Monthly Archive for June, 2008

The Speedgoat 50K course is melting fast!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on June 30, 2008
in Appalachian Trail and Speedgoat 50K
. 4 Comments

26 days till post-time for the toughest 50K on earth!….maybe not, but it sounds good!

This mornings run took me to the summit of Snowbird to scope out the Speedgoat 50k. It looks like a butt-slide is likely in Little Cloud Bowl for the final descent! It’ll bring back those childhood memories of you’re favorite sled run! I’m working on logistics now and soon we’ll have a map so you can salivate over the course.

We plan to have the $100 bill at the top for the first man and women who make the 4500′ climb to the peak first….but you gotta finish to collect….no sandbaggers here!

Entries Close on the 15th, so if you’re gonna run, send it in now to reserve a spot in the field, and some pizza and beer* at the finish line.

For those who don’t know, directly after the Speedgoat 50K, I’ll be heading out for the run of my life with the Appalachian Assault beginning August 5th on the Summit of Mt. Kathadin in Maine. For more details, whereskarl.com will be the command center for the entire AT run, check out my training, the GPS, the podcasts, the U-Tube videos, and all the other cool stuff we’re gonna do while everyone watches me suffer for 2174 miles.

* Beer must be purchased by runners, I can’t legally buy it for you…damn disclaimers!

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4th of July Sale at Backcountry.com

Published
by
admin-karlmeltzer
on June 27, 2008
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

Check out the sweet sale at Backcountry.com!

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Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on June 26, 2008
in Race Updates
. 22 Comments

Mother Nature “Strikes” again!

Sitting here in No. Tahoe, it’s safe to say, it’s a smoker here, and wildfires suck, but life goes on. What will we do now? we’ll go running somewhere else. Perhaps the fire gods are telling me something…..to focus on the AT only.

It’s a shame all those $300 entry fees can’t be at least partially returned, but it’s understandable, that’s the way it works. I’ll go for a smoker run tomorrow to emigrant pass…just because.

We have to feel for the committee, nothing is harder than telling 400 runners we can’t run. Maybe we should all head to Silverton and run Hardrock bandit style, a day early.

Or….everyone enters the speedgoat 50k on July 26th to celebrate cheryl’s(my wife)birthday. I’ll have another beer now, it’s ok……OUCH!

The Western Track Meet is on the Horizonfinally!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on June 23, 2008
in Race Updates
. 24 Comments

And the odds are:

Mens Race:
Anton Krupicka 8-5. We all know he’s the man to beat. The heat will be his toughest competitor.
Hal Koerner 5-2. Last year’s winner knows he can run under 16 now, if he has injury issues, he’ll be rested and ready to rip one.
Erik Skaden 4-1. A few bridesmaids finishes, last year ran 16:34, has been running strong, if he peaks now, it may even be his turn to win. A podium finish for sure.
John Olsen 4-1. Ran a fast one at Rio Del Lago, and is ready and fit for this one.
Lon Freeman 5-1. He was close last year, this year should be no different…not to mention the experience factor.
Mike Wardian 6-1. Mike’s two wins at the “no headphones” 50k and 100k, shows he’s the fastest one in the field, has run under 16 for 100 miles.
Brian Morrison 6-1. His DQ finish a few years ago has probably made him quite hungry to have a good run. It would be great to see him return and run up front.
Speedgoat Karl 7-1. Took the lucky number 7 position, I have no issues now and feel good, but the real focus is on the AT after the track meet. If I’m in it, I’ll be going for it, if I’m not, I’m gonna have a fun run!
Jorge Pacheco 8-1. Jorge is always in it early, if he can survive the early pace into Robinson Flat, and feel fresh there, my guess is he’ll have good run.
Josh Brimhall 9-1. Josh ran 16:48 at San Diego a few years ago, that’s enough to tell me he makes the list.
Todd Braje 9-1. Wondering if he peaked too early. Probably not, he’s got the speed to be up front, we’ll see where he ends up.
Graham Cooper 10-1. I think he’s been running well lately, his odds should probably be better, being a previous winner, but this field is tough.
Zach Miller 12-1. Zach would have been further up this list without arthroscopy on his knee, but at least he’s here. Top 10 would get him back next year, if he holds up well, he could be much further up this list.
Andy Jones-Wilkins 13-1. AJW is the sentimental favorite, and looking to go under Twiet’s master record (17:17)….and probably will, but there’s a few masters ahead of him on this crazy list.
Dan Olmstead 13-1. Speedy on shorter distances, on a great day could even contend to win.
Glen Redpath 14-1. Has shown great prowess in the past, and could work his way up this list, if he hangs tough
Sean Meissner 14-1. Off and On, when he’s on he’s fast, when he’s off, he’s out. A hard call, would love to see Sean nail one at Western.
Neil Olsen 15-1. Another Master looking to crack the top 10.
Hiroki Ishikawa 15-1. It would be cool if Hiroki won, he’s already a national hero in Japan, he could be a hero in the US too.
Notables:
Mark Godale
Alan Abbs
Mike Wolfe
Chikara Omine
Jeann Pommier
Jeff Riley
Kevin Sullivan
Scott Wolfe
Jack Cooke
Jez Bragg
Tracy Moore
Women’s Race
Nikki Kimball 5-2. Even after just running 53 miles in Vermont, she’s the toughest one in the field, and just getting herself back into great shape. No rookie at this one.
Kami Semick 4-1. One of the few to beat Nikki, and with a good run could take the throne from Nikki.
Jenn Shelton 6-1. Another speedy one, but will she manage her fuel well? Eat your gel Jenn!
Beverly Abbs 7-1. Close but not quite fast enough to hang up front the whole distance.
Suzannah Beck 8-1. The fastest of the bunch at shorter distance, I believe a sub 2:40 marathon. But this ain’t no marathon. If she plays here cards right, she has the talent and speed to go close to Ann Trason’s record…but she’ll have to nail her first 100.
Devon Crosby-Helms 9-1. Just behind Suzannah, we’ll see what kind of 100 experience she brings to the table, she has the speed to stay up front.
Caren Spore 11-1. I hear she’s been running well and will look for her best time this year.
Jenny Capel 11-1. Not fast enough to compete for the win, but always a solid performer.
Francesca Conte 12-1. Sentimental favorite, great Hong Kong runner.
Notables:
Meghan Arbogast
Michelle Barton
Rena Schumann
Beth Vitalis
Suzie Lister
Sabrina Moran
Prudence L’Heureux

A few things to think about: Please correct me if I’m wrong.

The over 40 category is a race in itself, the record is 17:17…Tim Tweitmeyer.
Andy Jones-Wilkins
Speedgoat Karl
Jorge Pacheco
Neil Olsen

All these guys are over 40 and will be running for the masters record too!

CLICK THIS LINK TO WATCH THE RACE LIVE

www.ws100.com

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First…Bighorn!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on June 19, 2008
in Appalachian Trail, Race Updates and Speedgoat 50K
. 0 Comments

This year the Bighorn 100 will be different, most of the Rocky Mountain region had tons of snow this year and the Bighorn Mountains were no exception. The turnaround at Porcupine is still under 3 feet of snow, nonetheless the course will be awesome as usual, and two new records will be set…..and may last forever, so the odds are:

Mens Race
Jeff Browning 4-1. Jeff’s best time is 20:23, only 12 minutes shy of the “soft” record I set last year, it’s a new course, so everyone is blind to start, Jeff knows this terrain well.
Ty Draney 5-1. Simply put it’s Ty’s turn, he should hang with Browning and see what happens late in the race.
Justin Angle 5-1. Very fit now, and ready to rip one, he’ll be out fast, the question is will he have the power to run to the end.
Paul Dewitt 6-1. The fastest for sure, but on this terrain, he’ll be chasing late.
Jamie Gifford 8-1. He’ll slip in there for a podium if the others have tough day.
Bradley Mongold 10-1. His name on the list read “Radley Mongold”, but if it is “Bradley” he’ll be right there. Strong performances early this year….he should get better odds, but a rookie on this course can be a tough one.
Roch Horton 15-1. One of these days Roch’s gonna win one, if he carries his banjo the whole way I’ll give him 3 hours of bonus minutes.
Davy Crockett 20-1. That’s right, Davy makes the list this week.
Womens Race
Prudence L’Heuruex 4-1. Although blind to the course, certainly the fastest out there, some strong performances this spring should propell her to the front when all said and done.
Honey Albrecht 9-1. The next choice if Prudence chooses to lose.
Olga Varlamova 10-1. She’s always wanted to make this odds list, she might slip in for a podium finish.
Milada Copeland 12-1. Wasatch Running Center’s #1 100 mile runner could slip into ta podium finish as well, she likes the Bighorn’s!

Next week I’ll do the Western States Track Meet Odds. I’ll have them on the board on Monday morning, it’ll give us a week to debate it. Just thinking about this list scares me. I think the men’s winner will be easy, after that we’ll all be guessing!

Continue to check out whereskarl.com for info on my Appalachian Trail Assault. The RV is wrapped up…. I’m all over that thing. I wonder what dad will feel like driving around with a picture of his son all over it?

The Speedgoat 50k has almost hit 100 runners, that’s 100 times someone gets to buttslide down Little Cloud Bowl at Snowbird…..with super tired legs, it’s gonna turn into a luge run by the time 25 slide down. Just another added feature to the toughest 50k in the US.

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Pacers or No PacersTHAT is the question!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on June 11, 2008
in Race Updates
. 60 Comments

In this age of Ultrarunning, pacers play a large roll in motivating and assisting runners to finish the brutal 100 milerace. Is this really necessary? In France, pacers are not allowed, and the RD’s evendiscouragehaving a crew. The US is the opposite, why is that? Are the Europeans more purists? Are we weak in saying we need a pacer?, or have we just grown up knowing they are always allowed, so we take advantage of it? Someon the other side of the pond cut a few corners, maybe here in the US our form of cutting cornersis having a pacer/mule.

For the lead runners, pacers should not be allowed if one is running for the win. There is a distinct advantage to having a friend by your side when the going gets rough…even if the “pacer” is not carrying anything. A prime example would be during nighttime, the extra person with a light is muling….maybe not carrying, but the brighter trail means faster running.What is fair? For non-elite runners pacers are great to help those who just want to get er’ done.

It’s time to think about all the top runners at the WS track meet not having a pacer/mule, why not make it a fair fight. Crew only, pacers/mules stay on the wayside.

Just thought I would run this idea by all those elite runners heading to Squaw Valley on June28. No babysitters for the whiners. I like the idea!Remember this is all in goodfun!

Some great races this weekend, the big one in Vermont…the Pittsfield Peaks Challenge.

$2000 bucks to the sole winner, now that’s some prize money. I would be there in a heartbeat if the WS committee did not let me in. It’s on next year’s list!

Mens Race

Leigh Schmitt should lead the way amongst the men….he’ll get 5-2 odds as his local knowledge will take him to victory.
Courtney Guertin will follow as bridesmaid again….7-1
Tim Roy has a chance as a rookie to beat Courtney….8-1.
Both will have to look out for Nikki Kimball if they don’t want to get chicked!

