Trail Runer #59

ANNUAL SUMMER GEAR GUIDE

One Dirty Magazine

JUNE 2009  ISSUE 59

A WILDERNESS EDUCATION ...........Rewarding

lessons on the superb new Arizona Trail

A SHOT IN THE DARK

One trail runner’s courageous return to the trails

+

how to choose the right gear, great destinations and more

FALL GUY

Learn the art of tumbling on the trail

WANNA GETAWAY?

Experience eastern Washington’s mellow trail mecca

DISPLAY THRU JUNE

COACH’S ADVICE

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$4.99 US // $5.99 CAN

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ONE DIRTY MAGAZINE JUNE 2009 TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM

34

Praising Arizona

Gleaning the essence of fastpacking on the newly completed Arizona Trail.

By Kate Siber Photos by Matt Hage

40

A Shot In The Dark

A brush with death and return to the trails.

By Justin Tade Photo by Chris Hunter

COVER2007 USATF Mountain Runner of the Year Rickey Gates of Aspen, Colorado, during Trail Runner’s 2009 Annual Gear Guide photo shoot near Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas, Nevada.

THIS PAGE Las Vegas native Hillary Noel shares her “backyard” with the Trail Runner crew.

Photos by David Clifford TRAIL RUNNER (USPS 024-696, ISSN 1536-3134) is published 7 times a year (February, April, June, August, October, December and an annual issue) by Big Stone Publishing, 417 Main St Unit N, Carbondale, CO 81623. Periodicals postage paid at Carbondale, CO, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Trail Runner, 417 Main St Unit N, Carbondale, CO 81623. Subscription rates are $19.95 per year, $29.95 for two years. Canada, add $12.50 per year for surface postage; all other countries add $15 per year for surface postage (US funds only). Canada Post CPM #7157697.

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44 2009

Gear Guide

70 new products in trail apparel and gear.

By Trail Runner staff Photos by David Clifford

DEPARTMENTS 4

EDITOR’S NOTE

6

LETTERS

10

MAKING TRACKS Costa Rica Challenge report; Q&A with up-and-coming ultrarunner Mike Wolfe; more.

18

GREAT ESCAPES Methow Valley Mellow. In the Cascades’ rain shadow lies a hidden trail-runner’s paradise.

By Mike McQuaide Photos by MacLeod Pappidas

26

ASK THE COACH Trail first-aid kits; running with your partner; weight training.

28

RUN AMOK

30 TRAIL TIPS Free Falling. How to tumble safely on the trail.

By Jadyn M. Stevens 32

TAKE YOUR MARK The inside beta on three great new races.

56

RACE CALENDAR

62

LAST GASP

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Editor’s note by michael benge

picture is … lot of work 1000 Words // Aa good

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Editor Michael Benge. Rickey Gates, Hillary Noel, Josh Brimhall, Associate Editor Allison Pattillo and David Clifford on location at Red Rocks, Nevada.

barrel. From dawn till dusk, we worked our models, with Clifford mercilessly shouting “One more time!” and his motor drive rattling off thousands of frames.

As we perused Clifford’s final edits on the computer, we birthed an idea. We trail run because it takes us to some of the world’s most beautiful places, and many of us like to capture those moments in photos. But what if you want to expand your photography beyond the basic snapshot? The Trail Runner autumn Photo Camp is where you’ll learn the photography secrets of the pros (please see ad below for details). The camp will take place in the jagged Elk Mountains of Western Colorado in the height of the fall colors, and be taught by none other than “one more time” Clifford. It’s a sure bet. ■

T

PR

OS

This course is a must for anyone who is serious about running and outdoor photography and will cover composition, critical lens selection, maximizing available light, strobe (Profoto) lighting, digital in-camera tricks, capturing action, tuning images in post production, understanding market needs and packaging and presenting images for sale.

the Denver’s “Run the Republic” stair climb and a third-place finish in the Empire State Building Run-Up. We asked Rickey about the quirky-sounding stair climbs.

“They suck,” he said. “The air is really bad.” The desert sounded good, he said.

In addition, we contacted a Las Vegas local, Josh Brimhall, 33, and Hillary Noel, 27, another local, his fiancée, who both graciously agreed to join our posse. Coming off a recent win at Arizona’s Pemberton Trail 50K, Brimhall was training hard for this summer’s Western States 100, and Noel was gunning for this spring’s Salt Lake City Marathon.

And the gamble (actually not much of one) paid off—we got glorious dirt, 70-plusdegree temps, sunburns (including a night of neon tanning on The Strip)—and, we hope you’ll agree, some killer photos that will make you want to run.

But not a lot of miles. Still, even with the best photographer and models, nailing good running photos is far from shooting fish in a

HE

Enroll today in our intensive four-day workshop and improve your photography skills, develop a more creative eye and get insider knowledge about selling your photos in the competitive outdoor market.

RN

fter a winter of slogging through snow, ice and slush and, finally, shoe-sucking mud, I jonesed for dry dirt like an afflicted gambler his next hand. My co-workers did, too. So we rolled the dice, betting that March would be warm and dry in the hills surrounding Las Vegas, and scheduled our 2009 Annual Summer Gear Guide photo shoot there.

We coerced one of our favorite photographers, David “Cliffy” Clifford, to join us for some desert sun. It wasn’t hard—when I called he was up to his elbows changing his infant twins’ diapers.

I had visions of, in between photo sessions assisting Cliffy, logging miles on the fantastic trails of nearby Red Rock Canyon (see page 52 for the beta), kicking up sand and leaving dust trails under cerulean skies.

We recruited local Roaring Fork Valley runner Rickey Gates to model, another easy sell. A Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team member Gates, 27, was fresh off a victory at

WHEN, WHAT & WHERE: The camp will be held October 8-11, 2009, in Colorado’s stunning Elk Mountains in the height of the fallcolor explosion. For four days you’ll shoot running models in action and work with expert photographers who will provide constant feedback to make each shot better than your last.

ENROLLMENT AND INSTRUCTORS: Enrollment is limited to guarantee face-time with instructor David Clifford.

Clifford has taught some of today’s finest sports photographers and is a regular contributor to leading magazines, including National Geographic Adventure, Trail Runner and Rock and Ice. He is also the former Photo Editor for Trail Runner and Rock and Ice magazines.

COST: $1,499 includes ground transportation, lodging and meals during the clinic.

Ph

oto Camp

EQUIPMENT: We recommend that you supply your own photo gear, but digital equipment will be available and all off-camera lighting will be provided. You will need a laptop and Photoshop or similar software. And don’t forget to bring running gear in case you have extra time to hit some of Colorado’s most beautiful trails.

TO ENROLL OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: E-mail draleigh@bigstonepub.com or call 970.704.1442 x26

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Nouveau Monde DDB - 344 446 810 RCS ANNECY - photos : Stef Candé.

www.julbousa.com

TRAIL 346 - FOR TRAIL BLAZERS • Coverage: panoramic lenses for an extra-wide field of view.

• Ventilation: adjustable natural airflow with 2 positions due to the cut of the lenses.

• Comfort: Supple shock-absorbent insert will remain in position on nose.

Elastomer shock absorbers at sides for maximum protection.

• Hold and positioning: Grip Tech temples, exclusive soft comfort material, will not get caught in the hair. Elasticated extra-flat cord.

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LETTERS

LETTERS

Please email: LETTERS@TRAILRUNNERMAG.COM

1st Annual PINUP GIRL S AND GUYS I just wanted to say thank you for doing another Trail Runner Wall Calendar [Race Issue 2009, Issue 56]. The pictures are gorgeous. I bought two copies, one for home and one for work. That way I am never without inspiration, and a reminder to make room in my day for a little (or big!) run.

—Deva Lingemann | Cave Creek, AZ

Spring is on the way and it’s time to start singing the praises of mud.

Whether you love it or hate it, you’re out there in it! Whether running, hiking, or cross-training, the inov-8 mudclaw and mudroc models are THE shoes for spring mud season—or anytime you’re in wet, mucky conditions. Share your muddy tales, muddy photos, and mud-themed poetry with us and you may win your very own pair of inov-8 mudclaw or mudroc trail shoes!

Go to www.trailrunnermag.com for complete details.

PRIZES 5 pairs of inov-8 mudclaw shoes and 5 pairs of inov-8 mudroc shoes will be awarded. Three random drawings and seven winners for best entries.

ACCEPTABLE SUBMISSIONS Photos, Essays, Poems

Submissions will not be returned and may be reprinted in Trail Runner magazine or used by inov-8 for promotional purposes.

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PROUD FATHER In regards to your Ask the Coach question about racing back to back [February 2009, Issue 57], do you know about Southern California’s Michelle Barton, who in mid 2007 raced and broke five female ultra course records—four 50Ks and one 50-miler in a tad over a month? (She also happens to be my daughter!) Sounds like Professor George Parrot, quoted in the article, needs to rethink his statements about limiting backto-back ultra racing.

—Doug Malewicki | Irvine, CA

VOICE OF E XPERIENCE I would like to add my twocents’ worth regarding your recent article, “Growing Pains” [December 2008, Issue 55]. I started running ultras in 1983, and don’t like many of the recent changes. I don’t like all the rules, particularly cut-off times, as I have gotten old and slow. Also, I don’t like the high entry fees. I now live on Social Security—$621 a month—and just can’t afford them. And I certainly don’t need any more T-shirts, awards and stuff.

Recently, I felt like it was time to give back to ultrarunning, which has been my life and passion for over 25 years. And as a way of rebelling against the changes I didn’t like, in 2008, I created the SC Ultra Trail Series (www.ultrasontrails.com), four ultra trail runs that are like going

back to the good old days—low key, few frills, few rules and an emphasis on simply finishing— and held on beautiful scenic trails throughout South Carolina, with great aid stations. And I don’t even charge a set entry fee, rather rely on donations to cover expenses. It is so rewarding to give runners an opportunity to race no matter how old, slow or experienced they might be, and where everyone has fun.

—Terri Hayes | Aiken, SC

GET THE ZEN It seems your magazine overly focuses on ultramarathon racing. I live in the far northeastern tip of Minnesota, surrounded by three-million acres of wilderness. Of course we’re known mainly for paddling, but have many trails, namely the Superior Hiking Trail. I prefer to run on trails, where my mind is focused on my next footfall and the forest is an ominous, hulking green presence. For me, running, especially trail running, is a Zen thing: very primal and ofthe-moment. I can imagine that your “business model” is race, race, race, because that’s where the money is and what the young hipster jock demographic wants. But wouldn’t you pick up more readers with just a few generic “trail running for the sheer pleasure of it” articles?

—Olwe Bottorff Grand Marais, MN

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Letters

nteer ning to volu If you’re plan ork crew, send lw or lead a trai d let us know. l an ag.com us an e-mai trailrunnerm NPLD2009@ ar from you! he We’d love to

Invites You to Roll Up Your Sleeves and Get Dirty on saturday, sept. 26, 2009

National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy.

To learn more about NPLD and how you can do your part to support and maintain running trails on public lands, go to

www.publiclandsday.org

humming aLong I enjoy your magazine and especially appreciated the Green Issue (December 2008, Issue 55], though the irony of the Hummer ad was not lost on me.

The pictured Hummer H3 gets, on average, a whopping 14 mpg (according to the EPA). Not so green. This irony helps to illustrate the point of Bernie Boettcher’s article, “The ‘Green’ Runner” [Last Gasp].

Sorry for busting your chops! Thanks for putting out an excellent magazine, and a subscription to Trail Runner [was] at the top of my list to Santa.

—Chris Roche | Brownsburg, IN

here come the greenies Trail running has been a decades-long passion, and one reason I, and many others, enjoy it so much is that politics and most otherworldly problems are left to another time for serious discussion.

Everyone is surely in favor of reducing pollution and maintaining a healthy environment. But, here is the big question: To what extent? The Oct. 18 issue of New Scientist states that economic growth must be limited to save the earth. Don’t consider buying an energy efficient TV— don’t buy one at all! Live in high-density housing and use only public transportation with no cars.

Capitalism is the engine that has given us all the wondrous high-tech items like GPS watches, apparel and shoes, and the ability to get to trail races in a matter of a couple hours via private car versus many hours via public transportation.

If we are not careful, the Greenies will decide Mother Earth and the great outdoors should not even be enjoyed at all.

Some are against any human encroachment in wilderness areas. If the Greenies were around when we first discovered fire, they would have panicked because of its carbon footprint.

—leon gray | Fullerton, CA

Start here.

South Mountain Reservation A Trail Runner's Guide to NYC

www.wildernessrunning.com

BeLoW the BeLt Thanks for a great article on running injuries, “Below The Belt” [April 2009, Issue 58]. This is the best piece I’ve seen in any magazine. As a Licensed Massage Therapist and RRCA running coach, I have dealt with many injured runners, and lack of education is a runner’s biggest downfall. This article surely will help.

—larry M. george, lMt | New Castle, PA T r a i l r u n n e r m a g . c o m June 2009 8

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Letters

ACK mOUnTaiNB NBA

The

Knee-Jerk Re action I live in Hong Kong and my passion is running the area’s mountain trails. I found Trail Runner in a small bookstore last month, and thought it was excellent—great race stories, good trail descriptions, fabulous photographs. However, in the April edition, instead of finishing the stories feeling motivated to get straight on mountain trails, I am sitting here worrying about the niggles in my knees, ankles and back [“Below the Belt”]. The issue’s focus was on how to count calories and how much damage running can do to you! Next time, would you please allow more space for stories and pictures?

—Mark Woodward | Hong Kong

Echoing Sentiments I agree with Matt Hage on the Echo Canyon Loop in Chiricahua National Monument as being the “best 5K ever!” [Great Escapes, February 2009, Issue 57] I ran it this past weekend—twice—the first time to run and the second time to take pictures. It was a magical experience, even curing my tendonitis (or maybe I’ve just recovered from the injury). Thank you for sharing this little treasure!

—Andrea Telmo | Albuquerque, NM

50

Host of the USA 50 Mile Championships

“What a wonderful experience!”

- Sarah Vanderelli

Oct. 3, 2009

tusseymountainback.com Just for the hill of it.®

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Duane Raleigh

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Columns editor

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Accounting

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accounting@bigstonepub.com 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.

w w w. s t e a m b o a t 5 0 . c o m

Steamboat 50 Ultra Marathon September 19, 2009 Steamboat Springs, CO 6:00 a.m.

Join us for the THIRD ANNUAL

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•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 2009 by Big Stone Publishing Ltd.

run rabbit run

50 mile run, a spectacular, challenging, high elevation mountain run through the northern Colorado Rockies, starting and finishing in wonderful Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Time limit: 15 hours.

Email: info@steamboat50.com Web: www.steamboat50.com

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9 June 2009 T r a i l r u n n e r m a g . c o m

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MAKING TRACKS

by JACQUELINE WINDH » photo by J. ANDRÉS VARGAS, TCC

The Stage Is Set Satisfy your thirst for international adventure

Al Andalus Ultra Trail Andalucia, Spain July 13 to 17, 2009 Five stages, 250 km 550 Euros (before June 20) Get off the beaten tourist track in the mountainous province of Granada. Work up an appetite during long, hot days on steep, exposed trails, and refresh each night at remote mountain villages’ bars and eateries. www.alandalusultratrail.com Trans Slovenia Ultra Run Hodos, Slovenia August 12 to 16, 2009 Five stages, 400 km 250 Euros before May 31 (300 Euros after) Independent types who don’t mind roughing it will love the challenge of navigating their way by GPS (provided) from Goricko to Piran, covering between 41 and 57 miles daily.

There’s little on-route support; carry your own food and water. http://trans-slo.si/en/

Jaclyn Greenhill and Kelly Ridgway near the top of the first of many tough ascents on Day 4, nicknamed "Revenge of the Borucas."

Rainforest Rumble

THE HARDER IT GETS, THE MORE RUNNERS LOVE THE COASTAL CHALLENGE

F

EBRUARY 7, 2009, SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA—The attrition rate was high but the satisfaction was palpable among finishers of the six-day The Coastal Challenge (TCC) “Rainforest Run”. “[In trail races] you don’t normally run up a river bed or cross under waterfalls,” says Jay Norman, 71, of Irving, Texas, the only competitor to participate in all five editions of the epic stage race. “The danger intrigues me.”

At the beach-side tourist town of Quepos on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, 74 runners toed the start line. Most were attempting the full 144-mile “Expedition” route and a handful were running the 99-mile “Adventure” route.

