In this addition of Athlete Profiles I had the unique opportunity to interview one of the world's most renowned yet humble ultra runners. Anne Riddle Lundblad is a world-class ultra marathoner and has be crowned USATF runner of the year and Ultra Running runner of the year multiple times. Anne has an extensive list of impressive racing achievements, some which include: Silver medalist at the 2005 100km world cup, team gold at 2005 world cup, 2006 IAU world 50mile trail champion, and 9 time USATF National Champion ranging from trail marathon to 100km distances. One would think that she lives the life of a professional runner in order to run this well, but this is far from the truth. Anne is not only a full-time counselor at W W College, but wife and mother as well; responsibilities that make her achievements even more amazing. Anne was kind enough to take time to answer some of my questions.
INOV-8 Athlete Profile
Anne Riddle Lundblad
Interviewed by: Wynn Davis
1. As a professional counselor, what got you interested in the profession, and is there a particular area that peaks your interest most?
I think what drew me to the profession was the desire to understand people – how personalities develop and why people do the things they do. Having my own experiences with depression in my family also made me interested in helping people. I currently work with college students, a population I love. I particularly enjoy accompanying them on their journeys of self-exploration and existential/meaning of life sorts of issues.
2. The western portion of North Carolina (Asheville) seems to be a hotbed for outdoor enthusiasts. Can you tell us about some of your favorite trails in the area?
I live on the campus of Warren Wilson College and am extremely fortunate to have close to twenty-five miles of trails outside my back door. Most of my daily runs are done right on campus. I’ve got some flat trails that run along a river (good swimming holes there, also), as well as more technical trails with a bit of climbing. On weekends, Mark and I will often head over to the Mountains-to-Sea trail, which basically parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway, or run up towards Mt. Mitchell if we want to get some good climbing in.
3. You are a versatile runner in regard to distances and terrain. What are some of the most notable challenges and/or techniques you have found between the marathon and 100km, as well as trail versus road?
I never quite had the speed for the marathon, but am good at maintaining a steady pace, so the 100km road is good for me. I like to lock into a pace and just zone out, which is why I’ve been pretty successful at repetitive loop courses. Trails are more of a challenge, because I’m not as strong of a technical runner, especially on the downhills. I’ve had to really work on my downhill trail running, and I still get killed in races with a lot of technical downs.
4. Your husband Mark is also a very accomplished runner. Can you describe your feelings the day you both captured National titles together at the 2007 50mile championship?
It was very exciting. Mark had had so many close seconds and had worked really hard for this race. We passed each other on an out-and-back when he had about 4-5 miles to go and he had about a minute lead, so in the final miles of my race I just kept wondering, was he able to maintain it? Whenever we both run the same race, I find myself thinking a lot about him being further up in the field, wondering if he’s having a good day, and hoping it will be a successful performance for both of us. It’s awesome when things come together and we both run well.
5. Last year you competed in your first 100mile race at Western States. Were there any significant differences you noticed in the transition from 100km races to the 100mile distance?
Actually, this was my second 100mile, the first being Vermont in 2004. They were both extremely painful and frustrating! The difference between 100km and 100mile, between 8 hours and 18-24 hours, is immense. For me, I think it comes down to mental preparedness. I learned a lot in my first 100mile and hoped that my second would be more successful, but what I found was that 100 miles just isn’t my distance. I have a very difficult time maintaining focus for that period of time.
6. Have you ever “bonked” in a race, and if so, what can you remember? What did you do differently afterward in order to prevent it from happening again?
I always go through periods of highs and lows during a race, and I always arrive at the finish line feeling completely drained – I’m not sure if that qualifies as “bonking” or not. One memory that sticks out in my mind is that of my first 100km. At about 35 miles, I hit the wall and wasn’t sure if I could go on. My coach, Kevin Setnes, happened to be on the sideline about that time and he told me that lows are normal and that I should just run another lap (5 miles) and see how I felt. Sure enough, the next time I came around, that feeling had passed and I felt confident that I could go the distance. I try to keep that in mind every time I hit a rough patch in a race, that ultras are long enough that you can really hit bottom but then a few miles later, after some fluids, maybe a gel, maybe a nice downhill stretch, your energy returns.
7. Who do you feel was your greatest competitor through the years, and is there a single performance that stands out most?
Having the opportunity to be on the national 100km team six times has given me the chance to run with, and against, some of the best ultra runners in the U.S. – and the world. But probably my best competition has consistently come from my own neck of the woods – Annette Bednosky. We both tend to run a fair amount of East Coast races and our friendly rivalry has pushed us both to great performances. One that stands out in particular is the 2005 Mountain Masochist 50 Mile. We were both running very well that year (Annette won Western States and I was the silver medalist at the World Cup 100km) and arrived in Lynchburg ready to race. I ended up beating her by just five minutes or so, but we both eclipsed Nikki Kimball’s course record (although Nikki came back the following year to reclaim it!)
8. What does a typical training week look like for you leading up to a peak race?
During the two months prior to a big race I’ll run 85-100 mpw. Typically I’ll run a short track workout on Tuesday – 400’s, 600’s, 800’s – and a longer interval or tempo run on Thursday. Thursday workouts vary – it could be a ladder of 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes hard with 3 minutes recovery, or could be something like 90 minutes at tempo pace. On Saturday I’ll do a long run of 25-35 miles. The remainder of the days are easy, with 2-3 days of double runs.
9. Are there any key physical and/or mental training techniques that attributed toward your success at the 100km championships?
I’m a big believer in the mental aspects of training. I always set very clear goals for an upcoming race, and then develop a positive self-affirmation or mantra that will lead me to that goal. The mantra thing sounds cheesy, but I’ve had many experiences in training and races when I’ve felt physically and mentally depleted, then I’ll remember that saying and begin repeating it in my mind. Something shifts, and I find myself running stronger and feeling more confident. I also use a lot of visualization, envisioning the upcoming race and imagining myself running strong and in control.
10.Can you reflect a little on your maturation process over the years in regard to running? Were there any significant learning curves?
My running career has followed a fairly typical path, I think. I began running in 9th grade, primarily because I wasn’t good enough to play any other sports and the cross-country team didn’t have cuts. I ran competitively throughout high school and college, and then took a break after college to become a recreational runner, climber and mountain biker. I ran my first ultra in 1999 and immediately fell in love with the sport. I guess the big breakthrough for me occurred in 2001 when I ran my first national championship, the GNC 100km in Pittsburgh. Prior to that I had never envisioned myself running on any sort of national level and was actually looking forward to just doing ultras for fun. My coach at the time saw some talent that I didn’t, however, and encouraged me to compete in that race, which also served as the qualifying race for the World Cup 100km. I trained harder than I ever had in my life and also began working on the mental aspects of training, which I think really made the difference for me. I won that race and qualified for the national team.
Unfortunately, I went into the World Cup injured and had a poor performance. Over the next several years I struggled a bit, putting in some great performances and then being sidelined by injuries. It was several years before I finally put together a string of solid races and began to see myself as someone who could compete on the highest level here in the U.S.
11. In 2005 you placed silver medalist at the World 100km race. Can you describe how you were feeling and what was going through your head at around the 85km mark (Approx: 10 miles to go)?
That race was crazy! I had suffered an injury a month out and wasn’t even sure I’d be able to compete until two weeks prior to race day. I went out too fast and by 30km was really struggling, dizzy and nauseated, not sure I’d even finish. Our team doctor, Lion Caldwell, told me to slow down for the next 30km, make sure I got in my fluids, and see what happened. I followed his instructions and remembered my mantra, “I’m strong, tough and healthy”, and began to pull it back together. I passed several women and by 85km was in 3rd place, a position beyond my wildest dreams. There was an out-and-back in the last 10km and I saw that I wasn’t too far behind 2nd, so went for it and passed her. At that point, I was still ten minutes behind the leader, so I figured she was out of reach. I think I floated through the last several miles. When I finished and found that I was only forty seconds out of first place, I obviously second-guessed a lot, thinking about all of the points during the race when I could’ve picked up those seconds. But it was still a thrill to run a PR, be the silver medalist and to lead the U.S. women to a team gold.
