Trail Runner #33 by Quent Williams

DOES STRETCHING REALLY WORK? (SEE PAGE 54)

TrailRunner [SPRING SHOE R

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MAY 2005 | ISSUE 33

WE RUN

19 SHOES

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CONTENTS MAY 2005 | WWW.TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | ISSUE 33

FEATURES

David Horton’s faith-based initiative beats the long miles. Meet a trail Messiah who’s a lot tougher than thou. BY GARETT GRAUBINS PHOTOS BY DAVID CLIFFORD

32) Jungle Boogie In the inaugural running of the Jungle Marathon, competitors and race organizers had a lot of bugs—and snakes, crocs and jaguars—to work out. A first-person look at this 220-kilometer adventure in the Amazon. BY FREDRIK ÖLMQVIST PHOTOS BY CHRISTIANE MÜLLER

DEPARTMENTS

4) EDITOR’S NOTE 6) LETTERS 14) 2005 TRAIL RUNNER TROPHY SERIES 16) BUSHWHACK 24) TAKE YOUR MARK 38) GALLERY 52) TRAIL TESTED 57) RACE DIRECTORY 62) RUN AMOK

✱46)

(ONE DIRTY MAGAZINE)

26) The Godfather

SHOE SHOWDOWN

19 NEW MODELS BOX IT OUT. WHO WINS? THE TRAIL RUNNER. BY MICHAEL BENGE AND GARETT GRAUBINS

8) MAKING TRACKS Sport loses two greats, young and seasoned; Looking for a new adventure? Try a stage race.

18) TRAIL RX Sucking Air. When running leaves you breathless, it might be asthma. BY CLAIRE DOROTIK 20) TRAINING Masters Class. How to speed up when your body says to slow down. BY JIM FREIM

40) GREAT ESCAPES Channeling Energy. Take a boat to California’s secret island wilderness. BY BRIDGET CROCKER 54) ASK THE COACH Mixing meniscus tears and trail running; Is stretching really good for you? The pros and cons of electrolyte tablets.

COVER: Katie Wright running an exposed reef at Papailoa Road Beach, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii. PHOTOGRAPH BY PHIL MISLINSKI THIS PAGE: Duane Raleigh masters the Valley of the Bones Trail, Castle Valley, Utah. PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID CLIFFORD

EDITO R’S NOTE by GARETT GRAUBINS

» photo by DAVID CLIFFORD

Moon Shadows SHED NEW LIGHT ON YOUR TRAIL RUNNING One January night this year, on a whim, my wife and I laced up our shoes and hit the trail under a full moon. After a full day of work, it was a Herculean chore to motivate for a 20-degree night run, but the experience has rejuvenated my trail running. As we shuffled up the gloomy, wintery trail, the full moon had not yet risen. We didn’t exchange any words, and both glanced at our watches to calculate how soon we’d be back home. It was drudgery. That is, until the moon floated above the silhouetted mountains and electrified our surroundings. As if on cue, shadows waltzed in the icy cold. The rhythmic crunching of snow under our feet soared freely into the night. Down below, the lights of our little town shimmered like a brilliant, sequin-covered blanket. The trail we thought we knew so well showed a whole new identity.

Whether on trails or asphalt, running can be a monotonous endeavor. And, when the old stand-by route has grown more boring than post-Easter hardboiled eggs, I try to seek out new and unique perspectives on old trails. It could be running at night, taking a detour, trudging through a thunderstorm or inviting along a new friend. In this issue of Trail Runner, we recognize three personalities whose impacts on our sport have shone like full moons. Each has cast their own unique, ethereal glow on the ordinary and reminded us there’s a lot more to trail running than getting from point A to point B. On page 10, we pay tribute to the late Arthur Lydiard, who coached Olympians and uncovered the key to short- and longdistance triumphs. Alongside Lydiard, we honor trail wunderkind Jeremy Wright,

who perished in January while serving in Afghanistan. Wright inspired other trail runners with his leg speed, intelligence and adventurous spirit. Finally, get to know “The Godfather” David Horton on page 26. In his own righteous way, Horton has possibly done more to grow the sport of trail running than any other individual. His list of accomplishments is second only to his devotion— both to his Lord and the trails. We hope this issue of Trail Runner inspires you to seek out your own moonlit runs. ■

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The Kilimanjaro Challenge July 16-31 2005

LETTERS THE PATHS OF OUR ELDERS

You hit on an important connection in your Editor’s Note (No. 31, January 2005). There is a primitive dimension to trail running, and I believe it’s a big part of the appeal. Many of the trails I run are foot paths created by indigenous people that were used to travel to fishing spots or to run deer into pounds. The Algonquins are long gone from Westchester County, New York, exterminated or driven out as early as 1700, but their spirit is still vibrant and present whenever I run their trails.

Runners will travel to Tanzania to attempt a new world record speed ascent of the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro 19,340’ (led by Pemba Sherpa, Director of Sherpa Ascent International) to raise money for the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC). IMEC is a non-proﬁt organization promoting responsible and sustainable connections between travelers and people of developing mountain regions. A trekking group is going to support runners and will climb Kilimanjaro in a 6 day expedition as well as a safari exploration.

This event is open to all trekkers and runners. For more information contact Pemba Sherpa at:

303-525-6508 or pemba@sherpaascent.com

BARGAIN BASEMENT Thank you for the nice article on the NipMuck Trail Marathon (No. 32, March 2005). You say the race is a great bargain for $20 but that’s the going rate around here (visit www.runwmac.com for a listing of other bargains). These races are well fed unlike some road races where you get a green banana and a cup of yogurt. They are also quite intimate, with just 50 to 100 runners. You don’t feel like a number. You may not even get a number. —NipMuck Dave Raczkowski, Chaplain, CT

SPEED TRAP Your Training article (No. 32, March 2005) conveyed the importance of appropriate interval training to improve running performance, and suggests using physiologic responses, such as lactate threshold and heart rate, as a way of monitoring intensity. We encourage using the same type of information for the athletes that we see in our lab. The analogy of human physiology to a car engine was also effective in explaining a relatively complex response to exercise. We would like to clarify a few inaccuracies, however. The first paragraph mentions lactose. There is a significant difference between lactose (milk sugar) and lactate, a metabolite resulting from the dissociation of a hydrogen ion from lactic acid. Lactate does not cause “your legs to seize” at hard paces. In fact, 6 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

lactate is a fuel that the body uses to generate energy for the muscles. When the production of lactate and other metabolic byproducts exceeds their rate of removal and re-use by the body, fatigue and diminished performance result. It is not necessary to know your maximum heart rate to determine your lactate threshold. In fact, when measuring their lactate threshold athletes should not reach a maximal effort nor achieve a maximum heart rate. In addition, knowing maximum heart rate will not allow you to determine your “LT zone with a high degree of accuracy.” The lactate threshold will occur between 80 and 95 percent of max heart rate for most athletes, which can be a very wide range and not very accurate. More highly trained athletes are not necessarily reaching LT at the higher percentages of their max heart rate. What makes highly trained athletes better is the fact that they are doing more work (running faster) at their LT compared to a less well-trained runner. LT intervals and VO2 max intervals are normally performed at different speeds, for different durations, and with significantly different rest periods. LT intervals are usually five to 15 minutes in length with equal to one third of the interval time for recovery, while VO 2 max intervals are usually one to five minutes in length with equal to one-and-a-half times the interval length for recovery.

PATITUCCIPHOTO

—Tony Godino (Race Director, Leatherman’s Loop 10K), Bedford, NY

Finally, intervals should be evaluated for effectiveness primarily by speed, knowing that heart rate is actually more of a response and not a workload. If you run faster ... well, you are running faster. A higher or lower heart rate does not necessarily indicate more or less output in and of itself. And it was a tortoise and a hare, not a turtle and a rabbit! —Neal Henderson, MS, Coordinator of Sport Science, and Paul Kammeremeier, MS, Clinical Physiologist, Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, Boulder, CO

CORRECTIONS The photo on page 20 of our March 2005 issue (No. 32) was taken in the Human Performance Laboratory at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, not at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. ■

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WARNING! The activities described in Trail Runner carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. DO NOT participate in these activities unless you are an expert, have sought or obtained qualified professional instruction or guidance, are knowledgeable about the risks involved, and are willing to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with these activities. TRAIL RUNNER MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF ANY KIND REGARDING THE CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY REGARDING THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. Trail Runner further disclaims any responsibility for injuries or death incurred by any person engaging in these activities. Use the information contained in this magazine at your own risk, and do not depend on the information contained in this magazine for personal safety or for determining whether to attempt any climb, route or activity described herein. The views herein are those of the writers and advertisers; they do not necessarily reflect the views of Trail Runner’s ownership. •Manuscripts, photographs and correspondence are welcome. Unsolicited materials should be accompanied by return postage. Trail Runner is not responsible for unsolicited materials. All manuscripts and photos are subject to Trail Runner’s terms, conditions and rates •Please allow up to 6 weeks for the first issue after subscribing or a change of address (to expect continuous service). No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. © Copyright 2005 by Big Stone Publishing Ltd.

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MAKING TRACKS ALL THE TRAIL NEWS YOU CAN USE // BY GARETT GRAUBINS

Stage Rage

8 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

Check out these multi-day events. Chasqui Challenge www.andesadventures.com Mid-June. 10 days and 100 miles in the Peruvian Andes. Costa Rica Coastal Challenge www.thecoastalchallenge.com Mid-January. 155 miles of pristine beaches and rain forests. Gobi March www.racingtheplanet.com Late April. Suffer in the Gobi Desert’s grasslands, mountains and sand dunes. Himalayan 100-Mile Stage Race www.Himalayan.com Late October. Five days spanning 100 miles of oxygen-thin altitude. Jungle Marathon www.junglemarathon.com October. See page 32 for creepycrawly beta. Marathon des Sables www.saharamarathon.co.uk Late March/early April. The classic multi-day race across the Sahara. The North Face Desert R.A.T.S. www.geminiadventures.com Mid-September. Jagged canyons and Utah’s endless sky. The Running Raid Sahara www.raidsahara.com Late January. A five-day, 137-mile odyssey.

loved the routine and simplicity of only eating, running and sleeping for several straight days. “It forever changes you,” she says, “All you have is what’s on your back. And you have a shot everyday to better yourself.” Almost more than the personal enrichment, runners appreciate the social aspect of multi-day events. It’s common for participants to cooperate through difficult stages and, later, laugh around a campfire. Delman explains that R.A.T.S. aims for that sort of atmosphere. “In 2004, some runners didn’t finish one stage until 3 a.m.” he says, “but people still woke up and cheered them in. That’s the essence of multi-day races.”

COLIN MEAGHER

as an alternative to singleday events. Lisa Smith-Batchen, who, along with her husband, Jay, is the U.S. representative for the Marathon des Sable (MdS), believes there’s more intrigue and enjoyment to be found in week-long events. “They give people the opportunity to experience adventure and success,” she says. “You are responsible for your own survival, but the cut-off times are so loose that everybody—even walkers—can finish.” Reid Delman of Gemini Adventures says, “People aren’t necessarily looking to be these super athletes.” Delman, who has always wanted to run the MdS himself, decided to start his own North-American version of the race—the 148mile Desert R.A.T.S. Despite the growth of multiday races, these runers still sit on the sport’s fringe, and Allan Fuller beat the heat in the 2004 R.A.T.S. stage race. there are several obstacles to its growth. First, many feel these events are still the domain of the hardcores. Sean Meissner of Sisters, Oregon—a seasoned ultrarunner himself—attempted Tuscarora and had to drop after pounding his leg on a rock. Says Meissner, “They’re tougher than 100-milers, because you have to MULTI-DAY RACE rally mentally, physically and emotionally CRAZE TAKES HOLD for several straight days.” But would he IN THE SPRING OF 2003, a band of trail attempt another one? “You bet,” he says. runners met for the inaugural (and only) The stage-race craze faces another hurTuscarora Stage Race, a six-day, 252-mile dle: cost. Many multi-days—especially trek along a spur of the Appalachian Trail. those in exotic locales—cost thousands of By the end of the 35-mile first day—a leg dollars. Says Meissner, “These races seem that included hundreds of fallen trees, poor to attract a higher-income bracket.” trail markings and knee-deep snow—runSmith-Batchen disagrees. “If you ners sat grim-faced in a motel, wondering went on a vacation to Morocco (the how they could endure five more days. location of MdS),” she says, “you would By the end of the week, the grim faces probably spend roughly the same yielded to smiles and margaritas. amount—but you wouldn’t see nearly The allure of stage races—multi-day as much of the country.” trail-running events—lies not in the dayAnd it’s the experience that is so after-day torture of tough miles, but in appealing to trail runners. Smiththe camaraderie, adventure and scenery Batchen talks about a well-to-do runner of time spent in a memorable setting. from South America. With a chuckle, And more and more novice and veteran she describes him as fixated on cleanlitrail runners are turning to stage races ness and life’s extras. After the MdS, he

» making tracks

Lydiard’s Final Lap

LYDIARD LORE Two weeks before Lydiard passed away, he spoke in Charlotte, North Carolina. He entered the room leaning on a cane and walked with short, uneasy steps. Despite his physical frailties, he addressed several runningrelated topics with his characteristic strong voice.

PIONEER OF MODERN TRAINING METHODS LEFT HIS MARK ON DECEMBER 12, 2004, legendary running coach Arthur Lydiard suffered an apparent heart attack in a Texas hotel and died shortly after. He was 87. Only hours before he passed away, Lydiard instructed Houston-area runners as part of his “Coach of the Century” lecture tour. His distinguished career earned him induction into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990, and he was honored as a multi-national Olympic coach who also ignited a worldwide jogging movement. Lydiard of Auckland, New Zealand, began coaching by self-experimenting with high mileage—sometimes over 200 miles per week. He used similar high-mileage techniques to help Kiwi runners win gold medals at the 1960 Olympic Games. Runners training for 800-meter to marathon distances benefited from Lydiard’s training ideals, embracing his solid-base theory, which enhanced the circulatory system and helped the body better manage lactic acid and waste products during high-intensity training. He advocated a base of at least 100 miles per week, leading into a period of hill training. Six to eight weeks before a target race, his program entailed a speed-work phase that would build to a race-day peak. Because of a super-developed base—which could take years to develop—Lydiard’s athletes could maximize their anaerobic training, which Lydiard believed to be more finite. His runners’ strong base essentially gave them an additional level

On The Lydiard Foundation (www. fivecircles.org), a Minnesota-based, non-profit organization established to spread his training methods: “I am 87 now and the Lydiard Foundation will keep my methods around. I won’t be around much longer.” On training frequency and rest days: “Our athletes trained 365 days a year.”

of fitness when their competitors had exhausted all of their gears. Lydiard’s methods have earned a loyal following from many coaches. Although he refined his techniques for the Olympic level, the concepts translate to all levels. For instance, Coach Randy Ashley of Zap Fitness, an Olympic development program in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, uses Lydiard’s methods to coach his trail-running athletes. One of his protégés, Bryan Dayton, dropped his marathon time from 3:23 to 2:41 and placed third at the 2004 U.S. 50K Trail Championship. Scott Wolfe of Brevard, North Carolina, winner of the 2002 Uwharrie 40-mile Mountain Run, says, “I think that employing Lydiard’s program gave me the confidence and ability to finish strong.” Roy Pirrung of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, past winner of several USATF masters 50K and 50-mile national trail championships, is among the thousands of runners who will sorely miss Lydiard. “He left this world not knowing the far-reaching impact his training method had on ordinary runners becoming extraordinary athletes.” —Jonathan Poston

On interval training: “Without an aerobic base, you’re wasting your time on interval training.” On stretching: “We never stretched very much. We let the hill training do it for us, particularly on the downhill. We never had injury problems because of hill training.” On weight lifting: “My athletes didn’t lift weights, just body weight.” (Lydiard stated that sit-ups and push-ups are helpful in building a strong trunk.) On the weekly long run: “The athletes did 22 miles on Sundays whether they raced on Saturday or not.” On knowing when to back off from training: “Always go by your feelings. My athletes stopped when they had enough.” On honey as an energy source: “Honey is high in calories, easily digestible, causes no wind in the stomach and a very good carbohydrate.” On proper running form: “Relaxation is key to good running.” Lydiard believes that the runner’s upper body should remain loose, with tension-free shoulders and hands. The emphasis is on energy conservation, good form and leg turnover.

HEARD

“Did I fall on one of the rocky trails here in the Shenandoah Valley? Nope. I freakin’ trip over a decorative rock on a sidewalk and bruise a rib. ” —BILL GENTRY of Grottoes, Virginia, on an early season training run that sidelined him for several days.

“Despite the rugged terrain, creek crossings, attack wasps and sprained ankles, it was a fantastic run!” —JORIE BUTLER, 30, of Irvine, California, on the 2004 Napa Valley Wine Country Classic in Calistoga, California. Along with several others, Butler felt the sting of aggressive wasps during the 10K event.

“Western States is unfinished business. It is considered the ‘big one,’ so I want to do well there.” —PAUL DEWITT of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Last year’s Leadville Trail 100 champ, DeWitt DNFed at mile 80 of the 2004 Western States 100-miler.

“Communal tick checking is a great way to get to know your fellow runners on and off the trail.” —FROM THE COYOTE FOURPLAY WEBSITE. The “FourPlay” is an irreverent, underground festival of trail running held every February in Ventura County, California.

10 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

NOBUYA HASHIZUME

OVER-

The Wright Stuff TRAIL RUNNERS MOURN THE LOSS OF A FRIEND, CELEBRATE HIS LIFE FEW RUNNERS could match Jeremy Wright’s pace, discipline and heart. Intellectually, he could spar with any genius-level thinker and had been accepted to medical school. At age 31, his future prospects rose beyond the highest ridges of his favorite Rocky Mountain trails. Says his friend Kevin Deighan of Vail, Colorado, “If I had a son, I would want him to be just like Jeremy.” Potential and destiny could not save Sergeant Jeremy Wright on January 3rd. His life came to an abrupt end, when his Humvee vehicle encountered a roadside bomb near Kabul, Afghanistan. Originally from Shelby, Indiana, Wright was an Indiana state high-school track champion in 1992 and a two-time AllAmerican in cross country at Wabash

ATHLETICALLY,

College (Crawfordsville, Indiana). While there, he met Roger Busch and Scott Gall, two other talented cross-country runners. They became close friends and coach Rob Johnson christened them “The Three Amigos.” In 1996, Wright graduated from Wabash with high honors in chemistry. After college, Wright headed west to the University of Wyoming, where he received straight As and a Master’s Degree in microbiology. He moved to Vail, Colorado, where he blossomed into one of the nation’s premier trail runners.

