AR Navigation Supplies/RWG wins the Ocean Blue Adventure Race on July
26th 2008 at Half Moon Bay, CA. Follow the link below to read the
race story.
http://www.arnavsupplies.com/news.html
Cheers,
Mark Manning
www.ARNavSupplies.com
Thursday, July 31, 2008
AR Navigation Supplies/RWG Wins Overall at Ocean Blue AR
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Inov-8 Athlete Profile Interview: Devon Crosby-Helms
In this edition of Athlete Profile I had the pleasure of interviewing the young and talented Devon Crosby-Helms of Seattle, WA. She has big aspirations and has made her mark already on both roads and trails in a variety of distances. Devon is looking for another strong finish this year at the World 100km championships to help put the U.S. women on the podium. Fresh off her win at Vermont 100 mile (1st 100 miler), Devon was kind enough to take time to answer some of my questions.
Inov-8 Athlete Profile Interview: Devon Crosby-Helms
Interviewed by: Wynn Davis
1. Can you tell us a little bit about how your running career began?
I began running after retiring from playing basketball. I did a few half marathons but started training for a theoretical marathon (i.e. hadn't decided which one) in 2005. I finally decided on running Edinburgh Marathon in June of 2005 when I was living in London and visited Scotland on holiday and wanted a reason to go back. I ran my first marathon in 3:38 and was absolutely in love. I then started training harder and subsequently dropped my marathon time to 2:55 a year and 3 marathons later. I began ultrarunning in 2006 when on a whim, I decided to sign up for Headlands 50k. I loved the trails and thought it would be good for me to not get too wrapped up in pursuing a specific marathon time. I went out completely green, with the philosophy "run as hard as I can and then walk" , as all I knew about ultrarunning was that walking was not only ok, but sometimes the smartest move. I crossed the finish line in 7th place female against a very tough field and was greeted at the finish line by Connie Gardner and Nikki Kimball who said, "who are you? you should try out for the 100k National Team". I was hooked on ultras and focused my 2007 on reaching that very goal (of running on the national team) and balanced it with some fun ultradistance on trails.
2. Living in Seattle, can you tell a wandering outdoor enthusiast some of your favorite trails in the area?
I have only been back living in Seattle since last September and haven't even begun to scratch the surface on the trails available in the area. I love Cougar, Tiger and Rattlesnake alot, especially since they are all so accessible from the city.
3. Can you tell us a little bit about your job as lighting designer?
I work for PHA Lighting Design, as an architectural lighting designer. We do large scale commercial stuff such as convention centers, hotels, airports, entire island resorts, office towers, etc. I am out research expert and LEEDS point person, utilizing my background in library and information science.
4. First off, congratulations on your win at the Vermont 100mile. Can you tell us a little bit about the race, as it was your first 100mile race experience? Is this a distance you see yourself doing more of? Were there any surprises or adjustments you acquired at any time during the race?
I went in with no expectations, I wasn't even sure if I had it in me to complete the distance but I wanted to know if the distance suited me or not. I went out pretty conservatively and ran with Perry Edinger for the first 30 miles, together we forced ourselves to walk some of the uphills to conserve our energy. The course is very runnable throughout and especially at the beginning, but that is also what makes it so dangerous. I had my ups and downs but throughout felt like for every low point, I was bouncing back stronger each time. The heat and humidity was brutal and the thunderstorms were pretty scary. I definitely have to say that having amazing handlers and pacer made a world of difference. They moved me in and out of the aid stations quickly, were overwhelmingly encouraging and my pacer did everything perfect.
If you had asked me right after the race whether I was considering the distance again I probably would have said, not likely. Now, as I am able to sit back and look at the experience a few days out I realize that I really really would love to do another one. So yes, there will be more.
I am a planner by nature and so my race went according to plan for the most part. I had done alot of guesswork in my planning since I really had no idea when I would want to change from a non-solid to a solid fuel plan and it just happens that I was correct. I was pleased that that was not an adjustment I had to make, so I guess you can say I was surprised that worked out so well. I also got lost after mile 75 and so I had to adjust my subsequent pacing and strategy to accommodate for the fact that I didn't know how much time I had lost (since I didn't know where any other females were in the field). In the end getting lost only cost me one place.
5. What are your strengths and what are your weaknesses?
I would say that my strengths are my speed and efficiency. I am pretty tall, but I am really efficient when I run. I try not to waste alot of energy in my movement. I would say that I am good on the flats because of my speed and on the downhills because I also have strength. My major weakness is uphills. I currently lack some of the strength to really crank up hills.
6. Can you tell us what your training philosophy is and what some of your favorite workouts include?
Train hard, but train smart. As my coach Howard Nippert says, do the key/necessary workouts and the mileage will take care of itself. I try to not just focus on achieving mileage milestones but doing workouts that are tailored towards the race that I am focusing on. I love my long runs. Last year I had 2 seperate 30 mile loops, one trail and one road. I relished the days I got to do these. That said, I love tempo workouts as well. It is fun to feel fast.
7. You flexed your versatility in 2007 by running strong races from the marathon all the way up to 100km placing 15th overall. Is there a particular distance and terrain type that you gravitate toward most?
I would say of all the distances and terrain the one that I am gravitating towards most right now is the road 100km. It is a combination of the distance and speed that I really like. For the next few years while I still have young fresh legs I would really like to push myself and focus on the WC100km. All that said, I pretty much have a love affair with each of the seperate distances and terrain. I just can't make up my mind. I like runnable courses most of all.
8. Can you tell us a little bit about your 100km world experience? Was there any particular training that differs from your focus on 100km road versus, say a 50mile trail race?
The world 100km was an amazing experience. I really liked the team environment. It was amazing how much it helped to work together with my teammates during the run to pursue both our team goals as well as personal goals. Being a part of the team is a great motivator. I would say, again, that specificity of training is what I used to go from doing a 50mile trail race in July to the 100km in September. Generally, most of my training is done on the road anyways, but for the 100km I would do my long runs and hard workouts on roads, while for the 50mile trail I would do it on trail.