Among the runners was Sara Jones, 36, a two-time breast-cancer survivor from Norfolk, Virginia, who received a grant from Team Project Athena, a charity that helps women facing medical challenges achieve their athletic dreams. Team Project Athena founders Robyn Benincasa, Melissa Cleary and Florence Debout raced alongside her.

Days 1 and 2 were 21 and 24 miles, respectively, along runable gravel roads and rainforest trails with moderate elevation changes. However, the heat immediately took a toll. Benincasa, a world-class adventure racer, aided collapsing, electrolyte-deficient runners, and patched up one racer who had fallen on a barbed-wire fence.

In the early morning darkness of Day 2, the leaders ran up a steep, root-strewn

1800-foot ascent. Most participants hiked, however, pacing themselves for more difficult climbs in the midday heat. Still, partway through the stage, many Expedition runners voluntarily opted to run the shorter Adventure stage rather than face four more hours in the blazing tropical sun.

Each night, organizers transported racers’ gear to beach and riverside camps and served tasty Costa Rican rice-andbean meals. Frontrunners often finished by noon, leaving ample time to pitch their tents, rest or go surfing. But back-of-thepackers arriving at camp at dusk barely had time to eat, shower and prepare for the next stage’s dawn start.

Day 3 split the Adventure racers, who had a “rest day” consisting of a nine-mile

The Coastal Challenge Panama Bocas del Toro, Panama September 3 to 6, 2009 Three stages, 50 or 75 km $1200 before June 1 ($1350 after) This part-race, part-sightseeing tour of the Bocas del Toro Islands involves daily runs of less than 15 miles, leaving plenty of time for guided fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and hiking. Island hop by catamaran to nightly beach camps. www.tccislandrun.com La Transtica Ultra Trail Costa Rica Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica November 19 to 29, 2009 Five stages, 150 or 200 km 1190 Euros Get up close and personal with Costa Rica’s lush jungles, pristine beaches and even crocodiles (from a safe distance) as you run 25 or 15 miles daily. The all-inclusive fee covers meals, accommodation, plus rafting on the Pacuare River. www.latranstica.org/en/

beach run, from the Expedition racers, who faced their longest and toughest challenge yet. Their 32-mile stage started in the surf town of Dominical and descended to the Barú River, where runners scrambled over boulders for three miles, forded rapids and swam across a deep waterhole before joining jungle trails that rose and fell more than 8000 feet.

That evening, race director Tim Holmstrom offered little reassurance that racers had passed the hump, saying they’d survived what was “probably” the toughest stage. Day 4 would entail 23 miles (ascend(continued on page 14)

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English Expedition

Oliver Brodrick-Ward and Charlie Taylor take in the views along the Wainwright Path.

CHARLIE TAYLOR

MAKING TRACKS

FRIENDSHIP OVERCOMES INJURY AND SNOWSTORMS ON EPIC RUN ACROSS GREAT BRITAIN

“I

’m not going to make it. Finish the run without me,” says Oliver BrodrickWard as he grimaces at his friend and running partner, Charlie Taylor.

Brodrick-Ward, 29, lies sprawled on the ground, nursing a throbbing knee, while Taylor, 32, is perched on a nearby rock, resting his blistered feet. The men sustained the injuries after running the first 100 miles of an ambitious four-day, 192-mile adventure on England’s Wainwright Path.

Established in 1972 by guidebook author Alfred Wainwright, the popular coast-to-coast Wainwright Path normally takes trekkers eight days or even two weeks to savor.

For Brodrick-Ward and Taylor, both of London, it was a four-day non-stop push during the country’s coldest and soggiest season. “We were excited by the weather’s unpredictability in December,” says Taylor.

Besides being allured by the run’s physical challenge, they were raising funds for the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Association, in honor of deceased relatives.

On November 28, 2008, Brodrick-Ward and Taylor left St. Bees Head in Cumbria in high spirits despite brisk winter temperatures.

However, only hours into the run, a surprise storm dumped nearly six inches of snow as they struggled up a peak in trail-running shoes. Undeterred, they changed into heavily treaded boots provided by their support crew, which met them on the path every six hours.

On the second day, Brodrick-Ward’s sore knee began to seriously slow his pace. “I thought of those who aren’t able to run at all and, with Charlie’s encouragement, found the motivation to fight the pain,” he says.

Introduced by a mutual friend six years ago, Brodrick-Ward, a property manager, and Taylor, a banker, immediately bonded over a common passion for endurance endeavors. Taylor belongs to a team that holds the world record for rowing a 14-man boat

across the Atlantic Ocean, from the Canary Islands to Barbados (33 days 7 hours). “I have a high threshold for pain,” he says, attributing the quality to a childhood accident that left him unable to walk for a year. “When I was seven, I fell 30 feet from a tree and broke my femur, seriously gashed my chin and was knocked out. After several surgeries and a long rehab, I developed a tremendous faith in my body’s ability to heal.”

On December 2, after four days of alternating leads and sharing jokes, the two limped into Robin Hood’s Bay at 2:30 a.m.

“About three miles from the finish, Ollie and I started laughing at how ridiculous we must have looked,” says Taylor. “We had no energy left in our legs, both my pinky toenails were gone, our backs were aching from our packs and Ollie’s knee was in bad shape.”

The run solidified the duo’s friendship, which stems from their mutual belief that determination and outlook are most important to achieving one’s goals. “It is through mastering of the mind rather than rigorous physical training that one will succeed at any physical challenge,” says Taylor.

Next year, Brodrick-Ward and Taylor plan to run 550 miles through the Pyrenees along the French-Spanish border.

—Jen Burn

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USATTrail Championshipss USA rail Championship 2009 Schedule Schedule 2009 SeeIt. It. Feel Feel It. See ExperienceIt.It. It. Experience

June28 28 June

USAMountain Mountain Championships Championships USA North NH NorthConway, Conway, NH July 18 July 18

USA100 100Mile Mile Trail Trail Championships USA Championships South CA SouthLake LakeTahoe, Tahoe, CA July 25 July 25

USA50 50Mile Mile Trail Trail Championships USA Championships White WA WhiteRiver, River, WA August22 22 August

making tracks

(continued from page 10) ing nearly 10,000 feet), Day 5 was 29 miles (ascending 4750 feet) and Day 6 was an easy 15 rolling miles along the coast.

Defending champion Costa Rican Javier Montero, 45, held off David James, 30, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seattle, Washington’s Scott Jurek, 35, to win the first four stages.

However, Leonardo Soresi of Italy, 35, gained momentum and took the last two stages, though it wasn’t enough to surpass Montero, who won with a time of 27 hours 22 minutes 39 seconds. Montero credited his success to training on Costa Rica’s 8900-foot Poas Volcano.

James was second in 29:16:50, and Jurek, who was training for June’s Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run in California, held a relaxed pace, finishing third in 31:01:20. “It was a lot of elevation gain and miles this early in my training season,” he says.

In the women’s field, two-time second-place finisher, Costa Rican Ligia Madrigal, 36, and Jaclyn Greenhill, 31, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, jostled daily for the lead, even sprinting to a tie in 8:50:15 on Day 3. By the

start of the final day, Greenhill trailed Madrigal by just 13 minutes. However, with blisters, a sprained ankle and feeling she had “nothing else to give,” she contented herself with second place behind Madrigal, who won in 34:59:09.

California’s Kelly Ridgway, 50, was third in 36:33:13. The veteran of numerous 50-milers had never before competed in a stage race, and was hooked, describing the jungle navigation, river crossings and shoesucking mud as “annoying and hilarious at the same time.”

Jones, who was still undergoing chemotherapy, did not finish all the stages due to debilitating heat and foot blisters. However, the Athena team’s unwavering support buoyed her spirits and made it a fulfilling experience.

Next year’s route will be the drier but equally mountainous “Route of Fire” that passes numerous active volcanoes.

For full results, visit www.tccadventures.com.

Jacqueline Windh, a Vancouver Island, British Columbia-based author and photographer, was 25th overall in the Expedition category in 52:11:17.

USA100 100km km Trail Trail Championships USA Championships Willamette, OR Willamette, OR August29 29 August

USA10 10km km Trail Trail Championships Championships USA Laurel NC LaurelSprings, Springs, NC November77 November

USAMarathon Marathon Trail Trail Championships USA Championships Ashland, OR Ashland, OR

{OVERHEARD} what’s in a name

“We have a problem with the race’s name, Dirty Inspirations.”

—Santa Cruz State Park officials on why they withheld the permit for an all-women’s trail race. When race director Terri Schneider renamed it Dirt Inspires Women’s Trail Half Marathon (www.DITrailRuns.com), she received the permit.

Worse than Being “Chicked”?

www.usatf.org/events www.usatf.org/events Complete2008 2008Results Results •• 2009 2009 Championship Complete ChampionshipCalendar Calendar

Correction: In the Decemberissue issuethe thefollowing following champions champions from USA 100 Mile TrailTrail ChamCorrection: In the December fromthe the2008 2008 USA 100 Mile Championships were inadvertently omitted:Beverley Beverley Anderson-Abbs Anderson-Abbs (Masters 40-44), Charles Hofacker pionships were inadvertently omitted: (Masters 40-44), Charles Hofacker (Masters 40-44), Angie Pozzi (Masters50-54).

50-54).

(Masters 40-44), Angie Pozzi (Masters

“My friend Rick Miller was ‘Croc’ed’ by a chick at the Death Valley Marathon.”

—Jeff Kozak coins a new term to describe the incredible running of 54-year-old Lorraine Gersitz, of Fullerton, California, who races in Crocs—the only footwear that keeps her chronic injuries at bay. She won her age group in 4:07.

T r a i l r u n n e r m a g . c o m june 2009 14

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Trails and Trials

STEFANIE KILTS

ULTRAMARATHONER MIKE WOLFE BALANCES RACING AND LAW SCHOOL

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IT IS CHALLENGING TO CATCH up with Mike Wolfe. Not only is he a top trail runner—winning the 2006 and 2007 USATF 50-mile trail championships and sharing the championship title for the USATF 100Mile Tahoe Rim Trail race in 2008—but he is also in his final semester at law school at the University of Montana in Missoula.

When wearing glasses, a tie and suit, Wolfe is likely rushing between his law school classes and his job at Missoula County Attorney’s Office. But during three or four short breaks each day, he can be seen running trails in outdoor garb, maintaining his peak mileage of 140 to 180 miles a week.

Nonetheless, it’s worth the wait to meet Wolfe. He has a cordial manner, an easy smile and overwhelming humbleness—I had previously worked with him on a college photo project, and he never once mentioned his racing titles, simply explaining

once that he had “done well” in past races.

Wolfe, 31, has indeed done very well in ultramarathon racing, considering the Bozeman, Montana, native didn’t break into competitive running until his late 20s. While attending the College of Idaho, outside of Boise, Wolfe was introduced to running by a couple of friends. He ran his first race at 18, the 20-mile Bridger Ridge Run in Bozeman, in a borrowed pair of Nikes, but didn’t start training and racing until he was 27.

One of the world’s top trail ultrarunners Nikki Kimball of Bozeman trained with Wolfe in 2005, describing him as a smart and focused runner.

“I gravitated towards him as a training partner,” she said and was impressed with his improvement as he prepared for the 2006 White River 50-miler (the U.S. National Championships) in Crystal Mountain, Washington. Having won the race numerous

3/31/09 11:22:57 AM

MAKING TRACKS

times, Kimball was able to advise Wolfe.

“It was exciting to know that Mike had a good chance of winning,” she said, “which not many other people knew.”

Just as she predicted, Wolfe won the championship that year (Kimball took the women’s title). The two will be running together again in October on a The North Face-sponsored team that will race in the Jungle Marathon in Brazil, a 200-kilometer, six-day stage race.

For now Wolfe is focusing on two 100mile races. In late June, he will face a strong field in the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, which was cancelled last year due to forest fires, and in late August will head to France to run the Ultra Trail Tour du Mont Blanc.

And with graduation from law school around the corner, Wolfe is looking forward to a new job in Helena, Montana, and the 40hour work week that will, in comparison to his busy days in Missoula, leave him ample training time.

“He has that kind of focus you see in ultramarathoning, a focus that transcends beyond the sport into his personal and working life,” Kimball said. “What makes him a good runner will also make him a good lawyer.”

p.010-17 Making Tracks 59.indd 17

Q+A

When did you realize you wanted to be an ultramarathoner?

How do you balance your training regimen with law school and a job?

After I won the 2006 U.S. 50-mile championship. Up to that point, I had been competing at local races where the field wasn’t as deep and I hadn’t raced against a more competitive national crowd. At that point, I decided to compete more and train more seriously.

It’s discipline, a matter of fitting in training whenever I can. Running is my release.

What is the best piece of training advice you have received?

Why did you decide to move up to 100-mile races?

During winter, you compete in Nordic races.

How does this complement your running?

It was a natural progression. I started with 50K races then did a few 50 milers. In August of 2006, I ran the Grand Teton 100 in Idaho, but had no idea what I was doing and didn’t train for it. It was super fun until mile 60, where I realized I had been eating and hydrating for a 50-mile race, not a 100.

I hit a serious wall and stopped at an aid station for about 20 minutes. But once I ate some potatoes, I felt much better. And, amazingly, I ended up winning.

In the USATF 100-Mile Tahoe Rim Trail race in 2008, when did you and Eric Skaden decide to finish together and share the championship title?

I caught up with Eric around mile 75 after nightfall, and we both started having health issues. We had pushed each other to the brink, and one of us was going to crawl to the finish and drop the other one in the woods, or we were going to do it together.

It made the most sense to finish together.

The guys I began running with taught me to train really hard but make sure to rest.

I have a hard time not over-training.

Nordic skiing is a great break from running because it involves different muscle movements and avoids the same repetitive motions. It’s also low impact, and helps my strength training and cardiovascular and aerobic-threshold base building.

Does your lack of experience put you at a disadvantage against other top ultramarathoners?

Other guys may have deeper running experience, but I’ve done it on my own. I’ve never sought coaching and that’s part of the adventure—figuring it out as I go.

Do you have any pre-race rituals?

I like to camp out at the start line and sleep under the stars. Then, I get up before the race, make a big French press of coffee and sit in my sleeping bag, drinking coffee and relaxing.

Post race?

If there’s a river, I’ll go sit in it.

—Stefanie Kilts

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by MIKE MCQUAIDE » photos by MACLEOD PAPPIDAS

Methow Valley Mellow IN THE CASCADES’ RAIN SHADOW LIES A HIDDEN TRAIL-RUNNER’S PARADISE

T

here I was, struggling at the bottom of a long hill at mile 13 of the Sunflower run, expecting at any moment for my well-worn I-hate-hills monologue to kick in. But oddly, I found myself … feeling happy, grinning like that goofy guy on the cover of MAD Magazine. With a quick 180, I scanned my surroundings and it hit me: why wouldn’t I smile?

There I was in early May in the Northwest—generally a time when the phrases “rain changing to showers” or “showers changing to rain” show up eight times in every 10-day forecast—trail running under cloudless skies of blue. Temps in the 60s. Traipsing, I was, with a couple hundred other like-minded folks. Up and down meadows of golden sunflowers and purple lupine, bounding across sagebrush ridges high above horse and cattle ranches that look like something out of the movie Lonesome Dove. Through it all, my lungs take in whole-gallon gulps of that wonderful dry, ponderosa-pine-flavored air. Even though this hill was giving me problems, I was feeling mellow. Methow Valley mellow.

T R A I L R U N N E R M A G . C O M JUNE 2009 18

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High and Dry About 200 miles northeast of Seattle, just over the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains, sits the 1700-square-mile Methow Valley (pronounced Met-how), named for one of the plateau Indian tribes of North Central Washington. In contrast to the west side (and therefore, wet side) of Washington, the Methow means one thing: sun. Winthrop, the Methow Valley’s most well-known town (pop. 360), boasts 300 days of sunshine per year to Seattle’s 55, while, rain-wise, Winthrop is misted with 11 inches to Seattle’s 38.

For the past few decades, Methow has become renowned for its 120 miles of popular Nordic ski trails (the second largest in the country), and when the knobbytire set discovered they were also great for biking, the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) initiated a mountainbike race series, quickly garnering the area a rep as a fat-tire mecca. Then, 10 years ago, runners of the dirt got their own MVSTA Trail Run Series.

“Just as living in the Methow Valley is more than just living in a beautiful place, the series is far more than just a trailrunning series,” says Andrew Nelson, a Methow local and series veteran. “Both are really an amazing and unique transformation of a state of mind.”

