Tag Archive for 'hal koerner'

Western States…Speedgoat Odds 2010

No doubt this will be the toughest “odds” I’ve ever done.  Picking the winners of this great race is certainly gambling.  The heat plays a huge factor.  A few WS rookies up front stand out as big overall favorites, but it’s a long way from Squaw to Auburn, and anything can happen. Some of the fast men and women will drop, that’s a given.  Let’s hope it’s real close at the end..I call it the “Track Meet”, wouldn’t it be cool if the last 300 meters decided the race?  I guess I’m dreaming.  Good Luck to all!!

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…..

1. Hal Koerner 3-1.  Hal being the previous champ two years in a row, certainly gets the nod. He’s held off some of the best in the business before, why not again.  His experience at WS should play a huge factor as many of the fast guys near the front haven’t felt what it’s like to run 100 miles when it’s 100 degrees.  Look for Koerner to be fearless while he drags the others along at the front.
2.  Geoff Roes 7-2.  Although Geoff doesn’t have the heat experience as Hal, he does bring the most casual attitude to the start line.  If Geoff doesn’t get involved with all the hype, runs his own race, and runs smarter than everyone else, he may be one of the rare WS virgins to take home that Cougar trophy, along with some other little prize.  He could be the only undefeated 100 mile runner to reach 10 wins without a loss.  I think WS would be 9, but he’s got Mt. Blanc later too.
3. Anton Krupicka 4-1.  He’s had his best training ever, claims to be ready to rip.  If he doesn’t think “record” and focuses on “winning instead”, he’ll be right there when the end is near.
4) Tsuyoshi Kaburaki 9-2.  Smoked it last year, and coming back for a second chance means alot, he’s super fast, and although none of us really know how strong he is right now, chances are if he’s fit, he’ll run real smart too.
5) Jez Bragg 5-1. Jez ran 3rd last year, enough said.  Like Kaburaki, we really don’t know, but experience is big here.  He’ll be in it.
6) Nick Clark 6-1. Nick has been quick all year, was real fast at Jemez in a hot race.  He’s kinda the sleeper here. If he plays it smart, he’ll do his best.  He doesn’t quite have the 100 mile experience yet, but he can hang for a long time if he wants too….we’ll see.
7) Killian Jornet 7-1.  If Killian pulls it off, well, his “quest” will be complete.  I think he’ll come in strong, but not fast enough, due to his tour across the Pyrenees.  Multi-day adventures make us slower, at least for a little while.  Hopefully for us spectators, he’ll be in the mix when Auburn approaches.  I just think he’ll have slow legs.
8) 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.
9) Erik Skaden 12-1.  He know this one well, and as experience counts, thats in his back pocket.  He just has to keep it together.
10) Rod Bien  14-1.  Great race at Miwok, he gets the last spot for the following year. If he runs well from Green Gate in, he’ll move forward.
So those are my top 10.
The rest in the order I think they’ll finish:
11) Zach Miller
12) Gary Robbins
13) Andy Jones-Wilkins
14) Leigh Schmitt…Sleeper to win.
15) Troy Howard
16) Victor Ballesteros
17) Nick Lewis
18) Ian Torrence…sleeper for top 10
19) Phil Kochik
20) Andrew Henshaw
21) Dan Barger
22) Glen Redpath
23) Mike Arnstein
24) Todd Walker
25) Brian Vandenburg

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!

