Beth Cardelli – TNF 100, Australia

Posted on May 20, 2013 by talkultra

courtesy of – bethcardelli.blogspot.co.uk

Beth Cardelli (33) only started running in 2007. Just this past weekend, Beth blasted around the TNF 100 course in Australia and set a new course record breaking her own previous best by some seventeen minutes.

In such a short space of time she has had an incredible rise in the sport. Stand out performances have been:

2009

The North Face 100km 2009 – 13:32 2nd
Sydney Trailwalker 100km 2009 – 13:25 1st
Fitzroy Falls Fire Trail Marathon 2009 – 3:32 1^st

2010

Bogong to Hotham 64km 2010 – 9:00 1st
The North Face 100km 2010 – 12:16 1st
Fitzroy Falls Fire Trail Marathon 2010 – 3:17 1st
Great North Walk 100M 2010 – 25:23 1st CR

2011

Bogong to Hotham 64km 2011 – 8:14 1st CR
Cradle Mountain 82km 2011 – 9:46 1st
Six Foot Track 45km 2011 – 4:10 3rd
Mt Solitary 45km 2011 – 5:39 1st CR
San Fancisco Zombie Runner Half Marathon (USA) 2011 – 1:47:22 1st CR
Western States 100M (USA) 2011 – 22:16 12th
Willy to Billy 34km 2011 – 2:40 1st
Luxmore Grunt 27km 2011 – 2:30:12 3^rd

2012

Lapstone Lap Race 6hr 2012 – 60km 6:07 1st CR
The North Face 100km 2012 – 11:18 1st CR
Glow Worm Tunnel Marathon 2012 – 4:36 2nd
Centennial Park Ultra 100km 2012 – 9:22 1st CR
Great North Walk 100km 2012 – 12:36 1st CR

2013

Tarawera Ultra Marathon 100km 2013 – 11:43 2^nd
The North Face 100km – 11:01 1^st and new CR

Beth said in her race report about the 2013 TNF 100:

“I have a certain affinity with this event. It is in the Blue Mountains and I love the Blue Mountains. It traverses some of my favorite locations with stunning views. It was my first 100km event and first big ultra. I ran in the inaugural event (2008), which was held shortly after I started running. During the first event all I could think about was just finishing and perhaps getting a silver belt buckle (then available for sub 20hr finishers). I trained as hard as I could and was absolutely stoked to finish, and more so to have done it in 15:30. The lead guys and girls in that year’s race managed to finish in 10:22 and 12:45 respectively. I was in absolute awe of their athletic ability and couldn’t comprehend how people were capable of traversing such difficult terrain in the times they did. They must have been exceptional athletes to accomplish such incredible times.”

I caught up with Beth just a couple of days after her incredible run and found out a little more about what makes her tick!

IC: Beth you just had a stunning run at TNF 100 in Australia, welcome!

BC: Thank you so much, it’s a real pleasure. I listen to Talk Ultra all the time so it is an honor for me.

IC: Can I go back in time and ask how you started running. Am I correct in saying that you didn’t run pre 2007?

BC: That is correct. I was never a runner; I enjoyed netball and bush walking. It is only when I moved house with my husband to a new area and we joined a local running club to meet new people that things started to progress. My running took off. I started to run longer distances. I did my first 10k with the running club. It took me ages to recover. (laughs) It took me quite a while to adapt my body but I took my time.

IC: Why ultra, what made you think ultra would be good?

BC: I didn’t have lots of speed and I preferred longer distances. I found that I could run for hours but not really run fast. I didn’t seem to tire over long distances. I was definitely more endurant.

IC: You have progressed and come a long way in a short space of time. In 2009 you placed 2^nd at TNF 100. That was impressive.

BC: Yes, things have progressed in the last few years. Way back in 2009 I didn’t have lots of races to choose from. Now if I look at the females, the 2^nd and 3^rd place runners at TNF 100 this year would have won the race with the times they have run in 2009. It’s all about progression.

IC: I guess from your perspective being based in the Southern Hemisphere do you ever think to yourself, okay, I am in a big country but ultra running is a small minority. I may be a big fish in a small ultra pond here but how would I compare to European and American runners?

BC: Yes, I never really thought about it like that but I have always thought about running in Australia and I admit we are sort of sheltered. I look at the USA and European runners and wonder if I could run that fast… it is amazing the times they run. Whenever I have an opportunity to compare myself I will, it is awesome.

