Saturday, July 30, 2011

Sat, July 30, 2011

Every year I say I'm going to run White River 50, and every year I forget about it.  It's today, and nope, I'm not there again.

This gal did seven ultras on seven different continents in seven months. Sounds like fun.

After pacing Killian at WS, Ricky Gates prepares for his first ultra, the Canadian Death Race.  He's living a great life right now.

And Craig Thornley points out that the pre-paid IV option at Leadville this year has been unceremoniously dropped from the website. Probably a good thing.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Fri, July 29, 2011

So it looks like Lisa Bliss summited Mt. Whitney this morning some time around 3am Pacific, and if tradition holds, she lit up a Cohiba at the top.  Congratulations. HUGE Congratulations. Now go rest.


Want more of our bumper music? How about more tracks all together? Check out runningplaylist.net for music broken down by BPM.


Is backwards running the secret to your problems? Just beware "We recommend that newcomers to backward walking...do it gradually on a track to avoid potholes, signs, cars and other hazards."


Sure, the economy is in the dump and the barefoot movement is in full stride, but running shoe sales are up. Way up.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Thurs, July 28, 2011

If you're in Northern California this weekend, the Pear Fair 10 miler is a great run! It winds through the pear orchards of tiny delta town Courtland and is almost all on dirt.  Check it out.


Good shots from Lisa Bliss' epic Badwater crossing. Estimates are she'll finish around noon today. And if you haven't eaten yet, here are the pics from her toenail removal surgery. Gah!


This Scottish guy is going to try to cover 161 miles in 24 hours on a treadmill while watching "24."  And I thought you'd like to try to keep your heart rate down.


"...fortified by his brother-in-law's pizzas, (he) kept churning out the laps."  So this is what a 24 hour track ultra in Ireland looks like. 


And yes, even more trail porn from Nick Clark and Scott Jurek.









Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Wed, July 27, 2011

Boston stud Geoffrey Mutai wins the 10k in Castelbuono with a 29:05.


We're waiting for the weather to cooperate so Diana Nyad can make her epic endurance swim from Cuba to Florida.  Check out the numbers, then remember she's 61.


Meanwhile, Lisa Bliss is underway in her 145 mile solo, unsupported Badwater crossing. She's pulling/pushing a 240 pound cart full of water. Two hundred and forty damn pounds to the top of Mt. Whitney. Watch her SPOT beacon here.


Looks like Roes is back in form, winning Crows Pass for a third straight year.


Prepaid IV fluids at the Leadville finish? Huh? Read Thornley's take on it here and AJW's and Rod Bien's in the comments. 









Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Tues, July 26, 2011

Dean K will now be hocking fro-yo.

Today in Sicily, the winners of Boston, London, and New York Marathons square off in an epic 10k.

And todays study shows that endurance events are....(rolls dice)..... good for you!

Wow, the guy who won TRT100 had never run a hundred before. Impressive!

No big surprise, road races increased their participation by 10% last year. No records for ultras, but from what I've seen, they're way, way, way up in both runners and number of races.

Is this guy really benefitting from having no legs?

Monday, July 25, 2011

Mon, July 25, 2011

Jennifer Pharr Davis is about to set the record for thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. Not the womens record, the record.  What I'm impressed with is that her husband's name is Brew.

Researchers find that animals with greater physical endurance also have larger brains.  Funny, I always thought what we did was pretty stupid.

Full Angeles Crest 100 results found here.  Check out our pic gallery, too.

When was the last time you watched Billy Mills win the 10k in the 1964 Olympics?

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Sun July 25, 2011

Dominic Grossman wins AC, beating the great Jorge Pacheco.  Full results here.

Team Challenge results will be calculated when everyone is finished.

Devon Crosby Helms and Nathan Yanko talk about the 100k championships.

Interesting little article on altitude training.

Funny: Daniel Tosh takes on the marathon.

Now I'm off for a run...

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Sat, July 23, 2011

See our live AC100 gallery here. And this link goes to AC100 live tracking.


"Twenty four people signed up, 14 finished and one died." Meet Markus Mueller.

Of all the debates and issues out there, this one really seems to have a lot of sides.