1) Nikki Kimball 2-1. Previous champ a few times, gets the nod and will be tough to beat if she’s fit. Hopefully she’s feeling good and is ready to race.
2) Meghan Arboghast 3-1. She’s been close, she’s been running well, this could be her year. Experience counts.
3) Joelle Vaught 4-1. Joelle always shows up and runs well, this year will be no exception.  Definately fast enough to win it.  If she stays in the mix late, it’ll be a classic 3 woman race.
4) Tracy Garneau 6-1. Canada (I think) has been tough this year, look for her to represent.
5) Devon Crosby-Helms 8-1. Better at shorter distances, but could surprise us all if she’s still running strong after Foresthill.  She probably has more speed than most men…and women.
6) Annette Bednosky 10-1. The hope from the east, she generally dominates her region, and is certainly fast enough to hang….we’ll see.
7) Jenny Capel 12-1. She’s been there done that, she’ll crack top 10 with a little room to spare….did I say experience counts?
8) Bev-Abbs 14-1. Did I say experience counts?  top 10 no problem.
9) Becky Wheeler 15-1.   She was pretty fast at the Speedgoat 50k, that’s enough for me to put her in the top 10.  Hopefully her legs are speedy on the WS track.
10) Suzanna Bon 17-1. Kind of a sleeper, she’s a tough runner, but I think she’s better when terrain is tough, she’ll still slip in to the top 10.
11) Tamsin Anstay
12) Angela Shartel
13) Connie Gardner…she’s the overall sleeper
14) Caren Spore
15) Jill Perry
16) Julie Fingar
17) Liz Vitalis
Every one of these ladies could finish anywhere….so many variables.

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!


Last chance for the big dance

Miwok 100K happens Saturday, the field is “pretty solid”. :-)

Here’s my picks:

THE MEN

1. Anton Krupicka 5-2.  We all know if he has no injury issues, he should be gone daddy gone.  He’s been training hard, comes from 8000′ ish and should be able to challenge Mac Daddy’s record if has his day in the sun.
2.  Gary Robbins  3-1.  He should push Anton off the line, we’ll see if he challenges him, chances are he’ll hold on for 2nd and not be too concerned about winning, 2nd is probably all he’s looking for.
3.  Mike Wardian 4-1.  If he’s not over-raced, he’ll challenge for 2nd with Gary, he’s run pretty well on these trails at the North Face races in the past. 
4.  Hal Koerner  5-1.  Great run at Lake Sonoma, he’s fit, but has no pressure to run up front, he’s already gonna dance at Squaw Valley anyway.  He’s the new Mr. Western.
5.  Dominic Grossman 6-1.  Ran pretty quick at American River, if he’s just starting to get the ball rolling, he’ll look to be closer up front.
6.  Nathan Yanko  7-1.  I forgot Nathan, as I always forget someone, he slips in here, he wasn’t far behind Mr. Western at Sonoma, and won’t be too far behind him again!
7.  Rod Bein  8-1.  Hmmmmm, could be his day, top 6 would be a strong showing, he’s got it in him.
8.  Lewis Taylor  10-1.  He’s got the speed, but not sure if he can hold it for 62+ miles.  Better at 50k.
9.  Erik Skaden  10-1.  A little less speed than Taylor but more endurance, these two at 10-1 should duke it for the lucky 8 spot.
10.  Kevin Schilling  13-1.  Always a mystery man, when he’s on his game….he’s quick.  Utah’s #1 representative
11.  Zach Gingerich  15-1.  After bailing at the McNaughton 100 a few weeks ago tells me he’s a little tired.  He ran a stellar 13:23 100 at Umstead, but it’s flat too, the hills will likely break him down a bit.

The rest….in no particular order:

Tim Monaco, Thomas Reiss, Tracy Moore, Brett Rivers, Jean Pommier, Mark Richtman, Glen Redpath, Ray Sanchez, Chris Rennaker, Rob Evans, Topher Gaylord.

THE LADIES

1. Kami Semick  5-2.  It’s her home turf, but it won’t be easy, she’s been our “runner of the year” recently and this is the chance for her to prove she’s still the woman to beat.
2.  Anita Ortiz  3-1.  She knows how these trails are and if she’s been working on that turnover she’ll be in to win, but like Koerner on the mens side, she’s already dancing at Squaw Valley, so she has no pressure to stay up front.
3.  Devon Crosby-Helms 7-2.  Her run at JFK last year almost beat all the men, so if she’s in good form, Kami will be challenged for the win.
4.  Darcy Africa 5-1.  On a good day she can hang with anyone, I’d love to see her nail it.
5.  Krissy Moehl 6-1.  Now that she’s just a pro runner, her training, hopefully has been going well.  She’s a better 100 mile runner, so she gets 5th here.
6.  Amy Sproston 8-1.  The east coast’s best shot at top 5.
7.  Helen Cospolich 10-1.  Another fast girl…..but just not fast enough on hardpack, she’s better when it’s not “roadlike”.
8.  Prudence L’huereux  10-1. Always a mystery to me, I never seem to predict her finish too well.
9.  Angela Shartel 15-1.  She was high on the ultrasignup list….she gets 9th. 

