Renowned distance runners Scott Jurek, Anton Krupicka, and Peter Bakwin know a few things about hydrating on the go. Between them they've won the toughest ultramarathons, repeatedly, and set numerous race course and trail speed records. For Spring 2013, Ultimate Direction turned to the trio to design three Signature Series running vests for wearable hydration.
Renowned runners design Ultimate Direction hydration vests - Trailspace.com
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
The People
Ultrarunning can seem like that too, especially during the latter stages of a long race. Some people race by with unswerving focus, while others waltz past casually, commenting on the flowers. Some people are loud, some are silent. Some are catastrophically depressed, while others are extraordinarily buoyant. The spectrum varies widely. This goes far beyond racing, as well. So many people come to this sport from so many different directions that spending time at a race can be an introduction to anything from new languages to new foods to new ideas (usually food-related, usually bad ones). Being a part of the ultrarunning community has introduced me to an amazing array of people and opportunities. This point was especially brought home this past weekend during a friend’s wedding, at which seemingly the entire ultrarunning community was present. As a tribute to the community, here are a few examples of why I love these people.
The People
The People
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Two Hong Kong People doing Ironteam and Ultra Marathon: Louis - Angeles Crest 100 Endurance Run Race Repor...
Two Hong Kong People doing Ironteam and Ultra Marathon: Louis - Angeles Crest 100 Endurance Run Race Repor...: In memory of my aunt Julie who passed away on the 7/15 and lay to rest on 7/21 As most of you know, I did not make the cut off at Eag...
Ultrarunner / RN: Angeles Crest 100 Race Report
In the first mile I realized that it was already warm and I was already sweating, a sign of things to come. 5 of us were in a little lead pack: Jorge Pacheco, Ruperto Romero, Raphael Arceo, Robert Whitehead and myself. The four of us were a little insecure running with Robert and all his muscles (and of course he had his shirt off already) so we ditched him near the Acorn Trail trail head and we hung pretty close together as we ran/hiked up the steady incline, clicking our headlamps off as the sun began to rise. Raphael was in the lead, hiking like a mad man, as we crested the ridge and jumped onto the Pacific Crest Trail.
Ultrarunner / RN: Angeles Crest 100 Race Report
Ultrarunner / RN: Angeles Crest 100 Race Report
Monday, July 23, 2012
The Angeles Crest 100 – Round 1
“Hey…” David said to me. “Please don’t let this get you down. I’ve followed your story for a long time, Summer. I admire and respect you so much. Please don’t stop taking on these huge challenges. This is simply part of the sport.”
The Angeles Crest 100 – Round 1
The Angeles Crest 100 – Round 1
Sunday, July 22, 2012
The Process is as Important as the Result
It is the day after the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run and I am at at a crossroads. I only got to mile 26 before I got timed out. The thing is, I knew that this was going to happen and despite knowing this I trained harder than I have ever trained in my life.
The reason I expected failure was write in the race handbook. The race had a 33 hour time limit (20 minutes /mile average) but the early cutoffs were at a much faster pace (around 18:44 pace). This left me with an almost impossible task. Instead of going out at a conservative pace, I was going to have to go out hard and run a lot more than I wanted too or that I am capable of.
Here is the run down of the major climbs in the first 26 miles:
The cutoff time at VG was 9:20 so I could not spend any time at the aid station before the climb. Plus the next aid was 12 miles away and it was hot. I filled my bottles but did not refill my Nathan and I knew that was going to be an issue.
I was in dead last and had been since the start. Running the first 14 miles solo was hard and if I had been with people, I would have run the first 9 miles quicker like I did in the training run. On that day, I stayed with some runners to the top and was able to follow them down to IP. On that day, I got to VG in 4:20 so I was 10 minutes faster on race day but I had 85 miles to go instead of 12.
.So I headed back on the trail to try and make the IP cutoff of 1:05 pm. I had 3:55 to get there (Needed to do 19:35 pace.). On the training run, I caught 5 or 6 people but today no one was in sight. Plus there were no hikers for the most part so I was heading up on my own. This was my third ascent of Baden-Powell and in the past, I have hiked all the way to the top strongly and did not stop at all.
But in the race, I felt weak and even stopped a couple times to catch my breathe. Things were not looking good and I felt my dream slipping away. But I kept plugging away and when I was near the top, I finally caught a fellow competitor. I was almost 18 miles into the race and this was the first time I had someone to run with.