12. Is there a particular Inov-8 shoe you gravitate toward and how so?
I really like the Roc Lite 305 and the 295. Both are light but provide enough cushioning and protection on rocky trails. Most importantly, they fit my feet perfectly and I rarely finish a race or long run with any blisters!
13. Finally, can you describe the importance or role running/exercise plays in your overall lifestyle?
I can’t even imagine life without it – it’s as natural as brushing my teeth every day. I don’t know that I’ll continue to race forever, but definitely plan on continuing to run as long as my body allows me. I’m actually looking forward to the day when I’m not training quite as intensely, as it will allow more time for some other physical pursuits – I’d like to improve my swimming and maybe try some aqualathons. My daughter and I are also getting into geocaching these days, which is a great way to get outdoors and have a bit of an adventure.
Thanks Anne!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Inov-8 Athlete Profile Interview: Anne Riddle Lundblad
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wild Wonderful Race Report: A taste of redemption
Pop quiz. What is the number two industry in West Virginia in terms of income brought into the state? If you said white water rafting, you'd be right. It is second only to coal.
This one of the few interesting tidbits we picked up this weekend from our white water rafting guide Ark (like the boat) from Class VI River Runners during the Odyssey Wild Wonderful 24HR Adventure Race. Other things we learned were that West Virginia is pretty much covered in poison ivy and stinging nettles, and not all things are as easy as they may appear.
The Wild Wonderful would be our second foray into West Virginia in a little over a month and the team was hoping for a much better result than our previous race in the same area. We knew it wouldn't be easy as the competition would be strong. Teams such as Eastern Mountain Sports, Calleva, and Berlin Bike would all be there vying for a top finish and points in the Checkpoint Tracker series.
Before the race even started we got our first taste of what the competition was bringing. In the pre-race gear check one of the required items was a trowel. Most racers know they will never use a trowel, and subsequently try any number of angles to try to carry the smallest and lightest "trowel" they can. Depending on the race, I've seen people get away with a disposable plastic spoon. Not wanting to get caught on a technicality, we usually bring one of these, with the handle cut off. At about an ounce, it's not too much to carry. So, back to the gear check. The team behind us breaks out their trowel, and I kid you not, they whip out an entrenching tool! Even Ronny the race director said that they should try and find something a little smaller. I'm not sure if they ever did, and I'm impressed if they made it the whole way carrying that hunk of steel.
Just like E-Fix, the race started out with a rafting section down the New River Gorge. Boats were assigned by lottery, with teams starting in one of 4 waves. The later waves would receive time credits so there was no penalty for starting later. Checkpoint Zero drew a spot in the last wave, which was fine by us, because we didn't have to worry about any teams finishing 5 minutes behind us and beating us on overall time. The challenging part to the rafting wasn't making our way down the river, we thankfully had guides for that, but rather each team got paired with some of the competition and you had to work together to get to the end of the paddle as fast as possible. We got to share our 8 person raft with a team of soldiers from Ft. Bragg. After we got talking to them, two of the four said they had done this race a while back in Georgia. Turns out they had survived the infamous Checkpoint Zero Adventure race, so at the very least, we knew we could count on them helping us to get to the end of the paddle section.
We managed to finish second in our wave of boats and came to the first TA where we saw a majority of the teams making the transition from rafting to trekking. We made an effort to get in and out quickly, and in that TA alone we probably passed 3/4's of the teams. Knowing we had a long climb out of the gorge, we set a quick pace up the road and continued to catch teams from earlier waves. By the time we got to the second CP, we had moved into the top 10 overall and were already taking time out of the EMS, Calleva, and Berlin Bike, all of whom started in the first wave.
As we moved onto the trail that took us along the endless wall, we kept our pace strong. At this point we figured we had a little bit of an advantage over some of the teams, as we had just used this trail 5 weeks back, albeit in the other direction. This really came in useful when we came across a CP hanging off the trail, but it was no where near where anything was plotted on our race maps. We quickly realized that the point was left over from E-Fix, and simply hadn't been taken down after the race. There were several teams with us at that point, and I assured them that this point was not part of the days race and we all continued on to the real CP. Unfortunately there were other teams behind us that hadn't done E-Fix and ended up punching that flag thinking it was the right one.
We finally climbed our way out of the gorge and made it to Beauty, WV. Beauty was the site of one of the E-Fix TA's, although this time we found Susanna from Odyssey and our bikes in someone's front yard. We hadn't seen anyone biking out yet, but soon saw the three teams ahead of us head out. We had cut a 15 minute gap to less than 5 minutes! In our rush to get rolling, I managed to cut my thumb pretty badly on the lip of a soda can. Fearing the worst, I called out for a bandaid and clutched my hand trying not to bleed all over the place. With out first aid kit in the bottom of one of the packs, our resident Dr. Hobson (Michele) offered up a piece of duct tape which I applied to my wound. I'm sure it wasn't the most sanitary of dressings, but I figured once the bleeding stopped we could clean it out and dress it properly.
Hopping on the bikes we were in hot pursuit and quickly caught up to Berlin Bike. Unfortunately one of their teammates had gotten some debilitating cramps and had come off the bike trying to ease the pain. Just ahead we caught a glimpse of Calleva, and soon caught up with them. We ended up riding together a bit, chatting and commenting on the beautiful weather we had before parting ways. With only EMS ahead of us we knew we had our work cut out for us, we knew we didn't have to catch them, but stay within 15 minutes and we'd be in good shape. We were able to track our gap because each CP had a sign in sheet where teams had to sign in and leave a time.
Our bike ride took us north east to the Gauley River NRA, much along the same path as E-Fix. We were to take the same rail trail as we did earlier, to the site of the infamous E-Fix CP5. This is the CP that many teams had trouble finding, several spent 10 hours looking for it. In response to the problems experienced, Odyssey stepped up and provided regular 1:24000 closeups of the area that showed the trails that were not on the main map we were given. Had they done this earlier, E-Fix would have been a different story. But I digress.
Making our way on bike back to Camp Washington Carver, we made the transition to to foot for a trekking section. We had slowly watched EMS start to pull away from us, and by the time we started on foot, they had about a 30 minute lead. Calleva was just behind us, and pushing us hard. The first trekking loop was pretty straight forward, just a long decent back into the gorge and a tough climb back out. At the top of the final climb we started hearing voices, and saw a few cars parked around a cabin. The trail we were on split and one fork took us towards the folks, and the other appeared to go in the direction we wanted to go. As we paused, we were noticed and the people started shouting at us, beckoning us to come over their way. As we got closer we realized they were having a big party complete with a huge bonfire and ample amounts of beer, plenty of which had already been consumed. I think we were quite a spectacle to them, tromping out of the woods decked out with headlamps and spandex. They said that the team ahead of us (EMS) had come through a while ago and that we'd better hurry up and catch them. They offered us a beer and moonshine, and for a moment I actually considered taking them up on their offer. Had we not had the orienteering section ahead of us, I would have for sure.
The last section of the race was an orienteering section, where all the points were optional. We knew that the winning team would have to collect them all and looking at the map before we head out I had roughly estimated 3 hours or so to do just that. Boy, was I wrong. What ensued was the most brutal orienteering course I think I've ever done. There were briars, rhododendron, massive logging, and more briars out there waiting to flay the skin from our bones and force us to our knees as we attempted to crawl through them. Starting off in a roughly CCW direction we managed to get two of the points before becoming completely disoriented. We ended up coming across a series of homes tucked away in the woods that were not shown on the map at all. After much deliberation and guesswork, we made it back to the camp and got our bearings. It was here we bumped into EMS who were restocking their packs and getting ready to re-attack the course just like us. The only difference, they had obtained all but 2 points so they were well ahead of us. After we greeted them Chad Denning and pointed to a couple of points on the map and said "this here is really fun." I thought I caught a bit of sarcasm in Chad's voice and figured the already difficult course would get worse.
