Tag Archive for 'Ultrarunning'

Tour Du Mont Blanc…..The Euro Superbowl!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on August 15, 2010
in Race Updates
. 45 Comments

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!

Kevin Schilling and Keri Nelson take the Goat Leg!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on August 1, 2010
in Award category, Race Updates and Speedgoat 50K
. 10 Comments

We had one glitch this year…..as things happen where a few lead runners took a wrong turn at Sinners Pass.  While the wrong turn was made, the distance is considered a wash as the route they took was .4 miles further than the loop around Mary Ellen Gulch.   There were roughly 6 runners that did a penalty lap down at Pacific Mine.  The runners with the asterisks have a time adjustment of 15 minutes to account for the extra distance they ran.  The penalty lap was on a flat section.  I ran this section to estimate the time deduction…so it’s pretty close.  Things happen…..Any of the runners that ran this penalty lap and are not adjusted, please contact me and I’ll take care of business to make it right.  In terms of prizes, it only affected a few lead runners.

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. 

 

1 Kevin Schilling 5:43.20
2 Nick Clark 5:46.38
3 Luke Nelson 6:18.06
4 Nick Pedatella 6:18.17 ***
5 Keri Nelson 6:20.11 ***
6 Karl Jarvis 6:26.14
7 Greg Norrander 6:28.26
8 Mick  Jurynec 6:34.45
9 Chuck Konopa 6:35.12
10 Larry O’niel 6:37.11
11 Becky Wheeler 6:40.09
12 Cody Draper 6:42.27
13 Curt Anderson 6:46.14
14 Glen Merrill 6:46.56
15 Stuart Gleason 6:51.05
16 Chris Cawley 6:52.00
17 Ross Litherland 7:05.21
18 Derrick Gunther 7:08.14
19 Matt Connors 7:10.02
20 Chad Brackelsberg 7:10.36
21 Patrick McMurtry 7:16.27
22 Jared Campbell 7:16.27
23 Andy Dorias 7:18.57
24 Steve Takahashi 7:19.33
25 Jeff Bertot 7:19.55
26 Neil Gleichman 7:19.58
27 Mark Christopherson 7:21.13
28 Nicholas Gaitman 7:22.28
29 Brett Gosney 7:22.48
30 Sarah Evans 7:23.46
31 Missy Miller 7:26.10
32 Jared Inouye 7:27.34
33 Suzanne Lewis 7:29.15
34 Jonathan Stewart 7:31.27
35 Frank Aldana 7:35.10
36 B.J. Burlison 7:37.16
37 Tom Remkes 7:37.48
38 Katy Carguilo 7:38.51
39 Peter Bailey 7:39.20
40 Justin Nelson 7:42.40
41 Josh Greenwell 7:43.09
42 Frank Barrows 7:44.14
43 Colleen Seyer 7:46.39
44 Suky Stewart 7:47.06
45 Derek Ward 7:50.47
46 Christopher Adams 7:50.49
47 Ryan Kluh 7:50.54
48 Liz McCoy 7:52.45
49 Ben Gowans 7:52.48
50 Jason Berry 7:55.22
51 Amy Merrill 7:57.18
52 Brian Hamos 7:59.32
53 Daniel Dean 8:01.21
54 Liz Onufer 8:02.29
55 Kim Gimenez 8:07.23
56 Eric Belzz 8:07.31
57 Dave Walick 8:07.50
58 Troy Olson 8:10.24
59 Courtney Scaife 8:11.19
60 Steve Kirkland 8:12.02
61 Bogie Dumitrescu 8:17.11
62 Monica Ochs 8:19.12
63 Molly Gross 8:19.59
64 Mathew Ricks 8:20.47
65 Wesley Kissell 8:23.00
66 Stacy Bracken 8:24.01
67 Jeremy Suwinski 8:24.54
68 Todd Ragsdale 8:26.19
69 Kirk Dyches 8:27.24
70 Wayne Harrell 8:30.39
71 Kelly Bradbury 8:31.53
72 Jill Bohney 8:31.53
73 Alex Robertson 8:35.55
74 Catherine Litherland 8:36.55
75 Rich McDonald 8:38.12
76 Eric Storheim 8:38.13
77 Matt Wooley 8:39.00
78 Jeremy Simmonds 8:40.39
79 Busto 8:43.57
80 Bud Phillips 8:44.26
81 Kristin Vaides 8:47.06
82 Kevin Grabowski 8:51.05
83 Stacie Bero 8:52.19
84 Matt Bero 8:52.20
85 Jennifer Jurynec 8:55.13