IC: In 2011 you went to Western States and this provides comparisons. We can look at it and compare you to some of the best runners in the world. That gives you and your performances a perspective. You placed 12^th, you must have been very happy and positive with that?

BC: That was a favorite race experience. Going over seas and racing an incredible field. All I want to do is go back. I know I can do better now. I just want another go! But that is the point of ultra, you do an event and when you have done it you think, I can go back, I can do better. It is important to have goals and to strive for something.

IC: Currently in Southern Hemisphere running who is your main female competition?

BC: Shona Stephenson and Ruby Muir for sure. Shona is incredible; she can run back-to-back races without much recovery. I can’t do that. It is incredible. I got to run with Hanny Allston at the weekend, she is powerful. I don’t think she was focused on TNF100 but if she really wanted to she could fly through that course. She is someone to watch out for.

IC: You mention the course, what is it about that course you like, you perform consistently well?

BC: I train on the course a lot. It helps mentally, I know what is coming. It provides strength. I also have a house in the Blue Mountains. I love to train in that area.

IC: What is the course like in comparison to European mountains or lets say Western States.

BC: Well I haven’t raced in Europe so I can’t really compare. I have raced mainly in Australia but in comparison to WS I found it an amazing trail to run. The trails are smooth and the scenery is pretty. Hard to compare the two. I got sick at WS due to altitude so I missed lots… but TNF100 certainly requires more hiking. Having said that, they are both very runnable courses. The course has variety, lots of trail, mountains and road.

IC: In 2012 at TNF100 you set a CR, what was your ambition for 2013. Did you just want to win or did you want a time?

BC: I got 11:18 last year so I wanted to go sub 11:00 this year. I just missed it by 1 minute. But as you say I got a new CR. I tried hard but I just missed my target… next year?

IC: When you are racing, what inspiration do you take from the men as you placed high overall too?

BC: The guys are pretty good when I catch them. I have a chat with them. It’s funny; I always seem to see the same guys in the same place as the years before. It’s like the race is on repeat.

IC: Like déjà vu?

BC: Yes, absolutely. Even at the beginning the same things happen. Funny how this happens but you have to run your own race and take the rough with the smooth and do your best. If you catch people, you catch them and that is good, it’s a distraction and it helps take your mind away from the moment.

IC: What is your training like; do you break your training down into a structured format?

BC: I do hover around a 100k a week. I try to do a couple of quality runs but I do lots of ‘junk’ miles. Time on my feet. I am told it is not the most effective way to train but I find I don’t get injured and it works for me. For the time being anyway. Every second weekend in the months leading up to The North Face to put in solid training sessions of up to 50km on sections of the course.

IC: It works!

BC: For the time being… I always look ahead and try to get information. For example I listen to Talk Ultra to find out what others are doing I mix that into my training…

courtesy of – bethcardelli.blogspot.co.uk

IC: Glad to hear you listen to Talk Ultra!

BC: (laughs) Absolutely!

IC: Apart from running, do you work?

BC: I am a director for a center involved with child care. I work 0700-0900 and then 1430-1830 so that split shift allows for training and rest.

IC: Perfect for training.

BC: Yes, I can often get an afternoon nap.

IC: Now that you have a new CR and the TNF100 out of the way, what is next?

BC: In five weeks I have Lavaredo Trail in Italy and then I have a couple of other plans.

IC: Other races, what are they?

BC: I am doing a VK and the European Skyrunning Championships.

IC: Fantastic!

BC: That is the plan anyway.

IC: I will be at the VK and the championships.

BC: Awesome, cool. Be nice to meet up.

IC: VK, wow that is going to be new for you.

BC: Yes, I am going to be really interested in that, I can’t do a VK in Australia.

IC: The Europeans will be a great race. Another new experience. Very exciting for you… once you have the Skyrunning bug you will want to come back more.

BC: It’s a great opportunity to plan holidays and racing together.

IC: Great to catch up for just a brief chat. Many congratulations on a great TNF100 and I look forward to catching up later in the year.

BC: Thank you so much. It has been great and as you say, really looking forward to catching up in Europe.

courtesy of – bethcardelli.blogspot.co.uk

TNF 100 Results:

Ladies:

Beth Cardelli 11:01:08 (12^th overall)
Joanne Brischetto 11:44:35
Shona Stephenson 11:45:38

Men:

Brendan Davies 09:16:12 new CR beating Kilian Jornet’s previous best
Vajin Armstrong 09:42:22
Andrew Tuckey 09:44:52

Links:

TNF 100 full race results HERE
Lavaredo Trail race HERE
Skyrunning Calendar HERE
Beth Cardelli : bethcardelli.blogspot.co.uk

Transvulcania a day of fun…

Posted on May 13, 2013 by talkultra

A fun day of markets and relaxing trail runs… such a beautiful island!

