It’s been a slow start to 2010!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on January 30, 2010
in Race Updates and Speedgoat 50K
. 18 Comments

For me that is!  Performances continue to be stellar!

My 20 day hiatus from running in December had done me good!  My legs turned fresh again, and I was ready to roll.  I started back up and in two weeks, I was up to speed, feeling good and ready to have a decent run at the Moab 50k+ on February 13th.  I am still running Moab, but it’s starting to look like I’ll be in for just the fun of it,  as the past week I’ve logged a big 0 for miles.  Why?…You’ll have to ask me on the side, but things are improving and I should be back running in a few more days. 

The real question is:  Do I have that “autopilot” mode I know all too well?, or am I actually out of shape?  No Joe, I’m not sandbagging.  I’m by no means out of shape, but it’ll be interesting to see how I do with essentially very little miles under my belt over the  past 6-7 weeks.  Good thing it’s February.

On March 6th, the real test will come with the “autopilot” mode as I’ll be back at the big party in Ojai, California.  Something they call Dos Lunas.  A little bowling and some other entertaining events should make it fun no matter what happens. 

The cash has now been sent to Chamonix, so I’m committed to flying for 9 hours straight.  I’m not looking forward to flying for 9 hours to Geneva, but this one is worth every minute on that damn plane.   Geoff Roes and I plan on showing the great european runners that the US still has a couple fast 100 mile guys on the planet.   This time I’ll get my “unfinished business” in Chamonix taken care of.

No doubt the fast guys on the start line will be eyeing us this time…just like 2007.

Enough about me……

This coming weekend the Rocky Raccoon 100 happens down in Texas.  It’s been snowing in northern Texas.  Although it’ll probably melt quick, who knows, maybe it’ll snow on them this year.  It’s been quite a year in the weather department.   Here’s how I see the race panning out:

The Ladies:

1. Jamie Donaldson….becoming a 100 mile legend
2. Connie Gardner….her type of terrain
3. Anita Ortiz….she’s a mountain girl, but who knows
4. Jenny Chow….not as fast, but she ran a bunch of 100s last year too, and pretty quick

The Men:

1. Greg Crowther….fastest guy, somewhat of a rookie, but hey, 5:50 at JFK puts him on top
2. Nick Coury….he’ll team up with his bro
3. Jamil Coury….ditto
4. Dink Taylor…..he told me he’d never run 100 after Leadville?  he’s addicted
5. Scott Eppelman….his neck of the woods
6. Paul Hopwood….just ran HURT, so we’ll see how he recovers
7. John Allen….Utah boy tapping into 100s.  He’s got some speed.
8. Jimmy Dean Freeman….if he eats enough sausage, he’ll have a great day

Speedgoat 50k filling fast, time to enter now and commit!

Backcountry.com still makes deals even this time of year.  Check em’ out here, or pay full price somewhere else.

Check out what I’ve been shoveling over the past 7 weeks here….real live fun…kid style!

I’m still shaking my head!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on January 17, 2010
in Uncategorized
. 34 Comments

It appears as though the HURT 100 mile record has gone down AGAIN.   Gary Robbins and Tracy Garneau appear to have both broken previous records.  Gary by just 16 minutes, Tracy by alot more than that.  What is this world coming too?   Or am I just getting old?   20:12 for Gary, 24:06 for Tracy.  Nuts!  Another performance of the year performance, and it’s only January 16.   I still need a confirmation as I’m dumbfounded. 

In a brief conversation with my dad about “Ultrarunner of the Year“, he mentioned to me how all the guys in the top 10 were quite a bit younger than I.  Me being 42 ( I was voted 2nd ) and most of the others in there early 30’s or 20’s.  Maybe I should move forward to the Masters Division?  I just can’t think that way, I feel alot younger than that, at least in my brain.

Congrats to all that have now finished and will be finishing in the next 14 hours.  Enjoy the stellar meal at the country club.  First class all the way. 

And now that you’ve finished ( or will be finishing the HURT 100 ) enjoy the rest,  it’s well deserved.  Now we can watch Mr. Greg Crowther see if he goes under the record at the Rocky Racccoon 100.  It wouldn’t surprise me, what are these guys doing……levitating? 

In a few days the drawing is held for the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.  Geoff Roes and I are both on the list to hopefully get in and give the Europeans another shot at kicking our american asses.  I think Geoff and I have other plans on that one.

Don’t forget the Speedgoat 50k is filling fast, click here to find all pertinent info on the toughest 50k in the US.  And now theres some prize money to entice you fast “young” guys out there. 

