Trail Runner #37 January 2006 by Quent Williams

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JANUARY 2006 ISSUE 37

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Twilight Zone

FEATURES

JANUARY 2006 | WWW.TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | ISSUE 37

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THE TWILIGHT ZONE You’re running through another dimension—a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That’s a trailhead sign up ahead—your next stop: the Twilight Zone! BY MIKE STRZELECKI ILLUSTRATIONS BY JEREMY COLLINS

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LORDS OF THE TRAILS In September, all trail-running eyes focused on New Zealand, home to hobbits, wizards and the fastest off-road runners this side of Middle Earth. BY GARETT GRAUBINS

DEPARTMENTS 3) EDITOR’S NOTE 4) LETTERS 10) ADVENTURE 18) ASK THE COACH 36) GALLERY 40) RACE CALENDAR

6) MAKING TRACKS All Hail

the 2005 Trail Runner Trophy Series Champs; trail community aids Katrina victims; How did Matt Carpenter smash the Leadville Trail 100 record?; Koerner gets his due; More.

12) BUSHWHACK Living the

Low-Budj Lifestyle. Free yourself of the consumerism shackles. BY JONATHAN THESENGA

14) NUTRITION Balancing Act.

Stay hydrated and fueled for the short and long run. BY DAVE SHELDON

19) TRAIL TIPS Defeat the

December doldrums with core-strengthening pilates. BY MARGARET HJERLEID

20) TAKE YOUR MARK

Get off the couch and into a Fat Ass race. BY NEAL JAMISON

22) GREAT ESCAPES

Flintstone Land. You might run into Fred and Wilma in the rocky deserts of Joshua Tree National Park, California. BY CATHY TIBBETTS

38) TRAIL TESTED Winterize. The essentials for running when the mercury dips.

55) RUN AMOK Alphabet Soup. Trail running’s ABCs. BY BRIAN METZLER

(ONE DIRTY MAGAZINE)

CONTENTS

THIS PAGE: Julie Bryan gritting it out in a June snowstorm, 2005 Teva 10K National Trail-Running Championships in Vail, Colorado. Photograph by David Clifford COVER: Hiroki Ishikawa running the Sierra foothills outside of Bishop, California. Photograph by PatitucciPhoto

TrailRunner

EDITO R’S NOTE by MICHAEL BENGE

Short and Sweet IN PRAISE OF THE LOCAL 5K At the sign-up table, local parents, seniors and friends busily signed up runners of all shapes and sizes. Milling around, rubbing gloved hands together for warmth, were honed veterans wearing tattered race T-shirts, first-timers with their numbers pinned on their backs, walkers in baggy sweats and a bevy of kids. Folks chatted about how the Carbondale high-school football team had pummeled rival Aspen in its homecoming game. On this frosty autumn morning, the aspens shimmered lemon and 13,000-foot Mount Sopris towered overhead, dusted with its first snow. “Dad, it’s only three miles,” said Teddy, my 12-year-old son. “This will be easy for you.” He said it innocently enough, knowing that I usually run longer. But I knew better; I’d have to run faster than I liked. The “race director” sported a gaudy

Hawaiian shirt and funky carnival glasses, in his pre-race shtick feigning ignorance of the course directions. Runners could choose between running a mile or a 5K. The race is a benefit put on by caring volunteers, and as such the only road race I do all year (perhaps it is good to get the legs turning over faster once in a while, and roads make you realize why you run trails). The event supports groups at both ends of the age spectrum—the local youth soccer club and senior housing project. I even coerced my two sons (who play soccer—I don’t need senior housing … yet) to run the one-mile event, which I hoped would whet their appetites for more running. And we were off. Roy, my nine-yearold, sprinted from the start. “Don’t go too fast,” I warned. “Find a comfortable pace you can keep.” He paid no attention. Our courses soon diverged, and I quickly realized I should heed my own advice. As with any event, there are many races

within the race, and I soon vied with a couple of other runners, one who looked like a perpetual-running machine, the other a deer with a high loping gait. Somehow I kept pace and reveled in the competition—no way I would have pushed it this hard had I been out on my own. Halfway through, on a downhill, a friend passed our trio on a scooter, weaving back and forth over the road, enjoying the glide. My cohorts and I continued our silent battle, and faced a final, cruel hill, where my lungs burned and stomach churned to the point where I about hurled. Just as I was beginning to think, “5K, my ass,” we rounded a corner to immense cheering. Well, maybe not quite but the few folks sipping coffee at the finish line made us feel like we’d really done something special. I made out my sons’ voices, and put on a final surge (or stumble). The machine guy, the deer and I could never have run as fast without each other. The soccer club and senior housing center made $4000. And I was happily done for the day, in just over 20 minutes. ■

LETTERS CHEAP INSURANCE I enjoyed the Trail Tips article on trail running during hunting season [No. 36]. As a hunter and trail runner, I was glad it was not anti-hunting and had a lot of good tips. I would like to add two more. Never wear white during hunting season; some hunters with buck fever might mistake you for a fleeing whitetail. Also, go to Wal-Mart and spend $3 on a blaze-orange hat—a cheap and easy way to be seen. —William C. Self, Fort Riley, KS EX-HALO GIRL RESPONDS Just to give you an update on my condition [Courageous Comebacks, No. 35], I’m great and back to teaching physical education full time. I ran all summer in the High Sierras, and placed 2nd in my age group at the Bulldog 50K. In response to Mr. Madden’s letter [No. 36], I didn’t have any complications from running with my halo, and I elected only to have the surgery to strengthen the area that was broken. My doctors all agree that the exercise I did beforehand caused no further damage and only made me stronger for the surgery and my continued recovery.

Then he participated in the Battle of Marathon. And finally, he ran the storied 26 miles (actually 24) to Athens, called out “Rejoice! Victory is ours!” and died. In the Americas, I particularly revere the Apaches, who ran everywhere they went in a land so severe that if they missed a hidden water hole or the water hole had dried up, or they sustained an injury, they would simply die. I wish I had some Apache in me. Then I wouldn’t be so slow and need to drink so much water.

MORE TRAIL TRASH TRAIL CONVERT

When I read my quote about having been put on this earth to invent trail ultrarunning [Faces, No. 34], I said to myself, “Woops!” But then I relaxed, figuring that everyone would know that I meant that I invented the modern sport of trail ultrarunning. Then came the emails declaring that I was just a pale imitation of their glorious ancestors. Hey, guys! We’re all pale imitations of our glorious ancestors. My genes go back to the Norwegian ski soldiers, and I am a pale imitation of their ability to endure. Yes, I know that many folks ran ultra distances on trails before me. There was Phidippides, who ran dirt roads and trails 150 miles from Athens to Sparta to ask for Sparta’s help against the huge invading Persian army. Then he ran about 160 miles to the Plains of Marathon to tell the Athenian army that the Spartans couldn’t come because they were in the middle of a religious festival. 4 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

—Duncan Marsden, London, England

—Gordy Ainsleigh, Meadow Vista, CA

—Patty Giebel, Agoura, CA

PALE IMITATION

terrain. I’m a trail-running convert and will definitely be back—next time with a layer of Gore-Tex as companion.

I recently traveled from London, England, to visit my in-laws in Canada and ran my first trail race, the extremely well-organized Bragg Creek Telephone Loop. Given that my morning runs normally take me past Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral, I have never professed to be much of a trail runner and tend to laugh at the idea of specialized equipment (in particular, shoes). When I scouted the course a week before the race, the hard-packed dirt confirmed my suspicions that I could wear my road flats. The weather the day before the race, however, conspired against me, and I stood on the start line in snow and a river of icy water. My fellow competitors who were laughing about my pristine white lightweights might have had a point. True enough, whilst the race was thoroughly enjoyable, my feet have never been so cold. As all runners know, the memories of the pain fade and what has stayed with me is the thrill of running out in the woods over tough

Nice Bushwhack article [“Dorks of the Trail,” No. 35], but you forgot about the climbers. These trail dorks are rarely seen, due to their propensity for using said pathways either before dawn or during the late afternoon hours. One may identify them by the glazed look in their eyes, similar to that of pub dwellers overdue for libation. Further identification can be made by their overstuffed packs, often festooned with arcane metal hardware and usually in contrast to both their underdeveloped chicken legs. Typical speech is liberally sprinkled with sardonic-yet-obvious-andunnecessarily-morbid humor, and plumage often consists of obscenely tattered clothing prominently logo-ed with the tribal insignias of all-but-defunct equipment manufacturers. Seriously though, your point is very well taken. In a time when Congress sees fit to appropriate more and more funding from recreation to god-knows-what, we really should try to all get along, Earth Brother. —John Connor, Seattle, WA

letters «

11TH ANNUAL

SUPPORT SYSTEM I want to commend Chris Ballard, who was featured in the “Courageous Comebacks” article [No. 35]. I got a call from my trail-running friend David Fullford (Chris’s husband) last summer, who told me about their car accident and that Chris was in severe condition in the hospital. I prayed every night that Chris would recover quickly. My prayers, and many others, I’m sure, were answered and Chris made huge progress within only a month. By November, Chris made even more inspiring progress. She feels that her quick recovery was because of all the great physical-therapy support from Scott Jurek and moral support from the strong ultrarunning community. It is ironic that Chris’s Trail Runner article happens to be in the same issue that Scott Jurek is on the front cover. I am always inspired by Chris and Dave, and how much they work and train. They motivated me to run the Ice Age 50K just three and half months after knee surgery. —John Pearch, Olympia, WA

EDITORIAL

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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. 2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 5

Out and back rolling, wooded trails in the Kettle Moraine State Forest of Southeast Wisconsin. 11,837 feet of climb. Thirty hour time limit for 100 mile, 18 hour limit for 100 km.

100 K

100 M

$70 - April 1 $80 - May 23 $100 - May 30

(solo) $105 - April 1 $115 - May 23 $135 - May 30

100 M

(4-person relay) $180 - April 1 $190 - May 23 $210 - May 30

Jason Dorgan 3012 Maple Valley Drive Madison WI 53719 or

Timo Yanacheck 608-259-2311

kettle100run@yahoo.com www.kettle100.com

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

Peak Performers In the chilly, wee hours of March 5, 2005, starters’ pistols fired at four different trail races and 531 trail runners put tread to dirt. These were the first members of the Trail Runner Trophy Series Class of 2006. By the end of the Series on September 30, 118 Trophy Series races had taken place, encompassing 21,507 runners in two divisions: Marathon or shorter and Ultra (which included any races longer than 26.2 miles). Athletes amassed points for each root-strewn, dusty or high-alpine mile. Top overall finishers and age-group aces scored bonus points. There were cheers, tears, jeers and sore rears. Ultimately, four champions rose above the field. Here they are.

Marathon Division/Female Tania Pacev

Ultra Division/Male Jeff Christian

When Tania Pacev, 45, discovered that she was in the Trophy Series title hunt, she promptly rearranged a few weekends so she could run more Trophy Series events. Pacev, a smiley yet hardnosed competitor, confesses, “I’m one of those people who likes to win overall, not just win the old-broad division.” “There were some races that I hadn’t planned to do until I found out about the Series,” says Pacev, “and I wound up seeing some of the most beautiful courses anywhere.” Such an adventurous, flexible spirit typifies Pacev, who emigrated from Romania in 1984, and eventually settled in Littleton, Colorado. Amazingly, Pacev also placed well in the Series’ Ultra Division. She admits, “I use shorter distances to train for ultras, because I cannot motivate to run for three hours alone.” Pacev’s final September push—she tallied three races, including a marathon win—put her ahead of secondplace finisher Angela Brunson, a Deputy District Attorney from Los Angeles, California, who led for most of the Trophy Series.

“I just started running again two years ago,” says Jeff Christian of Beaverton, Michigan. “I was getting too portly, so I did a few races and realized how much I missed it.” Christian, 31, spent the better part of his twenties working in a factory and exercising very little. But, his Trophy Series success should not be a shocker. “I was the Michigan highschool state champ in the two-mile and one-mile runner-up,” he says, citing his 9:13 and 4:09 personal bests, respectively. Christian, who is married with two children, targeted the Trophy Series. Still, he says, “I never dreamed I would do so well.” In ultra distances, it can take several years for runners to develop the requisite endurance and discipline. “Some of my old coaches think the time off from running actually helped,” says Christian, “because I’m fresh.” With fresh, fast legs, Christian topped runner-up John Hemsky (Fort Thomas, KY). But he doesn’t plan to rest on his laurels. “I have high ambitions in this sport,” he says, before listing six 100-mile trail races he’s planning for 2006.

For age-group winners, complete results, prize-package details and 2006 Trophy Series info, go to www.trailrunnermag.com. 6 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

Marathon Division/Male and Grand Prize Winner Dale Reicheneder On his way to his Trophy Series title, 39-year-old attorney Dale Reicheneder of Malibu, California, lived the trail-running dream. He pieced together a nearly nonstop circuit of Trophy Series events, and crisscrossed North America like a trailrunning rock star. He often emailed the Trail Runner staff with updates of his latest escapades. In May, Reicheneder told the story of a race that nearly went awry. He had flown into Washington, D.C., to run West Virginia’s Dirty Dog 15K. Upon his lateFriday arrival, he learned that the airline lost his luggage. Unfazed, Reicheneder visited a Wal-Mart and bought his race-day outfit: $15 running shoes and day-glo swim trunks. He also wore the goodie-bag race Tshirt. “By the second mile my feet blistered so badly that I could see blood coming through the shoes,” he recalls. In a gutsy performance worthy of a Rocky film, he won the race in record time. The shoes landed in a garbage can. Reicheneder’s final point total eclipsed that of Michael Robbert (Littleton, CO), who placed second for the second consecutive year.

Insane in Polypropylene Reicheneder’s six-month running frenzy

1 2 6

Grand Prize trip to Italy’s Dolomites, courtesy of LaSportiva, for running the most Trophy Series races (23). cracked ribs from two separate falls. First-place overall finishes.

9 4837 60,319 Wrong turns on race courses.

Car miles traveled to and from races. Airline miles earned from going to races.

LEFT TO RIGHT: DEREK GIRFFITHS (COLORADO RUNNER) JEFF CHRISTIAN COLLECTION, DAVID CLIFFORD, GLENN TACHIYAMA (NEXT PAGE)

TRAIL RUNNER SALUTES 2005 TROPHY SERIES CHAMPIONS

making tracks «

Angels Among Us Ultra Division/Female Kami Semick Prior to 2005, 39-year-old Kami Semick of Bend, Oregon, was barely a blip on the trailrunning radar screen. In just 12 whirlwind months, she’s joined the sport’s elite. Says Semick, “I decided to take it to the next level this year.” Semick focused on the 100K distance with laser-like intensity (she had previously run some marathons and 50Ks, but mostly casual stuff). In April, she won the prestigious Miwok 100K (California). In June it was the Kettle Moraine 100K (Wisconsin). And in August Semick took the Where’s Waldo 100K (Oregon). Semick’s second-place finish at September’s Great Eastern 100K (Virginia) clinched her Trophy Series title, placing her beyond the reach of second-place points scorer Beverly Anderson-Abbs (Red Bluff, CA). Semick, who has a three-year-old daughter (“She’s a great training partner,” says Semick) and runs a software business with her husband, treasured the Series’ highs and lows. “Miwok was great—such an inspirational course,” she says. When asked about her most challenging time, she ironically remembers a race she won. “At Where’s Waldo, I had a cold and wanted to drop out. It was a mental battle and I didn’t feel good until the last seven miles.”

BY THE

NUMBERS

Trail races held in North America on September 10, 2005, making it the most popular trailracing day of the year. Pounds shed by 29-year-old Andrew “Trail Dog” Thompson during his record-setting trek of the 2174-mile Appalachian Trail in summer 2005. Thompson chewed up the trail in 47 days 13 hours 31 minutes.

TRAIL-RUNNING COMMUNITY RALLIES TO HELP VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA News images told Hurricane Katrina’s gruesome story: hoards of people flocking to higher ground like rats on a sinking ship, some stranded on the roofs of their homes for days before help arrived. Entire city blocks bubbled under a mixture of toxic floodwaters, corpses and human tears. Several hundred miles away in Bear, Delaware, Dave Bursler sat glued to CNN, his stomach churning. On television, a tearful, confused, five-year-old New Orleans boy described how his mother drowned in the floods. “It was a very emotional moment for me,” says Bursler, “and I felt helpless knowing there was nothing I could do to help that little boy.” But Bursler decided to help in his own way. On September 17 and 18, Bursler poured his heart into Philadelphia’s 8.6-mile Schuylkill River Loop for 105 miles, raising $1242 for the Katrina Relief Efforts through per-mile pledges. “Yes, the Loop is paved,” says Bursler, a trail-running devotee and member of the local Traildawgs running group, “but I chose it because I could put in many more miles there as opposed to a trail or hilly area.” On the West Coast, in California’s Bay Area, John Medinger, race director for the Quad Dipsea Trail Run, and his wife, Lisa, resolved to help the relief efforts. “We have some close friends there,” said Medinger. Under Medinger’s leadership, the November 26 Quad Dipsea pledged one dollar for every mile run during this year’s 28.4-

1136

Dollars raised by the Cleveland Shrine Cross Country 5K, held August 20 in Cleveland, Tennessee, to benefit free-care pediatric hospitals.

3125

Distance, in miles, traveled by Daniel Verrington of Bradford, Massachusetts, to the Golden Gate Headlands National Trail 50K Championship in San Francisco. Verrington offset some travel expenses with the $100 he won for finishing fifth.

mile, 250-racer event. The funds— expected to total over $7000—will go to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina Relief. Bursler’s and the Quad Dipsea’s charitable efforts are not isolated. In fact, the larger trail-running community has seen a groundswell of goodwill in the Gulf Coast’s hour of dire need. Many outdoor-industry and running companies also joined the colossal Katrina Relief efforts—total damage from the hurricane is estimated at over $100 billion, and that doesn’t factor in the human toll. Those contributing to the effort have included: adidas, Buffalo Peak Outfitters (Jackson, Mississippi), Camelbak, GoLite, Gregory, Keen, LaSportiva, Montrail, Nike, Outdoor Industry Association, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, Petzl, RuffWear, Salomon, Skirtsports, Teva, The Backpacker (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), The North Face, Timberland, Vasque and www. zombierunner.com. Among the company contributions: a $25,000 cash donation, two truckloads of camping gear, 387 pairs of trail shoes and $10,000 worth of toothpaste and toiletries. Other individuals have also joined the efforts. Rodger and Jimmy Wrublik, of Phoenix, Arizona, offered race-timing equipment to anybody interested in organizing an event to raise money for Katrina Relief. Within days of the disaster, another person quickly began coordinating housing for displaced victims of the Hurricane. Kent Holder of Fox Island, Washington, rounded up his trail shoes, bought an equal number of brand-new, matching pairs, and shipped all of them to the Gulf Coast. In the end, the size of any donation is barely relevant—every dollar or piece of trail-running gear helps. As Mother Teresa once said, “It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.” For information on how you can help the Katrina Relief Efforts, go to www. redcross.org.

2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 7

» making tracks

Redemption

SONG

MATT CARPENTER ATONES FOR 2004 DISAPPOINTMENTS

2004 COULD HAVE been a brilliant year for trail runner Matt Carpenter. In June, he led the U.S. National 10K Trail Championships in Vail, Colorado, when he took a wrong turn and dropped. In August, the Leadville Trail 100-Mile Endurance Run humbled him. He went out hard—as he always does—and burned a record pace for 67 miles before fading to an unCarpenter 14th-place finish. Lost amidst the disappointment was the fact that in June at Colorado’s San Juan Summer Solstice 50 miler—considered by many the hardest 50-mile course in America—Carpenter devastated the course record by 43 minutes. It was his first ultramarathon. Even so, 2004 had to feel hollow to a competitor accustomed to setting the standard on every race course. After taking two weeks off to recover from the 2004 Leadville Trail—he couldn’t walk—Carpenter disappeared from the racing scene and began training for redemption in 2005. His ambition: to win both the National 10K Trail Championships (held again in Vail) and Leadville. He achieved his goal—an accomplishment akin to an Olympian taking gold in the 100-meter dash and marathon. And, while the range of racing distances was noteworthy, it is his 15:42 course record—by more than one hour—at Leadville that left many shaking their heads in disbelief. Harald Fricker spoke with Carpenter just days after his stunning Leadville performance.

How important was just finishing the 2004 Leadville? Unless I break an ankle, I don’t view quitting as an option. True, I had to suffer to finish, but remembering that pain got me out the door leading up to the 2005 race. Also, most runners don’t have the option of going for the win or a record, but everyone must face the demons to keep from quitting. In 2005, I watched the final runner finish

with only one second to spare. That was very inspirational because I know what he went through. What was the major difference between the 2004 and 2005 Leadville races? In 2004 my quads were a factor early so I knew I had not recovered from the San Juan 50. In 2005, I ruled out doing another ultra. Had I run 67 miles in 2004, felt great and then fell apart I would have been more worried that my training methods were wrong. But the 50 showed me that I was on the right track with only a few changes needed. Further, I am not going to call the 50 a mistake because it was an awesome race for me and I learned a lot. What areas of your training did you change? Since I led 67 percent of Leadville

8 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

in 2004, I increased my weekly mileage by 33 percent in 2005. I went five months running two hours daily and then another two months where the only days under two hours were during the mini tapers for shorter races. The day-in, dayout running gave me the confidence to take on a 100, with my longest run being about 25 miles. Anything much longer does not allow me to recover enough for my speed workouts. I also hit the weights this year, concentrating on my quadriceps and hamstrings. Finally, to build up the strength in my feet I ran about an hour per week barefoot on grass. What did you eat during the race? My fuel systems worked well in 2004 so I just streamlined what I took to save weight. For example, since I take three sips every 10 minutes I knew I only

needed 24 sips for the 80 minutes between May Queen and the Fish Hatchery aid stations. For longer sections, I took three to four Carb-BOOM gels and Gatorade Endurance Formula in my Camelbak so I got fuel with every sip. Either way I was able to get out of aid stations much faster because most were just a matter of swapping a Camelbak or bottles. Why didn’t you use pacers in the 2005 Leadville? In 2004 I outran one of my pacers and another was not at the transition area on time. I didn’t want to deal with those issues. More importantly, I noticed that for the first 50 miles I was concentrating on me—internalizing. After I picked up my pacers I started worrying about them— externalizing. In 2005 I only had to worry about myself. —HARALD FRICKER

DAVID CLIFFORD

Was turning 40 a factor in switching to ultras? I tried to ignore that milestone. It was the fear of doing an ultra that renewed my spark for running in 2004. Then it was the fear of knowing how bad an ultra could hurt that took my training to a new level in 2005. However, I did not just turn my back on the shorter races and I think it was my 10K training that enabled me to run well at Leadville.

“

making tracks «

OVER-

HEARD

“Clif Shot energy gel also makes superb hair gel.”

—GRADY O’SHAUGHNESSY, a Bay Area trail runner and Clif Bar’s Lifestyle Marketing Supervisor, who sheepishly admits that he has resorted to his company’s product to primp himself for some “hot dates.” “It was no picnic.” —An understated DAVID HORTON of Lynchburg, Virginia, reflecting on his record-setting, 66-day run of the 2666-mile Pacific Crest Trail in the summer of 2005. Along the way, Horton encountered treacherous water crossings, deep Sierra snowpack and antagonistic birds, and averaged 40 miles per day. “Five deer stood beside the trail and waited until I got within 100 feet of them, then got a whiff of my B.O. and bounded away.” —STEVE HUGHES of Chicago, Illinois, about an encounter during the Conquer the Canuck Trail Races, held in July in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Lucky Seven: Hal Koerner (#7) and Ian Torrence pushed each other during the ﬁrst half of the White River 50. Race Director Scott McCoubrey (in yellow) joined them for a few miles.

White Lightning

“I’ll tell you the best way to deal with high altitude without proper acclimatization … Viagara or Cialis.” —CHAD CARSON of Ogden, Utah, as he climbed up 13,000-foot DivesLittle Giant Pass during the early hours of the 2005 Hardrock 100. Carson opted for the longer-lasting Cialis later during the race.

