My legs felt like lead!  It was a tough start for me, but I managed to get up the first climb to the Bertone not too far off the front….maybe 6-7 minutes I’m guessing.  Mike Wolfe looked strong and fluid, I could see it may be his day.  It was his day…almost.  Mike chased Jez Bragg but came up just a bit short about 7 minutes behind when it was all said and done. 

My race turned a little better half way into it.  I was in roughly 40th place at La Fouly, but felt my mojo come bck a bit and passed nearly 20 runners before Lac Champex.  From that point on, I was in small mini races and held my position to the end finishing in 16th.  I had a good strong finish after bumping into Geoff Roes and Rickey Gates up near La Flagere.  While this was not my best race, I can say I did get it done and finished strong, something I always look for.  Check results here:  www.ultratrailmb.com, click on results and see how an incredible organization gets down to business.  No other race is this dialed in.  There are about 1000 volunteers here and it’s obvious they know what they are doing. 

NEXT UP:  2250 miles along the Pony Express Trail for me.  I’ll be starting on September 14th from Old Town Sacramento.  We should have live tracking of my progress along the way, as well as some almost daily video, comments…..you get the picture.  Whereskarl again, this time in nowhere Nevada, nowhere Utah, nowhere Wyoming, and nowhere Nebraska.   What’s another 50 miles a day for 45 days right?

Stay tuned for more info on the Red Bull Human Express coming soon.  I’m gonna get some sleep.

FLYING ABOVE MT BLANC IN MY HOKAS!!

Well, I’m off to Chamonix in about 2 hours….10 hours of flying, for 20 hours of running thru the most beautiful race course on earth.  2500 runners from around the world, and a highly competitive race.  This year the US has 4 guys that could win it.  Me being one of them on paper, although I don’t consider myself a contender for the cowbell.  I won’t do odds because there are too many European runners I don’t know.  The guys I do know are listed below and my two cents are included…

US Runners:

Geoff Roes.  He’s undefeated and beat Killian Jornet (the favorite) at Western States by an hour.  He’s the man to beat in my eyes.  Goeff is also a superior mountain runner and has no weaknesses.  His ability to run hard at the end has been unmatched at every race he’s run.

Scott Jurek.  He broke the american record at 24 hours about 2 months ago and I’m sure with this being his 4th UTMB, he’s ready to kill it.  He hasn’t had his best day there yet…he’s certainly due to nail one there.

Speedgoat Karl.  I am certainly due to have a good race.  My injuries are behind me, I’m not running with a brace on my arm anymore…because of confidence.  Ribs are good, shoulder is good, now it’s just a matter of execution.  You won’t see me near the front early, but I’ll hopefully still be cranking when I reach La Folly at mile 71 ish.  If I’m having a decent day, look for me to slowly reel runners in after the sun comes up.

Mike Wolfe.  He broke my record at Bighorn, has won the 50 mile national championship at White River a few years ago.  He’s one of those guys that noone will really give credit to, but he’s just as fast as the rest. 

Spain:

Killian Jornet.  He’s the defending champ and certainly the favorite, but this time he’s gonna have to race Goeff.  I’m sure he’s thinking about revenge after Western.  This time he better carry a waterbottle….

Japan:

Hiroki Ishikawa.  Japan’s popular running hero.  Sometimes he’s not on his game, but if he is, he’ll be in it too.

Toshiyo Kaburaki (sp?) I know that’s a wrong spelling, but I’m in a hurry to catch a flight.  Kaburaki is fast fast fast, he didn’t run WS because of an injury, but I bet he’s ready to rip one now.  Ran near the top last year at Mt Blanc I believe.

Other Europeans I don’t know:

I know Killian has a training partner that’s about as fast as he is…look for that guy to be up there, as well as a few from France of course.  And there has to be some suisse guy that’s fast.  With mountains like the Alps, we’re sure to see a few. 

Women:  Unfortunately I have no clue….

And I’ll be running in my Hokas……the french connection to comfort!

Check out some great photos from Pure Light Images, find yourself and give it a frame!

And of course, the Killer Video! 

The “OFFICIAL”  results are posted below…with those few exceptions not yet changed. 

2)  Check-in is at ENTRY #1 at the Creekside building on the deck.  Registration starts at 5am.  Please come early so you have the best selection of Drymax socks to choose from. 