On another note:

I have decided to leave La Sportiva as one of my primary sponsors.  They were a great company and brand to run for, but I have now discovered a shoe that takes technical running above and beyond anything else out there. 

What are they? 

A small corner of ultra world already knows after seeing me run in them at  the Zane Grey 50 this past weekend.  For those who don’t, they are called HOKA ONEONE.  No other shoe rips through technical terrain like these, not even close….don’t be decieved.  They weigh 10.8 ounces, lighter than most…no, not the lightest, but close.
We’ve all read the book on how the indians run barefoot, which somewhat brought on the low profile designs, with minimalistic features, but none of these light shoes have protection, response, or stability as the HOKA’S!…none of them.  As I am not a salesman here, I only rave about something I really like.  These are so incredibly comfortable, it’s mindblowing.  Check em’ out.  www.hokaoneone.com/en/.   They’ll be available soon in the US.  The kicker…my pair have over 600 miles on them and are going strong, what other shoe lasts that long?…none, at least as far as I know.
No, I didn’t finish the Zane Grey 50 this past weekend, so you won’t see my name on the results list…

What happened?

While running along at mile 40 with roughly a 40 minute lead and running strong, I came to one of many large downed trees.  While grabbing a branch with each hand, I proceeded to lift myself over it, then SNAP!, the left branch broke, I fell backwards and crushed my hand, breaking the head of the radius and jamming it into my hand bones…..it wasn’t pretty.  I walked into the mile 44 aid station with a crooked hand and decided to go to the Payson hospital to get it x-rayed.  Still, eventual winner Scott Jaime had not caught up.  I estimate my time would have been in the 8:30 range.  Not close to the record, but a good run at the ugliest 50 mile in town.  The winning time was 9:40.

And lastly, the Speedgoat 50K is filling, the comp is getting stronger. Register now, but don’t plan on running a PR, it ain’t happenin’ here.

THE NEW SHOE!!

 

 

 

 

JFK 50 was a fast one!

Devon Crosby-Helms killed it for the women, breaking Ann Lundlbad’s record by a scant 21 seconds!!!
She must have been thinking about that for the last 10 miles!
  1 Gregory Crowther    36   1/212  M SEATTLE      5:50:13  7:01 
  2 Michael Arnstein    32   2/212  M NEW YORK      5:50:58  7:02 
  3 Matt Woods          30   3/212  M FALLS CHUR    5:54:10  7:05 
  4 Hal Koerner         33   4/212  M ASHLAND       6:05:02  7:19 
  5 Chad Ricklefs       42   1/298  M BOULDER       6:06:51  7:21 
  6 Matthew Lavine      35   5/212  M CRYSTAL LA   6:08:17  7:22 
  7 Oz Pearlman         37   6/212  M NEW YORK     6:09:39  7:24 
  8 Ben Ingram          32   7/212  M BALTIMORE    6:21:45  7:39 
  9 Jon Lawler          46   2/298  M KNOXVILLE     6:24:20  7:42 
 10 Devon Crosby-Helms  27   1/37   F SAUSALITO     6:29:21  7:48 
 11 Scott Jurek         36   8/212  M SEATTLE       6:31:12  7:50 
 12 Josh Brimhall       34   9/212  M HENDERSON     6:32:13  7:51 
 13 Andrew Mason        37  10/212  M HAGERSTOWN    6:34:36  7:54 
 14 David James         31  11/212  M SOMERS        6:36:00  7:56 
 15 Blake Benke         33  12/212  M DANBURY       6:43:28  8:05 
 16 Timothy Smith       38  13/212  M GLENELG       6:44:08  8:05 
 17 Kyle Cashin         39  14/212  M WESTLAW       6:44:55  8:06 
 18 Vladimir Banas      40   3/298  M MOUNT AIRY    6:46:22  8:08 
 19 Jeffry Buechler     35  15/212  M PORTLAND           6:47:40  8:10 
 20 Ian Torrence        37  16/212  M ASHLAND       6:48:14  8:10
Obviously a great race up front.  Eric Clifton’s record remains intact…..barely. 
Rogue Valley Runners appear to have won the “team” title with 4 of 5 runners in the top 20.  Eric Clifton was the #5 man finishing in 8:12…..a few beers behind teammates Koerner, Jurek, Brimhall and Torrence. 
Devon Crosby-Helms appears to have smoked the women with a stellar 6:29, Meghan Arboghast ran well too, finishing in 6:56.  Annette Bednosky is back to old form running 7:02 for third.  
 