In the late 1990s, Wright’s trail achievements piled high. He was a two-time champion of the Pikes Peak Ascent (Colorado Springs, Colorado), a half-marathon climb to the summit of 14,110-foot Pikes Peak, and claimed many major snowshoe championships. Most remarkably, Wright represented his country on the U.S. Mountain Running Team four straight years, from 1998 to 2001. Richard Bolt, Team Leader for the Teva U.S. Mountain-Running Team and Wright’s teammate on the 1999 squad, says, “When it came to racing, Jeremy was serious, focused and gave it his all.” Wright’s fellow trail runners describe him as a free spirit. Bernie Boettcher, a speedster from Silt, Colorado, recalls losing to Wright regularly. “He was a soft-spoken but fierce competitor,” says Boettcher before adding with a chuckle, “He’d show up at races with some ridiculous new hairdo, like the time he put a rubber band around the hair on top of his head—he looked like a mushroom cloud—then beat everyone like he was hardly trying.” Three years ago, Wright was accepted into Indiana University’s medical school. That’s when he shocked many and decided instead to enlist in the military. After

SOME PEOPLE WERE NEVER MEANT TO RUN IN CIRCLES. WE’LL MISS YOU JEREMY. FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT FRANK CREATIVE AND TRAIL RUNNER.

THE JEREMY WRIGHT MEMORIAL FUND Wabash College Advancement Ofﬁce // Post Ofﬁce Box 352, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 or call (765) 361-6367 or email amidonj@wabash.edu Photo of Jeremy donated by Brooks Freehill

JOHN FLETCHER

» making tracks

making tracks « specialized and grueling training, he landed in the Special Forces, where he was a Green Beret. Even in Afghanistan, Wright held fast to his trail-running passion. He gained permission to run on a mountain just outside his army base. Scott Gall, a close friend and former teammate at Wabash College, told the Vail Daily, “Knowing Jeremy, he was running repeats on it.” Wright’s death has sent shock waves through the trail-running community and there are many plans to honor his memory. Tony O’Rourke, Executive Director of Beaver Ceek Resort

(Colorado), has led a plan to install a memorial bench and re-name a trail the “Wright Glade Trail.” Says Mike Kloser, a Beaver Creek elite athlete, “Jeremy won several snowshoe races on that trail, so it’s fitting.” In March, the newly dubbed “Jeremy Wright North American Snowshoe Championships” took place at Beaver Creek. Wabash College has established The Jeremy Wright Memorial Fund. Gifts may be sent to the Wabash College Advancement Office, P.O. Box 352, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.

BY THE NUMBERS

4.4 13 17 150

Percent body-fat reading on 47-year-old Tom Borschel of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Open Masters champion at the 2004 World Mountain Running Trophy championships.

CARSON BLUME

The age of Seth Trittipoe, who placed 34th out of 144 finishers at the 2005 Holiday Lake 50K++ trail race in rural Virginia, 15 miles outside of Appomattox.

Finishers of the H.U.R.T. (Hawaii Ultra Running Team) 100 Miler, held in January in Hawaii—a 19-percent finishing rate. 71 starters either DNFed or opted for the concurrent 100K instead. Chicken breasts and baked potatoes devoured at the awards barbecue following January’s Big Bend 50 in Rio Grande Village, Texas—the firstever trail ultra held in a national park.

RACE DAY Bronx Bomber wins Death Valley

February 5, 2005, Death Valley Marathon & 30K, Death Valley, California–Stephen Marsalese (above) of New York City’s Bronx blazed across the desert in 2:57:08 to win the Death Valley Marathon and take home the coveted rubber-chicken trophy. Katherine Wasseling of Los Angeles, California, won the women’s division in 3:34:59. Overall, 136 runners completed the out-and-back course across a wide salt plain known as the “Devil’s Golf Course.” For complete results, visit www.envirosports.com.

2005

IT’S EASY! JUST FINISH ANY TROPHY SERIES RACE, AND YOU

TROPHY SERIES

ARE ENTERED IN THE 2005 TRAIL RUNNER TROPHY SERIES. 8WHAT a point series of over 120 trail races, including two divisions: Marathon and Under, and Ultra.

8WHO anyone is eligible. Just ﬁnish a TROPHY SERIES race, and you’re automatically entered. Win bonus points for ﬁnishing top three.

8WHEN all races take place between March 1 and September 30, 2005.

8WHERE TROPHY SERIES races dot the United States

and Canada, from coast to coast (see page 57 for listing).

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SIMPLY FINISH THE MOST TROPHY SERIES RACES TO WIN. INCLUDES: 8Two roundtrip airline tickets to Europe 8Lodging for two in Italy’s scenic Val di Fassa 8Rental car for one week 8Two pairs of La Sportiva trail-running shoes See page 57 for a listing of all 2005 Trophy Series races. Visit: www.trailrunnermag.com for details and updates. LEFT: BRIAN FISHER ENJOYS PERFECT CONDITIONS AT THE SAN JUAN SUMMER SOLSTICE 50-MILER, COLORADO, IN THE 2004 TRAIL RUNNER TROPHY SERIES. RIGHT: RUNNERS IN A RECENT DOLOMITE SKY RACE.

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» Illustration by JEREMY COLLINS

Wrong-Way Sydney SOME DOGS JUST AREN’T MEANT TO RACE

It was a bad idea. Bad idea as in giving Red Bull to a 10-year-old before a six-hour plane flight, Dukakis vowing to raise taxes or eating at a Chinese yogurt shop. At the time, however, it seemed brilliant: run the Peterson Ridge Rumble in central Oregon with Sydney, my then three-year-old Border Collie-Akbash mix. I’m a Joe-average trail bumbler, but Sydney is a straight-up, badass trail-running machine. Ten, 15, 20, 30 miles, she hammers out the mileage without pause in her skippity-skip gait, save for occasionally pit-stopping to power-nibble on a cowpie, roll in a rancid carcass or sniff another dog’s anus. Dogs weren’t allowed on the Rumble’s 50K course but were green-lighted for the 25K. Allowing dogs to run with their owners on the 25K course was supposed to add a touch of levity, but I considered it the perfect opportunity to show off Sydney’s high-mileage fitness to her canine brethren. I’ll never win a solo ultra. But, teamed with Sydney, we had a shot. As we lined up with 200-plus runners, I took quick stock of Sydney’s nine competitors: a chunky, whitefaced Lab, a ball-of-fur Husky/Akita, a past-his-prime Aussie Shepherd, a squat retriever with a limp and a host of embarrassingly unfit, shortlegged mutts—all easy prey for an enduro beast like Sydney. She was a Kentucky Derby thoroughbred surrounded by glue-factory-bound donkeys. Sydney had the win in the bag! As we headed away from the start, breezily coasting ahead of Sydney’s challengers, I dreamed of her breaking the canine course record, accepting the first-place dog prize and calling the local newspaper to inform them of her dominating victory. Although the trail was stacked with runners, Sydney coolly churned through the first four miles, holding onto first place. There wasn’t another dog in sight. “You’re doing great, Syd,” I proudly said to her with a pat on the head. “All we gotta do is keep up this pace and ...” KAWHOOSH! She was gone in a split16 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

second, barreling off trail and into the sagebrush, wildly yip-yip-yipping after a rabbit. With runners hot on my heels, I couldn’t stop, and only offered a hopeless, “Come!” aimed in the direction of Sydney’s billowing cloud of dust. OK, so Sydney going AWOL wasn’t part of the master plan, but it wasn’t a major cause for concern. She commonly bails off trail in pursuit of funky scents and always catches up—always. So I just kept running. Five minutes later. No dog. Ten minutes go by. No sign of Sydney. Fifteen minutes. We have a problem. I moved off the trail and started calling for her. “Sydney! Come, Sydney, COME!” Nothing.

Runners and dogs whizzed by. Three, four, five pairs. Sydney was slipping out of contention. “Are you looking for your dog?” someone asked as they blazed by. “I saw her back there a ways. She’s running the other way ... back to the start!” WHAT? My concern quickly switched to anger—she was going to lose us the race! I immediately spun around and started backtracking in an all-out sprint, yelling her name at full volume. Three miles of yelling and countless looks from quizzical and annoyed runners later I caught up with Sydney. She rested innocently alongside a stream, panting like a steam engine, her face covered in mud, tail snarled with twigs and brambles. Her expressive face was full of wild ecstasy from what was obviously an exciting hunt. “You are in big trouble!” I scolded her as she merrily rolled onto her back in hopes of scoring a belly rub. We had lost more than 30 minutes and had plunged from doggiefirst to second-to-last place, ahead of only a slowly approaching septuagenarian hiker/runner with ski poles. With my personal time shot and Sydney’s chances of winning dog-gone, I slumped down next to her, unsure if I even wanted to keep going. What was the point? Sydney’s eyes smiled and her tail merrily wagged as she licked my salty, sweaty legs. It was then that I began laughing at the absurdity of it all: I was the competitive nerd—she just wanted to be a dog and frolic in the woods like we always do. I pulled myself to my feet and started running. “Come, Syd. We’ve got some catching up to do.” And with that Sydney bounded down the trail—in the right direction. Editor’s note: Sydney finished fifth doggie overall behind Guinness (1:59:08, new canine course record), Louise, Rosa and Sadie. She is currently in training for redemption in the 2005 Peterson Ridge Rumble.

TRAIL Rx by CLAIRE DOROTIK

» Illustration by JEREMY COLLINS WARNING SIGNS

Sucking Air WHEN RUNNING LEAVES YOU BREATHLESS, IT MIGHT BE ASTHMA. The sun is out, and your favorite trail is lined with bright yellow California poppies. You quickly forget the argument you just had with your boss. You also forget that it is pollen season. That is, until you begin running and start wheezing. Your chest feels tight, and you can’t get enough air. You are having an asthma attack. ¶ “When I have an attack, it feels like my chest is in a vice,” recalls Steve Warshawer, a former elite ultra-marathoner, and sufferer of exerciseinduced asthma. He is not alone. Asthma affects 14 million adults and seven million children in the United States, according to Dr. Ashok Patel, leading pulmonologist at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota. The Respiratory Institute (www.respiratoryinstitute. com) reports that asthma causes two million emergency room visits and 5000 deaths per year in the U.S. If untreated, asthma can cause permanent lung damage. 18 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

Maybe you don’t even know you have asthma. That’s not uncommon. Asthma is defined as “chronic inflammation and constriction of the airways,” according to Dr. Courtney Crim, director of the Respiratory Institute. Typical signs and symptoms include faster breathing for no apparent reason, wheezing and coughing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, difficulty sleeping and a decrease in peak flow (the volume of air you can expel from your lungs). An asthma attack is defined by symptoms including: difficulty speaking, increased heart rate, blue lips and a peak flow reading that measures in the “red zone” and a lack of relief from using an inhaler. If you are not sure whether you have asthma or not, continued wheezing and coughing, even after slowing down your pace, is a good indication that you might be having an asthma attack. At the Mayo Clinic, a correct diagnosis of asthma begins with a thorough physical exam, including a lung-function test. Should your lung tests show that your lungs are under-performing, your doctor would first need to rule out any other conditions that might cause these results. If you are diagnosed with asthma, your doctor will then identify the type and class of your asthma. The types of asthma describe the conditions that precipitate the symptoms and include: allergic, seasonal, exercise-induced, nocturnal and non-allergic. The classes describe the frequency of the symptoms and include: mild-intermittent, mild-persistent, moderate-persistent and severe-persistent. Researchers are just starting to really understand the causes of asthma. According to Dr. Crim, asthma results from an interaction between the environment and genetics. This is particularly the case with both seasonal and exerciseinduced asthma. Trees, grasses, flowering plants, pollen and mold can trigger seasonal asthma. Asthma-suffering trail runners need to be especially cautious of windy days when dust or smoke levels can trigger an attack. In urban areas—within 10 miles of heavily congested areas—

trail rx «

AVOIDANCE BEHAVIOR Most of asthma management depends on determining and removing common triggers. These include: • heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD) • chemicals in paint, adhesives, varnishes, resins and laminates • enzymes in detergents, flour conditioners, pharmaceuticals and meat tenderizers • animal allergens and proteins such as dander, fur, hair, scales, saliva and wastes • flour grain and food allergens found in rye, wheat, seafood and egg products • respiratory irritants such as sulfur dioxide and smoke • indoor mold • pollen • exercise • colds and infection • weather

▲

HOW TO BREATHE EASY If you have asthma, your doctor might recommend the following: Avoid breathing cold air. If you must run in the cold weather, wear a mask over your mouth. Avoid known allergens. These can be both seasonal and related to the time of day when pollen counts in the air are high. Warm up properly. Light exercise and an increased body temperature can relax and widen your airways. Change your environment. Move your exercise to a warm, humidified environment. Switch to indoor activities during cold weather, and consider swimming, which is recommended for exercise-induced asthma. Exercise regularly. A strong fitness level can reduce your exercise-induced asthma symptoms.

▲

EXTRACTING ALTERNATIVES Many asthma sufferers have found relief in the following herbal extracts. These treatments are not a replacement for asthma medication, and you should consult your doctor before taking any of them: • Licorice Root Extract Also known as Glycyrrhiza Glabra, this root extract is a bronchodilator and expectorant, meaning that it causes the bronchial tubes to expand, allowing for easier breathing. • Garden Violet Extract Also known as Viola Odorata, this flower extract is recommended for relief of asthma symptoms. • Oregano Extract Also known as Origanum Vulgare, this leaf extract is used for respiratory disorders, coughs and as an expectorant.

▲

Claire Dorotik B.S., M.A., is a wellness consultant and avid trail runner, living in Ventura, California. She can be reached at: geronimo559@yahoo.com.

▲

industrial and auto emissions and respiratory infections can also bring on both exercise-induced and seasonal asthma. The Respiratory Institute suggests keeping a daily journal to help determine some of your most common triggers. While common asthma triggers can be avoided, asthma treatment begins with medication. Three types of medications are commonly prescribed: fast-acting bronchodilators, long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Both ICS and long-acting bronchodilators are considered preventative, while short-acting bronchodilators are considered quick relief. While many runners with exercise-induced or seasonal asthma rely solely on the quick-relief inhalers, most treatment plans also involve a preventative treatment. Such treatment is important, because new evidence suggests that if asthma is inadequately treated, the condition may worsen over time and lead to a long-term decrease in lung function and even permanent lung damage. When asthma is treated properly, the quick-relief inhaler should only be used periodically. Trail runners are often prone to overuse of their inhalers, as they spend more time exposed to pollen, dust and flowering plants than the average person. Ideally, runners should only use their inhaler as a last resort to prevent an attack. If you are using your inhaler more than twice a week, according to the Respiratory Institute, your asthma symptoms may not be under control. Runners who are susceptible to exerciseinduced asthma should avoid exercising outdoors in the winter or when pollen and dust levels are high and they should moderate their exercise intensity. Those with seasonal asthma may benefit by avoiding exercise when pollen levels are high, such as in the spring, or when there is an increase in flowering plants. Don’t let asthma keep you from enjoying the trails. Keep your asthma symptoms under control and you can maintain your lung function and running capacity. The only thing that should take your breath away is the vista on your favorite trail.

ONLINE RESOURCES • American Lung Association; 800-586-4872; www.lungusa.org • Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; 800-727-8462; www.aafa.org • National Asthma Education and Prevention Program/NHLBI Health Information Network; 301-592-8573; www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/neapp 2005 MAY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 19

TRAINING by JIM FREIM

» photo by DAVID CLIFFORD

as he ages. At 40, he placed third in Colorado’s Pikes Peak Ascent and the next day, placed third in the marathon. Ann Trason, who turns 45 this year, has won several big races (e.g., Western States 100, White River 50) as a masters runner. Helen Klein, a frequent finisher at the Western States 100, ran a 4:32 marathon at the age of 80. You may continue to run trails because of the fitness benefits and camaraderie, but if you wish to recover the eye of the tiger, read on.

WHAT DO WE LOSE?

Masters runner Bobby Keough of Tijeras, New Mexico, pours it on in Colorado’s Leadville Trail 100-Miler.

Masters Class HOW TO SPEED UP WHEN YOUR BODY AND MIND SAY TO SLOW DOWN You’re over 40. Congratulations—you’re now officially a masters trail runner. But your mind and body don’t feel the triumph. You struggle with training motivation, and every trail run or race reminds you of quicker times of the past. To athletes, 40 is often perceived both as a milestone and a millstone. Do some runners slow less than others? Is Mother Nature choosy? While genetics is a factor, masters runners can bring zest back into their training, break out of a rut and improve their running beyond what they thought possible. These success stories share certain key traits: a positive mental attitude and judicious, consistent training. Inspiration abounds as masters push out performance barriers. Bernie Boettcher, a familiar face and winner of several western USA trail races, seems to get faster 20 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

In addition to the coverage and color of the hair on your head, you lose VO2 max (maximum oxygen uptake, see Trail Runner, No. 30, Training) and your maximum heart rate drops. But, through proper training, the decline can be minimized and in some cases reversed. VO2 max is your ability to suck up oxygen and get it into your blood stream. Higher values result in faster running times. The accepted medical wisdom is that you lose 10 percent of VO2 max per decade after age 25. For example, 100 minutes for a half marathon 10 years ago might equate to 110 minutes today. However, this wisdom is based on the general population, not athletes. Several studies of runners, who maintained consistent hard training up to the age of 50, had VO2 declines of only one to two percent per decade. Also, your maximum heart rate drops. Again based on the general population, the adage is that your maximum heart rate is 220 minus your age. At 20, your max rate is 200 and at 50, your max rate is 170. Among conditioned runners who stay the course, the decline is significantly less, as little as two percent per decade. In one study, where trained runners were tested at age 54 and again at 62, several had no decline in max heart rate!