9. What are some good eats in the Seattle area?
Being both vegan and gluten intolerant, one might think that I am limited, but I actually found that "ask and you shall receive" philosophy has gotten me some great vegan meals at non vegan restaurants. My favorites (some vegan, some not) are Flying Apron Bakery, Cafe Flora, Aqua Verde, Bai Pai, Sunlight Cafe and the best eats in town (completely unbiased of course): my house (I am a certified personal chef).
10. In 2007 you broke out with a strong 2nd place finish at the US 100km championships and then running at the World Championships that fall. What are some of your goals for the World Championships this year?
I would love to do what I can to get the Team USA women onto the podium. I think to achieve that goal, I want to run sub 8hrs.
11. What do you know now that you wish you would have known when you first started running?
I truly believe that in running there are no mistakes, only lessons. It has been a beautiful journey from the very beginning and obviously I haven't done anything thus far to turn me off from it, so I would say nothing! It has been too much fun learning all the things I know now and I still have so very much to learn.
12. Is there a particular INOV-8 shoe that you gravitate toward and why?
The 295s. I have flipper feet (wide toes, narrow heel) and the 295s really accommodate that.
13. Finally, any tip (s) for the fellow runner looking to improve?
Train smart, tailor what you do to the race you want to run. Believe in yourself and allow yourself the space to grow and learn.
Thanks Devon!
Lapierre Takes 1st at Jay Challenge
Congratulations to Aliza Lapierre on her 1st place finish at the tough Jay Challenge in Vermont. Well done!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Inov-8 Athlete Profile Interview: Andy Jones-Wilkins
In this edition of Inov-8 Athlete Profile I had the pleasure of interviewing the happy-go-lucky and talented Andy Jones-Wilkins who just finished defending his title at the Vermont 100mile last weekend in a white knuckle finish. Andy has made his mark in the 100mile distance over the past few years with strong performances at Western States, Angeles Crest, Vermont, Grand Teton, and Javelina. Andy was kind enough to answer some of my questions and give insight regarding his experiences on the trails.
Inov-8 Athlete Profile Interview: Andy Jones-Wilkins
Interviewed by: Wynn Davis
1.Can you tell us a little bit about how your running career began?
I ran my first half marathon in Sept. 1992. I had never run before but felt like I needed to do something to stay in shape between summer bicycle tours. Running played that role. After moving to Arizona in 1996 I began running trails and discovered the ultrarunning community. I did a few 50K’s and 50 Milers over the next few years and finished my first 100 in 2000 at Angeles Crest. From there, I was hooked!
2.What are some of your favorite trail running destinations?
I am extremely fortunate to live in Ketchum, ID which has some of the best single-track trails in the country. However, when the snow covers them all I like to get away to Northern California to run in Marin County, the East Bay Hills, and, of course, the canyon country around Cool and Auburn, California.
3.What are some of your other interests besides running?
Reading, writing and, most of all, spending time with my wife Shelly and our three kids, Carson, Logan and Tully.
4. In 2007 you broke your “bride’s maid” allure at the 100mile distance with impressive wins at both Grand Teton (setting the CR) and at Vermont. Can you describe a memorable or profound moment during one or both of these races, and if your race strategy differed between the two races?
At Vermont in 2007 I wanted to run assertively not aggressively. However, around Mile 15 I found myself wanting to go faster than those around me. On the long downhill into Taftsville I opened up my stride and pushed the pace a bit. I ended up with a lead that I never relinquished. It was awesome! At Teton a few weeks later I didn’t know what to expect from the field but I knew I wanted to run hard. The decisive moment there came on the second loop (it’s a four loop course) during the three mile section of pavement. Feeling good on this stretch I ran every step and never looked back. I think I gained 5 or 6 minutes on Matt Hart there and was able to run comfortably the rest of the day.
5. What are your strengths and what are your weaknesses?
I would say my biggest weakness is running uphill. I am a pretty big guy and usually have trouble hanging with the pure climbers. In addition, I think I do have a tendency to overtrain and may need to be careful as I age to give myself ample time for rest and recovery.
My strengths are running downhill, focusing relentlessly on nutrition (the “holy trinity: salt, calories and water) and never, ever giving up.
6. Can you tell us what your training philosophy is and what some of your favorite workouts include?
My training philosophy is based around solid core miles throughout the year with a focus on several key events. For me, weekly mileages between 80 and 100 seem to be enough to keep my endurance base strong while still allowing me to pick up the intensity from time to time. Aside from long runs in the mountains my favorite workouts are tempo runs on rolling trails. I have a trail network right outside my backyard and from there I can run about six different loops ranging from 8-14 miles. I like to do tempo time trials on these loops to test my fitness and keep my uphill legs working. I also do get to the track once a week and although I wouldn’t call it a favorite workout nothing beats me up more than 6x1200 at 6000 ft.
7. You just came off another stellar victory by defending your title at the Vermont 100 in a very close race with fellow teammate Kevin Sullivan. Can you tell us a little about how your race went?
First of all, I need to say that Kevin Sullivan is the Real Deal. Running in his first 100 miler he stuck toward the front all day and never let me relax. Even as late as Mile 88 he was close on my heels. I think it was a good learning experience for both of us. The race unfolded quite unusually actually with the lead pack of three staying almost stride for stride for the first 75 miles of the race. Only when the thunderstorm mover through did I make my first attempt to pull away on a technical downhill section going in to the 77 Mile Aid Station. I think I managed to get a minute gap there which I eventually built to seven minutes by the end. It was a battle, for sure!
8. What are you goals for the rest of the 2008 season?
I am going back to Wasatch which I last ran in 2006. I got hit pretty hard with the altitude that year and stumbled in with a 22:46 finish. I think I can do better this year and will try to focus on my climbing going in to this year’s race. It could be a wide-open race (unless Kyle Skaggs decides to show up) Then it’ll be a wide-open race for 2nd!
9. Any good beer being brewed out of Idaho?
Sun Valley Brewing Company has some excellent brews!
10. Unfortunately Western States was cancelled this year for the first time in race history. I know you were excited and primed for a solid run yet again on that course. Although paused for the meantime, I am guessing that you are anticipating the 2009 race to be a continuation of what was to be this year. Your thoughts for 2009? Will you be gunning for the Master’s course record?