Transvulcania Race Summary

Posted on May 12, 2013 by talkultra

Transvulcania La Palma in 2012 was billed as the race of the decade…. that is until the 2013 edition of the race came around. Without doubt the race was stacked and finally we would have a show down of the best of the best racing head to head in the men’s and ladies fields.

The start of race week saw a couple of key withdrawals, firstly the ‘Queen’ as Nuria Picas calls her, Anna Frost. Anna has been plagued with niggles since late 2012 and as much as she would have loved to race, she made the correct long term decision and withdrew.

Miguel Heras, also withdrew midweek. Knee issues had not improved and he would therefore, like Frosty, play safe.

Pre race build up was quite incredible as one elite athlete after another arrived at Hotel Sol La Palma on the coast. I did a series of pre race interviews which can all be viewed on the ‘home page’ of this website. One of those interviews had been with Anton Krupicka (Here), finally he was fit, healthy and he was looking forward to the opportunity to one again race Kilian on a course that he had only encountered as a spectator in 2012. But would he race…. ?

The day before the race, Tony complained of fever, chills and aches and then at approximately 1800 he confirmed, “I am going to pull out. I race to win and I don’t like to bail. The way I feel now will just not do me or my performance justice”. Needless to say it was a huge blow not only for Tony, who certainly needs some good luck at the moment, but the race and all the other runners.

The Race

Early starts of 0200 to 0300 and then 1000+ runners assembled at the lighthouse at Fuencaliente. It is just an incredible start and atmosphere. On the strong of 0600 they left the coast and turned left, headed immediately onto the GR131 trail and like a series of ants with head lamps and red tail lights they disappeared into the darkness.

The Men’s race

The mens’s race ultimately came down the three runners, Sage Canaday, Luis Alberto Hernando and Kilian Jornet. But that would not do justice to those runners behind, Timothy Olson ran a very clever race starting a little steadier and working his way up through the field to a solid fourth. Cameron Clayton, played an early role pushing up front with Sage but paid the price and dropped back a little. Of course we should forget dark horse, Patrick Bringer who eventually finished fifth.

During the race one key issue arose… stomach problems! Francois D’Haene, Philipp Reiter, Joe Grant, Luke Nelson and Adam Campbell were all hit by a bug (maybe what TK had?) and spent much of the 83km’s either running for the bushes or vomiting. A real shame!

But up ahead, Luis Alberto Hernando showed all his skills as Skyrunning world champion and forged up the tough and sometimes technical course to have an approximate two minute lead ahead of Kilian Jornet at Roques de los Muchachos, the high point of the course at 2956m.

Kilian put all his incredible descending skills to use on the ‘drop’ from the summit to the sea and the port of Tazacorte. This is the place in 2012 when he stumbled and the heat hit him! Not this year, he pushed ahead and arrived to an incredible finish in the town of Los Llanos to the applause and cheers of 1000’s of spectators. Not only did he win but he set a new CR*. Luis Alberto Hernando arrived just over four minutes later and he looked ecstatic (and tired) with a second place. Completing the podium was Sage Canaday who performed exceptionally well in his first European mountain race.

Kilian Jornet – 6:54:09 NEW COURSE RECORD* – pre race interview HERE
Luis Alberto Hernando – 6:58:31 (*beat the old course record)
Sage Canaday – 7:09:57 – pre race interview HERE
Timothy Olson – 7:11:53 – pre race interview HERE
Patrick Bringer – 7:17:19
Francois d’Haene – 7:17:43
Cameron Clayton – 7:17:47
Miguel Caballero Ortega – 7:30:49
Cristofer Clemente – 7:37:40
Marcin Świerc – 7:52:21

The Ladies

Emelie Forsberg one again proved herself to be a star in the making. She literally only started running again just over a week ago and she had a battle royal with Nuria Picas. They pushed each other along the 83km’s of the Transvulcania course but ultimately Emelie found something in the latter stages and crossed the line first, just outside ‘Frosty’s’ CR from 2012.