KOERNER, KIMBALL ELECTRIFY WHITE RIVER 50

GLENN TACHIYAMA

JULY 30, 2005, WHITE RIVER 50, CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, WASHINGTON—

The forecast for the U.S. 50-Mile Trail Championship called for blue skies, warm temperatures and sizzling competition. With over $7000 in prize money at stake, the nation’s top off roaders clashed in a tornado of talent. Hal Koerner of Seattle had run the White River four previous times—with a DNF, two seventh-places and one runner-up medal in his file. “I knew the course well,” he said, “but, after running the Hardrock 100 earlier in July, I didn’t have any expectations.” Koerner and Ian Torrence, another elite-level trail runner from Boulder City, Nevada, led the pack during the first half of the race. At mile 32, two-time WR50 champion and record holder Uli Steidl, who was just out training on the course, told Koerner, who had dropped Torrence, that

he was three minutes ahead of Portland, Oregon, trail ace William Emerson. The race was on. Emerson gained on Koerner, and, at mile 44, Koerner looked back and saw Emerson arriving at an aid station just as he was leaving. “I ditched my pack [tossing it to his girlfriend], put my head down and took off,” says Koerner. The final effort held off Emerson, and Koerner claimed the $1000 title prize. “There are so few races that award money, so it’s nice to have a payday,” said Koerner, who plans to spend his winnings on a trip to Jamaica. In the women’s race, all eyes focused on Nikki Kimball of Bozeman, Montana. Over the last six years, Kimball has not lost a single trail ultra and her 2004 White River performance had set a new women’s course record. Eventual 2005 Trail Runner Trophy

Series Champion Kami Semick (see page 7) of Bend, Oregon, put the heat on Kimball. The 39-year-old ran with Kimball, Beverly Anderson-Abbs (Red Bluff, California) and Julie Udchachon (Eagle, Alaska) for the first 20 miles. By mile 30, Semick and Kimball jockeyed alone at the front, within sight of each other. Says Semick, “At Suntop [mile 36], people told me I was only three minutes back, but I fell apart at that point. It was tortuous for me.” With Semick fading, Kimball ran with the steadiness of a metronome and claimed her third consecutive national 50-mile trail title with a time of 7:46:31, just 70 seconds off her course record and seventh overall. Semick arrived 10 minutes later, and Udchachon, the 2005 U.S. 50K trail champion, finished third. For complete race results, go to www. whiteriver50.com. 2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 9

ADVENTURE by SARA MONTGOMERY

» photos by DEREK COOPER

For better or for worse: Derrick and Sara Montgomery hit the Ontario backcountry.

Wedding March CANADIAN RUNNERS HONEYMOON ON THE RIDEAU TRAIL

This early summer morning, we are sorting our trail-running gear in a plush hotel room in downtown Ottawa, Ontario. We’re taking our time, soaking up the comfort of a soft bed and thick bathrobes while we can. The sun warms the sky as we prepare to hit the 305-kilometer Rideau Trail, which will lead us southward back to our hometown of Kingston, Ontario. “We’re looking a little less glamorous than at our wedding, aren’t we?” I observe

THIS ISSUE: A FASTPACKING HONEYMOON. WHERE: ONTARIO, CANADA’S RIDEAU TRAIL ADVENTURE RATING: ●●● TRICKY ROUTE FINDING ON THE TRAIL’S NORTH END, MOSQUITO SWARMS AND LONG MILES BETWEEN CIVILIZED CHECKPOINTS (ALTHOUGH THERE’S RARELY A REMOTE ROAD OR ACCESS POINT VERY FAR OFF).

10 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

as I haphazardly draw all over my face with a sunscreen stick. “Back to our natural habitat!” Derrick adds while applying vast quantities of body lube to himself. A short time later, as we locate the trailhead near the hotel and take the first few giddy steps, the words we had written for our ceremony yesterday are still fresh in our minds … Derrick and Sara believe you do not get married so much as become married, on a long journey together through life … We had kept our wedding simple, limiting it to our innermost family circle. Instead of gifts, we requested donations to our local animal shelter or the Rideau Trail Association. And for our honeymoon, we had planned every detail of this fastpacking adventure together—our own

“Rideau Quest.” Two days before the wedding, we couldn’t remember what time the ceremony would begin, but we did know the weight of each toothbrush we would bring on the run, having analyzed our trail gear in absurd detail. The Rideau Trail traverses a range of diverse environments, from the rolling pastures, deciduous forests and flat wetlands of the Ottawa Lowlands, to the wildness of Canadian Shield (a landform that is more typical of northern Canada, but this narrow arm reaches down to the Adirondacks of New York State). The Shield is known for its abundance of lakes nestled below rugged granite outcrops, converging with a vibrant forest of cedar, pine, birch and maple. It begins and ends in urban centers and travels through several small villages at regular intervals.

adventure « … Their rings are made of lightweight woods, and drive us back up to the road to titanium, symbolic of not wanting their make our dinner there. marriage to weigh them down … That night the temperature falls to an No one really believes a pound of feathunseasonable chill, and we shiver to stay ers weighs, well, a pound, do they? We had warm. Even with the lack of sleep, the next pulled together two mean, sleek packs of day we feel good. We stop in a small town the ultra-lightest gear we could find. So for breakfast, and inhale enough for a $34 each time we heft them onto our shoulbill. This helps stave off fatigue, but by the ders, we rationalize their weight. “None of end of the day my right foot, still a weak this stuff weighs anything, so they can’t be spot, is on fire. The day mercifully ends too heavy.” when we meet friends, who had arranged After a full day of running, the bruising to bring us a hot meal of salmon fillets and tenderness of my right metatarsals and rice. Although slightly slower than we tells me otherwise. Today’s 45 kilometers hoped, we’ve been able to maintain about of pounding—much of it on paved biked 45 kilometers per day. paths leaving Ottawa—compounded by … Life can sometimes take unexpected the weight of the packs, has already taken detours, so it’s best to take things in its toll. As we scout out a place to camp for stride … the night, dark clouds sweep in with heavy Day four dawns with excitement, as we rain. The storm quickly passes though, set out to enter the more rugged southand we spend the evening regrouping and ern sections of the trail that we train deciding which gear we can live without. on regularly. But less than an We jettison a few pounds hour into the run Derrick’s of clothing and toiletleft IT band flares up at the ries (leaving it with some knee. It refuses to loosen, You are friends who met us) and— even after desperate stretchgambling that it won’t rain ing and trailside massaging. again—our tent fly. While hobbling a mere 17 … The best path in life kilometers, we must come ra Sa as g to come alon isn’t always obvious, but if to terms with the inescapDerrick d an y er Montgom r ei th you keep looking, eventuable fact that we can no e at br le Spafford ce packing ally you will find your way longer run, an agonizing st fa a on nuptials eau together … realization. n of the Rid oo ym ne ho a. ario, Canad The next day the sun is We stumble off the trail Trail in Ont shining brightly. We tentativeonto a lonely country road, ly set out again, back on soft and a truck happens by trails, and are relieved to find at that very moment. The driver doesn’t have room inside, but offers us a that my foot has stabilized. ride on the back, and we grab onto the roof Derrick and I start to wonder how frerack as he speeds off. We hadn’t planned quently this northern part of the Rideau for bumper hitching to be part of this honTrail is used. We often encounter seceymoon run, but at least we’re going out in tions where it disappears into groves of brambles, with no indication of where to adventurous style. start our prickly scavenger hunt for the We end up in another posh room, this next orange trail marker. Countless times, time at an inn in Westport, halfway to we trudge through hayfields where there is Kingston. Although we’d rather be out on no sign of previous human traffic. the trail, the deep Jacuzzi tub and soft bed … They will undoubtedly encounter are bliss to our wrecked bodies. challenges, which they know they can In the turmoil of our thoughts, we get through, as long as they have each strive to focus on the many positives. other … Over four days and 152 kilometers, we Up to our waists in water, we slog through soared through euphoric moments and swamps of cattails, looking for markers on took turns carrying each other through trees around the most unlikely of corners, rough stretches. In the end, we come to while deer flies swarm our sweaty upper understand that if all goes as planned, bodies. Derrick leads me through while then no adventure exists. And where’s the I hyperventilate at the thought of what fun in that? might be lurking in the murky depths. With just an hour before darkness, we Sara Montgomery and Derrick Spafford set up camp in a stand of cedars beside a are avid runners who compete in trail gravel road. Mosquitoes are thick in the races in eastern Canada and the U.S.

Passport to

Adventure

Invited

CANADA’S RIDEAU TRAIL WHAT. A north-south 305-kilometer (189-mile) trail from Ottawa to Kingston, Ontario, featuring a wide variety of terrain, including rural gravel roads, farmland, mixed forest and the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield wilderness.

GETTING THERE. Northern trailhead in downtown Ottawa. Access points plentiful along the entire trail. Trail runs through many provincial parks and conservation areas, including Marlborough Forest, Murphy’s Point Park and Foley Mountain. Southern trailhead adjacent to Cataraqui Golf Club, Kingston.

SEASONS. The trail is accessible year-round, though its condition varies widely throughout the seasons. Many wet sections between Richmond and Murphy’s Point Provincial Park in spring and summer. Fall is optimal for dryness, lack of bugs and autumn leaves.

GEAR. Southern sections are rocky and trail shoes are essential. Insect repellent is also a must in spring and summer.

INFO. www.rideautrail.org

2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 11

B U S H WH ACK by JONATHAN THESENGA

» Illustration by JEREMY COLLINS

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I’m always broke, typically dead-flat, broke-as-a-joke broke. Have been for a long time. It’s not by accident—it’s by choice. I’d rather have a thin wallet and the freedom to enjoy a full, active life than a $50,000-a-year, 45-hours-a-week desk-jockey gig that coffins me to a hollow existence of working for The Man, festering in a shallow grave of obligations and responsibility. I don’t have a mortgage, a car payment or a cell phone. Hell, I don’t even have a credit card.

12 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

Living on the cheap ain’t easy, though. You gotta get creative and be shameless about your skin flintiness. No more going out and dropping $15 on a flick and popcorn. Now it’s the dollar rentals from the video rack at the gas station. Paying $6 for a latte? No dice, Slice. It’s home brew only, recycling the same coffee grounds for up to five days. Ah … delicious! Forget about the Vidal Sasson über-deluxe shampoo and revitalizing conditioner—shave your head or just use some of that pink soap from the Denny’s bathroom (which BTW works great as dish soap, washing detergent and toothpaste). And never, ever, go drink at a bar. Three cases of PBR and a plastic handle of low-budj McCormicks gin will cost you less than a three-drink round of short-poured cocktails or bloaty hazelnut-raspberry micro-brews. Trail running, in fact, is another extremely simple place to trim the fat. You could burn through stacks of cash trying to keep your running kit fresh. It’s crazy! A month of solid training and those $100 shoes are cooked. Same goes for the spendy insoles and fancynancy socks. And have you ever added up how much you spend every season on energy gels and bars, electrolyte drink mixes and other performance supplement jim-jammery? Jee-sus, that’s some serious green! Cutting costs with your trail-running equipage doesn’t have to be at the expense of performance or durability. Far from it. The following cash-saver tips are just as good (if not better) than the spendier options that have been sucking your wallet dry.

Best to cruise into K-mart or Target and check out their selection of Spalding running shoes. They cost less than $20, and you’ll get stacks of cred for banging out races in such low-budj footwear.

INSOLES: Head down to the carpet store

and get some 1x1 samples. Cut ’em out in the shape of your beat-up insoles and slide ’em in. Ta-da! A shag carpet insole—talk about pimping luxury!

“proper” energy bar, snarf it while still in the store. ENERGY GELS: Hmmmm, let’s see … what’s gooey and tastes good that is cheapola? Cake frosting! Pick up a tub of Betty Crocker frosting, and you can refill those gel containers without anyone knowing your secret. “Hey, man, check out this new flavor. It tastes just like frosting!” ELECTROLYTE DRINK MIX: Even Gator-

ade is expensive. Scratch that. You need to go to the bottom shelf and get a silo of Country Time Lemonade. It costs one tenth as much, and you can reuse the container to hold the pink soap you poached from Denny’s. SHOES: Now this is the tricky one.

“Borrowing” a pair from a running store is a bad idea—most shops’ employees are way more fit than a mall security guard and can run you down. Best to cruise into K-mart or Target and check out their selection of Spalding running shoes. They cost less than $20, and you’ll get stacks of cred for banging out races in such low-budj footwear. Trust me. Once you break away from the slavedom of mega-consumerism and embrace being broke, you’ll never look back. Before you quit your job, though, be sure to stock up on envelopes, pencils, printer cartridges, coffee filters and that plastic pad that lets your chair slide real smooth (it makes a killer yoga mat).

ENERGY BARS: Go with a Snickers

(aka the Alabama PowerBar) instead. It’s one third of the price and five times as tasty. If you absolutely must have a 2005 JULY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 13

Jonathan Thesenga was paid $42.35 for this column, which will cover two months of his living expenses.

NUTRITION by DAVE SHELDON

» photo by BRIAN BAILEY

hot, arid environment). Using the color of your urine is a good gauge—if it becomes darker than light straw, it’s time to head to the water cooler. Make sure you drink two or three glasses of fluid in the hour preceding exercise, too. Says Pam Vagnieres, nutritionist and exercise physiologist for Boulder, Colorado’s Nutri-Physique, “If possible, drink 20 ounces of liquid during every hour of running, but not all at once. Most runners can only absorb six to eight ounces every 20 minutes.” To monitor the effectiveness of your hydration strategy, weigh yourself before and after a workout. But don’t beat yourself up if you loose a pound or two. In many scenarios, it is impossible to finish a run without some degree of dehydration. However, knowing how much liquid you did lose makes it possible to systematically rehydrate: for every 16 ounces of weight lost, drink 24 ounces of water. Those extra eight ounces offset natural losses from urination and sweat that take place while recovering.

THE LONG RUN

Balancing Act STAY HYDRATED AND FUELED FOR THE SHORT AND LONG RUN

Ninety minutes into a serene mid-week run, my calf imploded in a spasm of pain that had me hopping to a furious stop. Attempts to rub and stretch the offending cramp brought a short reprieve, but the gremlin returned and I began a long walk back to the trailhead. Improper hydration and fueling is often the source of such meltdowns. And even if you have never suffered from dehydration, cramps or the bonk, the importance of staying well hydrated and fueled should not be underestimated. We humans are composed of 60- to 70-percent water by weight, and even a two-percent loss of fluids can dramatically impact performance. For runs over an hour, staying fueled with carbohydrates and electrolytes is also

14 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

crucial, and most runners suck down sports drinks and gels. But how do you hydrate adequately and choose drinks and gels?

TIMING TIPS The human thirst mechanism is fairly ineffective, and by the time your thirst sensation kicks in, dehydration is well under way. This goes for re-hydration as well—stop drinking when you no longer feel thirsty and you may leave your cells craving more liquid. The best way not to dry up while running is to simply make sure you drink enough when not exercising. Eight to 12 cups of water a day should suffice (you may need to drink more if you live in a

When your workouts exceed 90 minutes almost all of your muscle glycogen has been used up, so to keep energy levels high and ward off the bonk, you will need to consume carbohydrates. Around 100 calories of easily digested complex carbohydrates every 45 to 60 minutes suits most people. And because most of your blood is shunted out of the digestive tract and into the muscles while working aerobically, avoid heavy foods. Energy drinks and gels shine—they quickly pass through the stomach and enter the small intestines where diffusion into the bloodstream takes place. The most popular carbohydrate used for both drinks and gels is the manufactured glucose polymer, maltodextrin, which is easy to digest and provides quick energy without a sudden spike in blood sugar. Avoiding such spikes is important for sugar-sensitive and diabetic runners, because after a sudden rise, there may be a fall or crash, resulting in a shaky feeling and/or weakness. Brown rice syrup and corn syrup are other quickly absorbed complex carbs. Fructose and glucose are composed of simple molecules and, surprisingly, take more time to empty from the stomach than their more complex relatives.

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TRAIL FUEL GUIDE Calories per Serving Amino Some flavors Price serving acids? with caffeine? size Servings

DRINKS Accelerade

$24/28

Champion Nutrition Revenge Sport

$22/27

Clif Shot Electrolyte Replacement Drink Crank Sports e-Fuel

Main carbo source(s) sucrose, fructose, maltodextrin

120

31g

150

40g

maltodextrin organic brown rice syrup, organic cane juice

$22/22

20g

$2/3

23g

maltodextrin, fructose amylopectin starches, maltodextrin, fructose

CytoSport Cytomax TK

$22/27

160

40g

Endura

$20/19

120

35g

fructose, maltodextrin

Gatorade Endurance Formula

$25/88

16g

sucrose, glucose, fructose

GU2O Sports Drink

$18/32

150

39g

$15/32

100

29g

N N

maltodextrin, fructose

Hammer Nutrition Hammer H.E.E.D. Power Bar Endurance

$20/52

18g

maltodextrin, dextrose, fructose

1st Endurance “E3”

$22/25

30g

maltodextrin, dextrose, sucrose

Ultima Replenisher

$21/22

maltodextrin

Accelerade: Four-to-one carbohydrate-to-protein ratio provides energy on longer runs and helps prevent the body from harvesting muscle for fuel. Protein aids recovery process.

Cytomax: Contains its proven ingredient, alphaL-Polylactate (acid-free lactate with amino acids) for fast absorption and lowered levels of lactic-acid buildup in the muscles.

Hammer Nutrition Hammer H.E.E.D.: Features a complex form of maltodextrin that helps provide lasting, even-burning energy (thereby helping to prevent sugar spikes).

Champion Nutrition Revenge Sport: Contains sodium, potassium and magnesium lactate, and sodium and potassium citrate, and is designed to tame the effects of exercise-induced muscle burning, otherwise known as lactic-acid buildup.

Endura: Along with a rich mix of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and carbohydrates, Endura is the only drink to feature such a high level of magnesium, which increases cells’ energyproducing efficiency and ability to absorb and release nutrients.

Power Bar Endurance Drink: Contains multiple carbohydrate sources and an aboveaverage level of sodium to maintain proper electrolyte levels.

Clif Shot Electrolyte Replacement Drink: Only drink product tested with organic ingredients (92 percent). Tart flavors intended to spark the thirst mechanism, and drive the hydration process. Crank Sports e-Fuel: Concentrated liquid formula makes for easy mixing and features a strong electrolyte component—390mg sodium and 150mg potassium per serving.

GELS

Price

Gatorade Endurance Formula: Contains almost twice the sodium and three times the potassium (and numerous other minerals) than the classic Gatorade Thirst Quencher. GU2O: Simple formula containing eight ingredients that is easy on the digestive system.

Calories per serving

Serving size

Accelerade Gel

$1.45

CarbBoom Clif Shot GU

$1.05 $0.99

110 100

41g 40g 32g

$1.25

100

32g

Amino Some flavors acids? with caffeine? Y N N Y

$1.25

110

40g

Hammer Gel

$1.09 $1.39 $1.05

91 120 100

36g 37g

$1.29

110

34g 41g

$1.49

150

55g

Y N N Y Y

Y Y Y Y N

Honey Stinger Lava Gel PowerGel Crank Sports e-Gel

Ultima Replenisher: Unique to this review, this product contains 26 vitamins, minerals and electrolytes and almost no calories (no carbs or protein). Designed to fight cramps and help cells’ ability to produce energy.

Main carbo source(s)

Y Y Y Y

CytoSport Gulp’n Go

1st Endurance “E3”: Contains a blend of three carbohydrates, which are more readily absorbed than just one type of carb.

maltodextrin, high fructose corn syrup maltodextrin brown rice syrup maltodextrin, fructose amylopectin starches, maltodextrin, fructose, alpha-L-Polylactate maltodextrin honey (fructose, glucose) maltodextrin maltodextrin, fructose maltodextrin, fructose

Accelerade Gel: Only gel tested that contains protein (whey), which slows muscle break down and increases energy levels during long endurance events.

Cytomax Gulp’n Go: A vitamin- and mineral-rich product that contains alpha-L Polylactate (acidfree lactate with amino acids) that provides energy and helps lower lactic-acid production.

Lava Gel: Boasts a low sweetness factor with a very agreeable, salty taste thanks to its electrolytes. The stimulating Kona Mocha flavor contains caffeine and the amino acid taurine.

CarbBoom: Contains real fruit puree for a natural taste and light, easy-to-swallow consistency.

Hammer Gel: Contains very complex maltodextrin for fast-acting energy that tends not to induce a spike in blood sugar.

PowerGel: Contains amino acids to help prevent your muscles from being used as fuel during long days. Four choices contain caffeine, and Tangerine is loaded with a nerve-rattling 50mg.

Clif Shot: Hats off to its handy litter leash. Contains complex carb rice syrup and the electrolytes and minerals of seasalt, potassium and magnesium. GU: Contains easily absorbed, fast-acting maltodextrin and the slow-burning, longerlasting fructose. Caffeine clocks in at a mild 20mg; also offers select amino-acids.

Honey Stinger: Energy in one of its most natural forms, honey is composed of fructose (38 percent), glucose (31 percent) and water. It’s a slow, even-burning fuel that also contains naturally occurring vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Crank Sports e-Gel: Features a 1.9oz serving, which gives it approximately 50 calories more than other gels. E-Gel’s electrolyte levels are also on the rich side—a whopping 230mg of sodium and 85mg of potassium.

nutrition « However, having a slower absorption rate, or burn time, is not necessarily a bad thing, as these simple sugars can provide longer lasting energy. Many drinks and gels include both simple and complex carbohydrates. “It is estimated that nearly 40 percent of Americans have some degree of insulin resistance, meaning their cells cannot take up and utilize glucose efficiently,” says Vagnieres. “Therefore, the slower the sugars enter the bloodstream, the easier it is on the cells to process it over the long run.” A good way to guard against insulin resistance is to stay properly fueled during your workout, and also throughout the remainder of your day. Electrolytes, e.g. sodium, potassium and chloride, play a vital role in muscle contraction, blood pressure and the transmission of nerve impulses. And because sweat contains these vital molecules, most energy drinks and gels include them to ensure we don’t suffer from an electrolyte imbalance or a runhalting cramp. Electrolyte replacement becomes even more important in conditions that inspire high perspiration, like running the heat of summer engag1/4 Novin 05 11/2/05 2:47orPM Page

ing in an especially long outing, such as an ultramarathon. Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, and whole proteins, usually in the form of whey, are also found in many products. Manufacturers include them in an attempt to reduce the effects of gluconeogenesis—the body’s use of its own muscle tissue for energy—a mechanism that kicks on after about two hours of intense exercise when the body’s stored glycogen levels start to run dry.

A ROUND OF SPORTS DRINKS FOR THE HOUSE Trail runners demand convenient, easy-to-consume high-energy sources, and energy drinks and gels can’t be beat. Most gels offer around 100 calories per one ounce serving, so eating one every 45 minutes to an hour is a great way to budget your caloric intake. Just tear off the top of their single-serving package or take a glig from a reusable bottle, and wash down the syrupy goodness with a big mouthful of water. Energy drinks also offer up the calories, just not in such a concentrated way. Their real value is the electro1lytes and minerals they provide—great

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for cramp prevention. Most drinks also include vitamins, which quench free radicals and stop these unstable molecules from damaging healthy cells. Ironically, free radicals are produced by oxidation in the body, so as exercise increases, so do their numbers. The flavor of energy drinks also deserves some credit, as many times it can also inspire you to drink. When using powders, never mix an energy drink richer than recommended. Also, many folks find even the manufacturer’s mixing formula too much to handle, and dilute their drinks to make it compatible with their stomachs. Your search for the perfect energy fuel may take some trial and error. Purchase a handful of gels and singleserving energy drink packets from different manufacturers and give them a shot. Ask your fellow trail fiends what they like—just don’t be influenced too easily. Like your favorite trail-shoe brand, energy foods can have a zealotlike following. Dave Sheldon is a freelance writer and Rolfing practitioner living in Boulder, Colorado.