I will go back to Western States in 2009 with the same goal I had going in to this year’s race. In benign conditions if I have a good day I think I can run 16:30. I don’t think that will be fast enough to win against the young guys but it could create quite a battle for the Masters’ record. However, if it’s a hot day like 2006 I think I could be in the mix for the win depending on what happens up front early. Time will tell!
11. What do you know now that you wish you would have known when you first started running?
That patience is one of the most important qualities in an ultrarunner.
12. Is there a particular INOV-8 shoe that you gravitate toward and why?
I’ve run my last two 100’s in the Roclite 320. I also like the Roclite 305 and am hoping to get some miles out of the Roclite 295 before Wasatch.
13. Finally, any tip (s) for the fellow runner looking to improve?
In 100 mile races, don’t let blisters, sore quads, or stomach issues bring you down. Focus on what works for you and do that and nothing else.
Thanks Andy!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Who's Racing This Weekend
Lots of good racing this weekend. Wynn Davis is taking on the 27th annual Voyageur Trail 50 mile race in Carlton, MN. Aliza Lapierre will be in Vermont racing in the tough Jay Challenge. Toni Axelrod will be racing at the beautiful Xterra Crested Butte. Jonathan Basham, Brian Morrison and Mark Lundblad will be at Crystal Mountain, WA racing the White River 50 mile National Trail Championships.
Wynn Davis - Voyageur 50 mile
Aliza Lapierre - Jay Challenge
Toni Axelrod - Xterra Crested Butte
Jonathan Basham - White River 50 mile
Brian Morrison - White River 50 mile
Mark Lundblad - White River 50 mile
Greg Feucht & Team "M-10". Win Great Lakes Relay
Team Inov-8 member Greg Feucht and his team (Team "M-10") won the Great Lakes Relay this past weekend in Northern Michigan. This is a 3 day, 270 trail relay stage race where all the teams start together each day at 6 am. Most runners do approximately two legs each day of 3-9 miles. Greg's team ran a cumulative time of 26:58:17 at 5:53 pace on trails which is smokin fast. Great job Greg!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
YogaSlackers on the Podium at Gorge Games
Team YogaSlackers had a great race this past weekend, in the Pro Elite division of the Gorge Games "Wicked Adventure Race". The team came in 3rd place, being edged out my powerhouse teams Dart-Nuun and MerGeo. Read on for the full report.The race started out hectic, as the Slackers lived up to their name in the days prior to the race. Not having secured rental boats, they ended up in using two "skin on frame" kayaks, and one rec-style Old Town barge. The extreme wind took its toll on the 3.5 hour paddle (top teams were using triple kayaks and towing their fourth in a fiberglass single) and YogaSlackers got out of the water not even in the top 10. They slowly battled their way back through the night, during a 10-hour rogaine style trek/run/bushwhack. This was followed by an intense 7-hour rogaine on the bike. The team finished with 2 minutes to spare! It was a great return to racing for team-member Sam Salwei who last raced over two years ago.Sam, Jason and Daniel all wore 285's (best AR shoe is existence according to them), while Lina wore her 315's. They all wore Inov-8 RacePro packs.Another blog will come soon highlighting their adventures before the race!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Team Inov-8 Dominates Vermont 100
Andy Jones-Wilkins successfully defended his title at the Vermont 100 held in South Woodstock, Vermont this weekend. However capturing his second title in a row was not without a fight from Inov-8 team member Kevin Sullivan who was running in his first 100 mile race. Their times were 16:07 and 16:15 respectively. Only 2 minutes separated them at mile 88. It was hot and humid throughout with a big t-storm rolling through late in the day.
Also a big congrats to Devon Crosby-Helms who captured the women's title in 18:31. Devon was as well running her first 100 mile race and won by 19+ minutes. An impressive time considering the steamy conditions and going off course for a couple of miles. Times overall were quite a bit slower than in recent years but it was hard to tell from these 3 excellent performances.
http://www.vermont100.com/
Mielke Impressive at Berry Picker Trail Race
In the final selection race for the 2008 Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team, Shiloh Mielke posted a stellar 3rd place finish in 39:57 at Vail, CO. This performance coming on the heels of the NACAC Mountain running Championships in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, Mexico last weekend where Shiloh helped the men's team take home the silver cup. His latest performance at Berry Picker makes him a strong contender for an at large birth for his 3rd US Mountain Team in a row. Great job Shiloh! (see press release under "read more")
Contact: Nancy Hobbs (Chairperson, USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Council and Executive Director, American Trail Running Association): (719) 573-4133 trlrunner@aol.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2008
Four Earn Spots on Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team Today
Vail, CO ------ The final selection race for the 2008 Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team was held today at the LaSportiva Berry Picker Trail Race in Vail, CO. Four runners were named to the team including Simon Gutierrez, 42, Alamosa, who made his seventh straight team with his win today.
“I’m happy,” said Gutierrez, “It was one of my major goals this year to make the team; my next is a good result at the World Trophy.”
Gutierrez plans to race uphill courses every two weeks leading up to the World Trophy which will be held in Sierre Crans-Montana, Switzerland on September 14. One of those races will include the World Mountain Running Masters Championships in the Czech Republic to be held one week before the Trophy. Gutierrez is the two-time defending masters’ world champion and has his sights set on a third masters’ title.
Gutierrez was timed in 38:15 over this challenging course which was primarily on single track trail and gained more than 2,000 feet of elevation in 4.6 miles. Second and third place went to sea-level runners Matthew Byrne, 33, Scranton, PA, who ran 39:05 and Shiloh Mielke, 28, Weaverville, NC, timed in 39:57.
Gutierrez will join teammates who secured spots at the first and only other mountain team selection race on June 21, the Mount Washington Road Race. Those athletes are Eric Blake, 29, New Britain, CT, Joe Gray, 24, Lakewood, WA, and Rickey Gates, 27, Boulder, CO. Both Byrne and Mielke are strong contenders for the final at-large spots on the men’s six-member squad.
Megan Kimmel, 28, Silverton, CO, bested a packed women’s field to earn a spot on her first mountain team. Kimmel, who lives and trains above 8,000 feet is no stranger to altitude, but is still a newcomer to the sport. She ran her first mountain race in Steamboat Springs last month where she finished second to Laura Haefeli, 40, Del Norte, CO. Today the finish places were reversed with Kimmel winning in 45:58 followed by Haefeli in 46:39.