3)  There are NO runner bags, only numbers, shirts, socks and a cheerful “Good Luck” from our staff.

4)  It will be hot!  If you plan on running this race WITHOUT a water bottle.  I will deem you “not very smart”.  :-)  There are a few sections where you will certainly want a bottle or three.

5)  We will have a brief informational talk at about 615am on the start line.   If you miss this for any reason, please look at my race page now for details. 

6)  If you plan to come up and pick up the goodies, but don’t run, please tell our staff this info.  It’s vital that we have a perfect runner list at the start.

7)  THERE HAS BEEN A FEW SUBTLE COURSE CHANGES!!!  So please pay attention to markings.  Orange flagging, Orange Pin Flags in sets of 3’s.  And BLUE flagging is the WRONG WAY. 

8)  There is still almost 12,000′ of climbing.  If you think this race is only a little further than a marathon….you are DEAD WRONG.  Or perhaps you’ll like the Dead Last Award….  There are no other 50k’s on the planet this tough…

9)  Updated RUNNERS LIST can be found here.  If for some reason your name is NOT listed here, contact me at Speedgoatkarl@gmail.com and let me know now.

 10)  Course topo map?  It’s really hard and hilly……and technical to boot.  Expect it to take alot longer than a normal 50k..

The Top contenders:

Speedgoat Karl 2-1.  I give myself the nod as last year’s winner and clockwise record run.  I’ve had 3 bad things happen to me in the last 9 weeks.  A broken arm, bruised ribs, and currently I have a broken clavicle.  I haven’t missed any training with the broken shoulder, although it’s a bit annoying. As long as I don’t crash on my left side, I’ll be fine and I’ll be running for a 6th Hardrock win….and a 6-pack.

Scott Jaime 3-1.  Scott has had a great year, and has really turned on the jets over the past few months.  Scott just ran at the San Juan Solstice 50 miler two weeks ago.  Is he gonna be a little tired?  probably not, he’s got that autopilot button like I do.  Chances are he’ll be looking for Hardrock title #1.

John Anderson 4-1.  John is always in it when the races are tough.  Hardrock is tough.  I haven’t seen his name pop up lately, but if he’s fit, he’s easily fast enough to win this race in the 26 hour range, if that’s what it’ll take.  I think it’ll be faster, John ends up 3rd.  

Troy Howard 5-1.  Troy was second last year, but only gets 4th on this list….only because he ran at Western States last weekend.  He should be a little tired.  He excels well at 100s, no reason his autopilot won’t work.  He also acquired some valuable experience last year. 

Nick Pedatella 6-1.  Nick is as fast as the rest of the bunch, but a Hardrock rookie.  There’s no reason he can’t hang up front all day, but it’s gonna wear on him, can he last another 8 hours longer than normal?

Jared Campbell  7-1.  A Hardrock veteran, one who has all the tools to win…if the stars line up, look for Jared to run a PR in the 26+ range.  He’s due for a great race.

Ricky Denesik  10-1.  Ricky is a past winner just over 30 hours, that would put him right about here, in 7th.  Being a local and veteran of the area, he’ll just get it done, and go sleep in his own bed.  I hope he breaks 30 hours, he’ll be the only one over 50 to do so.  That would be cool.

Paul Sweeney  13-1.  If he can hang with the wife, he’ll crack top 10. :-) 

Brooks Williams 15-1. A Hardrock rookie, but he asked me for some advice on how to break 30 hours….so I assume he’s pretty quick.  Hardrock is no picnic and can sometimes be underestimated.

Look for Dave Coblentz and Roch Horton to round out the top 10.

And the ladies:

Diana Finkel 1-2.  yah, 1-2.  Diana ran 27 and change last year.  No girl was even close, nor will one be this year.  She won at Jemez without really running hard. If Hardrock goes well, she’ll probably come in at least top 5 overall.  Her mountaineering experience doesn’t hurt either.

Darcy Africa  3-1. Darcy is back, she’s been running lots and racing, and if Diana falters, Darcy will run away for the win.  She’s got the speed of Diana, but Diana’s 27+ scares me….

Betsy Nye  4-1.  She’s right in there again to pick up 3rd, maybe second.  She’s won it before, so if she’s close near the end, she knows how to put her head down and get it done.