It is a state of mind that, like the valley’s Old West vibe, manifests itself in a spirit of rugged individualism. Runners gather to race, and newcomers are always welcome, but there’s no established running club.

PAGE 18: Methow Valley local Eric Bard runs the View Ridge Loop at Sun Mountain Lodge.

The resort’s extensive trail system hooks into the larger MVSTA system.

TOP: Dr. Joseph Jensen, a family practice physician in Twisp, gets his daily workout near the finish of the annual Sunflower Iron and Relay.

BOTTOM: Local Pat Norwill rolls through sage and bitterbrush on state land between Twisp and Winthrop.

T R A I L R U N N E R M A G . C O M JUNE 2009 20

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GREAT ESCAPES

Maybe an e-mail goes out to a loose collection of runners, mountain bikers, crosscountry skiers, horsepackers and the like that the sunflowers (arrowleaf balsamroot) are in full show and that tonight at 5:30 after work is the time to run Buck or Patterson mountains.

The five-race MVSTA Trail Run Series kicks off with the Rattler Half Marathon, so named because the race, which entails 1800 feet of climbing, takes place in Pipestone Canyon, an area renowned for its rattlesnakes. Thankfully, the race is in early April, when the rattlesnakes haven’t yet risen from their winter slumber.

Then in early May there’s the previously mentioned 21.5-mile Sunflower Iron and Relay, which started some 30 years ago as a four- to six-person relay. Soon enough, though, more and more people wanted to run the whole thing (thus the Iron event) to the point that now the field for the point-topoint, ridge-rolling, Mazama-to-Twisp trail race is made up of about 20 teams and 150

TRAILHEAD //

Iron competitors. Such is the Sunflower’s appeal—beautiful early spring weather, a significant and hilly but not overly long or arduous distance—that trail runners from throughout the Northwest flock to it. The results list for 2008 race listed runners from Portland, Vancouver, Seattle, even Anchorage and Seward, Alaska.

A couple of shorter events, the Mazama 10K and the Run the Sun 5- and 10-Milers, follow later in May and July when temps in the valley can hit 90 degrees and above.

The series culminates in late August with its crown jewel, the 11-mile Cutthroat Classic.

From 4800-foot aptly named Rainy Pass in the rugged North Cascades, the first half of the point-to-point course follows the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), ascending a dividing line that separates western and eastern Washington. To the west are those jagged, snow- and glacier-clad peaks, dense dark forests and countless waterfalls that are the Cascades’ namesake.

Approaching the race’s midpoint at

Methow Valley, WA

GETTING THERE » Winthrop and the Methow Valley are located on Highway 20 (North Cascades Highway) in north-central Washington, about four hours’ drive from both Seattle and Spokane.

Due to snow, Highway 20 closes from November to April, requiring visitors from Western Washington to drive east and north on Highways 2 and 97, adding about an hour to the drive.

SEASONS » Most of the Methow Valley is at 1800 feet (and more) and from late fall to early spring may be snow covered. July and August can be hot, with temperatures in the 90s, occasionally hitting triple digits. Trail running in the mountains (North Cascades National Park, Pasayten Wilderness, etc.) is best from July to October. Consider a mid-October run when the Western larch have turned gold and the mountains have received their first snow dusting.

GEAR AND RESOURCES » The Methow Valley doesn’t have a runningspecific store but Winthrop Mountain Sports (www.winthropmountainsports.com, 257 Riverside Avenue, Winthrop; 800-719-3826) and the Mazama Store (www.methow.com/ mazamastore, 50 Lost River Road, Mazama; 509-996-2855) are great places to buy gear, energy foods, maps and books. The Trail’s End Bookstore (231 Riverside Avenue, Winthrop; 509-996-2345) offers a plethora of area guidebooks.

The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association’s (www.mvsta.com; 509-996-3287) website offers trail maps for both summer and winter use, a race calendar and registration, webcams, real estate info and even a page detailing top birdwatching spots.

In addition, about 40 miles’ worth of public trails leave from the posh Sun Mountain Lodge (www.sunmountainlodge.com), which has an activity room featuring trail maps, books and other information.

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CAMPING & ACCOMODATIONS » Head a couple miles north of Winthrop to Pearrygin Lake State Park (www.parks. wa.gov), which offers tent and RV camping as well as swimming, fishing and boating (showers and flush toilets too). Numerous primitive campgrounds are located throughout the Methow Valley. For information, go to the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest website (www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka).

OTHER ACTIVITIES » Bring the mountain bike for recovery days or fishing rod for some quality time in the Methow and Twisp rivers. Music lovers should visit in July during the three-day Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival (www. winthropbluesfestival.com), and art lovers can check out the Winthrop Gallery (www. winthropgallery.com, 237 Riverside Avenue, Winthrop; 509-996-3925) for everything from furniture to fine paintings to jewelry to pottery from some of the top artists in Eastern Washington.

21 JUNE 2009 T R A I L R U N N E R M A G . C O M

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Lost Lake Run August 22, 2009

The Lost Lake Run is located near Seward Alaska - approximately 100 miles south of Anchorage. The course is a challenging 15.75 mile cross-country U.S. Forest Service trail that travels around Lost Lake at a peak elevation of 2,100 feet inside the beautiful Chugach National Park.

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6800-foot Cutthroat Pass, all that changes.

From here to the finish, it’s all rust-colored ridges and dry, rocky spires extending as far as the eye can see. Stands of western larch are still green on race day, but give them six weeks and the forests here, and all over the eastern slopes of the Cascades, turn into a blaze of golden glory. Ponderosa pines predominate farther down and on the screaming descent to Cutthroat Lake and the finish line beyond, runners find themselves inadvertently kicking off pinecone avalanches. Space is limited in the Cutthroat and its 225 spots usually fill up months ahead of race day.

public treasures But not all things trail-running related I N D Iin Athe Methow have to do with racing.

Along with the 100-plus miles of trails in the valley itself, the Methow is situated within minutes of two wilderness areas, the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth; two national forests, Okanogan and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie; and one the most rugged, undeveloped national parks in the country, North Cascades. Much of these areas are alpine, 5000 feet and higher, and crisscrossed by miles and miles of trails.

“The Methow Valley is just this little sliver of private land, and then everything else around it is public forest or QUE & INNOVATIVE RACE TRAIL wilderness,” says avid trail runner Dan yan 100 Mile Stage Race Kuperberg. “There’s three million acres

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of public land extending all the way up to the Canadian border.”

From Hart’s Pass, at 7000 feet the state’s highest public road, runners can head south for a 30-mile roller coaster traverse along the PCT back to Rainy Pass. Or head out the Wolf Creek Trail for an out and back to the foot of Gardner Mountain.

Or up to Tiffany Mountain or the inaptly named Easy Pass.

“As the snow melts out, we work our way higher and higher in the mountains,” says Allison DeLong of Mazama, Washington.

Those with some ambition climb up and over Sawtooth Ridge via the War Creek Trail and drop down thousands of feet into the deep narrow gorge of the 50-mile-long Lake Chelan. At 1400-plus feet, it’s the country’s third-deepest lake. Runners with a credit card can spend the night in a cabin in remote Stehekin or, if they’ve arranged for a pickup, take the Lady of Lake, a passenger ferry that drops them off in Chelan, about 60 miles south of Winthrop.

“The trail-running possibilities over here are pretty much limitless,” says Kuperberg.

“There are way more trails than there is time to run them.”

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Mike McQuaide is a Bellingham-based trail runner from the wet (west) side of Washington, and the author of five books including Trail Running Guide to Western Washington (Sasquatch Books).

23 june 2009 T r a i l r u n n e r m a g . c o m

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ASK THE COACH

by THERESE IKNOIAN » illustration by JEREMY COLLINS

rate home setup. Possible exercises for a home workout include squats, lunges, knee extensions and hamstring curls (both with rubber resistance), ankle and calf exercises, pullups, pushups and abdominal and lower-back work.

Sweet Togetherness?

Although I’ve been an outdoor person in the past, I’ve become somewhat of a couch potato. Recently I picked up Trail Runner magazine and thought, “Why not?” But how can I convince my husband this would be a great thing to do together?

—Lois Hancock, Lancaster, MA

Aid and Abet

Get Pumped

What do you recommend to carry for first aid during a race?

What is the best way to incorporate weight training into a running week?

—Paul Bloomfield, Staunton, VA

—John Hite, Denver, CO

Everybody should carry a few emergency items—not only during a race but also on training runs. During a race you need the basics to get you to the next aid station, while for training think about the consequences of an injury or blister farther from help. You can buy kits, with the advantage of small pre-packaged doses of meds, but do-it-yourself kits also serve well. Coach’s DIY kit is a tidy two-inch-by-three-inch zip-lock baggie.

We asked Buck Tilton, author of Wilderness First Responder, for his recommendations for a small race kit. He suggests: two adhesive strip bandages, one blister bandage (preferably something like Blist-O-Ban made for long wear during activity), one antiseptic wipe, one swab or ampule of tincture of benzoin (to help bandages stick), one safety pin (to keep broken gear or torn clothing together or to help with wound care) and four anti-inflammatory tabs.

“Keep your personal needs in mind too,” he said, which might include adding sunscreen, anti-chafe lube or more blister bandages. Coach suggests women also carry a tampon, a few squares of TP and an individually packaged baby wipe.

Extra safety pins are always handy and very lightweight. Floating around in the bottom of Coach’s kit are also a couple of Benadryl tabs in case of a reaction to a bee sting or rattlesnake bite.

Indeed, strength training develops lower-body connective tissue, which can stave off injuries, and boosts upper-body strength, which helps you maintain good running form, says Scott Jackson, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and co-owner of Real Life Fitness personal-training studio in Nevada City, California. He recommends saving lower-body weight workouts for your easy days so you “have enough juice” in your legs for your quality hard-running sessions. You could workout your upper body at the same time or, if you have time, save that for a longer or higher-intensity day.

Other experts recommend doing a hard run and strength session on the same day so your entire body can be recovered before your next quality run. Neither style has been disproved, so figure out what fits your body, schedule and style best.

“Generally, higher reps with slightly lower weight is a good fit for most runners,” says Jackson. And to build strength, you don’t need a gym membership or elabo-

For better or for worse, I checked with my own husband, Michael, for his thoughts based on our 12-plus years of running and working out together. His advice is to first determine your expectations: Will you want to run together all the time or just occasionally? Then, you’ll have to determine whether your husband even wants to run, and, of course, what his expectations are. If he comes from a road-running background, selling him on the joys of trail running could be a slam dunk.

Coach has observed that women tend to enjoy the social aspect of running more while men tend to want to run. So figure out your running personalities and determine if they mesh. Once you have that down, it’s time to hit the trail. If you are together and one is slower, consider it OK for the faster one to go ahead and then loop back to the slower one as agreed. At some point, one of you will be faster or have a different goal, so you’ll need to adapt to maintain sweet togetherness.

“If she is faster,” says Michael, “he will need to be comfortable with that, which is sometimes tough for the male ego.” To be together but not glued at the hip, you could also do a warm-up and cool-down together while the stuff in the middle is sized to fit each of your needs, or some days can be totally separate, allowing you to discover your own running selves. ■

GEAR 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 will receive a Mountain Hardwear Men’s Threshold Short Sleeve Zip T or Women’s Conditioning

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Photo: Luis Escsobar

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3/31/09 1:12:23 PM

run amok

by Garett Graubins » illustration by jeremy collins

Miles Apart Two road-tripping runners, one vast continent and a Gatorade bottle

B

ob and I are driving to Denver, Colorado, from opposite sides of the country. Bob leaves from Tarrytown, New York, with 1809 miles to cover. I leave from San Francisco, 1260 miles from the Mile High City. Even assuming the same number of bathroom and snack breaks, it’d be a safe bet that I got to Denver ahead of Bob, who had to drive over 500 more miles.

But consider two nuggets of crucial information: First, Bob is a road runner. Second, I am a trail runner. And this made all the difference.

Shortly after my wife and I decided to leave the coastal redwoods of the Bay Area to move our family back to Colorado, I spread a roadmap across the kitchen table. My eye traced along I-80, pausing on patches of green (national forest), Bureau of Land Management boundaries and dotted lines (major trails).

“How long do you think it will take you?”

Holly asked, taping shut a box of wine glasses.

She would fly ahead with our baby boy.

I reflected on my potential routes and reasonable stops. In Auburn, California, I could make a pit stop and run a section of the hallowed Western States trail. Then, there looked to be an enormous swath of BLM land in the mountains south of Winnemucca, Nevada. And how could I miss a chance to run Mary’s Loop west of Grand Junction, Colorado?

“Probably three days, two nights,” I replied, already kicking myself for not budgeting enough time to stop at the Primitive Loop in Arches National Park near Moab, Utah.

On the flip side of the continent, Bob prepped for his own solo road trip. A veteran of the U.S. 100K National Team (6:57 100K PR), Bob was moving his family from Rye, New York. He was not going to run anywhere on the way. He wanted to drive without any major stops, he said, “to see how fast I could do it.” His drive would be the equivalent of one of his many road ultramarathons: a tempo-ed, pedal-to-the-metal push. No little jog in the Appalachians. Not even a jaunt in the Nebraska grasslands.

Only a road runner could take a classic road trip, one immortalized and romanticized by everybody from Jack Kerouac to Smokey and the Bandit, and turn it into

a go-to-whoa sufferfest.

In California, I stopped in Auburn and clicked off an eight-mile run on the Western States trail. After I shook the mud off my shoes and wiped down the dog, I pointed my car toward the Sierras.

Bob, on the other hand, attacked his drive with the same competitive fury I witnessed firsthand (from far behind) at the 2003 Kurt Steiner 50K, a paved tour around New York’s Central Park.

“Full tank of gas and a cup of coffee in hand I punched my home address into the GPS in Tarrytown and headed west,” he later recounted. His recap, like many road runners’ training logs, held no details of memorable sights or casual musings. Instead, he wrote, “Twentyseven hours and 26 minutes later I pulled into my [Denver] driveway having driven 1809.7 miles, averaging 65.9 mph.”

Bob would tell me, “I’m a road runner.

So I’m a numbers guy.”

In Winnemucca, I ran up a snowy canyon, hopping over streams. My footprints mingled with those of coyote, rabbit and mule deer. Time paused.

“I had faint hopes of a sub-24 prior to the drive,” Bob wrote later. After the fact, he analyzed his trip like Oregon’s Coach Bowerman poring over 400-meter splits on a clipboard. He keyed on potential ways he could have gained precious minutes: “I stopped three or four times and slept for 10 to 20 minutes. Removing all sleep breaks would have saved close to one hour.”

Toilet? He had an empty Gatorade bottle, but never used it. “Only stopped twice without also needing gas,” he said.

“Was pleased with one stop where I clicked the gas on, ran in, used the bathroom, bought a coffee and came out as the gas clicked off.”

At the end, Bob said, “I’m in no hurry to try this again.” He was exhausted.

As for me, I peed in the woods while tallying 22 miles of trails during the drive, easing the stress of white-knuckled duels with Interstate semis. Given a chance, I would love to repeat the drive, this time via Arches.

Garett Graubins is former senior editor of Trail Runner and gives Bob credit for pushing him to some trail-running PRs.

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BUT YOU’VE GOT TO RUN FOR IT 6 races and only 3 chances left to seal your spot in the 2009 Western States 100.

Place at the top of the pack at any of the 3 upcoming Montrail Ultra Cup races, and you, too, can win a place in history.

1 White River 50 MILE 2 Mountain Masochist 50 MILE 3 JFK 50 MILE 4 Way Too Cool 50K 5 American River 50 MILE 6 Miwok 100K

FINALE: Western States 100 MILE VISIT WWW.MONTRAIL.COM/ULTRACUP TO LEARN THE DETAILS.

And, while you’re there, check out our great trail running shoes to see which one will help you win the Montrail Ultra Cup.

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3/31/09 1:15:24 PM

trail tips

by Jadyn M. Stevens » illustration by Jeremy Collins

Technique

>

Tips for Falling Less

> Tilt your pelvis forward to engage your ■

abdominal muscles to make you more stable, especially on technical, rocky declines. > Imagine you’re running on eggshells.