ALTHOUGH YOUR TIMES ARE SLOWING, YOU MAY BE IMPROVING. In 1994, the World Association of Veteran Athletes (WAVA) published performance tables for a variety of distances for men and women over 40. The tables compare performances to the world’s best. For example, you might be closer to the best performance at the age of 50 than you were at 40. You may have slowed down a bit, but you improved.

www.sportiva.com

PHOTO: Randy Levensaler ÂŠ La Sportiva N.A. 2005

» training In fact, some races now award prizes in two ways. The first is in five-year age-group increments, based upon head-to-head competition. In the second way, men and women over 40 are grouped together, and each master’s performance is compared to the corresponding world’s best time for his/her age. A 70-year old woman who is closer to her standard ranks higher than a 43-year-old man who was farther away from his standard. Under this system,

first place masters could go to any age or sex!

EVEN KEEL Automobiles have AAA for emergencies, and runners should have EEE— Even Energy Expenditure. During your workouts and races, your perceived effort should be steady. Monitor yourself; you might need to slow a little on the hills and run slightly faster (but more carefully) on the downhills. On a

HOW SHOULD YOU TRAIN? September 25, 2005 Boulder, Colorado

To maintain VO2 max and heart-rate values, make your workouts count. The cornerstone sessions, done every seven to 14 days, are endurance and speed. Drop the junk miles. The dull routine of six miles five days a week may keep you fit, but you don’t improve. While it seems counter intuitive, you need more rest when doing quality workouts. When hard days are “hard” and easy days are “easy,” you improve.

ENDURANCE For endurance, do a long run once a week or every other week. To avoid injuries, increase the distance by only 10 percent per week. For example, if your usual long run is six miles a day, run only six and a half miles the first week. In general, most runners can race 25 percent farther than their training run distance with little reduction in pace. For example, if you’re doing 12-mile training runs, completing a 15-mile race is possible. At a reduced pace or using a run-walk technique (see Trail Runner, Training, No. 24), you can easily double your long-run distance. So, you could do 26-mile runs or races off 13-mile training runs.

SPEED

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Backroads Commemorative Pint Glass for all Finishers!

Once a week, do a speed workout. Don’t glaze over like older runners when faced with structured speed workouts. Emil Zatopek’s (the Czechoslovakian great who swept the gold in the 5000 meters , 10,000 meters and marathon at the 1952 Olympic games) 20 x 400 meters worked for him, but you can employ a much less painful technique. Masters runners can maintain or improve their speed by working on cadence. Top runners have a cadence of 90 strides (180 steps) per minute and a long stride length. (A five-minute mile is 1056 feet per minute. At 180 steps per minute, each step is 5.8 feet! No wonder they are fast.) It is very difficult (read: impossible) to lengthen a person’s stride. You run the way you run. However, you can increase your cadence. During a run, count your steps for a half-minute and multiple by two. This cadence will serve as your base. Since a cadence workout is relatively easy on the body, you can do the workout once a week. The best route for a speed workout is about six miles with several hills. You naturally take smaller steps uphill so start by increasing your cadence on slight, short hills. Stand straight. Keep your chin and chest out. Add five (use your watch and count your steps) to your present cadence and motor up the hill. Initially, the higher tempo may feel strange, but practice until it feels natural. Keep adding five to your cadence until you get the feel of 90 uphill. Each week gradually add in longer and steeper hills at the 90 cadence. With practice, you’ll know your cadence without counting steps. Keep tap, tap, tapping uphill until you can run all the hills on your speed route at the 90 cadence. Soon enough, you’ll be floating over the hills. When you have mastered the uphill, use the same gradual method to increase your cadence on the flats, and then on the downhill. One week work on the uphill, next week the flats and last then downhills. The ultimate goal is to feel comfortable running at a 90 cadence for the entire speed workout. Rob Lynde, a masters trainee, who has completed the Ironman several times, is a recent convert to trail running. “I boosted my cadence to 90 on the trails both when running and walking,” says Lynde. “And took 30 minutes off my Pikes Peak Ascent time.” 22 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

training «

Train the Brain The hardest body part to train is the mind, yet your mental attitude and tenacity dictate your physical output. If you think you can, you can! Endurance and speed workouts improve your physical ability, which will boost your confidence and improve your mental outlook. Prove this to yourself—set taxing but reasonable goals. Whether the goal is a longer run, faster pace or completing a certain race, follow a structured training program to achieve your goal. You’ll feel on top of the world and have a great sense of accomplishment.

flat course use a heart-rate monitor to maintain a constant beat. The best pacing is a negative split, i.e., the second half of the run is slightly faster than the first. As you tire in a long run or race, you must push mentally and physically harder to maintain your pace. Stay focused on your run by monitoring your pace at known landmarks and maintaining your cadence. Aim for negative splits in training, and you’ll be able to do the same in races. Make easy days easy by taking a day off, doing other cardio activities or running at a relaxed pace. Leave your watch at home. Have a day to explore and not worry about pace or miles covered. Cross train. Hike with a 10-pound backpack. Swim, bicycle, snowshoe, or cross-country ski. Solve business problems or plan your next vacation on easy days. Vary your workouts to maintain freshness and avoid slumping into a training rut. Even at the age of 90, Jack LaLanne changes his workout routine every three weeks. Run new or different trails. Run with different groups. Alternate workouts over a two- to three-week period. Throw out the window those preconceived notions about aging and its effect on your trail-running performance. Remember, most of the expected decline in performance comes from a lack of use. Maintain your edge with regular endurance and speed workouts. Train and race smart. The physical and mental effort is hard, but you’ll see significant improvement. Who knows, you might be the first 90-year-old to finish the Western States 100 Miler! Dr. Jim Freim, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, has won seven races after the age of 40, and has been training athletes for 25 years. At age 41, he won a Double Ironman, doing only three running workouts a week. Ample rest days enabled super-high-quality training runs. Reach him at jfreim@hotmail.com 2005 MAY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 23

TAKE YOUR MARK by MICHAEL GARETT GRAUBINS MORRIS »» photo Illustration by CHRIS by DAVE MILLIMAN CLIFFORD

The Jay throws everything at runners: a river crossing (pictured), sand dunes, bushwhacking and mountain climbing.

Fear Itself JAY MOUNTAIN MARATHON ONE OF TRAIL RUNNING’S TOUGHEST TASKS The starting line of the Jay Challenge Mountain Marathon (The Jay) looked more like a cocktail party than the beginning of a burly race. Most of us were engaged in friendly conversation rather than dueling for a front-row position, listening to stories from the few Jay veterans. One lean, muscle-laden racer joked about more than doubling his best road marathon time at the 2003 Jay. Director Dan DesRosiers believes he has created one of the most difficult courses in the country, and tries to dissuade the timid from entering. On the race website he writes, “You will get wet and very muddy, and you are likely to end up with scratches on your legs. If you’re not sure this race is for you, it’s probably not.” The race is 28.2 miles long, with about three miles of river running, four miles of bushwhacking (fighting through thick growth from ribbon to ribbon), knee-deep mud, fields of tall grass, dirt road and sand dunes—and over 5000 feet of vertical gain. I ignored DesRosiers’ caveats, and decided to try Jay as my first marathon. “Beware the mountain. Last year, of the first five people to reach the top, three DNF’d,” he warned in his starting line pep talk, referring to the first half of the course, which involves ascending and descending 3861-foot Jay Peak. Most of us would have been happy just to cross the finish line. Luckily, the weather was a perfect 60 degrees with only a few clouds framing Jay Peak as it protruded above the densely forested countryside. Its ski-trail-scarred slopes seemed to taunt us. Only three years young, the Jay has experienced incredible growth. About 12 runners competed in 2002, 50 in 2003, 112 in 2004 and 2005’s goal is 250. The race’s exploding popularity can be attributed to the challenging course, a skeleton crew of amazing race volunteers and organizers and eight bountiful, perfectly spaced aid stations. Jennifer Johnson, a 25-year-old school teacher from Bethlehem, New Hampshire, winner of the 2003 Jay, says, “Dan has a way of making everyone laugh before the start of the race through his warnings and humorous good-luck speech. And watch out—he loves to pour 24 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY MARCH 2005 2005

table salt into your Camelbak.” (Table salt is DesRosiers’ idea of electrolytes.) Our pre-race bonding came to an abrupt end as we quickly spread out over the Jay’s first few miles. Technical singletrack and pockets of shoe-sucking mud slowed the Jay virgins, and those who didn’t tightly lace up soon learned the art of bobbing for shoes while balancing on one leg. After surviving the muck, we were rewarded with a steep two-mile climb, and then an even steeper descent. Covered with loose rock, slippery grass, mud and some blood from my knee, the descent was tougher than the uphill power-hike. The bottom of the mountain marked the 12-mile point of the loop, and the end of the Jay’s major climbs and descents. Next came a sensory-overloaded adventure through lush northern Vermont terrain. I found myself trying to find a balance between my immediate footing and absorbing the views of lightly shaded pastures dotted with the occasional red barn. About 20 miles into the course, a neckdeep river crossing required the use of a Tyrolean-traverse-style rope, and then a deep-forest bushwhack had me dodging trees like ski gates. Before long I was clawing my way up a sand dune then fighting through knee-deep mud. As I neared the finish, the smell of hickory-smoked barbeque gave me the motivation I needed. DesRosiers and his wife, Lisa, congratulated me and ushered me to a tasty meal of grilled chicken, pasta salad and sausage. As I ate, I took mental note of the details of the course. Next year, you can bet that I will be the one talking instead of listening at the starting line. ■

PLAY AT JAY Jay Challenge Mountain Marathon and 26K, Jay, Vermont. Course Description: Choose between the 28.2-mile “marathon” or the 26K (new for 2005), both of which go up and over Jay Peak. Count on challenging terrain and beautiful New England countryside. Info: www.JayChallenge.com When: July 30th, 2005 Entry Fee: $60 for the 26K, $75 for the Marathon. Includes T-shirt, finisher medal, mud, a post-race party and eight well-stocked aid stations.

Heed the call of the ultra.

High in the Dolomites, Dean Karnazes and Topher Gaylord rely on their Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resilience as they head toward no place in particular. Near Cortina, Italy. Photo: Dan Patitucci.

the

god father David Horton’s devotion beats the long miles. 1200 MILES AND 31 DAYS

Auburn, Pennsylvania, to let him run

into his 1991 pursuit of a new speed

the day’s final miles alone.

record on the Appalachian Trail (AT),

“Halfway up the climb, I sat down and

David Horton had a melt-down. “I was

talked to the Lord,” recounts Horton in

feeling sorry for myself,” he recalls.

his book, A Quest for Adventure, “I said,

While climbing out of Lehigh Gap

‘Thank you for the heat, hills, rocks,

near Palmerton, Pennsylvania, the toll

good days, bad days, shin splints, quad

of day-after-day, ankle-twisting trails

pains and everything else. Thank you

finally struck. He asked his support

for all the help you’ve given me in

crew, Bonnie and Harry Smith from

allowing me to live out my dream.’”

by Garett Graubins • photos by David Clifford 26 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

ejuvenated by prayer, Horton pressed on. Twenty-one days later, he stood at the summit of Maine’s Mount Katahdin, the AT’s northern terminus, 2144 miles from the starting point in Georgia. Horton had

covered the AT in 52 days 9 hours 41 minutes, besting the previous AT record by more than eight days. (Horton’s record has since been broken.) A new AT record would be the crowning achievement for any other trail runner. For Horton, it represented just one more step in his long, dusty

when he laughs. His signature rectangular-rimmed eye glasses magnify a youthful twinkle in his dark eyes. Short, dark hair refuses to turn gray or recede. There’s more to Horton than course records and trail tales. His moxie and exuberance—“I am occasionally obnoxious,” he coyly admits—belie his respect for others and deep religious convictions.

journey to the trail-running promised land. Over his trail-running career, Horton, 55, has logged more than 95,000 miles—almost three circumventions of the globe—and won races from Virginia to Colorado, and has no intentions of shrinking from the sport any time soon.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5) If there’s truth to the Bible, then Horton won’t be inheriting much. Trail runners paste adjectives to his intense, brash personality, but “meek” isn’t one of them. Bethany Hunter, Trail Runner’s 2003 Trail Runner of the Year and a close training partner of Horton, says he’s “hyper, passionate and dedicated.” Clark Zealand, trail-running speed demon and long-time friend, says, “‘Horty’s’ style is dynamic and spontaneous.” “He’s compulsive and maniacal,” says Rebekah Trittipoe, co-author with Horton of A Quest for Adventure. Dr. David Horton is a professor of Health Sciences and Kinesiology at Lib-

erty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. And his office, tucked into a dim corner of the field house, is boisterous testament to his non-timid nature. The walls are plastered with maps of trails, medals, photos of running friends and inspirational posters. “That’s me winning the 1983 Mountain Masochist 50,” he says, pointing to a framed photo across the room, “I wanted that race b-a-d and [in that photo] I’m crying like a baby.” Ask Horton about his record-breaking AT run and brace yourself for a long string of amusing stories, ranging from his Lehigh Gap melt-down to dodging rattlesnakes in Virginia. Standing five feet 11 inches tall and weighing a slim 155 pounds, Horton could pass as a svelte road speedster. As he talks, his forehead scrunches into two horizontal wrinkles before surrendering to crow’s feet in the corners of his eyes

In the beginning… (Genesis 1:1) How does a man born and raised in rural Arkansas become one of his generation’s best trail runners and the sport’s foremost missionary? “My parents instilled in me an aversion to laziness,” says Horton, “Where I grew up, the worst insult was to be called ‘lazy.’” Surely there’s more to it than that. Shunning sloth is one thing. Running virtually every major trail in the eastern U.S. and winning the world’s most difﬁcult races is another. Horton smirks, twirling a golden-yellow leaf between his thumb and foreﬁnger. He tells the story of how he found running as a lifestyle. “I believe there are points in your life when you’re like, ‘MAN, what if I hadn’t met that person?’” It came for Horton during his freshman year at the University of Central Arkansas. A friend convinced him to run an intramural cross-country race, and he took second place. At the time,

“My parents instilled in me

an aversion to laziness. Where I grew up, the worst insult was to

be called ‘lazy.’”

he was an avid basketball-er, but running tickled his curiosity. The school’s cross-country and track coach attended the race and noticed Horton. “Afterward, he said I should see him if I ever got tired of basketball,” says Horton. Later in the year, he took him up on the offer, joined the team and planned for his first track meet. “Coach said I needed a goal,” he says, “so I aimed for a sub-five-minute mile.” Horton ran a 4:59. But in 1969, during Horton’s sophomore year, he was halfway through a five-mile cross-country race. “I wasn’t enjoying myself, so I walked off the course,” he says with a frown, admitting he was burned out from all of the repetitious speed training. It was one of the few times in his life he simply quit. It would be several years before he ran again. “I still go back and apologize to my coach,” he says. But Horton is also grateful he made that decision. “Whatever you do, it’s GOT to be fun. If I hadn’t quit, I would have never found enjoyment in running later in life.”

They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. (Isaiah 40:31) Nine years after walking away from college cross country, Horton rediscovered running. It was 1978 and Horton, his wife, Nancy, and their two young children, Brandon and Allison, were living in Fayetteville, Arkansas, while Horton finished his doctorate in physical education. A colleague encouraged him to “practice what you preach.” Horton listened and laced up his running shoes once again. One year later, David’s studies complete, the Horton family moved to Virginia, where he began teaching at Liberty University, a Christian school of 7500 students. Horton had run a few marathons since rediscovering running, and heard about a race in Hagerstown, Maryland, called the JFK 50-Miler, the nation’s largest and longest-standing ultra. “I just HAD to run it,” he says. Horton finished the JFK 24th in a field of 405 runners. “I just loved it,” he

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Fitness: Horton leads his running class past Liberty University’s main building.

says, “and that race gave me the ultrarunning bug.” Since the JFK, Horton has pillaged many trail races and long-distance records. In addition to setting the AT record in 1991 and winning the 1985 JFK, he’s been victorious at the Arkansas Traveler 100 (’91 and ’93), Colorado’s Hardrock 100 (’92 and ’93) and Virginia’s Old Dominion 100 (’82, ’86 and ’88). In 2001, he and friend Blake Wood of Los Alamos, New Mexico, endured 52,900 feet of climbing in Tennessee’s backcountry to become the ﬁrst Americans to ever ﬁnish the Barkley Marathons 100 (58 hours 21 minutes). Horton also set the then-record

for covering Vermont’s 271-mile Long Trail in 1999. Horton has also flashed shocking endurance and a superhuman pain threshold off the trails. In 1995, he ran the Trans America Footrace, a 2906mile, 64-stage road race from Huntington Beach, California, to New York’s Central Park. Horton started the race with 14 other dreamers and finished third out of 10 finishers. Wood admires Horton’s stiff upper lip. “His ability to absorb punishment astounds me,” he says, adding that Horton ran 100 miles over a couple of days just two weeks before Barkley. 2005 MAY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 29 492’

companionship and the trails motivates him and fuels some of his success. But there’s a tenacious bulldog under

Horton’s love of

the smiling, devout exterior.

For by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:8)

For many trail ultrarunners, running has rescued them from other vices. The annals of ultradistance trail running are loaded with stories of recovering workaholics and alcoholics, cocaine addicts and even criminals. Many ultrarunners are Type A personalities, and the same drive that once fueled their unhealthy habits segues perfectly to long trail miles. In that case, Horton certainly ﬁts the proﬁle. By his own admission, he does things in excess and strives for perfection. But Horton wasn’t saved by trail ultrarunning. He was saved by the Lord. “Back in school,” he says, “I did some things I wouldn’t tell my parents about.” Horton declines to elaborate, but mentions love beads, a red Volkswagen with yellow daisies, a foul mouth, bell-bottom pants and his nickname, “Wild Man.” Instead, the conversation shifts to the Bible, which he embraced during college. “I went from a lost Wild Man to a saved Wild Man,” he says. “I have a personal relationship with the Lord,” says Horton, “and I believe we all need to ask Christ into our life.” He continues to explain that his beliefs have led him to a more principled life. It is rare to hear a cuss word dribble from his mouth and Horton doesn’t drink alcohol (not since 1972, he In 2001 Horton (left) and Blake Wood (right) partnered says). Stretching his arms to become the first Americans to complete the Barkley over his head as if signalMarathons 100-Miler, in 58 hours 21 minutes.

