-Pyrénées
Grand Raid des Pyrénées – le Grand Trail | 80 kilometers | August 24, 2013 | website
Grand Raid des Pyrénées – l’Ultra | 160 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website
Isère
Ultra Tour des 4 Massifs | 160 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website
Ultra Tour des 4 Massifs – 90 km | 90 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website
Loir-et-Cher
100km des Etangs de Sologne | 100 kilometers | August 25, 2013 | website
50km de la Sologne des Rivières | 50 kilometers | August 25, 2013 | website
Savoie
North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc | 166 kilometers | August 30, 2013 | website
Petite Trotte à Léon | 300 kilometers | August 26, 2013 | website
Sur les traces des Ducs de Savoie | 110 kilometers | August 28, 2013 | website
Germany
Bavaria
Chiemsee-Ultramarathon August | 108 kilometers | August 24, 2013 | website
GORE-TEX® Transalpine-Run | 240 kilometers | August 31, 2013 | website
Iceland
Fire and Ice | 250 kilometers | August 24, 2013 | website
Run Iceland Adventure Trail | 110 kilometers | September 01, 2013 | website
Ireland
Connacht
Achill Ultra Marathon | 39 miles | August 24, 2013 | website
Leinster
Longford Ultra Marathon | 63 kilometers | August 25, 2013 | website
Italy
Aosta Valley
Courmayeur Champex Chamonix | 98 kilometers | August 30, 2013 | website
Latvia
Daugavpils International 50K | 50 kilometers | August 25, 2013 | website
Norway
styrkeprøven True West | 50 kilometers | August 31, 2013 | website
South Africa
Peninsula Ultra Fun Run | 80 kilometers | August 24, 2013 | website
Switzerland
Grisons
Swiss Irontrail T141 | 136 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website
Swiss Irontrail T201 | 201 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website
Swiss Irontrail T71 | 66 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website
United Kingdom
Scotland
Speyside Way Race | 36 miles | August 24, 2013 | website
Wales
Ring o’ Fire | 131 miles | August 30, 2013 | website
USA
California
Bulldog 50K Ultra | 50 kilometers | August 24, 2013 | website
Endure the Bear 100 Miler | 100 miles | September 06, 2013 | website
Sierra Nevada Relay | 160 miles | August 24, 2013 | website
Tamalpa Headlands 50K | 50 kilometers | August 24, 2013 | website
Colorado
Ragnar Relay Colorado | 200 miles | September 06, 2013 | website
Silverton Alpine 50K | 50 kilometers | August 24, 2013 | website
Michigan
Hallucination 100 Mile | 100 miles | September 06, 2013 | website
LSD 100K | 100 kilometers | September 06, 2013 | website
North Country Ultra Marathon | 50 miles | August 24, 2013 | website
Minnesota
Superior Sawtooth 100 Mile | 100 miles | September 06, 2013 | website
Pennsylvania
Baker Trail UltraChallenge | 50 miles | August 24, 2013 | website
South Dakota
Lean Horse 50 Km | 50 kilometers | August 24, 2013 | website
Lean Horse Half Hundred | 50 miles | August 24, 2013 | website
Lean Horse Hundred | 100 miles | August 24, 2013 | website
Utah
Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | September 06, 2013 | website
Vermont
Jay Peak 50K Ultra | 50 kilometers | September 01, 2013 | website
Virginia
Iron Mountain 50 mile Trail Run | 50 miles | August 31, 2013 | website
The Blude Ridge Relay | 208 miles | September 06, 2013 | website
Washington
Cascade Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run | 100 miles | August 24, 2013 | website
PCT Bunker to Bonneville 50K | 50 kilometers | August 31, 2013 | website
Wyoming
Grand Teton 50 KM | 50 kilometers | August 31, 2013 | website
Grand Teton 50 Mile Race | 50 miles | August 31, 2013 | website
03:33:50 CLOSE
03:40:11 END
LINKS:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/talkultra/Episode_42_-_Maciel_Zahab_Jurek_Forsberg.mp3
Leadville 100 kicks off at 0400 on Saturday morning and although the field may not be ‘stacked’, what it does have is the return of Ryan Sandes, the 2011 winner and the return of ultra running legend, Scott Jurek.
