Ultramarathon Daily News, Fri, July 17

Jurek’s group busted for unpermitted partying at the end of the AT. Both sides have good points, but BSP’s rant on Facebook make them look pretty bad.

Throwback article about how to find the right pacer for your hundred miler.

What do you think of this? Come on, be honest.

A dozen cheap running gear hacks. I’ll add to the list: Old socks with the toes cut off make great arm warmers at night. Tic-tac boxes hold S-Caps perfectly. And ballet shrugs are wonderful sun protectors/shoulder warmers for any time. Got more?

Anton remembers 2008 in the mountains with Skaggs.

Interesting: Running as pain relief.

Dude, go away.

Most of us like to eat healthy, and many of us like to watch our budgets too. Here’s a guide for both. Now add some fresh-caught (and free!) fish, and I’m good.

Short news day. Driving to SoCal for the weekend.

34 Responses to "Ultramarathon Daily News, Fri, July 17"

Jordan says:

July 17, 2015 at 5:05 am

If I’m being honest, this woman is overweight and I’m not sure why promoting an unhealthy lifestyle is being celebrated. The media is often shamed for putting women who are “too skinny” on the front of magazines because it promotes an unhealthy image; how is this any different? The cover also promotes an article that says “5 reasons why your weight doesn’t matter”… I have to disagree. Your weight does matter and it is no secret that obesity is an increasing strain on our health system.Reference

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1. Ex-Fatty says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 7:27 am
  
  It depends on the message they’re trying to convey I suppose. If it’s “it’s ok to be fat – it’s a lifestyle choice” then that’s really dangerous IMO. If it’s “you don’t have to already look like an athlete to get into running and improve your fitness” then sure – great message. Obesity is one of the biggest threats to the people of the western world, with it’s associated health problems and subsequent financial implications. I was 300lb+ when I took up running, I managed to lose 77lb so far (and still have plenty more to lose) through running and healthy diet – part of the motivation for this was knowing “it’s NOT ok to be obese”. People who used to say “as long as you’re happy being obese then that’s fine” weren’t doing me any favours. Anything which encourages obese people to do something about their situation has got to be a good thing.
  
  Reply
  1. mike hinterberg says:
    
    July 17, 2015 at 8:23 am
    
    Thanks for sharing your story, EF!
    Although it’s just a photo, I like this cover because the woman has decent running form, and she is legitimately running. She looks like she’s having fun running. She has clothes that fit well. The only thing I’m conflicted about is the phrase ‘regular’ runner. While I can see arguments against clinically accurate but emotionally loaded terms like ‘overweight’, I don’t think magazines should really define what ‘regular’ is, either. Is the implication that a hard-working person of average/moderate fitness *isn’t* regular??
    
    Sort of like what EF says above, our mixed messages of acceptance may backfire when heavier people think they can’t or shouldn’t run. What I’m seeing more of is an acceptance of walking in ‘races’ for a medal — beginning with marathons (arguably a good, healthy hike), then half marathons, but increasingly people walking — slowly — entire 5ks and stopping for snacks at aid stations(!), etc. A woman at a recent 5k was telling her friend about cutting the course short because it was hot out.
    
    So the photo is great. We need messages that running (or biking, swimming, hiking) — where you push yourself vigorously several times per week — is for everyone.
    
    Reply
2. Scott RJ says:
  
  July 18, 2015 at 10:16 pm
  
  Weight = mass. Obesity is defined by body fat percentage. Moreover, neither of these are unequivocally tied to “health.” Health is a product of genes, environment and lifestyle. You absolutely cannot simply look at someone and evaluate their health. In fact, to say that you can is, quite frankly, insulting to medical professionals and those who have lost a loved one unexpectedly at a young age due to poor health. If one could simply look at someone and magically determine whether they were healthy or not, we wouldn’t need to train doctors, because we’d have people like Jordan around who can look at a picture of someone and apparently be the authority of a stranger’s health.
  
  The cover model lady runner rocks. Running is for anyone, and every body. Running doesn’t have to be a weight-loss goal, or a punishment, or a soul-searching activity. It can just be an effing fun hobby. Stop making it less fun for all of us by criticizing one of our tribe for doing what she likes to do.
  
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Francois says:

July 17, 2015 at 5:18 am

I on the contrary think it’s a good thing to show that you shouldn’t take your size as an excuse, and bust your ass is a good thing anyway (with measure, blabla). Promoting physical activity is the right thing, always.
What’s wrong is the article title (unless I don’t understand what “regular” means – I understand it as “normal” and it shouldn’t be the norm)Reference

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1. Jordan says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 5:56 am
  
  Ah, you have put things into a different perspective for me. If the idea is to show people who are less than happy with their weight that they can get active and get into running too, then I am certainly all for that.
  
  Reply
2. Ex-Fatty says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 7:30 am
  
  Agreed. If people start to equate “a normal person” = “an obese person” – just because the % of obese people is going up and up – then that’s a really dangerous message.
  