30 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

ing a touchdown, he exclaims, “I’m high on life—I don’t need it.” Horton is not, however, a stringent, never-bend-the-rules Bible thumper. The night before the interview, at Horton’s home, several trail runners—in town for a race the next day—gathered in the basement for a video screening of “Larry the Cable Guy,” an off-color comedian wearing a sleeveless ﬂannel shirt and camouﬂage ball cap. Everybody laughed raucously at Larry’s R-rated cracks and gratuitous obscenities—even Horton. “There’s nothing better than a good laugh or cry,” he says, “That release is good.”

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone. (1 Samuel 17:50) Toughness and determination go hand in hand. Add aggressive, competitive energy and that’s Horton. Horton’s love of companionship and the trails motivates him and fuels some of his success. But there’s a tenacious bulldog under the smiling, devout exterior. Says Bethany Hunter, “He is very competitive and has to be in the front leading whenever a group is out for a run.” Horton is that stubborn brother who will do something just to spite you. Chuckling, he says “If you want to get me to do something, just dare me.” He also takes pleasure in prodding others

WOOD COLLECTION

“Something like that would have killed my chances at Barkley.” Horton and Wood have also competed toe-to-toe on the Hardrock 100 course. Held in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, the Hardrock ascends 12 skyscraping peaks and passes and includes 33,000 feet of climbing. “I’m still waiting for Horton to get old enough that I can beat him there,” says Wood, the winner of the 1999 Hardrock—a year Horton did not run the race. In the 2000 Hardrock, world-class marathoner and former Liberty University student Josh Cox paced Horton up Grant Swamp Pass, a nearly vertical slope of wobbly scree. Scrambling above Horton, Cox dislodged a basket-ball-sized boulder that barreled down and struck Horton in the hand. Soon, Horton’s gloved hand was soaked in blood. He had suffered a compound fracture and a piece of bone jutted through his skin. Horton gritted his teeth and pushed through the race’s ﬁnal 15 miles, ﬁnishing third only 37 minutes behind winner Kirk Apt. “You don’t run on your hands,” says Horton with a shrug.

around him—whether for teasing or motivation. When one trail-running friend said he wanted to run the Hardrock 100, Horton feigned shock and said, “You? You’re not tough enough!” Therein lies Horton’s mystique. He wears a halo, but carries a pitchfork. He’ll hug you and tease you at once. “If you don’t know him, it would be easy for him to rub you the wrong way,” says Hunter. “I’ll apologize to you in advance if I may offend you,” says Horton, before adding, “unless I mean to offend you.” Some fellow runners hold a profound respect for Horton, and also note that his brazenness and laser-beam focus on performance matches an equally egocentric streak. “While David is wonderful,” said one East-coast trail runner, “he has a hard time in a group or team setting—especially if his goals don’t match up with those of the people around him.” Horton’s wife, Nancy, admits she has a difﬁcult time understanding her husband’s extreme motivation—especially because she is not a runner herself. First, there are the daily runs and the Saturday long runs. Then, there have been the times when he’s chosen to be away for long stretches of time. On the AT-record attempt he was away for two months. When Horton asked Nancy for her permission to run the trail, she hesitated. (continued on page 55)

A DAY AT THE OFFICE WITH DAVID HORTON

1. Five pounds of real human fat, which Horton uses as a visual aid in his nutrition class. 2. Photo: Horton with Warren Doyle (left), record holder for most thru-hikes of AT (13x) and second person to ever thru-hike AT (middle). “I can’t remember his name,” says Horton, “who remembers the second person to do anything?” 3. Photo: Horton with Reverend Jerry Falwell (left), founder of Liberty University, and Bill Irwin (middle), only blind man to ever thru-hike AT. 4. Photo: Horton with previous AT speed record holder Ward Leonard. 5. Photo: Horton with Pete Palmer (left), current AT record holder, and Ed Kostak (right), one-time Long Trail record holder. 6. Map of the Appalachian Trail. 7. Poster: Horton and trail runner Roger Hall in West Virginia. 8. Photo: Horton with “Maine-ak”, Scott Grierson, third-fastest thru-hiker of AT. 9. Photo: Horton with his brother, Ricky, and grandfather, Raz, circa 1953. 10. Photo: Horton winning the first-ever Hardrock 100, 1992. 11. University of Arkansas Razorbacks Logo (Horton’s Ph.D. alma mater). 12. 1988 Mountain Masochist 50 T-shirt. 13. Plaque from Horton’s victory at first-ever Arkansas Traveler 100, 1991. 14. Finisher’s buckle from Leadville Trail 100. 15. Appalachian Trail Certificate of Completion. 16. End of the Journey—“The greatest photo of all time,” according to Horton. 17. Photos: Horton with his brother and sister, Nancy, early 1950s. 18. Plaque from Horton’s first and only JFK 50-miler victory, 1985. 19-21. Postcards from Ouray, Telluride and Silverton, Colorado—the three main aid stations in the Hardrock 100.

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10 7

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Clockwise from upper left:| Fredrik Ölmqvist sloshes through a snake-infested swamp; racer models high-tech protective foot covers to avoid 32 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM MARCH 2005 infection; Eberhardt Frixe and Joey Kelly (both of Germany) hoping they don’t encounter one of the jungle’s notorious 600-volt eels.

JUNGLE

BOOGIE In the inaugural running of the Jungle Marathon, competitors and race organizers had a lot of bugs— and snakes, crocs and jaguars—to work out.

By Fredrik Ölmqvist • Photos by Christiane Müller

2005 MAY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 33

THE CHALLENGE: run 220 kilometers (136 miles) in six stages. THE TRAIL: machete-carved singletrack deep in Brazil’s Amazon Jungle.

THE HAZARDS: numerous gorge crossings and poisonous-snake-infested swamps.

THE GEAR: runners must be self sufficient, carry their own equipment and food, and would receive only water and hammocks.

uring the 31-kilometer, second stage of the Jungle Marathon, panic washes over me when I can no longer run. I’m dehydrated, and the heat is stifling. The sounds of the rain forest drown out thought: screaming birds; branches drumming against each other in canopy high above; running water and the constant clicking of millions of insects. Fallen Ypê and Castanha trees litter the jungle, and the ground is spongy, unpredictable and pocked with ankle-eating holes. The trail markers have disappeared. I am alone and lost. Among the fresh footprints in the clay soil are cat tracks, bigger than a compact disc, and I pick up the rank masculine scent of jaguar. If you spot a jaguar, you’re supposed to hide behind a tree. It won’t attack something it can’t completely see. Running is not a good idea ...

34 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MARCH 2005

he inaugural Jungle Marathon in 2003 would determine if it was possible to conduct a race in such a hostile environment, where the fear of encountering life-threatening creatures, including jaguars, 30-foot anacondas, jumbo scorpions and electric eels, is overshadowed by the harsh climate—a scorching heat, often above 100 degrees Fahrenheit with 100-percent humidity. Such perils have attracted more than 40 runners from 13 countries. A few of the athletes don’t hide their Soldier of Fortune complex, wearing khaki clothes and sturdy army boots and strapping machetes to their backpacks. Some runners have participated in similar “races” in the Sahara Desert, Himalayas and Canadian wilderness. Like these other multi-day races in remote locations (see Making Tracks, page 8), the Jungle Marathon is an exclusive form of recreation. The entry fee alone is $2880 (flight to Brazil not included). Surprisingly, this kind of “extreme” race doesn’t attract exclusively extreme athletes—the majority are jolly amateurs with a taste for the different (and well-paying jobs). Tim Wooff of London, England, who was running the race with his buddy Andy Desmunckh, says, “Every year we try some kind of adventure run together, and the Amazon Jungle sounded cool.” Also in the field is John Winter, 55, from Zimbabwe. He started the race knowing he was unfit, and had a bad foot already. He’s not here to run, and doesn’t care a second that he probably will finish among the slowest runners in each stage. “I have always wanted to come to the Amazon. Besides, it’s the first running [of the Jungle Marathon], which makes it even more interesting.”

Boogie down: 65-year-old Paolo Ribeiro—who finished third overall—jams during one of the spontaneous sambas led by the Brazilian contingent.

Fredrik Ölmqvist running through the Brazilian village of Rio Preto da Eva, just minutes before crossing the finishing line.

s I stumble around lost, the fatigue and weakness make it difficult to think straight. For a long time I have resisted the urge to turn around, but with no markers in sight it seems like the best option. My clothes feel glued to my body, so I doff my thin running pants and trudge on in my underwear. My water bottles have been empty for several hours, and my urine is dark and evilboding. I must find water. Instead, I meet fellow racers George, Cibele and Carlos. Together we laboriously backtrack, over fallen trees, up and down slippery precipices, through creeks and swamps, for hours. The atmosphere is desperate—especially since the others are very dehydrated and don’t dare to drink from the creeks. I have ignored that concern, and fill my bottle every time we pass running water. When we finally reach the correct trail and the third checkpoint, dusk falls. The doctors check my pulse and give me saline solution. I am not the only one who has had a tough day. At the checkpoint I meet Gerard, an experienced adventure runner from France. He is resting in a hammock and looks completely devastated; he has never abandoned a race—until now. “I can go no farther. I’m drained of energy,” he says, knowing there are only 10 kilometers to the finish of today’s stage. “It won’t get any better. This is just a short leg and only day two. “ I rally and run at a decent pace to the finish. After almost nine hours—double what was expected—I feel fortunate to have completed the stage. Anything could have happened had I not gotten back on the right trail. Sure, the “sweepers” walk the trail each day to gather slow or injured runners, but if you’re on the wrong trail the chances of being found are slim. Today’s

JUNGLE ESSENTIALS

Only pack what you absolutely can’t do without. DO BRING! • Lots of electrolyte powder or pills. • Varied food—simple, bland dishes like plain noodles and soups work well when you have stomach problems. • Salt crackers, potato chips and salted nuts—you will need extra fat and salt. • Oversized shoes—you will need extra space for heatswollen feet, bandages and blisters. • Sports tape or Vaseline—anything to prevent blisters. • Thin, light and breathable clothes. I used running shorts and a singlet. Also, bring sleeping clothes (a long-sleeve shirt and long thin pants). • Earplugs—the jungle is a noisy place. • Waterproof backpack—river crossings can make the pack really heavy if it is not waterfproof; store food and medications in plastic bags. • Flip-flop sandals—for dry, happy feet after each stage.

2005 MAY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 35

Andrea Estevam of Brazil and Robert Pollhammer of Germany sweat it out in the home of the jaguar.

REPEAT PERFORMANCE Jungle Marathon 2004

In 2004 the Jungle Marathon was held in the Pará region and had a stronger field, including several young, swift jungle soldiers, local triathletes and ultra specialists Charlie Engle (USA) and Kevin Lin (Taiwan). I participated again, and my strategy was to stay strong all through the race. It started well. After four stages I was first overall (5th, 2nd, 2nd, 1st). But I lost it all on the long, 86-kilometer fifth stage, when I almost went crazy from the heat and had to stop in the shade. I was also lost at one point. I finished eighth.

sweepers apparently met a poisonous brown viper. Sean, one of the sweepers, enjoys frightening us with other scary stories. “Electric eels produce 600 volts and live in the root system in the swamp. If you get a shock you’ll be knocked unconscious, with a large risk of drowning. So be careful.” Darkness falls fast while I’m taking a bath and washing my clothes in the river. I have been told there aren’t any crocodiles or piranhas, but I never feel completely assured. My legs are covered by small cuts, so I stay in ankle-deep water. We have been warned not to urinate in the water and to wear tight-fitting swimming trunks; urine attracts the Candirú, a tiny fish, only four to five centimeters long, very thin and slippery with a nasty habit of swimming into the urethra or penis. The Candirú’s backward-pointing spines make it virtually impossible to remove. The only remedy is surgery. 36 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

y intentions for the Jungle Marathon are simply to stay in the race, since I’ve never before done an event like this. But after having won the first stage I feel that I’m one of the faster runners here. Back home I do a lot of trail running on hilly terrain, so the undulating jungle trail, with big logs and steep climbs suits me. After washing all my running gear I spot a pair of metallic green spider eyes with my headlamp while walking back to camp. Time has come for the nightlife, time for the predators to feed. The lush jungle that sparkled under the brilliant sun has metamorphosed into impenetrable black ink. Small groups of participants lounge near the open fire, while others chat in their hammocks. The medical tent is also popular. Someone has caught a scorpion and passes it around as a trophy. I’m badly dehydrated and can only keep my dinner down a few minutes. Crawling into the hammock after such an arduous day with an empty stomach feels wrong, but the fatigue is stronger than the hunger. During the night I wake up several times to vomit, while watching for spiders or scorpions on the ground. The third stage has been shortened from 33 to 23 kilometers. With five runners already out, the Race Director, Steve Walsh, is trying to minimize further withdrawals. Not all participants are keen on the decision, though, since it will benefit only those who need rest. Says one of the merry Brazilians, Paolo Roberto, 65, from Rio de Janeiro, “Isso é uma brincadeira de crianza (this is a child’s game).” The shortened course proves to be all I can handle. After running only 15 minutes I’m completely drained and feel like an arthritic old man. My vomiting spells continue and at the halfway water station I lie down before continuing to the finish. Fellow

racers and I cool down in the river, have lunch in the shade and savor fresh Caju (cashew nut fruit). The Brazilian contingent starts a spontaneous samba party. Despite blisters and sore feet, the dance is on. Cutlery and water bottles comprise the drum set. The party continues for hours and eventually I have to give up and get some rest.

he following day’s fourth stage has also been shortened, from 35 to 25 kilometers. Walsh is still worried that the course is too tough. Thus far, two runners have been hospitalized due to severe dehydration. Before today’s race, feet are taped and bandaged, ready for the long, wet struggle. At the start I bolt off fast since the trail is very narrow, making it difficult to pass. Being the first runner on the trail increases awareness, but it’s almost impossible to discover a snake before it’s too late. The stage ends in the middle of the jungle, next to a singlefamily house and a creek with clear water. Some runners are already relaxing and washing their clothes in the soothing jungle creek. After lunch I seek a good spot for my hammock. It isn’t easy to tie it up properly in the trees. Sometimes at night you hear a thud when somebody falls to the ground after rolling over too far. By now I have come to know quite a few of the participants, like the French runner Karim Mosta, who has finished more than one hundred multi-day stage races. And the young Brazilians, like 20-year-olds Tahisa and Cibele. They are

a house. The Amazonian countryside at night is like any small village—quiet like a tomb, with a few outbursts of laughter and howls of children. The thought that a crushed spider on the road is bigger than my hand makes me shiver. After giving my painkillers to other runners, I have none left for myself. Now the blisters serve to keep me awake. The morning sun brings hope and courage. An hour later we arrive at the checkpoint, which looks like a cross between a field hospital and an opium shack, with half-asleep runners getting first-aid pedicures. I continue with Cibele, one of the young Brazilian women. Three hours down the jungle trail with many fallen trees and swamps, our water bottles are dry. Desperation sets in, and Cibele starts to weep when we decide to backtrack. To avoid jaguar attacks, we stay together. A few hours later, as the last ones, we finally reach the fifth-stage finish, more than 30 hours after we started. Apparently the runners who trekked this last section during the night were followed by crying jaguars for many hours. (continued on page 53)

still in the race, fighting, smiling and proving without any doubt that Brazilian girls are tough. Then there is Chiquino, a local jungle guide. He’s timid, soft spoken and a winner of two stages thus far.

he 70-kilometer fifth stage is divided into three parts: 30 kilometers of jungle trail, 30 kilometers of dirt road and 10 kilometers of very difficult jungle trail with several swamp crossings in an area highly populated with animals. We have to complete the stage in less than 33 hours, which sounds like plenty of time. Seven runners have now abandoned the race from fatigue, dehydration, infections and bad feet. “The jungle isn’t a place for the brave, but for the patient,” the race doctor emphasizes at the pre-stage briefing. As usual I lose my breakfast less than an hour into the race, which radically slows my pace. I get sodium solution at the checkpoint and begin to feel better. The staff members claim to have seen a jaguar lurking. Daylight passes, dusk settles, night falls. Pain follows every step. “Forward” is my mantra. Dogs bark on both sides of the road at night on the second part of the stage. Tiny headlamps move along sluggishly, like an astrological amoeba. It’s not about running, but trying to keep a pace and avoid the holes in the road. A TV is glowing from The author enjoying a dry albeit rickety running surface.

Âť gallery

Africa, you guess? Nope, try the foothills of Santa Barbara, California. PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN BAILEY

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;LOUIS PASTEUR (1822-1895)

GREAT ESCAPES by photographs byby DAVID BRANSON byBRIDGET BRIDGETCROCKER CROCKER» » photography DAVID BRANSON

Bridget Crocker treads the edge on Carrington Point, Santa Rosa Island.