I guess I’ll run another 100

Well, the plan was to run the North Face 50 in San Francisco.  Due to a weak webpage and updated runners list,  I didn’t get the invitation or money in, in time.  So I bagged it.  I don’t feel I am qualified to compete for the $$ anyway, so I decided I’d go run another 100 miles to get rid of this nagging periformis issue I’ve been having.   The one thing I’ll be missing is chasing the front of the women’s race in the Marin Headlands…..not to mention the original plan was to go visit some good friends in Ashland before the race.  That’ll have to wait for another road trip.

So another 100?  Why not?  I feel fine, other than the periformis.  The periformis hurt before the Pinhoti 100 two weeks ago, only to go numb by mile 40. It stayed numb until the following Wednesday. Funny how running a 100 miles for me gets rid of injuries instead of creating them.  I am truly a freak sometimes. 

The Chimera 100 is the race, it boasts 24,000′ of climb.  I figured that sounds like another 20 hours of fine trail running in California.  It also gives me a chance to win at 100 miles for a 6th time this year.  NO, I’m not cherrypicking races, (if anyone out there thinks I am) I’m running this one cuz’ I have nothing better to do that weekend and it looks like a fun course.  Unfortunately on the competition side, most of the faster guys will be in San Fran the week before.   The beauty of it is I get to run all day supported, they only get to run 7-8 hours.  So I win! :-)    Funny how my brain thinks that way. :-)

The Speedgoat 50k is rapidly approaching the opening of registration, that’ll be on January 1st.  Sign up early and commit this time, or take the risk and sign up later.  Either way, it’ll be a fun day at Snowbird Ski Resort running on one of the most beautiful courses this planet has to offer.  Check out the video of the race here.   Some day when my site takes a u-tube video, I’ll have it here to view.  At least the link works! 

Backcountry.com is constantly having sales these days, with coupon codes, deals and motivation to get the gear we need.  Click the goatman on the right hand corner above and check out this week’s specials.

Also, the JFK 50 mile is happening Saturday.  It should be a great race to follow.  Team Rogue Valley Runners are looking to win yet another team title with Ian Torrence leading the way with the most JFK finishes.  His team consists of Hal Koerner, Josh Brimhall, Scott Jurek, CR holder Eric Clifton, and Ian himself.   The dream team is set.  Enjoy!  I”m goin’ runnin’

The most competitive Wasatch 100 ever!

This year’s Wasatch 100 is lined up to be a burner.  Not only will it be warm, ( at this point ) but the heat, dust, and dry overgrown conditions should make it an interesting race to watch, and more interesting to run up front.  It’s a tough one to pick. The way I look at it there are 5 guys who could run away.  More than likely it’ll be one of the 5 guys on the top of the odds list.  It’s fair to say it may take a record to win this year.  Kyle Skaggs is hanging on to the record at 19:35 and change.   This could be the race that decides the “Speedgoat of the Year”. 