  Reply
3. Don Pendergraft says:
  
  July 18, 2015 at 2:37 pm
  
  Agreed. I think what does it for me is also the fact that she’s been a runner for 10 years. She’s not just a plus size model being used as a prop. Good for her!
  
  Reply
john says:

July 17, 2015 at 5:25 am

Rumor has it Lance wants to run a 100-miler. He apparently told some people he was trail running with.

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1. Johnny says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 6:34 am
  
  Cool. No drug testing at 100 milers. He should be good to go.
  
  Reply
Tha Messenjah says:

July 17, 2015 at 5:55 am

As someone who used to be very overweight, I think it’s a good thing to show someone on the cover that is “bigger”. I agree that it is more motivating for the “Average Jane” to see her on the cover and think that maybe she as well could start running. My biggest concern? That she’s wearing Under Armor shoes 🙂Reference

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AP says:

July 17, 2015 at 5:55 am

I appreciate the posts of the people who were actually there. Doesn’t sound like it was nearly as bad as BSP is making it out to be. Jurek and co should pay the fines and everyone should just move on.
I will say, though, that in spite of the amazing feat of endurance, the large filming crew and the flood of corporate sponsor logos make the whole thing feel quite contrived. I suppose that is natural as our sport and its athletes become more popular. Either way, I look forward to hearing more about and watching the video of the adventure!Reference

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1. Jarrod says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 7:56 am
  
  Large filming crew? weren’t there like 4 people there total?
  
  Reply
  1. AP says:
    
    July 17, 2015 at 1:14 pm
    
    Maybe large isn’t the right word. Excessive (compared to what most others do)? Is that more agreeable? I love trail running videos so I shouldn’t complain about that part of it… I just stated it as part of an overall impression I have from 300+ miles away sitting behind a keyboard. Like I said before, I am one of many looking forward to hearing and seeing more details from the adventure… definitely more on the ‘Scott Jurek fan’ side of things.
    
    Reply
mike johnson says:

July 17, 2015 at 6:40 am

Taking a swipe at someone for raising money to fight leukemia… Regardless of his transgressions he’s raising money for charity. You could argue that he could do it a different way, but every penny that’s raised, helps.Reference

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thetk42one says:

July 17, 2015 at 7:08 am

Here’s a few of my running gear hacks:

– put chapstick (or bodyglide) on your forehead to keep sweat from getting into your eyes
– buy some of those zipper pull things from REI and attach them to your Amphipod handheld zipper to make it easier to open (stupid things are too small for my fat fingers)
– when you take your shoes off, tuck the end of your laces into the loop by your toes to keep them from flopping all around
– frozen applesauce pouches work great as ice packs and when they thaw you can eat them

Regarding the “thick chick” on the magazine cover? My fear is it’ll turn into a marketing ploy to sell more magazines. Something like “hey let’s parade around the poor kid in a wheelchair so we can sell our newspaper.” If they had instead made a simple statement along the lines of “hey, we’re going to put normal people on the cover from now on” I’d have been a bit happier. I learned a long time ago that you can’t judge a runner by their size, age, or gender. I’ve seen people older than me and heavier than me bust out a 100 miler in under 24 hours. So to put her on the cover and wave the flag that says “look how inclusive we are” when they’ll likely never do it again is shameful.

And whoever is in charge of the state park in Maine needs to get the stick out of their rear and realize what a great opportunity they missed by not emphasizing Jurek’s accomplishment. I’m sure they’d notice a difference if people started avoiding their park and quit paying $14 to drive into the park. Maybe a hit to the wallet will knock some sense into them.

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1. A says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 11:32 am
  
  I like the frozen applesauce ideas! Something for my drop bags at the next race…
  
  Reply
David says:

July 17, 2015 at 7:57 am

Runners come in all shapes and sizes. There is no reason to pretend the runners that don’t fit the lean stereotype don’t exist. I’ve lost 15 pounds since starting to run and definitely will lose more. A healthy lifestyle and weight loss are very good reasons to start running, so why ignore the people who might benefit from running the most?

Before signing up and training for my first 25k trail run, I looked at the race photos from the previous year. But I didn’t look at pictures of the winner, I looked at the last handful of finishers and they inspired me to give it a try.

The running community should support everyone that wants to run. I am not perfect, but running makes me better!Reference

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1. mike hinterberg says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 8:48 am
  
  “Before signing up and training for my first 25k trail run, I looked at the race photos from the previous year. But I didn’t look at pictures of the winner, I looked at the last handful of finishers and they inspired me to give it a try.”
  
  I loved reading that — thanks for sharing!
  
  Reply
Paul b says:

July 17, 2015 at 8:54 am

The purpose of a magazine cover is to sell the magazine and get noticed. Don’t like it don’t buy it, don’t talk about it, don’t post about it. It got you talking and it did the job perfectly.

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Frederic says:

July 17, 2015 at 9:15 am

Missing link ?Reference

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1. Yitka says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 12:49 pm
  
  Yup.
  
  http://trailrunnermag.com/gear/accessories/1839-12-cheap-running-gear-hacks
  
  🙂
  
  I like your additions, Eric! + Thanks for the share.
  