Killian's Kilamanjaro record. Now that's some crazy terrain.

Tony K's leg is improving.  He blogs about it here.


Crow Pass is this weekend--24 miles or rough cross country and mountain trail in Alaska.  And yes, Mr. Roes is headed there.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Fri, July 22, 2011

Looks like Team Moongate and Team LA Frontrunners have jumped into the Cali Beer Buckle Cup Competition at AC100 tomorrow.  Live race status here, and here are the rules for the "race within the race".  Have fun out there, and remember, there's no shame in losing.*
Here's a current feed of pics from our roaming paparazzo at the race.


What was it like crewing for Mike Wardian at Badwater? Why not ask Ian Sharman, part of his team?


Curious about Diana Nyad's insane training schedule? Follow her here on twitter.


Remember Khalid Khannouchi? After a string of injuries, he's hoping to return.

*that's a lie.







Thursday, July 21, 2011

Thurs, July 21, 2011

Read what it's like to pace the inimitable Nick Clark at Hardrock.

Is endurance genetic? OK, fine, if so, then what's wrong with our heads?

A kid records a documentary for AC100 and does a great job. I think we may need to hire him as a reporter!

Chloe Lanthier gets ready for an unsupported 336k jaunt through the Dolomites. Jealous? Me? Nah.

This 61yo gal might be the first to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage.  103 miles in 60 hours. That's a loooong time in the water. She'll eat a "liquid mixture of predigested protein." I'm simultaneously grossed out and intrigued.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Wed, July 20, 2011

Want to read a great story about overcoming some serious adversity? Check it out.

When was the last time you looked at Yiannis Kourros' records?

Sounds like the US team had a fun time running through the bogs in Ireland.

Craig Thornley's blister from Javelina Jundred.  Make sure the audio is up.

Coming back after snapping her ankle in three places.  All she want to do is RUN.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Tues, July 19, 2011

Mom finishes 148k trail run in Canada and comes in just before the cutoff.  Still wins $250.  

Am I the only person who puts an old beer koozie around their UD bottle to keep it cold. Yeah, I know they make one, but I'd rather use what I got.

Curious about Marco Olmo from the Wardian podcast? Here's some more info.  And here is a short video.

Angeles Crest 100 is this weekend and will be the first showdown between the URP Endurance Team and the SoCal Coyotes.  Hear more about it here. Who wants the beer stein more?

Got any news I need to know about? Quirky running news? Upcoming races? Let me know here.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Mon, July 18, 2011

Woops. Looks like I screwed up the VT100 update.  Arnstein took the win in the final few miles. Thanks for catching that!  No more beer in the morning.

The WMAs are done.  Jean Pommier, Scott Dunlap, and Annette Bednosky all did well in the marathon.  Funny, when watching a marathon, it's easy to pick out the ultrarunners...they're carrying their own bottles.

18yo old lad runs around Tasmania for 27 days. He did it for charity, but it sounds like a nice vacation.

I just realized I'll probably be in Utah for the X-Terra Trail Run Championships.  Anyone ever been?

Mike Wardian will return to Kauai to run 52 seconds faster than last year.

Sports writer finally realizes that he loves watching the Tour de France.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Sun, July 17, 2011

"I saw Spongebob in the Owens Valley saltbush late Tuesday night. But I stayed in the puke-free zone the whole time..."  Ya, it's another Badwater RR.


Just saw Jean Pommier and Scott Dunlap come through the first of five loops of the WMA Marathon. Go get 'em guys, it's only 26 miles!


UPDATE:  Michael Arnstein wins Vermont in final few miles. Full results here.


More trail porn from Nick Clark.


Congratulations to all TRT runners (Amy Schmich and Anthony Brantley, that's you!)  

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Sat, July 16, 2011

If you haven't already, check out our Black Toenail Hall of Fame. Black, blistered, and bloody, they're all there.  If you've got an ugly pic to submit, send it our way.

As expected, 80 year old phenom Ed Whitlock breaks the 1500m record yesterday. That's his third this week.

Amy Palmiero-Winters becomes first female amputee to finish Badwater. The temp inside her prosthesis was topping 160 degrees. Yowza.