86 Cory Johnson 8:56.33
87 Aaron Roderick 8:56.51
88 CB Fralisch 8:57.06
89 Darren Fowler 8:59.12
90 Kelly Paasch 9:10.54
91 June Gessner 9:12.06
92 Garrett Blattner 9:13.46
93 Terry Foust 9:14.55
94 Jessica Laroche 9:15.41
95 Joy Robertson 9:16.32
96 Callie Maartens 9:19.55
97 Erin Clark 9:20.50
98 Vanessa Aadland 9:21.03
99 Stan Sieberts 9:24.39
100 Brett Andersen 9:28.22
101 Emily Mitzel-Brackelsberg 9:28.52
102 Richard Boud 9:30.18
103 Joseph McDonald 9:30.18
104 Dimitry Pruss 9:31.21
105 Chaski Montoya 9:31.27
106 Daniel Harris 9:36.13
107 Linda Barton 9:36.39
108 Scott Waite 9:37.17
109 Sandy Margulies 9:39.27
110 Michelle Lance 9:41.40
111 John Maack 9:42.35
112 Steven Jones 9:43.32
113 Ryan Lauck 9:46.24
114 Connie Telberg 9:47.04
115 Dustin Hartman 9:52.48
116 Brent Rutledge 9:53.39
117 Jeffrey Nielsen 9:53.47
118 Tony Christensen 9:55.26
119 Roger Adams 9:56.01
120 Mark Cosmas 9:56.57
121 Cheryl  Meltzer 10:04.09
122 Jason Moreland 10:06.24
123 Jerry Howard 10:07.32
124 Jeff Silverstein 10:14.29
125 Rick Gates 10:18.24
126 Deb Pero 10:19.04
127 Kevin Zelechoski 10:19.04
128 Annie Blackhan 10:24.06
129 Carol Maack 10:24.07
130 Andrea Martinez 10:24.10
131 Craig Green 10:24.12
132 Mystery Man 10:27.49
133 Colleen Ford 10:28.04
134 Kimberly DeMarco 10:33.50
135 Kelly Bronson 10:41.50
136 Amy Lim 10:42.33
137 Benjamin Stenger 10:43.22
138 James McGregor 10:44.45
139 Jake Elkins 10:54.51
140 Ben Brewer 11:00.02
141 Daniel  Moore 11:05.11
142 Lynette McDougal 11:09.07
143 Matt Dawson 11:12.28
144 David Dyatt 11:31.12
145 Phil McDonnell 11:38.29
146 Celeste Collman 11:42.19
147 Brian Hill 11:43.35
148 Michael Cummings 11:47.49
149 Dawn Aoki 11:50.44
150 Jim French 11:00.37
151 Greg Adams 12:02.22
152 Craig Stahl 12:02.24

Western States…Speedgoat Odds 2010

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on June 18, 2010
in Pony Express Trail and Race Updates
. 149 Comments

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!


Massannutten 100 this weekend

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on May 12, 2010
in Uncategorized
. 14 Comments

One of my favorite 100 milers happens this weekend in Virginia.  The Massanutten 100.  This race is a rocky one and moderately hilly to my standards.  Total climbing in the 18,000′ range.  The course is somewhat different this year, starting at a different location. It should be a real competitive race up front.  Noone reallly sticks out in my mind, but whoever comes out on top, it’ll be close.  My picks:

1.  Todd Walker…..He’s due to win Massanutten, too many times he’s been close.
2.  Dan Barger…..He’s familiar (unfortunately) with 2nd in his last few 100s, I give Todd the nod because of MMT experience.
3.  Sean Andrish…..He could easily sneak away on a good day, he’ll probably lead early.
4.  Harland Peele…..If he’s fresh and ready, he’s my sleeper to win.
5.  Joe Kulak…..He’ll win the race to the keg, but comes up a little short on the win.
6.  Mike Mason…..Another guy who could be close with a good day.
7.  Aaron Schwartzbard…..tough call, but he’ll be in it.
8.  Kieth Knipling…..If he’s fit, he could win, he’s got it in him.
9.  Chris Reed…..He could surprise everyone, he ran pretty well last fall at Grindstone.
10.  Mark Tanaka…..The mystery man from out of town.
11.  Steve Anderson…..trained by a goat.