A S K THE CO A C H by THERESE IKNOIAN

» Illustration by JEREMY COLLINS

HILL SIMULATORS OVERCOME MORTON’S NEUROMA

CREEK-CROSSING SAAVY GEOGRAPHICALLY CHALLENGED I live in the Midwest, a geographic hindrance when training for western trail ultras with their high altitude and large elevation changes. Aside from running laps on our miniature ski runs, how should I train to maximize my leg strength and minimize the agony of blown quads? —GEORGIA NOTHDURFT, ROCHESTER, MN

We reached out to a few folks who have been successful in the hilly ultras, but hail from flatlands, for their secrets. Andy Matthews, 44, of Tampa, Florida (“God’s tabletop,” as he lovingly refers to his pancake-flat state), has managed a 25th overall finish in the Vermont 100 and a sub24-hour in the Western States 100 in California. “I trained my legs to respond when tired,” he says. Matthews’ technique included back-to-back long runs on a number of consecutive weekends. He also fashioned his own hills, running up to 10 repeats on the half-mile

uphill part of a nearby bridge. Texan Dale Keen, 52, also successfully finished the WS 100, and swears by running “downhill” on a treadmill, by wedging blocks of wood under the back end. This helps simulate the “eccentric” or muscle-lengthening contractions on downhills that result in the post-run Frankenstein walk. Other tips? Look for any hill, like a freeway overpass or grassy embankment, and do repeats. Run stadium stairs, stairwells in tall buildings or parking-garage ramps. Who cares about the odd looks? You’ll be walking with less pain after your next hilly ultra.

FOOT FLARE-UP I have Morton’s Neuroma. What should I do? —MADELEINE KING, NAPA, CA

Morton’s Neuroma is a swelling of a nerve that runs between the bones in your forefoot—usually occurring between the second and third or third and fourth metatarsals. It is more prevalent in women,

18 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

because they tend to wear narrower shoes. It usually results from overtraining, but may also be due to your own anatomy; higher arches and bunions can predispose you. If you have Morton’s Neuroma, you may feel some tingling in your forefoot or radiating pain, and you may feel as if you have a pebble or crumpled sock underfoot, says Robert Hallivis, a trail runner and sports podiatrist at Dominion Foot and Ankle Consultants in Annandale, Virginia, who has high arches and occasional Morton’s Neuroma flare-ups himself. “Once it gets inflamed, even daily walking can be painful,” he says. Hallivis’ suggestions: Take two weeks off from impact activities like running. Wear a wide shoe, even during the day. Insert a “metatarsal pad” (a small, thick, felt pad) just behind where you feel the pain or lump to help spread the bones and relieve pressure. Run on soft surfaces (e.g. trails). If the swelling doesn’t go away, see a podiatrist who may recommend cortisone shot to shrink it.

GET YOUR FEET WET What is the best strategy after crossing rivers or ponds in races? Is it OK to run in sodden footwear, or should I attempt to stash dry shoes and socks at an aid station and take the time to change? —SIMON HILLIER, ZIONSVILLE, IN

This is really personal preference. Some people can run for hours in wet socks and shoes and stay blister free. Others will simply drip sweat on their shoes and be disabled. If you tend to blister, you should consider changing socks, which you can carry with you. If the event offers stations with drop bags, it wouldn’t hurt to store dry shoes and socks in a bag and decide when you get there. In some cases, there are so many water crossings that putting on dry footwear turns into a “why bother?” routine. If that’s the case, consider pre-protecting known hotspots with chunks of duct tape or other bandages. Also, get wet on training runs and see how your feet react.

Reader Wisdom AVOID AN IDENTITY CRISIS AS A TRAIL RUNNER and paramedic, I am well aware of the consequences of a serious injury that would render me unconscious in the backcountry. To assist rescuers, I use a black Sharpie marker and write my name, driver’s license number and blood type along the edge of the sole right above the tread. This area is a light color on most shoes, and the black ink shows up well. It would be horrible to spend hours trying to identify someone in order to contact family members and significant others. —Bill Ellison, Corvallis, OR

VERY VELCRO EVER GET TIRED of your waist belt loosening on your waist-bottle or hydration pack? Tired of the excess straps flapping? You can combat both issues by sewing Velcro onto the waist belt. I put a three- to four-inch strip on each side to accommodate different clothing weights. I also recommend using a sewing machine; you’ll need a heavier gauge needle to get through the webbing material on the waist belt. —Andrew Karandjeff, St. Louis, MO

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.

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T R AIL TIPS

by MARGARET HJERLEID

» photos by DAVID CLIFFORD

Focal Firepower

USE PILATES TO FORTIFY YOUR CORE Ahh, the December doldrums. Daylight passes too quickly and the dirt sleeps under snowy white. Your running mileage totals may be lower than the Celsius readout, but don’t fret. Now is the perfect time to rest those legs and focus on other, neglected parts of the body. Pilates (pronounced Pilá-teez) is just your ticket. Pilates incorporates movement initiating in the body’s powerhouse torso muscles that keep us upright and help us run with authority. It aids flexibility and muscle length. Best yet, Pilates is hassle-free—it can be done anywhere, from a carpeted floor to an organized class setting. If you opt for a class, verify that it is leveled (i.e. Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced) and the instructor is certified by an accredited institute.

Pilates Pointer

If you feel lower-back pain, decrease your lift and hold your stomach tighter to your spine.

THE ROLLUP This move draws strength from your inner thighs, deep abdominals and shoulder girdle while gently lengthening your hamstrings, back and neck muscles. If you have a sore neck, tight back or overused hip flexors, here is your medicine. (1 ) Lie flat on your back, legs long on the floor. Reach your arms toward the ceiling. (2) Inhale and roll your chin toward the chest. Lift your shoulder blades off the floor. Gaze at your belly while watching your rib cage sink toward the ground. (3) Keep your legs long and fixed to the floor. Exhale and continue the roll, feeling your back peel off the floor one vertebra at a time. Continue to roll up and over the legs until your mid-section forms a C-shaped curve. Imagine rolling up and over a beach ball. Keep your arms and ears glued together. (4) End the exercise by rolling down with the same breath. Repeat five times.

THE OPEN LEG ROCKER The Open Leg Rocker challenges your balance and coordination while working the deep abdominal and pelvic muscles. Look for strength and support from the upper back muscles as you stretch the hamstrings and lower back. (1) While seated on the floor, bend your knees and draw the heels toward your buttocks. Hold the outsides of the ankle joints and slowly rock back onto the tailbone. Stay balanced and slowly lift your feet a few inches off the floor (if this last move is too difficult, keep your feet on the floor). Keep holding your ankle joints to emphasize balance (see photo, upper right). (2) Keep the back long with a slight curl at the tailbone, the head high and the shoulders down and drawn together. Inhale and extend one leg. (3) Without rocking or changing the shape of your spine, exhale and bring the extended leg back to a bend, as if pushing your heel into a spring. Change legs each time. Repeat four times.

THE SWAN The Swan is the ultimate move for strengthening back, neck, abdominal and arm muscles. (1 ) Lie on your stomach with your legs extended and spread as wide as the hips. Place your hands directly under your shoulders, squeezing your elbows into the ribcage and stretch them back as far as possible. (2) As if pushing a marble away with your nose, inhale and curl your neck upward. Keep the shoulders and ribcage off the floor. Your body will form a backward cshaped curve. Curl as far as possible without straining the lower back or engaging the buttocks. (3) Exhale and slowly lower yourself down as if pulling your ribs away from your waistline. Keep your ribcage long and stretched. Stretch even further through your toes. Repeat four times. 19 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

TAKE YOUR MARK by NEAL JAMISON by VALISA MAY GARETT GRAUBINS by DAVE CLIFFORD » illustration » Illustration

Get Your Butt Off the Couch THE NO-FRILLS FAT ASS PHENOMENON

The entry form for the Gunpowder Keg Fat Ass 50K, in Hereford, Maryland, includes this disclaimer: “No entry fee. Bring your own supplies. Any potential refreshments, meals, etc., are subject to the whims of potential sponsors … If you want to be fed at a race, you can go pay $35 and run a flat, fast 5K and get a cheap cotton T-shirt to wipe the crumbs of a day-old, cinnamonraisin bagel that tastes suspiciously like onions.” Have you got a fat ass? You might, and not even know it. Or maybe you do, and you just can’t admit it. Fat Ass (FA) races are cropping up everywhere, and there may be one near you. Of course, there is appeal to any race 20 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY MARCH 2005 2006

that is free, but it’s more than just the zero-dollar price tag that feeds popularity. FAs normally take place in the winter, when there aren’t many trail races happening, giving runners a place to test their mettle and burn off their fat derrieres. One would think a free race would draw thousands of runners. Well, there are a few catches. First, you get what you pay for. In other words, you get no T-shirt or awards. And, since these no-

frills races usually cover long distances (most are 50-kilometers, give or take) on tough, mostly unmarked trails, they definitely target the low-maintenance, no-whining crowd. Credit the FA movement to Joe Oakes, who in 1978 used a lack of 50mile races as an excuse to stage his own. Oakes needed a 50-mile race in order to qualify for one of the 100-mile races. Finding none, Oakes entered a 50-mile relay race as a team of one. He finished the relay and later ran the 100, but his search for that 50-miler sparked an idea. A year later, Oakes inaugurated the first-ever Fat Ass 50 and invited his friends. Two of them showed up—not a great turnout by present-day standards. But a few more showed up the following year, and a new breed of event was born. Today there are FA races everywhere, and lots of people run them. The 2005 Catherine’s FA, a summertime bungle in Virginia’s muggy and buggy Massanutten Mountain range, challenged 70 runners from as far away as Arizona. And thanks to the postrace celebration (another trait shared by many FA races), let’s just say that nobody left unhappy. Why do people like these FA races so much? It’s more than just the party. Mike Strzelecki of Baltimore, Maryland, says, “These events strip the sport down to its basic elements: a trail, a runner, a pair of shoes and a passion to move forward—it’s not about the T-shirts, bragging rights or finishing time.” So this winter, when the race calendar looks slim and your butt balloons, look for a Fat Ass in your neighborhood. But be warned: they are not always easy to find. Some of the best FAs fly under the radar, because in their quest to stay hassle-free they take place without the benefit of some permits, licenses or insurance. Trail Runner lists fewer than five FA races (they usually have the words “Fat Ass” in their name) but there are rumored to be over 20 in the country. A good bet is to scour the web (Google “Fat Ass Race”). Better yet, ask around at local running stores or running clubs—they should give you info, even if it comes with a “ssshh!” or a wink.

» adventure

take your mark «

2006 FAT ASSES

(but don’t tell anyone we told you)

Ñ 01/07 Fat Ass 50K Red Rock Version; Las Vegas, NV; (702) 293-5069; itgoes@aol.com Ñ 01/08 Atlanta Fat Ass 50K; Atlanta, GA; (678) 778-8211; getguts@earathlink.net; www.getguts.com Ñ 01/22 Capitol Peak Fat Ass 25K/50K; Olympia, WA; (360) 455-1400; j.pearch@comcast.net; www.capitolpeakultras.com Ñ 01/28 Paint Creek 50K; Rochester, MI; cm@boscospizza.com Ñ VHTRC Fat Ass 50K; Northern VA; Rumored to take place in midDecember. You may have to ply a member of the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club with alcohol to find out about this one. Ñ Crawford to Waco 50K; Crawford, TX; People in these parts talk of a Fat Ass race taking place the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

CARRBORO 50K An FA that benefits more than your fannie

Scott Brockmeier, a trail runner from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has a great, big Fat Ass and it’s named the Carrboro 50K (it’s held in Carrboro, NC). Brockmeier, however, does not believe in “no aid,” even though his race is free. He likes to cook, and it shows at the race. The Carrboro’s loop course brings runners by a single aid station every six miles. And runners don’t leave hungry. “There is a wide selection of food and piping hot chicken noodle soup,” says Brockmeier. No, the aid station does not serve rump roast, but Brockmeier does ask for donations to help offset the cost of the chow. In 2005, Carrboro runners were not the only ones to benefit. Bobby Biles, manager of the Carrboro Fleet Feet store covered the aid station costs, allowing Brockmeier to give all the money donated by the runners ($400) to a grassroots organization aiming to preserve the Bolin Creek corridor, which winds through the area where the run is held. 2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 21

photo by chad k bringnall

Ñ 01/01 Fat Ass 50K; Cameron, MO; rdrisser@centurytel.net

Rocks, roots, tree stumps & logs, mud puddles and snow...

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Where’s Fred? Going for a sandy spin around Real Hidden Valley.

Flintstone Land THE HIGH DESERT OF JOSHUA TREE OFFERS A SURREAL RUNNING EXPERIENCE

Just 30 minutes east from the glitz and golf courses of Palm Springs, California, two majestic deserts silently collide. The Colorado Desert, generally at an elevation less than 3000 feet, meets the higher, cooler and wetter Mojave. In 1994 Congress set aside 794,000 acres of the two deserts as Joshua Tree National Park, protecting it for all to enjoy as a serene wilderness in otherwise chaotic southern California. Joshua Tree National Park isn’t just about its peculiar namesake tree—it’s also about gigantic boulder formations reminiscent of Flintstone land that attract hordes of rock climbers. Five oases nourish lush grasses and native California fan palms. Six

22 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

mountain ranges span the park, providing home for 40 species of mammals, including desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions and trail runners. Joshua trees actually grow only in the Mojave desert section of Joshua Tree National Park, and are found nowhere else in the world other than Utah and Arizona. They aren’t actual trees, but yuccas, belonging to the agave family. Mormon settlers thought that their outstretched branches looked like the arms of the prophet Joshua welcoming them to Heaven, hence their name. With so many trails in the park that it takes a tome to describe them all, we felt that the Joshua trees were welcoming us to trail-running Heaven.

DESPERATELY SEEKING SUN Wishing to escape the snow and ice of northwestern New Mexico, my husband, Marc, and I made the 10-hour drive to southern California on a Thursday afternoon. I had ordered two trail guidebooks and a topo map of the park several weeks earlier and had our weekend strategically lined out. Early Friday morning, we hit the ground running on the Boy Scout Trail. It starts just past the Indian Cove Entrance Station on the north side of the park, winding eight miles though the western part of the Wonderland of Rocks, a 12-square-mile maze of rock formations and massive boulder piles. Just a mile in, cruising on a wide sandy trail, we met a trail runner heading our way. It was Don Mathieu, 59, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was running the same trail but had started at the other end. Like us, he and his wife were in California escaping cold weather. Besides running, they had enjoyed watching the rock climbers from their tent site in the park. Mathieu was getting in a final trail run before doing the Pacific Shoreline Marathon in Huntington Beach the next weekend. “It’s only two hours to the beach,” Mathieu said. “My wife and I are heading there next.” We said goodbye and ran past scraggly creosote bushes and rotund barrel cactuses into the maw of granite monoliths. Just about when we figured the legendary Joshua trees were as elusive as the bighorn sheep, the trail opened into a vast expanse of their outstretched arms. Rambling across miles of desert to the next outcrop of boulders, they welcomed us to level ground. Soft gravelly singletrack took us the remaining three miles to the opposite trailhead at the Wonderland Backcountry Information Board on Park Boulevard. This is where Andrew Roth, of Cotali, California, starts many of his Joshua Tree trail runs. “I like the feel of running through land that’s so wild and open,” says the 37year old sociology professor. “The Mojave Desert is the smallest North American desert, only part of which is in Joshua Tree

National Park. And just that one part is absolutely huge.” Our original plan was to turn around and head straight back, but I was drawn to a well-marked fork toward Willow Hole. “Want to do a quick out and back?” I asked Marc. He hesitated. “It’s only five extra miles,” I remarked, acting as if five miles were nothing. I was hoping his male ego would step up to the plate (38-year-old males don’t like to come off as wimps). He acquiesced and we hightailed toward Willow Hole. The sandy trail led to a wash,

which gradually narrowed as the canyon closed in. We hopped over standing pools of water until we hit a dead end, where we could hear the hollow echo of water roaring through the wall of boulders. Turning around, we continued our run back to the car and ended the day with ribs at Tony Roma’s in nearby Palm Desert.

MIDDAY AT THE OASIS On day two we ran on the south side of the park, choosing the trail leading to Lost Palms Oasis, an eight-mile round trip over rolling hills of ocotillo and mesquite.

TRAILHEAD

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

GETTING THERE Joshua Tree National Park lies 140 miles east of Los Angeles. Approach the north entrances at Joshua Tree Village and the city of Twentynine Palms via Hwy 62. The south entrance at Cottonwood Spring is off Interstate 10. SEASONS October through April is prime. May through September gets toasty with average temps averaging 96 to 104 degrees. RESOURCES Recreational Map of Joshua Tree, by Tom Harrison Maps; On Foot in Joshua Tree National Park, by Patty A. Furbush (available at www.joshuatree.org). PARK AND CAMPING INFORMATION Six rustic campgrounds are available at $5 to $10 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. Three other campgrounds have reservable sites, some with water and flush toilets. Call 1-800-365-CAMP or reserve online at www. nps.gov/jotr. ACCOMMODATIONS AND AMENITIES Golf courses, art galleries, museums, tennis, shopping and casino nightlife border the park at what’s billed as one of the sunniest climates of the world. MORE BETA Twentynine Palms: www.29chamber.com; Palm Springs: www.pschamber. org; Indio; www.indiochamber.org; Joshua Tree: www.joshuatreechamber.org; Yucca Valley: www.yuccavalley.org. Cush running on the Boy Scout Trail through the park’s namesake Joshua trees.

2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 23

Gently undulating terrain deadended at an overlook to a 200-foot deep canyon, where over a hundred native California fan palms exploded into vibrant green. The remoteness, rugged terrain and water make Lost Palms Oasis an ideal habitat for desert bighorns. It’s a day-use area only, restricted so that the sheep can get to the water unhassled at night. I had hoped to see the bighorn sheep, but they only need water about every three days and that day wasn’t one of them. Larry Gassan, a 50-year-old graphic designer from Los Angeles, makes yearly trail-running trips to Joshua Tree and has never seen a bighorn sheep. “I love running there because it’s such a harsh, austere environment,” he said. “Once you’re a mile off the trailhead you have it all to yourself. That includes the bighorn sheep.” The only people we saw were two other trail runners, Daniel and Ammanda Neitz from San Francisco. “We’re visiting the in-laws and snuck out for a trail run,” said Ammanda. “It’s so beautiful, especially as

you get near the oasis. I love the serenity of running out here. Plus, eight miles is a nice distance when trying to squeeze in a run on a family vacation while everybody is sleeping in.” The trailhead, at Cottonwood Spring, was once a seasonal hunting and gathering location for the Cahuilla Indians. From 1870 to 1910 it became a center of gold mining. An old ore milling site and bedrock mortars remain at the springs, and abandoned mine shafts can be seen at Mastodon Mine. On the return trip we took a side loop to Mastodon Peak and Mastodon Mine, which added a few more miles. We sat on a ledge and munched brownies as we gazed across the southern expanse of the Colorado Desert and the Eagle, Cottonwood and Hexie Mountain ranges. The guidebook said we could see the 35-mile-long Salton Sea to the south from Mastodon Peak but we never did. A number of hikers clutching guidebooks wandered around searching for it as well. I don’t know how we could all

miss an entire sea—it must have been off somewhere with the bighorn sheep. Vast and desolate, much of the park remains virtually undiscovered and untouched, with plenty of room for seas and sheep to hide. We passed the Winona Mill on the way down from Mastodon Peak. Foundations of fallen buildings dotted the hillsides and cottonwoods graced the wash. The last section of the run was along the Cottonwood Nature Trail, with numerous signs identifying the plants and how the Cahuillas once used them for food, medicine and shelter. The history was so fascinating that even Marc stopped running (downhill at that) to read the signs. “Can you believe how they could live on this dry brush?” Marc commented as he read a marker about how they used mistletoe. “All I could do with any of this would be to start a fire,” I said. “But then I would need matches.” Yet the Cahuillas thrived. They had uses

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for practically everything in the desert, from mesquite beans to ironwood. They even roasted the seeds from the fan palms to make a healthy addition to their diet. Two days barely scratches the running surface of Joshua Tree National Park. Next winter, when we’re in the mood for warm weather again, we’re going back. The guidebook says that Munsen Canyon, a 12-mile round trip, is even bigger than Lost Palms Oasis, with a two-mile stretch of palm stands. Rattlesnake Canyon looks interesting too, with a polished slot canyon. And then there’s the California Riding and Hiking Trail, which runs 35 miles from the western edge of the park to the north entrance near Twentynine Palms. And maybe next time we’ll find the elusive desert bighorn sheep and Salton Sea. Cathy Tibbetts hits desert trails every day right outside of her door in Farmington, New Mexico. For variety, she has also run deserts of the Sahara, California and Antarctica.

DIRTY 7 BOY SCOUT TRAIL 16 miles out and back Difficulty: Moderate A scenic trail through Joshua Trees and the Wonderland of Rocks. DESERT QUEEN MINE AND WASH 4 miles out and back Difficulty: Moderate Covers a variety of mine sites, from them most successful to the not-so-successful. LOST HORSE MINE 4 miles out and back Difficulty: Strenuous Summit is at 5278 feet MASTODON PEAK LOOP 3 miles Difficulty: Strenuous Summit at 3371 feet offers excellent views of the Eagle Mountains.

SELECTED JOSHUA TREE

TRAIL RUNS LOST PALMS OASIS 8 miles out and back Difficulty: Moderate An undulating trail with an optional scramble to the canyon floor at the end. CHOLLA CACTUS GARDEN Only 1/4 mile but good value Difficulty: Easy An array of cholla cactuses make the 20-mile drive from the Cottonwood Visitor Center worth it. CALIFORNIA RIDING AND HIKING TRAIL 35 miles (shorter runs of 4, 6.7 or 11 miles are possible) Difficulty: Varies Runs from the western edge of the park to the north entrance at Twentynine Palms.

You’re running through another dimension—a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That’s a trailhead sign up ahead—your next stop:

THETWILIGHT

ZONE

By Mike Strzelecki Illustrations by Jeremy Collins 26 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2005

Andrew Thompson was on his way to becoming only the seventh runner to complete the Barkley 100-miler in its two-decade history. “I had 20 miles to go and plenty of time,” recalls Thompson. “I was running well and feeling very good.” What was not to feel good about? A Barkley finish is a life-defining achievement for even the most elite runner. The Barkley staggers through the rugged Tennessee wilderness, and features over 60,000 feet of climbing—twice that of Colorado’s heinous Hardrock 100. Bushwhacking is frequent, brambles slice flesh, river crossings are dangerous and staying on course demands expert navigational skills. But Thompson, 28 at the time of the race, knew he had the gusto to finish. He’s a blood-and-guts runner, trained on the craggy trails of his home state of New Hampshire, and has run some of the toughest trail races in the country. In the summer of 2005, he set the speed record for the Appalachian Trail, covering the 2174 miles in 47 days and some change. Thompson had total confidence in his body. What Thompson didn’t count on was his mind turning adversary. “I’d been running for 49 hours without sleep, when things became hazy,” he recalls. “Switchbacks became confusing. I felt I was just walking back and forth on a single stretch of trail without going anywhere. Soon, I couldn’t even tell whether I was ascending or descending a mountain, or just standing still. Houses started popping up along the trail in the brush. Then office buildings.” Thompson knew of the Barkley’s reputation for generating outlandish hallucinations, and his mental disposition went from bad to worse. “Suddenly, an entire neighborhood of homes appeared. I had vivid im-

ages of people walking by, cars driving past. I was even able to identify the speciﬁc models of the cars. Then, things got weirder. I suddenly became a garbage man trying to identify which houses to visit for trash duty, and which to bypass. Then, I changed jobs—I was a landscaper, carrying lawn refuse from the house to a street. Next, I was an ice deliveryman. Does this house need ice, or are they all set?” In his delirium, Thompson wandered off course, perhaps to deliver imaginary ice, and joined the ranks of other Barkley DNFers. “I lost my mind in the full deﬁnition of the phrase,” he explains. “I worked so hard to get to that point, and then I pissed away the Barkley. I hate hallucinations!”