Betsy Kalmeyer 8-1.  Betsy with her experience could certainly move here way up in the standings.  She’s a great hiker, and one of only 3 women to ever break 30 hours.  If she’s really fit, she’ll be strong at the end.

Diane Van Deren 12-1.  She’ll be tough as always, somewhere in the 38 hour range. 

That’s it for predictions.  Let’s hope the weather cooperates and makes it a fun one.  When this one’s over we can all focus on the Speedgoat 50k, it may even be a harder 31 miles than any 31 at Hardrock. 

Still looking for Hoka’s, you can find them here. 

Or find them over here in Park City, or locally over here. 

Bear with me as I’m working on my site!

This just heard through the grapevine…$2000 TO MALE/FEMALE WHO BREAKS THE FASTEST TIME!

Thanks Pearl Izumi for showing the race directors prize money should be handed out with that cool trophy!  What makes this even better, is PI is not even a sponsor…..

Josh Brimhall 10-1.  Josh can hang, bottom line, he’s due to run a good, solid 100.  He’ll have a little score to settle with the course, after last year’s stumble.

And the ladies:

I believe Anita is out, she would be #1 if she were to start.  The ladies race is gonna be a great one too, I’m sure a few will slip into the men’s top 20.  This race will be close!

Bev-Abbs 14-1. Did I say experience counts?  top 10 no problem.

After reading through all that mumbo jumbo about my predictions, read just a little more about what’s next for me:

I’m proud to announce that Krissy Moehl and Matt Hart will be crewing me for the entire run on the Pony Express Trail.  It’s hard to beat a combination like that!  The experience of these two will certainly help me make it to Missouri by the time the snow starts flying.  I’ll be starting on or around September 15!  1840 miles on a mail route, my own route through the mountains.  I’ll be on alot of dirt road, but plan on making a few diversions to hit some wilderness too, as long as I make the necessary stops.   With the help of Ted Meyer on the “detail” end of things, it’s sure to be interesting to watch me run halfway across the US.  Our tracking device is being created at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology!  Something tells me it’s gonna work this time!!

The Corral is full at the Speedgoat 50k, plan on entering early next year to get in the toughest 50k on earth.  Remember this year it closed early June!  Please don’t ask to enter over our limit, but check back on July 12.  On that date, I’ll announce if there are any spots available….be ready on the 12th!  First come-first served, and there won’t be many spots.

Can’t find Hoka’s? The most comfy shoe ever! Available here online, until they’re sold out again!

The last 6 weeks have been tough.  Crashing backwards climbing over a dead tree started it all at Zane Grey.  We all know I broke my arm there.  The status on that is “very slow improvement”.  I bruised my ribs falling on my cast in a random situation 4 weeks later. The Status on that is, “much quicker improvement”, and almost out of the picture.  That’s cool.  Battered?  I crashed on my left side again, and had to protect the arm and ribs.  So, I used my left shoulder to break the fall.  I rolled once over a rock, it dug into my neck and shoulder.  My guess is either a blown rotator or a traumatic blow to the muscle, which is not allowing me to raise my arm while holding it out straight.  I can raise it wing style….we’ll see what happens Tuesday when I see Dr. Toronto. 

These injuries all stemmed off the fall at Zane Grey, none of the three injuries are “running injuries”.  I think the running gods are testing me to see if I can handle training in pain.  The gods lose, I can train in pain, and feel it’ll make me tougher again when Hardrock comes around in a month. Positive thinking.  The gods haven’t beaten me yet!

The Speedgoat 50k is now full, sorry to all of you who procrastinated, next year we’ll try and raise the limit a bit, and bring in some more prize money.

A few questions have been recently asked about my new Hoka runnin’ shoes.

“Why would I buy shoes that Karl crashed in at Zane Grey?”

“Did Karl crash because the Hoka’s have a higher base?”

“Did the shoes make Karl stumble?”

Like everything else these days…speculation comes up.  Some think I supermanned the fall after stumbling, some think the shoes caused me to crash.  Guess what?  wrong again!  I figured I’d clarify the incident to back up my enthusiasm over a simple pair of shoes.