With 8 miles to go, we mainly had downhills and eventually I could not keep up with him and realized my race was done. My bad left knee would not allow me to run them and with 2 miles to go to the mile 26 checkpoint, I only had 24 minutes to get there. So I just cruised into Islip Saddle and accepted my fate: DNF.
My official time into the station was 1:24 pm (cutoff was 1:05). If I had tried to run in, I would have maybe gone 5 minutes faster but it was pointless. The runner I caught got there with a minute to spare and then timed out at mile 30 along with a couple other my training partners. A few others made it to Cloudburst (37.5 miles) and there day was done.
In the end, the stats for the race were:
Now most 100s that I have looked into do not start time cutoffs so soon and if you made the mile 26 cutoff 26 x 20 minute miles, that would have given us 35 more minutes. Instead of the cutoff being 1:05 pm it would be 1:40 pm. with this extra time myself and my friends could have taken it a little easier on the big climbs and spent a little more time in the aid stations as well. I spent one minute in each because of time constraints.
The Vincent Gap AS (mile 14) was a critical one because it was 12 miles to the next one and you had to climb to 9300 feet and stay there for awhile. I ran out of with a couple miles to go and I heard others did as well. so even if we had survived the cutoffs, we were digging ourselves a huge hole early into the race.
Now I am not asking for changes in the race and even if I and others did, I doubt they would happen. I think of the Angeles Crest 100 like the Masters in golf and the world needs unique events. As far as me returning, I doubt I will until I can run sub eleven for a trail 50 miler. At my current speed, I think it is impossible for me to finish this with the cutoffs they have.
What I plan to do in 2013, is run the training runs so that if I do return someday, I will know the course.
too be continued ...
The reason I expected failure was write in the race handbook. The race had a 33 hour time limit (20 minutes /mile average) but the early cutoffs were at a much faster pace (around 18:44 pace). This left me with an almost impossible task. Instead of going out at a conservative pace, I was going to have to go out hard and run a lot more than I wanted too or that I am capable of.
Here is the run down of the major climbs in the first 26 miles:
- Out of Wrightwood, we climbed to the PCT: 2150 feet in 3.51 miles (2150 / 18585 = 11.6% Climb).
- Then at mile 14, we climbed from Vincent Gap to Mt. Baden - Powell: 2500 feet in 3.77 miles (2500 /19906 = 12.6% Climb).
- Inspiration Point; 9.3 miles / 8:15 am (20:58 pace)
- Vincent Gap: 13.9 miles / 9:20 am (20:09 pace overall).
- Islip Saddle: 25.9 miles / 1:05 pm (18:44 pace)
The cutoff time at VG was 9:20 so I could not spend any time at the aid station before the climb. Plus the next aid was 12 miles away and it was hot. I filled my bottles but did not refill my Nathan and I knew that was going to be an issue.
I was in dead last and had been since the start. Running the first 14 miles solo was hard and if I had been with people, I would have run the first 9 miles quicker like I did in the training run. On that day, I stayed with some runners to the top and was able to follow them down to IP. On that day, I got to VG in 4:20 so I was 10 minutes faster on race day but I had 85 miles to go instead of 12.
.So I headed back on the trail to try and make the IP cutoff of 1:05 pm. I had 3:55 to get there (Needed to do 19:35 pace.). On the training run, I caught 5 or 6 people but today no one was in sight. Plus there were no hikers for the most part so I was heading up on my own. This was my third ascent of Baden-Powell and in the past, I have hiked all the way to the top strongly and did not stop at all.
But in the race, I felt weak and even stopped a couple times to catch my breathe. Things were not looking good and I felt my dream slipping away. But I kept plugging away and when I was near the top, I finally caught a fellow competitor. I was almost 18 miles into the race and this was the first time I had someone to run with.
With 8 miles to go, we mainly had downhills and eventually I could not keep up with him and realized my race was done. My bad left knee would not allow me to run them and with 2 miles to go to the mile 26 checkpoint, I only had 24 minutes to get there. So I just cruised into Islip Saddle and accepted my fate: DNF.
My official time into the station was 1:24 pm (cutoff was 1:05). If I had tried to run in, I would have maybe gone 5 minutes faster but it was pointless. The runner I caught got there with a minute to spare and then timed out at mile 30 along with a couple other my training partners. A few others made it to Cloudburst (37.5 miles) and there day was done.