Runners at the TRT will be facing similar conditions to WS this year. Snow, snow, mud, and sun.

Sorry for the short blognews today, but I'm running over to the track meet watching the senior citizens crush my PRs.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Fri, July 15, 2011

"I wish I could figure out why I keep doing these races, then I can stop doing them."  Ever felt this way?


Big weekend in ultrarunning with both Tahoe Rim Trail and Vermont 100 happening. I'm seeing a lot of familiar names on those lists...have fun out there!


Fun pace calculator for racing and training.  Hat tip to Dons Diary for pointing this out.


UTMB is coming up. Are the runners ready for the crazy fans?


Exciting TdF this year with a blistering pace, many dropouts, and some wild crashes.  Truly, the NASCAR of endurance events!



Thursday, July 14, 2011

Thurs, July 14, 2011

Musings from one of the maniacs running across the county in the LA-NY Footrace.

Hate to say it, but the US wasn't represented very well at the IAU's Trail Running 70k Championships in Ireland last week. Perhaps there were just too many other races going on.

Your friendly blogger Eric is getting ready to roadtrip across the country for 6 weeks, starting Aug 21.  Any races or killer trails I need to know about? Email me at eric.schranz@ultrarunnerpodcast.com.

If you still don't have plans for this weekend, can I strooongly suggest you get to the Sacramento State track to watch the World Masters Track Meet? Friday is the 1500 finals where Ed Whitlock will attempt to break his third world record this week, and Sunday is the Marathon with Scott Dunlap, Jean Pommier, Jim Howard, and a few dozen Kenyans of all ages.

I think I've found my new favorite Facebook group.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Wed, July 13, 2011

Guy is planning to run across Nevada. Why? Last time he ran across the US, he missed it.

Greg Bomhoff finishes Badwater in 34 and change after his body shuts down at mile 128.  Oswaldo Lopez wins it, with Mike Wardian not too far behind in third.

Meltzer's sciatica caused his DNF at Hardrock.  Get better soon so you can hit UTMB.

These streak runners are crazy and take the term "ultra" to a whole new level.  Look at their occupations. Not surprising, some pretty high achievers among them.

This guy epitomizes the hard work of a true competitor.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Tues, July 12, 2011

Roes talks about the Europeans.

Do you follow the 10% rule? I don't.

The first Kenyan ultramarathon was a few weeks ago.  75k across the bush, and a 14 year old Masai kid wins it. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Nick Clark offers a killer race report from Hardrock. This guy is on fi-ya!

Seems no one really knows how old Haile G is.  Does it make a difference?

Usain Bolt gets $300k appearance fees to run for what, 10 seconds?  How about kickin a little money our way?

Monday, July 11, 2011

Monday, July 11, 2011

Jurek offers tips for running in the hot hot heat.

Vermont 100 bans headphones. I understand, but how about making a rule you can only have one earbud in?

Badwater live updates are here.

Looks like ultrastud Jean Pommier will be running the 10k and Marathon at the WMA's this week.  Not sure if Sacramento is as nice as running around the Palace of Fountainbleau, but hey...

How long does it take to see the benefits from a good workout?  Find out here.

Has anyone put any miles on the new Brooks Ghost 4? I've been wondering how it compares to the good ol' Adrenaline?

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Sun, July 10, 2011

Full Hardrock results here.

If you're in Sacramento and haven't made your way to the World Masters Track events yet, you're missing out. It's free, exciting, and incredibly motivating.

Badwater runner knows what it's like to hurt, both physically and mentally.  Great story here.

Ouch! A 3 mile, 2500' climb during the SOB 50k.  Max King and Jenn Shelton win it.  Sounds like that event might have to make it on my calendar.

The scariest half mile of your life.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Sat, July 9, 2011

Four years ago, one state had 30% of its citizens above the obesity rate. This past year, that number has jumped to 12 states. What the F (as in fat) happened?  Read the report.

The Swan Crest 100, a largely self supported hundo in Montana is cancelled due to snow pack.  Anyone notice how the race site has an info tab for "bear info." Whoa.  The RD says that it'd be virtually impossible for anyone to come in under 36 hours.   How's that for a challenge? Also, read how they got around someone trying to cancel the run altogether.