Channeling Energy BOAT TO CALIFORNIA’S SECRET ISLAND WILDERNESS A strong ocean wind hurtles over the ridgeline, whipping salty wisps of hair into my mouth and nose as I push toward the summit of Santa Barbara Island’s Signal Peak. I’m chasing the scattered rays of an October sun; the golden light eludes my pace, sliding over the volcanic basalt landscape before lingering atop the 635-foot summit, goading me upward. Jasun breathes steadily in rhythm behind me, as a white-faced barn owl swoops between us and careens upward to surf the wind currents. Quietly, I marvel how only 20 minutes earlier we’d been cavorting with seals in the graceful kelp forest below the sea’s surface. I relax into the wind, as a full moon rises above the eastern horizon. To the west, the setting sun infuses turquoise blue water with overtures of orange and red. 40 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

Out here on the smallest of Southern California’s Channel Islands (Santa Barbara Island is just over one square mile in size, with 5.5 miles of connecting singletrack trails), it’s just the owl and us listening to the discordant calls of California sea lions from the beach below. In the distance, glittering lights illuminate the mainland and greater Los Angeles. My cohorts, Jasun Laminen, a window cleaner and father of four from Ventura and

David Branson, an ex-river guide turned photographer, join in the marine symphony, laughing like lunatics at the unexpected wonder that we’ve encountered. “And this is only the first island,” David exclaims, skipping along the ridgeline. We’re scheduled to explore four more islands in the chain over the coming weeks. We retrace the trail to our campsite for an evening drumming session on the edge of a sea cliff. Attracted to the music, three young boys from Los Angeles turn up. I tell our fellow campers that we danced under water with seals, mimicking how their fins sway easily like kelp leaves. The boys begin to dance like seals to Jasun and David’s rhythms. Born of plate tectonics and subsequent volcanic eruptions, the Channel Islands began transforming from sea bottom to offshore ridges some 30 million years ago

» great escapes

TRAILHEAD

CHANNEL ISLANDS, CALIFORNIA

GETTING THERE: For passage to Channel Island National Park, contact Venturabased Island Packers (805-642-1393, www.islandpackers.com); for Catalina Island, look up Catalina Express (310-519-1212, www.CatalinaExpress.com). SEASON: Year-round on Santa Cruz and Catalina. On Santa Rosa, avoid trail closures during hunting season by going mid-November to March. Ferries to San Miguel and Santa Barbara run from April through late October, although the Park is open year-round. For info on park rules and regulations, contact Channel Islands National Park (805-658-5730; chis_interpretation@nps.gov). ACCOMMODATIONS: Contact the National Park Service (800-365-2267, www. reservations.nps.gov) for campground reservations on all islands except Catalina. On Catalina Island, camp at Two Harbors campground or relax at the historic Banning House Lodge (for camping and lodge info, contact 888-510-7979, or www.visittwoharbors.com). GUIDEBOOKS: Pick up 50 Best Short Hikes in California’s Central Coast, by John Krist for trail descriptions; Catalina Island Hiker’s Guide, by Scott A. Panzer is the best guide to Catalina’s trails. See the Park Ranger on each island for updated maps and trail info. RECOMMENDED TRAILS: On Santa Cruz Island, the 20-mile round-trip jaunt from Scorpion to Prisoner’s Bay via Montañon and the Del Norte Trail offers endless Pacific views; Santa Rosa Island’s Carrington Point trail (14 miles roundtrip from campground) encounters the archeological site of the prehistoric pygmy mammoth; on San Miguel, the eight-mile Point Bennett trail takes you to the largest pinniped haul-out in the world; choose Santa Barbara’s Elephant Seal Cove Trail (five miles roundtrip) and enjoy a sunset cacophony of sea life. From Catalina’s Two Harbors, run to the spur Lion’s Head Trail off West End Road for a five-mile round-trip cruiser; continue on the road for unlimited mileage. CATALINA MARATHON: A participant in the 2005 Trail Runner TROPHY SERIES, this popular race takes place annually in March, and accommodates around 3000 runners. See www.pacificsportsllc.com. ETC.: World-renowned sea kayaking, diving and snorkeling opportunities abound for rest-day activities. Check with Island Packers (805-642-1393, www.islandpackers.com) for tour info.

Crocker and her brother Jeff climb above Cuyler Harbor, San Miguel Island. 42 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

great escapes «

“These trails make you want to take your clothes off and just run until you hit the water!”

The author takes a break from the trails to cool off, Scorpion’s Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island.

as earthquakes slowly nudged the ocean floor upward. The Chumash Indians, native people of the Channel Islands and coastal California, believe that earthquakes happen when two giant serpents holding up this world from below grow tired and move. The history of the Chumash and the Channel Islands are remarkably similar in that both have suffered near-complete annihilation and painfully slow recovery post-European invasion. The islands were used for sheep and cattle ranching, naval bomb testing and DDT dumping before coming under the protection of the National Park Service in 1980. Nowhere in the Channel Islands has recovery been more impressive than on San Miguel, which lies 25 miles off the coast of Point Conception, north of Santa Barbara. My younger brother, Jeff, joins David and me on our ferry ride to this northernmost island. Over the loudspeaker, Captain Evan Waite announces, “There should only be hearty people on board from here on out. It gets pretty rugged.” Jeff, who has lived in Ventura 22 years and never been to San Miguel, laughingly raises his eyebrows at the captain’s decree and goes to the front of the boat where the wind and waves are strongest. We cruise into Cuyler Harbor, where the azure water spills onto blinding white beaches. Green

leafy plants cling to the dunes blown about by relentless gales and maritime forces. We land by skiff and make our way up Nidever Canyon toward the mysterious Caliche Forest—calcified pine and cypress stumps left over from the Pleistocene Era. Because of continued naval activity on the island, a park ranger must accompany us on the trails, lest we wander onto an old bomb testing site or some covert activity. We are permitted, however, to run back along the smooth singletrack from the Caliche Forest, with our ranger escort bringing up the rear. “I can’t believe this place used to be a complete wasteland,” David remarks as we travel past coastal sagebrush, endemic deerweed and Live-forever succulents that fade into the misty horizon. Beyond the Caliche Forest and some eight miles from Cuyler Harbor, Point Bennett boasts one of the largest seal and sea-lion haul-outs (migratory pit stops) in the world, and is the only known place where six species of pinnipeds come together in one spot. During the summer, an estimated 30,000 animals rest on the sandy point. It is spectacles such as this that prompted Jacques Cousteau to declare the Channel Islands “the Galapagos of North America.” Perhaps one of the most well-known 2005 MAY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 43

» great escapes

Jasun Laminen drums to the beat of the Paciﬁc.

land events in the Channel Islands is the Catalina Marathon, held every March on the southern island famous among Hollywood jetsetters. David has lined up a flight to Catalina and tells me to pack light. Twenty minutes after leaving the Oxnard airport, we descend toward Catalina’s aptly named “Airport in the Sky,” appearing suddenly, poking through layers of mist. Peering down from the clouds, the island is a maze of firebreaks and dirt roads, a marked contrast to the desolate, federally protected San Miguel. Bypassing the chic town of Avalon, we catch a shuttle van to the more remote Two Harbors, washboarding along dirt roads dotted with pygmy bison until we arrive at what could be the St. Tropez of California. Sizzling cheeseburgers, piped reggae and silicon-filled bikini tops assault our senses. We set up camp, and head for high ground in search of marathon-worthy trails. We end up at a sewage effluent flanked by a burned-out resort van. It’s a stellar view from here: the sun slinks down over the isthmus as the wind (known to the Chumash as Cenhes or “breath of the world”) kicks up, rustling scattered oak trees. We find few singletrack trails that aren’t wickedly steep, erosion nightmares, and opt to cruise along West End Road, taking in water-sculpted shore cliffs and raven calls. The following week, we land on Santa Rosa Island, and are again within the National Park boundaries. With 56 square miles of genuine trail-covered terrain, Santa Rosa feels like the coastal outback. David, Jasun and I traverse toward Black Mountain, the island’s highest peak at nearly 1300 feet, making our way through sedimentary-rock canyons layered with epochs of life—archaic shells and a 13,000-year-old Chumash village poking through sandstone. 44 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

great great escapes escapes«« Jasun shoots me a wide grin while David scrambles up behind us, shouting, “These trails make you want to take your clothes off and just run until you hit the water!” After a few miles, we lie down in the tall grass and watch the sky explode ruby red, before heading down through the rare and ancient Torrey Pine forest. Earlier in the day, six endangered pygmy island fox were released into the wild here from their breeding quarters on Santa Rosa’s interior. Found only in the Channel Islands, pygmy island fox were nearly killed off completely by non-native golden eagles. According to NPS fox biologist, Jeff Klein, since 1999 recovery efforts have raised the fox population on Santa Rosa from 13 to 64 animals. Jasun, David and I shuffle back to our tents in blackness. A pre-teen named Sebastian, who is camped next to us, gushes how this is the first time he’s ever seen the Big Dipper because the lights in his hometown of L.A. hide the stars. We show him the seal dance and let him beat his own rhythm on the drum. The weekend of Halloween, David and I visit the last and largest island in our journey, Santa Cruz. According to legend, the Chumash originally emerged from Santa Cruz Island and came to the “big land” on a wishtoyo or rainbow bridge made for them by the Earth Goddess, Hutash, Chumash ceremonial leader Mati Waiya tells me. We run from Scorpion Bay toward Prisoner’s Harbor, a 20-mile round-trip. It takes most of the day; by sunset we’re standing on top of the Montañon ridgeline where the wishtoyo bridge supposedly began, eating the last of our dried apricots. I bend down to pick prickly pear needles out of my socks and feel something watching me; I look up to see a Red-tailed Hawk hovering directly overhead. I sense that I am being blessed. With the sun dropping fast, I’m glad I brought my headlamp. As I turn down the technical cut-bank trail, David is trying to get a reading on his GPS, circling around the summit aimlessly before following me down. “Did you see that hawk hovering over you up there,” he asks, incredulous. I nod. “That was weird, man.” We make our way in silence, navigat-

ing feral pig holes and ball-bearing-like volcanic spheres in the trail. We get to the cut-off from Scorpion Canyon trail, and I remember the steep contour around the knoll above our camp. “This way,” I mumble. “Wait,” David says, “I can’t find a reading on my GPS.” We stand there in the eerie glow of the hand-held device. I look down the grassy slope and see fox-sized eyes flash green. “What’s that?” David startles, “That’s not a fox, is it?” “Looks like it,” I say. It’s clear to me that we should follow the fox. “This is the way down,” I say again. “But it won’t give me a reading,” says David, annoyed. I start walking slowly, trusting my memory, the fox and the fence line. Suddenly, David yowls, and I hear a loud snapping noise from above. “Are you OK?” I yell up. “I think I broke my ankle.” “Maybe that noise was the GPS hitting the rock,” I offer optimistically. “No, it was my foot.” The constellation Orion hovers overhead, as I schlep David down off the mountain and back to the tents. Park Ranger Danny Black is waiting for us with ice cream and warm cookies he’s baked from scratch. We ice and wrap David’s ankle and begin the long wait for dawn and the boat. I lie in my sleeping bag, listening to Cenhes blowing through Eucalyptus trees, grateful for strong ankles and hawk blessings. Bridget Crocker is a freelance outdoor adventure writer, who has traveled remote trails, rivers and seas from the Philippines to Patagonia. On a clear day, she can see the Channel Islands from her home in Ventura, California.

Merrell Full Pursuit

Extendin g comfort. That’s the idea behind new GORE -TEX ® XCR® (Extended Comfort Ran ge) footwear. Thanks to a remarkable new membrane technolo gy, these shoes are the first to deliver extended comfort and durable waterproof protection during high ouput activity and over multiple sea sons. By dramatically increa sin g breathability and keepin g the temperature inside your shoe at its optimal level, GORE-TEX® XCR® footwear is guaranteed to take you to that good place – and keep you there lon ger.

2005 MAY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 45

T R AIL TES T E D by MICHAEL BENGE and GARETT GRAUBINS

» photos by DAVID CLIFFORD

New Models Box It Out

2005 OFFERS TRAIL RUNNERS MORE SHOE CHOICES THAN EVER It’s a great time to be a trail runner. It’s spring, the trails are prime (well, maybe a bit muddy) and the number of companies offering trail-running shoes has shot through the roof. In our 2005 Spring Shoe Review, we tested a whopping 19 new models, thrashing them on dirt, snow, mud and rock. We employed testers of all shapes and sizes from all quadrants of the

= FEATHERWEIGHT Float like a butterfly ... Light and nimble. Ideal for shorter, fast distances on moderately technical terrain.

country and of all trail persuasions to bring you the most objective, authoritative and comprehensive analyses available. A couple of trends this season include dual/ independent lacing systems and a handful of super lightweights. Whether you’re a weekend path trotter, hardcore ultrarunner or something in between, there is a model or three suited just for you.

M = MIDDLEWEIGHT

All-purpose gladiators. Steady support that’s adept at cruising, and conquering tortuous trails, too.

= HEAVYWEIGHT Here’s the beef. Ideal for larger payloads or punishing, technical routes. Abundant protection and stability.

LA SPORTIVA SLINGSHOT $75 • www.sportiva.com EDITOR’S CHOICE FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMP

Weight: 11.5 (all weights are ounces/ shoe for a men’s size 9.5) Dirt: The comfy Slingshot feels like a slipper out of the box. The tongue and laces extend down to the toes, ensuring a reliable fit. A molded nylon heel stabilizer and dual-density rubber midsole make it surprisingly stable. A versatile shoe: soft sole rolls across smooth trail while sticky rubber outsole adheres to technical routes. Thin wafer mesh upper makes this a soft, airy ride. Priced right. Biff: Shoe may be too soft for ultra distances. Tread lacks lateral stability, especially on muddy or icy surfaces.

TRAIL FEEDBACK: “The Slingshot struts its stuff in varied terrain. On one run, it cruised across dusty dirt road and then gripped rock like flypaper.” —Garett Graubins, Carbondale, CO

46 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

F TEVA X1 • $90 www.teva.com Weight: 10.1 Dirt: Teva is off to the races with the X1, the rocket ship of the review. A stripped-down model that favors efficient striders and shorter-distance racers, the shoe is comfortable and trim with great foot roll and toe off. Medium tread and flex offer adequate support on semi-technical trails. Screen-mesh side panels on upper provide breathability and draining. Biff: Ultra runners need not apply—not enough cushioning or support.

GoLite Covert with WINDSTOPPER® N2S™ fabric technology

M ADIDAS SUPERNOVA TRAIL • $85 www.thestore.adidas.com Weight: 13.2 Dirt: An update of last spring’s model, with a new airy mesh upper. The narrow heel box and efficient lacing system secure the foot, and the shoe still feels cushy and comfortable. A great allaround trail performer that won’t abuse you on harder surfaces. Biff: The relatively high heel platform may not suit all runners. Trail Feedback: “A light, trim and sturdy shoe that was comfortable in many running conditions.” —Susi Cora, Alexandria, VA

Garments with WINDSTOPPER® N 2S™ fabric can be worn next to the skin in a variety of activities across a broad range of weather conditions. That’s because a revolutionary ultralight membrane combines a base layer, lightweight insulation, and windproof shell, all in a single garment. It not only stops the wind and prevents heat loss, but effectively moves moisture from your skin so you don’t get overheated. So now you can slam the door on windchill, blow away the need for bulk, and find comfort in your favorite high-aerobic activity –

in virtually any condition.

GARMONT AR2 • $90

TECNICA CORSA AT • $90

www.garmontusa.com Weight: 15.2 Dirt: The AR2 is a comfortable shoe suited to high-volume feet. This burly contender can take on heavyweight terrain, with a super-stable platform. Comfort was enhanced by its cushy, padded gusseted tongue. Smooth foot roll. A great fastpacker. Biff: Not well-suited to light-duty work. Low breathability. Trail Feedback: “For such a stout shoe, it had silky smooth heel-to-toe transition.” —Garett Graubins, Carbondale, CO

www.tecnicausa.com Weight: 12.7 Dirt: Tecnica’s most rugged and runable entry yet. The full-lace front— down to the toes—is like a cushy strait jacket for the foot. Meshy uppers are complemented by defensive, supportive side panels. A good all-around trail performer. Biff: Non-aggressive tread; shoe tends to hold water. Trail Feedback: “The protective design make this a good shoe for rough ultras.” —Rachel Landon, Portland, OR 2005 MAY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 47

» trail tested

F SAUCONY GRID CHEBACCO • $75

M ASICS EAGLE TRAIL IV • $90 www.asicsamerica.com Weight: 13.9 Dirt: Über-aggro tread, stability and sleek fit make the Eagle Trail IV a reliable all-purpose workhouse. Wraparound lacing system gives a strappedin fit. Mesh upper breathed well. Best suited for rugged turf and rocky routes. Biff: Heel impact felt a little hard. Trail Feedback: “I liked the shoe’s light feel and the way it formed to my foot.” —Bonnie Hofto, Carbondale, CO

www.saucony.com Weight: 11.3 Dirt: A low-profile, lightweight sled, the Chebacco strips away excess and provides a comfortable fit and nice cushioning that functions well on even … ahem, pavement. As a minimalist medium-distance shoe to a short-distance rager, it excels, providing surprising support for such a svelte model. Note the seamless transition from heel strike-totoe off. Wide through the arch. Biff: Lacing system average. Falls short in lateral stability in rocky terrain. Trail Feedback: “I like them best on dry, gravely runs, but they also had decent traction on slippery trails.” —Erica Larson, Los Alamos, NM

M TIMBERLAND TRAIL LIZARD XCR • $120 www.timberland.com Weight: 13.1 Dirt: Timberland’s debut trail-running shoe features a refreshingly no-nonsense design, with a low-heel profile and GoreTex XCR waterproof barrier. The aggressive, sticky-rubber lugs gripped rocks like Gorilla Glue. Abrasion-resistant toe shield and gridded side panels bolster an already tough upper. Non-XCR version also available ($80). Biff: Lizard could overheat in peak summer months. Craves more lateral stability.