■

Skim over the ground, lightly touching down with your feet in rocky sections. > Use compact form. Shorten your stride ■

to keep your feet underneath your body, which maintains your balance and conserves energy. > Keep your chin down and eyes scanning ■

10 yards ahead on uphill or flat terrain, 30 yards ahead on downhills. > On steep descents, carry your arms wider ■

than normal to help maintain balance.

and lets you control your landing position instead of having your knees, elbows, hands or face take the impact. At the fall’s start, draw your chin toward your sternum and let the forward momentum carry you into a roll, and throw one shoulder forward. Avoid rolling over on your spine so that you land on a butt cheek instead of your tailbone.

Guard your face with one hand and keep your arms and legs loosely bent to absorb the force when you hit the ground.

Free Falling

How to tumble safely on the trail

A

t any moment when running trails, you can catch a toe on a root, pitching you forward for a crash landing. The natural reaction is to extend your hands to cushion the inevitable dusty belly flop, much to your running buddies’ amusement. However, taking a tumble can lead to snapping a wrist, cracking a kneecap or bashing your head. In such instances, the tuck-androll method can convert a potentially injury-causing tumble into a good laugh.

Tuck and Roll “My husband Randy and I were running together at the Mountain Mist 50K in Huntsville, Alabama, on a trail with a fair number of roots and rocks, when Randy suddenly tripped, tucked, rolled and was back on his feet like he never missed a

step,” says Kristine Whorton. “None of the other racers near us had to stop or slow down; instead we all applauded, and Randy was thankful for his automatic reaction and only minor abrasions.”

The tuck-and-roll method entails a forward somersault that absorbs momentum

Practice Makes Perfect Rehearse the tuck and roll on a soft grassy area. Start with doing a modified forward somersault (rolling over your shoulder rather than your head) from a kneeling position. Then try it from a hunched position. Next, launch yourself forward from a slow jog. Repeat until it becomes a smooth, instinctual motion.

Compounding Factors The more time you spend on trails, the more likely you are to fall, either from physical fatigue that erodes your form or multi-tasking distractions, such as retrieving a snack or fiddling with an iPod. To avoid these hazards, consider your hydration system’s ease of access. Waist packs that require you to reach back and fiddle with a rear-zip pocket can make it hard to retrieve bars and gels. Instead, attach a small pouch (Fuel Belt makes neoprene and ripstop nylon pockets in various sizes, www.fuelbelt.com) to the front of a waist belt for convenient storage. Handheld water bottles—often available with pockets for carrying a gel or mini energy bar—have the bonus function of protecting your hands in case of a fall. ■

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3/27/09 9:55:45 AM

CTMRA recognizes Trail Runner Magazine as it’s official member magazine and the voice of the sport!

Join CTMRA today!

www.mountainrunning.ca We’re proud to partner with Trail Runner to provide subscriptions to our members and increase the coverage of Canadian off-road running events and athletes.

—John Lofranco, President

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3/31/09 12:57:45 PM

FOOT&LOWER LEG ACHES & PAINS

TA K E Y O U R M A R K

by ALLISON PATTILLO » photo by DARRELL PHIPPEN

New Races //

BE FIRST IN LINE AT THESE NEW EVENTS BLUE CANYON TRAIL RACE

Race insider scores sneak peek of the Sapper Joe course.

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Location: Riverton, Utah Date: May 23, 2009 Distance: 30K, 50K Terrain: Singletrack, dirt roads www.wasatchrunningcenter.com/ SapperJoe.htm Why you should go: A booming cannon blast kicks off the race, marking the first time civilians are allowed to run the private trails at Camp Williams, a Utah National Guard military base.

Milada Copeland, an ultrarunner and National Guard engineer, alerted Darrell Phippen, race director and an employee at Salt Lake City’s Wasatch Running Center, to the base’s challenging trails system, which boasts views of the Salt Lake and Utah valleys from the top of a 6600-foot peak.

“A ‘sapper’ is a military engineer and a ‘Joe’ is an average soldier,” says Phippen.

“So the name Sapper Joe is a nod to Copeland and the National Guard for sharing these trails.”

The course gains 1600 feet over the first four miles, then follows a rolling route through scrub oaks, sagebrush, wild grasses and the occasional artillery range.

As racers approach the finish line on the Camp Williams parade field, they pass tanks, humvees and maybe even a Black Hawk helicopter.

Location: Santa Barbara, California Date: June 6, 2009 Distances: 50K, 50M, 100K Terrain: Singletrack www.bluecanyon trailrace.com Why you should go: This “cleanergreener” event is designed to be easy on the environment and tough on the competitor.

“It’s time to be more responsible and up trail racing’s environmental stewardship ante,” says race director Robert Gilcrest.

Organizers consulted with Los Padres Forest Service and Association to design a route that avoids fragile ecosystems while still creating a visually stunning course with steep, rolling chaparral-choked hills, potreros and wildflowers. Runners traverse smooth hard pan, shifting scree and rain-cut sandstone staircases. Prime Pacific Ocean panoramas reward 100K runners when they reach the summit of Monte Arido, the course’s 5943foot pinnacle, at mile 53.

The low-impact theme includes biodegradable drinking cups at aid stations (or, preferably, runners’ own water bottles) and recycled schwag bags.

MEDOC TRAIL MARATHON Location: Hollister, North Carolina Date: October 17, 2009 Distance: 10K, 26.2M Terrain: Trails, dirt roads www.medoctrailmarathon.com Why you should go: Join hundreds of brave souls trying to outrun the mythic Medoc monster on a rolling course through lush Loblolly pine forests and over dozens of bridges spanning soggy lowlands.

Race organizers perpetuate the legend of Medoc, who was a road runner and doctor obsessed with finding a magic elixir to increase his running speed and stamina. After taking testing too far, he morphed into a swollen, contorted version of his former self. Frightened townsfolk banished him to Medoc State Park, where wayward runners occasionally spot him.

Although racers are tempted to relax while running along sun-dappled trails and over curving bridges, the course’s other monster looms just ahead. Medoc Mountain (325 feet), is a half-mile climb littered with roots, loose gravel and false summits. ■

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4/6/09 4:32:15 PM

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3/31/09 4:46:25 PM

e h t g n i n Glea f o e c n e s s e g n i k c a p t fas

y l w e n e on th d e t e l p m co l i a r T a n Arizo

By Kate Siber e Hag Photos by Matt

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Previous Page: Agnes Stowe dwarfed by saguaros on the Arizona Trail near Picketpost Mountain enroute to the White Canyon Wilderness Area.

LEFT: Stowe and Kate Siber run the Canelo Hills near Patagonia.

BELOW: Stowe trekking near Reavis Saddle in the Superstition Mountains.

The goal of fastpackers: a purer connection with nature by traveling long distances quickly through remote wilderness.

A

s my boyfriend, Andrew Charnock, a couple of friends and I crested the day’s last craggy hill, the sun swung low in the sky and torched the long grasses of Arizona’s Canelo Hills a hue of bronze. We’d been trotting a rollercoaster trail over grassy knolls, across streams and through pygmy woodlands since midday.

Though our final destination was over 16 miles away, we took a moment to absorb our surroundings: a flat desert virtually devoid of human manipulation, studded with ragged mountains and glinting lakes.

Besides, there was no hurry. Our 10-pound packs were stuffed with everything we needed to spend a brisk January night in the wilderness. We set up our ultralight tents in a sandy wash ensconced in scrub oak, cooked dinner and sapped up the warmth of a campfire in the powerful silence of southern Arizona’s borderlands. Small armies of stars lit the sky before a nearly full moon rose heavy and lopsided in the southeast, washing our tents in silver light.

We were in the middle of a two-day trial run of the burgeoning sport of fastpacking on the newly minted Arizona Trail, a trip proposed by our zealous fastpacker friends Matt Hage, 36, and Agnes Stowe, 26. The Alaskan duo are multipurpose outdoorspeople with a mission to pinpoint the most scenic locales for Matt’s photographs and to cram as many

uber-adventures into their days as possible. Between Agnes’ stints working as a civil engineer, the couple has fastpacked hundreds of miles through wild Alaska, packrafted Class IV rapids in the country’s least visited national monument, the Aniakchak, and stared down grizzlies in defense of wild-caught salmon. Their hard-core nature and unbridled enthusiasm for physical challenges were the perfect antidote to Andrew’s and my tendencies toward sleeping in, lingering over pancakes and prolonged happy hours.

It also made them the perfect tutors in ultralight backcountry travel.

“The point of going lighter is to be able to go farther, faster or to just enjoy yourself more,” Agnes told me. Fastpacking seemed a natural marriage of two of my favorite pastimes: backpacking and trail running. Still, before our trip, I wondered: Were they really that compatible? What would a night in the wilderness be without a few creature comforts? And how would trail running feel with the extra weight?

in ultralight gear have made it easier to carry less weight, considerably widening the sport’s appeal. It has also allowed fastpackers to lighten loads to jaw-dropping numbers: The sport’s most fanatical ounce-shavers now carry packs lighter than five pounds in the summer and 10 pounds in the winter, while traveling upwards of 40 miles each day.

Weeks before our trip, Andrew and I loaded up on as much ultralight gear as we could afford. Then, after spreading it all out at our campsite the day before our trip, Matt and Agnes helped nip the extraneous items: Wispy synthetic-insulated pullover, yes. Flask of Maker’s Mark, no. The result was a shockingly gossa-

O O O O O

F

astpacking was born both by ultralight backpackers speeding up their paces and tackling greater distances as well as trail runners eager to prolong their jaunts in the wilderness with the help of overnight gear. The goal of both: a purer connection with nature by traveling long distances quickly through remote wilderness.

In the last decade, continual advances

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RIght: Stowe “brews up” beneath Battleaxe Butte, White Canyon Wilderness. far right: Sneaking through prickly pear on Two Bar Ridge, Superstition Mountains. below right: Stowe fills up at artesian well. below left: Navigating between Picketpost Trailhead and White Canyon.

mer pack and the lightest overnight kit I had ever hoisted onto my back. This, I thought, was promising.

“Holy crap, I might actually enjoy carrying this,” said Andrew, after trying on his kit. Andrew, 34, thrives on adrenaline sports like skiing and mountain biking, but loathes backpacking. Occasionally he appeases me by joining a foray into the woods, and this gave me hope he could be converted.

“The thing about fastpacking is everything in your pack is multi-purpose,” Matt told me the next day as we cruised out of a sandy wash and up a rocky canyon. That night, we used our packs under our feet as sleeping pads and our running tights as long underwear. “And it’s more about dynamic comfort, not hanging around camp.”

He was right. Without a bunch of gear weighing me down, nor the mental prospect of hotfooting it back to a car before dark, the beauty of southern Arizona’s wilderness became distilled. Instead of

focusing on my own discomforts, I absorbed my surroundings. We hoofed past deep-blue Parker Lake then people-free hills dotted with cactus and Huachuca yucca, with featherduster-like flowers taller than scarecrows.

We sped over buffed singletrack and down rocky hillsides as blissful 60-degree breezes cooled us. Above, wispy clouds swirled like cursive across a broad cobalt sky.

O O O O O

W

e chose our 30-mile section of the Arizona Trail between Parker Lake and the artsy town of Patagonia (pop. 881), within eyeshot of the Mexican border, for its variety and mild climate: In January, day temperatures hovered in the 60s and, at night, dipped to 15 degrees.

The trail is also alluringly wild. Bears, mountain lions, bobcats and the occasional jaguar, North America’s largest cat, still roam this historic smuggling route, as well as elusive modern-day smugglers and immigrants.

But plenty of other sections of the Arizona Trail are also suited to fastpacking. Nearly complete, the trail winds some 800 miles from Mexico to the Utah border, through saguarostudded desert, arid hills and

The result was a shockingly gossamer pack and the lightest overnight kit I had ever hoisted onto my back. This, I thought, was promising.

FASTPACKING 101 Demetri “Coup” Coupounas once carried a 65-pound pack on his wilderness forays. Now the founder of GoLite fastpacks with a fivepound kit and has ticked off the Colorado Trail, Vermont’s Long Trail and California’s John Muir Trail. “Yes, you’ve got to have the right gear, but also the right underlying knowledge and techniques and the right philosophy,” says the fastpacking guru.

The reward? Coup manages to squeeze 80 miles into a weekend, seeing more than most do in twice the amount of time. He offers the following tips to beginning fastpackers.

Cut the extras The vast majority of your weight savings is not achieved with the lightest high-tech gear, rather from cutting out things you don’t need (e.g. multi-tool, spare clothes, towel, etc.) and then from the synergy from weight savings—if you have a light load, then you don’t need a fancy pack harness system or heavy hiking boots. Wearing trail runners and a light pack, you can go farther.

Think holistically In the summer, I don’t take a stove, because I’m happy eating dried mangoes, nuts and jerky. But I get better sleep by toting a slightly heavier sleeping mattress, which pays for itself in energy the next day.

Move forward You’re not necessarily going faster, you’re just going longer. I don’t stop much, just every few hours to get water.

You don’t need to because you’re not tired; you’re having a great time. That’s how you cover 30 miles in a day with a pack.

Learn the techniques I use a 10-ounce poncho for my raingear and shelter.

If you know how to rig up a poncho, which is basically an 8-foot-by-10-foot rectangle, you can ride out storms with no problem. But that takes knowledge, skill and confidence.

Practice in your backyard before going out with light gear.

Commit A lot of people are conservative, but, by just committing, you learn tons. I’m not advocating that people try things they feel unsafe with. By diving off the deep end, you understand why moving through terrain that’s hundreds of miles between roads is so freeing.

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LEFT: Stowe in the Canelo Hills.

ABOVE: Arizona Trail volunteer Zay Hartigan talks with Stowe in Patagonia, a small art community of 800 residents at 4500feet in the Cenlo Hills.

THE GEAR PRIMER

Choose the right gear and know how to use it Pack A daypack with 20 to 35 liters of capacity should weigh under two pounds. Our pick: The new Osprey Exos 34 ($149; ospreypacks. com), which weighs 1 lb 12 oz yet offers handy features like mesh pockets on the hip belt, a mesh back panel to wick sweat, and shoelacethin compression straps for a compact load.

Sleeping Bag Without question, down still offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio and the least bulk of any insulating material. By planning to wear all of your clothing to bed, you can slash ounces off your pack weight by taking a higher-temperature-rating sleeping bag. Our pick: Montbell’s Super Stretch Down Hugger sleeping bag series, with temperature ratings from -20° to 35° ($264-$549; montbell. us). Elastic baffle stitching helps the bag cinch around the body, eliminating extra air space yet allowing freedom of movement.

Sleeping Pad A thin three-quarterlength sleeping pad can be supplemented by an empty pack under the feet. Our pick: Thermarest’s new NeoAir inflatable mattress ($140; thermarest.com), which packs down to the size of a one-liter bottle and weighs 14 oz.

Shelter For guy-line-savvy runners, a rain poncho can double as a shelter. Two-person, single-wall ultralight tents also work well for two people and weigh around three pounds.

Our picks: GoLite’s Ultra-Lite Poncho/Tarp ($50; golite.com) is made of a strong siliconeelastomere fabric, doubles as a rain jacket, and has built-in loops for rigging as a shelter.

Black Diamond’s single-wall, two-person HiLight tent ($350; bdel.com) is a cinch to set up, with three poles that attach to interior loops. It features a mesh vent to reduce condensation and weighs 3 lbs 2 oz.

Trekking Poles Trekking poles can ease impact on the joints and are useful for setting up shelters. Our pick: Black Diamond’s carbonfiber Contour Elliptic Carbon trekking poles ($160; bdel.com) have flick-lock adjusters, ergonomic handles and Nubuck wrist straps.

Footwear Without a heavy pack, there’s no need for more than a sturdy pair of trail running shoes. Our pick: The new Montrail Mountain Masochist ($90; montrail.com) is a beefy trail runner with excellent stability on technical terrain and an airy mesh upper for warm days.

Food Bring foods you love—as long as they’re dehydrated. The average adult male can refuel on a pound to a pound and a half of dry goods, like nuts, dried fruit, bars, jerky and dehydrated meals each day. Our pick: For dinner, Backpacker’s Pantry (two servings for about $5.50; backpackerspantry.com) has a new line of organic dehydrated meals like bacon-cheddar mashed potatoes.

Stove Stoves are optional for summer trips, but for chilly spring and fall nights, warm drinks and eats can be worth the weight of an ultralight stove. Our pick: The titanium, 1.9-ounce Snow Peak LiteMax Stove ($55; snowpeak.com) is the lightest stove on the market and barely bigger than a snack-size Snickers.