True to the warning, the route got tougher with the addition of a large swamp tossed into the mix of everything we had encountered before. We took some time picking our way around and through it, and were rewarded with another series of steep climbs to get the next couple points. About 2 hours before the sun came up we again got turned around and this time I was fed up. I suggested taking a 2 hour nap before knocking off the rest of the course. The always encouraging team mates of mine convinced me to take one more stab at finding the next point and that was all it took. We got rolling, found our next target, and finished picking up the rest of the points.
We got to the finish line and saw EMS, showered, and packing up their gear getting ready to head out. Before we even "finished" the race we went over to congratulate them on an excellent race and for getting first. Much to our surprise they congratulated us and said they never found the two points they went back out after. We had managed to find the two troublesome points after the sun came up, which certainly made it much easier to spot them and follow the terrain. I know how hard the decision is to stop looking for a point and I can only imagine how close they were and never realized it in the dark.
All in all I have to thank EMS for making us work hard and setting the bar a little higher for us. We also want to thank Calleva for pushing us along, even though just after we saw them the last time one of their team members got violently ill and they were unable to finish the race. Of course it wouldn't have been possible without our trusty Inov-8 shoes and packs. I got to use both the quick drying 315's and the supportive 320's in this race and both were fantastic. We all found the RacePro 30 packs excellent, lots of space to carry all that food, gear, and shoes.
Emma Garrard Makes Pro Debut at XTERRA West Championships
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Lapierre Wins Pineland Farms 50 mile
Aliza Lapierre ran the Pineland Farms 50 mile this past Saturday up in Maine and finished in 7:42 and was the first female overall. Congrats Aliza! (report from Aliza below)
http://www.mainetrackclub.com/pinelandfarms.html
The inaugural Pineland Farms 50 mile course consisted of a small three mile loop and then three laps on a loop that was 15.7 miles. Having never run a 50 mile race this early in the season I was nervous and unsure of how my body would respond. When the cowbell sounded the race started and the field quickly spread with three front runners battling to lead the way and then a pack of two about a quarter mile back followed by me. Within minutes I could only see two other runners and decided that even though it was a faster pace then I cared to run I would attempt to keep them in sight so not to be by myself just two miles in. About nine miles into the first lap I caught up to the first female Christy Cosgrove. We enjoyed conversation and one another’s support for 12 miles and then I pulled in front maintaining my consistent pace. Now I was well into my second lap and alone. After about four solo miles a male runner named Stephen closed the gap and joined me. It was good to have company again especially through miles 28-35, which typically gives me a hard time mentally.
A little over five hours into the race Stephen and I circled around for our third and final lap and I picked up my husband who had hesitantly agreed before the race to help pace me for the final 15 miles. It was great to have someone with me who was full of conversation, energy and who could cheer me along as I tired. I plugged away hill after hill and I tried to stretch my legs on the flatter sections. I knew that my quads were starting to become fatigued as I began dreading the downhill sections. Despite being eager to finish I stopped at two aids stations to refill my water so to avoid major problems this late in the race. With just about five miles to go I pulled away from Stephen as I tried to stay true to my pace. At each corner I hoped that I would see the final field before heading into the finish area. Time seemed to be moving at a snail’s pace and I could not resist looking at my watch wondering how much longer. As I headed into the final field my husband looked back and I asked if I needed to worry, he said no. I crossed the finish line with a time of 7:42 and quickly doubled back to cheer Stephen and other racers in.
Overall the race course was well marked, there were plenty of well stocked aid stations and the race crew was great. It was also nice to see Lisa from Inov-8 with a table of shoes, which provided an opportunity to check out the entire shoe line in person.
Inov-8 Athlete Profile Interview: Sean Andrish
Recently I had the extreme pleasure of interviewing endurance running afficianado, Sean Andrish. Sean has undoubtedly made his presence over the years by racking up wins from 50km to 100milers, as well as setting some blistering times along the way, which have put him in the ranks of some of the East's elite (i.e. Campbell, Morton, Dunham). Earlier this year, Sean zipped through the Uwharrie 40mile with one of the fastest times in course history. Sean was kind enough to take time to answer some of my questions.
INOV-8 Athlete Profile
Sean Andrish
interviewed by: Wynn Davis
1. You’ve started off the early season with some strong performances. You’ve racked up victories at both Uwharrie 40m and Promise Land 50km, not to mention runner-up at Old Pueblo 50m. Can you describe your race strategy for one of these performances that stands out most?
I spent most of the winter trying to work myself back into shape following my recovery from foot surgery, so I ran fairly conservatively at my first few races figuring I wasn’t in shape to take my normal approach of going out hard and trying to hang on later in the race. Going into the Promise Land 50km, I felt pretty good about my level of fitness and decided to return to my typical race strategy of going out hard, surviving the climbs, and pushing the descents. My plan at Promise Land was to take off from the start to build an early lead that would allow me to walk a significant portion of the early climbs and still remain in contact with the leaders. With a number of fast runners in the field, I knew that if I were to be competitive I would need fresh legs to hammer the downhills and take advantage of my speed, especially on single-track trails. I was fortunate enough to have one of those days when everything went according to plan and, to top if off, I was able to win the race.
2. This was your 3rd straight victory at Uwharrie 40mile, while setting a personal best on the course (6:05). What are some of your thoughts regarding this impressive achievement?
Uwharrie was a pleasant surprise this year! I had only been running for 5 weeks before the race, so I wanted to use it as a test of my fitness and didn’t care about the result. Since I had traveled to North Carolina to race, I figured I might as well treat it as a race. I lead from the start and was surprised that nobody caught me. Having my PR for the course occur on such little training has me thinking that hard training might be overrated!
3. Now that you have run one of the fastest times on the course, do you feel that Mike Morton and Courtney Campbell’s CR time of 5:40 in 1995 is attainable?
I think that Mike and Courtney’s time on that course is one of their most impressive records. That record is likely to stand for many years. I have no illusions of being able to get close to that time, but I am now confident that a sub-6 hour time is within reach.
4. In 2005 you set the speed record on the Tuscarora Trail. What was your inspiration for this attempt? What were some of the memorable highlights?
After listening to Courtney Campbell’s experiences on the Long Trail in Vermont and reading about other people’s multi-day adventures, I thought that a multi-day run would be a new challenge that I would enjoy. I decided on the Tuscarora Trail because I liked the idea of running the entire length of a trail, and the fact that it was an extremely rocky trail that was close enough to home that I could talk friends into joining me for a day or two was a bonus. I loved the idea of spending several days trail running with friends where my only concern was not getting lost. I loved waking up early to be on the trail at 6 am, enjoying a fun run in the woods all day with friends, and stopping for the night whenever I got tired (between 10 pm and midnight). One of my favorite memories of the trip was running along a ridgeline just after sunset and spotting a couple eyes staring at me…as soon as the bobcat and I realized what we were looking at, we each took off running in opposite directions! Another memorable experience was outrunning my crew on the final day and having to go 30 miles with just a couple handheld bottles of Gatorade and a Clif shot or two. Luckily there were some houses near a couple of the road crossings and I was able to refill my bottles with water. When my crew figured out where we were, they brought food and drinks several miles up Massanutten Mountain to meet us. Every time I run that section of trail I remember how relieved I was to see them!
5. You have been on of the premiere runners to reckon with in the East. What do you contribute your success too?
I have been fortunate enough to run with a number of outstanding runners over the years. My friend Ray Pugsley, who placed 4th in the 5000 meters at the 1996 Olympic Trials taught me about speedwork and how to effectively incorporate it into my training. I learned about racing ultras from Courtney Campbell who, among other things, taught me the value of going out hard at the start of a race. It was also after starting to run with Courtney that I transitioned from being a strong climber to becoming fast on downhill, rocky trails.
6.What does a typical week of training look like for you?
I have found that a low-mileage, high quality approach works best for me. For most of the year, I generally run about 55 – 70 miles a week. I run 6 days a week, the key workouts being a tempo run of 6 – 12 miles during the week and a long trail run on the weekend. I fill in the remainder of the week with a hill workout and a couple runs on roads or smooth trails to loosen up and concentrate on a smooth stride and steady pace.