NEW BALANCE 808 • $80

THE NORTH FACE CUTBACK • $90

MONTRAIL HIGHLINE • $93

www.newbalance.com Weight: 14.4 Dirt: The unique, layered heel pocket felt odd at first but broke in quickly and locked in the fit. The 808 gave a comfortable, cushy ride, and the upper exoskeleton side panels wrapped the foot for side-to-side stability. An adept all-around performer. Available in narrow, medium and wide for women, and medium, wide and extra wide for men. Biff: Slightly heavy. Collects mud. Trail Feedback: “Firm heel and snug lacing system made the 808 comfortable, and from the sidewalk to the woods, the shoe performed great.” —Rob Chambers, Halifax, Nova Scotia

www.thenorthface.com Weight: 12.7 Dirt: A very comfortable shoe with a spacious toe box and gusseted tongue. Runs on the light side but still behaves on rough terrain. Specialized technical footbed with extra cushioning in impact zones and mid-foot ridge to prevent sliding. Scree-gaiter attachment straps (TNF gaiter available for $10). A cool cruiser. Biff: High-volume fit limits its potential. Non-aggro tread not suited for steep, rocky downhills. Trail Feedback: “A good balance of support, stability and breathability.” —Anna Weaver, Boulder, CO

48 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

www.montrail.com Weight: 13.3 Dirt: Montrail’s smash-hit Hardrock shoe without the posting, meaning it’s better suited for a neutral stride. Testers praised the fit, thanks to the lacing system and internal mesh bootie. Screen mesh side panels let the foot breathe. It’s a tough hombre, with 360-degree shielding for rugged trails. Good arch support. Biff: A serious, technical mountain shoe that is overkill on smooth dirt or fireroads. Trail Feedback: “Right from the start, I enjoyed the fit. I had excellent security in the fit of the heel and my toes had lots of room. I might actually re-grow my toenails with these shoes!” —Sarah Trachy, Cold Brook, NY

trail tested «

F H LAFUMA ACTIVE TRAIL • $75 www.lafumausa.com Weight: 15.3 Dirt: Bombproof construction, comfortable fit (albeit fairly high volume) and ultimate stability make this shoe the Mack truck of the review. Instephugging gusseted, mesh tongue with asymmetrical, dual lacing for a form fit. A good bargain for such a beefy, dependable shoe. Biff: Too heavy for light-duty trail work or short, fast racing. Trail Feedback: “The fit and construction were phenomenal. A great fastpacking shoe that contours well on rough ground.” —Michael Benge, Carbondale, CO

NIKE ACG ORIZABA • $85 www.nikeacg.com Weight: 12.3 Dirt: A trim bantamweight that eases smoothly from roads to burly trails. One of the best-fitting shoes in the review, with a foot-hugging gusseted tongue. Dual lacing system equals a customizable fit. Agile runners loved the stickyrubber outsole that grabbed rocky surfaces. Drain holes let water escape. Biff: Tuck-away lacing is cumbersome, and can loosen up during long runs. Trail Feedback: “If these soles were any stickier, you could do a decent Spiderman imitation. Fairly light and void of the boot sensation common to many trail shoes.” —Bob Sweeney, Rye, NY

Mountain Hardwear Transition Featherweight with WINDSTOPPER® N2S™ fabric technology

EDIT OR HEAV ’S CHO YW IC CHAMEIGHT E P

but effectively moves moisture from your skin so you don’t get overheated. So now you can slam the door on windchill, blow away the need for bulk, and find comfort in your

H SALOMON GCS PRO • $130

H MERRELL FULL PURSUIT GORE-TEX XCR • $120 www.merrell.com Weight: 15.5 Dirt: Larger, big-boned runners will welcome the Pursuit’s high-volume fit and firm, supportive midsole. Floating rubber exoskeleton provides forefoot support but may snag trail debris. With Gore-Tex XCR bonded to the inside of the upper, this is a decent, all-conditions fastpacking consideration. Biff: A bit heavy and hard-soled.

www.salomon-sports.com Weight: 14.6 Dirt: A space-age model with Salomon’s quick, effective pull-tab lacing system. The screen-mesh side panels allow great breathability and quick draining. The articulated heel outsole and stiff heel cup level out the gnarliest footing, while forefoot stays flexible and sensitive. A comfy shoe that works well in rugged terrain. An adventure-racing instant classic. Biff: Technical heel design adds weight. Trail Feedback: “The side-panel bilging purges water well, and the GCS Pro offered great traction, especially on rocky downhills.” —James Harris, Indianapolis, IN 2005 MAY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 49

favorite high-aerobic activity – in virtually any condition.

gore-tex.com from the inventors of GORE-TEX ® fabrics GORE, GORE-TEX, WINDSTOPPER, WINDSTOPPER N2S, and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., ©2004 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., 1-800-431-GORE.

» trail tested

EDIT O MIDDR’S CHO LE W IC CHAM EIGHT E P

Marmot Evolution with WINDSTOPPER® N2S™ fabric technology

BROOKS CASCADIA • $90

INOV-8 TERROC 330 • $90

www.brooksrunning.com Weight: 13.7 Dirt: Bravo! An innovative direction in trail shoes. The Cascadia adopts a low, racing profile with a close fit and stability. Pivot posting keeps the foot steady and ankles intact in harsh terrain. Breathable mesh, wicking material around the cuff and perforated side shields mean the Cascadia drains well. Forefoot flex grooves and rocker sole make this a speedy shoe. Biff: A tad heavy for such a streamlined shoe. Trail Feedback: “It has a good fit and I like the way it handled. The color combo and looks got lots of comments. I would buy the Cascadia again.” —Roy Pirrung, Sheboygan, WI

www.inov-8.com Weight: 12.1 Dirt: The beefier brother of inov-8’s racing models, the Terroc is a rewarding blend of feathery weight and gruffness. It has medial and lateral posting for stability in technical terrain, but is also super-pliable and lets you feel and adjust to variable surfaces. Highly porous upper pumps out water in adverse weather. Biff: Although cushier than previous inov-8 models, the Terroc is still not ideal for ultra miles. Trail Feedback: “I liked the minimalist design of the Terroc 330, which felt nimble in all conditions.” —Michael Benge, Carbondale, CO

wind and prevents heat loss, but effectively moves moisture from your skin so you don’t get overheated. So now you can slam the door on windchill, blow away the need for bulk, and find comfort in your favorite high-aerobic activity – in virtually any condition.

F PEARL IZUMI SYNCRO SEEK • $95 www.pearlizumi.com Weight: 12.7 Dirt: An unusual looker, the syncro Seek combines light weight, high style and good function. Seamless, breathablemesh upper and relatively wide toe box provide superb fit—perhaps the most comfortable shoe in the review. A great shoe for roads to moderately technical trails. And you can hit the town in these style-y kicks. Biff: Forefoot/upper a little unstable on sidehills. Upper material frayed during rugged duty. Trail Feedback: “It fits like a soft glove and looks pretty, but works hard, too.” —Chris Rumohr, Fairfax, VA 50 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

M VASQUE AMP • $90 www.vasque.com Weight: 13.7 Dirt: A sleek design offering plentiful robustness that could take you from dirt roads to harsh singletrack. The Amp boasts a close-fitting, high-cuff upper, great lacing system and a buff, cradlelike midsole for supreme stability. You won’t feel roots poking through the stiff forefoot plate. Aggressive outsole tread devours technical terrain. One of the best all-arounders we tested. Biff: Overbuilt for smooth cruisers. Could overheat on sweltering, dusty trails.

take your mark «

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et GIFT! justoTHE duoPERFECT dolores et RUNNING ea rebum. Stet clita let the runner your gift list go another kasdDon’t gubergren, noon sea takimata sanctus mile without Road ID®! This necessary part of est Lorem dolor insittheamet. running gearipsum is invaluable event Lorem of an unforeseen while running. Road ID® is ipsum doloraccident sit amet, consetetur sadipscavailable in 4 models: the SHOE ID (pictured), ing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod WRIST ID, ANKLE ID, & NECK ID. Only $19.99! tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna 800-345-6336 aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero www.RoadID.com eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla facilisi. Nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option congue nihil imperdiet doming id quod mazim placerat facer possim assum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut You laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat can purchase volutpat. Ut wisi select issues of enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea comyou may modo haveconsequat. missed. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in Visit us at: hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie

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Go to “back issues” and get caught up!

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T R AIL TES T E D by AMY GOLDHAMMER

» photos by DAVID CLIFFORD

Support Systems 3 TOP RUNNING BRAS REVEALED In honor of the bra’s 100th anniversary, we tested three of the best new sport support systems out there. Our testers ranged in sizes from 32A to 38D and hit the trails in all types of weather and temperatures. We didn’t just focus on support and breathability—we checked out fit, how the bras held up in the wash

and whether they developed an odor. Naturally, style was also a major consideration. ¶ The good news is that most of today’s athletic bras feature decent support. Hey, that’s a long way from two drinking cups fastened around a woman’s ribcage with twine—yes, that’s actually how the “sport bra” originated! HIND MOTION SENSOR BRA ($45, www.hind.com)

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Crafted of dryLETE, a technical fabric blend designed to keep moisture away from the body, and a moisture-wicking liner to keep you temperature regulated, the Motion Sensor features stretchable, breathable, lightly lined cups. The ladies raved about the support and comfort of the bra, but were wary at first of the adjustable back hook and eye closure. “The three different clasp settings offered fine-tuned support,” says one. “I was held in without any bouncing.” Testers also loved the V-neck styling and crisscross back straps of the bra, even throwing out adjectives like “attractive” and “sexy.” “This is possibly the most comfortable and breathable running bra I’ve ever worn,” reports a tester in Atlanta, Georgia, who took to the trails in stifling southern humidity. Available in true sizes 32B to 38C, including 34DD.

PATAGONIA SPORT TOP ($42, www.patagonia.com)

Patagonia’s Sport Top is constructed of a moisturewicking blend that gave chafe-free movement, even in seamed areas where we expected rubbing. The stretchmesh back is contoured between the back muscles, racer-back style, for an ultra-comfortable fit, allowing airflow between the shoulder blades. One of the Sport Top’s greatest assets is the soft trim at the neck, arms, straps and rib cage. “The wide band around the rib cage is supportive and totally unrestrictive,” reports a tester who ran in mild mountain air through the Colorado backcountry. “The higher neckline minimized bouncing and left no random seams to interfere with my breasts.” Available in sizes A/B, B/C and C/D.

SUGOI FIRMA MESH BRA ($34, www.sugoi.com)

Boasting high-impact support, the Firma Mesh features an airy mesh construction throughout the entire bra for ultimate airflow and moisture transfer—even in the elastic along the ribcage. The lightweight fabric delivers surprising support and keeps you in place. The fullcoverage support is ideal for larger breast sizes, and superb stretch ensures a comfortable, non-irritating fit. “There was minimal to no bouncing,” says a size 38C tester, “which is important for those of us who are wellendowed!” Available in sizes XS to 2XL. 52 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

JUNGLE BOOGIE (continued from page 37)

he sixth and last stage will be much shorter, just 20 kilometers. As usual, the camp awakes at 5 a.m. My breakfast consists of chocolate mousse. When we arrive by boat at the start, the Brazilian runners are having a samba party. It’s not yet 9 a.m. but it’s very hot. Chiquino and I start fast on the fairly easy terrain, but need to ease up while looking for trail markers. We are overtaken by Mosta and a Brazilian. When we pass open areas, the heat hits like a hammer. Today I feel much better and maintain a steady pace. After 90 minutes I pass Chiquino, who has bonked. I catch the lead duo at a small village half an hour later and make a push to the finish. Even though I’m not the overall winner, I receive a winner’s reception at the finish line on the beach of the tiny jungle town Rio Preto da Eva. As I enjoy the moment and cool down with cold drinks, Mosta arrives to claim his overall victory. “In a race like this you need a multiday race strategy,” he says, as we lounge around the finish, “And it’s important to know that the long stage is usually deci-

sive for the outcome of the race.” He is right of course. Sitting there, I begin planning for a stronger performance next year. I guess I’m hooked now—on adventure marathons and the jungle—“The Green Hell.” But I’m still afraid of jaguars.

Fredrik Ölmqvist, 36, is a freelance journalist based in Göteborg, Sweden, in summer, and now Rio de Janeiro during winter. “I guess the Jungle Marathon gave me the ‘Brazil bug,’” he says, “And there is no vaccine for that.”

ROUND THREE

2005 Jungle Marathon, October 5-14 The 2005 race will be held from October 5 to 14 in the same area as 2004, along Rio Tapajos in the Pará region, also known as “The Caribbean of the Amazon” due to the white beaches and clear, green water. For the first time competitors can choose between two distances: 100 or 200 kilometers. The longer distance will include six stages and the shorter will include four. Bear in mind that difficulty in this race is measured not by distance, but by terrain. Runners will be self-sufficient and must bring their own hammock. Race organizers provide hot water at camps, bottled water along the course and medical assistance. Entry fee is $2880, which includes hotel nights, local transportation and some meals before and after the race. More info: www.junglemarathon.com

WICKED GLACIERS SACRED MOUNTAINS TURQUOISE LAKES

INCA TRAIL MARATHON & CHASQUI CHALLENGE - PERU June 12 to 26, 2005 PERUVIAN ANDES RUNNING ADVENTURE July 17 to 31, 2005 ECUADOR RUNNING ADVENTURE May 26 - June 3, 2005 PATAGONIA RUNNING ADVENTURE December 16, 2005 to January 2, 2006

(800) 289-9470 www.andesadventures.com

A S K THE CO A C H by THERESE IKNOIAN

» Illustration by JEREMY COLLINS

TO STRETCH OR NOT, ARTHRITIS & ULTRAS, ELECTROLYTE PILL POPPING STRETCHING: ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE?

Well, maybe neither! Stretching theory has changed a lot over the years. In 2004, a review of more than 360 stretching studies (in the American College of Sports Medicine’s journal, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise) found that stretching at any time didn’t reduce the incidence of injury; the researchers concluded more study was needed, but they didn’t advise people to stretch … or not! Mike Bracko, an exercise physiologist in Calgary, Canada, says stretching won’t prevent injury, but it may help your head. If it feels good, do it, either before or after running. Otherwise, just go run. The exception is, if you are already hurt or have a muscle spasm, then stretch. If your goal with stretching is to avoid injury, Bracko suggests focusing instead on balanced strengthening, as well as being smart about sleep, recovery, nutrition and reducing stress.

tissue that lies between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) and serves to distribute force across the knee joint. According to Eric Hansen, M.D., orthopedic surgeon and head team physician at Fresno State University in California, less meniscus means less cushion and more friction between your femur and tibia. This can result in degradation of the articular cartilage, which sits on the ends of the femur and tibia—and arthritis. Hansen suggests getting a second opinion, though. Questions to ask: Is there already arthritis in your knee? Do you have any articular cartilage left? Did improper knee alignment make you more inclined to this injury? Are you genetically inclined to arthritis? “People either have a good gene or a bad gene,” he says. And, finally, how big are you? Someone with a larger frame and more mass puts more load on his joints. Hansen suggests that you mix up your running with cross training, e.g. biking or swimming. That way you may still be able to run select races (or at least stay physically active into old age). “Go and suffer aerobically, but do it without beating yourself up,” says Hansen. “You need to decide what kind of risk you want to take.”

KNEE-JERK REACTION

ELECTIVE ELECTROLYTES

I recently tore the medial meniscus in one knee, and had surgery that removed 25 percent of it. I am an ultra runner, and my surgeon told me if I keep it up, I’d have arthritis in my 40s. He suggested running only 10 to 15 miles a week! Is a meniscus tear the end to an endurance runner’s life?

I have run several 50Ks and noticed quite a few runners downing electrolyte capsules. Are capsules better than drinking a sports drink? If so, when should I take them, and what capsules do you recommend?

When I ran college track, my coach preached stretching before running. Since I’ve started running longer distance races, though, I’ve been advised by some to stretch only after a run. Who is right? —EMILL KIM, PASADENA, CA

—MATT HART, SEATTLE, WA

First, for the knee neophyte, the meniscus is a horseshoeshaped chunk of cartilaginous 54 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

—JP RICHARDS, ESTACADA, OR

A proper balance of electrolytes is important in distance endeavors, because it helps your body absorb fluids and keep you hydrated, prevents muscles from cramping, helps

control nausea and promotes a well-functioning nervous system. Drinking a sound electrolyte beverage while training or racing may be sufficient. However, once you get into longer events or hotter weather, all bets are off. Everyone’s’ electrolyte needs (basically sodium and potassium) vary according to fitness, acclimatization, hydration, carb intake and general physiology. Some people just sweat a lot and need more. Do not, however, begin taking supplements in your next race. “You have to practice it in training to see what works,” says Brent Ruby, Ph.D., and director of the human performance laboratory at University of Montana-Missoula. Supplement options include: • CAPSULES, such as Succeed (344 mg sodium; 21 mg potassium), which are usually heavier in sodium and geared toward ultra-endurance activities. • WATER ADD-INS, such as a new product called Elete (125

mg sodium; 130 mg potassium; 45 mg magnesium), which is a no-flavor, non-sweetened electrolyte solution you add to your liquids. • POWDERS like newbie zipfizz (60 mg sodium; 905 mg potassium; 100 mg magnesium; 100 mg caffeine) or Emergen-C (60 mg sodium; 200 mg potassium; 60 mg magnesium). “There is no magic bullet that will work for everybody,” stresses Ruby. ■

SHOE GIVEAWAY

Trail Runner would like to answer your questions on training, medicine, gear and technique. Please send them to coach@bigstonepub.com. If we use your question in an upcoming issue, you may receive a pair of INOV-8 trail runners. The Terroc 330 offers great comfort and performance. Very flexible, light-weight and highly breathable for hard-packed trails and the occasional dirt road.

www.inov-8.com

the godfather «

MAP COURTESY OF DDS, INC. (WWW.USGSQUADS.COM)

DAVE HORTON

(continued from page 31) “I couldn’t understand why he would spend that time away from his family,” she says. “But I love him and I knew he wanted to do it so badly,” says Nancy. “Running is his passion and even though I do not always agree with it, I had to let him go.” “I have a good wife,” says Horton. “I am a fortunate person.” Adds Nancy, “We’ve struggled at times, but we have a solid Christian marriage, and we make it work.” Nancy, David and their two children have all made sacriﬁces along the way so they can be together. David has scheduled his runs early in the morning or at lunchtime to avoid infringing too much on family time and Nancy has become instrumental in helping David direct trail races. The Hortons’ son, Brandon, has also taken part in some of David’s trail adventures. As David neared the end of his AT record attempt, Brandon, now 30, and Nancy traveled to Maine to greet him. While Nancy waited at checkpoints, Brandon joined his dad on the trail. On the ﬁnal day, as Brandon and David made their way to the top of Mount Katahdin, Brandon turned to his dad and said, “Dad, I’m really glad it’s just me and you here on the AT.”

“H” MARKS THE SPOT

Total miles: 400 // Total climbing: 74,642 feet // Total 2004 starters: 30 Total 2004 finishers: 21 // Fastest: Scott Jurek, 30, Washington 77:40:12 Least fast: Ray Mount, 58, Massachusetts, 121:51:28

THIS SUMMER, DAVID HORTON WILL ATTEMPT THE FIRST-EVER “CONTINENTAL H,” when he runs the Paciﬁc Crest Trail (PCT), a 2650-mile path from the California/Mexico border to the Washington/Canada border. If Horton is successful, his PCT, AT and Trans-America routes will form the letter “H” over the United States. Horton will begin his PCT journey in June and hopes to complete it in roughly 63 days, which would shatter the current record of 83 days, set in 2003 by Ray Greenlaw of Savannah, Georgia. For Horton, it’s yet another “Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal” on his trail-running resume. To learn more about his past runs, purchase his book or link to a site tracking his PCT progress, go to www.extremeultrarunning.com.

the godfather »»adventure Says Horton, “That was one of the most special moments in my life and really put things in the right perspective.”