Doing real “odds” with this field is really tough, as all these guys listed could pull it off.  Although, I don’t see any records going down, only a “new” course record as the route has changed a little.  Follow the race, it should be interesting.

I have no clue as to who will win the women’s race…..maybe Ragan Petrie?

On another note:  

The Pony Express Trail Run is moving forward, my crew is being assembled nicely. More details on that when they come available to me…..I’m just the crazy guy who thinks 1840 miles isn’t that far. 

I’m really psyched on my new shoes, The Hoka’s, for all my races and the Pony Express Trail.  Hopefully in a few weeks, they will be available for purchase.  I do know that Boulder Running Company, Wasatch Running Center, and Salt Lake Running Company will be expecting some soon.  How many?  probably not enough the way it’s looking, so if you are interested in changing your running style to something comfortable, check back periodically as I’m gonna post the day they will be available, and when they’ll be in stores. 

The Speedgoat 50K is still open, only about 50 spots left if you want to endure some pain, it should fill quickly from this point, so keep paying attention. 

In the meantime, today was my 8th run in a row.  The legs are coming back already, so fitness levels are improving.  In 10 days I may or may not run the Jemez 50 Mile.  It all depends on what the x-ray shows next week.  The catch is:   if I do run, it’ll be a fun run and not a “race”.  It would be too risky if I crash on the wrong arm….it’s already happened once a few days ago.  Although all is well, it was a quick wake-up call and reminder to SLOW DOWN on the downhill.  It’s hard to resist running downhill in the Hoka’s, it’s too fun…

That’s it for now—————–  

El Nino-0, and a peak at the moon!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on March 8, 2010
in Race Updates
. 12 Comments

No other run on the planet is quite like the Coyote Two Moon 100.  150 crazy mountain runners get the opportunity to run 100 miles through the beautiful mountains of Ojai, California.  Our pre-race runs at Pt. Mugu state park began the fun.  Pt. Mugu is a cool place, views of the ocean on prime singletrack….a pretty nice place to go for a run after 11 straight hours at the wheel.

This years’ weather was typical for southern California…..rainy and snowing above about 4000′.  Yah, that’s right, my second 100 mile race in a few months in So. Cal in a snowstorm.  It rained and snowed most of the event, with the summit of Topa Topa catching about 5″ of new snow during the night of the race.   Crazy stuff, but this storm was a calm one, unlike the previous at the Chimera 100 where the winds topped 50 mph.  C2M was doable….and we even got a peak at the moon at about 4:00am.  The moon was bright, and one of the many reasons to come to this event.

It all starts early with the slowest runners starting first with 40 hours to get it done.  I started last with 22 hours to make the cut-off.  There was pressure, so I had to keep the throttle down.  I managed to keep the throttle down, although I’ll have to say, it wasn’t working as well with 15 miles to go.  I was still jogging…so I guess that’s acceptable.   The stats:

32 of 150 finished between both the 100k and 100 mile races!  That’s about a 21% finish rate….pretty low.  The beauty of it was, only one guy went over Topa Topa for a few hours, and still found his way back…no worries.

Fastest guy to cover the course in real time…Me, 21:05.  Second was Jared Campbell in 23:15 ish.  My guess is Betsy Nye was the fastest lady around 29:08 ish . That’s all I have on results.  The true results will be posted here, most likely Friday sometime,  after all of our boner and bonus minutes are added/subtracted from our overall times.

Best bowling score:  I don’t know :-)

Best race: C2M, a killer course, in a class of it’s own.

It’s been a slow start to 2010!

Published
by
Speedgoat Karl
on January 30, 2010
in Race Updates and Speedgoat 50K
. 24 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.

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.

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