The Men:

Geoff Roes  7-2.  Returning champion with a 20:01 to his credit on his first run here.  He’s focused, he’s been sleeping high in Colorado for two weeks, and is now sleeping high here.  He looks fit and ready to run sub 20….at least!  
Speedgoat Karl  4-1.  This is my chance to shine right?  Well it won’t be easy.  I’ve been a little erratic in training because of a foot issue, but it’s gone now and if I can take my normal attitude…”100 miles isn’t really that far” all the way to the finish, I see a sub 20 in me easily.  But I’m gonna have to nail it and run hard, cuz’ looking over my shoulder I may just see that light coming at me.   This is my 100th ultra and shooting for the 50th ultra win of my career.  Needless to say, I have some incentive.   Any way you look at it, I’m in it to win it!
Hal Koerner  9-5.  Mr. Western schooled everyone at the Squaw Track Meet.  This race is a little hillier and far more technical.  If Hal runs smart and efficient, he may run away, but Geoff and Karl will be right on his tail.  He likes to start fast, so watch for that.  Geoff and I will probably be chasers from Francis Sheds.
Josh Brimhall  5-1.   Josh has what it takes to run 20 hours, he just has to tell himself that.  He might beat us all at 50k, but this is 100.  He’s run one great 100 at San Diego a few years back.  He’s also got the heat issue down as he’s from the Vegas area and trains daily with 100 degree temps. 
Allen Bellshaw  6-1.  Allen has run here a few times but hasn’t really nailed it yet.  If he does, he’ll slip into the top 3, but this year that’ll have to be sub 21.  From the Steamboat area, he’s been sleeping at altitude as well and should be ready to compete for the win, or at least a podium spot….if there was a podium.
John Anderson  6-1.  Another guy who can certainly run hard.  He missed out on Bighorn and is probably hungry to run a good race.  Another acclimatized guy too, so look out as he’s the sleeper to win it if we all crack ahead of him.
Erik Storheim  7-1.  Speedgoat 50k champ and no rookie on technical terrain.  If he keeps his game-face on, he’ll run sub 22 and will compete for top 5.
Jared Campbell 8-1.  He ran real well at Hardrock and it’s time for him to throw one down at Wasatch.  If he runs like he does on our occasional training runs, I’d put him top 5 easy.  
Topher Gaylord  9-1.  Former Alta-Snowbird Local who knows the course well and is one of those guys who is often a mystery.  He’ll be under 23 for sure, but could also move up if he uses his supreme experience.  He’s coming off of UTMB, so may be a bit tired.
Corbin Talley  12-1.  Wasatch Running Center’s top dog,  Corbin is a SLC local and a fast road marathoner ( 2:20 range ).  He was in the top 5 a few years back when Roch Horton and I passed him sitting on a rock after Brighton.  Chances are he won’t be sitting on a rock this time.  He’s got great speed but needs to keep his stomach happy.
Brandon Sybrowsky  14-1.  If Brandon is in good race shape, he’s easily in top 5.  He’s run this thing over 10 times and could go blindfolded if he wanted to.  I hope he’s up front with us so we can talk Hong Kong and the Trailwalker 100k experience we had a few years back in 2002 and 2004.

That’s it for the men.  Others to watch for a sub 24 finish:  Jay Aldous, David Hayes, Dave Hunt, Scott Kunz and a few others I’ve probably missed.

The women:

Always a little easier to pick, but this year we have 6 women that could win it.  Some faster and more experienced than others, but nonetheless it’ll be competitive to the end.

Betsy Nye  4-1.  We have to give her the nod here as she’s won this thing a bunch of times.  She does not hold the record but will run it textbook style.  And with Roch Horton at her side trying to get her that silly Cheetah Buckle she’s got a chance at breaking 24.  Around 24 hours should win it.
Mandy Hosford  5-1.  Mandy brings a great Speedgoat 50k run to the table, but lacks some 100 mile experience.  If she nails it though, she’ll surprise lots of folks and run away.  She’s got speed, a good coach and determination to go for it.
Sarah Evans  6-1.  Sarah also has a good coach :-)  and if she sticks with a good race strategy, she should run strong to the finish.  She has to stay smart though, and not let others dictate her race.  She’s as fast as the other two ahead of her if she wants to be. 
Prudence L’Heureux  8-1.  I’ve picked Prudence many times to run up front, but she hasn’t really done it yet.  I’m thinking this may be her time to shine.  She’s got it in her if she nails it.
Jane Larkindale  9-1.  Jane ran second at the San Diego 100 in June with a solid 21:40ish time.  This is her chance to run with the top ladies and prove she’s one to reckon with.  The “sleeper” in my book.
Darla Askew  10-1.  She’s got a veteran pacer ( Krissy Moehl ).  If Krissy can keep her moving well later in the race, like she does, she’ll move up late and surprise a few.