WHY ME? Thompson’s experience is not uncommon for runners who participate in extreme endurance events. Textbooks deﬁne hallucinations as sensory perceptions not related to outside events. They’re simply seeing or hearing things that aren’t there—your mind turning cartwheels, pulling a sleight-of-hand on your sense of logic and reality. Hallucinations are typically associated with drug use, psychosis or neurological illness. So what causes them in long-distance running events? Dr. Jeffrey Lynn, an exercise physiologist from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, studies running hallucinations as part of an ongoing study on the physiology 2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 27

of running 100-mile races. “Based on my experience, hallucinations in endurance running events are typically caused by the combination of sleep deprivation and exhaustion,” explains Lynn. “I think both factors are responsible.” Lynn acknowledges that little is known about the relationship between endurance events and hallucinations, or their inherent dangers, but sees no reason to panic. “Right now I don’t know of anyone studying what’s happening when runners hallucinate,” he explains. “However, I doubt that hallucinations pose much of a danger. They’re usually innocuous and runners typically pull out of them quickly.”

suddenly, a woman in a silver bikini appeared. She was rollerblading at a pretty decent rate. Every so often, she would turn around to smile and wave at me. She was just perfectly proportioned, this ideal woman in the middle of Death Valley. “I’ve had hallucinations before, so I knew it wasn’t real,” adds Ulrich. “But this was such a good one, and so entertaining, that I perpetuated it for six or seven minutes. This is one I didn’t want to go away.” At another point in his lonely solo crossing, Ulrich subconsciously created his own crowd boost. “I was pulling the

ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR Most trail runners experience hallucinations of the garden-variety type: rocks becoming raccoons, boulders turning into cars, grass clumps morphing into giant spiders. Some, however, transcend the common. Take, for instance, those of Marshall Ulrich, 54, a worldclass trail runner, adventure racer and mountain climber from Colorado. Ulrich’s exploits are legendary. Thirteen times he has finished the Badwater Ultramarathon, a 135-mile summertime sweatfest across Death Valley and up Mount Whitney, winning four of those races. He’s run a 586-mile quad Badwater, repeating the course four times consecutively. In 1989, he became the first runner to complete the Last Great Race, finishing all six major 100-mile trail races in one summer. He’s also stood on the highest peak of every continent, and is one of only three athletes to have competed in all nine Eco-Challenges. Ulrich also hallucinates in epic fashion. During his 1999 self-supported solo crossing of the Badwater course, where he pulled 225 pounds of water and food in a rickshaw for the entire 135 miles, Ulrich’s mind played wonderful tricks. “It was the second day of my crossing, getting toward dusk,” explains Ulrich. “I was running at about three miles per hour, when

NOT FOR HARDCORES ONLY Hallucinations are not the sole domain of hardened veteran runners. The vulnerable minds of novices are equally susceptible. In 2004, Baltimore runner Justina Starobin, 44, was cutting her 100-mile teeth in Vermont, when she encountered a cinematic oasis in the New England woodlands. “It was two in the morning, about 72 miles into the run, and I was practically sleepwalking,” says Starobin, “when on a hill in front of me, I saw a drive-in theater, with a love scene playing. It involved a woman with dark, shoulder-length wavy hair and a clean-cut, darkhaired man. Both were very tan, caressing each other and talking.” Starobin’s pacer sought to be a voice of reason, and argued that there couldn’t possibly be a drive-in theater there, but Starobin wasn’t buying. “I was certain [my pacer] was wrong,” she explains. “I could see the movie right in front of me, so I didn’t say anything. I was just focusing on the dialog and story.” As the tandem neared the top of the hill, reality abruptly ended the movie. What spurred Starobin’s hallucination was an aidstation light casting shadows of swaying trees on the side of a barn. “I was very disappointed,” offers Starobin. Mind alterations helped motivate Wyoming runner Kevin O’Neall, 49, to his ﬁrst 100-mile ﬁnish. It happened at the 2003 Javelina Jundred, an autumn amble through the stark beauty of the Arizona desert. “The night had a dreamlike quality,” remembers O’Neall. “I recall feeling calm and safe in the night air with the full moon and coyotes howling. Then an eclipse began, and the sudden lack of light was eerie. The raucous coyotes quit singing. Right in front of me, I saw a man hanging by a rope. He was wearing a cowboy hat and boot-length duster. There were no trees nearby for him to be hanging from.” The man turned out to be a bush, and the hanging (continued on page 52)

“I was running at about three miles per hour, when suddenly, a woman in a silver bikini appeared.”

28 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

cart along the left-hand side of the road,” he recalls. “And a massive, wingless 747 pulled up beside me. I looked up and through the portals saw people waving. Men, women and children were all cheering me on.” Envisioning airliners, however, did not play as well with Ulrich. “Seeing the skater was entertaining, but not the plane,” he remarks. “That vision was just bizarre, a little too vivid, too real.”

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Lords

Trails of the

In September, all trail-running eyes focused on New Zealand, home to hobbits, wizards and the fastest off-road runners this side of Middle Earth. By Garett Graubins

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: GARY NESBIT, NESBIT, GARETT GRAUBINS, MARATHON-FOTOS.COM, NESBIT, GRAUBINS, NESBIT, GRAUBINS, MARATHON-FOTOS.COM

“Get off the road! Quick!” said Frodo Baggins in the movie Lord of the Rings. With that, he and his band of fellow hobbits dove into the dense forest, where they hid under the hulking, exposed roots of a tree. Moments later, a faceless ﬁgure in tattered black rags pierced the night fog on a chain-mailed stallion. This creature of darkness wanted something that Frodo possessed: the ring, the ring to rule them all. Clockwise from top left: U.S. speedqueen Laura Haefeli heads down from Mount Victoria’s peak. • Jonathan Wyatt ascends the podium. • England’s Natalie White (#19) and Switzerland’s Nathalie Etzensperger (#62) deal with slick downhill switchbacks.• New Zealand’s day in the sun: Kate McIlroy ensures that the trophy stays in Wellington. • Dutchman Maykel Geerdink battles the course—and unseasonable heat. • Slovenian Ines Hizar (#58) corners toward the end of her first lap. • Wyatt leads during his first lap, much to the joy of his home-country faithful. • Italian Marco Gaiardo tackles the course’s torturous incline. • Melissa Moon beams over her country’s performance.

At the 2005 World Mountain Running Trophy Championships in Wellington, New Zealand, faceless singlet-wearing masses invaded the same forest where Frodo Baggins ran scared, pounding the slopes down which the hobbits tumbled. These athletes, representing the most ﬂeet-footed trail runners from 17 countries, wanted what Jonathan Wyatt and Melissa Moon sought to defend: the title of world champion, the title to rule them all. Many predicted that Wyatt and Moon would thwart their challengers and reclaim their titles. How could they lose? Both call Wellington home and they could recite every incline, nook and nuance of the WMRT’s Mount Victoria course. Not to mention, an estimated 10,000 screaming New Zealanders would line the course. The Dominion Post, Wellington’s newspaper,

2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 31

to his WMRT dominance only in “uphill” years. The WMRT rotates between “uphill” and “upand-down” formats annually. The spotlight also shone brightly on kiwi sweetheart Moon. Her unassuming demeanor, radiant wheat-blonde hair and trademark blue eyeliner have made her a crowd favorite. Some avid fans even confess to having “Full Moon Fever.” A photo of Moon graced the sides of a potato truck parked along the city’s Oriental Bay—site of the WMRT start and ﬁnish. “Enjoy

U.S. thoroughbred Eric Blake takes an unconventional route down Mount Victoria. Kiwi Phil Costley (#162) and Canadian Geoff Williamson (#111) steer clear.

32 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

Moonlight Potatoes,” it read, “named in Melissa’s honour.” Lean-faced athletes strolled the city’s bayside promenades in their team jackets—Italy’s deep Mediterranean blue, Ireland’s shamrock green, Canada’s white maple leaf against crimson red and New Zealand’s traditional black adorned with the silver-fern logo. The best had journeyed thousands of miles for their title shots. With any luck—and a stumble by Wyatt or Moon—it would end in a gold medal and bubbly. High Hopes The morning of the championships, most members of the Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team lounge in their hotel rooms. The men’s team’s best hope, Simon Gutierrez, 39, sits in bed, a “Do Not Disturb” sign hanging from his door. Gutierrez, a four-time team member from Alamosa, Colorado, and top U.S. team finisher in 2004 (17th), arrived in Wellington eight days ago. For Gutierrez, the 2005 WMRT means a chance to make good at the up-and-down format. At the 2003 WMRT in Anchorage, Alaska, he excelled on the uphills—his specialty—but flailed on the downhills, finishing 79th. “I ran terrible,” says Gutierrez. “My quads were hamburger and I jogged the last third of the race.” Beginning in fall 2004, Gutierrez trained with the 2005 race in mind. “I knew Wellington was going to have brutal downhills,” says Gutierrez, “so I did one-hour runs where I would run up one mile and then down, over and over.” In the room next door to Gutierrez, one of the top U.S. women waits for her race. Laura Haefeli, a bee keeper, honey-store owner and high-school cross-country coach from Del Norte, Colorado, had a saber-sharp focus on this year’s race and also arrived eight days ago. “Last year, I arrived two days before the race,” said Haefeli, 37, “and all I saw was the top and bottom of the course.” Both U.S. teams traveled here with high hopes, cautiously thinking big. The day before the race, at a team photo shoot on Wellington’s glistening shores, they laughed and savored the sea breeze while pondering their chances. “It’s a wide open field,” said Haefeli. Fellow women’s team member Chris Lundy, 35, of Sausalito, California, felt confident about the women’s team’s prospects as well as her own. “Top 10, maybe top five,” she said with a steely gaze. “I’ll try to run in the front and see what happens.” With her running pedigree—including a second-place overall finish at California’s famed Dipsea (see “Decades of Dipseas,” No. 36) and a marathon PR of 2:41:55—Lundy’s prediction seemed right on. History, however, does not look favorably upon the U.S. team’s chances. In the 20 previous WMRT’s, only twice had a U.S. runner placed in

GARY NESBIT

heralded Wyatt and Moon’s title prospects. “On top of the world” read the pre-race headline of a story about Wyatt, along with a photo of the 32-year-old architect conﬁdently relaxing with a beer. The story marked Wyatt as the “favourite,” citing his two Olympic appearances and four previous WMRT titles. Despite the favorable projections, the humble-yet-conﬁdent Wyatt downplayed his chances. “I’ve never won an ‘up-and-down’ title, so it will be a challenge,” he told the Post, referring

the top three overall. U.S. runners had cracked the top 10 a meager seven times. When the women’s team shocked the slopes and snagged third in 2004, it was the ﬁrst time a U.S. team had ascended the WMRT podium—ever. “Damn the history books” is the mantra as U.S. runners lace up their shoes. Says Team Manager Nancy Hobbs, “I really like our chances. Our women are good—probably our best ever.”

GARY NESBIT

Victoria’s Secrets WHOMP-WHOMPWHOMP. The blades of a television-news helicopter slice through the blue sky thousands of feet above Wellington’s Oriental Bay and the starting line of the men’s WMRT. One hundred eleven athletes stand side-byside, chiseled legs poised to spring up imposing Mount Victoria. Athletes will run up through urban streets and drastically sloped hardwood forests before cresting the summit marked by a radio tower. After some rolling terrain, they will plunge down 650 feet of shaded dirt roads, dusty single track, matted-down grass and asphalt to each loop’s end. The elite men will cover the punishing loop three times for a total distance of 13.5 kilometers (8.4 miles). Says U.S. Team Leader, Richard Bolt of Nassau, New Hampshire, “It’s a good test and very steep in spots; runners need to avoid going anaerobic early or they’ll pay for it later.”

The gauntlet has been thrown, and it will take a miraculous performance to topple them from the top of the team standings. Gutierrez is still ﬁfth, and it’s apparent that he’s vanquished any lingering demons from Anchorage. He assaults the course with tightened lips and furrowed eyebrows. Extreme Trail Running Mountain running occupies a unique niche in the running community. Many Americans lump it under the heading of “trail running” and that is mostly ac-

curate. It’s also fair to place mountain running under the “road running” umbrella. In fact, mountain running may be the missing link between the two disciplines. Ofﬁcial World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) regulations govern any WMRT race. Strict guidelines surprise the casual trail-running crowds, but this is serious, international competition, subject to the type of control seen in major road-running events. According to the regulations, WMRT races must total approximately 8K (senior women)

Gutierrez is still ﬁfth ... he’s vanquished any lingering demons from Anchorage, and assaults the course with tightened lips and furrowed eyebrows. Top U.S. male Gutierrez (#200) stays strong midway through his first lap. German Helmut Schiessl (#136) and Frenchman Julien Rancon (#132) give chase.

Chasing Wyatt Midway up the course’s ﬁrst climb, over a hundred spectators have staked positions in a steep, heavily forested section. The slope is so steep that they subtly slide down even when standing still. They wait and speculate on who leads. Most bets go to Wyatt. Cheers from around a corner signal the frontrunner’s approach. It’s Wyatt, and he pivots on his lead foot to face directly uphill, gigantic sculpted quads pumping like pistons as he smoothly motors past stunned onlookers. Another athlete, Scott McTaggart of Australia, runs with him, his gait faltering, his thread-thin grip on Wyatt already slipping. Twenty seconds later, a group of Italians and one German pass. Gutierrez follows in ﬁfth place, sweat beads on his shaved head, but his breathing steady. Once the main pack has passed, hoards of fans dart through the forest like hobbits. They contour around Mount Victoria to another section of the course, a booming downhill. Wyatt’s lead on the uphill was predictable, but can he hold his lead on the downhill and outrun the Italians? The answer comes in the form of a black singlet barreling downward from out of the treelined shadows. “Way to go, Jon!” shouts a fan. Over a minute later, the chase pack comes into sight. A trio of Italians gobbles up this downhill like swiftly slurped spaghetti noodles. 2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 33

cent grade at 4:30-mile-per-minute pace. “It’s trail running with a monkey wrench thrown in,” adds Parr.

All eyes are on Melissa Moon as she braces for Mount Victoria’s quadmashing descent.

and 12K (senior men). As a result, most courses consist of laps—of which the women run two and the men run three. In uphill years, the women’s course must climb approximately 800 vertical meters (2624 feet), while the men’s must ascend 1200 vertical meters (3936 feet). Courses need not be completely trail, but “must have less that 20 percent of the distance on asphalted road.” This stipulation results in an ever-changing mix of running surfaces that rewards the legspeed of a road

34 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

ace and the durability of a mountain goat. Says 2005 Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team member Tim Parr, “You’re going to hike portions of the course, because uphill and downhill conditions are more severe than your average trail race.” Some chin-scraping ascents are so extreme that even elite runners resort to the “mountain-running slog,” a labored hike with arms pushing down on the thighs for more drive. Then, several minutes later, the same athletes bash down a 25-per-

Lassoing the Moon As the men’s podium ceremonies winds down, and Wyatt showers Wellingtonians with champagne, the elite women loosen up on the opposite end of the waterfront boulevard. The loudspeaker calls for all runners to check in. A Scotland ﬂag waves in the wind, a silent cheer for Scottish title hopefuls Tracey Brindley and the 2003 WMRT runner-up Angela Mudge. Sixty-ﬁve lithe female runners tilt forward

MARATHON-FOTOS.COM

Return of the King Throughout the second and third laps, Wyatt’s lead grows with each step, and he doesn’t stumble or even once revert to the “mountain-running slog.” He simply runs away from the field, eventually winning by a margin of two minutes 12 seconds. Italians Marco Gaiardo, Davide Chicco and Gabriele Abate erase all drama from the team competition, as they claim the three spots behind Wyatt, clinching an unbelievable 21st consecutive team title. All this, and their top runner, Marco de Gasperi, wasn’t here. Just a half mile from the finish, Gutierrez hammers down a paved section. “Yeah, Simon!” hollers Kelli Lusk, past U.S. Women’s Team Member and 2005 U.S. runner Paul Low’s wife. The normally mild-mannered Gutierrez, recognizing his finest hour, grits his teeth and pumps a clenched fist. Moments later, he finishes 10 th, one of the top WMRT performances ever for a U.S. male. Several places behind Gutierrez, U.S. runner Eric Blake, 26, battles to hold his position. For Blake, an assistant track and cross-country coach at Central Connecticut State, the race has been a struggle. He has scaled the steepest uphills with the mechanical steadiness of a high-speed chairlift, but lost ground on the downhills. After the first lap, he languished in 48 th place. He turned up the pace during the second and third laps, though. Afterward, Blake, who claims 23rd, reflects on the ups and downs. “It was a grind,” he says, sporting a raw, bruised hip, “I fell on the second lap, on the downhill, but I regrouped.” Tim Parr (36th place) and Paul Low (50 th) round out the men’s team scoring, placing them sixth overall—a pleasant improvement from their eighth-place 2004 finish. “We had the guys to do it this year,” says Gutierrez afterward, “We’re getting there.” Nancy Hobbs marvels at Gutierrez’s individual display. “The big story was Simon— I’m so proud of him today,” she says, “he had to grind and grind to the bitter end.”

Make the Team Do you regularly get speeding tickets for running too fast? At local races, do RDs engrave the medal with your name beforehand? Do you have a fondness for Turkey?

McIlroy’s bubbly personality launches a country-wide celebration while runnersup, Tracey Brindley of Scotland (2nd) and Anna Pichrtova of the Czech Republic (3rd), enjoy the moment.

4 Of course, that’s Turkey, the country. 4 Qualify for the Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team and represent the U.S. at the 2006 World Mountain Running Trophy Championships in Bursa, Turkey.

GARY NESBIT

42006 qualifying races will be announced in early December at www. trailrunner.com and www.usatf.org at the starting line of this two-lap, 9.1-kilometer (5.65-mile) battle. Fans line both sides of the paved first half-mile of the course. The starter’s pistol pierces the air—CRACK! Arms rock as runners sprint and seek out front positions that won’t box them in. U.S. runners Laura Haefeli and Chris Lundy surge alongside Melissa Moon and her 24year-old teammate Kate McIlroy, who is running her first WMRT. As the peloton turns and begins the grind up Mount Victoria, McIlroy shocks the field and one-ups the swift pace. Haefeli and Lundy stay conservative and lag behind McIlroy. “I got a pretty good start,” said Lundy later, “and I was in fifth on the first uphill.” A few strides behind Lundy, Haefeli pumps up this unforgiving stairmaster. “I felt great at the start,” she says, “I didn’t feel like I was going into oxygen debt.” At the same time, she fantasizes about a banner day for the U.S. women. I thought, “Gosh, if Chris and I can stick together close to the front, we are going to have a great team score.” Not far behind, lightning strikes early for perennial U.S. star, 41-year-old Anita Ortiz. In 2004, Ortiz finished eighth, leading the team to a best-ever WMRT third place. But it came at a cost: she ruptured her plantar fascia—a ligament that extends from the heel bone to the base of the toes—and rehab has been grueling. Now, the worst possible scenario plays out as Ortiz’s injured foot lands awkwardly on some hiking stairs. “I thought it would work itself out,” she says later, “but it never did.” Still, Ortiz persevered. “I kept thinking, ‘Run for the team—every person you pass helps.’” Ortiz fades and eventually finishes 45th. As the front pack crests Mount Victoria and begins the first downhill section, McIlroy shocks the crowds with an impressive lead. Everybody expected Moon to reign as queen of this mountain. About a minute back, as Lundy turns downhill, she encounters problems. “I wasn’t ex-

“I wasn’t expecting it to be that steep,” says Chris Lundy. “I was surprised by how much everybody started flying [on the downhills].” pecting it to be that steep,” she says. “I was surprised by how much everybody started flying [on the downhills]. I probably lost about 20 places.” Haefeli, who focused on speedwork and downhills through the summer, shines on this part of the course. “I just leaned forward and let it go,” she says. “I was able to pass several girls.” At the bottom of the first lap, McIlroy thunders through a tunnel of fans, her lead a seemingly insurmountable minute. Today, her performance overshadows all others, and

she will expand her lead to two minutes by the time she circles the course again. On the final straightaway before the finish, somebody hands her a New Zealand flag and she sends this crowd into a raucous tizzy. She breaks the finishing tape 2:02 ahead of Scotland’s Brindley and 2:19 ahead of the Czech Republic’s Anna Pichrtova. Halfway through her own race, Haefeli has landed in sixth place, but it doesn’t last. Two runners catch her on the second uphill and she’s not able to (continued on page 53)

2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 35

“Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.” —Victor Hugo

Kate Rutherford, a Grand Canyon biologist studying bighorn sheep, out for a pre-work run. PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES Q. MARTIN

T R AIL TES T E D by GARETT GRAUBINS

» photos by DAVID CLIFFORD

MARK IS WEARING HIGH GEAR LOFT WATCH $150 Bevy of features—chrono, thermometer, altimeter, barometer, heart-rate monitor—but still svelte and stylish. www.highgear.com

BLACK DIAMOND JETSTREAM GLOVES $38 Windproof and toasty—a great combo for frigid evening runs or athletes whose digits tend to freeze. www.bdel.com

SMARTWOOL BEANIE $22 A double-layered, head-hugging fit that jets sweat away from your scalp. www.smartwool.com

PATAGONIA SPRAYMASTER JACKET $249 It’s feathery light (3 oz.), but no lightweight in gruesome weather. Waterproof and breathable with a trim, stretchy fit for fluid motion. www.patagonia.com

KATRIN IS WEARING REI TRAIL-RUNNING JACKET $99

Chill Out, Dude PLAY IT COOL WITH THIS COLD-WEATHER GEAR

Old Man Winter may be a bitter, slow-footed geezer, but the December trail run remains an enjoyable, time-honored rite of passage. Scrape the windshield, blast the heater and bundle up. Once on the trail, dress in layers, avoid overheating and tread carefully. The gear featured here will take the nip out of the chillier months and keep a spring in your slushy steps until warmer temps return.

38 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

A wind- and water-resistant layer with several mesh vents (back, elbow, wrists) to prevent overheating. If the hood doesn’t suit you, just zip it off. www.rei.com

HOT CHILLYS FULL-ZIP PANEL JACKET (BASE LAYER) $85 It’s a jacket—and a base layer. Toasty comfort plus a sleek, lady-like fit. Spandex flex zones let you move freely. www.hotchillys.com

NATHAN QUICKDRAW PLUS $12 A heavy-duty 22-ounce bottle with padded handle and super-sized pouch for gels or car keys. www.nathansports.com

CW-X PRO TIGHTS $95 A zig-zagging web of reinforced lycra matches your anatomy, lending extra support to key muscles and joints. www.cw-x.com

trail tested «

KATRIN IS WEARING RUDY PROJECT EKYNOX SX GIRL $135 Designed for smaller, femme faces, the Ekynox delivers adjustable temples and nosepiece, interchangeable lenses and a sleek style (not to mention a hot color selection). www.rudyprojectusa.com

CLOUDVEIL HIGHLINE HOODIE $100 Top-shelf versatility. Layer this silky, stretchy wickmeister in the frigid cold. When it heats up, open the deep-drop zipper. www.cloudveil.com

180S CONVERTIBLE TRAINING GLOVE $30 Cold-weather ace—it’s a mitten until you retract the windproof hood to reveal a wicking lightweight glove. Fleece cuff for runny noses. www.180s.com

COLUMBIA HIGH TRAIL SHORT $25 Robustly rugged short with ripstop polyester. Wispy inner brief for comfort. Available in 6- and 8-inch cuts. www.columbia.com

BRIDGEDALE X-HALE $15 Thick cushioning in high-impact zones (heel, ball of foot). Interwoven mesh encourages air flow around the foot. www.bridgedale.com

LASPORTIVA NEVA XCR $115 Durable GORE-TEX XCR upper and easily attachable gaiters keep your feet dry in rain, sleet or snow. A stellar snowshoeing choice. www.lasportiva.com

MARK IS WEARING MONTRAIL SUSITNA II XCR $130 When the weather growls, lace up the Susitna II XCR, a rugged and light (13.7 oz. for a men’s size 9) waterproof ride. Sharp, grippy lugs keep you from slip sliding away. www.montrail.com

SUGOI QUICK ZIP $100

JULBO SENSE SUNGLASSES $99

A next-to-skin midweight layer with velvety internal fleece for comfort. Elastic, slanted rear pockets give easy access to stash-ables. www.sugoi.com

Shield your peepers with three interchangeable sets of lenses and the rugged yet chic frame. Optional clip ($30) fits corrective lenses. www.julbo.com

BROOKS SHERPA SHORT $32

DARN TOUGH SOCKS $15

Longer-cut design with light low-stretch fabric. Rear hip pockets spaciously sized for three energy gels … each. www.brooksrunning.com

The merino wool and nylon blend withstands trail abuse, wicks moisture from blister zones and minimizes friction. www.darntough.com

RACE CALENDAR Interna tion al

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Pac i f i c / D

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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ROCKIES: CO, ID, MT, NM, UT, WY HEARTLAND: AL, AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, OH, OK, SD, TN, TX, WI EAST: CT, DE, FL, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VT, VA, WV PACIFIC/DESERT: AK, AZ, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA INTERNATIONAL (INCLUDING CANADA) It is wise to confirm any race in this calendar before making plans. FOR REGULAR UPDATES TO OUR 2006 RACE CALENDAR, VISIT WWW. TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM.