Water Bladders and water-treatment pills are the lightest way to manage water in the wilderness. Our picks: Platypus BPA-free, 80-ounce bottles ($10; platypushydration.com) weigh one ounce and collapse when empty.

Attach a drinking tube for hydrating on the move. For water treatment, Aquamira Water Purifier Tablets ($8 for 12; aquamira.com) taste loads better than iodine, kill just as many bugs and weigh next to nothing.

stately ponderosa pine forests, not to mention the Superstition Mountains that soar into the sky east of Phoenix and the blowout finale: the Grand Canyon.

After our two-day trial run, Matt and Agnes fastpacked two other sections of the trail in southern Arizona: one through the White Canyon Wilderness and another through the Superstition Wilderness.

They discovered wild diversity, from stretches of buffed, perfectly contoured singletrack to cactus bushwhacks, from towering saguaro forests to narrow sandstone slot canyons.

O O O O O

O

n our second day, we climbed a hill with views into Mexico, then passed through grasslands resembling the African savannah, populated by wide expanses of wispy bull grass and poetically placed junipers. Later, we dashed past iron-red cliffs rising from bucolic cow pastures, antique windmills creaking in the breeze and spooky forests of mesquite trees clawing the sky. We passed hidden sites where Native Americans etched symbols into the rocks, footpaths Apaches likely roamed and remote streams where native fish still flourish.

Amid it all, we glimpsed only one other group of human beings.

There were plenty of signs of wildlife, however. In the afternoon, the four of us, climbing undulating hills in a meditative state of silence, heard a din in the trees.

Broken from our reveries, we squinted into the brush then yabbered all at once.

Andrew suggested cats, Matt thought raccoons, but after corroborating with the local visitor’s center, Agnes had it right: a family of ringtails—quick, fox-like creatures with long striped tails.

At about mile 29, I stood atop a steep

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LEFT: Starry, starry night in the White Canyon Wilderness.

Below: Near Picketpost Mountain, this singletrack meanders eight-miles to the White Canyon Wilderness Area.

hillside, ready to plunge downward to Patagonia, invisible beneath the cottonwoods some 1000 feet below. It was then that the point of fastpacking became clear. It wasn’t necessarily about the number of miles I ticked off or the speed at which I moved, but the fact that it was so much easier to immerse myself in the natural world. This, I realized, was likely only the beginning of my fastpacking journey. With that, I made my way down the

long hillside with little else in my consciousness but the unearthly violet sunset overtaking the ginclear Arizona sky.

Freelance writer Kate Siber is based in Durango, Colorado, where she can run up Animas Mountain right from her home and fastpack in the San Juan Mountains. Her work has appeared in Outside, National Geographic Adventure, Women’s Health and Men’s Journal.

It wasn’t necessarily about the number of miles I ticked off, but the fact that it was so much easier to immerse myself in the natural world.

five GREAT

Wild Side

FASTPACKING TRAILS Arizona Trail, Arizona Length: 800+ miles I When: Spring and fall. I Why: Unlike

trails that traverse a single mountain range, the AZT, about 94-percent complete, runs through diverse ecosystems, like mile-deep canyons, grasslands, Sonoran desert with statuesque saguaro cactuses, conifer-and-aspen forests and alpine peaks. Some sections still require route-finding skills, and the trail can easily be divided into shorter sections. I Resources: Arizona Trail: The Official Guide, by Tom Lorang Jones and the Arizona Trail Association, has directions and info on water points and campsites. The association’s website (aztrail.org) has updated trail conditions and descriptions.

John Muir Trail, California Length: 211 miles I When: Summer. September sees the fewest visitors—and mosquitoes. I Why: Worthy of any life list, the

JMT connects Yosemite National Park with Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48. It runs through the Sierra’s best hits— three national parks, two wilderness areas, 14,000-foot mountains, mile-deep canyons and towering forests. Plus, it has some of the sunniest weather of any mountain range, making it a favorite amongst fastpackers. I Resources: Consult the Guide to the John Muir Trail, by Thomas Winnett and Kathy Morey, for beta on permits, shuttles and resupply points. The Pacific Crest Trail Association (pcta.org) offers updates on trail conditions.

North Country Trail, Michigan Length: 210 miles I When: Summer. I Why: The North

Country Trail, when completed, will stretch over 4000 miles between New York and North Dakota, hitting seven states’ boreal forests. The completed 210-mile section through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is arguably the most remote and scenic, winding through pine forests, the Porcupine Mountains, which have views over Lake Superior, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Spot ancient Native American settlements and the remains of pioneer homes along the way. I Resources: The North Country Trail Association has a complete copy of the trail’s guidebook posted on its website (northcountrytrail.org). For updated conditions, contact the Hiawatha (fs.fed.us/r9/hiawatha) and Ottawa (fs.fed.us/r9/ottawa) national forests.

100-Mile Wilderness, Maine Length: 100 miles I When: Late spring through fall. October’s chill is worth the leaf-watching ops. I Why: The longest and

most remote wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail is also its northernmost 100 miles. Bag it for a full immersion into the subtle beauty of northern New England, characterized by navyblue ponds ensconced in pines, gushing waterfalls, granite peaks and an ample moose population. I Resources: The Maine Appalachian Trail Club (matc.org) sells a guidebook and maps.

Resurrection Pass Trail, Alaska Length: 39 miles I When: Summer. July is the sweet spot between snow season and hunting season. I Why: Alaska has

few trails, so the 38-mile Resurrection Pass Trail, which slices through the eastern Kenai Peninsula’s snow-tipped peaks, wild blueberry fields and glaciated valleys, is the express route to the state’s outsized wilderness. Bonus: eight trailside Forest Service cabins welcome weary fastpackers. Add about 30 more miles by linking the southern terminus of the trail with the Russian Lakes and Resurrection River trails, which lead to Seward on Prince William Sound. I Resources: The Forest Service’s Chugach Ranger District (fs.fed.us/r10/chugach) has details on linking trails and conditions. Visit the national public lands reservation website (recreation.gov) to reserve cabins.

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The author during a run in the Grand Canyon.

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A Shot In The

Dark A brush with death and return to the trails

By Justin Tade » Photo by Chris Hunter

“J

ust one foot in front of the other,” I tell myself. I had repeated this mantra on Sunday, August 21, 2005, as I started the Pikes Peak Marathon, which I wrote about for this magazine (March 2006, No. 38). But, today is not Pikes Peak.

It is March 1, 2008. I am running, gimping actually, along one of my favorite trails that winds up three extinct volcanoes guarding the mesa west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have run this trail, with its miniscule elevation gain of 400 feet, in 40 minutes. Today, it will take me well over an hour.

I would like to blame my snail’s pace on wintertime sloth. Instead, I have a bullet to blame. Three months and one week ago, a 7.62 mm bullet fired from an assault rifle ripped through my thigh. Three months

and one week ago to this hour, I lay in a hospital bed wondering if I would ever trail run again.

O

n November 24, 2007, I invite a friend to run that same Albuquerque trail with me the following day.

Around 3 a.m. that night, I am awakened by a noise outside my bedroom window.

A man is attempting to steal my pick-up.

I make a terrible mistake. I throw on my jeans and march to the door.

I flip on the porch light, fling open the door and, unwittingly, present my body as a target.

“Hey, get the hell away ...” I don’t get to finish with “from my truck, you bastards.”

A man in a hooded sweatshirt pops up from behind the bed of the truck, parked 15 feet away. A rifle is at his shoulder. Fire

rips from its muzzle. It roars. I duck to my left as the first bullet grazes my shoulder.

The next bullet is a linebacker hitting me in the right thigh. Drilled into the cold, hardwood floor I screech, but utter not a word as I scramble to a knee, slam the door and lock it.

I stagger to my feet, slipping in my own blood, and step forward on my right leg.

It collapses. The pain is foreign, a ball bat cracking the femur. I drag myself off of the floor and hop to my bedroom where I sit on the edge of the bed long enough to see the blood soaking my sheets. I slide to the floor with a splat as the warm sticky blood oozes across the floor.

My black jeans are shiny and shredded over my right leg. There is a smaller hole on the left leg. Breath comes heavily, groans emitting every second or third exhalation.

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I open the largest tear in my jeans—blood gurgles from a gaping crater of meat.

“Femoral,” I groan and jam three fingers up to the second knuckle into the hole clamping the femoral artery between my fingers and the heal of my hand. With the other hand I dial 911. My body grows colder, my vision diaphanous, life oozing out onto the floor. I wonder about the finish line for this race and how long I will have to suffer before reaching it.

T

he finish line is a trauma surgery suite where, two painfully conscious hours later, I stare up into fluorescent lights, with masked trauma surgeons looking down at me. Breathing drugs through a mask, I consider the triage nurse’s infor med- consent warnings (death, amputation, transfusions, etc.) and wonder if I will awaken with both legs.

Euphoria. Theodore Roosevelt once said that there is nothing more exhilarating than being shot without consequence. I awaken in a recovery bay. Wires are connected to my chest and abdomen. IV needles puncture both arms. An oxygen tube tickles my nostrils. An electronic box chirps near my bed, but it seems far away.

Everything seems far away, especially the toes on my right foot … my right foot.

I have a right foot. Tears well in my eyes.

I blink, wiggle my toes. I smile and shake my head while laughter creeps from my belly, up my chest and out of my mouth.

I laugh at my hands that are still covered in dried blood up to my wrists. I laugh despite my inability to pull my right foot toward me, and because of the anesthetics, the shock and the fact that I am safe, warm and not alone. I laugh because I am alive. It seems absurd.

Later that afternoon, my surgeon tells me that the bullet passed two to four millimeters from my femoral artery and missed my femur by six to eight millimeters. The bullet took out chunks of all four quadriceps muscles; the surgeons had to cut even more away.

The wound dressers arrive and remove gauze the thickness of a motel-room bible. Fear is a stone in my stomach.

The entry wound is a clean hole about the size of a half-dollar. The exit wound

is the diameter of a large coffee cup and half as deep. A white maggoty-looking thing curls at the bottom of the wound, cradled in bleeding flesh. I flex my thigh and the maggoty-looking thing tightens like a guitar string—it is a tendon. The wound dressers use a long Q-tip to jam wet gauze into the wounds then leave me with my thoughts and my morphine.

I cannot stand lying here. I click the morphine button once, twice, three times. I raise my bed, roll back the bedside table, and peek out of the small window in my door. The coast is clear of

pain is high. Sure my leg hurts, it hurts like hell, but so did Pikes Peak and Alaska’s Mount Marathon and dozens of other races and training runs I have done over the past 30 years. I tire of the questions and start telling the nurses that on a scale of one to 10 the pain is five, always five—seems like a good enough number to score some Oxycodone to stash and use after long runs in the future.

Thursday. Released. The nurses bring a wheelchair to my door for my ride out.

They leave. With the help of a cane, I quietly limp to the wheelchair. I break the plastic bracelet around my wrist that reads “Trauma alert Ocean,” which was the name they gave me while I was there. They try to keep gunshot victims anonymous for fear their shooters will try to find them in the hospital and finish the job. I throw the wristband onto the chair and, squaring my shoulders, limp to the elevators and out the door better off than when I arrived four days earlier.

I can stand. I do stand—prayer answered—but then collapse back onto the bed contemplating the best way to break a running date when my excuse is that I was shot in the leg last night. prying nurses. I lift my leg to the edge of the bed, slide my feet onto the cold tile floor and pray, to whatever gods will listen, that I can stand. I do stand—prayer answered—but then collapse back onto the bed contemplating the best way to break a running date when my excuse is that I was shot in the leg last night.

Monday. Washington Redskins safety Shawn Taylor dies of a gunshot wound to the thigh.

Tuesday. “Hmmm,” the nurse cogitates as she studies the display that shows how much morphine I am self-dispensing.

“I’m a little concerned that you’re not using your morphine. I’d expect you to be using a lot more,” she says.

“Oh, I’m using it. Recreationally,” I deadpan.

“Maybe we should switch you to Oxycodone?” she wonders aloud. She leaves the room, and I blast morphine for the rest of the night—might as well get a little fun out of this deal.

The nurses and doctors are all about pain management. Several times a day they ask me about my pain. I am probably not the best guy to ask. I run trails for kicks, which means my tolerance for

O

n this first post-shooting run, it feels like a hot fork is being jabbed into the top of my patella, and golf balls are lodged in my abused thigh. My knee and Achilles tendons twinge as they compensate for their trashed teammates.

My lungs burn. Every step hurts, like every single stride of the final 10 miles down Pike’s Peak.

There was a time when I might have cursed the pain. I would have wished my body to be stronger and tougher. But not now. Today, running in razor-sharp spring sunshine, I repeat the words “thank you” with each agonizing stride, grateful that I still have a right leg that can hurt. One foot in front of the other.

Justin Tade, 39, is slowly returning to running trails around his home in Albuquerque. His primary goal is to run Hawaii’s Na Pali coast within the next year. His most recent hobby is dropping his pants to show off his scars. He is also an adviser on endangered species and national-wildlife-refuge issues for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a part-time actor and freelance writer.

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Bring on the night

MYO XP BELT

Photo Arnaud Childeric/Kalice

Running, climbing, hiking… a headlamp for all your needs.

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• Now 200% brighter: 85 lumens on maximum • Shines up to 72 meters • 180 hour maximum burn time • 3 lighting levels plus Boost mode • Wide Angle lens

www.petzl.com

3/31/09 2:36:00 PM

The latest in trail apparel and gear, from head to toe

UPPER BODY LOUIS GARNEAU Light Tee | $40 Stretch panels under the arms add superior freedom of movement to this quickdrying, breathable tee. www. louisgarneau.com/usa

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Long-sleeve shirts

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➊ ADIDAS adiZero Long Sleeve | $60 One of lightest in our test, this shirt employs open-knit polyester for increased air flow and moisture management, while the tailored fit and stretchy fabric moves with you. www.adidas.com

➌ CRAFT proCOOL Long Sleeve | $55 Lightweight, buttery-soft antimicrobial fabric keeps you cool and dry while mesh panels across the shoulder blades and sides maximize breathability. www.craft-usa.com

➋ NEW BALANCE NBx Cocona ½ Zip | $65 This half-zip Cocona shirt with stand-up collar features a stretchy material across the shoulders for mobility and cuffs with thumbholes. www.newbalance.com

➍ ASICS Favorite Long Sleeve | $45 Enjoy enhanced breathability in high-sweat zones thanks to mesh panels on the back and sides of this lightweight, smooth-knit polyester shirt. www.asicsamerica.com

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Short-sleeve shirts MARMOT Ramble Half Zip | $50 A fast-drying, UV-protective shirt made with Cocona-enhanced nylon-polyester with underarm mesh panels for maximum ventilation. www.marmot.com SPORTHILL Synergy Mesh Tee | $40 Enjoy the ultimate in perspiration management in this medium-weight polyester tee with a translucent back mesh panel. www.sporthill.com SALOMON Exo SS Zip Tech Tee | $125 This lightweight shirt uses compression to support upper-body muscles, purportedly reducing fatigue and improving respiratory performance. www.salomonrunning.com SPORT SCIENCE Smarter T-shirt | $19 Though it feels like an ordinary cotton T-shirt, this 85-percent-polyester top has just a touch of specially treated cotton, and wicks sweat and repels odor. www.sportsciencewear.com

SKIRTSPORTS Sweetest Tee | $35 This women’s lightweight top blends performance with style thanks to raglan sleeves and flattering cross-stitching across the waistline. www.skirtsports.com

NEW BALANCE NBx Burnout Tee | $45 Made with sweat-managing Coconatreated polyester, this highly reflective top will keep you dry and comfortable over the long haul. www.newbalance.com MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Threshold Tank | $50 This lightweight, sleeveless wicking top has body mapping in high-sweat underarm zones for better moisture transfer. www.mountainhardwear.com

Tanks/Bras

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➊ MOVING COMFORT Endurance Support Tank | $48 | This full-support tank with mesh panels in heavy sweat zones is ideal for running. A roomy, zippered back pocket holds keys and gels. www.movingcomfort.com ➋ BROOKS Pacer Graphic Support Tank | $48 | This racer-back tank with medium-support compression shelf bra fits long and loose around the waist, and features cool reflective graphics. A small lumbar pocket holds essentials. www.brooksrunning.com ➌ MOVING COMFORT Helena | $58 | This innovative high-support bra with contoured cups uses seam bonding instead of stitching. Velcro-adjustable padded shoulder straps maximize comfort and performance. www.movingcomfort.com ➍ ARC’TERYX Cito Crop Tank | $69 | Extra styling makes this a top to show off on a hot day, and its open cross-back allows a full range of motion and maximum air flow. A seamless liner provides chafe-free, medium support. www.arcteryx.com

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LOWER BODY Tights ➊ ASICS ARD Capri | $60 Get gentle compression from this tight, made with wicking fabric and stretchy mesh along the IT-bands and lumbar area. Security pockets holds a music player or other valuables. www.asicsamerica.com ➋ JONESWARES Performance Knickers | $80 Enjoy wool’s natural wicking and anti-bacterial qualities in these thick, mid-calf Merino wool tights.