I better go run, cuz’ if I don’t start training hard now, I will be a master!

Drumroll please!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on January 8, 2010
in Award category, Race Updates and Speedgoat 50K
. 13 Comments

On Monday morning Ultrarunning Magazine will announce the “Ultrarunners of the Year”.  Who’s it gonna be?  All we know is that it’s a tough vote.  So many variables, so many races, so many different circumstances, so many different courses.  I could go on and on and on, but I won’t.  Tune in Monday morning after I see the results for my two cents on the voting.  Some will rank higher than expected, some lower, some will see no love, some will be loved.   All for what?  Yah,  recognition, but not even a buckle?  :-)  

Like many other races, the Speedgoat 50k is filling much faster than last year, it’s amazing how this is evolving in our world.   If you don’t like a beating stay home, if you do….register here, but read the instructions first to get an idea of what it’s like….it’s no picnic!  :-)…..or is it?  Picnics are fun stuff. 

For the record, and to all of you who like running in the La Sportiva Fireblade, make a note that if you like the orange color, you better get out and hit up Backcountry.com for the remaining few pairs of orange.  The grey models WILL ALWAYS be available, they ARE NOT discontinued,  only the orange color will no longer be made.  :-(   If BC.com doesn’t have them, go to La Sportiva and see what’s left in the closeout section. Both outlets have them on sale, around 70 bucks, so pick em’ up!.  Stop wearing those “boot style” running shoes, get low to the ground, it’ll make you run faster! 

And finally this weekend the Bandera 100k happens down in Texas.  Two spots for the Western Track Meet are up for grabs.  A few fast guys are running, when I see results I’ll post it up.   My predictions:

Chikara Omine will come out on top, unless technicality gets him.  Zach Miller will challenge him along with Nick Clark.   Any of these three guys could win it, and one of them will be shut down.  It’ll be interesting to see how it pans out.

For the women:  It looks like Annette Bednosky is the shoe-in, but I don’t recognize any other women, so the race for second is on!

And for kicks, check out my latest creation at “White PIne” here in Little Cottonwood Canyon.  It’s a quarter mile long luge run, built solely by me.  As busy as I’ve been, I found a little extra time to build this classic track.  Click here to watch the fun as Matt Hart leads the way.  Tom Maartens and I are in the “chaser sled” with the video.  Good ole’ fun, not your typical luge run.

We are almost there!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on December 29, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 10 Comments

Just a few more days till registration goes live for the Speedgoat 50k!  Reserve your spot for the toughest 50k in the US.  After some new mapping, I’ve found there to be 11,945′ of climb and descent. Throw in a few rocks, snow, scree, billy goats on the ridge, and 200 crazy runners, and we’ll have a race for $500 bucks!

We are also close for the announcement of “Ultrarunner of the Year”.  There’s been lots of talk about last year, and how many stellar performances there were.  They were everywhere, from the flats to the mountains.  Big wins with big comp, big wins with little comp, fast performances all around.  Who’s it gonna be?  We’ll find out in a few weeks at Ultrarunning.com. 

Next year?  Still somewhat debating, but I’ve managed to send in 3 apps so far…..Hardrock, Mt. Blanc, and Wasatch.   The only tough one is Mt. Blanc.  Hardrock and Wasatch are guaranteed for me, so I can’t complain.  Hopefully we’ll have strong competition at these two races.   Of course Mt. Blanc will have some fast Europeans.  Maybe if I get in, I can see how fast Mr. Jornet really is…cuz’ I don’t think we really know yet.   It’s time for the US boys to show a presence there.  We haven’t had our best runs there yet.

I haven’t run since the Chimera 45ish race.  I’ve been on a battery recharge for the past few weeks.  This is the first time I’ve taken a significant time off after a long season.  My batteries are now 95% charged, once the last 5% loads, I’m heading out, and never turning back…. even to see if someone is on my tail.  As I get older, I’ll probably be looking forward more often.  :-)

Thanks to all my personal sponsors for jumping on board for 2010.  Red Bull, La Sportiva, First Endurance,  Nathan hydration packs, Ryders Eyewear, Petzl, and Backcountry.com.  Without these guys, I couldn’t do what I do.  It’s an honor to have a line-up of sponsors like this….the best in the business!

Backcountry.com is now having the after Christmas blowout sales, so check it out if Santa didn’t bring every request down the chimney, I’d be willing to bet BC.com has what you need.