7. Do diet and nutrition play a specific role in your training regime?
Unfortunately I do not pay much attention to my diet. I tend to live on pizza, fast food, and ice cream. I have no doubt that my running would improve if I ate better, but maybe there’s some benefit to a high fat diet?!
8. Some runners like Bruce Fordyce would gauge themselves by their 10km times to know what kind of shape they were in. When in training, what parts indicate to you that you’re in great shape to bust out a solid race?
Two things I look for in my training that let me know I’m ready to run well are when I can get my tempo runs down to 5:40 – 5:50 pace and when I can go all-out on a rocky downhill and feel in control.
9. What, if any, injuries or setbacks have you overcome? How did you stay focused through them?
I’ve been fortunate in that my broken foot last Fall was the first significant injury I’ve had in the past 10 years or so. In order to get some exercise and keep my sanity following foot surgery, I went to the gym about 4 days a week and managed to get a lot of exercise on my crutches. At high school cross-country races last year, I could often be found running around the course on my crutches to yell encouragement to the kids. I also couldn’t stand watching my friends go trail running without me, so I accompanied to the trails a couple times and hiked several miles on crutches while they were out running. I got some funny looks from people as I hiked on the Appalachian Trail on my crutches!
10. What do you consider your strengths / weaknesses?
I like to think that my speed, especially on single-track downhills, and mental approach to races are my two major strengths. While I truly enjoy the social aspect of trail running as well as the opportunity to enjoy running through the mountains, I tend to be very competitive when I enter a race. This can be a strength in that I push myself hard during competition, but it is also a weakness in that if I am having a bad race I often forget to enjoy the scenery. Recovering from surgery has helped me adjust my outlook to racing because I was trying to race myself back into shape, which might result in some poor performances. I realized that even if I am not running fast, a race provides a great opportunity to spend a day playing in the woods and visiting with friends that I don’t get to see too often. I hope to maintain this approach to races regardless of my level of fitness.
11. What are some of your other interests besides running?
I try to spend as much time outside as possible. When I’m not running, I enjoy hiking, biking, and backcountry skiing. I have coached high school track and cross country for a number of years and love to get to know the kids, to see them improve over the course of a year and throughout high school, and to see them continuing to enjoy an active lifestyle during and after college.
12. Is there a particular Inov-8 shoe that is your favorite? For what reasons?
The Roclite 315 is my favorite Inov-8 shoe. The narrow fit, flexibility, and excellent traction make it a versatile shoe that I feel comfortable using on everything from roads and smooth trails to ultramarathons on rocky trails.
13. What are some of the toughest race courses you’ve ever experienced?
Without a doubt, Hardrock is the most difficult course I’ve run because of the long, steep climbs and the high altitude. The JFK 50-miler is a close second because it is basically a road run and those 26 miles on the C&O Canal require a lot of mental focus.
Thanks Sean!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tom Doyle - National Off-Road Duathlon Champion
Dear Bill,
Thanks for hosting a seminar on INOV-8 trail running shoes this past January. I was not aware of the many INOV-8 models of great trail and trail/hard surface running shoes. You helped me to decide on the new Roclite 295 model and I have been extremely pleased with them. I bought them for their great off-road tread design and light weight. I already had two other manufactures trail shoes, but when I looked these over and took a test run in your store I felt like it was a much better trail shoe for me to use in the upcoming National Off-Road Duathlon. Little did I suspect that they would drop my trail running pace by 15 seconds a mile while providing a more sure footed feel.
Training for the National Off-Road Duathlon, which took place April 26th 2008, was going well. I had been MTN Biking all winter and knew I was fast on the bike. It was my trail running at the national level that I was concerned about. After going for several trail runs in the Roclite 295 I knew I had a shoe that would enable me to run my best on mixed trail and hard surface and I did. I won my age division to become a National Off-Road Duathlon Champion. Next big competition for my INOV-8 trail running shoes will be the Xterra – East Championship, off-road triathlon, June 15th. Whether rain or shine, I know I will run to the best of my ability.
Thanks again,
Tom Doyle
Vice President, CyCor Sports
Midlothian, VA
Inov-8 Athlete Profile Interview: Kevin Sullivan
In this addition of Athlete Profile, I the pleasure of interviewing Inov-8 athlete, Kevin Sullivan of Massachusetts. Kevin has been running for some time, however he is fairly new to the Ultra Running world, but that has not slowed him down one bit. Kevin's a quick learner when it comes to long distances and he was kind enough to answer some of my questions before he left for a weekend of training in preparation for Western States, his first crack at the 100 mile distance.
1. What inspired or motivated you to pursue endurance running?
At the risk of sound too trite, it was the thought that I could do it. And, by that, I don’t mean just me – I mean anyone. The idea that it is a possibility so why not a possibility for me. I love running. I have always liked longer events, whether it was marathons, long backpack trips or Ironman distance triathlon. I found that I liked my long days better than any other part of my training – and often felt even better at the end of my 20 milers and wanting more. I had for a while thought to myself – hey, I know I can run further so why not try. So, I did – and then got hooked. I ran the Vermont 50 on very little training and just really enjoyed the challenge. It confirmed my belief that (a) I could do it and (b) it was fun. It was as simple as that – and it is that simple thought that keeps me pushing for more.
2. Is there anyone in particular that has inspired you?
Just all the regular guys and girls out there who do it – that is, they fight inertia to get out there and run. I figure if they can do it so can I. No excuses.
3. Do you have a favorite race and/or race distance?
The longer the better – at least for now. I am still new to the ultra stuff and still running longer and longer races. I just finished Miwok 100k which was my longest run to date, both in terms of time and distance. It felt great to push myself beyond my longest distance. I ran the Pineland Farms 50k last year – great race, great setting. They added a 50M this year which unfortunately I will miss because I will be at the WS training weekend. Vermont 50 also holds a special place for me because it was my first 50.
4. Living in Massachusetts, are there any trails in particular that standout in your mind for someone seeking to visit the state?
Good question. I think Massachusetts trail running is less about any standout trails and more about there being trails everywhere. I live in a town with about 20 parks, forests and preserves. They are each fairly short trails but you can string them together for a great run with a lot of different terrain. I think the best trails in Mass are in Western Mass. I live near the NH border to so I usually head north to the Whites or up to Vermont. To be honest, I love the mountains and for that reason really like running out in the real wild West . . . J (I’ve been to the West Coast 2x in the last 3 weeks and am headed there again next weekend. It is the mecca for me).
5. Your next big race is Western States. Do you have a particular goal (s) in mind or a game plan set without revealing too many secrets?
Well, first, I will say the obvious – it is my first 100 miler so I am just looking to get it done. Under 24 hours is definitely a goal. I would be lying if I didn’t say I don’t have a more aggressive goal (I always do!) but I am really focused on not putting too much pressure on myself. I have been very lucky/fortunate so far, but also respect that these are great distances and preparation, execution and “the day” (i.e. race conditions etc.) make all the difference. I will have a very specific plan going in but still working on that. I am talking to as many people I know who have run it to maximize my learning.
6. What does a typical week of training look like for you?
Again, this is all new to me so I have been working to develop a training plan that works for me. I have a very demanding job (60-80 hours a week) so I do all my running in the morning. I usually do 2-3 recovery runs a week (45-70 mins), what I call a marathon pace workout, some sort of tempo workout and one or two long runs. I am using the track for certain periods of training/workouts. I have been trying to be very terrain specific for WS and have been doing some long hill repeats. I’m usually between 60-100 miles/week. I have just started training by HR. I try to throw in core work 2-3x a week but I’m admittedly inconsistent. (oops)
7. What advice can you give to someone new to running?
Be smart about your running and have fun. There is so much more to running/racing than running, so do not get overly focused on just the running. At the same time, if it is not fun, then you are doing something wrong. Keep it simple. After all, it really is just putting one foot in front of the other.
8. What are your future goals or plans?
I just want to learn as much as I can about ultra running, run some good races and challenge myself. There are a lot of great races out there I have on my “must do” list. Multi-days are definitely on my short-term list. Staying healthy is my number 1 goal.