January PACIFIC/DESERT

01/14 Bridle Trails Winter Trail Running Festival 5M, 10M, 50K, 50R; Bellevue, WA; (206) 329-1466; searunco@aol.com; www. seattlerunningcompany.com

01/28 Steel Sports Tyler Winter Duathlon 25M, 10B; Tyler, TX; (903) 871-8466; rodney@steelsports.net; www.SteelSports.net

02/11 Psycho WyCo Run Toto Run 10M, 20M, 50K; Kansas City, KS; (816) 810-0440; badbendrs@yahoo.com; www.psychowyco.com

01/28 Winter Buckeye Trail Marathon & 50K 13.1M, 26.2M, 50K; Peninsula, OH; cadyrun100@aol.com; www.bt50k.org

02/18 Louisville’s Lovin’ the Hills Trail Runs 15M, 50K; Louisville, KY; bgutmann@hotmail.com; www.cherokeeroadrunners.org/llth/ index.html

EAST

01/07 Fairhill Phunt 50K 50K; Elkton, MD; (800) 949-1003 X5422; philruth@intergate.com; www.traildawgs.org

02/18 Rock Cut Trail Run Series #2 10K; Rockford, IL; (815) 8778164; larrydswanson@cs.com; www.rockfordroadrunners.org

01/07 Frozen Assets Snowshoe Race 5K; Canadice, NY; (585) 271-7045; goutnow@yahoo.com; www.geocities.com/goutnow

02/18 Sylamore 50K Trail Run 50K; Allison, AR; www. runarkansas.com

01/08 River, Roots & Ruts Trail Run & Relay 5K, 13.1M; Alva, FL; (239) 694-7572; RaceDirector@RRRTrail.com; www.rrrtrail.com

02/25 Caesar’s Creek Frosty Fourteen Fun Run 14M; Waynesville, OH; (937) 640-2RUN; www.ORRRC.org

01/14 Charlottesville Running Company Trail Race 5K; Charlottesville, VA; (434) 293-7115; rungillrun@adelphia.net; www. badtothebone.biz

02/25 Chicot Adventure Race 50M; Ville Platte, LA; (903) 8718466; rodney@steelsports.net; www.SteelSports.net

01/21 Mud in your Eye XC 5K; Virginia Beach, VA; team@kalerunning.com; www.mudinyoureye.kalerunning.com

02/04 Cast a Shadow Six-Hour Snowshoe Race & Relay 6H; Mendon, NY; (585) 271-7045; goutnow@yahoo.com; www.geocities. com/goutnow

INTERNATIONAL

01/01 Vancouver Fat Ass 50 Run and Freeze Your Fat Ass Swim 50K; Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www. clubfatass.com/events/VancouverNewYear

02/04 Charlottesville Running Company 10K Trail Race 10K; Charlottesville, VA; (434) 293-7115; rungillrun@adelphia.net; www. badtothebone.biz

01/20 The Coastal Challenge 240K; San Jose, CA; (203) 353-1608; info@thecoastalchallenge.com; www.thecoastalchallenge.com

02/04 Uwharrie Mountain Run 8M, 20M, 40M; Uwharrie National Forest, NC; info@raceuwharrie.com; www.raceuwharrie.com

01/21 Croesus Crossing 26K; West Coast, New Zealand; 03.548 3655; nelsonstriders@clear.net.nz; www.coolrunning.co.nz/ nelsonstriders

02/11 Holiday Lake 50K 50K; Appomattox, VA; (434) 582-2386; dhorton@liberty.edu; www.extremeultrarunning.com

February PACIFIC/DESERT

02/04 Death Valley Trail Marathon & 30K 30K, 26.2M; Death Valley, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www. envirosports.com 02/04 Lord Hill Trail Run 10M, 20M, 30M; Snohomish, WA; (425) 280-6158; cumulus84@aol.com; www.hometown.aol.com/ cumulus84/LordHillFunRun.html 02/04 Pemberton Trail 50K 50K; Fountain Hills, AZ; (406) 4438042; bquick50k@hotmail.com; www.trailrun.net

01/14 H.U.R.T. 100 100K, 100M; Honolulu, HI; (808) 235-0577; hurtpals@aol.com; www.HurtHawaii.com

02/11 Buffalo Run 13.1M; Catalina Island, CA; (714) 978-1528; BuffaloRun@PacificSportsLLC.com; www.PacificSportsLLC.com

01/15 Calico Trail Run 30K, 50K; Daggett, CA; (760) 244-7321; jrobins760@charter.net; www.calicotrailrun.org

02/11 Great American Adventure Run 2.8M, 4.8M; Huntington Beach, CA; (714) 841-5417; ojrfinish@aol.com; www.nealand. com/finishline

01/15 Maui Surf & Sand Half Marathon 13.1M; Maui, HI; info@mauisurfsandhalf.com; www.mauisurfsandhalf.com 01/21 Capitol Peak Mega Fat Ass 17M, 34M; Olympia, WA; (360) 455-1400; j.pearch@comcast.net; www.capitolpeakultras.com

ROCKIES

01/07 Beaver Creek Snowshoe Series Race #2 5K, 10K; Vail, CO; (970) 476-6797; info@gohighline.com; www.gohighline.com/ bcsnowshoe 01/07 Turquoise Lake 20-Mile Snowshoe Run 20.1M; Leadville, CO; (719) 539-4112; tsobal@hotmail.com; www.salidarec.com/ccrc 01/13 Grand Lake Snowshoe Festival 5K, 10K; Grand Lake, CO; www.grandlakesnowshoefestival.com

HEARTLAND

01/07 Bandera 25K, 50K, 100K; Bandera, TX; (512) 895-6100; jprusaitis@austin.rr.com; www.tejastrails.com/Bandera.html 01/07 Siberian Express Trail Run 7.6M; Danville, IL; (217) 4692134; krr@kennekuk.com; www.kennekuk.com 01/15 Big Bend 25K, 50K; Big Bend National Park, TX; (210) 8050845; pcarroll@fleetfeetsanantonio.com; www.bigbend50.com 01/21 Rock Cut Trail Run Series #1 5K; Rockford, IL; (815) 8778164; larrydswanson@cs.com; www.rockfordroadrunners.org 01/28 Narrows Trail Run 5M; Dayton, OH; (937) 640-2RUN; www. ORRRC.org 01/28 Paint Creek 50K 50K; Rochester, MI; (248) 646-7277; cm@boscospizza.com 40 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

EAST

02/11 Run/Walk 4 The Heart (Youth Against Crime) Benefit Challenge 5K, 10K; Lakewood, WA; (253) 376-5737; humansports2001@hotmail.com; www.humanmultisportspnw.org 02/11 Sedona Marathon 26.2M, 13.1M, 5K; Sedona, Arizona; info@sedonamarathon.com; www.sedonamarathon.com 02/18 Little Su 50K 50K; Susitna Valley, AK; Susitna100@attalascom.net; www.susitna100.com 02/18 Susitna 100 100M; Big Lake, AK; Susitna100@attalascom. net; www.susitna100.com

ROCKIES

02/05 Frisco Gold Rush 5K, 10K; Frisco, CO; (303) 635-2815; emgmh@emgcolorado.com; www.emgcolorado.com 02/05 SALOMON Frisco Gold Rush (Snowshoe portion of event) 5K, 10K; Frisco, CO; (303) 635-2815; emgmh@emgcolorado.com; www.emgcolorado.com 02/11 Beaver Creek Snowshoe Series Race #3 5K, 10K; Vail, CO; (970) 476-6797; info@gohighline.com; www.gohighline.com/ bcsnowshoe

HEARTLAND

02/04 Rocky Raccoon 50M, 100M; Huntsville, TX; (512) 895-6100; jprusaitis@austin.rr.com; www.tejastrails.com/Rocky.html 02/11 East Texas Ultra Runners Trail Runs 25K, 50K; Tyler, TX; (903) 894-3788; badwater75757@yahoo.com; www. hillcountrytrailrunners.com

02/11 Mud in your Eye XC 6K; Chesapeake, VA; team@kalerunning.com; mudinyoureye.kalerunning.com 02/12 Florida Challenge Trail Runs 5K, 13.1M; Lithia, FL; (813) 4049002; ricky@tamparaces.com; www.tamparaces.com/challenge/ index.html 02/18 Swamp Stomp 30H; Hernando County, FL; (727) 504-3110; swamp@wecefar.com; www.wecefar.com/swamp2006.htm 02/25 Mount Mitchell Challenge & Black Mountain Marathon 26.2M, 40M; Black Mountain, NC; (828) 253-6891; curwen@bellsouth.net; www.blackmountainmarathon.com 02/25 Mud in your Eye XC 8K; Norfolk, VA; team@kalerunning. com; www.mudinyoureye.kalerunning.com 02/26 North Fork Bank Winter Trail Relay 6M; Farmingdale, NY; (516) 349-7646; spolansky@aol.com; www.glirc.org

INTERNATIONAL

02/18 Capilano Canyon Night Run - Mardigras 12K, 18K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass. com/events/mardigras 02/21 Croesus Crossing #2 26K; West Coast, New Zealand; 03.548 3655; www.nelsonstriders.co.nz

March PACIFIC/DESERT

03/04 Chesebro Half Marathon 13.1M; Agoura Hills, CA; (877) 4787223; ask@greatraceofagoura.com; www.greatraceofagoura.com 03/04 Old Pueblo 50 Mile Endurance Run 50M; Sonoita, AZ; (520) 529-2985; oldpueblo50@simplybits.net; www.ultrazone.us/OP50 03/04 Woodside Kings Mountain Half Marathon & 5 Mile 5M, 13.1M; Woodside, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www. envirosports.com 03/11 Marin Trail Races 10K, 20K; San Rafael, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com 03/11 Way Too Cool 50K 50K; Cool, CA; (916) 387-8796; wser100@comcast.net; www.run100s.com/snu 03/18 Catalina Marathon 5K, 10K, 26.2M; Catalina Island, CA; (714) 978-1528; CatalinaMarathon@PacificSportsLLC.com; www. PacificSportsLLC.com 03/18 Chuckanut 50K 50K; Bellingham, WA; (206) 715-0919; kmoehl2000@yahoo.com; www.gbrc.net/chuckanut50K.html 03/18 Crown King Scramble 50K; Morristown, AZ; www. crownkingscramble.com

GEARFINDER

THE PERFECT RUNNING GIFT! Don’t let the runner on your gift list go another mile without Road ID®! This necessary part of running gear is invaluable in the event of an unforeseen accident while running. Road ID® is available in 4 models: the SHOE ID (pictured), WRIST ID, ANKLE ID, & NECK ID. Only $19.99!

800-345-6336 www.RoadID.com

When your Best Friend is your biggest Motivator The Buddy System is an innovative, hands free leash designed for walkers, runners, hikers, and anyone who likes both hands free yet, still wants to take along their best friend. It is set apart from other hands-free leash systems by its built in safety mechanisms and the ability to store the unused leash on the belt when the dog is off-leash.

888-363-2818 www.buddysys.com

Honey Stinger introduces Strawberry flavored energy gel packets. Strawberry is the sixth gel packet flavor offered by the Colorado manufacturer and second to include caffeine. Other ingredients include; B vitamins, sodium, potassium, 32mg of caffeine from kola nut extract and all natural flavors. Honey Stinger delivers pure, natural energy!

www.honeystinger.com

» race calendar 03/18 Joe’s Half Marathon 13.1M; Eugene, OR; (503) 845-1122; marhondo@hotmail.com; www.mtangel.net/~matthew/half_ marathon.html 03/18 Romancing the Island 12K, 25K; Tiburon, CA; (415) 8681829; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com 03/25 March Mudness 13.1M, 50K, 100K; Portland, OR; (503) 2825692; longrunpdx@gmail.com; www.orrc.net 03/25 Napa Valley Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K 10K, 13.1M, 26.2M; Calistoga, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com

ROCKIES

03/04 Beaver Creek Snowshoe Series Race #4 (Jeremy Wright N.A. Snowshoe Championships) 5K, 10K; Vail, CO; (970) 476-6797; info@gohighline.com; www.gohighline.com/bcsnowshoe 03/18 Antelope Island Buffalo Run 25K, 50K; Syracuse, UT; (801) 732-9242; ultrajim@charter.net; www.buffalorun.org 03/18 Atlas Baldy Mountain Snowshoe Challenge; Sun Valley, ID; (208) 726-3497; mfauth@elephantsperch.com; www. elephantsperch.com 03/18 Turret Marathon 13.1K, 26.2M; Salida, CO; (719) 539-7626; chaffeerunners@yahoo.com; www.salidarec.com/ccrc

HEARTLAND

02/25 Cross Timbers Trail Run 5M, 13M, 25M, 50M; Lake Texoma, TX; (903) 271-3587; tere77@ev1.net; www.geocities.com/cross_ timbers_04 03/04 Bearathon 13.1M; Waco, TX; (254) 710-3497; Lindsey_ Shepherd@baylor.edu; www.baylor.edu/studentfoundation 03/04 Lone Star Trail Run 1K, 5K, 25K, 50K; Coldspring, TX; charles@runbikepaddle.com; www.runbikepaddle.com/ lonestartrail 03/04 WACO FIVE-O and ONE-O 10M, 50K; Waco, TX; tneckar@houston.rr.com; www.runnerone.com 03/05 A-OK 25K/50K 25K, 50K; Atoka, OK; (972) 424-7844; mam3217@ev1.net; nttr@yahoogroups.com; www.nttr.org 03/11 Land Between the Lakes 24K, 58K; Grand Rivers, KY; (314) 378-7488; sdurbin@marquettetrans.com; www.wkrc.org 03/11 Mississippi 50 Trail Runs 20K, 50K, 50M; Laurel, MS; (601) 425-7005 D; 601-426-3347 N; info@ms50.com; www.ms50.com 03/11 Steel Sports Pain in the Pines Adventure Race 30M; Tyler, TX; (903) 871-8466; rodney@steelsports.net; www.SteelSports.net 03/17 Three Days Of Syllamo; Mountain View, AR, Stone; (501) 753-6910; threedaysofsyllamo@mail.com; www.runarkansas. com/ThreeDaysSyllamo.htm 03/18 Rock Cut Trail Run Series #3 15K; Rockford, IL; (815) 8778164; larrydswanson@cs.com; www.rockfordroadrunners.org 03/19 Brew to Brew Relay and Solo Run 43M; Kansas City, MO; (816) 228-3842; ljoline@aol.com; www.brewtobrew.com 03/25 Germantown Trail Runs 7M, 14M; Dayton, OH; (937) 6402RUN; www.ORRRC.org 03/25 Grasslands Run 13.1M, 26.2M, 50M; Decatur, TX; trailrun2005@yahoo.com

EAST

03/04 Explore Your Limits 5K, 10K; Roanoke, VA; toliver@explorepark.org; www.explorepark.org 03/04 Seneca Creek Greenway Trail Marathon 26.2M, 50K; Damascus, MD; (301) 258-0281; ed516p@aol.com; www.mcrrc.org 03/11 Trout Creek Trail Runs 5K, 15K; Thonotosassa, FL; (813) 404-9002; ricky@tamparaces.com; www.tamparaces.com 03/12 Squiggy Classic and Dash Adventure Race 4H; Trout Creek Wilderness Park, FL; (727) 504-3110; squiggy@wecefar.com; www. wecefar.com 03/12 Virginia Creeper Marathon 26.2M; Abingdon, VA; (423) 288-4595; runfrankrun@hotmail.com; www.runtricities.org/ creepermarathon 03/25 Bel Monte Endurance Run Trail Races 25K, 50K; Sherando Lake Recreation Area, VA; (434) 293-7115; rungillrun@adelphia.net; www.badtothebone.biz 42 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

race calendar « INTERNATIONAL

03/05 Frontrunners GutBuster Trail Running Series #1 5K, 10K; Victoria, BC, Canada; (250) 715-8933; info@gutbustertrailrun.com; www.gutbustertrailrun.com 03/06 Run Inn Sane 10K; Vancouver, BC, Canada; (604) 998-5043; eric@ironlung.ca; www.ironlung.ca 03/11 ARC Winter Adventure Race 4-6 hours, 30-35K; Barrie, Ontario; Solo & Teams of Three (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com 03/11 Medwar Winter Adventure Race 4-6 hours, 20-25K; Barrie, Ontario; Teams of Three (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com

04/15 Lake McMurtry Trail Run 25K, 50K; Stillwater, OK; (918) 7441562; TriSloth@earlblewett.net; www.earlblewett.net/LMTR.htm 04/15 McNaughton Park Trail Runs 30M, 50M, 100M; Pekin, IL; (309) 346-3601; aweinberg@pekinhigh.net; www. mcnaughtonparktrailruns.com 04/15 Rock Cut Trail Run Series #4 20K; Rockford, IL; (815) 8778164; larrydswanson@cs.com; www.rockfordroadrunners.org 04/22 Double Chubb 25K, 50K; St. Louis, MO; (573) 763-5704; slugrd@yahoo.com; www.stlouisultrarunnersgroup.net 04/22 Mineral Wells Adventure Race 50M; Mineral Wells, TX; (903) 871-8466; info@steelsports.net; www.SteelSports.net 04/22 Pine Line Marathon & Relay 13.1M, 26.2M, 26.2R; Medford, WI; (715) 748-4729; chamber@dwave.net; www.medfordwis.com

03/19 Spring Mountain Highway Madness 15K, 30K, 45K, 60K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; (604) 904-6554; info@clubfatass. com; www.clubfatass.com/events/springmhm

04/22 Steel Sports Mineral Wells Adventure Race 50M; Mineral Wells, TX; (903) 871-8466; rodney@steelsports.net; www. SteelSports.net

03/25 Frontrunners GutBuster Trail Running Series #2 5K, 11K; Victoria, BC, Canada; (250) 715-8933; info@gutbustertrailrun.com; www.gutbustertrailrun.com

04/22 Trail Mix 25K, 50K; Bloomington, MN; (763) 588-1132; OCW1949@aol.com; www.trailmixracemn.org

April PACIFIC/DESERT

04/01 American River 50 50M; Sacramento, CA; (916) 387-8796; wser100@comcast.net; www.run100s.com/snu 04/01 Golden Gate Headlands 7M, 13.1M, 26.2M; Sausalito, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com 04/08 Skyline Ridge Half Marathon & 10K 10K, 13.1M; Palo Alto, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com 04/09 Peterson Ridge Rumble 30K, 60K; Sisters, OR; (541) 5491298; smeissner@lycos.com; www.footzonebend.com/rumble 04/15 Capitol Peak Ultramarathon and Relay 50M; Olympia, WA; (360) 455-1400; j.pearch@comcast.net; www.capitolpeakultras.com 04/22 Friends of the INYO Earth Day 5K, 10K; Bishop, CA; jamie@friendsoftheinyo.org; www.friendsoftheinyo.org 04/22 Leona Divide 28.4M, 50M; Lake Hughes, CA; (760) 765-1149; kimmerlys@yahoo.com; www.Leonadivide.com 04/22 Muir Woods Marathon, 25K & 7 Mile 7M, 25K, 26.2M; Stinson Beach, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www. envirosports.com 04/23 Mt. Si Relay and Ultra Runs 50K, 50M, 50R; Snoqualmie, WA; (206) 300-4585; mtsirelay@mail.com; www.ontherunevents. com/mtsirelay 04/23 Spokane River Run 5K, 10K, 25K, 50K; Spokane, WA; (509) 324-8804; spokeaho@msn.com; www.spokaneriverrun.com 04/29 Escape from Prison Hill Half Marathon & Relay 13.1M; Carson City, NV; (775) 887-7840; Jeffrey.Mark@us.army.mil; www. sagebrushstompers.org 04/29 Zane Grey Highline Endurance Run 50M; Payson, AZ; (520) 232-8900; jazzzaz@comcast.net; www.zanegrey50.com

ROCKIES

04/09 Canine Classic 5K, 10K; Boulder, CO; (303) 443-0400; info@m ovingtoendsexualassault.org; www.movingtoendsexualassault.org 04/21 Desert R.A.T.S. Training Camp; Fruita, CO; (303) 249-1112; reid_delman@geminiadventures.com; www.geminiadventures.com 04/22 Spring Desert Ultra Trail Running Festival 5M, 10M, 25M, 50M; Fruita, CO; (303) 249-1112; reid_delman@geminiadventures. com; www.geminiadventures.com 04/29 Greenland Trail Races 8M, 25K, 50K; Greenland, CO; (720) 570-3469; derek@coloradorunnermag.com; www.greenland50k.com

HEARTLAND

April TBA Run Windigo: A Family Experience 5K; Upland, IN; 378-3373; ncross@gswc.ws; www.gswc.ws/events.htm 04/01 Hog’s Hunt Trail Runs 25K, 50K; Huntsville, TX; (903) 8943788; badwater75757@yahoo.com; www.hillcountrytrailrunners.com 04/01 Rockin K Trail Run 26.3M, 50.6M; Kanopolis State Park, KS; (785) 472-5454; psheridan@classicnet.net; www.ultrarunners.info 04/08 Steel Sports Tyler Spring Duathlon 2.5M, 10B; Tyler, TX; (903) 871-8466; rodney@steelsports.net; www.SteelSports.net 2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 43

04/30 Running Fit Trail Marathon & Half Marathon 13.1M, 26.2M; Pinckney, MI; (734) 929-9027; events@runningfit.com; www. trailmarathon.com

EAST

April TBA Owl’s Roost Rumble 5K, 13.1M; Greensboro, NC; 336-2887071; smbassett@hotmail.com; www.owlsroostrumble.com 04/01 Croom Trail Fools Run 15M, 50K, 50M; Brooksville, FL; (727) 504-3113; ediet@knology.net; www.wecefar.com/croomtrailrun 04/02 Mudders & Grunters 5M; Yorktown Heights, NY; (845) 6280648; squinn@suscom.net; www.runner.org 04/02 Urban Environmental Challenge 6.3M; Bronx, NY; (718) 796-9191; ddburns13@msn.com; www.vctc.org 04/08 Bull Run Run 50M; Clifton, VA; ChrisScott@vhtrc.org; www. vhtrc.org 04/08 Merrimack River Trail Race 10M; Andover, MA; (508) 4864519; stephen.peterson@ca.com 04/08 Umstead 100 50M, 100M; Raleigh, NC; (919) 847-7613; BlakeNorwood@nc.rr.com; www.ncroadrunners.org/umstead/ 04/09 Flatwoods Four Trail Race 4M; Thonotosassa, FL; (813) 404-9002; ricky@tamparaces.com; www.tamparaces.com 04/15 Muddy Sneaker 20K; Italy, NY; (585) 271-7045; goutnow@yahoo.com; www.geocities.com/goutnow 04/22 Promise Land 50K 50K; Bedford, VA; (434) 582-2386; runhorton@juno.com; www.extremeultrarunning.com 04/23 Muddy Moose Trail Races 4M, 14M; Wolfeboro, NH; (603) 520-5450; ferguscullen@aol.com; www.metricmarathon.com/ muddymoose.html 04/29 Babcock Gristmill Grinder 12M; Clifftop, WV; (304) 6585016; grinder@gauleyrace.com; www.gauleyrace.com 04/29 Trail Triple Crown 5K, 10K, 13.1M, 26.2M; Newark, DE; (302) 453-1859; johnmack@udel.edu; www.traildawgs.org/tc/ 04/30 The Savage 20M Chester County, PA; (866) 338-5167; bgibbons@goalsara.org; www.goalsara.org

BEYOND RUNNING RU N FA S T E R S T RO N G E R S M A RT E R with

Scott Jurek day clinics Orcas Island “spring training”

M a r c h 2 9 - A p r i l 2 ‘ 06

Orcas Island “beginners only” A p r i l 2 8 - 31 ‘ 0 6

3rd Annual Western States Trail M a y 1 6 - 21 ‘ 0 6

www.beyond-running.com

206.325.0064 NEW WEBSITE!

INTERNATIONAL

04/01 Burnaby Mountain Run 11K, 22K; Burnaby, BC, Canada; (778) 885-4814; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass.com/ events/BurnabyMountain 04/09 Squamish Thunder 10M; Squamish, BC, Canada; (604) 998-5043; eric@ironlung.ca; www.ironlung.ca 04/15 Frontrunners GutBuster Trail Running Series #3 5K, 11K; Duncan, BC, Canada; (250) 715-8933; info@gutbustertrailrun.com; www.gutbustertrailrun.com 04/20 Iron Lung & Tender Lung 10K, 20K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; (604) 998-5043; eric@ironlung.ca; www.ironlung.ca

NEW ‘06 CAMPS!