If you had doubts about how exciting this race may be, take a read of what Scott Jurek said in my re race interview, “You bet! I am here to do whatever it takes to run my best time and ideally win this race. I have put in the training. I am mentally prepared. My goal is to win…”
So, there you have it. If nobody else turned up to race, a Sandes/ Jurek smack down would be an interesting prospect by any body’s standards.
The Leadville 100 course is a 50-mile out and back all undertaken at high altitude with Hope Pass being the highest point on the course. When a race is almost 2-miles above sea level, the one thing you need to be sure of is the ability to run and race at altitude. Pacers are allowed and importantly they are allowed to ‘mule’ for the runner, a homage to the old mining days.
So, how will this race unfold?
Ryan Sandes is without doubt the number one favorite. After placing second at Western States last year, he was without doubt very excited at returning in 2013 and attempting to go one place higher. However, a sprained ankle in the build up ruled him out and he had no option to rest and recover. He refocused and placed his emphasis on Leadville. Ryan, like his teammate, Julien Chorier, does not do race after race. He focuses, prepares and turns up with the ‘A’ game switched on. Ryan is here to win Leadville and without doubt he is the hot tip for the race.
Image taken from scottjurek.com ©scottjurek
Scott Jurek has been away from competitive running for a few years. Many of us thought that his writing, love and promotion of vegetarian food and his work with Chris McDougall would keep him away from running competitively and therefore a new chapter in his life had started. Apparently not! For sure, he is in the latter years of his racing career and for many of us we had no real idea what his intentions would be. However in my pre race interview with him he made it apparently clear, he is here to race and win! Awesome. We are all excited to have Scott back on a 100-mile start line and it sounds as though Ryan and all the other contenders have a ‘race on’ with a legend of the sport. I can’t wait! To clarify, Scott can in this race, no doubt! Interview with Scott Jurek here
Ian Sharman training in La Palma ©iancorless.com
We have a race within a race at Leadville as Nick Clark and Ian Sharman line up for the third 100-miler in the four race ‘Grand Slam’. Now of course, if Nick or Ian were fresh, you would include them as potential winners of this race, particularly Nick who is used to the high altitude. Both of these guys are without doubt podium potential, of course, they are going to be little jaded and therefore this removes them from the top slot. However, you never know… it only needs other contenders to have a mediocre or bad day and Nick or Ian to have a great day.
Mike Aish ran Leadville in 2012 and was without doubt a dark horse. He was very clear pre race that he would run up front and see what happened. He warned it could go either way, victory or blow up. As it happened, he blew up! One year on he is wiser and older. He has changed his training and done more miles.
Michael Arnstein has ‘Sharmanesque’ speed on the flatter and faster courses. Leadville is a race suits him, he has experience with Leadville, eighth in 2012 and his best performance came in 2011 with fourth. He will need to be in great shape and in fine form to make the podium.
Mike Le Roux ran the Grand Slam last year and that puts him in a good place for this year. With just one race to concentrate on, he will be able to focus and race fresh. He placed third at Vermont 100 last year and as mentioned, this was part of the ‘slam’, so he is what it takes to most definitely get in the top ten and if all goes well, claw at the podium.
Nick Pedatella is also racing the Grand Slam but is some way behind Nick and Ian. His 23rd at Vermont and 28th at Western States are solid performances, but with two 100’s in the legs, the third can only be a little more jaded. Having said that, he will probably place in the top twenty.
Other names to watch:
Timo Meyer was sixth at Tarawera earlier in 2013, Craig Howie placed top ten at Leadville in 2012 and Andrew Catalano placed sixth in 2012.
Leadville is the biggest ultra in the US and therefore with no qualification criteria, the 1200 start list can throw up a few surprises.
The ladies race is wide open. In many respects, like the men’s race we have a few clear favorites but then the front-end competition drops off quite quickly. Tina Lewis, the 2012 champion is undecided if she will run. She has had a foot injury and only yesterday she posted on social media, “Alright, I have about 30 minutes to make the call – Pikes Peak Marathon or Leadville 100!!! Leaning towards being a dreamer, hopeful and taking chances!!” I don’t need to tell you, Leadville and Pikes Peak are a world apart and this is not a great sign for Tina’s mental approach, so, if she decides to run her performance is unpredictable. However, she is the defending champ and therefore the nod goes in Tina’s direction.
