In making final preparations for Spartathlon, which starts the morning after next, I took a look back at last year’s video of the race for inspiration. I also dug up the report I wrote for UltraRunning Magazine and took a look back at the photos taken by Glenn Tachiyama.
Spartathlon: A Journey of History, Culture, & Peace
by Scott Jurek (story reprinted here was originally published in UltraRunning Magazine) (more…)
As I arrived in Greece last week, I was reminded of last year’s arrival prior to Spartathlon. I was reviewing a new book written by D. Enette Larson-Meyer, PhD, RD, “Vegetarian Sports Nutrition”. Being very impressed with this book, I agreed to write the forward. Although a few books have been written about vegetarian sports nutrition, Larson-Meyer goes into great detail when presenting the science and does so in an easy to understand format. At the same time, she provides practical information that the veteran and aspiring vegetarian can each utilize in their daily and exercise specific nutritional planning. Many formulas and tables guide the reader in calculating their individual nutritional requirements both on and off the field or race course.
Carnivores read on! (more…)
I came across a great resource recently. Skin Deep is a safety guide by Environmental Working Group. They are a small nonprofit formed to test and rate the safety of cosmetics and many items we use for personal care. “Because the FDA doesn’t require companies to test their own products for safety”, “Skin Deep pairs ingredients in nearly 25,000 products against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases, making it the largest integrated data resource of its kind.”
On their site, you may look up the safety of a specific ingredient, product, or brand. You can also view by category, such as “skin care” or “baby care.” You will receive ratings of 0-2 for low hazard, 3-6 for moderate hazard, or 7-10 for high hazard. You may also take a further look at why this product is rated as it is. (more…)
I’m happy to officially announce I will be going back to Spartathlon this year. It is coming up quickly and I have been able to get in excellent training upon returning from France. Valmir Nunes of Brazil, a previous Spartathlon winner, is in top shape this year after dropping last year due to injury. Another previous winner, Jens Lucas of Germany, will also be running, but possibly slightly tired after a stellar second place finish at UTMB. Markus Thalmann of Austria is one more past champion helping to stack the field. American 24 Hour record holder Mark Godale is also in great form this year and I expect many more great competitors to be ready to give it their all.
Last year for the first time the race provided a live webcast which I heard was quite good, posting quick updates of top runners. Be sure to check the website on race day, Friday September 28. We have a 7:00 start, middle of Thursday night for those back in the States.
I’m excited to go back and tackle this tough and long road race and enjoy the great culture of the Greek people, the beautiful country and rich history of Greece!
With a fresh new look and a brand new crew, publisher John Medinger, editor Tia Bodington, and manager Lisa Henson put together a fresh new UltraRunning Magazine. Keeping to the core of what it’s brought readers for decades, they’ve updated the look and added some color photography for this September issue. Looks great!
If you’re interested in seeing a what I look like at close to 40 miles and at 14,000 feet, be sure to check out the cover! As you can see, lack of oxygen and the long gruling climb left no time to pose for the photo taken by Luis Escobar. Hardrock story is on page 32.
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