Here’s my picks. It’s off the cuff and only done in a few minutes cuz’ I’m off to dig a ditch and do trailwork for the Wasatch 100.
1. Anton looked good on the treadmill at the OR show, he’s had 6 weeks of healthy running and is probably hungry to bust one out.
2. Wardian will run fast and this course is good for him, it’s not too technical
3. Koerner can put in his bid for runner of the year if he wins.
4. Scott Jurek………he’s due to run a fast one.
5. Greg Crowther. Not sure on his fitness level, but likely he’ll be in this to win. Anton will try and burn him off early.
6. Phil Kochik….fast if he doesn’t blow up.
7. Jeff Browning. He’s the mystery man, we ran this past weekend, slowly, but I think he’s ready to run around 7 hours.
8. Brian Morrison. Another mystery man, but he’s got the speed to hang with the boys.
The womens race is all Kami Semick, and it’s hers to lose. Prudence L’Heuruex is the only challenger, but is no match for Kami.
Enjoy the show, I”m gonna go dig a ditch!
Running the ridge betweeen Hidden Peak and Baldy
Photos from the race
More stellar photos from Pure Light Images
YouTube video of the race
Matt Hart will be twittering updates as well, and posting to CoachingEndurance.com.
The Hardrock 100 starts Friday morning at 6am, CLICK HERE TO WATCH IT LIVE!
And the odds are in:
1. Scott Jaime 3-1. Scott is the man to beat as he’s ready and I’m a little tired. If he keeps it together, he’s got potential to run under 28 or even 27 if it all clicks!
2. Mark Hartell 7-2. My guess is he’ll run real smart and slip under 28 as well. He’s got it in him, he had a good chance at that time a few years back, but lost the edge with 15 to go.
3. Speedgoat Karl 4-1. I’m still a mystery, so I decided to keep the pressure off of me. I think I can run sub 26, but I don’t have Scott Jurek to chase, so it’ll likely be a slower start. 28 should be no problem if I don’t have real issues.
4. Jared Campbell 5-1. Another guy who has potential to run 27 hours, he’s my sleeper to win it.
5. Ryan Burch 11-5. Ryan is fast as demonstrated in Moab, but this is 100 in the San Juans, if he holds together, he’ll be there at the end with the leaders. Not as much experience at 100 as the others
6. Ricky Denesik 6-1. Another previous winner in the 30 hour range, but not enough to win this year.
7. Paul Sweeney 7-1. And another previous winner in the 30 hour range. If he keeps that smile on, look out! He’s always a strong finisher.
8. Sam Thompson 8-1. He flies under the radar a bit and will surprise some if he runs smart. He knows the routine.
9. Andy Jones-Wilkins 10-1. He should be tired from his good run at Western, and I assume he’ll finish strong. If it’s extra hot, I’m sure he’ll do better than 9th as he’s already “heat trained” from Western.
10. John DeWalt 72-1. He’s my favorite! He’ll pay big if he takes it! I can’t wait to see this guy come strolling around the corner at 530am Sunday morning!
The ladies:
1. Betsy Kalmeyer 3-1. She’s the master of the course, and although Diana comes back as returning champ, I’m thinking Betsy has a little unfinished business.
2. Diana Finkel 4-1. Great run last year, and could notch her 2nd Hardrock win if she’s on her game.
3. Betsy Nye 5-1. She’ll run around 33 hours as always, she won’t blow up either, she’ll crack top 3 again.
4. Helen Cospolich 6-1. She knows Colorado well and does well at altitude, she’s my sleeper for the women.
5. Kim Holak 7-1. If she’s been in Silverton for 2 weeks, move her up a bit, but coming from a lower altitude won’t help. Although sometimes it’s better, kind of the way I’m doing it. We’ll see. She’s fast.
6. Diane Van Deren 10-1. She’s coming off of Bighorn, so she may be tired a bit, but still rock solid strong.
Entries are closed for the Speedgoat 50k at Active.com, but you can still get in. Check the “Speedgoat 50k Page” for details. I will not accept anything after Monday evening July 13, so get on it now! It’s gonna be a doosy!
Check out my gear review page for the right shoe for the speedgoat 50k, amongst other things.
Keep in mind, I’ll be out of touch until I return from the Hardrock 100 on Monday for any comments.
REGISTRATION CLOSES SUNDAY, JULY 5 AT MIDNIGHT!
Registration is now CLOSED. For those of you out there still wanting to get into the race, contact Karl at speedgoatkarl@gmail.com to plead you’re case. I may let it slide….:-)
Keep in mind I will be away from my desk Wednesday thru Sunday at the Hardrock 100 and will not be able to process any apps. Be patient, you will get in! 100% sure, just be patient for my return from the Superbowl! I will respond to all inquiries Monday when I get back.
Time to get on it and run the toughest 50k in the land. Click here for info and the registration page. I’ve now been out on the course, the snow is melting rapidly and should make the course almost 100% clear. The run down to Mary Ellen Gulch is as ugly as always, and the climb out should be just as hot as last year. The run is coming together nicely. The flowers should be at their peak this year around 10,000′, so plan on smelling the sweetness of Powder Paradise and the Bookends!
The Hardrock 100 is also in a mere 8+ days. I’ll be headed to Silverton, CO for another counter-clockwise adventure through the San Juan Mountains. My legs are still heavy from my solid run at Bighorn almost two weeks ago. The moose encounter injuries are almost healed up too……I’m hoping I don’t come home with anymore hoof prints on my shin and hand. I’ll do odds for Hardrock before I leave on Wednesday morning next week. I need to see how I feel getting close to the big dance. Right now I’m tired. My training has existed of multiple 4000′ days on the Speedgoat 50k course, now it’s time to taper again.