“I’m really excited and very surprised,” said Kimmel about her finish. “My goal today was to just come out and run. I didn’t know what to expect – there were a lot of good runners here. Looking toward the race in Switzerland I don’t feel pressure. I’m just really, really excited to go and run with the world’s best ladies. It’s exciting to go international.”
Haefeli, with her runner-up finish, will be on her fourth mountain team. “I’m psyched,” said Haefeli, “I feel awesome and my training is going well. I’m going to take a little break now, and then get ready for Switzerland. I think the U.S. team needs to go for the gold again (the women’s team won gold the past two years with Haefeli leading the way in 2007 with a bronze-medal individual finish). I want to go for a medal too. I certainly hope for a top 10 (finish).”
Rounding out the top three spots for the women was Brandy Erholtz, 30, Bailey, CO, who finished in 47:25. Erholtz clinched her spot on the team with a win at Mt. Washington. When asked about how the team is shaping up Erholtz commented, “I feel we’re going to have a really strong team. I feel like we’ll have a good chance for medals.”
There is still one at-large spot for the women’s four-member squad. Women who finished in the top spots at the Berry Picker and Mount Washington will be considered for that spot.
This was the first year in the six-year history of the junior team that an athlete has earned a spot on the team at a selection race. Typically all of the juniors (four men and three women) are selected based on their running resumes. Paul Petersen, 16, Broomfield, CO, earned his junior team spot today with a 44:42 finish time edging out two-time junior member Jonny Stevens, 18, Vail, CO, by one minute for the win.
“I feel awesome,” said a very enthusiastic Petersen. “It’s a really cool opportunity to run the first year I’m able to (juniors must be at least 16 in the year of competition and not yet 20). My goal today was to win the race. At the beginning, I was right with Jonny until about 1/3 of the way through the course. I passed him and then kept my lead.” Petersen was also the junior champion at last month’s USA 8 km Trail Championships in Steamboat Springs, CO.
Page Two/Teva US Mountain Team Selection Race
At the World Trophy, the junior men, like the senior women, will run an eight kilometer course. The junior women run approximately 4.5 kilometers, and the senior men run approximately 12 kilometers. Like the Berry Picker, the World Trophy Course is an entirely uphill event. In odd-numbered years the World Trophy is held on an up/down course.
L-R: women’s team manager Ellen Miller, Gutierrez, Petersen, Kimmel, Haefeli, Erholtz
Sponsors of the 2008 Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team include title sponsor Teva, the official footwear of the team since 2002, SportHill is the official apparel sponsor providing team uniforms, OrthoLite Insoles, the world’s leading supplier of open cell foam insoles in the performance and footwear category is the official insole, Fleet Feet Sports Boulder, the official specialty running store, Windermere of Teton Valley, the official real estate company, Wicked Fast Sports Nutrition, Wicked Fast sports nutrition, the official dietary supplements for pre-exercise energy/endurance (Energ-Ease) and post-exercise recovery (Recover-Ease), and product sponsors FuelBelt, Inc. (hydration products), Costa Del Mar (performance sunglasses), and Youth Runner magazine.
For additional information visit the websites listed below:
USA Mountain Running Championships http://www.mountwashingtonroadrace.com/
Berry Picker Selection Race http://www.vailrec.com/
USA Track & Field http://www.usatf.org/
World Mountain Trophy 2008 www.wmrt2008.org/pages/fr/
American Trail Running Association http://www.trailrunner.com/
Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team http://www.usmrt.com/
Teva http://www.teva.com/
SportHill Clothing http://www.sporthill.com/
Windermere http://www.juliebryan.mywindermere.com/
Fleet Feet Sports-Boulder http://www.fleetfeetboulder.com/
Wicked Fast Sports Nutrition http://www.recover-ease.com/
OrthoLite http://www.ortholitefoam.com/
Costa Del Mar http://www.costadelmar.com/
Fuel Belt http://www.fuelbelt.com/
Youth Runner http://www.youthrunner.com/
Friday, July 18, 2008
Basham Breaks CR at Rattlesnake 50k
Team Inov-8 member Jonathan Basham broke the CR at the Rattlesnake 50k last weekend running 3:59 and change. The race is held in the Kanawha State Forest near Charleston, WV. and is an Inov-8 sponsored race. I highly recommend this race to those wanting a great ultra experience. It is well directed by Dennis R. Hamrick Jr , low key, but a very challenging course with lots of climbing (5k+) on beautiful single track trails and usually lots of heat and humidity. JB's time is stellar as I've run this race personally 3 times. JB even went off course for a spell and still manged to break 4 hours. Congrats!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Running Skirts vs. Running Shorts
A topic I never thought that I would weigh in on is the running skirt phenomenon that is quickly becoming more main stream. Since my wife likes to train and race in running skirts I’ve been “exposed” to her new running attire quite often. This all got started last year at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City. I swapped some Inov-8’s for a couple running skirts from Skirt Sports. I gave Anne one of the running skirts and she loved it. I thought it would be something that she would just use in her training but boy was I wrong. Not only does she do a lot of her daily training in the skirt but she has raced almost all of her races wearing the skirt. I have to admit I was a little concerned on her behalf that somehow racing in the skirt would slow her times down. I guess because it seemed just a little too feminine to me at the time. Of course several successful races later I was proven wrong. I get a kick out of the guys getting “chicked” by her and the running skirt just pours a little more salt in the wound I guess. I can laugh because it has not happened to me…yet.
Running skirts are definitely becoming more popular. In the latest issue of Runners World there is an article about the increasing preference of wearing a running skirt in lieu on the standard shorts. At the recent Fleet Feet Summer Conference in WI where Inov-8 had a booth we talked to Juliet Horan, owner of Fleet Feet Hickory, NC who told us that she has more running skirt sales now then shorts for women. In the read more section below I have included an article that Anne wrote for Blue Ridge Outdoors about running skirts in which she asked some other female runners from our area if they prefer a skirt or shorts. Juliet at Fleet Feet read Anne's article and sent one of the nay-sayers a free skirt to try out. Now I do have to admit that I was passed (briefly) by a guy wearing a kilt in a recent road race. This did not sit well with me probably why I passed him back ASAP. I’m definitely pro-running skirt for the ladies; there’s just not enough Celtic in me to try running in a kilt yet.