9. What is your fondest running memory?
The 2006 Mid Mountain Marathon. The MMM is a trail marathon out in Park City, Utah. It is a small but beautiful race that runs from Deer Valley to the Canyons. Most of the race is above 7,000, almost all of it is single track and there are lots of great views. I just had a blast running the race. It was a challenging race and I did well, but it was also my first trail marathon and I really enjoyed the experience. I was truly able to really soak in my surroundings and enjoy it. My kids were there and I was able to run across the finish line with them. It brought a lot of things together for me. It really was a first for me and opened my eyes to the benefits of running in some very beautiful places.
10. Injuries seem to be inevitable in sports. Are there any particular strategies or X-training methods you use to overcome an injury?
I learned the hard way, like most of us do, that one of the most critical elements of training is recovery. I am a big believer in rest/time off and the little things, like stretching, massage, core work and, my favorite, ice baths. Although I used to do triathlons, I am no longer a big fan of cycling or swimming (just too boring), so most of my cross training is strength and flexibility work – although I will do some work on the bike indoors during the winter. I also do some XC skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Still, the key is taking care of the body. We push our bodies hard and the one thing I really am not able to do is get more sleep (because of work), so I need to maximize my recovery through other methods.
11. What do you consider your strengths / weaknesses?
Greatest weaknesses – (1) going out too hard (although sometimes it is also my greatest strength), (2) sometimes forgetting to have fun/taking myself too seriously, (3) not enough time to train!
Strengths – (1) supportive wife, (2) love for hills.
12. Is there a particular Inov-8 shoe that is your favorite, and how so?
Roclite 305 and Flyroc 310. They are just light, comfy shoes that perform and go the distance. I rarely even notice I have them on.
13. What are some of your other interests besides running?
Spending time with my kids – doing anything. My kids provide me so much perspective on life. It is a treat to learn about the world through their eyes.
14. Finally, what do you know now that you wish you’d known when you first started running?
That running is more than running. That rest, recovery, the right shoes, hydration, nutrition, running partners, surfaces and weather have a huge impact on performance and enjoyment.
Thanks Kevin!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Superior 50k Race Report - Wynn Davis
Superior 50km
Race Vitals
Event Date:
May 17th, 2008
Time:
4 Hours 8 Minutes
Distance:
50km
Climb/Descent:
(5,550+ ft.)
Course location: .
Superior Hiking Trail
Lutsen, MN
Surface:
Rugged Trail
Place:
1st overall
Race Report
I can’t think of a better place on earth where I would rather be than on the rugged and hauntingly beautiful Superior Hiking Trail. It is gorgeousness and gorgosity all over. The earthy aroma of the fauna homogenized with the silky mist from the gitchi-gummi is sweet bliss.
Race morning brought beautiful sunshine and a relatively cool breeze off the lake. Record attendance gathered for both the 25km & 50km races. This particular part of the race course is very difficult, as it includes three major climbs (Mystery Mtn., Moose Mtn, and Leveaux Mtn.) and a partial climb up Carlton Peak for good measure. The deluge of rocks, ruts, roots, corduroys, blow downs were ever present throughout the race. I let my confidence, course knowledge and pace dictate the race. The blow downs took some time off indefinitely, but they cleared out once runners made it through Moose Mtn. I ran many of the hills experimenting with cadence. The distance between aid stations is pretty far (7 miles), so it is wise to bring fuel. I made it to the turnaround at 1:57 and was greeted by the legend himself, Charlie Hubbard. Charlie has the CR in just over 3:56 on the course. It looked as though a sub 4 could be possible regardless of the blow downs, but I was not sure of my month and a half fitness level of running. However some solid mileage was accumulated leading up to the race.
The climbs up Moose Mtn. and Mystery were definite quad pounders due to their incredible steepness. Moose is a definite “hands on quads” walk fest, and Mystery is an endless steep spiral. In fact I think I heard it calling me on my return trip up the mountain. I think it said something of the likes, “How art thou, thou cheap bottle of stinking chip oil!” However I persevered by grinding away, sliding down a gel and bombing down Mystery when I realized that a sub 4 was not in the cards today. A 4:08 would have to suffice, which I feel is still a solid time for that course.
It was like old home week again seeing familiar faces. Greg Hexum tore up the 25km and Andy Holak came in second winning Masters. It was a special race for many reasons considering my lengthy predicament over the winter months, but never giving in. My right-hand man, my dad, greeted me at the finish with a handshake “Put one in the ol’ vice!”. A great way to celebrate his 69th b-day; he’s as fit as a fiddle. Post-race: Fresh smoked salmon & Two-Hearted Ale in Duluth, real proper like. The roclite 315’s were the perfect compliment to the trail.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Who's Racing This Weekend
Good luck this weekend to the following Inov-8 athletes and their respected races. Aliza will be down on the farm at the Pineland Farms 50k. Run Strong and have fun!
Aliza Lapierre Pineland Farms 50km
Monday, May 19, 2008
An Ongoing Experiment: Pete Stringer, part 2 of 2
In the final piece of this two-part series, Pete Stringer revels in his cherished experiences and cammaraderie within the running world, as well as his viewpoint on the importance of minimalist/natural footwear.
Runs Well With Others
In addition to his own running, Stringer runs the Boston Marathon in between because several athletes he’s coaching run it and because of the fundraising he does. He raises money for the Noah Shelter, a Boston homeless haven that Stringer feels a certain affinity for.
See, Stringer wasn’t always the hale and healthy ultra runner that he is now. “In the mid-1970s, I went through a dark period and was hopelessly alcoholic,” he says. He slid out of a successful 10-year career writing sports for newspapers and gravitated into the sports and publicity end of horse racing, and eventually became a horse racer. This shift in careers was coupled with an insidious, gradual slide into alcohol. “It was just humiliating and embarrassing,” he recalls. “It reduced me to the point where it was easier to hide, rather than to allow my friends and family to see what had become of me.”
Stringer eventually ended up homeless, and for about two years, he was in and out of rehabilitation facilities and several shelters. “Those two years were a nightmare. I will forever be extremely grateful to the shelters and Salvation Army that were there. They literally saved my life. The kindness— it’s kind of a cliché— but the unconditional love that I got,” made an enormous difference, he says. Stringer credits that support with the 180-degree turnaround into a “paragon of fitness” that he later made.
Wondering how he could give back to the community that save him led him to thinking about the shelters that took him in when he was down and out. “I though about how I could give back. I remembered that in 1996, at the 100th running of the Boston marathon, they held a big celebration and had about twice the number of runners that they normally have to make it a historic celebration.” Rather than give out medals at the finish line like usual, Stringer says the race officials had the runners continue a few blocks to the Boston Common to a three-step podium where they presented the finisher medals in a ceremonial way. “When I got to the podium, I looked over, and the place they had chosen was only 20 yards where I used to sleep. I thought, ‘My god I’ve come so far!’ It was really special.”
Because he remembers that struggle and realizes that it’s important to remind himself and others that we need to look after each other. We only get to where we are by respecting where we have been and the drive and determination required to reach worthwhile destinations. No matter how impossible they may seem to reach, that journey— and the help and support we receive along the way— should always be valued.
Once he clarified this thought, the answer of how to give back became running the Boston marathon for the Noah Shelter, a 50-bed emergency shelter in Hyannis. Though he never actually stayed there, he says he wanted to support a shelter near his home on the Cape.
“I thought how they always say there’s no charity like a local one. I thought I would probably be well served to run Boston for a local shelter, so I was on a run one day and stopped off at the Housing Assistance Corporation [on Cape Cod], and they were thrilled by the idea.”
As it turned out, Virginia Ryan, the assistant to the CEO to whom he spoke that day— a single mother with three kids who had taken up running a year or two prior— her dream was to run Boston. But Stringer says she was quite a ways from qualifying and the task seemed impossible.