04/22 Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake 25K; Nelson, New Zealand; nelsonstriders@clear.net.nz; www.coolrunning.co.nz/ nelsonstriders/ 04/22 Conquer the Canuck - Shades Mills 5K, 8K, 16K, 25K, 50K; Cambridge, ON, Canada; (519) 742-3513; conquerthecanuck@sympa tico.ca; www.conquerthecanuck.com 2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 43

SAME

FUN!

» race calendar 04/22 Navigation Marathon 26.2M; Dundurn, SK, Canada; (306) 260-2774; mh.rosin@sasktel.net; www.accsask.ca/pages/ navigation.htm 04/29 ARC Urban Adventure Race 4-6 hours, 30-35K; Toronto, Ontario; Solo & Teams of Three (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com 04/29 Merrell Outventure Off-Road Race 2-3 hours; Toronto, Ontario; Solo & Pairs (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com

May PACIFIC/DESERT

05/06 Miwok Trail 100K 100K; Sausalito, CA; (303) 333-1822; miwok100k@aol.com; www.run100s.com/miwok 05/06 Southern California Hillsea 7.6M; Huntington Beach, CA; (714) 841-5417; OJRFINISH@aol.com; www.nealand.com/finishline 05/13 Bolinas Ridge Wild Boar 10K, 18K; Mill Valley, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com 05/13 MacDonald Forest 50K 50K; Corvallis, OR; ken.ward@hp. com; www.proaxis.com/~lacava/ 05/13 Malibu Creek Trail Challenge 4M, 14M; Malibu, CA; (310) 260-7898; info@trailrace.com; www.trailrace.com 05/13 Quicksilver 50 Mile, 50K and 25K 25K, 50K, 50M; San Jose, CA; (408) 358-3603; janotomo@earthlink.net; www.quicksilverrunning.com

05/21 WORS Trail Series Race #1 5K, 10K; Iola, WI; (608) 527-4924; trevents@wors.org; www.trailrun.wors.org 05/27 Berryman Trail Run 26.2M, 50M; Potosi, MO; (573) 7635704; slugrd@yahoo.com; www.stlouisultrarunnersgroup.net

EAST

May TBA Mudslinger 5 5M; Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, NY; (518) 584-2000; John.Orsini@ophrp.state.ny.us; www. Saratogastryders.org 05/06 Block island Shad Bloom Race 10K; Block Island, RI; (401) 466-3223; recreation@new-shoreham.com; www. blockislandchamber.com 05/06 Capon Valley Run 50K; Yellow Spring, WV; (304) 856-2987; lynn@edgebrook.org; www.iplayoutside.com/capon50 05/06 Thom B Trail Run 13K, 26K; Dryden, NY; (607) 844-8081; www.fingerlakesrunnersclub.org 05/07 Blue Hills Fox Trot and Bunny Hop 3M, 11M; Milton, MA; (781) 447-2812; president@colonialrunners.org; www. colonialrunners.org 05/07 Spring Trail Run 5.3M; Kingston Twp, PA; (570) 474-5363; wyovalstr@aol.com; www.members.aol.com/wyovalstri/wyoval.htm 05/13 Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 101.8M; Front Royal, VA; (410) 987-8172; stanruns@att.net; www.vhtrc.org 05/20 Dirty Dog Trail Run 15K; Charleston, WV; (304) 741-3531; danieltodd@charter.net; www.wvmtr.org 05/20 Nassau Greenbelt Trail Run 50K; Plainview, NY; (516) 3497646; spolansky@aol.com; www.glirc.org

05/14 Cougar Mountain Trail Running Series #1 5M; Newcastle, WA; (206) 329-1466; searunco@aol.com; www. seattlerunningcompany.com

05/20 Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon and Half 13.1M, 26.2M; Summerville, GA; (706) 734-4173; beckyworld@charter.net; www. rungeorgiatrails.com

05/14 Spring Salmon Run 10K; Nevada City, CA; (530) 273-3183; susanm@woolman.org; www.woolman.org

05/25 VCTC Summer Cross-Country Series 5K; Bronx, NY; (201) 768-0202; maryfred919@aol.com; www.vctc.org

05/20 Bishop High Sierra Ultra-Marathons 20M, 50K, 50M; Bishop, CA; (760) 873-5373; andrew.boyd2@verizon.net; www. bhs50.com

05/28 NipMuck Trail Marathon 26.4M; Ashford, CT; (860) 4551096; NipMuckdave@wmconnect.com

05/20 Watershed Preserve Trail Race 12H; Redmond, WA; (206) 795-0338; cdralph@comcast.net; www.cascaderunningclub.com 05/21 Ohlone Wilderness Trail Run 50K; Fremont, CA; (510) 6535271; ohlone50k@abovethefog.net; www.abovethefog.net

INTERNATIONAL

05/06 E2C Eco Challenge by Halifax Search & Rescue Team 8H, 24H; Halifax County, NS, Canada; (902) 431-9184; chris@breakersfish.com; www.hrsar.ca/e2c

05/21 Tilden Tough Ten Miler 10M; Berkeley, CA; (510) 644-4224; ernesti@pacbell.net; www.lmjs.org

05/13 Conquer the Canuck - Christie Lake 5K, 8K, 16K; Dundas, ON, Canada; (519) 742-3513; conquerthecanuck@sympatico.ca; www.conquerthecanuck.com

05/27 Mt Wilson Trail Race 8.6M; Sierra Madre, CA; (626) 3555278; eweaver@ci.sierra-madre.ca.us

05/13 Ganaraska 25K, 50K; Orillia, ON, Canada; (519) 742-3513; conquerthecanuck@sympatico.ca; www.ouser.org

ROCKIES

05/06 Collegiate Peaks Races 25M, 50M; Buena Vista, CO; (719) 395-6612; chamber@buenavistacolorado.org; www. collegiatepeakstrailrun.org

05/13 Keremeos Kruncher 25K, 50K; Keremeos, BC, Canada; (250) 499-2680; eaglemoe@nethop.net; www.eagleruns.com 05/13 MEC 5 Peaks Trail Run - Dundas 5K, 10K; Toronto, ON, Canada; (604) 988-2320; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com

05/06 NIChallenge Adventure Race 6H; Coeur d’Alene, ID; (208) 769-7809; paul_chivvis@nic.edu; /www.nic.edu/activities

05/13 MEC 5 Peaks Trail Run - Golden Ears 6K, 13K; Vancouver, BC, Canada; (604) 988-2320; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com

05/13 Don’t Fence Me In Trail Runs 5K, 12K; Helena, MT; (406) 443-1343; mpmiller93@yahoo.com; www.pricklypearlt.org

05/13 North Shore Enduro 6H; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass.com/events/enduro

05/20 24 Hours of Boulder...the Relay 24H; Boulder, CO; (303) 249-1112; reid_delman@geminiadventures.com; www. geminiadventures.com

05/20 Conquer the Canuck - Chicopee 5K, 8K, 16K; Kitchener, ON, Canada; (519) 742-3513; conquerthecanuck@sympatico.ca; www. conquerthecanuck.com

05/20 Buffalo Creek Trail Run 12K; Pine, CO; (303) 870-0487; runuphill@runuphillracing.com; www.runuphillracing.com

05/20 Inca Trail to Machu Piccu 27.7M; Cusco, Peru; (800) 2899470; info@andesadventures.com; www.andesadventures.com

05/28 Wyoming Marathon Races 5K, 13.1M, 26.2M, 52M; Laramie, WY; (307) 635-3316; RunWyo@msn.com; www.angelfire.com/wy2/marathon

05/20 ARC Enduro Adventure Race 5-8 hours, 40K+; Barrie, Ontario; Teams of Three (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com

HEARTLAND

05/06 Twin Creek 10K Trail Race 10K; Dayton, OH; (937) 6402RUN; www.ORRRC.org 05/10 George Rodgers Park 5k 5K; Dayton, OH; (937) 640-2RUN; www.ORRRC.org 05/13 Ice Age Trail 50 50K, 50M; La Grange, WI; (262) 628-3270; info@iceagetrail50.com; iceagetrail50.com 05/13 ORRRC Cross Country Run 5K; Dayton, OH; (937) 640-2RUN; www.ORRRC.org 05/13 Steel Sports 24-Hour Trail Run Relay; Tyler, TX; (903) 871-8466; rodney@steelsports.net; www.SteelSports.net 44 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

05/20 Merrell Outventure Off-Road Race 2-4 hours; Barrie, Ontario; Solo & Pairs (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com 05/27 Blackfoot Ultra 25K, 50K, 50M, 100K; Edmonton, AB, Canada; (780) 431-2775; info@blackfootultra.com; www. blackfootultra.com 05/27 Sulphur Springs 10K, 25K, 50K, 50M, 100M; Ancaster, ON, Canada; (905) 333-0652; jhewitt@pathcom.com; www. burlingtonrunners.com

race calendar « 05/28 Gobi March 250K; Urumqi, China; (202) 478-0218; info@racingtheplanet.com; www.racingtheplanet.com 05/28 Iron Knee Trail Race 25K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; 604-998-5043; eric@ironlung.ca; www.ironlung.ca

June PACIFIC/DESERT

06/24 Jim Bridger 25/50K 25K, 50K; Bozeman, MT; (407) 556-1496; trailrunner@montana.net; www.math.montana. edu/~thayes/Runs/Runs.html 06/24 Leadville Trail 100 Training Camp; Leadville, CO; (719) 486-3502; lt100@chaffee.net; www.leadvilletrail100.com

HEARTLAND

06/03 NACA Sacred Mountain Prayer Run 2K, 5K, 10K; Flagstaff, AZ; 928-526-2968; cpohl@nacainc.org; www.nacainc.org

06/03 Another Dam 50K 50K; Dayton, OH; (937) 640-2RUN; www. ORRRC.org

06/03 Rainier-to-Ruston Rail-Trail Relay 50K, 50M; Tacoma, WA; (253) 841-1767; Markus@rainiertoruston.com; www.rainiertoruston.com

06/03 FANS 12 & 24 Hour Race 12H, 24H; Minneapolis, MN; (952) 926-3514; fans24hour@lycos.com; www.fans24hour.org

06/04 Lake Chabot Trail Challenge 13.1M; Castro Valley, CA; (408) 209-8680; mraffee@comcast.net; www.goldenbayrunners.org

06/03 Holton Family Health Center Health Fair and Fun Run 1M, 5K; Holton, KS; (785) 364-5775; gmb3774@hotmail.com

06/04 Practice Dipsea Race 6.8M; Mill Valley, CA; (415) 978-0837; dse.pekingduck@juno.com; www.dserunners.com

06/03 Kettle Moraine 100 100K, 100M, 100R; La Grange, WI; (608) 259-2311; kettle100run@yahoo.com; www.kettle100.com

06/10 Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series #2 7.5M; Cougar Mountain, WA; (206) 329-1469; searunco@aol.com; www. seattlerunningcompany.com/Events/Cougar/cougararmtn1.html

06/04 Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon & Half Marathon 13.1M, 26.2M; Deadwood, SD; (605) 642-2382; leanhorse@rushmore. com; www.DeadwoodMickelsonTrailMarathon.com

06/11 Holcomb Valley Trail Runs 15M, 33M; Big Bear Lake, CA; (909) 584-7925; raceinfo@holocombvalleytrailruns.com; www. holcombvalleytrailruns.com

06/04 WORS Trail Series Race #2 5K, 10K; Wausau, WI; (608) 527-4924; trevents@wors.org; www.trailrun.wors.org

06/12 Dipsea Race 7.1M; Mill Valley, CA; (415) 331-3550; Dipseainfo@dipsea.org; www.dipsea.org 06/24 Cape Mountain Trail Run 10M; Florence, OR; (541) 991-6021; jand@oregonfast.net 06/24 Double Dipsea 13.7M; Stinson Beach, CA; (415) 810-3832; runkenrun@aol.com; www.doubledipsea.com 06/24 Western States 100 100M; Squaw Valley, CA; (916) 3878796; wser100@comcast.net; www.ws100.com

ROCKIES

June TBA Summit Trail Running Series #1 - Bakers Tank 5K, 10K; Breckenridge, CO; (970) 547-4333; staceyt@townofbreckenridge. com; www.townofbreckenridge.com June TBA Summit Trail Running Series Race #2 - Flumes Trail 5K, 10K; Breckenridge, CO; (970) 547-4333; staceyt@townofbreckenridg e.com; www.townofbreckenridge.com 06/03 Adams Gulch Fun Run 4.2M; Ketchum, ID; (208) 726-3497; brosso@elephantsperch.com; www.elephantsperch.com 06/03 Squaw Peak 50 Trail Run 50M; Provo, UT; (801) 226-6789; jbozung@aol.com; www.squawpeak50.com 06/03 Teva Mountain Games - GORE-TEX 10k Trail Running Championships 10K; Vail, CO; (970) 479-2280; bdoyon@vailrec.com; www.tevamountaingames.com 06/10 Camp 4 Coffee Cart to Cart Trail Run 16.5M; Crested Butte, CO; (970) 349-1185; cristian@rmi.net; www.cbmountainrunners.org 06/11 Fish Hatchery 5Kish 5K; Leadville, CO; (719) 486-0189; carlos_martinez@fws.gov 06/12 Desert R.A.T.S. 148M; Moab, UT; (303) 249-1112; reid_ delman@geminiadventures.com; www.geminiadventures.com 06/15 Tenderfoot Hill Climb 1.5M; Salida, CO; (719) 539-6738; SalidaRecreation@yahoo.com; www.fibark.org

06/07 Sugarcreek Trail Races 5K, 10K; Dayton, OH; (937) 6402RUN; www.ORRRC.org 06/10 Lake Mingo Trail Run 7.1M; Danville, IL; (217) 431-5318; krr@kennekuk.com; www.kennekuk.com 06/10 North Country Trail Relay 77.4M; Baldwin, MI; (616) 7862945; nctrelay@nctrelay.org; www.nctrelay.org 06/10 Run for Youth 5K, 25K; Marquette, MI; (906) 228-4932; info@runforyouth.org; www.runforyouth.org 06/17 Laacke & Joys Urban Frog & Tadpole Adventure Races 20M; Milwaukee, WI; (414) 271-7878; pdaniel@laackeandjoys.com; www.LaackeAndJoys.com

EAST

06/03 Deckers Creek Trail Half Marathon 13.1M; Morgantown, WV; (304) 293-1941 X2414; ebelling@wvu.edu; www.montrails.org 06/04 Hartshorne Woods Spring Trail Run 4M, 5M, 7.2M; Highlands, NJ; (732) 578-1771; info@njrrc.org; www.njrrc.org 06/04 Whiteface Mountain Uphill Footrace 8M; Wilmington, NY; (888) 944-8232; info@whitefacerace.com; www.whitefacerace.com 06/08 VCTC Summer X-C Series #1 5K; Bronx, NY; (201) 768-0202; maryfred919@aol.com; www.vctc.org 6/10 Laurel Highlands Ultra 70.5M; Ohiopyle, PA; (412) 854-3104; rfreeman@access995.com; www.laurelultra.com 06/10 Northfield Mountain USATF NE Trail Running Championship 10K; Northfield, MA; (978) 691-6727; dave. dunham@comcast.net; www.cmsrun.org 06/10 The Cradle of Liberty 24 Hour Adventure Race 100M; Philadelphia , PA; (866) 338-5167; bgibbons@goalsara.org; www. goalsara.org 06/11 Strip Mine Nine 9M; Elysburg, PA; (570) 672-3028; triciamid@aol.com

06/16 Bighorn Trail 100 100M; Dayton, WY; (307) 672-5356; bighorntrailrun@yahoo.com; www.Bighorntrailrun.com

06/11 The Cradle of Liberty Sprint 20M; Philadelphia, PA; (866) 338-5167; bgibbons@goalsara.org; www.goalsara.org

06/17 Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Runs 30K, 50K, 50M; Dayton, WY; (307) 672-5356; bighorntrailrun@yahoo.com; www.bighorntrailrun.com

06/17 Highlands Sky Trail Run 40M; Davis, WV; (304) 924-5835; wvmtr@starband.net; www.wvmtr.org

06/17 Turquoise Lake Half Marathon 13.1M; Leadville, CO; (719) 486-0189; carlos_martinez@fws.gov 06/17 Wahsatch Steeplechase 17.5M; Salt Lake City, UT; (801) 5416949; butch@butchadams.com; www.wahsatchsteeplechase.com 06/17 San Juan Solstice 50 50M; Lake City, CO; (970) 944-2269; grayj@lakecity.net; www.lakecity50.com 06/18 Joe Colton’s Off Road Adventure Run 5K, 10K, 10M, 15M; Rollinsville, CO; (303) 258-7113; Lori.Kinczel@igc.org; www. joecoltonadventure.org 06/20 Twilight Trail Series #1 6.5M; Golden/Evergreen, CO; (303) 870-0487; runuphill@runuphillracing.com; www.runuphillracing.com 06/24 Golden Gate Canyon Trail Run 20K; Gilpin County, CO; (303) 870-0487; runuphill@runuphillracing.com; www.runuphillracing.com

06/18 Greylock Trail Races 3M, 13.1M; Adams, MA; (802) 423-7537; dion@bcn.net; www.runwmac.com 06/18 Tanglewood Tanglefoot Trail Run 5M, 10M; Elmira, NY; (607) 732-6060; twood2004@aol.com; www.tangle-wood.org 06/22 VCTC Summer X-C Series #2 5K; Bronx, NY; (201) 768-0202; maryfred919@aol.com; www.vctc.org 06/24 Loon Mountain Race 6M; Lincoln, NH; (603) 367-8676; info@whitemountainmilers.com; www.whitemountainmilers.com

INTERNATIONAL

05/20 Chasqui Challenge 21.5M, 27.5M; Cusco, Peru; (800) 2899470; info@andesadventures.com; www.andesadventures.com 06/03 Conquer the Canuck - Hilton Falls 5K, 8K, 16K; Milton, ON, Canada; (519) 742-3513; conquerthecanuck@sympatico.ca; www. conquerthecanuck.com 2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 45

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race calendar « 06/03 Frontrunners GutBuster Trail Running Series #4 5K, 11K; Victoria, BC, Canada; (250) 715-8933; info@gutbustertrailrun.com; www.gutbustertrailrun.com

07/15 Devil’s Backbone 50 Miler 50M; Bozeman, MT; (406) 556-1496; trailrunner@montana.net; www.math.montana. edu/~thayes/Runs/Runs.html

06/03 MEC 5 Peaks Trail Run - Cypress Mountain 5K, 10K; West Vancouver, BC, Canada; (604) 988-2320; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com

07/15 Elephant’s Perch Backcountry Run 10M, 16.5M; Ketchum, ID; (208) 726-3497; brosso@elephantsperch.com; www. elephantsperch.com

06/03 Vancouver 100 100K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass.com/events/Vancouver100

07/15 Mountain Challenge 5K, 10K; Park City, UT; (435) 649-6839; info@mountaintrails.org; www.mountaintrails.org

06/3-4 Adventurefest Barrie, Ontario; (416) 444-3899; info@adve ntureracingcanada.com; www.adventureracingcanada.com

07/16 High Mountain Trail Run 25K, 50K; Leadville, CO; (210) 573-3997; coachamanda@earthlink.net; www.hminet.org

06/05 Ecuador Running Adventure 5.5M, 20M; Quito, Ecuador; (800) 289-9470; info@andesadventures.com; www. andesadventures.com/runadv.htm

07/22 Snow King Hill Climb 2.3M; Jackson, WY; (307) 739-9025; jharkness@tetonwyo.org; www.tetonwyo.org/parks

06/10 MEC 5 Peaks Trail Run - Rattlesnake 5K, 10K; Toronto, ON, Canada; (604) 988-2320; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com

07/25 Twilight Trail Series #3 6.5M; Golden/Evergreen, CO; (303) 870-0487; runuphill@runuphillracing.com; www.runuphillracing.com

HEARTLAND

06/10 Vancouver Skyline XTC 25K, 50K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass.com/events/xtc

07/01 Afton Trail Run 25K, 50K; Afton, MN; (651) 429-8342; aftontrailrun@yahoo.com; www.aftontrailrun.com

06/11 The Mud Run – Canada’s Dirtiest 10K Toronto, Ontario; (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com

07/02 WORS Trail Series Race #3 5K, 10K; Eau Claire, WI; (608) 527-4924; trevents@wors.org; www.trailrun.wors.org

06/17 Kusam Klimb 23.2K; Sayward, BC, Canada; (250) 282-0018; hollo@kusamklimb.ca; www.kusamklimb.ca 06/24 Conquer the Canuck - Short Hills Provincial Park 5K, 8K, 16K, 25K, 50K; St. Catharines, ON, Canada; (519) 742-3513; conquerth ecanuck@sympatico.ca; www.conquerthecanuck.com 06/24 Eagle Lite Ultras 25K, 100M; Keremeos, BC, Canada; (250) 499-2680; eaglemoe@nethop.net; www.eagleruns.com 06/24 Last Desert 250K; Antarctica; (202) 478-0218; info@racingthpelanet.com; www.racingtheplanet.com 06/24 The Hills are Alive 25K, 50K; St. Catharines, ON, Canada; (519) 742-3513; conquerthecanuck@sympatico.ca; www.ouser.org

July PACIFIC/DESERT

07/08 Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series #3 10M; Cougar Mountain, WA; (206) 329-1466; searunco@aol.com; www. seattlerunningcompany.com/Events/Cougar/cougararmtn1.html 07/08 Swanton Pacific Ride & Tie 75M, 100M; Davenport, CA; (831) 423-6089; ellenr@big-creek.com; www.members.cruzio. com/~bigcreekranch/ 07/15 Brian Waterbury Memorial Rock to Pier Run 6M; Morro Bay, CA; (805) 772-6278; ksweeny@morro-bay.ca.us; www.morrobay.ca.us 07/15 Siskiyou Out Back (S.O.B.) Trail Run 15K, 50K; Ashland, OR; (541) 482-1530; marilyn@siskiyououtback.com; www. siskiyououtback.com 07/29 Mt. Hood PCT 50/50 (Scott McQueeney Memorial) 50K, 50M; Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger Station, OR; (503) 282-5692; longrunpdx@gmail.com; www.pctultra.com 07/29 White River 50 50M; Crystal Mountain, WA; (206) 329-1466; searunco@aol.com; www.seattlerunningcompany.com; www. whiteriver50.com