Love thy neighbour as thyself. (Leviticus 19: 18) Says Blake Wood, “Horton is certainly willing to toot his own horn, but is quick to toot others’ as well.” When Horton is not in pursuit of his own challenge, he spends a lot of time urging and helping others toward their own. Twice he has traveled from Virginia to California to help friends Bethany Hunter and Clark Zealand, attempt the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run. “He loves helping people do something special,” says Hunter. Says Zealand, “Not only did he travel to crew me in my ﬁrst 100 miler, but he drove the whole way!” Zealand had a disappointing race and almost dropped at the mile-55 aid station, Michigan Bluff. Horton played the role of motivator, suggesting Zealand take a rest before encouraging him to continue. Zealand rallied to ﬁnish. When Pete Palmer of Avon, Connecticut, attempted to break Horton’s AT record in 1999, Horton helped. He shared

tips and pointers with Palmer, and even met him on the segment of the AT near his home in Lynchburg. “Records are made to be broken,” says Horton with a sigh of resignation. Palmer did break Horton’s record, completing the trek in 48 days 20 hours. “I didn’t mind helping him early on,” admits Horton, “but it became depressing later, because he was doing so well.” “Horton probably gives more of himself to ultrarunning than any man alive,” says Wood, “and he has single-handedly introduced more people to ultrarunning than anyone else I can think of.” Horton directs four major trail races, called the “Lynchburg Ultra Series,” and maintains a section of the AT close to his house—arguably the cleanest section of the entire trail. Lastly, Horton spreads the trail-running gospel through teaching running classes at Liberty University. Many current and former Liberty University students began running through Horton’s urging and inspiration. One “Horton-ite,” as many Virginia trail runners jokingly call any runner who crosses Horton’s path, is Angela Madison, a 21year-old junior at Liberty. After taking Horton’s running class—and “listening to his endless pep talks”—she registered

for the 2004 Mountain Masochist 50-Mile Trail Run. She had only run one other race in her entire life—a four-miler—but still managed to break the ﬁnishers’ tape in just under 12 hours.

For dust you are, and to dust you shall return. (Genesis 3:19) A framed poster hangs in Horton’s Liberty University ofﬁce. A man crouches collapsed against the Mount Katahdin sign at the end of the AT. His face is not visible, fog surrounds him and the horizon is a mystery. The headline reads: “The End of the Journey.” “That is the greatest photograph of all time,” says Horton, his gaze glued to the ghostly ﬁgure. When asked about the end of his own life journey, Horton’s bespectacled eyes turn to the future. “I’d like to run the Mountain Masochist 50-Miler with my grandson one day,” he says, before adding, “And, on the last day of my life, have a good run on mountain trails.” Garett Graubins is Senior Editor of Trail Runner.

THE CLEVELAND WEST ROAD RUNNING CLUB PRESENTS THE 16TH ANNUAL

MOHICAN 100 TRAIL RUN June Saturday-Sunday 18-19, 2005, Loudonville, Ohio

JOIN TODAY SUPPORT OUR SPORT. The All American Trail Running Association (AATRA), is a 501(c) not-for-proﬁt corporation founded in 1996 to represent and promote trail and mountain running. Visit our web site at: www.trailrunner.com OUR GOALS: Educate and provide information about our sport to the media and non-running entities that have similar goals and objectives.

Organize AATRA-sponsored and supported events. Provide a forum whereby the business of the sport can be discussed and organized.

Create and nurture alliances with other organizations. Develop recreational participation and provide opportunities

for families to enjoy our sport.

For registration and info the journey begins here:

www.mohican100.org For applications and information contact:

Bob Strong, Mohican 100 PO Box 7, Loudonville, Ohio 44842 USA rlstrong@neo.rr.com

In addition to beneﬁts that include our newsletter Trail Times, $9 of your $25 annual membership entitles you to one-year subscription to Trail Runner. (Current Trail Runner subscribers who join AATRA receive one additional year).

AATRA, P.O. Box 9454, Colorado Springs, CO 80932. Questions? Call (719) 573-4405 JOIN TODAY AND SUPPORT OUR SPORT.

>>SIGN UP NOW! Just ﬁnish any 2005 TROPHY SERIES race, and you’re automatically entered. 06/25 Double Dipsea 13.8M; Stinson Beach, CA; www. dserunners.com; RunKenRun@aol.com See p. 14 or trailrunnermag.com for info

PACIFIC/DESERT 04/02 American River 50 Mile Endurance Run; Sacramento, CA; www.run100s.com/AR50/; info@ar50.org

06/25 Western States Endurance Run 100M; Squaw Valley, CA; www.ws100.com; wser100@comcast.net 07/09 Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series #3 10M; Crystal Mountain, WA; www.whiteriver50.org; searunco@aol.com

04/17 Mt Si Relay and Ultra Runs 50K, 50M; Snoqualmie, WA; www.ontherun.com/mtsirelay; mtsirelay@mail.com

07/16 Tahoe Rim Trail 50K/50M Endurance Runs; Spooner Summit, NV; www.tahoemtnmilers.org/trt50/; trt50k50m@sbcglobal.net

04/17 Spokane River Run 5K, 10K, 25K; Spokane, WA; www. spokaneriverrun.com; spokeaho@msn.com

07/23 Baldy Peaks 50K; Mt Baldy Village, CA; www.larrygassan. com/BP50k_index.html; L_GASSAN@beachnet.com

04/23 Zane Grey Highline 50 Mile Trail Race;Payson, AZ; www. zanegrey50.com; jazzzaz@comcast.net 04/30 Escape from Prison Hill Half Marathon 13.1M; Carson City, NV; www.sagebrushstompers.org jeffrey.mark@us.army.mil 04/30 Miwok Trail 100K; Sausalito, CA; www.run100s.com/ wmw.htm; Miwok100K@aol.com 05/07 Malibu Creek Trail Challenge 4M, 14M; Calabasas, CA; www.trailrace.com; info@trailrace.com

07/30 Scott McQueeney Memorial Mt. Hood PCT 50/50 50K, 50M; Portland, OR; www.pctultra.com; longrun@pcez.com 07/30 White River 50 Mile National Trail Championship Crystal Mountain, WA; www.whiteriver50.org; searunco@aol.com 08/06 Round Valley Run 5.3M; Greenville, CA; www. roundvalleyrun.com; theshowers@frontiernet.net

ROCKIES 04/16 Greenland Trail 50K 12.5K, 25K, 37.5K, 50K; Castle Rock, CO; www.coloradorunnermag.com/other/Greenland50K.html; derek@coloradorunnermag.com 04/23 Spring Desert Ultra 25M, 50M; Fruita, CO; www. geminiadventures.com; reid_delman@geminiadventures.com 05/07 Collegiate Peaks Races 25M, 50M; Buena Vista, CO; www. collegiatepeakstrailrun.org; chamber@buenavistacolorado.org; Burke.Kaiser@collegiatepeaksbank.com 05/14 Pricky Pear Land Trust Don’t Fence Me In 5K, 12K; Helena, MT; www.pricklypearlt.org; mpmiller93@yahoo.com 05/21 24 Hours of Boulder...The Run 24H; Boulder, CO; www. geminiadventures.com; reid_delman@geminiadventures.com 05/29 Wyoming Marathon Races 13.1M, 26.2M, 52.4M; Laramie, WY; www.angelfire.com/wy2/marathon; RunWyo@msn.com 06/17 Bighorn Trail 100 100M; Dayton, WY; www. bighorntrailrun.com; shspst@fiberpipe.net 06/18 Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Runs 30K, 50K, 50M; Sheridan, WY; www.bighorntrailrun.com; shspst@fiberpipe.net

08/06 Plasses/Silver Lake Trail Run 6.3M; Silver Lake, CA; jshaw5@volcano.net

06/25 Jim Bridger 50K 25K, 50K; Bozeman, MT; www.math. montana.edu/~thayes; trailrunner@montana.net

08/14 Haulin’ Aspen Trail Run 13.1M, 26.2M; Bend, OR; www. FreshAirSports.com; haulinaspen@freshairsports.com

06/25 Wahsatch Steeplechase 17.5M; Salt Lake City, UT; www. wahsatchsteeplechase.com; butch@butchadams.com

08/20 Where’s Waldo 100K; Willamette Pass Ski Area, OR; www.wpsp.org/ww100k; thornley@wpsp.org

06/26 Golden Gate Canyon Trail Run 12M; Denver, CO; www. runuphillracing.com; info@runuphillracing.com

05/22 Ohlone Wilderness Trail Run 50K; Fremont, CA; www. abovethefog.net; Ohlone50K@abovethefog.net

08/27 Headlands 50K 2005 USA Trail Championship; Sausilito, CA; www.headlands50k.org; guypalmer@headlands50k.org

06/29 Summit Trail Running Series - Horseshoe Gulch 3M, 8M; Breckenridge, CO; www.townofbreckenridge.com; dianem@town ofbreckenridge.com

05/28 Mt Wilson Trail Race 8.6M; Sierra Madre, CA; lheinz@ci. sierra-madre.ca.us

09/17 Cle Elum Ridge Trail Run 50K; Cle Elum, WA; kmoehl2000@yahoo.com

07/10 Summer Roundup Trail Run 12K; Colorado Springs, CO; www.pikespeakmarathon.org; raceinfo@pikespeakmarathon.org

05/14 McDonald Forest 50K; Corvallis, OR; www.proaxis. com/~lacava; macultra@proaxis.com 05/14 RWT Waterfalls of Big Basin 5.5M, 10.5M, 16M; Boulder Creek, CA; www.redwoodtrails.com; info@redwoodtrails.com 05/21 Bishop High Sierra Ultras 20M, 50K, 50M; Bishop, CA; www.bhs50.com; Andrew.boyd2@verizon.net

09/24 RWT San Pablo Bay Trail Run 5K, 10K, 13.1M, 26.2M; San 06/04 Shadow of the Giants 11K, 50K; Fish Camp, CA; www. Redwood Trails.31 10/12/04 4:36 PM Rafael, Page 1 CA; www.redwoodtrails.com; info@redwoodtrails.com shadowofthegiants50K.com; robert@ultrarunner.net

Bizz Johnson Marathon

07/16 Backcountry Run 10M, 16.5M; Ketchum, ID; www. elephantsperch.com; brosso@elephantsperch.com

RACE #1 MASAI 5K, February 5, 2005 Observatory Hill Trails, Charlottesville, VA

PRESENTED BY

RACE #2 KINABALU 10K, February 19, 2005 Foxhaven Trails, Charlottesville, VA

RACE #3 AND #4 BEL MONTE ENDURANCE RUN 50K AND HARDROCK 25K, March 26, 2005 Sherando Lake Recreation Area, VA RACE #5 HIGHLANDS SKY 40 MILE TRAIL RUN, June 18, 2005 Monongahela National Forest, Davis, West Virginia RACE #6 VERMONT 100 MILE ENDURANCE RUN, July 16-17, 2005 Green Mountains, Woodstock, VT

A fast scenic course that’s groomed to perfection and easy on your knees, winds through northeast California’s most gorgeous landscapes. You might set a PR, as the course is never steep and loses 1000’ in elevation. Arguably the country’s most scenic marathon, the trail dives through the magnificent Susan River Canyon, crossing the river twelve times on picturesque wooden railroad bridges and passing through two railroad tunnels, 800’ & 450’ in length.The Bizz Marathon takes you the fast way through the mountain, instead of over it. 1/2 Marathon, 10K & 5K races too.

Sunday, October 9, 2005 - Westwood to Susanville, CA Redwood Trails | www.redwoodtrails.com | info@redwoodtrails.com | 650-364-8256

RACE #7 AND #8 GREAT EASTERN ENDURANCE RUNS 100K/50K, September 17, 2005 George Washington National Forest, Charlottesville, VA RACE #9 AND #10 VITESSE 10 MILE AND HALF MARATHON TRAIL RACES, November 19, 2005 Walnut Creek Park, Charlottesville, VA

Third Annual Great Eastern Trail Run Series

Got Trails? We do...

Race Registration/Information www.badtothebone.biz badtothebone@adelphia.net Phone: 434-293-7115 Contact: Gill, Race Director

» trophy series 07/16 Midnight Mountain 50K; Preston, ID; racers@brigham.net 07/17 High Mountain Trail Run 25K, 50K; Leadville, CO; www. hminet.org; kbartlett@hminet.org 07/20 Summit Trail Running Series - Cucumber Gulch 5M, 10M; Breckenridge, CO; www.townofbreckenridge.com; dianem@town ofbreckenridge.com 07/23 Grin and Bear It Trail Run 9.3M; Crested Butte, CO; www. visitcrestedbutte.com/mtnrunners; cristian@rmi.net 07/23 Snow King Hill Climb 2.3M; Jackson Hole, WY; www. tetonwyo.org; jharkness@tetonwyo.org 08/06 HURL Elkhorn 50 Mile Endurance Run Helena, MT; mpmiller93@yahoo.com 09/03 Meeteetse Absaroka Challenge 5K, 10K, 15K; Meeteetse, WY; www.meetrec.org; meetrec@tctwest.net 09/04 Breckenridge Crest Mountain Marathon 5M, 13M, 24.5M; Breckenridge, CO; www.boec.org/marathon; jim@boec.org 09/04 Steamboat 10K at 10,000 Feet; Steamboat Springs, CO; www.runningseries.com; info@runningseries.com 09/05 American Discovery Trail Marathon 5K, 13.1M, 26.2M; Colorado Springs, CO; sultancat@adelphia.net 09/10 Imogene Pass Trail Run 17.1M; Ouray, CO; www. imogenerun.com; staff@imogenerun.com 09/10 Mid-Mountain Marathon 26.2M; Park City, UT; www. mountaintrails.org; info@mountaintrails.org 09/17 Mount Helena Classic 5.6M; Helena, MT; mpmiller93@yahoo.com 09/18 Golden Leaf Half Marathon 13.3M; Aspen, CO; www. utemountaineer.com; paul@utemountaineer.com 09/24 Moab’s Alpine to Slickrock Race & Relay 50M; Moab, UT; www.mas50.com; mas50miler@yahoo.com 09/25 Lead King Loop Half Marathon 25K; Marble, CO; cmacek@rfsd.k12.co.us

HEARTLAND 03/12 Carl Touchstone Memorial Mississippi 50 Trail Run 20K, 50K, 50M; Laurel, MS; www.ms50.com; info@ms50.com 03/19 Land Between the Lakes 14.25M, 58K; Grand Rivers, KY; www.wkrc.org; sdurbin@marquettetrans.com 04/02 Rockin K Trail Runs 27M, 50M; Kanopolis State Lake, KS; www.ultrarunners.info; psheridan@classicnet.net 04/16 Double Chubb Trail Runs 25K, 50K; St. Louis, MO; www. stlouisultrarunnersgroup.net; princessmudpuddle@yahoo.com 04/16 McNaughton Park Trail Races 30M, 50M, 100M; Pekin, IL; www.geocities.com/running_50/homepage.html; aweinberg@pekinhigh.net 04/24 Running Fit Trail Marathon 13.1M, 26.2M; Pinckney, MI; www.trailmarathon.com; susan@runningfit.com 05/07 Pilot Knob Trail Race 15K; Forest City, IA; www. pilotknobtrailrace.com/pktr.html; pilotknobtrailrace@yahoo.com 05/22 WORS Trail Runner Series #2, Alpine Valley Open 5K, 10K; Elkhorn, WI; www.wors.org/trailrun; kpeccles@aol.com 05/28 Berryman Trail Run 26.2M, 50M; Potosi, MO; www. stlouisultrarunnersgroup.net; DavidWhite465280@cs.com 06/04 Kettle Moraine 100 Endurance Runs 100M, 100K, 100R; Whitewater, WI; www.kettle100.com; kettle100run@yahoo.com 06/05 Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon 13.1M, 26.2M; Deadwood, SD; www.deadwoodmickelsontrailmarathon.com; leanhorse@rushmore.com 06/11 Lake Mingo Trail Run 7.1M; Danville, IL; www.kennekuk. com; krr@kennekuk.com 06/18 Mohican 100 2005 USA Trail 100-Mile Championship; Loudonville, OH; www.mohican100.org; rlstrong@neo.rr.com 07/02 Afton Trail Run 25K, 50K; Afton, MN; www.aftontrailrun. com; aftontrailrun@yahoo.com 07/02 DINO Trail Run Series #4 - Muscatatuck Park 5K, 15K; Muscatatuck Park, IN; www.DINOseries.com; Brian@DINOseries.com

07/09 Keweenaw Trail Running Festival 10K, 25K; Eagle Harbor MI; www.keweenawtrails.com runskikayak@hotmail.com 07/09 Red Tail Restoration Run 10K; Muncie, IN; www. fortheland.com; banks@tmcsmail.com 07/16 Teva Devil’s Run & Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team Qualifier 5K, 10K, 15K; Merrimac, WI; cassie_mtb@yahoo.com 07/30 Grand Island Trail Marathon 26.25M; Munising, MI; runskikayak@hotmail.com 07/30 Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultra 50M; Carlton, MN; www. computerpro.com/~hsloan; BDCurnow@msn.com 08/07 Escape from Turkey Mountain 5M; Tulsa, OK; oklaking@sbcglobal.net 08/20 DINO Trail Run Series #5 - Westwood Park 5K, 15K; Westwood Park, IN; www.DINOseries.com; Brian@DINOseries.com 08/20 LeanHorse Hundred & Half Hundred 50M, 100M; Deadwood, SD; www.leanhorse.com; leanhorse@rushmore.com 09/10 Dances with Dirt Ultra XI 50K, 50M; Hell, MI; www. danceswithdirt.com; susan@runningfit.com 09/10 Horsethief Canyon Trail Run 6.5M; Horsethief Canyon, KS; psheridan@classicnet.net 09/17 North Country Trail Run 26.2M, 50M; Manistee, MI; www. stridersrun.com; steve@stridersrun.com 09/24 Newton Hills Trail Challenge 8M; Canton, SD; www. siouxfallsarearunningclub.org; marathnr@hotmail.com 09/24 Running Bares XC 5K; Weatherford, TX; www. vistagranderanch.com; vgr1@airmail.net 09/25 Rock Cut Hobo Run 25K, 50K; Rock Cut State Park, IL; www.rockfordroadrunners.org; larrydswanson@cs.com 09/25 Wild Wild Wilderness Trail Run 7.6M; Danville, IL; www. kennekuk.com; krr@kennekuk.com 09/25 WORS Trail Runner Series #7, Sunburst Showdown 5K, 10K; Monticello, WI; www.wors.org/trailrun; cassie_ mtb@yahoo.com

trophy series « EAST 03/05 Seneca Creek Greenway Trail Marathon 26.2M, 50K; Damascus, MD; www.mcrrc.org/gallery/greenway04.html; ed516p@aol.com 03/05 Umstead Trail Marathon 26.2M; Raleigh, NC; www.carolinagodiva.org/umsteadmarathon; bnelson@sampsonrmc.org