A touch of Lycra ensures a tailored fit. www.joneswares.com ➌ ARC’TERYX Reva Tight | $69 This polyester-spandex tight offers light compression and a wicking layer of warmth for cool-weather runs. www.arcteryx.com ➍ OPEDIX R1 Tight | $190 You’re paying for more than a compression tight; you’re getting a knee-support technology intended to “unload” the knee and improve joint function. www.opedix.com ➊

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Socks

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➊ CW-X Compression Support Socks | $35 | These nylon knee-high’s seamless stabilization wraps under the arch, around the heel, ankle and calf to reduce muscle fatigue and speed recovery. www. cw-x.com. ➋ LORPEN Multisport TriLayer | $15 | Coolmax moves moisture away from the skin to an absorbent midlayer (made from Eucalyptus wood pulp) protected by a durable outer nylon layer. www.lorpen.com ➌ TEKO tekoMerino Light Minicrew | $16 | A soft, itch-free wool sock that has light padding under the toe and heel, a fitted, unpadded arch and flat-stitched toe seam. www.tekosocks.com ➍ BRIDGEDALE Ventum Multi-Terrain | $17 | The wool and polyester Ventum Multi-Terrain was the thickest sock we tested, perfect for runners preferring extra toe and heel padding and warmth. www.bridgedale.com. ➎ FOX RIVER Ultra Light Velocity Quarter | $9 | This “sustainable” sock contains nylon, recycled polyester and Ingeo, a natural fiber derived from corn.

Spandex around the arch and flat-knit design give a smooth fit. www.foxsox.com. ➏ KEEN Mt. Airy Quarter Lite | $17 | These anatomical left and right socks are made with recycled polyester nylon and a touch of organic cotton. Loop-stitch construction boosts ventilation. www.keenfootwear. com. ➐ DRYMAX Lite Trail Running Mini Crew | $10.50 | Rather than “wick” moisture, these mediumthickness, dual-layer socks repel water, and therefore never feel damp. www.drymaxsocks.com

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Shorts ➊ ASICS 55 Short | $35 This polyester-nylon short with non-chafe crepe liner and fiveinch inseam is made for trail packrats—five mesh pockets across the back keep your trail essentials organized and within reach. www.asicsamerica.com ➋ O2 CREATION Fuel Short | $49 This nylon compression short with integrated six-ounce bottle carriers (bottles included) and a zippered lumbar pocket eliminates the need for a waist belt. www.o2creation.com

MERRELL Aspen | $50 Cocona boosts this relaxed-fit shirt’s moisture-wicking and odor-resisting qualities, and provides 50+ UPF protection. www.merrell.com

➌ THE NORTH FACE PR Short | $45 The seamless draw-cord waistband and wicking liner prevent chafing and three pockets provide plenty of storage while the five-inch inseam with side splits let you move fast. www.thenorthface.com ➍ PATAGONIA 4” Nine Trails Short | $60 This shorter version of the popular, water-resistant and breathable Nine Trails (with four-inch inseam instead of eight) still has two zippered front pockets and a back pocket. www.patagonia.com ➎ BROOKS Cascadia II Short | $48 The 11-inch inseam Cascadia II provides the coverage of kneelength basketball shorts plus the performance of a running short.

Zippered thigh and hip pockets. www.brooksrunning.com

➊ ➌ ADIDAS adiZero 7” Short | $52 It’s crepe-like fabric is the lightest we tested and incredibly quick-drying, making it a top pick for hot-weather running. A silky brief liner adds comfort and transfers sweat well. www.adidas.com

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ACCESSORIES MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Momentum Cap | $20 Get lightweight protection in this nylon cap with breathable mesh panels and foldable brim, available in men’s and women’s styles. www.mountainhardwear.com

NATHAN Elite 1 Mutation | $50 The Elite 1 Mutation’s angled, easy-access “exoskeleton” bottle cradle carries a bottle without the bounce, plus is insulated to keep your drink cool.

Available in three belt sizes. www.nathansports.com

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Hydration Systems ➊ GOLITE Hydrospeed | $50 The broad, cushioned hip belt (available in men- and women-specific designs) is equipped with tension cords to snug the fit and prevent bottles from bouncing in their insulated sleeves. www.golite.com ➋ HYDRAPACK Gel-Bot Belt | $33 Gel-Bot simplifies your hydration and fuelling needs, letting you consume water and gel separately or mixed together. The 24-ounce bottle comes with both a hip belt and hand strap. www.gel-bot.com

➌ ULTIMATE DIRECTION PR 10 | $24 Ideal for short, fast races, this breathable four-ounce belt holds the essentials: a 10-ounce bottle and a few gels or bars. www.ultimatedirection.com ➍ THE NORTH FACE E Race Boa | $99 In this unique application of the Boa technology (commonly used as shoe laces), twist the knob to compress the 50-ounce reservoir (included) and reduce sloshing. The sleek pack has no additional storage save two small waistbelt pockets. www.thenorthface.com

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➎ LAFUMA Cinetek 11 | $50 This 11-liter hydration pack (reservoir not included) weighs 17 ounces and has multiple compartments for carrying your day-long trail adventure needs, while the breathable mesh hip belt, shoulder straps and back pads provide a comfortable fit. www.lafumausa.com

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Hillary is wearing the Asics Favorite Long Sleeve ($45, www.asics.com) and New Balance NBx Half Tights ($50, www.newbalance.com).

Watches POLAR RS800CX G3 | $500 This training computer includes both a heart-rate monitor and a 3.6-ounce GPS sensor (with arm strap) that measures speed, distance and location, and charts your run’s elevation profile.

The infrared USB data transmitter beams data directly to your computer for detailed workout analysis with the Polar ProTrainer 5 software. www.polarusa.com TIMEX Ironman Road Trainer | $110 This relatively easy-to-operate, 1.1ounce wrist computer with heart-rate monitor lets you set target training zones and track your recovery between intervals. The workout-review feature reports heart-rate data, total calories burned and more. www.TimexIronman.com ORIGO Granite Peak Titanium Sleek | $290 For adventurous types who venture off the beaten trail, this hefty (3.5 ounces) but durable all-in-one wrist navigation system displays real-time weather and temperature, and includes altimeter, digital compass, chronograph and alarm. www.origowatch.com

Light Systmes

HIGHGEAR Axio Max | $150 The Axio Max, with an altimeter, barometer, thermometer and digital compass, offers great value. The data log records workouts, and several alarms help you monitor your hydration, altitude change and recovery intervals. 2.5 oz, www.highgear.com

➊ PRINCETON TEC Amp 1.0 | $15 | The palm-sized, waterproof flashlight weighs almost nothing and is the perfect companion on dark runs. Two AAA batteries power 14 lumens of light up to 52 meters for three hours. 2.0 oz, www.princetontec.com ➋ PETZL MYO RXP | $100 | Customize light output (to a maximum of 140 lumens) and preserve battery life with the waterresistant, programmable MYO RXP’s 10 power levels. When you need extra illumination, the “Boost” mode casts a brilliant 160 lumens for 20 seconds. 6.2 oz, www.petzl.com

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BODY ARMOR

MARMOT Flexion Jacket | $100 Enjoy the versatility of this weatherresistant jacket—with zip-off sleeves, it converts into a vest. Back venting aids its otherwise limited breathability. 7.0 oz, www.marmot.com

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Jackets ➊ SIERRA DESIGNS Kenosha Full-Zip Jacket | $100 This two-ply jacket, best suited for cool-weather outings, has a sweatwicking Cocona liner under a polyester shell treated with a water-repellent finish. 10.9 oz, www.sierradesigns.com

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Hats ➊ CRAFT Elite Run Visor | $20 This adjustable visor has a broad terrycloth headband under a stretchy polyester shell with reflective detailing on the brim and rear Velcro closure. www.craft.se

➍ HEADSWEATS Adventure Hat | $22 A wide terrycloth sweatband sops up sweat without getting soaked, and Cocona-treated polyester enhances this hat’s sun protection. www.headsweats.com

➋ BUFF High UV Protection Buff | $23 A versatile headwear system made with sweat-wicking Coolmax Extreme and polyester treated especially to reflect 95 percent of UV rays. www.buff.eu

➎ OUTDOOR RESEARCH Sun Runner Cap | $30 With breathable mesh panels and removable neck panel, this cap provides customizable protection from the sun’s rays. www.outdoorresearch.com

➌ PATAGONIA Velocity Cap | $30 This lightweight cap features a mesh crown, made partly from recycled soda bottles, with a 30 UPF rating. The flexible brim makes it easy to roll up and stash mid-run. www.patagonia.com

➌ SALOMON Fast II Jacket | $85 Enjoy wind protection in this slimfitting jacket with stretchy panels on the sides and down the spine. Notable extras are thumb loops and a chest pocket with earphone port. 7.9 oz, www.salomonrunning.com ➍ THE NORTH FACE Trajectory Hybrid Jacket | $179 It’s worth the bucks to get waterproof protection this light. This ultra-light hooded shell has a breathable, stretchy back panel to prevent overheating. 7.9 oz, www.thenorthface.com ➎ ARC’TERYX Celeris Vest | $99 This feather-light vest, with hand pocket, fleece-lined collar and quick-drying, stretchy underarm panels, wards off light precipitation and wind. 3.6 oz, www.arcteryx.com

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➋ NEW BALANCE NBx Lightweight Shell | $100 Don’t be fooled by this jacket’s soft, stretchy fabric. Made from recycled polyester, the Cocona jacket is waterand wind-resistant yet highly breathable. 10.7 oz, www.newbalance.com

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Eyewear

➋ ➊ OPTIC NERVE Eyeque PhotoMatic | $69 | The contoured lenses (suitable for small faces) offer 100-percent UV protection, automatically adjust to brightness and are vented to prevent fogging. 0.8 oz, www. nerveusa.com ➋ RYDERS Quench | $60 | These great-value sunglasses include a set of three lenses (clear, orange and black), have a flexible plastic frame and adjustable nosepiece. 0.7 oz, www.ryderseyewear. com ➌ SMITH OPTICS Parallel Max | $149 | These maximum-coverage sunglasses come with three sets of polarized lenses that reduce glare in bright conditions and are impact-resistant. 0.8 oz, www.smithoptics.com ➍ JULBO Motion | $120 | Julbo’s light-adjusting “Zebra” lens technology with anti-fog coating and a frameless design make these one of the lightest performance sunglasses on the market. 0.7 oz, www.julbousa.com ➎ RUDY PROJECT Noyz with PhotoClear Lenses, | $205 | Protect your eyes from branches and other trail hazards with these unbreakable lenses that change from clear in low light to dark in bright light. 1.1 oz, www.rudyproject.com

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MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Scrambler 1 lb 3 oz, 1700 cu in | $80 For the die-hard minimalist, this bare-bones 28-liter pack is made with ultralight ripstop nylon, and has a shock cord for strapping on gear. A flexible back sheet gives it shape, though its narrow shoulder straps and lack of back padding and supportive waist belt make it most suited to light loads. www.mountainhardwear.com

AMPHIPOD Hydraform Handheld Lite | $16 This smaller version of the popular handheld bottle carrier comes with a 12-ounce bottle that fits snugly in the palm thanks to the fleece-lined strap with zippered storage pocket. www.amphipod.com

GEAR AND CLOTHING IN LAS VEGAS For 20 years I’ve visited Red Rock Canyon and when I tell other runners about the fantastic wilderness, they seem shocked. After all, the nearly 200,000-acre desert gem is a mere 17 miles from the bizarre scene on The Strip. The accompanying photos in our Annual Gear Guide say more than 1000 words. In short, instead of blowing your life savings in Sin City, head west and win big at Red Rock.

Seasons. Fall, winter and spring are the prime seasons, although on early summer mornings you can find reasonable conditions, especially in cool, shady canyons.

The Trails. From the one-way, 13-mile paved road that loops around the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA), you can access 30 miles of trails, both loops and outand-backs with plenty of opportunities for longer linkups. A daily car pass runs $5. Other great trails thread through the BLM land both north and south of the NCA. Gear and Information. For gear, look no further than the Red Rock Running Company (7350 West Cheyenne, 702-870IRUN). For Red Rock NCA info, go to the BLM website (www. blm.gov). For other travel info, see the Nevada Commission on Tourism website (www.travelnevada.com).

Accommodations. With rooms from $90 per night, the Red Rock Resort (www.redrocklasvegas.com) is unbeatable for comfort and convenient (10-minute) access to Red Rock’s trails—and you can still roll the dice pre- or post-run at the Red Rock Resort Casino.

Run the Bootleg. While he has pounded many miles on Red Rock trails, accomplished local ultrarunner Josh Brimhall (pictured on page 44 and to the right) prefers The Bootleg Canyon trails near his home on the opposite (east) side of Vegas. With views of Lake Mead on one side and The Strip on the other, the Bootleg area, also popular with mountain bikers, offers 35 miles of singletrack.

—Michael Benge

p.044-53 Gear Guide 59.indd 52

Josh is wearing the Louis Garneau Light Tee ($40, www.lousgarneau.com) and Arc’teryx Visio Shorts ($59, www.arcteryx.com), and Hillary is wearing the Merrell Switchback ($50, www.merrell.com) and Arc’teryx Escala Skort ($89).

4/7/09 10:37:26 AM

➊

➋

FASTPACKING

Sleeping Bags Packs MARMOT Alpha 25 2 lb 1 oz | 1550 cu in | $90 This 25-liter, soft-frame pack earned high-comfort points thanks to its wellpadded back, shoulder straps and hip belt. Store gear in the roll-top main compartment and under the external stash flap, and water bottles in side carriers. Keep it all dry with the stowable rain hood. www.marmot.com

DEUTER Speed Lite 30 1 lb 14 oz | 1850 cu in | $99 The Speed Lite keeps the essentials within easy reach, thanks to a hydration bladder sleeve, external mesh bottle holders and gear compartment and hip-belt pouches. Compression straps stabilize the load. www.deuterusa.com

➊ LAFUMA Warm ’n Light 600 | $120 The 40-degree Warm ’n Light weighs just 22 ounces, compresses easily to 9.5-by-5 inches and can go smaller yet. With a waterrepellent shell and breathable nylon liner, the spacious, 600-fill-down mummy bag is surprisingly cozy. A curved foot box gives your dogs wiggle room, and a draft tube along the full-length zipper and hood blocks breezes. www.lafumausa.com ➋ GOLITE Adrenaline 40 | $250 If you venture out in cooler, damper conditions, you’ll want the Adrenaline 40’s waterproof-breathable hood and foot box and 800-fill-goose-down insulation. Its trim mummy shape and cinchable hood holds in your body heat. Packed in its stuff sack, it measures 10-by-6 inches and weighs just 20 ounces. www.golite.com

NEMO Go-Go EX Bivy | 2 lb 5 oz | $299 This double-wall, one-person shelter is comprised of an inner mesh tent (held up with an inflatable tube instead of a pole) and rain fly. It took our testers only a minute to pitch even though it requires ground staking to keep the walls taut. At 27 inches tall, sitting up isn’t an option, but the 10-foot length is ample, and the spacious vestibule with floor mat shelters gear. www.nemoequipment.com

BIG AGNES Fly Creek UL 1 1 lb 14 oz | $300 It’s easy to set up this über-light, double-wall, one-person tent, which has one hubbed pole and quick-release fly buckles. The 38 inches of head height and a 22-square-foot interior was roomy enough for our 6-foot-2 tester, and the 5.5-square-foot vestibule protects your gear in wet weather. www.bigagnes.com.