That’s the ladies, and there are probably a few I missed, but this time I think I have it right!

Don’t forget to keep tuning in as I am working on a project for next year…once again.  But it’s a secret for now, the details are coming soon.

For those out there who can help the needy.  Consider donating a few bucks for a good cause.  A client of mine, Kieth Kohler, is running the North Country 50 mile run in a few weeks. This charity helps an orphanage in Sri Lanka, a place where real cash is needed to help save these kids’ lives.  Check out the website here,  and let ultrarunning assist the kids in need! 

On another good note, Erik Skaggs is now turning the corner and improving, check out the good words at Rogue Valley Runners.

And don’t forget to click the “Goatman” in the upper right corner for deals at Backcountry.com.  It’s time to gear up for winter soon, as another 700″ is ready to fall on the mighty Wasatch Front.

The “wild” and scenic Bighorn 100 gets a little too “wild”!…..And the Western States Odds!

I put my odds for Western on the previous post, but for some even more entertaining info, read on…..the Bighorn 100 was an adventure into the wilderness where sometimes it gets just a little scary!

The Bighorn 100 was another great win for me….that’s #25 in the 100 mile trail race “win category”.  Nick Clark kept it close early, but in the end I was showered, sleeping and thinking about what “could have happened”….but didn’t.  So here’s the story………..

Ever had a run-in with a moose?  I can now say I have.  It was funny the day before at the packet pick-up as I heard some other folks talking about how the leaders get to see all the wildlife.  This race I was the leader.  I saw all the wildlife, from big bucks, to big moose, even a skunk to perhaps throw some stink into my finish (that didn’t happen), but was close.

I was about a half mile from the turnaround point at the Porcupine Aid Station where I came upon old mama Bullwinkle.  I stopped, she stopped.  We both proceeded forward, when Bullwinkle started walking away from me towards the aid station, I also proceeded forward.  She then started to run away from me.  All I could think was “great”, she’s out of here.  When I started moving again, she spun a 180, snorted and started charging at me from about 40 meters.  I moved left behind a large tree, baiting her to pass me on the right.  She was about 5 feet…yah 5 feet from me, I darted left behind the tree to protect myself.  She turned around, charged at me again only to find that big tree in her way and a little 142 pound runner hiding behind.  She was only 5 feet from me staring me in the face.  We played cat and mouse 5 more time before she decided to head back up and away from me.  I felt better now, hoping she was out of there.  At this area on the jeep road there was about 75 meters to the next big tree where I could protect myself, in the direction of the aid station.  It seemed she was gone as I could no longer see her in the woods about 50 meters away.  I started running quite fast towards the aid station, she then came barreling out of the woods and started chasing me!  As I was sprinting faster than Carl Lewis ever has, I turned around to see her snout only 5 feet from me and ready to pounce on top of me and possibly kill me.  I dove like superman behind that first big tree.  She kicked my right shin as well as my left hand.  When I hit the ground, I bounced up quickly to hide behind the tree again, only to play cat and mouse 5-6 more times.  Standing in front of a moose 7 feet tall is pretty scary from a distance of only 4-5 feet.  I don’t recommend it!  After a minute or two or her standing there debating whether I was worth more effort, she moved up and away into the woods again. This time I waited out of her sight a little longer than the first time.  I finally went and she was never seen again.   I was shaking at the aid station knowing I had to head back that way.  Two younger guys went ahead to spook her, they did just that.  For the next 20 miles I was shaking while running as I kept turning around thinking something was coming after me.  Finally it was over.  I survived a moose attack, won the race in record time, and now it’s a no-brainer when someone asks me a “wildlife story” when running in the wilderness.  Lesson to be learned……nah, it was about time this happened, I’ve been running in the woods for 25 years! 

Bighorn results here:

Now we can proceed to the Western States Odds!




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