*update on Tina – “I am healthy and rested just not perfectly trained for the distance. Don’t we do this because we love it and Leadville is in my heart. I can just go out and try my best, right? I will aim to be smart and stop if my foot hurts.”
Denise Bourassa placed eighth at the 2013 Western States and therefore she is my hot tip for the win. She has had consistently good performances and the only question mark may come if WSER has left Denise a little jaded.
Ashley Arnold placed third at Leadville in 2010 and so therefore she is a tip for the top of the podium. She has all the experience required to run well.
Who else? Well, to be honest, it is wide open. One or two names shine out as contenders for the top ten but as stated, in a field of 1200 I think we will see many ladies names that we have not seen before.
LINKS:
Leadville 100 website HERE
Athlete Tracking HERE
After several weeks of travelling, it was lovely to get out in the Lake District at the weekend. Some hiking, camping and basically just being with the people I love to be with. Even the rain (every now and again) couldn’t stop me appreciating the beauty that is at home.
If you have never taken time out to appreciate this part of the UK, do so, you will not be disappointed.
Episode 41 of Talk Ultra – We speak to Stevie Kremer 12 months on after she burst on the Skyrunning scene with a 2nd at Sierre-Zinal. We have 15 mins of fame with double leg amputee, Richard Whitehead. An interview with Lakeland 100 winner, Stuart Mills. A catch up with Nick Clark on the Grand Slam of ultra. Smiles and Miles with Emelie Forsberg. The news, a blog, up and coming races. Marc is back for Talk Training and of course, Speedgoat co hosts!
00:07:30 NEWS
Speedgoat 50k
Stockholm 100k
Steve Way 6:40:14, Linus Holmsater 7:24:18 and Frijof Fagerlund 7:29:01
Trans D’Havet
Men
Ladies:
Lakeland 100
Lakeland 50
WMRA – 10. WMRA World Long Distance Mountain Running
Mitjia Kosovelj won Andrew Davies from Wales 2nd and Ionut Zinca 3rd
Antonella Confortola won Omella Ferrara 2nd and Anna Celisnska 3rd. Have to give a shout out to Claire Gordon from Scotland who was 4th and Anna Lupton from England who was 5th
Hal Koerner and Wolfe – FKT on JMT –HERE
Ann Trason to run a 100 in September – Idaho Mountain Trail Ultra Festival – HERE
Now the iconic Sierre-Zinal is coming up this weekend. I remember being at this race last year… pre race I got chatting to this shy girl who just seemed a little uncomfortable being surrounded by some of the best in the world. Needless to say, this shy girl performed out of her skin and finished second on the podium. One year on, I catch up with Stevie Kremer and find out what the last 12 months have been like and what the future holds.
00:42:38 INTERVIEW Stevie Kremer
01:16:20 BLOG
We have given Stuart Mills, the Lakeland 100 winner plenty of coverage this week with a long interview, however, his interview does go very much hand-in-hand with his blog… so, this weeks blog is ultrastu.blogspot.co.uk
You can read his very unique and in-depth analysis of how he races. Word of warning… make yourself a coffee. It’s a long one!
Blog HERE
01:17:00 15 MIN OF FAME with Richard Whitehead – http://www.richardwhiteheadrunsbritain.com/
01:32:40 TALK TRAINING – Marc Laithwaite is back after a busy couple of months. Not only has he been training for an Ironman but also he is the RD for the Lakeland 50 and 100.
01:57:55 SMILESandMILES with Emelie Forsberg – smilesandmiles@yahoo.com
02:20:40 INTERVIEW
This week’s interview is with Brit, Stuart Mills. Stuart as you will hear has a very unusual approach to running… or should I say, training and racing. Without doubt it works! Just the other week, Stuart once again won the Lakeland 100 for a second time. In this in-depth interview we discuss everything. I am sure you will find it fascinating.