Nuria, gave the race everything and was tired and emotional on the line. She has a big heart, not only in terms of her generosity but also passion and power. She loves to race and in particular, she loves to race against Emelie. Without doubt the two of them created a spectacular show on the trails of the GR131, today, it was Nuria’s turn to be second behind Emelie, just over six minutes difference.

Final spot on the podium went to Uxue Fraile. She ran a very smart race. She started behind many of the front runners and slowly worked her way up through the field. She had experience of the course as she placed fifth in 2012. What was impressive was how much quicker she covered the 83km’s. In 2012 she was ninety minutes behind Frosty, this year she was just over thirty one minutes behind Emelie.

Emelie Forsberg – 8:13:22
Nuria Picas – 8:19:30 – pre race interview HERE
Uxue Fraile – 8:44:48
Nathalie Mauclair – 8:46:14
Emilie Lecomte – 10:14:05
Karine Samson – 10:37:05
Mar Ferreras – 10:47:57
Raquel Antonia Delgado – 10:51:33
Luciana Moretti – 11:02:54
Lidia Gomez – 11:16:37

You can listen what Anna Frost had to say in a pre race interview HERE

It was an incredible day, an incredible experience, a beautiful island, a beautiful course with an incredible field. The race fulfilled all expectations and our congratulations go to Kilian & Emelie on two incredible performances.

Links

Transvulcania La Palma – HERE
Skyrunning – HERE

RACE DAY IMAGES HERE

TRANSVULCANIA a day in images – Incredible!

Posted on May 11, 2013 by talkultra

What a day….. ! Congratulations to Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg

: Transvulcania 2013 copyright Ian Corless

: Sage Canaday 3rd place Transvulcania 2013

Transvulcania RACE DAY ! a quick selection

Posted on May 11, 2013 by talkultra

More to follow….. promise 😉

Transvulcania 2013 RACE START IMAGES

Posted on May 11, 2013 by talkultra

The 2013 Transvulcania La Palma is underway….

Anna Frost – Transvulcania 2013

Posted on May 10, 2013 by talkultra

Anna Frost dominated the 2013 Transvulcania La Palma, in doing so, she set a new course record and placed in the top 20 overall. Her return to La Palma in 2013 has created excitement for some time…. would she improve on her 2012 performance, would she be pushed by Nuria Picas, Emilie Lecomte, Emelie Forsberg or Fernanda Maciel?

Unfortunately, Anna, or should I say, ‘Frosty’ as we all know her, withdrew from the race with an ongoing injury problem.

She talks about the injury, the ladies race and she makes some predictions.

YouTube HERE

Links:

Anna Frost – HERE
Salomon Running – HERE
Transvulcania – HERE
Skyrunning – HERE

Sage Canaday – Transvulcania 2013

Posted on May 10, 2013 by talkultra

Scott Running athlete, Sage Canaday has been burning a trail quite literally in all his recent races. Not only has he been winning, but he has been setting CR’s in almost all his runs. Without doubt he is in form. Along with Cameron Clayton and Adam Campbell, Sage will bring speed and pace to the front of the Transvulcania race.

However, this course is unlike any other race he has run. The long up hill sections of very mixed terrain will break his running stride, in addition, it is going to be hot. These are things that Sage acknowledges may very well throw a curve ball into his race plans. The long descent from the top of the course to Tazacorte will also not be ideal for Sage. But as he says, he is learning every day. I am sure he will learn something new on May 11th.

YouTube HERE

Links:

Sage Canaday – HERE
Scott Running – HERE
Transvulcania 2013 – HERE
Skyrunning – HERE

Mohamad Ahansal – Transvulcania 2013

Posted on May 10, 2013 by talkultra

Mohamad Ahansal with translation from Niandi Carmont, Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless

Mohamad Ahansal needs no introduction to followers of the Marathon des Sables. Just three weeks ago, Mohamad clinched his fifth victory in the iconic multi stage race. Tomorrow, May 11th, he lines up against the best in the world. He says. “I plan to run hard on the uphill as I am not great on the downhill”.

Mohamad placed top 5 in the 2010 edition of Transvulcania and if he is fresh after ‘MDS’, I personally feel that he may well be the dark horse of this years race…. watch this space.

YouTube HERE

Many thanks to Niandi Carmont for providing translation.

Links:

Transvulcania 2013 – HERE
Skyrunning – HERE

Transvulcania 2013 – Banana plantation visit

Posted on May 9, 2013 by talkultra

Runners in the 2013 Transvulcania La Palma visited a local banana plantation this afternoon. Fun and informative…. did we get a glimpse of the men’s podium?