Santa is on his way!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on December 24, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

Hopefully he’ll have his laptop so he can sign up for the Speedgoat 50k.  Registration goes online  January 1st at Ultrasignup.com.   The race is limited to 200 runners.  This year the fastest nannie and billie will take home $500 bucks, along with a goat leg for the dog to stare at.  Expect a flyover map of the course this year.  I have some software to figure it out, so check the Speedgoat registration page for details on that.  But give me a few weeks, cuz’ I’m computer illiterate. :-)

I haven’t run now since the Chimera 100.  I am on a hiatus (briefly) until the new year begins.  Why?  I’ve been building an epic luge run here in the Wasatch Range.  But I ain’t telling where it is, it’s my little secret.  All I can say is that it’s a 1960’s replica of luging in the woods.   Also hope to have a video of this one in the near future. 

My plans for next year are still not set in stone.  I may go to Europe, I may run Hardrock again.  Still not sure, but he apps are on the way just in case I want in. 

Ultrarunners of the Year should be coming out soon from Ultrarunning Magazine.  Stay tuned for that.  I think the date is sometime in the middle of January.   I think we all know who’s gonna win, but you never know.  It’ll be interesting.   Stay tuned for that. 

Stay tuned for big sales at Backcountry.com after Christmas.  It’s been a lean spending year and many shoppers are waiting for the sales.  There will be lots of great stuff going cheap!

Now go run!

El Nino—1, Chimera—0, Karl—still 28!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on December 14, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 19 Comments

If you haven’t already heard, this one was cancelled during mid-race.   Two aid stations were blown off the mountain by 40-50 mph winds, leaving no aid on the ridge for 20+ miles.  Even with aid, the right call was made.  It is rare in any sport to make the call during the event, but this one was welcomed by all…even me!  :-) 

It was shaping up to be a good race, Richie Cunningham was only 10 minutes behind me when the race was called.  Noone else was in sight, but the way I was feeling, I bet it would have been entertaining. 

Check back later for a better report.  I will now go shovel 3 feet of fresh at Alta, to “warm down” from that crazy adventure.

One more 100……then I guess I’ll take a nap!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on December 10, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 21 Comments
Off to the Chimera 100 this weekend.  Looks like it’ll be uncharacteristically muddy, but that’s good, cuz’ I like it when it’s ugly! 

Report when I return on Tuesday.

“100 miles is not that far”
 

Steidl beats Roes at the NF 50!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on December 5, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 56 Comments

Ulli Steidl runs 6:33 and change, while Geoff capped off his “Runner of the Year” performance throwing down a 6:40.  Both these times are faster than last year, but let’s remember it was a slightly different route. 

More to come from me, but follow Irunfar.com and click on his twitter feed for the best up to date info for now.

The final big dance of 2009…..The North Face 50 odds!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on December 2, 2009
in Race Updates and Speedgoat 50K
. 57 Comments

First off, this is a tough one.  There are so many solid runners in this race, it could go to any of the top 10 I have listed below.   I like to think experience will play a role in who takes home the cake!

The men:

Ulli Stiedl 5-2.   No doubt  Ulli is the fastest in the field when it comes to turnover.  The man runs like a gazelle.  He’s the only guy in the field this year that’s gone under 7 hours, won the innaugural and was a close second last year….he gets the nod from me again.
Dave Mackey 3-1.  Dave will take the place of Carpenter this year and stay right on Ulli’s heals if he’s not ahead of him to begin with.  Dave’s incredible 7:51 at Miwok this year tells all of us he’s got it down at Marin and won’t lose the trail.   He’s the man to dethrone Ulli, if Ulli is not on his game.   Dave will be on his game.
Tsuyoshi Kaburaki 4-1.  3rd last year and has to get the nod to place the same.  He ran super strong at WS.  What this tells me is he is a tough competitor and will dig deeper than anyone else if it comes down to a sprint up that last little hill nearing the finish line.
Geoff Roes 9-2.  What can we say about Geoff, he’s the “Ultrarunner of the Year” for 2009 (in my book) and after his Masochist performance, is probably not getting as much love on this list as he deserves.  He broke Mackey’s record by about 20 minutes at MM, so he’s got it in him to pay for his Alaskan flight if he’s still on fire.  My guess is that he’s still on fire.
MIke Wardian 5-1.  He’s kind of a mystery man to me, although I certainly know he’s capable of running up front….something will happen putting him 5th in the end.
Sal Bautista 6-1.  Sal won two NF 50 qualifiers, beating some tough comp,  so if he’s fit he’ll be one of those guys not everyone up front recognizes, and this is somewhat of his home turf.
Chikara Omina 7-1.  Super fast at Helen Klein and over the past few years has been running strong.  He’s the guy that might surprise us all if he has a good day.
Leigh Schmitt 8-1.  Another guy who ran well here last year, I think 5th.  So like Geoff doesn’t get as much love as he should on this list, but certainly one who’ll be in it for the cash.  He’s faltered a few times in races at the end, hopefully not at this one.
Hal Koerner 9-1.  Fresh off a 6:06 at JFK, so he’s got some speed, but his camera might slow him down.  He claims to be this year’s front running photographer.
Chris Lundstrom 10-1. I’ve been notified he’s a super fast guy form the upper midwest, but failed to get good google results when I looked, so he slips in the top 10.