Run Like a Girl by Anne Lundblad
“Pick it up, Anne. You run like you’re wearing a skirt!” Such words, shouted to me as I neared the finish of my most recent marathon, could be considered an insult…if, in fact, I had not been wearing a skirt. The truth be told, however, I was running in a skirt. Does this represent a step forward in women’s rights – the right to be feminine and flirty, even while kicking butt? Or is it a throwback to the days when women were supposed to glow rather than sweat, when a woman would rather be caught dead than without perfectly applied lipstick?
I first heard about running skirts a couple of years ago, but at that point, they seemed to be a left coast fad, not the sort of thing that sensible women of the Southeast would wear. Or maybe they were acceptable if you were a mom, half jogging behind a baby stroller. But for a serious competitor? How would it feel to run a grueling interval workout in a skirt? Would it be possible to be taken seriously at the start line of a race in a skirt? I decided to try it out.
My first venture into the world of running skirts was tentative and covert. I chose a skirt in a subdued shade of lavender and ran deep in the woods, where I was unlikely to be spotted. As awkward and foolish as I felt, none of the squirrels I encountered gave me a second glance. My self-consciousness disappeared and I began to enjoy myself. I felt free and unencumbered by extra fabric between my legs. The built-in brief provided plenty of coverage. And pit stops became that much easier.
“Run Like a Girl,” Montrail advised us in an advertising campaign a few years ago. Many of us remember this as a cruel taunt back in elementary school (like when my daughter tells me that I “throw like a girl” in our cutthroat backyard wiffle ball games). The advertising geniuses, however, may be on to something. Maybe it’s possible to be tough and feminine at the same time. After several more backwoods runs in my quickly-becoming-beloved skirt, I decided it was time to go public. I chose one of the most grueling 10Ks around, the Springmaid Splash, where I would have to cross a river multiple times, climb punishing hills, and descend gnarly singletrack in a skirt. Would I feel tough enough? Would my competitors take me seriously? Would my day-glo skirt get dirty? Yes, yes, a resounding YES!
So there you have it, I’m now a running skirt convert. I guess deep down inside, I’m a girly-girl hiding in an ultrarunner’s body. And from what I’ve seen at the races lately, I’m not the only one.
Running skirts are definitely becoming more popular. In the latest issue of Runners World there is an article about the increasing preference of wearing a running skirt in lieu on the standard shorts. At the recent Fleet Feet Summer Conference in WI where Inov-8 had a booth we talked to Juliet Horan, owner of Fleet Feet Hickory, NC who told us that she has more running skirt sales now then shorts for women. In the read more section below I have included an article that Anne wrote for Blue Ridge Outdoors about running skirts in which she asked some other female runners from our area if they prefer a skirt or shorts. Juliet at Fleet Feet read Anne's article and sent one of the nay-sayers a free skirt to try out. Now I do have to admit that I was passed (briefly) by a guy wearing a kilt in a recent road race. This did not sit well with me probably why I passed him back ASAP. I’m definitely pro-running skirt for the ladies; there’s just not enough Celtic in me to try running in a kilt yet.
Run Like a Girl by Anne Lundblad
“Pick it up, Anne. You run like you’re wearing a skirt!” Such words, shouted to me as I neared the finish of my most recent marathon, could be considered an insult…if, in fact, I had not been wearing a skirt. The truth be told, however, I was running in a skirt. Does this represent a step forward in women’s rights – the right to be feminine and flirty, even while kicking butt? Or is it a throwback to the days when women were supposed to glow rather than sweat, when a woman would rather be caught dead than without perfectly applied lipstick?
I first heard about running skirts a couple of years ago, but at that point, they seemed to be a left coast fad, not the sort of thing that sensible women of the Southeast would wear. Or maybe they were acceptable if you were a mom, half jogging behind a baby stroller. But for a serious competitor? How would it feel to run a grueling interval workout in a skirt? Would it be possible to be taken seriously at the start line of a race in a skirt? I decided to try it out.
My first venture into the world of running skirts was tentative and covert. I chose a skirt in a subdued shade of lavender and ran deep in the woods, where I was unlikely to be spotted. As awkward and foolish as I felt, none of the squirrels I encountered gave me a second glance. My self-consciousness disappeared and I began to enjoy myself. I felt free and unencumbered by extra fabric between my legs. The built-in brief provided plenty of coverage. And pit stops became that much easier.
“Run Like a Girl,” Montrail advised us in an advertising campaign a few years ago. Many of us remember this as a cruel taunt back in elementary school (like when my daughter tells me that I “throw like a girl” in our cutthroat backyard wiffle ball games). The advertising geniuses, however, may be on to something. Maybe it’s possible to be tough and feminine at the same time. After several more backwoods runs in my quickly-becoming-beloved skirt, I decided it was time to go public. I chose one of the most grueling 10Ks around, the Springmaid Splash, where I would have to cross a river multiple times, climb punishing hills, and descend gnarly singletrack in a skirt. Would I feel tough enough? Would my competitors take me seriously? Would my day-glo skirt get dirty? Yes, yes, a resounding YES!
So there you have it, I’m now a running skirt convert. I guess deep down inside, I’m a girly-girl hiding in an ultrarunner’s body. And from what I’ve seen at the races lately, I’m not the only one.
Who's Racing This Weekend
A big weekend of "dog day" summer racing this weekend for Team Inov-8. Andy Jones-Wilkins, Chad Denning, Devon Crosby-Helms and Kevin Sullivan will be taking on the rolling backroads of the Vermont 100miler. This should be a fast race, not to mention the fact that Vermont RD's were able to squeaze in some of the unfortunate souls who planned on doing Western States. Greg Feutch will heading to the upper midwest to run the Great Lakes Relay. Scott Dunlap takes on the Sonoma 1/2 marathon and Dewey Peacock is racing the challenging Berry Picker Hill Climb. Good luck to everyone and have fun!