ROCKIES

07/08 Keweenaw Trail Running Festival 5.8K, 10K, 25K; Copper Harbor, MI; (715) 460-0426; jcrumbaugh@charter.net; www. keweenawtrails.com 07/12 Carriage Hill 5K 5K; Dayton, OH; (937) 640-2RUN; www. ORRRC.org 07/15 Grimes Farm Run ... A Walk in the Park 8K; Marshalltown, IA; (641) 752-9778; grimesbarr@aol.com; www.grimesfarm.com 07/15 Half Voyageur Trail Marathon 26.2M; Duluth, MN; (218) 729-5949; BDCurnow@msn.com 07/29 Grand Island Trail Marathon & 10K 10K, 26.2M; Munising, MI; (715) 460-0426; jcrumbaugh@charter.net; www.algercounty.org 07/29 Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultra 50M; Carlton, MN; (218) 729-5949; BDCurnow@msn.com; www.voyageurtrailrun.com 07/30 WORS Trail Series Race #4 5K, 10K; Hilbert, WI; (608) 5274924; trevents@wors.org; www.trailrun.wors.org

EAST

07/07 VCTC Summer X-C Series Relay 22M; Bronx, NY; (201) 7680202; maryfred919@aol.com; www.vctc.org 07/08 Cranmore Hill Climb 10K; North Conway, NH; (603) 367-8676; info@whitemountainmilers.com; www. whitemountainmilers.com 07/16 Indian Ladder Trail Runs 3.5M, 15K; Voorheesville, NY; (518) 439-5822; mjkhome@earthlink.net; www.hmrrc.com 07/20 VCTC Summer X-C Series #3 5K; Bronx, NY; (201) 768-0202; maryfred919@aol.com; www.vctc.org 07/22 St Roch Trail Run 25K; Elkton, MD; (800) 949-1003 X5422; philruth@intergate.com; www.traildawgs.org 07/29 Forge the Gorgeous Trail Race 7M; Moravia, NY; (607) 351-6778; TimIngall@hotmail.com; www.fingerlakesrunners.org 07/30 Escarpment Trail Run 30K; Windham, NY; (518) 678-3293; Escarpmenttrail@aol.com; www.escarpmenttrail.com 07/30 Jay Mountain Marathon 30.5M; Jay, VT; rd@jaychallenge. com; www.jaychallenge.com

INTERNATIONAL

July TBASummit Trail Running Series Race #3 - Peak 8 5K, 10K; Breckenridge, CO; (970) 547-4333; staceyt@townofbreckenridge. com; www.townofbreckenridge.com

07/07 Peruvian Andes Running Adventure ; Cusco, Peru; (800) 289-9470; info@andesadventures.com; www.andesadventures.com

July TBASummit Trail Running Series #4 - Horseshoe Gulch 6K, 12K; Breckenridge, CO; (970) 547-4333; staceyt@townofbreckenridg e.com; www.townofbreckenridge.com

07/08 Knee Knackering North Shore Trail Run 30M; West Vancouver, BC, Canada; (604) 787-8097; rd@kneeknacker.com; www.kneeknacker.com

07/01 Leadville Trail Marathon 13.1M, 26.2M; Leadville, CO; (719) 486-3502; lt100@chaffee.net; www.leadvilletrail100.com

07/08 MEC 5 Peaks Trail Run - Mansfield 5K, 10K; Toronto, ON, Canada; (604) 988-2320; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com

07/09 Summer Roundup Trail Run 12K; Colorado Springs, CO; (719) 473-2625; raceinfo@pikespeakmarathon.org; www. pikespeakmarathon.org

07/08 ARC Enduro Adventure Race 5-8 hours, 40K+; Port Elgin, Ontario; Teams of Three (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com

07/11 Twilight Trail Series #2 6.5K; Golden/Evergreen, CO; (303) 870-0487; runuphill@runuphillracing.com; www.runuphillracing.com 07/14 Hardrock 100 100M; Silverton, CO; (970) 259-3693; ddmb@frontier.net; www.run100s.com/HR

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07/08 Merrell Outventure Off-Road Race 2-4 hours; Port Elgin, Ontario; Solo & Pairs (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com 2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 47

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» race calendar HEARTLAND

07/09 Frontrunners GutBuster Trail Running Series #5 8K, 13.1K; Nanaimo, BC, Canada; (250) 715-8933; info@gutbustertrailrun.com; www.gutbustertrailrun.com

08/17 Sunset in the Park HS Teams 2.8M, 4.8M; Huntington Beach, CA; (714) 841-5417; OJRFINISH@aol.com; www.nealand. com/finishline

08/02 Possum Creek 5K 5K; Dayton, OH; (937) 640-2RUN; www. ORRRC.org

07/22 Bill’s Great Peak Ascent 15K, 30K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass.com/events/ BillsGreatPeak

08/19 Where’s Waldo 100K 100K; Willamette Pass, OR; (541) 686-6580; thornley@wpsp.org; www.wpsp.org/ww100k

08/05 The Legend Trail Run 5M, 10M; Laingsburg, MI; (734) 929.9027; events@runningfit.com; www.runningfit.com

08/26 Angel Island 12K, 25K; Tiburon, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com

08/12 Steel Sports Tyler Summer Duathlon; Tyler, TX; (903) 871-8466; rodney@steelsports.net; www.SteelSports.net

07/22 Captain Cook’s Landing 25K; Marlborough, New Zealand; nelsonstriders@clear.net.nz; www.coolrunning.co.nz/ nelsonstriders/

ROCKIES

08/13 WORS Trail Series Race #5 5K, 10K; Merrimac, WI; (608) 527-4924; trevents@wors.org; www.trailrun.wors.org

07/22 Damn Tuff Ruff Bluff Run 25K, 50K; Owen Sound, ON, Canada; (519) 371-2475; barber.dj@sympatico.ca; www.ouser.org

Aug TBAMantua Mountain Marathon 26.2M; Mantua, UT; (435) 734-1968; brentmary@gmail.com; www.ultrarunner.net

07/22 MEC 5 Peaks Trail Run - Mt. Seymour 5K, 10K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; (604) 988-2320; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com

Aug TBASummit Trail Running Series Race #5 - Siberia Loop 6K, 12K; Breckenridge, CO; (970) 547-4333; staceyt@townofbreckenridg e.com; www.townofbreckenridge.com

08/27 WORS Trail Series Race #6 5K, 10K; Franklin, WI; (608) 527-4924; trevents@wors.org; www.trailrun.wors.org

07/23 Atacama Crossing 250K; San Pedro de Atacama, Chile; (202) 478-0218; info@racingthpelanet.com; www.racingtheplanet.com

Aug TBASummit Trail Running Series Race #6 - Carter Park 5M, 10M; Breckenridge, CO; (970) 547-4333; staceyt@townofbreckenridg e.com; www.townofbreckenridge.com

Aug TBASpringmaid Splash Xtreme Trail Race 10K; Spruce Pine, NC; (828) 765-5495; matthollifield@mitchellraces.com; www. mitchellraces.com

08/04 Rocky Mountain State Games 5K; Colorado Springs, CO; travis@thesportscorp.org; www.thesportscorp.org

Aug TBATurkey Swamp Race Day 10M, 25K, 20M, 50K; Freehold, NJ; (732) 872-1255; martyfrumkin@comcast.net; www.NJRRC.org

08/12 El Vaquero Loco 25K, 50K; Afton, WY; tdraney@lcsd2.org; ultrarunner.net

08/03 VCTC Summer X-C Series #4 5K; Bronx, NY; (201) 768-0202; maryfred919@aol.com; www.vctc.org

August PACIFIC/DESERT

08/05 Round Valley Run 5.3M; Greenville, CA; (530) 284-6856; theshowers@frontiernet.net; www.roundvalleyrun.com 08/06 Skyline 50K 50K; Castro Valley, CA; (510) 339-6865; skyline50k@comcast.net; www.skyline50k.us 08/12 Mt. Disappointment 50K 50K; Angeles National Forest, CA; (626) 836-8950; eventdirector@mtdisappointment50k.com; www. mtdisappointment50k.com 08/12 Squamish Test of Running Metal & Relay 64K; Squamish, BC, Canada; (604) 892-5142; wendy@stormytrailrace.ca; www. stormytrailrace.ca 08/13 Cougar Mountain Trail Running Series #4 13.1M; Newcastle, WA; (206) 329-1466; searunco@aol.com; www. seattlerunningcompany.com 08/13 Haulin’ Aspen Trail Marathon and Half Marathon 13.1M, 26.2M; Bend, OR; (541) 318-7388; haulinaspen@freshairsports.com; www.FreshAirSports.com

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

08/12 Jupiter Peak Steeplechase 16M; Park City, UT; (435) 6496839; info@mountaintrails.org; www.mountaintrails.org 08/13 LT100 10K 10K; Leadville, CO; (719) 486-3502; lt100@chaffee.net; www.leadvilletrail100.com 08/15 Twilight Trail Series #4 6.5M; Golden/Evergreen, CO; (303) 870-0487; runuphill@runuphillracing.com; www.runuphillracing.com 08/19 From the Shop to Top of Baldy Run 5M, 6M; Ketchum, ID; (208) 726-3497; brosso@elephantsperch.com; www. elephantsperch.com 08/19 Leadville Trail 100 100M; Leadville, CO; (719) 486-3502; leadville@leadvilleusa.com; www.leadvilletrail100.com

08/26 Lean Horse Trail Races 50K, 50M, 100M; Hot Springs, SD; (605) 642-2382; leanhorse@rushmore.com; www.leanhorse.com

EAST

08/05 Rock Run 50M; Nantucket, MA; (704) 516-7206; hectormacd@yahoo.com; www.therockrun.com 08/05 ARC Enduro Adventure Race 5-8 hours, 40K+; Collingwood, Ontario; Teams of Three (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com 08/05 Merrell Outventure Off-Road Race 2-4 hours; Port Elgin, Ontario; Solo & Pairs (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com 08/06 The Krista Griesacker Memorial Adventure Race 50M; Hamburg, PA; (866) 338-5167; bgibbons@goalsara.org; www. goalsara.org

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 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

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race calendar « 08/13 STOAKED Off-Road Triathlon; Hanover, NH; (603) 643-5315; chad.denning@hanovernh.org; www.hanovernh.org/stories/ storyReader$921

09/02 Meeteetse Absaroka Challenge 5K, 10K, 15K; Meeteetse, WY; 307-868-2603; meetrec@tctwest.net; www.meetrec.org

08/17 VCTC Summer X-C Series #5 5K; Bronx, NY; (201) 768-0202; maryfred919@aol.com; www.vctc.org

09/04 American Discovery Trail Marathon 5K, 13.1M, 26.2M; Colorado Springs, CO; (719) 265-6161; sultancat@adelphia.net; www.adtmarathon.com

08/19 Cleveland Shrine Club Cross-Country 5K; Cleveland, TN; coachparks@tennesseerunner.com; www.milesplit.com/ meet/13047

09/08 Colorado Outward Bound Relay 170M; Idaho Springs, CO; (888) 837-5201 X4; info@outwardboundrelay.com; www. outwardboundrelay.com

08/20 Savoy Mountain Trail Races 4M, 20M; Florida, MA; (413) 743-5669; saharczewski@aol.com; www.runwmac.com

09/09 Imogene Pass Run 17.1M; Ouray, CO; (970) 728-0251; staff@imogenerun.com; www.imogenerun.com

08/26 Baker Trail UltraChallenge 50M; Summerville, PA; (412) 512-4544; ultrachallenge@rachelcarsontrails.org; www. rachelcarsontrails.org

09/09 Mid Mountain Marathon 26.2M; Park City Utah, UT; (435) 649-6839; info@mountaintrails.org; www.mountaintrails.org

INTERNATIONAL

09/09 Wasatch Front 100 Miler 100M; East Layton, UT; (801) 2781021; info@wasatch100.com; www.wasatch100.com

Aug TBA Forbidden Forest Run 45K; Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass.com/events/forbiddenforest

09/16 Jelm Mountain Run 11M; Laramie, WY; (307) 742-0971; alexander_brenda@hotmail.com; www.highplainsharriers.org

08/01 Mary Leliveld’s Happy Trails Run 10K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass.com/events/Mary

09/16 Mount Helena Classic 5.6M; Helena, MT; (406) 442-0924; slengebrecht@msn.com

08/05 Fluffy Bunny 8K, 15K, 25K, 35K; Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass.com/events/FluffyBunny

09/16 Sombrero Ranch Roundup 4.5M; Estes Park, CO; (303) 444-7223 X29; matt@bolderboulder.com; www.bolderboulder. com/sombrero.cfm

08/06 Wreck Beach Bare Buns Run 5K; Vancouver, BC, Canada; (604) 856-9598; judyw@wreckbeach.org; www.wreckbeach.org 08/07 Northwest Passage Marathon and Ultramarathon 13.1M, 26.2M, 35M; Somerset Island, Canada; (877) 272-8426; mail@Canadi anArcticHolidays.ca; www.CandianArcticHolidays.ca 08/12 MEC 5 Peaks Trail Run - Albion 5K, 10K; Toronto, ON, Canada; (604) 988-2320; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com 08/13 The ENDURrun 160K; Waterloo, ON, Canada; (519) 664-1331; info@ENDURrun.com; www.ENDURrun.com 08/19 Capilano Canyon Night Run - Midsummer 12K, 18K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass. com/events/midsummer-night 08/19 Full Monty 25K, 50K; Victoria, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass. com; www.clubfatass.com/events/FullMonty 08/19 Iroquoia Trail Test 32K; Kilbride, ON, Canada; sheppardhg@sympatico.ca; www.ouser.org 08/26 Go Deep or Go Home 20K, 40K, 60K, 80K; Vancouver, BC, Canada; (604) 742-0010; domrepta@telus.net; www.clubfatass. com/calendar/godeep/2006 08/26 MEC 5 Peaks Trail Run - Whistler 5K, 10K; Whistler, BC, Canada; (604) 988-2320; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com

September PACIFIC/DESERT

09/04 Wildwood Trail Trial 10K; Portland, OR; (503) 667-0480; bemrose@earthlink.net; www.orrc.net 09/09 McKenzie River Trail Run 50K; McKenzie Bridge, OR; (541) 726-6203; phvaughn@mindspring.com; www.mckenzie. walkingman.us/race/index.php

09/17 Lead King Loop 25K; Marble, CO; (970) 704-1275; macek57@hotmail.com; www.leadkingloop25k.com 09/23 Golden Leaf Half Marathon 13M; Aspen, CO; (970) 925-2849; paul@utemountaineer.com; www.utemountaineer.com 09/23 Pinedale Half Marathon 1M, 10K, 13.1M; Pinedale, WY; (307) 260-7505; info@pinedalehalfmarathon.com; www. pinedalehalfmarathon.com 09/24 Boulder Backroads 13.1M, 26.2M; Boulder, CO; (303) 939-9961; bouldermarathon@comcast.net; www.boulderbackroads.com

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HEARTLAND

09/09 Dances with Dirt Ultras 50K, 50M; Hell, MI; (734) 929-9027; events@runningfit.com; www.danceswithdirt.com 09/09 Horsethief Canyon Trail Run 6.5M; Kanopolis State Park, KS; (785) 472-5454; psheridan@classicnet.net 09/09 Moose Mountain Marathon 27M; Lutsen, MN; (507) 7532240; mntrailrun@hotmail.com; www.superiortrailrace.com 09/09 River Trail Half Marathon 13.1M; Lupton, MI; (989) 8924264; iwillrun@sbcglobal.net; www.barc-mi.com 09/09 Steel Sports Tyler Adventure Sprint Race 20M; Tyler, TX; (903) 871-8466; rodney@steelsports.net; www.SteelSports.net 09/09 Superior Trail 100 50M, 100M; Lutsen, MN; (507) 753-2240; mntrailrun@hotmail.com; www.superiortrailrace.com

09/16 North Country Trail Run 26.2M, 50M; Manistee, MI; (616) 261-9706; steve@stridersrun.com; www.stridersrun.com

09/16 Cle Elum Ridge Run 50K; Cle Elum, WA; (206) 715-0919; kmoehl2000@yahoo.com

09/16 Walker North Country Marathon 10K, 13.1M, 26.2M; Walker, MN; (218) 547-4157; ltemplin@arvig.net; www.walkernorthcountry marathon.com

ROCKIES

09/30 24 Hours of Frisco 24H; Frisco, CO; (303) 635-2815; emgmh@emgcolorado.com; www.emgcolorado.com

09/16 Angeles Crest 100 100M; Wrightwood, CA; (626) 627-1871; ken1@ac100.com; www.ac100.com

09/30 Serrano Canyon 15K; Malibu, CA; (310) 260-7898; info@trailrace.com; www.trailrace.com

Every footwear design that uses

09/09 Plain 100 100M; Plain, WA; (206) 795-0338; cdralph@comcast.net; www.cascaderunningclub.com

09/23 Run/Walk 4 The Poor Benefit Challenge 5K, 10K, 13.1M; Lakewood, WA; (253) 376-5737; humansports2001@hotmail.com; www.humanmultisportspnw.org

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09/24 High Altitude Duathlon Leadville, CO; (888) 532-3845; leadville@leadvilleusa.com

09/16 Mount Baldhead Challenge 1K, 5K, 15K; Saugatuck, MI; (616) 355-9156; michaelrayshaw@yahoo.com; www.mtbaldhead.com

09/16 Oktoberfest Road Race 5K, 10K; Mount Angel, OR; (503) 845-1122; oktoberfest_funrun@hotmail.com; www.mtangel. net/~matthew

The first step for a great day.

hours of testing and be flexed up to 200,000 times underwater. There can be no leaks, no drips and no excuses. Only then can it carry the Guaranteed To Keep You Dry promise. ®

Shop for great gear at gore-tex.com

09/23 In Yan Teopa Trail Run 10M; Lake City, MN; (507) 753-2240; mntrailrun@hotmail.com; www.mntrailrunning.com 09/23 Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic (YUT-C) 50K; Youngstown, OH; (330) 395-8760; tkapres@aol.com; www.teampr.info 09/24 Rock Cut Hobo Run 25K, 50K; Rockford, IL; (815) 877-8164; larrydswanson@cs.com; www.rockfordroadrunners.org 09/24 Wild Wild Wilderness Trail Run 7.6M; Danville, IL; (217) 267-3595; krr@kennekuk.com; www.kennekuk.com

09/02 Creede Mountain Runs 2M, 12M, 22M; Creede, CO; (719) 658-2925; rexs@fone.net

09/24 WORS Trail Series Race #7 5K, 10K; Wisconsin Rapids, WI; (608) 527-4924; trevents@wors.org; www.trailrun.wors.org

09/02 Grand Teton Races 26.2M, 50M, 100M; Alta, WY; (208) 313-6393; LRSmith916@aol.com; www.tetonraces.com

09/30 Fall Trail Classic 4M; Caledonia, IL; (815) 544-0879; NLYarger@yahoo.com; www.rockfordroadrunners.org 2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 49

It’s a great day. gore-tex.com

» race calendar 09/02 Conquer the Canuck - Mountsberg 5K, 8K, 10K; Campbellville, ON, Canada; (519) 742-3513; conquerthecanuck@sym patico.ca; www.conquerthecanuck.com

09/16 Squamish Scrambler 10K, 22K, 30K; Squamish, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass.com/events/ SquamishScrambler

09/02 The Dandelion Run 5K, 10K; Mifflinburg, PA; triciamid@aol. com

09/03 Walk in the Park 50K; Kamloops, BC, Canada; (250) 3748072; bmpskier@shaw.ca; www.ultrarunner.net/witpindex.html

09/04 Greylock Uhill Road Race 8M; North Adams, MA; (802) 423-7537; dion@bcn.net; www.runwmac.com

09/08 Lost Soul Ultra 50K, 100K, 100M; Lethbridge, AB, Canada; (403) 381-1874; tmea@telusplanet.net; www.lostsoulultra.com

09/23 MEC 5 Peaks Trail Run - Buntzen Lake 7K, 14K, 21K; Vancouver, BC, Canada; (604) 988-2320; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com

09/09 Odyssey Off-Road IRON Triathlon; Douthat State Park, VA; (540) 444-4422; info@OARevents.com; www.OARevents.com

09/09 Haliburton Forest 25K, 50K, 50M, 100M; Haliburton, ON, Canada; (416) 422-5130; helen.malmberg@dhltd.com; www.ouser.org

09/09 Odyssey Trail Races 13.1M, 26.2M; Douthat State Park, VA; (540) 444-4422; info@OARevents.com; www.OARevents.com

09/09 Moose Mountain Trail Races 16K, 29K; Bragg Creek, AB, Canada; (403) 282-3554; jen.silverthorn@shaw.ca; www.members. shaw.ca/moosemountain

09/30 Germantown Run 50K; Dayton, OH; (937) 640-2RUN; www. ORRRC.org

EAST

09/09 Paper Mill Run 5K; Philadelphia, PA; (215) 438-5711; HistRitTwn@aol.com; www.rittenhousetown.org 09/10 Helvetia Mountain Run 10K; Helvetia, WV; (304) 924-5835; irun@starband.net; www.wvmtr.org 09/15 EMS Reach the Beach Relay 200M; Bretton Woods, NH; (508) 881-4505; qa@rtbrelay.com; www.rtbrelay.com 09/22 Damn Wakely Dam Ultra 32.6M; Indian Lake, NY; (315) 456-2590; RD@WakelyDam.com; www.wakelydam.com 09/23 Croom Crusher and Crumbler Adventure Race 4H; Brooksville, FL; (727) 504-3110; crusher@wecefar.com; www. wecefar.com

09/09 Slovenian Alpine Marathon 10K, 35K, 50K; Preddvor, Slovenia; mjeler@gmail.com; www.sam-maraton.com 09/10 Fall Mountain Highway Madness 15K, 30K, 45K, 60K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass. com/events/fallmhm 09/16 ARC Enduro Adventure Race 5-8 hours, 40K+; Muskoka, Ontario; Teams of Three (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com

09/23 Great Eastern Endurance Run 50K, 100K; Blue Ridge Mountains, VA; (434) 293-7115; rungillrun@adelphia.net; www. greateastern100k.com

09/16 Merrell Outventure Off-Road Race 2-4 hours; Muskoka, Ontario; Solo & Pairs (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com

09/24 Pfalz Point Trail Challenge 10M; High Falls, NY; (845) 255-0919; trailrace@mohonkpreserve.org; www.mohonkpreserve. org/index.php?pfalzpoint

09/16 Conquer the Canuck - Canuck Trail Weekend (Kelso); Milton, ON, Canada; (519) 742-3513; conquerthecanuck@sympatico. ca; www.conquerthecanuck.com

09/24 Vermont 50/50 50K, 50M; Brownsville, VT; (603) 643-5637; michael.j.silverman@valley.net; www.vermont50.com

09/16 Conquer the Canuck - Rattlesnake Point 5K, 8K, 16K; Milton, ON, Canada; (519) 742-3513; conquerthecanuck@sympatico. ca; www.conquerthecanuck.com

INTERNATIONAL

09/02 Abel Tasman Coastal Classic 33K; Marahau, New Zealand; nelsonstriders@clear.net.nz; www.nelsonstriders.co.nz

09/16 MEC 5 Peaks Trail Run - Mono Cliffs 5K, 10K; Toronto, ON, Canada; (604) 988-2320; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com

5TH ANNUAL FAR WEST TEXAS JACKRABBIT RALLY In the Rugged Mountain Foothills of Far West Texas • 42k, 30k, and 12k trail runs • • 15k bike/5k run off-road duathlon • Saturday, February 18, 2006 8:00 am Start all Runs Franklin Mountains State Park El Paso, TX Contact: Mark Dorian markd@utep.edu • (915) 581 9541 http://utminers.utep.edu/markd/

09/30 Cypress Hills High Altitude Trail Challenge 5K, 10K; Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, SK, Canada; (306) 662-3608; chhar@sasktel.net; www.runningroom.com 09/30 Run for the Toad 25K, 50K; Cambridge/Paris, ON, Canada; (519) 576-1824; sarson@toadpatrol.com; www.runforthetoad.com