Stringer decided to help her out. “I told her if you train, I can get you a number.” Because of his long history with the Boston Marathon, he can occasionally get a number here and there for special entrants like this one and was able to arrange to get her one. “She’s excited, she has come along great. She’ll make it. And it’s all part of giving back.”
Stringer has also raised money for several other charities through his running, including the Leukemia Society of America and the Big Brothers organization on Cape Cod, where he is also a long-time volunteer and board member.
It’s All About the Shoes (Or Lack Thereof…)
At the center of it all is Stringer’s love of life and of running. The volunteerism, teaching, desire to give back to the community that cared for him, and his willingness to push himself to achieve bigger and better heights are all just symptoms of his desire to live life well and fully. But that doesn’t mean overdoing it. For Stringer, less is more, at least when it comes to his footwear, if not his spring racing schedule.
Stringer says he has journeyed along a five-year evolution towards “lighter and lighter, minimalist footwear,” that has resulted in his using either the lighter, low- and no-heel Inov-8 shoes. Stringer is now a die-hard fan of the Mudclaw 270s and Mudroc 280s. He says he has had four different pairs of the Mudrocs and that he just can’t bring himself to ever throw them away, even after four years of wear-and-tear.
For many athletes, the gear can be a hindrance, or at least an annoyance, and much training time is spent trying to find the right shoe, sock, or other item to make the pending event more comfortable or even just tolerable. Stringer has struggled with the question of, “What shoes should I wear?” for years, and he’s had his share of troubles on that path. He attempted the legendary Leadville 100-mile race four times before finally finishing it. His successful run was completed in his trusty 280s.
“I give Inov-8 big credit for that [finish]. I found a trail shoe that worked. That shoe had all the right stuff.” He says the lightweight low-heel shoe was a necessity for the rocky, high-altitude event that has sections where runners are shunted across snow-covered trails and other unpredictable surfaces. The shoe also handled the at-times wet trails well, too. “With the Inov-8s, it’s incredible. I’ll run through the water and a mile later, they feel dry.”
But there are times when shoes— any kind of shoes— just won’t do. At these times, Stringer simply goes barefoot. He says he runs barefoot two or three times a week and trains many of his students in barefoot running.
He says that the trend in American road shoes is to have too much padding and an unnatural foot angle that actually causes some of the muscles and ligaments in the foot to atrophy. He says the modern running shoe causes runners to have “this almost clunky stride that lands on the heels. As a result, the knees and hips take a beating. For people running with clunky shoes on hard surfaces, after about 20 or 30 years, they’re finding that their knees and hips are just plain wearing out. But my knees feel like they did when I was 15. I think a lot of it is because I run on my toes, using a forefoot landing and a springing motion. That’s why the Inov-8s appealed to me.”
Barefoot running feels unnatural at first, but if you incorporate it slowly, anyone can do it, Stringer says. Along with the well-publicized disappearance of speed that we all struggle against, Stringer says that age also steals away your balance, and that’s partially because the feet become weaker over years of simply wearing shoes. He says running, and even just walking around the house barefoot, can help strengthen the feet and rewire balance for the entire body. He introduces the athletes he coaches to running barefoot by taking them to a golf course and running in the manicured grass that offers few obstacles to learning to run as nature and human physiology originally intended.
Though he’s a big advocate of barefoot running, Stringer shies away from racing that way. “As much as I do like barefoot running I don’t think I’d take the risk of running a race barefoot even with calloused feet.” He says the risk of stepping on a sharp stone or burr that could end a race or a career in one step is just too great to take on most of these courses, especially very rocky or hard-surface races like Leadville. “There’s just no way in the world you should do a course like Leadville barefoot.”
Stringer continually strives to achieve, and says humbly that despite all the positive press and media attention he’s received, he’s only as good as his last race. But he accepts that ongoing mandate to do better with grace, humor, and wisdom. “We are all an ongoing experiment, and I find this not one iota less fun now that I have moved into the geriatric class,” he says. Inov-8 is proud to sponsor Pete Stringer and wishes him the best of luck this spring as he tackles some very big races.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Shuler Wins the Pilot Mountain 12hr Adventure Race
70 miles and 30 checkpoints in a 12 hour race is a big basket of hurt, but fantastic scenery and a smart course made this race a mandatory return event. Team Blackdome - INOV-8 takes Top Spot at Blue Planet 24Hr Relay
This event was a fund raiser for Clean Water Projects throughout the world. Sponsored by Inov8, it consisted of a 5 mile trail loop, with over 500' of gain, that was run continuously for 24hrs for teams of up to 10 and soloists. There were a couple of solos that pulled out 100 milers. Pretty impressive stuff.
With all night food, music and a 42" plasma screen showing race progress and standings a fun time was had by all.
Checkpoint Zero / Inov-8 takes top spot at Western Carolina
Checkpoint Zero / Inov-8 took home the top spot at the recent Western Carolina Adventure Race. In addition to winning the race, they took home a $500 sponsorship and a chance to compete to the USARA National Championship in the fall.
We started out strong, being the first team to figure out the location of the their paddling equipment that had been dropped off at three different locations by the race organizers. After having a few issues finding the first checkpoint on the water, we were in 4th place coming off the water.
Davis and Feucht Score Two More Victories for Team Inov-8
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Inov-8 Athlete Profile Interview: Clark Zealand
We here at Inov-8 conjured up some new and creative ideas to reach out to all of those trail savvy runners out there. One of those ideas was to pick the brains of some the country's finest trail ambassadors. In this first profile installment I interviewed Inov-8 athlete, Dr. Clark Zealand of Forest, Virginia. Clark is a disciple of the "Dr. David Horton school" of trail running and has etched a formidable presence over the years as a talented runner, dominating many of the East's biggest races, as well as directing/creating races, maintaining trail, and helping people discover and embrace the Eco-Xperience. Clark is a man of "many hats" and he was kind enough to take time to answer some of my questions.
INOV-8 Athlete Profile:
Dr. Clark Zealand
Interviewed by: Wynn Davis
1. Can you tell us a little bit about your educational background and how it compliments your lifestyle and ecological philosophy and/or pursuit?
My Ph.D. dissertation is titled, “Decolonizing experiences: An ecophenomenological investigation of the lived-experience of Appalachian Trail Thru-hikers”. It is an attempt to unearth alternatives meanings of the traditional outdoor recreational experience; particularly an extended and immersed experience in the context of long-distance hiking. The reason for this study was to provide a broader understanding of one’s socio-ecological interaction (more accurately, imbrication) with his/her surrounds and resulted in a wide range of experiences that shed a contrasting light on management strategies. These findings also brought into question the notion of a historically definable wilderness experience and provided a base to suggest and discuss our ecological experiences, or eco-xperiences in nature.
Why all this? Well, this study was simply an academic extension of how I view my own lifestyle and running, that is, the world is constantly coming in being (enter Merleau-Ponty) around us as we experience it. This happens through our bodily movement; think of how a flower opens. The dehiscence of that flower is it coming into being as a mature flower. Likewise, we open up to our surrounds through our senses and experience our world – I think that’s pretty cool! You are not just interacting with your surrounds, you are imbricated, merged with it…so go out there and enjoy it running trails!
2. Even with all of your responsibilities as a professor, husband/father, and race director, you still manage to run, do ultras, and race solid times. What motivates you?
In a word; competition. I love to compete but I also love to run for exercise (run trails that is). I compete with myself to see what I can do and with other runners when I toe the line. However, I know I’ll continue to run as long as I can; even if/when competition isn’t such a strong motivator.
3. You ran some incredible times prior to graduate school, and against some stiff competition. You racked up wins at Promise Land 50k, Masochist 50, and runner-up at Vermont 100m (15:03) in 2004. What do you consider your finest accolade or experience?
That’s a tough question. Even though I love competition I rarely think of the outcomes as accolades, even though they are by definition. Each time I win a race I consider it a blessing, just to be able to do it. Some of my best trail experiences are not from racing but from just being in the mountains running with friends. If I had to pick one performance, I’d probably say my course record at Promise Land…for now.
