In my first running of the Ultra Trail-Tour du Mont-Blanc, I did not produce the result I was hoping for. I withdrew just before half way, noticing early on that I didn’t have the pep in my legs that I usually do at my peak. As each early mile was feeling like an ending mile, I decided to spare my body the torture and call it a day, hopefully sparing it for next month’s Spartathlon. I realized that my legs just didn’t have enough time to recover from last months Hardrock performance.

Mentally I was ready to compete and we couldn’t have asked for better weather, course conditions, or line up of outstanding competitors. But this was a good reminder to me that in spite of this year’s large ambitions, it is best for me to pick one or two key events with enough recovery time in between, as I have in years past, if I wish to perform at my best for these key races. Continue reading →

The French are friendly and generous, Mont Blanc is beautiful, and we’re adjusting to life in Chamonix wonderfully. Leah and I rented a two bedroom apartment which we’re sharing with Karl Meltzer and his wife, thus I have a kitchen to do my own food prep. There is a little bio store (bio is how the Europeans refer to organic) right around the corner from us, with also a few more in town. Great local and vegetarian foods! Eating lots of local organic fresh fruits and veggies, breads, and lots of French lentils. Also plenty of other vegan staples available. I’ve adjusted to the time change and am getting lots of rest. We’ve run the last 25 km of the Ultra-Trail Tour du Mont-Blanc, as well as another 15 km in Italy. I also ran the first 8 km. Although I didn’t come early enough to do more, many people have been helpful in providing tips on the course. I’m feeling ready!

There will be multiple ways to “watch” the UTMB. It is necessary to know my race number is 3612. Definitely the highest number I’ve worn for an ultramarathon! Continue reading →

While congratulating my toughest competitor, Karl Meltzer, within minutes after he finished Hardrock, I tell him there will definitely be a rematch. I’m thinking next year back here, although I know we’ll be head to head again before then. He replies, “Six weeks, Mont-Blanc!” It’s as if he’s ready to go immediately.

I’m excited to line up with Karl, Hal Koerner, who won Western States this year, and some strong Euros including all past winners of the Ultra-Trail Tour du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). Continue reading →

It’s 5:45 AM on Friday the 13th. July 13th, that is. I’m in the Silverton High School gymnasium. I’m fumbling with an ankle brace and duct tape. “What did I get myself into?” Things weren’t falling into alignment quite as I’d like.

Five days ago I was feeling healthy and strong, like I finally got my body back from the virus that had it for most of the previous week. I was excited about checking out the last few bits of the Hardrock Hundred course I hadn’t yet seen, and planned to spend the majority of the week resting up, eating well, and getting my body and mind ready to tackle this race. Having come down a month early, I’ve spent time away from home and family, training my body to deal with little oxygen and the uphills and downhills that make most of us beg for mercy. That part had gone very well. Continue reading →