06/11 Laurel Highlands Ultra 70M; Ohiopyle, PA; www. laurelultra.com; runhewitt@comcast.net

05/28 MEC Five Peaks Trail Series - COP; 5K, 10K; Canada Olympic Park, AB; www.fivepeaks.com; info@5peaks.com

06/18 Highlands Sky 40 Mile Trail Run; Davis, WV; www.wvmtr. org; helvetiawv@starband.net

05/28 Sulphur Springs Trail Run 10K, 25K, 50K, 50M, 100M; Ancaster, ON; www.burlingtonrunners.com; jhewitt@pathcom.com

06/19 Tanglewood Tanglefoot Trail Run 5M, 10M; Elmira, NY; www.tangle-wood.org; twood2004@aol.com 06/25 La Sportiva Northfield Mountain Run & Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team Qualifier 10K, 15.3K; Northfield, MA; dave.dunham@verizon.net

03/26 Bel Monte Endurance Run 50K & Hardrock 25K; Charlottesville, VA; www.badtothebone.biz; badtothebone@adelphia.net

06/11 Frontrunners GutBuster Trail Run #4 5K, 10K; Nanaimo, BC; www.gutbustertrailrun.com; info@gutbustertrailrn.com 06/11 MEC Five Peaks Trail Series - Rattlesnake 5K, 10K; Rattlesnake, ON; www.fivepeaks.com; info@5peaks.com

06/26 Double Trouble Trail Runs 15K, 30K; Morgantown, PA; www.pagodapacers.com; rhornpcs@aol.com

06/18 Kusam Klimb 23.2K; Sayward, BC; www.kusamklimb.ca; hollo@oberon.ark.com

07/30 Jay Mountain Marathon 28M; Jay, VT; www.jaychallenge. com; rd@Jaychallenge.com

07/09 Frontrunners GutBuster Trail Run #5 8K, 13.1M; Victoria, BC; www.gutbustertrailrun.com; info@gutbustertrailrn.com

04/09 Croom Trail 15-Mile, 50K, and 50-Mile Trail Runs; Brooksville, FL; www.wecefar.com; shawn@wecefar.com

08/07 Cranmore Hill Climb & Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team Qualifier 13.8K; North Conway, NH; www.whitemountainmilers. com; info@whitemountainmilers.com

07/09 Knee Knackering North Shore Trail Run 30M; West Vancouver, BC; www.kneeknacker.com; rd@kneeknacker.com

04/10 Flatwoods Four Trail Race 4M; Thonotosassa, FL; www. flatwoodsfour.com; ricky@tamparaces.com

08/14 Half Wit Trail Run Half Marathon 13.1M; Reading, PA; www.pretzelcitysports.com; rhornpcs@aol.com

04/24 Muddy Moose Trail Races 4M, 14M; Wolfeboro, NH; www. metricmarathon.com; FergusCullen@aol.com

08/14 Turkey Swamp Race Day 5M, 10M, 25K, 20M, 50K; Freehold, NJ; www.njrrc.org; martyfrumkin@comcast.net

04/30 Owl’s Roost Rumble 5K, 13.1M; Greensboro, NC; www. offnrunningsports.com; smbassett@hotmail.com

09/11 Helvetia Mountain Trail Run 10K; Helvetia, WV; www. wvmtr.org; irun@starband.net

04/02 Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run 50M, 100M; Raleigh, NC; www.ncroadrunners.org/umstead/; BlakeNorwood@nc.rr.com 04/03 Mudders and Grunters 5M; Yorktown, NY; www.runner. org; squinn@rcn.com

05/07 Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 101.8M; Front Royal, VA; www.vhtrc.org/mmt; stanruns@att.net 05/14 Capon Valley Run 50K; Yellow Spring, WV; www. iplayoutside.com/capon50; lynn@edgebrook.org

09/17 Great Eastern Endurance Run 50K, 100K; Charlottesville, VA; www.badtothebone.biz; badtothebone@adelphia.net CANADA

05/21 Dirty Dog 15K Trail Run; Charleston, WV; www.wvmtr. org; danieltodd@charter.net

03/06 Run Inn Sane 10K; Vancouver, BC, www.ironlung.ca; silvio@ironlung.ca

06/04 Deckers Creek Trail Half Marathon 13.1M; Morgantown, WV; www.montrails.org; ebelling@wvu.edu

04/09 Diez Vista 50K Trail Run; Port Moody, BC, www.diezvista. itgo.com; pslayer@mail.com

06/05 NipMuck Trail Marathon 26.4M; Ashford, CT; www. runwmac.com; nipmuckdave@wmconnect.com

05/14 Keremeos Kruncher 25K, 50K; Keremeos, BC; www. eagleruns.com; eaglemoe@nethop.net

07/16 Eagle Run, North America’s Toughest 50 Miler; Keremeos, BC; www.eagleruns.com; eaglemoe@nethop.net 08/06 MEC Five Peaks Trail Series - Camp Fortune 5K, 10K; Ottawa, ON; www.fivepeaks.com; info@5peaks.com 08/06 MEC Five Peaks Trail Series - Quebec City 5K, 10K; Quebec City - Mont Sainte Anne, QC; www.fivepeaks.com; info@5peaks. com 08/06 MEC Five Peaks Trail Series - Terwilliger Park 5K, 10K; Terwilliger Park, AB; www.fivepeaks.com; info@5peaks.com 08/08 Northwest Passage Marathon 13.1M, 26.2M, 50K; Resolute, Nunavut; www.canadianarcticholidays.ca/ArcticMarathon.html; mail@CanadianArcticHolidays.ca 08/20 MEC Five Peaks Trail Series - Whistler 5K, 10K; Whistler, BC; www.fivepeaks.com; info@5peaks.com 09/10 Moose Mountain Trail Races 16K, 29K; Bragg Creek, AB; www.members.shaw.ca/moosemountain; jen. silverthorn@shaw.ca

Leadville Trail 100 “The Race Across The Sky” August 20-21, 2005

Leadville Trail Marathon July 2, 2005

Training Camp June 25-27, 2005

Leadville Trail 100 “The Race Across The Sky”

Leadville Trail 100 10K August 14, 2005

Leadville Trail 100, PO Box 487, Leadville, CO 80461, 719-486-3502

Enter online!!!

www.leadvilletrail100.com

» race calendar

Other Must-Do Races Mountain Equipment Co-op/5 Peaks Trailrunning Series Presented by Nissan 5 Peaks, Canada’s only national trail-running series, holds races in Halifax, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, all summer. With two course lengths, Sport (5-6K) and Enduro (10-15K), there is sure to be an amazing off-road experience in your future! Positive impact on you, no impact on the environment! Register on line at www.5peaks.com, or contact us at (604) 988-2320. Escape from Prison Hill Half Marathon and 2-person Relay April 30, 2005 Carson City, NV 13.1 M. Brought to you by the Tahoe Mountain Milers Running Club, this race promises to bring new meaning to the phrase “Wild, Wild West!” www.tahoemtnmilers.org, escapeprison hill@sbcglogal.net, (775) 883-3361. Gore-Tex USATF National Trail Running Championships June 4th, 2005 Vail, CO The Teva Mountain Games at Vail hosts the 2005 Gore-Tex USATF National Trail Running Championships on Saturday, June 4th at 8:00a.m. The 10K race start and ﬁnish line is in the heart of Vail Village. The race course takes place on Vail Mountain and puts racers on dirt roads and single track. Total elevation gain: 3200’. Register at www.tevamountaingames.com

Park City Marathon June 11, 2005 Park City, UT This scenic loop course marathon uses over 13 miles of trail as it runs around and into Park City, Utah, 20 miles east of Salt Lake City. The Wasatch Mountains are beautiful in spring, with traces of snow clinging to the peaks, and meadows in full bloom. Elevation range: 6,375’ to 7,041’. www.pcmarathon.com, info@pcmarathon.com, (435) 647-0314. Keweenaw Trail Marathon July 9-10, 2005 Copper Harbor, MI Three trail races over two days in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. New 10K course this year at the remote, pristine Gratiot River North Trail including what is considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in all of Lake Superior. Hill climb ends at the summit of Mt. Lookout with a panoramic vista of all of the Keweenaw’s peaks and lakes. Breakfast with organic and locally grown foods. www.keweenawtrails. com, Jeff Crumbaugh, Race Director, runskikayak@hotmail.com, (715) 823-9138. Grand Island Trail Marathon July 30, 2005 Grand Island, Lake Superior, near Munising, MI A 26.2-mile course on Grand Island, a wilderness island in Lake Superior less than a mile from Munising, Michigan and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Runners follow a trail that travels the perimeter of the island running atop 200-300-foot sandstone cliffs, through stands of old growth forest, and along white sand beach. The course includes and inland jaunt to beautiful Echo Lake. www.algercounty.org , Jeff Crumbaugh, Race Director, runskikayak@hotmail.com, (715) 823-9138.

Haulin’ Aspen Trail Marathon August 14, 2005 Shevlin Park, Bend, OR New trail marathon in Bend, Oregon — a destination not to be missed. Head out under the aspens and climb into the ponderosa pines on single-track trails in the Cascade Mountains. Be one of the first to experience the brand new Metolius-Windigo trail extension. The looped course starts and finishes in Aspen Meadows at Shevlin Park, an amazing 650-acre park five minutes from downtown Bend. www.freshairsports.com, barry@freshairsports.com Inaugural Lean Horse Hundred & Half Hundred August 20, 2005 Hot Springs, SD First-timers and PR-seekers, this is the one. Starting at the Minnekahta Trailhead, which is located near the south end of the Mickelson Trail, the course crosses a number of railroad trestles, traverses some wide-open prairie, and meanders alongside a crystal clear creek or two. 100 miler is out and back; 50 miler is point to point. Elevation range: 4100’ to 5600’. www. leanhorse.com, Jerry Dunn, Race Director, leanhorse@rushmore.com, (605) 642-2382. Jungle Marathon October 5-14, 2005 Para, Brazil A roughly 200km, six-stage race (with a 100K, 4-stage option) through extreme jungle terrain in the Amazon rain forest. Runners must carry their own food and gear for the duration of the race & supply their own hammock. Water supplied at checkpoints; campsites provided at the end of each stage. Contact: Lisa and Jay Batchen, (208) 787-2077, www.junglemarathon.com

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ALABAMA

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ARIZONA FOOTHILLS RUNNING COMPANY 4025 E Chandler Blvd Ste #54 Phoenix AZ 85048 480-706-3103 www.foothillsrunning.com foothillsrunning@aol.com RUNNING SHOP 3055 N Campbell #153 Tucson, AZ 85719 520-325-5097 www.runningshopaz.com SUMMIT HUT 5045 E Speedway Tucson AZ 85712 520-325-1554 www.summithut.com SUMMIT HUT 605 E Wetmore Tucson AZ 85705 520-888-1000 www.summithut.com

ARKANSAS

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MARYLAND

NORTH SHORE ATHLETICS 1200 Londsdale # 101 N. Vancouver, BC V7M3H6 604-990-6888 www.northshoreathletics.com info@northshoreathletics.com

FALLS ROAD RUNNING STORE 6247 Falls Rd Baltimore MD 21209 410-296-5050 www.baltimorerunning.com jim@baltimorerunning.com

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COLORADO BOULDER RUNNING COMPANY 2775 Pearl St. #103 Boulder, CO 80302 303-RUN-WALK www.boulderrunningcompany.com BOULDER RUNNING COMPANY 3659 Austin Bluffs Pkwy #32 Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719-278-3535 www.boulderrunningcompany.co BOULDER RUNNING COMPANY 8116 W. Bowles #C Littleton, CO 80123 303-932-6000 www.boulderrunningcompany.com

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FLORIDA FAST FEET RUN SHOP 1930 Park Meadow Dr Fort Myers FL 33907 239-274-9786 F 239-274-9786 www.fast-feet.com mike@fast-feet.com RUNNING WILD INC. 1133 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-565-9400 F 954-565-9421 www.runningwild.com runwild4@bellsouth.net

CARABINER’S INDOOR CLIMBING INC 328 Parker St New Bedford MA 02740 508-984-0808 F 508-984-7577 www.carabiners.com info@carabiners.com

MICHIGAN RUNNING & WALKING SHOP 1453 W Hill Rd Flint MI 48507 810-238-5981

MISSOURI METRO WALK + RUN 7449 Broadway (NE corner of 75th and Wornall) Kansas City, MO 64114 816-822-9000 F 816-822-9003 www.metrowalkandrun.com info@metrowalkandrun.com

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NORTH CAROLINA JUS RUNNING 523 Merrimon Ave, Ste. 1 Asheville, NC 28804 828-252-7867 F 828-252-7817 www.jusrunning.com jusrun@bellsouth.net PERFORMANCE SPORT SHOE 693 W King St Boone NC 28607 828-264-0577 F 828-264-0577 www.performancesportshoe.com

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PENNSYLVANIA

NEW HAMPSHIRE ENDURANCE 122 Key Rd Keene NH 03431 603-357-3232 enduranceathletics@hotmail.com TED’S SHOE & SPORT 115 Main St Keene NH 03431 603-357-TED’S (8337) www.tedsports.com tedsports@juno.com

NEW JERSEY CAMPMOR 810 Route 17 N Paramus NJ 07652 201-445-5000 800-CAMPMOR (226-7667) www.campmor.com customerservice@campmor.com THE RUNNING COMPANY OF MONTVALE 14 A Chestnut Ridge Rd Montvale, NJ 07645 201-391-6008 F 201-391-6012 www.njrunningco.com montvalerunning@aol.com

NEW MEXICO TAOS MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS 114 S. Plaza Taos, NM 87571 505-758-9292 www.taosmountainoutfitters.com

NEW YORK PEAK PERFORMANCE SPORTS 184 Main St New Paltz NY 12561 845-255-8200 www.hvsports.net peakper4mancesports@earthlink.net

BUCKS COUNTY OUTFITTERS 64 E Swamp Rd Doylestown PA 18901 215-340-0633 F 215-340-9621 www.buckscountyoutfitters.com info@buckscountyoutfitters.com ELITE RUNNERS & WALKERS 5992-E Steubenville Pike McKees Rocks, PA 15136 412-490-0881 F 412-490-0882 877-RUN-WALK www.eliterunners.com shoes@eliterunners.com

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www.rockcreek.com info@rockcreek.com 888-707-6708 100 Tremont St. Chattanooga, TN 37405

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WASHINGTON

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FLEET FEET SPORTS 19685 State Route 410 East Bonney Lake WA 98390 253-862-8890 F 253-862-5211 www.fleetfeetbonneylake.com staff@fleetfeetbonneylake.com

RUNNER’S MARKET 4443 Kingston Pike Knoxville TN 37919 865-588-1650 www.runnersmarket.com runnersmarket@nxs.net

ROAD RUNNER SPORTS 7020 Woodlawn Ave NE Seattle WA 98115 206-517-5100 800-551-5558 www.roadrunnersports.com

UTAH WASATCH RUNNING CENTER 8946 S State St. Sandy UT 84070 801-566-8786 www.wasatchrunningcenter.com info@wasatchrunningcenter.com

SOUND SPORTS 80 Madison St Seattle WA 98104 206-624-6717 F 206-622-3121 800-279-7551 SPORT TOWNSEND 1044 Water St Port Townsend WA 98368 360-379-9711 www.sporttownsend.com

RUN AMOK by BRIAN METZLER

» Illustration by JEREMY COLLINS

Farewell to a Friend SAYING GOODBYE TO A PAIR OF TRAIL SHOES IS HARDER THAN YOU’D THINK My duffel bag was so packed that I could barely zip it when I realized my mud-crusted trail runners were still sitting on the edge of the bed. Should I unpack the bag, and leave something else behind instead? It was a dilemma I didn’t want to consider. But I was in a hurry to pack my bag and catch my ride to the airport. The trail runners had served me especially well on this trip to Trinidad. I had worn them on four extraordinary jungle runs that ranged from 40 to 75 minutes, plus a soggy, two-hour rainforest hike that led to remote howler-monkey habitat. Trail run62 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | MAY 2005

ning in the jungle, I found everything to be alive and crawling or slithering. Once I took a header and hit the deck, and was immediately covered in slime, bat guano, bird dung and a collection of different creepy-crawly bugs. Because the shoes were light weight and quick drying, I had taken them on several trips over the last year. Costa Rica. Whistler. San Diego. Las Vegas. On top of the many miles they had seen in my home state, Colorado, and neighboring Utah, they were also my choice in an adventure race and an Xterra triathlon. Sure, they were near the end of their lifespan, but it was still hard to leave them. “You left your shoes there?” my friend asked, astonished, at the airport. “Weren’t those hundred-dollar kicks?” Yes and yes, I said. What she didn’t know was that I had taken the time to clean them up a bit, pulling tiny seed pods from the laces and chipping the dried mud off the outsoles. I tucked the laces inside the shoes and perched them on the chair in my room. I hoped that whoever found them would put them to good use. After all the trail slogging they’d carried me through, they deserved an active retirement of long walks on the beach. It’s a somewhat unfortunate inevitability that we eventually have to part with our favorite trail shoes. And because most companies don’t keep models in their lines very long, it’s rare that we have the chance to buy another pair of the same shoes. But that’s OK, because it’s impossible to replicate the same experiences with the next pair anyway. One of the reasons it’s exciting to buy a new pair of trail-running shoes is because you know dozens of adventures are waiting to happen. “I once purposely left a sweatshirt in Peru, and the hotel where I was staying shipped it back to me in Vermont,” my friend said. “What if the people here track you down and send your shoes back?” Good question. It’s highly unlikely, but if those shoes come back to me I’d welcome them home with wiggling toes. Brian Metzler of Boulder, Colorado, has been fortunate enough to run trails in 37 states and 10 countries.

GCS COMP: THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED WOMEN’S TRAIL RUNNING SHOE.

CHECK IT OUT AT WWW.SALOMONOUTDOOR.COM