In the end, the stats for the race were:
- 75 Finishers
- 41 Did Not Start
- 50 Did Not Finish
Now most 100s that I have looked into do not start time cutoffs so soon and if you made the mile 26 cutoff 26 x 20 minute miles, that would have given us 35 more minutes. Instead of the cutoff being 1:05 pm it would be 1:40 pm. with this extra time myself and my friends could have taken it a little easier on the big climbs and spent a little more time in the aid stations as well. I spent one minute in each because of time constraints.
The Vincent Gap AS (mile 14) was a critical one because it was 12 miles to the next one and you had to climb to 9300 feet and stay there for awhile. I ran out of with a couple miles to go and I heard others did as well. so even if we had survived the cutoffs, we were digging ourselves a huge hole early into the race.
Now I am not asking for changes in the race and even if I and others did, I doubt they would happen. I think of the Angeles Crest 100 like the Masters in golf and the world needs unique events. As far as me returning, I doubt I will until I can run sub eleven for a trail 50 miler. At my current speed, I think it is impossible for me to finish this with the cutoffs they have.
What I plan to do in 2013, is run the training runs so that if I do return someday, I will know the course.
too be continued ...
 |
| I basically flunked the medical. |
 |
| 3am race morning. |
 |
| Vincent Gap |
 |
| Vincent Gap |
 |
| At Chilao waiting for the leader to run by. |
New Rules Impact on the Summer Series
Last year under the 20% Sandbag Rule, only 4 were penalized at the Summer Series. This year under the 5 minute rule, 13 were penalized.
2011 Race 4:
1) Runner exceeded their 20% improvement limit by 1:29.
(2) Runner exceeded their 20% improvement limit by 5:47.
(3) Runner exceeded their 20% improvement limit by 3:08.
(4) Runner exceeded their 20% improvement limit by 2:27.
Subsequent improvement will result in further penalty.
2012 Race 4:
Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 10:51. (9) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 1:57.
(2) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 3:46. (10) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 1:33.
(3) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 12:58. (11) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 2:18.
(4) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 0:24. (12) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 7:16.
(5) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 1:47. (13) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 1:10.
(6) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 0:49. (14) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 0:44.
(7) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 4:13. (13) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 0:35.
(8) Runner exceeded their 5:00 min. improvement limit from first race by 1:29. Subsequent improvement will result in further penalty.
Badwater Ultramarathon Profile
What is it?
A 135-mile road race through Death Valley, starting at Badwater at 282 feet below sea level through to Mt Whitney. The original concept was to run from the lowest point in the US to the top of the highest mountain in the 48 contiguous states, but it now ends at Whitney Portal at 8,360 feet. The race describes itself as “the world’s toughest footrace” and it’s certainly not to be taken lightly. It’s also not flat, as some think, but does involve many seemingly endless roads that go to the heat-blurred horizon. It does have many flat sections and three major climbs as can be seen in the profile below.
Badwater Ultramarathon Profile
A 135-mile road race through Death Valley, starting at Badwater at 282 feet below sea level through to Mt Whitney. The original concept was to run from the lowest point in the US to the top of the highest mountain in the 48 contiguous states, but it now ends at Whitney Portal at 8,360 feet. The race describes itself as “the world’s toughest footrace” and it’s certainly not to be taken lightly. It’s also not flat, as some think, but does involve many seemingly endless roads that go to the heat-blurred horizon. It does have many flat sections and three major climbs as can be seen in the profile below.
Badwater Ultramarathon Profile
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Joe Grant and Dakota Jones Post-2012 Hardrock 100 Interview
Joe Grant and Dakota Jones are two very down-to-earth, personable guys. They’re also quite fast as their sub-26 hour finishes for second and third, respectively, at the 2012 Hardrock 100 confirms. While quite long, the following interview… and then casual conversation should give you a window into who they are as well as into what Hardrock is really like.
Joe Grant and Dakota Jones Post-2012 Hardrock 100 Interview
Joe Grant and Dakota Jones Post-2012 Hardrock 100 Interview
Surprising Myself and Others: Hal Koerner’s 2012 Hardrock 100 Race Report
The race, with all my preparations, left a lot to be desired. I suffered with stomach and head pains all day. Although I lead through 70 miles, it was some of the toughest running I had ever done and then I cratered for the final 30. At the time, one of my pacers didn’t even want to leave out of Chapman with me because I was moving too slow. Finishing, however, was one of my greatest accomplishments and I vowed to return to give the course a little more of what I knew I had in me, in the faster, more runner friendly direction of course.