Devon Crosby-Helms Vermont 100m
Andy Jones-Wilkins Vermont 100m
Kevin Sullivan Vermont 100m
Chad Denning Vermont 100m
Scott Dunlap Sonoma 1/2 marathon
Greg Feucht Great Lakes Relay
Dewey Peacock Berry Picker Hill Climb
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Akos Konya 2nd at Badwater 135
"This year's title of Badwater Ultramarathon Champion goes to Jorge Pacheco, who finished in a time of 23:20:16. Crossing the finish line at the Whitney Portals only 29 minutes later was Akos Konya." Congrats Akos a very close race, well done.
http://www.badwater.com/
Monday, July 14, 2008
Dayton Strong at Barr Mountain Trail Race
In preparation for his goal race at the Pikes Peak Marathon, Bryan Dayton had a fine effort this past Sunday at the Barr Mountain Trail Race, finishing 7th OA. A great effort especially considering the stacked field and no taper. His shoe of choice for this event the Mudroc 280's. Congrats Bryan!
http://www.runpikespeak.com/
Emma Garrard Xterra UK Race Report
Emma placed 7th against a strong international field at Xterra UK in Vale of Neath in South Wales on June 21st-Summer Solstice but of course it was a rainy day. Congrats to Emma. Check out her race report with the Sierra Sun.
http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20080711/SPORTS/585038477/1012&parentprofile=1052
http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20080711/SPORTS/585038477/1012&parentprofile=1052
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Who's Racing this Weekend
Good luck to Sean Andrish who will be racing at one of the toughest 100 mile races in the US tomorrow at The Hardrock 100 in Silverton, CO. Speaking of CO, Kelli Lusk and Bryan Dayton will take on the famously brutal Barr Trail Mountain Race in Manitou Springs this Sunday. ....and speaking of brutal Akos Konya will be at a pretty epic race out in CA called Badwater on Monday. A nice journey from Death Valley to Mt.Whitney.
Sean Andrish - Hardrock 100
Kelli Lusk - Barr Mountain Trail Race
Bryan Dayton - Barr Mountain Trail Race
Akos Konya - Badwater 135
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Shiloh Mielke takes 3rd Overall at the Fifth Annual NACAC Mountain Running Championships
The US men's team took silver while the women's team won the gold at the NACAC Mountain Running Championships which were held in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, Mexico, on Saturday, July 5, over a nine kilometer uphill course. Congrats to Shiloh and the entire U.S. men's and women's teams!
See press release below:
July 7, 2008 – For Release
Nancy Hobbs, Chair, USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Council: (719) 573-4133 trlrunner@aol.com
U.S. Women Win Gold at Fifth Annual NACAC Mountain Running Championships
Colorado Springs, CO --- For the fourth time in five years, (in 2006 the U.S. did not field a men’s or women’s team at the event) the U.S. women’s team won gold at the NACAC Mountain Running Championships which were held in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, Mexico, on Saturday, July 5, over a nine kilometer uphill course.
It was nearly a sweep for the U.S. women led by Kasie Enman, 28, Huntington, VT, who finished in first place with a time of 53:55. Second place honors went to a Mexican runner in 54:13, followed by Alison Bryant, 28, Elkin, NC, in third timed in 54:56 and Carly Gratock, 29, Cambridge, MA, in fourth with a time just over 56 minutes. The Mexican women’s team won the silver medal with Canada earning the bronze medal.
The U.S. men settled for silver, having won gold in the previous years a team participated in the event. Shiloh Mielke, 28, Weaverville, NC, finished in third place timed in 43:44 followed by Aaron Saft, 29, Fletcher, NC, in sixth with a time of 45:08 and Jason Bryant, 35, Elkin, NC, in ninth with a time of 48:56. Mexico won the gold with Canada in bronze medal position.
“The course was fabulous,” said Saft by phone two days after the event, “It started at about 6,000 feet and ascended to about 8,000 feet. The race started on a dirt road, like cobblestone with rocks embedded into the dirt. Most of the trail was like this and was a bit slippery because it rained most everyday. It was tough for the U.S. team coming to altitude, so we all went out conservatively knowing that we’d have some trouble with our breathing. The Mexicans fielded their best mountain runners and they went out really fast. Some of them came back to us and it made a great race.”
The overall winner was the youngest member of the Mexican team, Juan Carlos Carera who, according to Saft ran, “an incredibly fast time” of 41 minutes. Carera was the top junior for the Mexican team at the 2007 World Trophy finishing in sixth place overall. In second place at the NACAC event was Ranulfo Sanchez who was a bronze medalist in the senior men’s race at the 2002 World Trophy.
Bryant, who also provided a phone interview, added more details about the course, “There was a little bit of single track, and it was in a farming region. We saw mules on the course the day before the race when we previewed the route and we saw a cow on the course on race day.”
Bryant was also impressed with the race organization, “They did an excellent job hosting the event. The hospitality was great, the meals, the lodging, everything. We spent a lot of time with the Canadian team and bit less with the Mexican team because of the language barrier, but some of the Canadian and U.S. team members spoke Spanish so it worked out well. We ate all of our meals together (all three teams) and we ran the course on Friday as a group. It was a great experience.”
According to Bryant, the race director Miguel Lopez was very glad to have teams from three countries which he said added a lot to the event. In addition to the team competition – with the women racing first, followed by the men – there was an open race and a junior race. The open race was also a 9 km while the juniors ran 6 km.
This event served as a tune-up for NACAC teams in preparation for the World Mountain Running Trophy (WMRT) events to be held in Sierre Crans-Montana, Switzerland on September 14.
The U.S. hosted the NACAC event in 2004 and 2005, Mexico hosted in 2006, and Canada hosted in 2007.
“Jason Bryant did a terrific job this year organizing the U.S. team. We congratulate him and the team for bringing home lots of hardware – gold and silver for the U.S. teams as well as three individual medals – one gold and two bronze,” said USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Council Chairperson Nancy Hobbs.
For additional information on the USA Mountain Running Program visit www.usmrt.com, www.trailrunner.com, and www.usatf.org. For more details about Mexico’s mountain running visit www.atletismoenmexico.com.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Inov-8 Athlete Profile Interview: Emma Garrard
In this addition of athlete profiles I had the pleasure of interviewing team inov-8's Emma Garrard. Emma is a full-time journalist for the Sierra Sun in Tahoe, as well as a professional XTERRA athlete. She has made great strides in improving herself in the XTERRA sport and she has the results and fun attitude to prove it. Emma was kind enough to answer some of my questions.