03:23:30 MELTZER MOMENT – It’s good, good, good this week
03:29:52 CLARKY’S CORNER – It’s two down and two to go for Clarky and the other ‘Slammers’. Leadville is just around the corner. We catch up with Nick, discuss how Vermont went and what lies ahead…
03:44:22 RACES
Belgium
Trail des Fantômes – 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website
Canada
British Columbia
Arc’teryx Squamish 50 | 50 miles | August 10, 2013 | website
Arc’teryx Squamish 50K | 50 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website
Ontario
Iroquoia Trail Test – 50K | 50 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website
Quebec
XV de la Vallée- Trans Vallée | 66 kilometers | August 16, 2013 | website
Denmark
Hovedstaden
Ultra Marathon Bornholm | 100 kilometers | August 11, 2013 | website
France
Hautes-Pyrénées
Grand Raid des Pyrénées – l’Ultra | 160 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website
Isère
Ultra Tour des 4 Massifs | 160 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website
Ultra Tour des 4 Massifs – 90 km | 90 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website
Savoie
Tour de la Grande Casse | 62 kilometers | August 18, 2013 | website
Trail du Galibier | 55 kilometers | August 18, 2013 | website
Germany
Bavaria
Allgäu Panorama Ultra Trail | 69 kilometers | August 18, 2013 | website
Berlin
100MeilenBerlin | 100 miles | August 17, 2013 | website
Ireland
Ulster
Quadrathon | 169 kilometers | August 15, 2013 | website
Kenya
Kenya Highlands Race | 75 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website
Mongolia
Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset 100K | 100 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website
Sweden
Björkliden Arctic Mountain Marathon 50 km | 50 kilometers | August 16, 2013 | website
Björkliden Arctic Mountain Marathon 70 km | 70 kilometers | August 16, 2013 | website
Trans Scania | 246 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website
Switzerland
Grisons
Swiss Irontrail T141 | 136 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website
Swiss Irontrail T201 | 201 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website
Swiss Irontrail T71 | 66 kilometers | August 23, 2013 | website
Trail Marathon 70 KM | 70 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website
Obwald
MOUNTAINMAN full | 80 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website
Vaud
Ultra Trail du Barlatay | 81 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website
United Kingdom
England
ashmei 33 Mile Trail Run | 33 miles | August 18, 2013 | website
North Downs Way 100 | 100 miles | August 10, 2013 | website
USA
Alaska
Resurrection Pass 100 Mile Ultra Trail | 100 miles | August 09, 2013 | website
Resurrection Pass 50 Mile Ultra Trail | 50 miles | August 10, 2013 | website
California
Rattlesnake 50K Ultramarathon | 50 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website
Run-de-Vous 100M | 100 miles | August 17, 2013 | website
Run-de-Vous 50M | 50 miles | August 17, 2013 | website
Run on the Sly 50K Trail Run | 50 kilometers | August 18, 2013 | website
Colorado
GORE-TEX TransRockies Run – Run3 | 59 miles | August 13, 2013 | website
GORE-TEX TransRockies Run – TRR6 | 120 miles | August 13, 2013 | website
Leadville Trail 100 Run | 100 miles | August 17, 2013 | website
Michigan
Marquette Trail 50 Kilometer | 50 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website
Marquette Trail 50 Mile | 50 miles | August 17, 2013 | website
Minnesota
Ragnar Relay Great River | 200 miles | August 16, 2013 | website
Nevada
Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight 51 km | 51 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website
New Jersey
Wildcat Ridge Romp 100k | 100 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website
Wildcat Ridge Romp 50k | 50 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website
Wildcat Ridge Romp 50M | 50 miles | August 10, 2013 | website
New York
Beast of Burden Summer 100 Miler | 100 miles | August 17, 2013 | website
Oregon
Where’s Waldo 100k Ultra | 100 kilometers | August 17, 2013 | website
Utah
Kat’cina Mosa 100K Mountain Challenge Run | 100 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website
Vermont
100on100 Heart of Vermont Relay | 100 miles | August 18, 2013 | website
Washington
Angels Staircase 50K | 50 kilometers | August 11, 2013 | website
Angels Staircase 60K | 60 kilometers | August 11, 2013 | website
Wyoming
El Vaquero Loco 50K | 50 kilometers | August 10, 2013 | website
03:46:44 CLOSE
03:51:01
LINKS
ITunes http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/talk-ultra/id497318073
ARC’TERYX SQUAMISH 50 ULTRA RACE GETS SET FOR SECOND YEAR OF SUCCESS
(VANCOUVER, BC) Aug 10 2013 – No longer a fringe sport, ultra running attracts not only top athletes but marathoners who want to push to the next level and challenge themselves on uneven terrain. This weekend, 600 such runners are arriving in Squamish BC, for what is slated as one of the toughest ultra races on the trail circuit.