4. Who would you say was and/or is your strongest competitor over the years?
A) Was: Courtney Campbell. For a long time it seemed like Courtney and I were meeting at every race and would constantly jockey for the front. Courtney usually won.
B) Is: After not racing much for the last 3 years, it now seems like everyone is my strongest competitor, including myself! In reality, I know there are several younger runners who are very talented and are, no doubt, strong competition.
5. Do you tend to follow any certain training program? What is your training philosophy?
I have an aversion to standardized ‘training programs’, basically because I hear so many people who follow someone else’s training schedule simply because it worked for that person or they are well-known! I know what I need to do and how to listen to my body. This only comes from experience and trial-and-error. Learning how to listen to (& then manage) your body is one of the most important training variables. Yes, beginners need to ask sport veterans how to train but they need to also be cautioned about “buying into” just one approach. (There’s the caveat) In a nutshell, my training philosophy is a two-fold dialectic; “speed through strength and consistency through variability”. What that means for me is plenty of speed work but incorporated only in the strength work and integrate as much variety as possible to be ready for anything. Hence, I rarely do repeats of any kind (intervals, hill repeats, etc.) and I alternate training days across trails, roads, flat, hilly, mountainous, good trail, nasty trail, etc. For example, in the past I’ve used this workout as an indicator of my fitness: a 20-mile road run with the first 5 miles at 7:30 pace, the middle 10 at sub-6 pace, and the last 5 at whatever I have left; sometimes that’s sub-6 and sometimes it’s not even close. OR, a 10-mile out-n-back run that’s 5 miles out with a 2000 foot gain and back down, pushing hard all the way.
6. If you could run with anyone past or present, who would it be?
I would love for my wife, my children, and all my non-running friends and family to be able to see all the incredible places I’ve been able to see while running.
7. Some times runners get caught up in race results and only concern themselves with personal gain in the sport. However, more than likely you have sacrificed training and racing for the betterment of others and the environment through race directing, volunteering, and being involved with complimenting interests. It’s obvious that you see the “big picture”. Do you have any regrets? Is there an ultimate goal (s)?
I’m not here to preach or to sound trite, but I do believe in a larger purpose for my life. I believe I have been given both abilities and opportunities that few have in this life and I hope to constantly be honoring God through everything I do. That’s my ultimate goal.
8. Recently you have established eco-x, inc. (www.eco-xsports.com) and the Beast Series. Can you tell us a little bit about the mission of eco-x and what inspired you to create it?
I see eco-x as a pragmatic development from what I was suggesting in my dissertation research. I want to facilitate opportunities for people to engage more and more with their natural environment and I think a great way to do that is to offer trail races. Many times, people won’t venture into an unknown area just for a casual run or maybe they’re even unaware of a trail’s existence. I think an organized event can make a seemingly formidable natural area much more accommodating, thereby providing the opportunity for an eco-xperience. It is incredibly rewarding to witness a person’s experience and to see a ‘new world’ opening for them.
9. It’s apparent that Dr. David Horton has had an impressionable impact on your life. Are there particular influences or “old saws” he instilled in you?
Perhaps Horton’s favorite, “It never always gets worst”! I’ve known David now for about 15 years and we’ve become very good friends. We’ve worked together, traveled together, and I’ve seen him in good times and not so good times…through it all (even when we were staring down the Bergshrund crevasse after summiting Mt. Hood) I learned another old saw of his, “This too will pass”.
10. 2009 will be your first year as race director of the historic MMTR 50, what are your thoughts on this undertaking? Furthermore, you are also race director of the Terrapin Mtn. races, and the inaugural Grindstone 100mile, which is slated as the “Beast of the East”. What inspired you to create this race and can you describe what kind of course the runners will experience?
Quite honestly, I am honored and humbled to be the RD for MMTR. Horton has done such a great job building the race into a wonderful event, I simply hope to continue the tradition he has started and that the entrants will continue to enjoy their MMTR experience.
The Terrapin races are meant to be a more accessible event for first-timers or those not ready to run an ultra distance yet. Also, I’m the trail maintainer for the Terrapin Mtn Trail so it’s a special place to me. Grindstone is the opposite; it is a post-graduate ultra with a 38-hour cut-off time. Grindstone offers people a different perspective of the Virginia Blue Ridge where bigger mountains with bigger climbs and accompanying descents encompass the remote VA/WV divide. The out-n-back course summits both Elliott Knob (4463ft) and Reddish Knob (4397ft) (with great views) and runners will experience over 23,000 feet of gain over the 100 mile course.
11. Finally, as if you were not busy enough, this summer you will be assisting David Horton on his record attempt of the CDT, which will also complete the major trail trilogy. Can you tell us some of your responsibilities and logistics involved in such a massive undertaking?
My role is very much an ancillary one. I’m blogging (on eco-xsports.com) all summer as David calls in via satellite phone so he can share his CDT adventure (s) along the way. In addition, I’m going to meet David in southern Colorado as he makes his way through the San Juans and the Weminuche Wilderness. While there I’ll be running, carrying lots of gear and mainly helping his main crew, Jonathan Basham. Later on, I’m traveling back out to Montana to help David in his final days on the CDT through Glacier National Park. It’s really just play time for me!
Thanks Clark!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Who's Racing This Weekend
Good luck to the following Team Inov-8 athletes. We have team members competing all over the US and beyond this weekend from New Mexico, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Virginia all the way to France. Toni Axelrod is competing in Xterra New Jersey, Greg Feucht in a trail half marathon, Sean Andrish is taking on the rugged Massanutten 100 mile course, Wynn Davis a tough trail 50k, and Sandy Powell competing in the 48 hours of Surgeres, France.
Toni Axelrod: Xterra New Jersey
Greg Feucht: Jemez Mountains Half-Marathon
Sean Andrish: Massanutten 100 Mile
Wynn Davis: Superior 50km
Sandy Powell: 48 Hours of Surgeres
Monday, May 12, 2008
An Ongoing Experiment: Pete Stringer, Part 1of 2
Many of those who run races within their relative vicinity often come across a small cadre of runners that seem to be a legendary fixture to the running scene. Commonly these individuals have racked up years of experience, which includes running, racing, volunteering and so much more. They are true ambassadors who have witnessed the ebb and flow of all that is running. Coming from the An Ongoing Experiment: Pete Stringer There are lots of reasons that people run. Some run for fitness. Some run for glory. And some run for a far grander, yet humble reason— because they need to. Pete Stringer, of Stringer, 66, has become something of a local celebrity in Eastern Massachusetts for the intense races he runs, his status as a contender who consistently places high in these events, and quite simply because he’s considered “old” in the world of competitive athletics. “It’s almost a little embarrassing because I didn’t even get into ultra running until I was ‘old’ as people go,” he says. A runner for over 60 years, Stringer didn’t start running ultras until he was “over 50, but it was love at first sight.” And in the 16 years since he stumbled into these longer-form races, he’s racked up quite a resume of more than 35 ultra marathons. Stringer is a veteran of such “gnarly” ultras as Training Equals Studying So how do ultra runners like Stringer pull off such long races? They aren’t gods, they just train smart and study the science. Stringer is semi-retired, which allows him to train an average of about three hours a day. That average includes at least one long run per week, which is usually closer to five hours long. During the week, he also coaches, so some of his mileage takes the form of running with his students. He also hits the gym three days a week for weight training, which he says might well be the most important aspect of his total training regime. He says that a consistent weight training routine is absolutely necessary for him to maintain strength and prevent injury. “It’s necessary once you get past age 45 or 50. It’s good for everybody.” He says, though, that many runners balk at the idea of weight lifting and strength training, particularly trail runners. “I think a lot of it is, it’s difficult to explain to somebody until they’re willing to try it for a few weeks and see the difference. I think ultra runners and ultra trail runners, they’re more likely to skip it or poo-poo it than track runners who generally come from college programs where it’s instilled. Trail runners think they can do it naturally. But try it: Focus on core training and strengthening. It probably won’t alter your stride or the running, but it shows up when you get really tired later in the race. Strength and core training helps your posture to keep you from getting injured and stay economical. There’s