Other men looking to run well, but won’t make any money: Maybe they’ll win some shorts for the size of elephants in a age division category! :-)

Sam Thompson, MIke Wolfe, Chris Rennaker, Sean Meissner, Dakota Jones, AJW only gets mentioned here cuz’ of his 5:14 mile recently. :-)
Don’t forget I stumbled upon two other Japanese runners….Hidefumi Kimura, and Minehiro Yokoyama, who knows, they might be fast too.  If they are wearing a billboard like Kaburaki, you can count on them being quick.
 

The Ladies:

Kami Semick 3-2.  It’s her home turf, she’s the previous champion and is likely the “Ultrarunner of the Year” again.  She’s fast, but will have lots of pressure on her, especially from the two listed below.   She may end up being the richest NF athete in town when it’s all over.  
Caitlin Smith 3-1.  Caitlin has what it takes to win this thing if the stars line up for her, but it’s hard to put her ahead of the other two.  She ran well at Miwok, but was beaten by Kami.  She’ll earn some cash.
Joelle Vaught 4-1.  Joelle is my sleeper to perform well here.  Most won’t be watching her, and on a good day can run with the best of em’.   She’ll look to squeeze out $1000 bucks for third.
Lizzy Hawker 5-1.  Fast girl that hasnt’ proved herself to me yet on this track, but like Joelle, she’s quick and could surprise the few girls ahead of her.
Helen Cospolich 6-1.  Helen doesn’t give herself enough credit and with 10,000′ of climbing here, it works with her strength.  If she holds together the whole day, she’ll be thinking about $1000 bucks too.
Chris Lundy 8-1.  Don’t know much about her, so I give her some love on the list, we’ll see what happens.  Anton mentions she’s just run a 2:40 marathon at Twin Cities.  And beat Kami and Susannah there.  I guess on Anton’s recommendation look for her to be the sleeper.  Still, it’s 50 miles, not 26.2……..very different in my opinion.  But that’s only worth a penny. 

Just my two cents, worth about a penny!

Check out this flyover of the course, brought to you by “run scout”

Don’t forget the real mountain race, the Speedgoat 50k applications go online on January 1st.  We know I”ll keep mentioning it.  My prize money is no $10,000, but I”m working on $500 for the winners.  It’s a mountain race with real vertical!

After this one, I won’t promise odds for the last 100 of the year….the Chimera 100 in Southern California.  My last race and thankfully my last 100 of the year.  This year was slim for me, only 7 100s. Next year we may almost double that….we’ll see. 

 

Time to eat!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on November 25, 2009
in Race Updates, Speedgoat 50K and Uncategorized
. 14 Comments

With the big turkey day upon us, think about running far today. 

Coming next week is the North Face 50 odds!  This should definately be a hot race to follow.  Hopefully, I’ll have some connection in Cali to get me the results.  I’m working on that.  With $10,000 on the line for the winner, it’s sure to be fast.  The Men’s and Women’s races will both be tigth, right from the start.

The Speedgoat 50k online registration will begin on January 1st, 2010.  We’re still hoping to get 200 runners in this crazy race.  11,000′ of climb is all I should need to say to get 200 of you here.  Trust me, it’ll entertain you!   Watch the video here, let us entice you a little bit. 

On my own end of things, I’ve found it entertaining to flip through a few blogs and read about the Western States Track Meet Lottery, coming Dec. 5.  I’m sure there will be plenty of discussion after a few fast guys and gals miss out, so I’ll leave that for another date and put it on the backburner for now.

The Chimera 100 mile is rapidly approaching, and rapidly closing, so if one more 100 is in the cards for you, this is the last 100 mile trail race of the decade.  But that has no significance. :-)  I’ll be looking for win #6 this year.  I still have the textbook in the back pocket, so I should at least run a decent race…..but we’ll see.  

“100 miles is not that far”

 

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