Inov-8 Athlete Profile Interview: Emma Garrard
Interviewed by: Wynn Davis
1.What can you tell us about the trails and silent sports scene in Truckee, California? Are there any trails or natural areas that are your favorites or would recommend to someone visiting the area?
There are a ton of trails in this area, after being in the area three years I still feel like I have only been on a small fraction of them. I really like getting on the Tahoe Rim Trail especially Mount Rose to the Flume. I also like the Donner Rim Trail from Tahoe Donner to Donner Summit and the PCT trail from Donner Summit. As for the sports scene in Truckee yes it is nothing like Boulder but there are a lot of good athletes here. I would love to see a really good aquatic facility and track here to attract more athletes but at the same time it’s pretty relaxed here.
More teams and training clubs would be good too. There is a good Nordic ski community here in the winter and a running club just started up so something is happening. I can usually always find someone to train with.
2.Working as a photojournalist for the Sierra Sun, is there a particular medium or subject matter you prefer to document?
Interesting people who are enthusiastic about what they do for a living or for fun. People who let you into their lives although they don’t have to, in both the highs and lows of their lives.
Any breaking news is always exciting and I feel like what I am doing is important. It’s the opposite from racing as sports are very self-serving and putting yourself first. News is all about other people.
3. What sparked your interest in Xterra and Adventure Racing?
(I have never done an adventure race only G4 although I would like to)
I was living in Incline Village where US nationals are and met a few people who trained for XTERRA. A friend took me on the bike course with very little mountain biking experience and thought I was going to die. It wasn’t until I covered the race for the paper I was inspired and made a vow to train for it next year. XTERRA is a really supportive group, everyone knows everyone’s name and I make new friends at every race which has kept me going.
4. An Xterra and AR athlete must be equipped to perform a variety of athletic mediums (i.e. running, biking, kayaking, orienteering, and climbing), how do you train to be efficient in so many mediums? In essence can you tell us what a typical training week looks like for you?
I have always been indecisive about what sport to compete in so multisport fits me well. I wouldn’t say I’m efficient at a lot of these events but I think if you are fit and strong you can do ok—except for climbing. I train primarily for triathlon but I still have a feeling I am not doing enough of something. I typically swim three days a week with a masters group in the pool, run two or three times, ride three times and do a couple of brick workouts (swim and bike or bike and run) and go to the gym two times. Approximately 16 to 20 hours a week.
5. What are your strength and what are your weaknesses?
Endurance, running, learning new sports quickly, ability to push myself, perseverance. Weaknesses are resting enough, not trying to do too much, relaxing, swimming.
6. In 2008 you turned from amateur to professional Xterra athlete. What qualifications or standards did you have to attain in order to excel to this level?
You have to be a certain percentage back from the first place pro to get a USAT off-road license. No one forces you to go pro and it’s a hard decision as XTERRA treats amateurs really well. I was in denial for a long time about turning pro and then realized it isn’t such a big deal. It was a good decision for me because I think it will/has made me race at the next level, I am actually less nervous at races than last year when I was trying to win my age group.
I am probably one of the few pro women who works full time and I have the least experience so it’s tough but I know I will get better with time.
7. In 2007 you were the 1st amateur and 10th overall at the XTERRA USA Championships. Can you describe what your race experience was like? Were there any memorable highlights?
I was really sick for a week before the race and was worried I would feel terrible but I felt so good during that race. It is special for me because it is in my backyard and its great to have people cheering. Probably the highlight was being right behind pro mountain biker Shonny Vanlandingham on the mountain bike course for about four miles and riding through snow on the backside of the course. I was super nervous coming into the bike-run transition in first and ran scared for what seemed like a long 10-kilometers. I was also being filmed for the XTERRA TV show which made me go faster.
8. What are you goals for the 2008 season?
My goal is to always improve and just train. I would love to be top 5 at nationals and top 10 at worlds but that is pretty lofty as there are a lot of fast women this year. It’s only my third year doing XTERRA and mountain biking and I feel like I am younger and less experienced than most of the pros so I’m hoping with experience and training my time will come.
9. Recently you competed in the G4 Challenge Nevada Challenge Race, which was located in the Nevada outback. The race consisted of 10 teams of two (male & female). The Adventure Race taxed many different skills (i.e. orienteering, kayaking, off-roading, climbing, biking and running). Can you tell us what was going through your mind when you found that your team had lost your GPS?
I was trying to go as hard as I could on a kayak when we realized. I was worried we wouldn’t be able to continue competing but there wasn’t a lot I could do until I was finished with that stage.
10. You mentioned that you became fatigued toward the final running stage. What was going through your head when you found that the second place team was closing in on you?
I think I was more fatigued at the start of the race. We were actually in second and neither teams knew where we were going. I had no idea what was going on behind us. I made a really good mistake by sprinting to what I thought would be the finish and we got in the lead before we had to run through the moon caves.
11. What was the most memorable part of the G4 event?
Running though the moon caves and winning the run, we had to squeeze through this tiny hole, it was such a cool spot. But overall the experience was amazing and Land Rover treated us like royalty. I also really enjoyed racing with my partner Dean Kruuse who had a lot of experience with off-road driving and orienteering where I lacked.
12. Is there a particular INOV-8 shoe that you gravitate toward and why?
I love the INOV-8’s variety of shoes. I am loving the f-lite 230 right now. I have raced my last two triathlons in them and they make me feel so light on my feet. I look forward to putting them on in transition. They are my secret weapon!
I have been training in the Roclite 305 which is a good versatile, stable shoe.
* Check it out: The Nevada Passage G4 Challenge will be aired on several major networks, including FOX, ABC, and NBC starting in August. For more information on show times go to www.nevadapassage.com
•
Thanks Emma!
Sandy Powell Goes the Extra Mile at 51
Posted is a news editorial video of Inov-8's very own Sandy Powell, as she describes her passion for running and racing from the past to present.