While running at Zane Grey on April 24, I managed to crash hard and break my left Radius bone.  How did this happen?  While leading the race comfortably and just starting to get into my “autopilot zone” at mile 40ish, I came upon a huge dead tree.  One that had been there for years.  I grabbed two large branches with my left and right hand, proceeded to pull myself over the tree (about chest high), the left branch snapped.  I fell to the ground BACKWARDS on my left arm.  It happened so fast, I still can’t say how I fell on it, all I know now is that my range of motion after almost 6 weeks is about 2cm…..not much…..my hand is wrecked.  Hard to blame shoes when forward motion was 0 MPH.  Speculation explained. :-)  Tim Wagonner fell right in front of me at Jemez wearing Nike Luna Racer’s.  Does that mean it’s the shoes?…..hardly, he stumbled….I wish I would have stumbled, I wouldn’t have a broken wing right now.   I crashed over 100 times on the Appalachian Trail in La Sportivas in 2008.  I crash almost every race….cuz’ I do take some risks.  It’s simply part of the deal….running to win. 

On a more positive note, sort of….I intended to run the Pocatello 50 this past weekend for another 50 mile trainer, only a week after the Jemez 50.  The legs felt good after a slow 50 last week.  The weather forecast wasn’t so good….rain and snow above 6000′.  I decided not to run due to the fact the course would be super slick, and crashing was a big risk.  Turns out the race was shut down at mile 32 because of brutal conditions.  And did I mention the winds were nuking at 50+MPH on the ridges?, blowing markers away and causing many runners to go off course and become hypothermic.  In the end everyone was safe…..and I can’t even count the amount of runners that said I made the right decision.  With age comes wisdom, and I have bigger fish to fry in Silverton in 6 weeks.

I’ll be at the Squaw Peak 50 this coming weekend, manning the aid station at mile 29 with fellow ultrarunner Roch Horton.  If you are running this great course, stop in for a PBJ or some boiled potatoes, I’m sure they’ll be delicious.

My “Red Bull Human Express” project is moving forward, tune in for an entertaining look at what it takes to run 50 miles a day for 37 days…that’s right, 1840 miles from Sacramento, CA, to St.Joseph Missouri.  Set to begin around September 15, 2010.  Daily video, and a comedy act all about running real far!

We’re getting close to filling the Speedgoat 50k, ONLY 21 SPOTS LEFT to get in the toughest 50k on earth. REGISTER HERE NOW!  Don’t miss out!  

So I entered the Pocatello 50 one week later, to give the arm an extra week….probably smart.  I’ve been running for two straight weeks now and figure my fitness level will continue to improve…with age comes wisdom. 

However, here’s my picks for Jemez:

#1, the record will not go down, that’s an easy one.

1.   Nick Clark, Ryan Burch, and Dakota Jones are the three out front, you pick’em, it’s gonna be close.  Nick hasn’t run here, the other two have and ran in the mid 9’s.

4.  Tim Waggoner, just as fast as the other three, but a little less experience, also running blind.

5.  Nick Lewis, claims to be nursing a hamstring, saving it for some track meet in California.  He’s quick, and could be sandbagging.

6.  Tom Neilsen, his experience puts him fairly close, but not close enough.

7.  Speedgoat Karl, with a broken wing, he’ll need a little more Red Bull to fly, but his NEW HOKA SHOES create flight, so who knows, if he’s close, the hammer may go down on that last 9 mile descent….then again, he may not even run…..and save it for Pocatello.

8.  Nicolas Mermoud, Claims he’s not so fit, but he’ll have the Hoka’s on too, so he’ll be flying.

9.  Brett Rivers, Harry Harcrow, Tim Barnes, Scott Eppleman, and David Coblentz, round out the rest.

Diana Finkel should run away.  I don’t think Anita Ortiz is running and Petra McDowell has dropped to the 50k, Diana all the way.  It would be different if Anita and Petra were running the 50…but they’re not.

HOKA’S ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE US IN 4 STORES!!

Scarf them up now, they are already selling in SLC!  If they get ordered online, or over the phone, bump up a half size larger….they’re european you know!

The Speedgoat 50k is now 90% full, don’t ask after it’s closed. :-)  ….or it’ll be $200.

The Jerker finally has rebounded taking “Fat Boy’s” american 24 hour record down, and Rae Clark’s “absolute american record”…whatever that means. !  We’ve been waiting for Scott to do something big….well, he did something big!   Hell of a run Scott!  Congrats on an incredible effort!  Maybe we’ll see you back at UTMB so we can all redeem ourselves there too.

I think he’s pretty psyched…well deserved my man!