It feels like survival. The Arc’teryx Squamish 50 ultra run is a really TOUGH race. There’s even disclaimer on the sign up page to discourage first time racers!
The 50 mile course, 85% of it single track, has 3800m/12,000ft of climb and descent. Technical and wild, it’s also grueling, remote and punishing terrain, albeit with stunning views. Welcome to ultra running, Canadian style.
But in only its second year of existence, the Arc’teryx Squamish 50 sold out in its first two weeks. And this weekend, August 10, 2013 an international roster of 600 runners from 9 countries will put themselves through the paces, running courses of 50 miles, 50km and 23km.
The event is sponsored by Arc’teryx, based out of North Vancouver, BC, a brand that is no stranger to extremes.
Relatively new as a sport, ultra running covers distances longer than a marathon. The runs are uniquely about pushing personal limits, pushing those limits hard and pushing them far. At Squamish, the back half of the 50 is more difficult than the first. To reach the finish line is victory.
Gary Robbins, one of the two main organizers of the Squamish 50 and no stranger to Ultra Running himself, credits the striking surge in popularity of these races to an
“Experienced road running/marathon community that’s looking for a new challenge and a younger generation that’s going straight onto the trails. In addition there is a growing mainstream culture with an intense focus on personal journeys and fitness. Ultra running is no longer looked upon as a fringe sport pursued by extremists, as much as it’s an extreme challenge that is doable by the vast majority of the population.”
Having a local high performance outdoor brand sponsor the event underlines the intensity of both the course and the event. Robbins is quick to note that.
“Arc’teryx was the very first brand Geoff (Langford) and I approached about coming on board as our title sponsor. Arc’teryx has a heritage of quality, innovation, style, and mountain culture that instantly helped our event gain international exposure and credibility.”
Lawyer and local Arc’teryx athlete Adam Campbell describes ultra runs this way; “There are certain races that you do to see how you stack up against the rest of the world and then there are certain races where you’re looking at this incredible scenery under insane fatigue. Your senses become quite heightened.” Campbell, one of the world’s top flight runners, will be competing in this year’s event. Also in the exclusive field are Americans Karl Meltzer, current World Record holder of the most 100 mile victories of all time (34); and Krissy Moehl, ultra running superstar and recent winner of the Mt Fuji 100 miler in Japan. Canadians David le Porho, Lisa Polizzi, Nicola Gildersleeeve, Catrin Jones and Jason Loutitt are strong contenders, as are dark horses Nathan Barrett of Vancouver and Stacey Cleveland from Penticton.
“This is our home turf and it’s this tough terrain that we design our products for, ”says Laura Fergusson, North American Events and Athletes Manager for Arc’teryx. “We have athletes participating who are true competitors and working with Geoff Langford and Gary Robbins on this event is a positive partnership for our brand. It’s a huge win.”
The 50 mile course begins at 5:30 am, Saturday August 10, with a final cut-off of 9:30pm. That is 16 hours of suffering. Not quite true. Suffering implies there is no benefit, no reward and with these views, challenges and the camaraderie of going to the brink and surviving, that is simply not the truth.
Race start times:
5.30 am = Start for the 50 mile race – start line is Ocean front.
8.00 am = Start for the 23km race – start line is Quest University
9.00 am = Start for the 50km race – start line is Alice Lake Provincial Park
Expected first race finishers:
23km – about 9:45am
50m – about 1:15pm
50k – about 1:30pm
*All races finish down town Squamish from about 9.30 am* onwards
PRESS RELEASE provided by Arc’teryx
I posted today on my Talk Ultra Facebook page, ‘Question? Who is excited to see how Scott Jurek does at Leadville 100 on the 17th August… I am for sure!’
Now, Scott is a legend of the sport, but for a while now he hasn’t raced in anger… to be honest, he has hardly raced! He has paced Anton Krupicka at Leadville and most recently he paced Seb Chaigneau at Hardrock 100, but, Scott has not toed a line for himself for some time. Probably the 24-hour was his last big race when he set an American record?
Now of course, he may be just turning up at Leadville to run for fun. I am sure all will become clear… to be honest, I am not too concerned. First or last, I for one am just going to be really happy to see him out on the trails.
