Daily News, Thurs, June 26

You must read this: Confessions of an ultra marathon skeptic (through the eyes of an ER doc during his first visit to a hundred mile aid station.)

In defense of Vibrams.

Countdown to Western States from my guest co-host Ethan Veneklasen.

Why aren’y more black folks doing outdoorsy stuff? Or are they?

And did ya hear the new (and final!) Western States preview podcast with Alex Varner and Max King? All eyes will be on these guys to set a fast pace.

Whoa: MoTrafeh, AR holder at 25k, busted for possession of EPO and retires at 29.

James Bonnet has been running races for two decades, and he’s only 27. Let’s see how he does this weekend.

What to do if you find a baby during a run. Har har.

WS advice from a veteran.

And another veteran, Ian Torrence, offers his advice on the biggest weekend in trail running.

Can running specialty shops survive? What percentage of your gear do you buy from your local independent shop?

Chris Vargo offers up his predictions for the fellas here.

Tomorrow in Italy, the Lavaredo Trail Ultra is kicking off with Mike Foote, Dave Mackey, Anton, Rory, and a whole cast of others toeing the line. Here’s Ian’s preview.

Sherpa John takes on ultrasignup fatass snobs.

FlandriaRuns says:

June 26, 2014 at 6:44 am

I always wondered why DNFs are not listed in the results for racers in UltraSignUp. I have to agree with Sherpa John, that it is totally skewed for that matter. It’s really cool and good to know that there are races such as Fat Ass races that post no results though.

Jeff says:

June 26, 2014 at 7:15 am

I don’t think that DNFs should be included in the rankings, but they should be in the results.

I use other runners’ rankings to help me gauge my expectations at a race. Like if a guy with a similar ranking to me finished a 50 miler in 9 1/2 hours, then I would expect that I have a chance at breaking 10. But I’ve never DNF’d and if this guy had several DNFs lowering his ranking and I went to the race expecting to break 10 hours, I would be in for a world of hurt.

Also, I’m disappointed Sherpa John’s disabled comments on his sight – I understand why, but still I would have liked to put this comment there.

Mitch says:

June 26, 2014 at 11:15 am

I agree that DNF’s should be posted. I think it is very useful. For example I did a 100K a few months ago and I was told after the race (I came in at the back) that 20% DNF and at a 100 mile race last month, 40% DNF. I think when you look at a previous years results it really helps to gauge a race by seeing how many people DNF.

Of course it also messes up the statistics.

Mic says:

June 26, 2014 at 6:45 am

I love my local running store. But I buy about 10% of my stuff through them, and that’s only when I get a gift certificate! The local running store has the best training programs, supports the local events, does so much good work that I wish I could buy 100% of my stuff from them, I really do. But I’m also not a rich man, and I can find shoes online, after a discount, for $70 as opposed to $110-120 that they charge. $50 per pair when you go through 6-8 pairs a year (minimum) and that adds up!

Shawn S says:

June 26, 2014 at 11:02 am

I support my local running stores. I’ve learned to value having someone local when I have questions or just want to look at a product. If they help me try on a pair of shoes then I make sure to buy at least one pair from them…if I decide that I want the shoe. I buy shirts, shorts, and gels in store as well. I’ll buy items online when they are on clearance or if I can’t find an item locally. I can’t justify paying $100 (+/- $10) in store when I can buy them on clearance for $30-40. My local Fleet Feet has a pretty good trail running group that I join once a week. They have a track series, 5k/10k/marathon training groups, yoga classes, and the list goes on. They offer a lot of value to the running community in Louisville. There are several other running shops in the area and I appreciate them all of different reasons. Pacers and Racers is a little shop in Indiana that supports local events has some great staff. The prices aren’t always the best, but again there’s added value and the opportunity to support the local community.

Jack says:

June 26, 2014 at 11:19 am

Seriously… Who does the Mayo Clinic think it is…? What would they know?

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