  Reply
Charlie says:

July 17, 2015 at 9:22 am

The thing that really bugs me about the Jurek episode (aside from all the hate and disrespect!) is the distinct lack of knowledge or concern over Leave No Trace principals by so many ultra-runners and hikers alike, who spend so much time in the outdoors and wilderness. I would love to see URP and other ultra-running media outlets spend some time and an article or two talking about Leave No Trace! Could you imagine the mess if every visitor to the summit of Katadhin spilled sugary liquids up there?

https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles

I appreciate you spending some time talking about it as well!

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1. Tha Messenjah says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 9:51 am
  
  One would think that trail runners would be the first people who would show the most respect for the environment. The problem is that a lot of roadies tend to not look into the history and beauty of the trails and dispose of gel packs, tissues, cups, etc right on the side of the trail like it was a road race. I literally pack everything out that I take in. I carried an orange peel for about 10 miles of a race until I could find a trash can. Not trying to be “holier than thou” but I think that more RD’s need to reiterate the no littering policies.
  
  Reply
2. Robert says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 12:16 pm
  
  This is Scott Jurek’s latest posting to his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ScottJurek/photos/a.10151977250285329.1073741827.110836750328/10153708283260329/?type=1&theater
  
  Proof that he not only left no trace on the AT, but he packed out all of his trash to be recycled. Not even a trace of his litter in the landfill. For the park to publish that they cited him for littering is not only petty but borders on slander. I can understand the objection to open drinking in the park, but the rest of their comments seem unjustified.
  
  Reply
A says:

July 17, 2015 at 11:23 am

I think it’s wonderful they are featuring a larger person running happily. I get the sense that it’s difficult for overweight people to start running, and they have low confidence about it. So when the media portrays an overweight person happily taking on a fitness activity, I think it’s encouraging for many people.

That said, my partner picked up on walking, diet change, and eventually ultrarunning a few years ago. Walking is not as glamorous as running, but is a better start for someone trying to lose weight. From what I understand, it’s less impact on the joints, and a better way to build up base first. It’s also a way to ease into running. He started by walking part of his commute, and then walking his whole commute of 3 miles each way. Gradually that became jog-walking the commute, and now he runcommutes every day.

Whenever there is a regular member of my running club who is overweight but continues to join our runs, I’m very inspired by them.Reference

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1. A says:
  
  July 17, 2015 at 11:27 am
  
  Also wanted to add that I love receiving parkrun newsletters. Parkrun has really been set up to focus on bringing people together every week, whether it’s running or volunteering in the event. People are celebrated for number of parkruns they attend, rather than how fast they run a 5k. There are stories every week from kids or people who have lost weight that talk about how much they’ve improved just by going to parkrun every week.
  
  Reply
timsbike says:

July 17, 2015 at 11:46 am

http://www.trailrunnermag.com/component/content/article/25-accessories/1839-12-cheap-running-gear-hacks

try this? One day ago on TRM website. Safe travels, Eric!

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Jill Will Run says:

July 17, 2015 at 12:04 pm

OMG! A running magazine has a picture of a person running on the front cover!

I think showing that the sport can be inclusive to everyone is a good thing, I don’t want people to think of it as something they’re not “enough” for in some way. (slim enough, fast enough, young enough, etc.) But I just don’t like the supposed need to have any discussion on this cover model’s size/shape. I go to races and see all different types of runners at events. Someday it would be nice to have magazine covers reflect the same diversity.Reference

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Frederic says:

July 17, 2015 at 12:21 pm

Hmmm…. Im sorry but the woman on the cover is not “regular”-sized…. I think it’s great to show all types of people that are running because afterall EVERYbody runs but i dont consider this women regular size. If this is the standard than my 6ft with 150lbs are considered anorexic ??

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Chris says:

July 17, 2015 at 12:41 pm

If you want Lance to vanish you might want to avoid the latest Trail Runner Mag.Reference

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Stephen says:

July 17, 2015 at 2:06 pm

I thru hike a section of the trial each year. Have not finished the trail yet. But I am on all the typical AT sites, etc. So I see a gazillion pics of people finishing each year. While you might not call it a film crew and you might not call them sponsored, many finishes are the same. Friends and family are present, people are filming and taking pics, and alcohol is consumed. Also, most hikers are wearing and carrying clothes and gear with logos on them (ever see the decals on cars at hiker parking lots?). During a certain part of the season, it happens more days than not. BSP is being an ass. People trying to paint Jurek as corporate is laughable. Besides, even if he was-so what?Reference

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Stephen says:

July 17, 2015 at 2:08 pm

First thought, “Huge boobs.”
Second thought, “they make a women’s running magazine?”Reference

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Bridget says:

July 17, 2015 at 6:43 pm

This is awesome and inspiring! There are a lot of people out there (women and men) who want to get into running, but don’t see any bigger sized people like them in the running media/advertising. I can see this inspiring more people to get outdoors and run!Reference

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