Kitchen

Shelters

➊ PRIMUS TiLite Stove | $165 | Boil water is just three minutes with this 7-ounce titanium stoveand-pot system. The powerful stove (with built-in igniter) puts out 13,500 BTUs, and 0.9 liter pot holds the folded stove and a 230-gram gas canister (not included), which can provide up to 45 minutes of cook time. www.primuscamping.com ➋ GSI OUTDOORS Pinnacle Soloist Cookware | $40 | This versatile pot set includes a 1.1-liter pot made from anodized aluminum treated with a Teflon non-stick coating, durable plastic spork, strainer/lid and insulated mug/ bowl. The entire package weighs 10.8 ounces, including a watertight stuff sack that doubles as a sink. www.gsioutdoors.com

53 june 2009 T r a i l r u n n e r m a g . c o m

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4/7/09 12:09:19 PM

®

RACING AGAINST DEATH Dear Fellow Trail Runner, Is there anything more exhilarating than conquering a long tough hill that is steeper than any road built by man? How about flying down hills, rocks, ruts and roots underfoot, only to leap across a stream? That’s the feeling of getting out into nature, hitting the trails, and enjoying the challenge that only trail running can bring.

Last year, I decided to dust off my running shoes to take up trail running and entered Canada’s Toughest Race, the Canadian Death Race - 125 grueling kms, over 17,000 ft elevation change over 3 punishing summits and a river crossing in 24 hours. I wish I could tell you everything I experienced during the training and running of that amazing event, what I had to overcome, how it felt to cross that finish line and what I learned along the way. But I ‘d rather tell you about something bigger than you and me…

Like you all have experienced, I had quite a few nagging injuries during my training, and went through some serious soul searching and even a little depression when my injuries kept me from training. Then, I ran into a friend of mine, Chris Kaag. Ten years ago, Chris was diagnosed with a familial degenerative nerve disorder. We chatted about my plans to run the Death Race and the topic of my injuries came up. Chris was, of course, supportive and assured me that he had faith in my ability to overcome.

Then it dawned on me! What on earth was I complaining about when this young, vibrant man was facing such an uphill struggle every single day? And yet you’d never know it to talk with him. He runs his own triathlon every year called “Got the Nerve” and has created numerous charities to help others continue to redefine their lives and their abilities.

In short, Chris has done more in his 30+ years than most of us will do in a lifetime.

Last year, when I crossed the finish line of the Canadian Death Race, I decided I wanted to run it again in 2009, but this time I would not do it for myself. I would put my body and soul on the line yet again, but this time it would be to help others.

Together with the enthusiastic support of the people at the Death Race, I set up The Race Against Death website and the charitable support organization behind it to help Chris’s IM ABLE Foundation (www.im-able. org). This foundation supports differently-abled children to get the equipment they need to become and stay physically active, and to reach new levels of fitness by using today’s advances in technology. And that makes anything we face on our toughest trail runs and even in the super tough Canadian Death Race seem like a blessing!

LIFE is a race, a race against death if you will; a chance to leave a legacy, help others and make a difference no matter what is going on in the world around us. So, I am asking you to help me support these amazing kids who face challenges we can barely imagine. As tough as you prove yourself on the trails to be, these kids are truly tough! Nobody cares if its one dollar or a thousand – 100% of every dollar donated will go to help these super kids.

I thank you for your time and I’ll see you on the trails!

Dr Dave Woynarowski

P.S. Things you should know: www.raceagainstdeath.org

This charity support website echoes Dr. Dave’s philanthropic efforts. Visit this site to access training logs, videos or make a donation. Donations in 2009 will go directly to the IM Able Foundation, or donate directly at www.im-able.org.

CDR_59.indd 1

www.canadiandeathrace.com

The Canadian Death Race is run by the Canadian Institute of Extreme Racing, a non-profit organization that donates all left over monies back to charity and back into the wonderful little community that supports it, Grand Cache, Alberta.

www.drdavesbest.com

Dr Dave Woynarowski is a world renowned anti-aging physician. He publishes a free newsletter and makes his own line of anti-aging and high performance supplements.

3/30/09 4:05:21 PM

Calling All Trail Runners!

If you’ve ever stepped off the road and run on dirt, you’re a trail runner—and this series is for you. Join the fun and camaraderie of North America’s largest points-based trail-race series.

DAVID CLIFFORD

March 1 to September 30, 2009

Nipika Mountain Resort Simply Spectacular. Spectacularly Simple.

Crazy SoleS Nipika Trail ruN May 30, 2009 ~ 3, 10, or 25 km

Come to Nipika for the 1st Annual “Get Your Running Legs On” Running Week May 24 - 31, 2009

Check out our website for information on Win a free stay at guided trail runs, camps, and more!

Nipika Mtn Resort in Canada and registration to the 2010 “Get Your Running Legs On” Running Week.

For more information and to register: www.nipika.com

local 1.250.342.6516 toll free 1.877.342.4525

Awarded to the male and female who runs the most 2009 TS Races!

Win prize packages from our sponsors:

> WHAT? 123 races divided into two categories: Marathon and Longer, Non Marathon (less than 26 miles). > WHO? Finish any Trophy Series race and you’re automatically entered. Win bonus points for finishing in the top three (Marathon and Longer) or winning your age group (Non Marathon). > WHERE? Races are held throughout the U.S. and Canada (see next page for directory).

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For race listings, tracking your points, prize information and more, visit www.trailrunnermag.com p.055-59 Race Calendar 59.indd 55

4/7/09 1:56:18 PM

TROPHY SERIES RACES

04/25 Capitol Peak 50 Mile And 55 K 50M, 55K; Olympia, WA; capitolpeak@ gmail.com; www.capitolpeakultras.com/CP50mile.htm

05/09 Capon Valley 50K Run 50K; Yellow Spring, WV; RobinKane@ msn.com; www.runcapon50k.com

04/25 Escape From Prison Hill Half Marathon 13.1M, Carson City NV, tahoedwc@sbcglobal.net, www.sagebrushstompers.org

05/09 Emerald Crossings Trail Run 5K; Cleveland, OH; NCMultisports@ aol.com; www.NCMultisports.com

04/25 Free State Trail Runs 26.2M, 40M, 100K; Lawrence, KS; badbendrs@ yahoo.com; www.trailnerds.com

05/09 Ice Age Trail 50 50K, 50M; Lagrange, WI; glenn@iceagetrail50. com; www.iceagetrail50.com

04/25 Menan Butte Trail Challenge 3M, 5M, 10M; Menan, ID; Info@ PB-Performance.com; www.PB-Performance.com

05/09 Lake Geneva Euro XC Marathon 22M; Lake Geneva, WI; lgsports@ lakegenevasports.com; www.lakegenevasports.com

04/25 Owl’s Roost Rumble 13.1M; Greensboro, NC; smbassett@hotmail. com; www.owlsroostrumble.com 04/26 Blue Hills Trail Races 10M; Milton, MA; trailrunning@colonialrunners. org; www.colonialrunners.org

05/09 Long Island Greenbelt Trail Runs 25K, 50K; Plainview, NY; npalazzo@optonline.net; www.glirc.org 05/09 The North Face Endurance Challenge Northeast Regional 10K, 13.1M, 50K, 50M; Bear Mountain, NY; endurancechallenge@ hawkeyeww.com; www.challenge.thenorthface.com

05/23

Sulphur Springs Trail Races 50k, 50 Mile And 100 Mile 10K, 25K, 50K, 50M, 100M; Ancaster, ON, Canada; SulphurSpringsRD@gmail. com; www.ouser.org/races/sulp.htm

05/24 Medicine Bow Half Marathon 13.1M; Laramie, WY; RunWyo@ msn.com; www.angelfire.com/wy2/marathon 05/24 Pineland Farms Trail Challenge 25K, 50K, 50M; New Gloucester, ME; trailmonster@maine.rr.com; www.mainetrackclub.com/ pinelandfarms.html 05/24 Rocky Mountain Double Marathon 52.4M; Laramie, WY; RunWyo@msn.com; www.angelfire.com/wy2/marathon 05/24 Vedauwoo 5K 5K; Laramie, WY; RunWyo@msn.com; www. angelfire.com/wy2/marathon 05/24 Wyoming Marathon 26.2M; Laramie, WY; RunWyo@msn.com; www.angelfire.com/wy2/marathon

04/26 Trail Marathon & Half Marathon 13.1M, 26.2M; Pinckney, MI; events@runningfit.com; www.trailmarathon.com

05/16 Dirty Dog 15K Trail Run 15K; Charleston, WV; dantoddruns@ gmail.com; www.wvmtr.org

05/02 24-Hour Adventure Trail Run (ATR) 24H; Triangle, VA; AlexP@ athletic-equation.com; www.athletic-equation.com

05/16 Jemez Mt Trail Runs 13.1M, 50K, 50M; Los Alamos, NM; kernkt@ cybermesa.com; www.highaltitudeathletics.org

05/02 Collegiate Peaks Trail Run 25M, 50M; Buena Vista, CO; www.

CollegiatePeaksTrailRun.org

05/17 Crazy Legs 10K Trail Run 10K; Loveland, CO; stofko121@yahoo. com; www.crazylegs10k.info

06/01 The North Face Endurance Challenge Northwest Regional 10K, 13.1M, 50K, 50M; Bellingham, WA; endurancechallenge@ hawkeyeww.com; www.challenge.thenorthface.com

05/09 Balarat Trail Run 6M; Boulder, CO; chris_klingelheber@dpsk12. org; www.balarat.dpsk12.org

05/23 Sage Burner 50K/25K 25K, 50K; Gunnison, CO; sdrum@western. edu; www.western.edu/sageburner

06/06 Kettle Moraine 100 Endurance Runs 38M, 100K, 100M; Lagrange, WI; kettle100@yahoo.com; www.kettle100.com

05/31

Ohlone Wilderness 50K Trail Run 50K; Fremont, CA; ohlone50k@ abovethefog.net; www.abovethefog.net

Nipika Mountain Resort Simply Spectacular. Spectacularly Simple.

Crazy SoleS Nipika Trail ruN

Ru

May 30, 2009 ~ 3, 10, or 25 km

Bu ww

Come to Nipika for the 1st Annual “Get Your Running Legs On” Running Week May 24 - 31, 2009

Check out our website for information on guided trail runs, camps, and more!

Valley Crest VALLEY CREST HALF-MARATHON Half-Marathon

For more information and to register: www.nipika.com

local 1.250.342.6516 toll free 1.877.342.4525

Sunday, 10, 2007 JuneJune 14, 2009 Bulldog BULLDOG 50K25k AND 25K 50k and Saturday, August 25,2009 2007 Saturday, August 22,

www.trailrunevents.com info@trailrunevents.com

www.trailrunevents.com p.055-59 Race Calendar 59.indd 56

3/31/09 2:32:41 PM

Us for cal

TROPHY SERIES RACES

06/07 Adventure Week “Beaches to Boulders” 6K, 12K; Coeur D’Alene, ID; funnflip@msn.com; www.adventureweek2009.com

06/27 Slacker Half Marathon/Relay/4 Mile Races 4M, 13.1M; Georgetown, CO; bluther@co.clear-creek.co.us; www. slackerhalfmarathon.com

06/07 Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon & Half Marathon 13.1M, 26.2M; Deadwood, SD; leanhorse@rushmore.com; www.

DeadwoodMickelsonTrailMarathon.co

06/27 Ultimate XC Quebec Edition 10K, 13.1M, 26.2M; Val Morin, QC, Canada; rd@ultimatexc.com; www.ultimatexc.com

06/13

Adventure Week “Deepwater” Trail Runs 26.2M, 50K, 50M; Coeur D’Alene, ID; funnflip@msn.com; www.adventureweek2009.com

07/04 Creemore Vertical Challenge 25K, 50K; Creemore, ON, Canada; Pierre_Marcoux@hcm.honda.com; www.ouser.org

06/13

Indian/Celina Challenge 13.1M, 26.2M; Leopold, IN; chrishollinden@ gmail.com; www.runperrycounty.com

07/04 Kelly Canyon Trail Challenge 3M, 5M, 10M; Idaho Falls, ID; Info@PB-Performance.com; www.PB-Performance.com

06/13 Joe Colton’s Off Road Adventure Run 1M, 5K, 10K, 10M, 15M; Rollinsville, Colorado, CO; lori.kinczel@igc.org; www. joecoltonadventure.org

07/04 Sinister 7 Ultra + Relay 90M; Blairmore, AB, Canada; info@ sinister7.com; www.sinister7.com

06/14 Valley Crest Half Marathon 13.1M; Tarzana, CA; valleycrestrun@ yahoo.com; www.trailrunevents.com 06/20 Highlands Sky Trail Run 40M; Davis, WV; wvmtr@starband. net; www.wvmtr.org

07/04 STooPID Run 5M North Vernon, IN; Brian09@DINOseries.com; www.DINOseries.com 07/05 Summer Roundup Trail Run 12K; Colorado Springs, CO; raceinfo@ pikespeakmarathon.org; www.summerroundup.com

07/13

Laurel Highlands Ultra 50K, 70.5M; Ohiopyle, PA; rick.freeman1@ verizon.net; www.laurelultra.com

07/14

Wolf Run 7 Miler 7M; Kingsport, TN; markskelton@markskelton. com; www.RunTriCities.org

07/18

Kendall Mountain Run 13.1M; Silverton, CO; info@silvertonevents. com; www.KendallRun.com

07/18 Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs 50K 50M 100M, Lake Tahoe NV, trt50k50m@sbcglobal.net, www.tahoemtnmilers.org/trt50 07/23 Teva Paint Mines 6K 6K; Calhan, CO; trlrunner@aol.com; www. trailrunner.com 07/25 Rock Creek Trail Series Night Run 5M, 10M, 20M; Ozawkie, KS; wlambert@greatplainsrunning.com; www. greatplainsrunning.com 07/26 Original Bare Buns Fun Run 5K; Loon Lake, WA; bbfr5k@aol. com; www.kaniksufamily.com

07/11

Brian Waterbury Memorial Rock To Pier Fun Run 6M; Morro Bay, CA; ksweeny@morro-bay.ca.us; www.leaguelineup. com/rock2pier

08/01 Burning River 100 Mike Endurance Run 100M; Willoughby Hills, OH; info@burningriver100.org; www.burningriver100.org

06/27 Double Dipsea (Walt Stack DSE Double Dipsea) 13.85M; San Francisco, CA; RunKenRun@aol.com; www.doubledipsea.com

07/11

Dances With Dirt - Devil’s Lake 50K, 50M, 100K; Baraboo, WI; events@runningfit.com; www.danceswithdirt.com

08/01 LaSportiva Eldora Trail 10K 10K; Nederland, CO; info@ digdeepsports.com; www.digdeepsports.com

06/27 Evergreen Mountain Trail Race 11.5M; Evergreen, CO; pshea@ evergreenrecreation.com; www.evergreenrecreation.com

07/11

Wildest Run In The West - 100K 100K; Foresthill, CA; glenn. carnahan@yahoo.com; www.wildestrun.com

08/01 Legend 5M, 10M; Laingsburg, MI; events@runningfit.com; www. runlegend.com

06/21

Tanglewood Tanglefoot Trail Runs 5M, 10M; Elmira, NY; elainems@ stny.rr.com; www.tanglewoodnaturecenter.com

Questions? Ask the Zombies! info@zombierunner.com

Run far...