Sandy Powell Video
Strong Race Performances This Past Weekend
We had several Team Inov-8 runners put up some fast times this past weekend. Bryan Dayton decided on the Heavy Half Marathon in lieu of the full marathon at Leadville and came away with a course record 2:08:26. Bryan's next competitor was 17+ minutes behind him. Scott Dunlap was a close 2nd OA at the Angel Island 50k. His time was 4:08:17 just a little over one minute behind the race winner. Aliza Lapierre won the Finger Lakes 50 mile in course record fashion with a stellar time of 7:28. Wynn Davis ran a gutsy race at the Afton Trail 50k. His CR or bust race plan was put to the test under some pretty hot and humid conditions but Wynn still ran a very respectable 4:30 and 11th OA. Congrats to all.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Tips For the Trails
To help aid in the consistency, stamina and improvement of your trail running; strength training should be incorporated into your running/training. Strength training will not only help you become a better runner, but will aid in the overall enjoyment of your trail running experience. I regularly incorporate the following methods into my own running plan. Read below
1.) Strength: Running trails in my mind is far more unpredictable than roads. Specifically the terrain is what is most significant. If you were to look at your body while running trail you would notice how much torque is involved due to the twist & turns, climbs, descents, rocks, roots and so forth. The body has to compensate regularly in order to establish equilibrium. This constant torque often times exposes physiological vulnerability within our bodies. However, you can stave many of these problems off through consistent strength training. The areas I really focus on are the areas that tend to be utilized the most on trails (i.e. hips, quads, hamstrings, calves, and core). Typically I spend 30-35 minutes, three times a week focusing on these often ignored "weak spots" for many runners. Here are some of the keys to my workout.
1.) everything is done one legged, which simulates the running stride.
2.) lower weight, more reps ( typically 3 sets of 25 reps) for each leg.
3.) I will typically do these after a quality workout, so that everything hard is done on the same day.
4.) My favorite workouts are (situps, reverse situps, soleus/calf raises, leg extension sled, and most importantly leg sweeps, which help strengthen the hips and IT band area, not to mention feet/ankles via thera-band.
* Try to follow each run with a cool down along with flexibility routines. I incorporate these after every run. This should take around 10-15 minutes, focusing on flexibility of the hips,quads, virtually the same areas you lifted. Within this time period incorporate a foam roller and hard ball to massage and release tense areas. If a muscle area is quivering while either stretching or massaging, then it is a sign that it needs releasing.
Using these practices, you'll be stronger/more durable on the trails.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Who's Racing This Weekend
Hopefully we won't have any forest fires out there to put the kibosh on this weekend's racing plans. Wynn Davis will be racing at the Afton Trail 50k in Afton State Park, Minnesota. The course is two 25k loops of hilly, technical trail and I know Wynn has been putting some good work in on that course as preparation. Bryan Dayton will be at the Leadville Marathon taking on some Rocky Mountain trails. DeWayne Satterfield will be running all over the state of Tennessee in the Vol-State 500k. Yes that is correct 310 miles on roads. Lastly Shiloh Mielke will be racing in the North American Central American Caribbean (NACAC) Mountain Running Championship in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, Mexico. This uphill-only 13 kilometer event will act as a tune-up for NACAC teams in preparation for the World Mountain Running Trophy (WMRT) events to be held in Sierre Crans-Montana, Switzerland on September 14.
Wynn Davis Afton Trail 50k
Bryan Dayton Leadville Marathon
DeWayne Satterfield Vol-State 500k
Shiloh Mielke NACAC Mountain Running Championships
Nephew Takes the Tape at Mount Greylock
Congratulations to Ben Nephew on his win at the Mount Greylock Trail Half-Marathon in New England. You can read his race report below.
Mount Greylock Trail Half Marathon 6/15/2008
Greylock is one of my favorite places to race in New England. I really can’t say it’s my favorite race, as there are so many great races held on the trails of Mount Greylock, from 8 mile snowshoe races to trail 5k’s and marathons. Due to construction on the auto road up the mountain, this year’s course was very different from previous courses. Usually, we get to climb up to the Veteran’s War Memorial monument at the summit, and come back down the mountain, one way or another. One of the most notable versions of the race sent us off the summit at the hang gliding launch pad (seriously), and we had to basically fall over 2000ft in two miles on the Thunderbolt ski trail. Imagine running down a double black diamond ski trail. Besides being a tough course with a lot of climbing and descending on some very technical trails, it is usually the day after Mount Washington. Doing both races in one weekend sounds much worse than it is, since climbing 4650’ is very tiring, but not all that destructive to your legs.
Things were very different this year. We didn’t get to the summit, the hills were moderate, and the trails were very runable. Since it was the week before Washington, I didn’t really mind that the course was mild. It basically consisted of a 10.5 mile out and back over a ridge, with the accompanying 5k course tacked on at the end. My plan was to make it my last hard run before Washington, and hopefully get the win as well.
I took off at the start, and tried to find the hardest pace I thought I could maintain for about 90 minutes. Most of the uphill was probably around a 6-8 % grade, which I felt pretty good on. I got to the top of the ridge, and focused on staying relaxed and upright on the very fast descent to the turn-around. Although we weren’t on the typical wild Greylock singletrack, the scenery was great, and it’s nice to actually run fast on trails once in a while (which is hard to do in many New England races). At the turn-around, I was surprised to see that I had about a four minute lead after only 6 miles of running, but some of the faster runners were absent. Kent Lemme, who I have dueled with in the past, was just out for a long run prior to heading out to Eugene to run in the master’s 3k at the Olympic Track Trials.
I tried to maintain my pace back up the ridge as I worked my way through the oncoming runners. The weather was staying cool, and my legs felt like they had finally recovered from the Nipmuck marathon two weeks ago. As I got to the start/finish area and headed out for the last 3 miles, I was pretty sure I had a good time going. The first section of the 5k course has some good climbing, which I had forgotten about. By halfway up the climb, I was looking for the turn where we head downhill to the finish. It seemed like it took forever to get there, and my legs were shot at that point. They recovered after a couple minutes, and I was able to push the last mile.
I ended up winning about 9 minutes in 1:31:46, which was about 6 minutes faster than the winning time in 2007, when they first ran the present course. On the old courses, I was typically out there for another 15 minutes, but with Mt. Washington coming up, I wasn’t complaining. I wore the Mudroc 280’s, which were ideal for this race. After soaking my legs in a nice cold stream, I got back in the car for the 3 hour drive home to finish celebrating my second Father’s Day with my family.
Results and photos at: http://runwmac.com/gt2008/greylock2008.html
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