Daily News, Feb. 3, 2014
Matt Laye took the lead at mile 66ish from Ian Sharman and held on to win at a impressive 13:19 at a humid Rocky Racoon. Along with Matt, Ian, Jared Hazen punched their tickets for Western States though the Montrail Ultra Cup.The women felt the humidity as well at this years Rocky Racoon with Nicole Studer and Kaci Lickteig battling most of the day behind Michele Yates only to pass her as she dropped at mile 72 with physical issues. Nicole held off to hard charging Kaci to win by 3.5 minutes. Shaheen Satar came in later to pick up the third spot and punch her ticket to Western States this year.
It might have been humid at the start of the Rocky Racoon but the start of the Sean O’Brien 50 mile brought with it below freezing temps and windy conditions. But who are we kidding this is Maibu CA and it wouldn’t bad for long. Many of the top finishers had the same idea and wanted one of the coveted spots at Western, Dylan Bowman (6:23:17), Mike Ash and Mike Wolfe grab the top three men positions while Cassie Scallon(7:38:16), Sally McRae and Denise Bourassa nailed down the top three women spots.
Last week at this time runners, skiers and bikers set out from International Falls on a journey to Tower Minnesota via the Arrowhead trail. The Arrowhead 135 continued on its promise of being one of the toughest Ultras out there with temperatures at -24 degrees fahrenheit and wind chills nearing -50 to -60 at times. Helen Scotch (Co – Race Director of Tuscobia) pens a great story about her adventure at the Arrowhead 135 this past week including a break down of her gear, clothing and supply list.
With all this polar vortex stuff coming at us every week I almost forgot what it’s like to run shorts. Thanks to Sandi and Sage for giving me this video to get through.
Vibram has answers to the problem of how to get your long run in and 18 holes of golf on Saturday morning.