Surprising Myself and Others: Hal Koerner’s 2012 Hardrock 100 Race Report
Surprising Myself and Others: Hal Koerner’s 2012 Hardrock 100 Race Report
Hoka One One Bondi B Review
Over the past couple years, few shoes brands have made such waves… or have been so noticeable as Hoka One One. With their super-sized midsoles and stand out performances on the feet of Karl Meltzer, Dave Mackey, and Diana Finkel, it’s easy to see why they’ve received so much attention
Hoka One One Bondi B Review
Hoka One One Bondi B Review
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Relay Exchange Zone, Penalty for Illegal Uniform Among 16 Track and Field Rules Changes - Aledo, IL - Aledo Times Record
Beginning next season, a competitor wearing an illegal uniform will first be issued a warning and will be required the make the uniform legal prior to further competition. A subsequent violation during the competition would result in disqualification from the event. Previously, the competitor was automatically disqualified for an illegal uniform.
“This adjustment of the penalty for an illegal uniform is more appropriate for the severity of the actual violation,” Oakes said. “The rule has been loosely enforced during the regular season and more strictly enforced at state tournament time. The responsibility remains with the coach to have his or her athletes in legal uniforms for competition.”
Relay Exchange Zone, Penalty for Illegal Uniform Among 16 Track and Field Rules Changes - Aledo, IL - Aledo Times Record
“This adjustment of the penalty for an illegal uniform is more appropriate for the severity of the actual violation,” Oakes said. “The rule has been loosely enforced during the regular season and more strictly enforced at state tournament time. The responsibility remains with the coach to have his or her athletes in legal uniforms for competition.”
Relay Exchange Zone, Penalty for Illegal Uniform Among 16 Track and Field Rules Changes - Aledo, IL - Aledo Times Record
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Symmonds-Stewart Controversy | The Track & Field Superfan Blog
A side note: Symmonds has been called the modern incarnation of Steve Prefontaine. Like Pre did, he’s a forceful personality who lives and trains in the Eugene area and has led a fight for athletes’ rights against self-serving administrators. When Prefontaine let up at the end of the 1972 Olympic 5000 meters and fell from third to fourth, who ended up winning that bronze medal? None other than Ian Stewart. Coincidence to be sure, but a remarkable one.
Symmonds-Stewart Controversy | The Track & Field Superfan Blog
Symmonds-Stewart Controversy | The Track & Field Superfan Blog
CLIMB: featuring Chris Price on Vimeo
At 31-years old, RN Chris Price is no spring chicken by modern standards. In sport of ultra-running however, he is just starting to come into his own after only 2 years of competition and a threat to win it all any time he toes the line in the dirt.
On July 21, 2012 he will take center stage in his toughest challenge yet, the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run. While a dark horse to win according to many, he is no longer an unknown and will challenge some of the best in the sport by navigating over 33,000 feet of elevation change over unrelenting terrain spread out over 100 miles in the San Gabriel Mountains.Whether it is climbing the steep mountains of some of Southern California's highest peaks or climbing the ranks of the still budding sport trail ultra-marathons, Chris continues his quick ascent upward.
CLIMB: featuring Chris Price on Vimeo
Hal Koerner, 2012 Hardrock 100 Champ, Interview
Not long after dawn this past Saturday morning, Hal Koerner added a Hardrock 100 win to his pair of victories at Western States. In the following interview, hear about the highs and lows of his Hardrock as well as whether we can expect to see him racing in the San Juan Mountains again next July. We also interviewed Hal before the race.
Hal Koerner, 2012 Hardrock 100 Champ, Interview
Hal Koerner, 2012 Hardrock 100 Champ, Interview
Footfeathers: Hardrock 100 Video
While I try to figure out whether I even can write a race report for Hardrock, here's a video Brandon Fuller took while pacing me from Ouray to Grouse Gulch (miles 44-60). Kids, don't do cliff running at home…
Footfeathers: Hardrock 100 Video
Footfeathers: Hardrock 100 Video
Darcy Africa, 2012 Hardrock 100 Champion, Interview
In winning the 2012 Hardrock 100, Darcy Africa achieved one of her running dreams. In the following interview, find out about her journey through the mountains, why she stays so positive while racing, and what it’s like seeing her daughter on the course.
Darcy Africa, 2012 Hardrock 100 Champion, Interview
Darcy Africa, 2012 Hardrock 100 Champion, Interview
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