Chris Horner has gnarly crash with 25k left in stage 7 of the TdF. Knocked unconscious, gets up, remounts his ride, and finishes the stage in last place, having zero idea of what happened or seemingly any recollection of the final 25k, still asking as he's loaded into the ambulance "did I finish?"  That guy is a trooper!

This guy is running from the North to the South Pole to raise money for the Red Cross. He's getting about 50 miles a day, but the worst is yet to come: Colombian jungles full of some really bad dudes who don't want him there.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Friday, July 8, 2011

Timmy Olson talks about his States experience and other musings on running.

"People cheering on the sidelines can help get through a tough race, so can the idea of a good beer waiting for you at the finish."  Sounds about right.


Zola Budd. Remember her? Barefoot? '84 Olympics? Trip up?  She's still running (now in shoes), and came in 2nd at the World Masters' yesterday.

Can Nick Clark pull off the WS-Hardrock-UMB trifecta this year? Two words: Ba Dass.

I've got to do Headlands 100 next year.  There. I said it.

Luis Escobar's favorite running quotes.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Thurs, July 7, 2011

"Fuelled by bananas, Hula Hoops and energy gels, (she) conquered stomach upsets resulting in numerous vomiting episodes to take the record."  Huh? Just read it


The World's Most Insane Endurance Races.  Yep, sounds about right, but no Barkley?


Final installment of Greg Bomhoff's preparation for Badwater. Good luck!


Craig Thornley leads interesting discusssion on what WS did to his CPK levels.


I'd love to do this ultra trail race in the Philippines.  Sounds "ridiculously difficult."


There are 2 insane ultras going on right now in the US.  the Sri Chimnoy Self Transendence  3100 miler in New York, and the slightly more bonkers LA-NY 3200 mile footrace.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Wed, July 6, 2011

Looks like Peachtree 10k had another good turnout.  55k runners and a bunch of East Africans at the front. Wow!

World Masters Track starts today.

Here's a new shoe from Inov-8 that I'd love to try out.

Three ways to inspire your family to run.

Max King offers trail workout advice. Listen up, y'all.

This gal ran her own fatass on the Ice Age Trail.  Nice story, and nice bloodied knee.

UTMB is coming up fast!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Tues, July 5, 2011

Another crazy lady is running across the country.  These attempts make 100 milers look like nothing. Good luck to her.

I saw someone on one of these a few weeks ago.  It made a neat whirzing sound and was crazy fast. My first instinct was overcome by "wow, I want one of those!"

Marathon offers $27k for going sub 2:10. This poor dude misses it by that much.

After my short vacation up north this past weekend, I'll definitely be doing the Avenue of the Giants Marathon next year.  Beautiful!

Anyone want to do a 5k in the buff? Ouch.
Of all the weird pains we get as runners, I don't think I need to add another variable to the mix.  Flap flap.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Monday, July 4, 2011

The World Masters Track Meet starts in a few days here in Sacramento. "Masters" are 35 years old? Wait, I'm a "Master"?  Go check them out.

Speedgoat Karl picks his Hardrock odds and yep, he's on there.  Should be at the top if you ask me.

Here's Pam Smith, winner at Miwok this year, who's also a physician.  Why are so many docs distance runners? Is it the strange schedule? The hard work? The "overacheiver" personality?

Guy loses 200 pounds in 2 years going from a couch potato to an ultrarunner.  Next time someone says "I could never run, I'm too fat", shoot them this article.

The guys who rescued Marcia Rasmussen in the now famous Snow Tiger story receive an award.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Fri, July 1, 2011

Racing flats for the trail? You bet. Scott Jurek gives us the ups and downs of racing flats. Did I mention this was written by Scott Jurek? Gimmie, gimmie. 


Trail runner writes a good article here for those looking to learn how to fuel the system and feed the beast; good for reference for the experienced runner too.


I heart top 10 lists. Top 10 most difficult endurance races in Colorado. 


Meet the Super Spartan obstacle trail race. (Video here) If running through fire, crawling through mud, dragging a cement block and throwing a spear weren't enough, there is also a gladiator there happy to assist you to the ground. It's coming to Utah next week!