October PACIFIC/DESERT Oct TBA Soul Run 50K; Oracle, AZ; (520) 745-2033; tsadow@epicrides.com; www.epicrides.com 10/07 Big Sur Trail Marathon 5M, 13.1M, 26.2M; Big Sur, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com 10/07 Dick Collins Firetrails 50 50M; Castro Valley, CA; (510) 525-0337; info@firetrails50.net; www.firetrails50.net 10/07 Golden Hills Trail Marathon 26.2M; Berkeley, CA; (510) 5250337; info@goldenhillsmarathon.net; www.goldenhillsmarthon.net 10/14 Cactus ChaCha Trail Runs 3M, 7M; waddell, AZ; (623) 5350860; cactuschacha@cox.net; www.cactuschacha.com 10/14 Soulstice Mountain Trail Run 10K, 11.5M; Flagstaff, AZ; neilw@npgcable.com; www.natra.org 10/21 San Diego 100 100M; San Diego, CA; (760) 703-1149; denis@vitalityweb.com; www.members.cox.net/sandiego100/ 10/28 La Jolla Canyon Legend 11K, 18K; Malibu, CA; (310) 2607898; info@trailrace.com; www.trailrace.com 10/28 Napa Valley Wine Country Classic Marathon 10K, 13.1M, 26.2M; Calistoga, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www. envirosports.com

race calendar « 10/29 McDonald Forest Cross Country Race 15K; Corvallia, OR; (541) 758-8124; macultra@proaxis.com; www.proaxis.com/~lacava/

ROCKIES

10/14 ARC Enduro Adventure Race 5-8 hours, 40K+; Guelph, Ontario; Teams of Three (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com

10/07 Horse Gulch Trail Races 25K, 50K; Durango, CO; (970) 3752413; mkelly@durangomarathon.com; www.durangodouble.com

10/14 Merrell Outventure Off-Road Race 2-4 hours; Guelph, Ontario; Solo & Pairs (coed, male, female and masters); (416) 444-3899; info@adventureracingcanada.com; www. adventureracingcanada.com

Oct TBA South Hills Trail Series 5K, 10K; Helena, MT; (406) 4438042; bquick50k@hotmail.com; www.trailrun.net

HEARTLAND

10/21 Wendy’s Get Your Fat Ass Off The Couch Run 20K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass. com/events/wendy

10/07 Steel Sports Tyler Fall Duathlon; Tyler, TX; (903) 871-8466; rodney@steelsports.net; www.SteelSports.net

10/29 Hallow’s Eve Trail Half Marathon & Marathon 21K, 42K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; (604) 998-5043; eric@ironlung.ca; www.spookymarathon.com

10/01 Michigan Big Ten Run 10K; Ann Arbor, MI; (734) 369-2492; bigtenrun@gmail.com; www.twodogsrunning.com

10/09 Alum Creek Colorific 10M, 30M; Delaware, OH; (740) 9472883; maggieszoo@dragonbbs.com; www.oaats.org 10/14 Newton Hills Trail Challenge 8M; Canton, SD; (605) 3357213; marathnr@hotmail.com; www.siouxfallsarearunningclub.org 10/15 Taylorsville Run 6M, 12M, 18M; Dayton, OH; (937) 6402RUN; www.ORRRC.org 10/29 Blue Springs Trail Runs 26.2M, 50K, 50M; Blue Springs, MO; (816) 228-3842; 816-679-8185; ljoline@aol.com; www.bsrun.com

EAST

Oct TBA Mineral City 5K; Spruce Pine, NC; Mattpaula10k@aol.com Oct TBA Diamond Hill -- Birchwold Trail Run 22.5K; Cumberland, RI; (508) 384-1630; trailtroll@diamond-hill-run.com; www. diamond-hill-run.com 10/01 Dam Half 13.1M; Mifflinburg, PA; (570) 966-4922; wkwarren@ptd.net 10/01 Houghton’s Pond Trail Race 6M; Milton, MA; (781) 447-2812; president@colonialrunners.org; www.colonialrunners.org 10/07 Cumberland Trail Stump Jump 11M, 50K; Chattanooga, TN; (423) 899-3516; StumpJump50k@rockcreek.com; www.rockcreek.com

The first step for a great day.

10/30 Sahara Race 250K; Cairo, Egypt; (202) 478-0218; info@racingthpelanet.com; www.racingtheplanet.com

November PACIFIC/DESERT

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11/12 King Oscar Presidio Trails 5K, 10K; San Francisco, CA; (415) 561-6266; gordon@outsidepr.com; www.theschedule.com

Footwear made with GORE-TEX

11/04 Stinson Beach Marathon 7M, 25K, 26.2M; Stinson Beach, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com

11/25 Topanga Turkey Trot 5K, 10K, 15K; Topanga Canyon, CA; (310) 260-7898; info@trailrace.com; www.trailrace.com

HEARTLAND

11/11 Rockledge Rumble 15K, 30K, 50K; Grapevine, TX; (972) 588-9023; tcrull@folmarine.com; wwwlnttr.org 11/18 Louisiana Trails 13.1M, 26.2M, 50K; Shreveport, LA; (318) 798-1241; AlohaAnnie@aol.com; www.Sportspectrumusa.com 11/25 Mountain Masters Trail Run 16M; Harlan, KY; (606) 5212187; tcjones@kih.net; www.mountainmasterstrailrun.com

EAST

fabric is the most tested in the world. But the most crucial test is how you feel at the end of the day. Every footwear design that uses

10/07 Heritage Trail Classic 10K; Palmyra, VA; (434) 589-4063; wmpotts@earthlink.net; www.co.fluvanna.va.us

Nov TBATriple Lakes Trail Race 26.2M, 40M; Greensboro, NC; (336) 288-7071; smbassett@hotmail.com; www.triplelakesrace.com

10/07 Out of Bounds Trail Run at Bristol Mountain 13.1M; Canandaigua, NY; (585) 271-7045; goutnow@yahoo.com; www. geocities.com/goutnow

11/18 Charlottesville Running Company Trail Races 10M, 13.1M; Charlottesville, VA; (434) 293-7115; rungillrun@adelphia.net; www. badtothebone.biz

GORE-TEX fabric must endure

10/07 Tussey Mountainback Relay and Ultramarathon 50M; Boalsburg, PA; (814) 238-5918; info@tusseymountainback.com; www.tusseymountainback.com

11/04 Castillos de Avila Trail Race 48K; Avila, SPAIN; castillosdeavila@gmail.com; www.castillosdeavila.com

INTERNATIONAL

hours of testing and be flexed

10/08 Danby Down & Dirty Trail Run 10K, 20K; Ithaca, NY; (607) 277-0433; aigen@clarityconnect.com; www.fingerlakesrunners.org

11/18 Go Home 20K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass.com/events/gohome

10/08 Monroe Trail Races 2M, 10.5M; Monroe, MA; (413) 772-3768; TrlFool@comcast.net; www.runwmac.com

11/18 The Crayfish Trail 25K; Kaikoura, New Zealand; nelsonstriders@clear.net.nz; www.nelsonstriders.co.nz

10/08 The Edge 20M; Montgomery County, PA; (866) 338-5167; bgibbons@goalsara.org; www.goalsara.org

11/25 Mike and Melissa’s Fun Run 26K, 52K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass.com/events/mm

10/14 John Holmes 50K 15M, 50K; Brooksville, FL; (727) 504-3110; shawn@wecefar.com; www.wecefar.com

December PACIFIC/DESERT

10/15 Billy Goat Trail Run 5K; Pleasant Valley, NY; (845) 2276308; Run426n2@aol.com

12/03 Over The Hill Track Club High Desert 30K, 50K; Ridgecrest, CA; (760) 384-3764; canddrios@aol.com; www.othtc.com

10/15 GLIRC 6 Hour, 60th Birthday Run 6H; Kings Park, NY; (516) 349-7646; spolansky@aol.com; www.glirc.org

12/09 Hark the Herald Angels Run 12K, 25K; Tiburon, CA; (415) 868-1829; info@envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com

10/15 Ridgewalk Trail Run 5K, 10K, 14M; Wellsville, NY; (585) 593-5080; info@ridgewalk.com; www.ridgewalk.com 10/21 Soapstone Mountain Trail Races 4M, 14.5M; Stafford Springs, CT; (860) 512-0125; deb@horstengineering.com; www. shenipsitstriders.org 10/28 ACE’s New River Gorge-ous Trail Run 5M, 7M, 15M; Minden, WV; (888) ACE-RAFT X152; meghan@aceraft.com; www.aceraft.com 10/29 Fall Trail Run 5.5M; Kingston Twp, PA; (570) 474-5363; wyovalstr@aol.com; www.members.aol.com/wyovalstri/wyoval.htm

INTERNATIONAL

10/07 Subway Dun Run 25K; Nelson, New Zealand; nelsonstriders@clear.net.nz; www.nelsonstriders.co.nz

up to 200,000 times underwater. There can be no leaks, no drips and no excuses. Only then can it carry the Guaranteed To Keep You Dry promise. ®

HEARTLAND

12/02 John Bryan Run 20K; Dayton, OH; (937) 640-2RUN; www. ORRRC.org

Shop for great gear at gore-tex.com

12/10 Stay Fit Trail Run 10K, 25K; Tyler, TX; (903) 871-8466; rodney@steelsports.net; www.SteelSports.net

EAST

12/03 Ft. DeSoto Adventure Duathlon 2H; St. Petersburg, FL; (727) 504-3110; shawn@wecefar.com; www.wecefar.com 12/10 Hellgate 100K 100K; Lynchburg, VA; dhorton@liberty.edu; www.extremeultrarunning.com

INTERNATIONAL

10/14 Logan’s Run 25K, 50K; Penticton, BC, Canada; (250) 4992680; eaglemoe@nethop.net; www.eagleruns.com

12/10 Pure Satisfaction 12K, 24K, 48K; North Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@clubfatass.com; www.clubfatass.com/events/ puresatisfaction

10/14 Vulture Bait 10K, 25K, 50K; London, ON, Canada; (519) 951-0119; vulturebaittrailruns@hotmail.com; www.ouser.org

12/16 Patagonia Running Adventure; Chile & Argentina; (800) 289-9470; info@andesadventures.com; www.andesadventures.com 2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 51

It’s a great day. gore-tex.com

» Twilight Zone

Other Must-Do Races MEC 5 PEAKS TRAIL RUNNING SERIES An amazing off road experience. The Sport course presents entry level participants a challenging, yet manageable 5-6 km trail, while the Enduro course offers racers 8-15km runs over the country’s most spectacular terrain. Half Marathon and Marathon distances also available! Run over rocks, roots, tree stumps, and logs, mud puddles, snow and more!” BEL MONTE ENDURANCE RUN 50K/25K March 25, 2006 6:30 AM The race begins at Sherando Lake, in the George Washington National Forest, and covers some the most scenic areas on the East Coast. Over 90% single track trail and about 10% fire and gravel roads. Time limit: 10 Hours. Gill or Francesca: Charlottesville Running Company, 110 Old Preston Avenue, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902. Phone: 434-293-7115. Email: rungillrun@adelphia. net; Web: www.badtothebone.biz PERUVIAN ANDES RUNNING ADVENTURE July 7 to July 23, 2006 Run the Inca Trail and finish at the legendary “Lost city of the Incas” - Machu Picchu! For runners of all abilities. Full support provided to allow you to enjoy the runs “at your own pace”. (800) 289-9470, www. andesadventures.com. TENTH ANNUAL PARK CITY MARATHON AND MARATHON RELAY August 26, 2006 6:30 AM Enjoy clear mountain air and cooler temperatures! Picturesque loop past alpine meadows, Olympic venues, ski resorts and historic mining town. Approximately half of course is on wide, maintained trails. Easy airport access from Salt Lake City. Host hotel with reasonable rates. Online registration after 1/1/06. www.pcmarathon.com. LEAD KING LOOP 25K September 17th, 2006 Marble, Colorado An amazingly beautiful and challenging trail run through Lead King basin. Course includes a 3000 foot climb, lakes, waterfalls, 10000 foot spectacular views, a ghost town, the famous crystal mill and river. Marble Charter School fund raiser, great raffle and prizes, homemade food. Contact Craig 970.704.1275; www.leadkingloop25k. com or www.active.com. GREAT EASTERN ENDURANCE RUN 100K/50K September 23, 2006 6:00 AM The races begin at 6am on the Southern end of the Shenandoah National Park and follow the most beautiful trails in this area, peppered with waterfalls and mountain laurels. Time limit: 18:30 hours. Gill or Francesca: Charlottesville Running Company, 110 Old Preston Avenue, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902. Phone: 434-293-7115. Email: rungillrun@adelphia.net; www.badtothebone.biz

(continued from page 28) rope a tall reed protruding from behind. The shock of the vision gave O’Neall a second wind. Later in the race, large Saguaro cacti began chasing O’Neall, prodding him to a sub-30-hour ﬁnish.

FAMOUS COMPANY Often, public ﬁgures or characters weave their way into the mental fantasies of trail runners. Lisa Demoney may or may not have seen late Grateful Dead singer and guitarist Jerry Garcia wink at her in the later stages of the Massanutten Mountain 100-Mile Run. Scott Brockmeier happened upon Saddam Hussein during a 70-mile run across the Smokey Mountains, in Tennessee. During an Eco-Challenge, Marshall Ulrich watched a teammate’s face metamorphose into that of gap-toothed Mad magazine icon, Alfred E. Neuman. On his Appalachian Trail quest, Andrew Thompson saw singer Dave Matthews’ face perfectly etched into a tree, and later Michael Jackson’s face in another tree—a vision that he found quite disturbing. Florida runner Jeff Bryan encountered a former president during a recent PENNAR 40-Mile Endurance Run, an out-and-back jaunt from Pensacola Beach to Navarre Beach. “I crashed and burned,” he says. “I was suffering from major dehydration and cramping. Between miles 30 and 35 I was running with a friend, Gary Grifﬁn, when Bill Clinton rode by on a bicycle. He waved, shouted some encouraging words and rode off into the horizon.” “I looked at Gary, and Gary looked at me,” Bryan continues. We continued for about half a mile, when I couldn’t contain my thoughts any longer, and asked, ‘That was Bill Clinton who just passed us, wasn’t it?’ Gary got a shit-eating grin on his face and responded, ‘Pal, I’m glad you saw him, too.’” “As a Republican, I found it very scary,” adds Bryan.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? Hallucinations are generally thought of as being visual, but often manifest themselves in other ways. Blake Wood is a tough-as-steel trail runner from New Mexico who has seen Volkswagen Beetles hanging from trees and rock lichen transform into a running friend. Once, in the later stages of Barkley, he chased a non-existent kitten through dense woodland, believing it belonged to a park ranger. But on one occasion, Wood’s ears deceived him. 52 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM | JANUARY 2006

“It was the 1997 Barkley and I was approaching the Coal Pond area, just beyond Son-of-a-Bitch Ditch,” explains Wood. “I heard someone blowing a whistle in the dark. I could only assume they were in distress, so I called back. ‘Who are you? Are you in trouble?’” “When I received no answer, I got really concerned and ran toward the sound, the whole time yelling ‘Hold on! I’m coming! It’ll be OK!’ I ran and ran and ended up on the shore of Coal Pond. The whistling was just frogs peeping.” Hallucinations don’t require the victim to be on the move. The overactive mind may even lead to post-race visions. Jeff Keyser, 44, of Alabama, completed the 2003 Mountain Mist 50K Trail Run near Huntsville, Alabama, as his fourth marathon or ultramarathon in 10 weeks. “I ran a fever, and was cold and miserable the entire race,” says Keyser. “Afterward, the only thing I could think of was getting to my car and into clean clothes. I was shaking uncontrollably. As I approached my car, I noticed a cowboy kneeling next to it, panning for gold. He had a big hat down over his face and one of those long coats.” Further inspection revealed the culprit as a three-foot shrub. “I do not have any fond memories of that day,” says Keyser. Veteran Massachusetts runner Stanley Tiska, 48, had a similar experience. It happened following a vigorous 35mile training run on the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, which threads through the scenic Berkshire Mountains. Tiska wandered off course and ran longer and harder than planned. “After the run I was driving home alone, very exhausted,” he recalls, “and noticed a speed skater racing me. I could see the texture of his black body suit and hood, and his muscles straining for more speed. All I could think about was ‘Wow, look how fast he’s going! He’s doing great!’” Tiska can usually erase his hallucinations by diverting his focus to other objects, but the speed skater proved persistent. Tiska was forced to pull over for a rest break. “Not only did I have an unforgettable run that day,” he says. “But also an unforgettable drive home.” Michael Strzelecki, of Catonsville, Maryland, is no stranger to running hallucinations. Once, during the late stages of a 24-hour run, he yanked his wife (pacer) out of the path of an imaginary car trying to run them over.

Lords of the Trails « (continued from page 35)

America’s Uphill Battle The WMRT winners’ podium stands only a few feet above the ground. But to the U.S. Mountain Running Team, it seems a Himalayan peak. In 21 years, the U.S. team has never summited. What gives? 4 Dollar signs. There’s little prize money at U.S. mountainrunning events. Says Simon Gutierrez, “To get the high-caliber road-racing guy is tough. I don’t see it happening—he can go to a road race instead of a trail race and win $1000.” Topher Donahue

4Soccer Effect. Like soccer, mountain running is a craze in many other countries—especially Italy. In the U.S., it struggles for attention in the galaxy of other sports. Says Chris Lundy, “The Europeans do so great because they focus so much on the sport. In the U.S., it’s not popular yet. Most people around Sausalito didn’t have a clue about the Championships.” 4 Injury Bugs. Mountain running’s gnarly nature appeals to many, but also scares off its share of road rabbits, who would rather not risk injury, which can jeopardize endorsement deals, scholarships or their chances at the next bigmoney road event. 4Team Concepts. “A lot of success is training, and other teams train together” says Gutierrez. “If we could train together more often—like the Italians—it would help. As it is, we’re all sort of out there on our own.“ 4 Pieces of the Pie. Says Nancy Hobbs, “We still don’t have the country’s best athletes here.” Mountain running competes with so many other running disciplines—long-distance, track, cross-country, road circuits—and there’s only so much elite-level talent to go around.

corral them before the finish. As she turns toward the final straightaway, she spots the bright blonde hair and black top of a runner ahead—Melissa Moon. An ecstatic Haefeli finishes eighth. “I’m thrilled,” she says later, “and psyched to finish so close to Melissa.” Behind Haefeli, Lundy found her speedy groove and recovered ground on the pack. “I was marathon-trained and felt really strong,” she says. “I wish the race was three laps.” Lundy crosses the finish line in 18th place, and walks with noodle-y legs through the finishers’’ chute, gulping for air. Two minutes later, Julie Bryan, 37, of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, completes the U.S. women’s team scoring when she finishes 37th. Overall, the women’s team finishes eighth. Fellowship of the Trails Hours after the last runner has descended Mount Victoria, 78-year-old Terence Cairns attends the WMRT Awards Ceremony. Cairns, a native New Zealander who has been running since 1948, smiles wide. As a wise, Gandalf-like sage of New Zealand sports, and author of Cool Running, a definitive guide to his country’s history of running excellence, he has seen many highs and lows. “Today will go down in history,” he says when asked about New Zealand’s double championship. In the auditorium, Wyatt and McIlroy hold their awards up high. According to native, Maori, legend, these hand-carved wooden whale hooks bring good fishing and safe travel over land and sea. Wyatt, who certainly traveled safely over land today, receives a standing ovation from his fellow competitors. Away from the white-hot heat of international competition and shadowy steeps of Mount Victoria, there’s camaraderie amongst the athletes here—a true fellowship of the trails.

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2006 Montrail UltraCup™ Lineup ��

Categories: Overall Open series & Sunsweet Overall Masters series ��

—Garett Graubins is the Senior Editor of Trail Runner.

2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 53

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RUN AMOK by BRIAN METZLER

» Illustration by JEREMY COLLINS

Helen Klein. And you thought your grandmother was a tough cookie. At 79, Klein finished a 50-miler in under 12 hours.

L M

Lame. Going for a run on the roads because your favorite trail is muddy.

Matt Carpenter. The supreme ruler of high-altitude trail running between 10M and 100 miles is a reincarnated mountain goat who once lived on Pikes Peak.

Naked running. The bizarre rite of passage that every trail-running club has tried. Trust us on this one: it’s not that great. In fact, it is mostly painful.

Anita Ortiz. She transferred the tenacity needed to give birth to four children to running uphill, and became a threetime top-15 finisher at the World Mountain Running Trophy.

Pee. Does a trail runner pee in the woods? Is a trail runner smart enough to avoid a brush with poison ivy?

Quoteworthy. As in: “Any idiot can run a marathon. It takes a special kind of idiot to run an ultramarathon.”

The ABCs of Trail Running WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN DEFINITIONS To some, trail running simply means a jaunt in the park to give the dog enough exercise so that he will stop chewing through the couch. To others, it is running a hundred freakin’ miles through night and day, just to say they did it. From trail-scene newbies to those who are occasionally confused by oxygen-deprived psychosis midway through a good 20-miler, we all have our definitions. Here are mine, in alphabetical order, to get you started. You can think about yours on your next run.

Ann/Anne. See Trason, Heaslett, Riddle, champion trail runners, regardless of how they spell their first names.

Because. Because if we weren’t trail runners, we’d spend our weekends hanging out at Star Trek conventions. Trail runners are just another kind of nerd.

Chafing. If you haven’t rubbed your skin raw, share your secret. You’re either very skinny or you have Teflon skin.

Fall. You must experience an idyllic run through a forest of yellow, orange and red leaves in mid-October. Having to use those leaves as toilet paper is an entirely different experience.

Giardia, aka Trail Runners’ Revenge. It reminds you two weeks later that drinking out of that cold stream wasn’t a good idea.

H I

Hallucinations. Acid flashbacks (without the acid) at Mile 78 of a 100-mile trail run.

The Dipsea. Every trail runner must do this 7.1-mile race in San Francisco before he dies. Given that it’s also the hardest race to get into, good luck.

Insane. Anyone who signs up for Colorado’s Hardrock 100 must have transcended the barriers of rational thinking. Or escaped from the funny farm.

Endorphins. Chemicals released in the brain that make you think you’d rather run two hours in the rain, mud, snow or heat than fall asleep on your couch watching re-runs.

Jurek. The Energizer Bunny of trail running, the seven-time Western States 100 champ Scott Jurek keeps on winning and winning and winning.

RFM. Relentless Forward Motion: a strategy for getting up a steep mountain or through the rough periods of an ultra run. Or a Real Friggin’ Moron, the name you call yourself at mile 20 of your first marathon.

Stretching. A painful activity that requires contorting your body into impossible shapes. Avoid.

Toes. This little piggy went to market; this little piggy stayed home; this little piggy slammed headfirst into a rock and said, “Damn, that f&#@ing hurt,” all the way home.

Uh-oh! Is that a mountain lion on the trail? And why does my sweat smell like A-1 Steak Sauce?

Vision. What Bryce Thatcher had when he created the first trail-running pack out of an old pair of Levis in 1980.

Wildlife. Either the deer, fox and snakes you see on the trail, or what happens when you and your running partners stop for “just one” post-run beer.

X-Country. Is it the gritty mud in your mouth or getting spiked in the shin that keeps us coming back every fall?

Y Z

You. As in, “Hey, you, put down the magazine and lace up your shoes.”

Zen. The enlightenment you achieve the moment you finish your first trail race. Or like to think you do. Brian Metzler is the author of Running Colorado’s Front Range (2003, Mountain Sports Press). He once took a 60-mile train ride through the mountains just so he could run home. 2006 JANUARY | TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM 55

SLINGSHOT >> Gary. Head of La Sportiva N.A. R & D.

Innovation is our mission. At La Sportiva we design quality products to let you perform. We apply our heritage and knowledge of technical footwear to bring you the best of trail running shoes. Products born from the minds of active people for active people.

GARY BANIK

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