Womens Race

Nikki Kimball won’t run away with the women’s title…she gets 3-1 if she races it before WS. She should race it, asthe Western Buckle ain’t worth 2000 bucks, and she has plenty of those silly buckles.
Deb Livingston is her competition, and will be on her heels, but might come up short unless a stellar day awaits…she gets 7-1 with Nikki in the field.
Robin Holleran will follow in 3rd but quite a ways back.
Laurel Highlands 70 mile this weekend too!
Todd Walker will go for another great trail win….7-2 if he’s fresh after Massannutten
Sean Andrish will go out hard….5-1, and if he hangs on has a good chance to beat Todd.
Randy Miller gets the third position with 9-1…New at this distance, he’s shown awesome improvement over the past 4 months, and could slip in there and surprise everyone if he takes his coach’s advice! Good luck Randy! It’s only 70 miles.
Only a few days left to register for the Speedgoat 50k before the price goes up ten bucks! Check out the webpage here

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The Appalachian Assault is only two months away!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on June 2, 2008
in Appalachian Trail and Race Updates
. 47 Comments

Preparation for the AT assaultis coming together, the RV is in the house (outside of the house) and the Backcountry.com wrap is being designed.

Training wise: Yah, I’ve been running every day, the real training will be after the WS track meet, where I’ll go hiking alot instead of running, it’ll be nice to slow down once in a while.

The biggest concern is the tracking device from SPOT, it works well, but some details need to be improved for it to work the way we want it to. Our friends at SPOT and BC.com are working to provide the ultimate tracking tools to make this adventure not only fun for me, but fun for all to watch me suffer. I like to suffer! Check out our AT command center at whereskarl.com for some new video and info leading to the 2174 mile adventure.

We are now 26 days from the Western States Track Meet, and I’ll certainly do some odds for this one. But first, here’s a list of contenders I know of. If there are any others out there, please help me out and chime in with some comments on their qualifications.

Men: Alan Abbs, Todd Braje, Josh Brimhall, Graham Cooper, Lon Freemen, Mark Godale, Hiroki Ishikawa, Andy Jones-Wilkins, Hal Koerner, Anton Krupicka, Sean Meissner, Karl Meltzer, Zach Miller, Brian Morrison, Dan Olmstead, Neil Olsen, John Olsen, Jorge Pacheco, Glen Redpath, Kevin Sawchuck, Erik Skaden, Mike Wardian, Mike Wolfe, Chikara Omine, Scott Wolfe, Jean Pommier and Jeff Riley.

Women: Beverly Abbs, Meghan Arboghast, Michelle Barton, Annette Bednosky, Susannah Beck, Jenny Capel, Francesca Conte, Devon Crosby-Helms, Nikki Kimball, Kami Semick, Rena Schumann, Jenn Shelton, Caren Spore, Beth Vitalis, Suzie Lister, and newcomer Sabrina Moran.

Red lettering….the real contenders to win it,
Blue lettering….the darkhorses.
Black lettering….Some faster folks that might surprise someone
A good preliminary list to get things going!
Also this week, the San Diego 100 and the Squaw Peak 50 are happenin”. I’ll be at the Squaw Peak 50 running with my wife Cheryl in her first 50 mile attempt, she picked Squaw Peak cuz’ it’s an easy one…yah right!
The snow is starting to melt away at Snowbird, the Speedgoat 50K is filling up quickly now, so those interested in running the toughest 50k in the US, come join in the fun and get your arse kicked on some of the finest goat trails in Utah. Find the Application here.
Thanks to the Speedgoat 50k sponsors: Snowbird Ski Resort, Backcountry.com, LaSportiva, Nathan Human Propulsion Laboratories, First Endurance, Powerbar, Red Bull, NUUN, Moeben, Wasatch Running Center, Nordic Track, and Black Diamond.
We’re still needing volunteers for the race, so if you interested, grab you’re binoculars, and cowbells and come up to Snowbird for the Speedgoat Party on the Peak.
In a recent news flash….Scott Jurek will not give Kyle Skaggs a run for it at Hardrock. Let’s hope Scott is not injured, Seems HR may be another run-away victory for Mr. Skaggs….no pressure Kyle, run your own race!

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