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Use coupon code ZRTRAILS for a 10% discount online or call us at 650-852-1282 p.055-59 Race Calendar 59.indd 57

3/31/09 2:32:46 PM

TROPHY SERIES RACES

08/01 North Face® Canadian Death Race 125K; Grande Cache, AB, Canada; www.canadiandeathrace.com

08/15 Northstar at Tahoe Nirvana Mountain Trail Run 10K; Truckee, CA; info@scarsports.com

08/22 Taos Ski Valley 10K Up And Over Trail Run 10K; Taos Ski Valley, NM; info@taosskivalley.com; www.taosskivalley.com/trailrun

08/01 Squaw Mountain Run 3.6M; Truckee, CA; squawmountainrun@ gmail.com; www.squawmountainrun.com

08/15

Tahqua Trail 25K 10K, 25K; Paradise, MI; info@greatlakesendurance. com; www.greatlakesendurance.com

08/23 Bramble Scramble 15K, 30K; Williston, VT; eric@catamountoutdoor. com; www.catamountoutdoor.com

08/08 Dirty Girls Trail Race 6H, 12H, 24H; Mansfield, ON, Canada; heydiane@ dirtyrunnerproductions.com; www.dirtygirlsrun.com

08/22 5 Peaks Trail Run - Whistler Blackcomb 5.6K, 10.8K; Vancouver, BC, Canada; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com

08/29 Moose Mountain Trail Races 16K, 29K, 42K; Bragg Creek, AB, Canada; jen.silverthorn@shaw.ca; www.moosetrailraces.com

08/22 Bulldog 25K/50K Ultra Run 25K, 50K; Calabasas, CA; bulldogultra@ yahoo.com; www.trailrunevents.com

09/05 Bergen Peak 11.5M; Evergreen, CO; pshea@evergreenrecreation. com; www.evergreenrecreation.com

08/22 Lean Horse Hundred & Half Hundred 50M, 100M; Hot Springs, SD; leanhorse@rushmore.com; www.leanhorse.com

09/05 Grand Teton 50 & 100 50M, 100M; Alta, WY; info@tetonraces. com; www.tetonraces.com

08/22 Mt Madonna Challenge 6K, 12K; Gilroy, CA; allan@svrchome. org; www.svrchome.org

09/05 Meeteetse Absaroka Challenge 5K, 10K, 15K; Meeteetse, WY; meetrec@tctwest.net; www.meetrec.org

08/22 Springmaid Splash Xstream Races 10K; Spruce Pine, NC; matthollifield@mitchellraces.com; www.mitchellraces.com

09/05 Vasque DINO Trail Run Series - Town Run 5K, 15K; Indianapolis, IN; Brian09@DINOseries.com; www.DINOseries.com

08/08 Jupiter Peak Steeplechase 16M; Park City, UT; heinrichdeters@ yahoo.com; www.mountaintrails.org 08/08 Mt Disappointment 50/50 Endurance Race 50K, 50M; Angeles National Forest, CA; gary@mtdisappointment50k.com; www. mtdisappointment50k.com 08/09 Haulin’ Aspen Trail Marathon And Half Marathon 13.1M, 26.1M; Bend, OR; haulinaspen@freshairsports.com; www.freshairsports. com/events/haulin_aspen/index.php 2009 Trophy Series Sponsors: E S T. 1 9 9 9

E S T. 1 9 9 9

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p.055-59 Race Calendar 59.indd 58

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3/31/09 2:32:57 PM

Trophy series races

09/06 Breck Crest 5M, 13.1M, 22.5M; Breckenridge, CO; westy@ mavsports.com; www.mavsports.com 09/06 Grand Teton Trail Marathon 26.2M; Alta, WY; info@tetonraces. com; www.tetonraces.com 09/06 Walk In The Park 18-36-54K 18K, 36K, 54K; Kamloops, BC, Canada; witp@shaw.ca; www.members.shaw.ca/witp 09/07 American Discovery Trail Marathon And Half Marathon 13.1M, 26.2M; Palmer Lake/Colorado Springs, CO; wulfkuhle@yahoo. com; www.adtmarathon.com 09/12 5 Peaks Trail Run - Canmore Nordic Centre 6.8K, 11.5K, 21K; Calgary, AB, Canada; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com 09/12

WICKED FAST SPORTS NUTRITION

RESEARCH-PROVEN RECOVERY

5 Peaks Trail Run - Horseshoe Resort 4.6K, 9.8K 21K; Toronto, ON, Canada; info@5peaks.com; www.5peaks.com

09/12 Haliburton Forest 100Mile Trail Race, 50M/50K/25K Options 26K, 50K, 50M, 100M; Haliburton, ON, Canada; helen.malmberg@ dhltd.com; www.ouser.org 09/19 12-Hour Adventure Trail Run 12H; Triangle, VA; Alexp@ athletic-equation.com; www.athletic-equation.com 09/19 Bays Mountain Trail Race 15M; Kingsport, TN; markskelton@ markskelton.com; www.RunTriCities.org 09/19

Iroqouis Trails 50, 100 and 100 Relay 50M, 100M; Virgil, NY; ian@ fingerlakesrunningcompany.com; www.IroquoisTrails100.com

09/19 Odyssey Trail Running Rampage 13M, 26.2M, 40M; Clifton Forge, VA; info@OARevents.com; www.OARevents.com

PATENT-PENDING * DOPE-FREE * RESEARCH-PROVEN

09/19 Sombrero Trail Run 4.5M; Estes Park, CO; matt@bolderboulder. com; www.bolderboulder.com 09/19 The North Face Endurance Challenge Mid-Atlantic Regional 10K, 13.1M, 50K, 50M; Washington, Dc, DC; endurancechallenge@ hawkeyeww.com; www.challenge.thenorthface.com 09/20 Boulder Marathon 13.1M, 26.2M; Boulder Colorado, CO; info@ bouldermarathon.com; www.bouldermarathon.com 09/20 Lead King Loop Charity Races 2.5K, 12.5K, 25K; Marble, CO; macek57@hotmail.com; www.leadkingloop25k.com

EAT... SLEEP... TRAIN... RECOVER!!!

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ONE BOTTLE RECOVER-EASE FREE

09/26 Big Sur Trail Marathon 5M, 13.1M, 26.2M; Big Sur, CA; info@ envirosports.com; www.envirosports.com/events/event. php?eventid=2324

714 Harrison Avenue Leadville, CO 80461 Phone 719-486-8100 Fax 719-486-8008 www.halfmoondeli.com

09/26 Birkie Trail Run, Relay And Trek 13.1M, 26.2M, 5K, 13.1M; Hayward, WI; ned@birkie.com; www.birkie.com

your unordinary sandwich everyday

09/20 Rock Cut Hobo Run 25K; Rockford, IL; larrydswanson@ pepoplepc.com; www.rockfordroadrunners.org

09/26 Great Eastern Endurance Run 13.1M, 50K, 100K, Charlottesville VA rungillrun@comcast.net www.badtothebone.biz n

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DESSERTS • CATERING

59 June 2009 T r a i l r u n n e r m a g . c o m

p.055-59 Race Calendar 59.indd 59

4/7/09 9:53:21 AM

Last gasp

by Bernie Boettcher » illustration by jeremy collins

Picture This!

Shooting on the run has advantages

O

bsessions have a curious way of taking over. Take electricity: One day Ben Franklin flies a kite in an electrical storm and discovers that if your kite gets hit by lightning, they eventually make you Postmaster. The next thing you know, Luigi Galvani is running electrical currents through dismembered frogs’ legs, jump-starting them despite the fact they are no longer attached to living frogs. Pretty soon Thomas Edison opens up an electric company to serve customers in their frog-leg jump-starting needs, which leads to the charges for the electricity I used last month to power the digital camera I carry every day on my runs, and which makes me a better runner.

I first discovered electricity as a kid when I shuffled my feet across our shag carpet on a dry winter day, and snuck up behind my older brother to touch his earlobe. Talk about shock and awe! It was great for tweaking the big bully, and had all the jolt effect of a starter’s pistol. I ran like hell, though

the event eventually led to my brother rolling me up in the downstairs throw rug with only my head sticking out, whereupon he covered my mouth and nose “to see how long you can last without air.”

Now that I carry a digital camera, however, I can capture photographic evidence of

anyone who tries to roll me up in a carpet, cut off my breathing or otherwise try to do me in. I live out in the country where the rednecks and their house pets roam. I’ve been hounded well over 50 times (I stopped counting after that) by everything from Chihuahuas to Great Danes to rednecks in pickup trucks. Some critters out there just don’t seem to like runners.

My digital camera has proven to be more effective than pepper spray in stopping most offenders. Its been my experience that most bad dogs will not try to draw blood until the third encounter. This gives you two opportunities to take their picture before all bets are off. (If you encounter a pack of bad dogs, expect to be bleeding soon.)

Nothing says “a lawsuit I can’t win” like a 10-megapixel, electronically generated photograph or video of a dog (or a redneck) trying to put the bite on your butt. Granted, you might not get the photo of the animal actually biting you since focusing becomes difficult while trying to protect vital organs.

But when an owner has almost convinced even you that his or her dog has never been in the street or threatened anyone, there is a certain satisfaction in the moment you present pictures of it doing just that.

Every trail runner I’ve ever met has some kind of story about the bear, the lion, the bobcat, the elk, the deer, the fox, the bighorn, the eagle, the scenery, the sunset, the couple having sex or some amazing encounter that occurred on a trail run. Since I started carrying my camera, I’ve gotten pictures of all of those, and much more.

Last but certainly not least, I’ve carried my Canon during almost every race I’ve run for the past year. We trail runners race in some pretty amazing places, and I treasure some of the shots I’ve gotten out there even in the heat of a race. Though most of my downhill shots are a blur, it’s quite easy to get good pictures on uphill switchbacks without even stopping.

It’s also kind of fun to wait at the finish line and take the picture of the guys who finish right behind you. Though I often capture an expression of pain almost as if I just shocked their earlobes, they’re still some of my favorites.

I just never encourage anyone who finishes ahead of me to carry a camera.

Paparazzi have never outrun Bernie.

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OUTFITTERS > LIST YOUR STORE! | CALL 877.762.5423 x16 | w w w.trailrunnermag.com CA N A DA

A RIZON A

CRAZY SOLES RUNNING/YOGA STORE 4884E Athalmer Road Invermere, BC V0A 1K4 Canada Phone: 250-342-2074 www.crazysoles.ca crazysoles@telus.net

FLEET FEET SPORTS - TUCSON 6538 E Tanque Verde Road Tucson, AZ 85715 520-886-7800 www.fleetfeettucson.com pete@fleetfeettucson.com

GORD’S RUNNING STORE 919 Centre St NW Calgary, AB T2E2P6 403-270-8606 • F 403-283-8341 www.gordsrunningstore.com info@gordsrunningstore.com

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT COOP 830 10th Avenue Sw Calgary, AB T2R 0A9 403-269-2420 www.mec.ca North Shore Athletics 1200 Londsdale # 101 N Vancouver, BC V7M3H6 604-990-6888 www.northshoreathletics.com info@northshoreathletics.com

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•p.060-61 Outfitters 59.indd 2

RUNNING SHOP 3055 N Campbell #153 Tucson, AZ 85719 520-325-5097 www.runningshopaz.com CA LIFORNI A AUBURN RUNNING COMPANY 833 Lincoln Way Auburn, CA 95603 530-823-2002 dan@auburnrunningcompany.com www.auburnrunningcompany.com

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K ENTUCK Y THE TRAIL STORE 1321 Herr Ln, Ste 185 Louisville KY 40222; 502-423-1545 www.louisvilletrailstore.com K A NSA S

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GEORGI A

MAINE

HIGH COUNTRY OUTFITTERS 3906 Roswell Road Atlanta, GA. 30342; 404-814-0999 • F 404-504-9234 Toll Free 888-688-3485 www.highcountryoutfitters.com; Outfitting Since 1975

MAINE RUNNING COMPANY 563 Forest Ave Portland, ME 04101 207-773-6601 • F 207-773-8566 www.mainerunning.com jr@mainerunning.com

COLOR A DO BENT GATE MOUNTAINEERING 1313 Washington Ave Golden, CO 80401 303-271-9382 • F 303-271-3980 877-BENT-GATE www.bentgate.com bentgate@bentgate.com BOULDER RUNNING COMPANY 2775 Pearl St #103 Boulder, CO 80302 303-RUN-WALK www.boulderrunningcompany.com BOULDER RUNNING COMPANY 3659 Austin Bluffs Pkwy #32 Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719-278-3535 www.boulderrunningcompany.com BOULDER RUNNING COMPANY 8116 W Bowles #C Littleton, CO 80123 303-932-6000 www.boulderrunningcompany.com EPIC MOUNTAIN SPORTS 78415 US Hwy 40 Winter Park CO 80482 970.726.2868 • F 970.726.2885 www.epicmountainsports.com epic@epicmountainsports.com INDEPENDENCE RUN & HIKE Located in the heart of the Rockies 995 Cowan Dr #101 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-704-0909 www.independencerun.com independencerun@sopris.nett

RUNNING REVOLUTION 511 E Campbell Ave Campbell, CA 95008; 408-374-9310 www.runningrevolution.com info@runningrevolution.com

RUNNER’S ROOST LAKEWOOD 437 S Wadsworth #B Lakewood, CO 80226, 303-991-1851 www.runnersroostlakewood.com

THE NORTH FACE 180 Post St San Francisco, CA 94108 415-433-3223 www.thenorthface.com

THE NORTH FACE 100 Detroit St Denver CO 80206 303-316-8383 www.thenorthface.com

THE NORTH FACE 35A West Paces Ferry Rd Atlanta GA 30305 404-467-0119 www.thenorthface.com IDA HO

MASSACHUSETTS MARATHON SPORTS 1654 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02138; 617-354-4161 www.marathonsports.com

SHU’S IDAHO RUNNING COMPANY 1758 W State ST, Boise ID 83702 208-344-6604 • F 208-344-6608 www.idahorunningcompany.com shuguy2000@yahoo.com

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3/30/09 11:58:19 AM

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ABQ RUNNING SHOP 12611 Montgomery Blvd NE #A6B Albuquerque, NM 87111 505-293-2786 www.abqrunningshop.com randy@runningshopaz.com

PENNSY LVA NI A

NE W YORK

TENNE S SEE

THE NORTH FACE 139 Wooster St New York, NY 10023 (212) 362-1000 www.thenorthface.com

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WASATCH RUNNING CENTER 8946 S State St, Sandy, UT 84070 801-566-8786 www.wasatchrunningcenter.com wasatchrunning@earthlink.net V ERMONT THE MOUNTAIN GOAT 4886 Main St Manchester Center, VT 05255 802-362-5159 • F 802-362-3277 www.mountaingoat.com mgoat@sover.net

V IRGINI A CHARLOTTESVILLE RUNNING COMPANY 110 Old Preston Ave Charlottesville, VA 22902 434-293-7115 • F 434-293-7015 www.charlottesvillerunningcompany.com info@charlottesvillerunningcompany.com THE NORTH FACE 78701 Tyson’s Corner Center McLean, VA 22102 703-917-0111 www.thenorthface.com WA SHINGTON

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CAMPMOR

www.campmor.com info@campmor.com 800-CAMPMOR • 800-226-7667 Catalog - PO Box 680-TR9 Mahwah, NJ 07430 HIGH COUNTRY OUTFITTERS www.highcountryoutfitters.com; 404-814-0999; Toll Free 888-6883485; 3906 Roswell Road Atlanta, Ga. 30342 Outfitting Since 1975 RIVER SPORTS OUTFITTERS www.riversportsoutfitters.com ed@riversportsoutfitters.com 865-523-0066 • F 865-525-6921 2918 Sutherland, Knoxville, TN 37919

ROCK/CREEK OUTFITTERS www.RockCreek.com info@RockCreek.com 888-707-6708 301 Manufacturers Road Chattanooga, TN 37405

RUNNING FREE SPORTS www.runningfree.com running . triathlon . adventure 416-410-FREE (3733)

THE TRIATHLETE STORE

www.TheTriathleteStore.com sales@TheTriathleteStore.com 14041 Midland Rd Poway, CA 92064 216-849-5468 • F 216-373-2637 ZOMBIE RUNNER www.zombierunner.com info@zombierunner.com 650-325-2048 • F 650-852-0231 429 S California Ave Palo Alto CA 94306

3/30/09 11:58:29 AM

Photo: Josh Helling MH3465_TrailRunner_8x10.625.indd mtn.hardwear_59.indd 1 1

12/10/08 3/27/09 10:17:48 8:35:10 AM AM

N A T U R E ’S TO I L E T P A P E R (A N

O B J E C T I V E

MAPLE

pearl.izumi_59.indd 1

GREEN ASH

BIRCH

The staple of the American runner.

Nice surface area. Ample thickness.

Abundant.

Small, yet numerous leaves.

Growth pattern provides double, even triple-ply if needed.

Small and wedge-shaped with coarse teeth along the edges. Chafing likely.

Not recommended.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

POI SON IVY

ELM

OAK

Almond-shaped, urushiol poison-drenched leaflets cause catastrophic pain and itching.

Better off wiping with hornet’s nest.

Double-serrated edges are the only drawback to this otherwise popular, woodland mainstay.

Widely available. Decent surface area.

Word of caution: Fall leaves crumble upon contact.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

FERN

POPLAR

HOLLY

Long, narrow, mature leaves offer poor coverage. In a pinch, a fistful of the younger, curled fiddleheads will suffice.

Nice, broad leaves. Mother Nature’s answer to quilted softness. Plus, thick foliage for extra privacy.

Spine-tipped serrations make this an act of painful desperation. As an added blow, berries are toxic and induce vomiting.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Peak XC Trail Racing and Training weight: 9oz (Men’s size 10)

R E V I E W)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

RUN LIKE AN ANIMAL.™

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

pearlizumi.com 3/27/09 8:24:51 AM