With that in mind, I was thinking, who else would I love to see back in the mountains, back on the single track mixing it up with everyone else?
I laughed a little.
Of course, I would love to see Ann Trason back in a race again.
Then I thought to myself, my good buddy, Marcus Warner over at Ultra168 told me how Ann was pacing at Western States this year. In actual fact, Marcus spoke with her and ran with her. So, never say never!
Ping!
My email alerts me…
The contents are simple. Just a link. A link that says, click HERE
Now I know who this email is from, so my concerns about it being a problematic email are eased, however, I do wonder, is it a joke? If I click ‘here’ what will happen?
I press.
It’s a list of runners.
At the top it says, ‘2013 IMTUF 100 – Idaho Mountain Trail Ultra Festival – Registered Entrants’
I look down.
BINGO! all becomes clear.
RANK it says 99.5%
AGE RANK it says, 100%,
RESULTS it says, 51,
TARGET it says, 34:24:53,
F53 and the name…
ANN TRASON, Kensington, CA
Now, lets get one think clear. Ann Trason has been away from our sport for a long time. To see her name on a start sheet means just one thing.
She is back running.
For me, that is enough… I won’t discuss what can she do, why, what if or maybe.
All I want to say is, welcome back Ann.
This list below says it all.
LEGEND!
51 races, 49 wins.
Idaho Mountain Trail Ultra Festival website HERE
Ann Trason on Ultra Signup HERE
“TRAIL RUNNING, FOR ME, IS NOT ABOUT RUNNING.”
Kilian Jornet very kindly signed a copy of his photo book, “TRAIL RUNNING, FOR ME, IS NOT ABOUT RUNNING.” I realised that this would be something that many listeners to Talk Ultra and followers of my website would like, so, with that in mind, I asked the question, “What is trail running?”
The winner will be selected and the signed book by Kilian Jornet will be posted to you. This is the last chance to add to this list. The winner will be announced on Friday August 9th.
Here are the responses:
YOU HAVE TIME TO ADD A COMMENT BUT YOU WILL NEED TO BE QUICK!
TomTom today announces availability and pricing for its new range of GPS watches that deliver at-a-glance performance information for runners, cyclists and swimmers. The TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport are available to pre-order from today at http://www.tomtom.com, and to buy from leading running speciality retailers later this month. They will be priced from £149.99 and £179.99 respectively.
Both the TomTom Runner and the TomTom Multi-Sport feature an extra-large display, full-screen graphical training tools and the industry’s first one-button control to make it easier for users to access the information needed to stay motivated and achieve their goals.
TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport also include a broad range of advanced features that are designed to address the needs of runners and multi-sport enthusiasts alike:
· Ultra-Slim Design: At just 11.5mm, the slim design of the watch module, comfortably fits men and women, and all wrist sizes
· Indoor Tracker: Accurately track indoor runs using built-in sensors to count strides, so that users can monitor pace and distance even while running on a treadmill.
· QuickGPSFix: Get started faster by using the latest in GPS and GLONASS satellite technology to quickly find their precise location.
· Desktop Multi-Platform compatibility: Sync, analyse and share stats on popular running sites and community platforms, including the TomTom MySports website, MapMyFitness, RunKeeper and TrainingPeaks.
· Super-Tough Display: Scratch- and impact-resistant glass stays easy-to-read, workout after workout.
· Weather- and Waterproof: Waterproof up to 50 metres/5ATM
· Long-lasting battery: Up to 10-hour battery life (GPS Mode)
· Heart Rate monitor*: Use the Bluetooth® Smart Heart Rate Monitor to track training zone for weight control, performance or speed.
TomTom Multi-Sport includes all the features included in TomTom Runner, and also allows multi-sport athletes to track their distance, time, speed and other key metrics when they cycle or swim. The TomTom Multi-Sport is also enhanced with the following features and options:
· Dedicated Bike Mount: Easily see key stats at a glance with the specially-designed bike mount
· Cadence Sensor**: Track cadence, speed and distance, indoors and out.
· Built-in Altimeter***: Accurately track elevation, ascent, descent and grade with the built-in barometric altimeter
· Swimming Motion Sensor: Check detailed swim metrics such as laps, strokes, time and speed, and calculate a SWOLF score to show swim efficiency
IAN CORLESS 