just an enormous benefit with the weight training; when I skip it for a few weeks, I notice it.” Similarly important is rest time, and Stringer says he aims to keep one day totally off per week. He says it doesn’t always happen, but it’s important to recover, especially when you train so much. Ultra Words of Wisdom People who don’t participate in endurance sports events or who aren’t familiar with the lonely times that an ultra runner might experience while training or racing on some forgotten trail in the desert or wilderness often ask: “What do you think about for all those hours?” Any endurance athlete will tell you that the bulk of that time is spent thinking about the fundamentals: food, water, the desire to rest, and the best ways to get more efficient and get to the finish line faster. Stringer is no different, and he says he’s carefully observed other runners and charted his own progress to become the best runner he can be. In all that time thinking and studying form and function, input and output, Stringer can now sum his years of diligent training and study up in a single sentence: “It’s never efficient to run fast.” When it comes to the absurdly long ultras, Stringer says it’s vitally important to stay at a steady pace that you can maintain. For example, if you’re a four-hour marathoner running at a nine-minute-per-mile pace, you’ll never be able to maintain that pace over the course of a 50-miler, and certainly not over the course of several days. “Stay away from that pace, because you can’t sustain that for very long. That’s not going to be efficient.” He says he prefers to stay steady, even if that means being “slow” and he runs in five-hour segments. After five hours, he stops, eats, rests a bit, and then gets back on his feet. Truly, slow and steady wins the race: “If you maintain a pace that’s not wildly diverse, you’re going to cover so much more ground than if you run, sit, run, sit, and so on. I’ve done a lot of math and studied lots of races before trying my first. The lesser of the curve that you can have on your [speed] graph, the more efficiently you’ll cover ground.” But he didn’t know this innately. Like the rest of us, Stringer had to watch and learn. Stringer tells the story of the first time he saw a multi-day race. He was surprised at how the contestants looked. “There was this one Russian woman, I’ll never forget her. If you were looking at horses, she more resembled a plough horse than a thoroughbred.” Her advantage was that added strength and endurance that her stockier frame offered. And that’s what made her a great ultra marathoner, even if she didn’t look like the willowy marathoners we’re all used to seeing. “She never came off the track. She was always moving,” Stringer says. Stringer was inspired by this woman and others he saw running and he got in touch with some of the runners after the event. “I found it rewarding to talk to them. Their theory is the old tortoise and the hare thing. They have great personal characteristics, and if you’re going to be successful in a multi-day race, you have to be patient.” He says that the typical type-A, “hare” athlete personality stands less of a chance of success in the grueling multi-day marathons because, they “are going to blow it the first day.” The patient tortoises’ success comes in part from the fact that they “constantly monitor their bodies and give themselves what they need for fuel and hydration.” He says they know all the tricks for avoiding injury and to ease discomfort including innovative homeopathic remedies for everything from shin splints to stomachaches. He says that it’s “incredible stuff, and I ended up using it.” Last year, Stringer completed his first six-day marathon and says that, essentially, he slept about one-and-a-half hours each afternoon and about three hours each night. “That gave me enough shut-eye time to make the rest of the time tolerable,” so he could stay on his feet with just brief stops to refuel or visit the bathroom. “Forward motion is the catch word,” he says. Staying on your feet and just keeping moving in a forward direction and staying patient is what separates ultra runners from everyone else. Stringer finished 332 miles in this ultra-ultra race last year, good for 6th place. He hopes to repeat his success next year. Source: The Sri Chinmoy 2007 Race Results web site, www.srichinmoyraces.org/us/ultras/6-10-day-race/6-10-day-race-2007/results_2007/results_6day-men With these ridiculously long endurance races, Stringer says that he’s more competitive than some of his younger counterparts simply because he has more endurance and because he has the patience. “It’s fascinating— as you get older the speed simply goes. And the endurance goes, too, but not as quickly. You can still be so much more competitive with the top people. My six-day total was sixth-place [last year]. Many of the runners under me could certainly beat me [in terms of speed on a shorter course], but you simply have to just keep going.” And that’s the key to success, he says. “You get these extraordinary totals for these three- and six-day races, and the runners, they barely seem to be moving. But they just keep going.”
Similar to Bunk and Pirrung is perennial running veteran Pete Stringer from
Morrison wins NFC 50m
Congratulations to Brian Morrison on his win at the North Face Challenge 50mile in Seattle over the weekend. Morrison won by nearly 19 minutes over the next competitor. Brian now gets free dibs into the NFC championship race this fall for a chance to win the big bucks.
Aliza Lapierre Fights the Mud at Xterra Muddy Moose
My first Xterra “Muddy Moose” experience was a great one. After being postponed for three weeks due to snow there was still plenty of mud to be had despite the recent warmer temperatures. Having never really thought about mud in depth before I was amazed at how many different varieties of mud I came across. A large amount of the mud was the deep suction type where you fear that you may lose shoe. Then there was the soupy version that you just prayed did not contain a lurking stick or rock. I was also amazed at just how deep some of the mud bogs and puddles were, as I found myself knee deep at times. After trying to dance around the first muddy section I paid the price and quickly found myself lying in the mud bog. From that point on I took the mud and puddles head on so not to waste time or effort trying a roundabout course.
Two miles in the race spilt depending on whether you were running 4 miles or 14 miles. Here the field starting to spread out and I tried to close the gap between myself and a male runner so not to be left alone. Fortunately as we headed into some steep single track I was able to make up ground so I could follow close behind him rather than picking out the tape that marked the course. At this point I could see the female in first position, but decided to maintain my pace and see how things unfolded. By the second aid station I was joined by another male runner and we took turns leading the way as we each excelled on different terrain. Eventually we found ourselves at an intersection and we all came to a halt and began questioning which way to go. Luckily within a minute another runner came and indicated to us which way to go. After completing a small lollipop loop we headed back toward the finish.
Knowing what lied head I picked up the pace on sections that I felt I could make up time. The deep puddles seemed less daunting and actually felt refreshing as the temperature was rising. As I began descending down the steep single tracked the leaves made it difficult to safely come to a stop so I grabbed for trees and branches and hoped for the best. Finally I was back on easier terrain and focused on finishing strong. I crossed the finish line as the second female with a time of 1:56.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Who's Racing This Weekend
Good luck to the following Inov-8 athletes in their respected races this weekend! Have fun, run strong, and take it all in. Don't forget to celebrate your Mother on Sunday either. Afterall you would not be running your race without her (:
Dewey Peacock: Don't Fence Me In Trail Run 12k
Brian Morrison: North Face Challenge 50m
Scott Dunlap: Quick Silver 50m
Devon Crosby-Helms: Quick Silver 50m
Type rest of the post here
Team ARNavSupplies Wins the NORCAL AR Race #2
Team ARNavSupplies Wins the NORCAL AR Race #2
Team ARNavSupplies won the NORCAL AR Race #2 as the only team to clean the whole course and find every CP. On a very hot day with brutal Northern California terrain the team pulled through after running out of water and losing time to a misplaced CP.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Team Checkpoint Zero / Inov-8 takes 2nd, 3rd, and 10th at the 2008 Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race
In one of the most hotly contested adventure races in Georgia every year, Team Checkpoint Zero / Inov-8 fielded 3 teams to challenge the competition at the tenth annual Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race.
This years race threw a bit of a curveball at the teams, as the rules allowed for racers to split up their teams for a majority of the race, something normally unheard of in adventure racing. Due to the myriad of options, no two teams took the same route getting to the finish. No matter what options the teams took, they all had to battle the hot weather, brutal hills, and stiff winds on the water.
After nearly 6 hours of fast racing, the race saw fellow local team Snickers Marathon take the top spot, with the Checkpoint Zero / Inov-8 team of Patsy Smith, Chip Whitworth, and Peter Jolles come in a scant 13 minutes later. Another 11 minutes later saw the second squad of Jenn Rinderle, Jon Barker, and Allen McAdams cross the line. Overcoming a wrong turn on one of the foot sections, the third team of Kirsten Reff, Paul Cox, and Hunter Orvis crossed the line in 10th.
