Ultramarathon Daily News | Fri, June 2

Comrades is this weekend in South Africa. The oldest and largest ultramarathon in the world (caps at 20k runners!) the race always has stout competition. I’ll admit to not being too familiar with the many in the men’s field (I recognize Pat Reagan and Brendan Davies), but the women’s field is stacked with recognizable (to me) names like Devon Yanko, Camille Herron, Collen de Reuck, and Sarah Bard. With last years winner out, the race is wide open. Coverage here.

Top 50 long distance hiking trails in the US. I suppose you could run on them, right?

High school kid becomes 10th prep runner to go sub 4 in the mile.

Jade reviews the Ruhn 3/4 length compression pants and comes to same conclusions as Ben: No chafing, great quality, good price, but size down.

Are you a side sleeper who has a tough time in sleeping bags? Here’s a possible solution.

The miles between 66 and 83 were alternating pacers, puking, trying to eat, remembering to drink, me complaining about how tired I was, puking, trying to not fall asleep walking, taking a couple of more naps and just moving forward. I was moving SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW, but I was still moving and that’s what needed to happen.

And it doesn’t get a lot better after that. Brad’s (very relatable!) report from his most recent 100 miler in Iowa.

Feel like racing on trails and swimming through the Swedish arhicpalego while tethered to your buddy? Consider the Otillo Swimrun Championships. Here’s an informative video, and here’s a great report. Top three bucket list, right there.

Four more interesting story lines for this year’s Western States. How awesome would that be if Meghan (Arbogast) Laws gets the overall 50+ record?!?

OK, now this is interesting. French reader Dylan sent me this study about AI and robots and some fascinating predictions about how soon they’ll be performing human functions and hobbies. For example, robots are predicted to be able to beat the best human Angry Birds player in about three years and compose a top-40 song in 11 years. So guess how long the experts predict before one can “beat the fastest human runners in a 5 kilometer race through city streets using a bipedal robot body.” First, consider how scary that must look, then go to page 17 for the answer. I can has robot pacer?

This is what happens when headlines and data points get conflated.

Camelbak is putting on a series of outdoor camps around the country that feature a number of different outdoor activities (trail running, yoga, MTB, SUP) and levels of comfort from camping to glamping. Check out this link for more info.

Looking at Vermont 50 in September. Haven’t heard a bad thing about it. Anyone live nearby?

He’s back! My favorite running philosopher took a break for awhile but returns with this excellent post on the runners high.

You’ve heard and read me complain about how TUEs inhibit real change in the PED culture, and this article adds some excellent context: Should aging athletes be allowed to use testosterone banned for other competitors? What do you think?

The LetsRun boards discuss how Keninisa Bekele would do in an ultramarathon. With his xc experience, it’d certainly be fun to watch.

One more shoe review coming today…Ben compares a few Salomon models side by side. Stay tuned.

Have a great weekend everyone.

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24 Responses to "Ultramarathon Daily News | Fri, June 2"

Jaerd Gell says:

June 2, 2017 at 7:17 am

I have ridden the MTB version of the Vermont 50 and will be running it this year. First class event with awesome trails. Throw in 9K of climbing and it is going to be a fun day.

I figured why go easy on my first ultra!

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Brad D says:

June 2, 2017 at 7:28 am

WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the share Eric!!!!!!!!!!!!!Reference

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Steve Pero says:

June 2, 2017 at 7:31 am

I live about 1.5 hours from the Vermont 50…but we may or may not be still living here! 😉

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Jack Toscano says:

June 2, 2017 at 7:49 am

I live in NH, so yes that is somewhat nearby. This year will be my 4th VT50 in the past 6 years.
The course is mostly challenging single-track with about 9K feet of elevation gain. The views and scenery are absolutely spectacular in late September.

The Race Director is very nice and he really cares about his race. Great VT feeling and hospitality.

One thing you should be aware of is that it is first and foremost a mountain bike race with runners. As long as you are OK with sharing the trails with bikers you will thoroughly enjoy this one!Reference

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1. Steve Pero says:
  
  June 2, 2017 at 7:57 am
  
  I used to run the VT50 back in the 90’s and early 2000’s, but they ended up with so many bikers (600+?) that there was never any chicken and beer left for the runners at the finish, so I stopped going. 😉
  
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2. eric schranz says:
  
  June 2, 2017 at 8:23 am
  
  Thanks for the heads up. Still worth it to fly across the country? Looks like a great opportunity for fun trails and good beer. I can deal with courteous bikers, no problemo.
  
  Reply
  1. eric schranz says:
    
    June 2, 2017 at 10:12 am
    
    Anyone looking to share a hotel for a few days?
    
    Reply
  2. Topher Bordeau says:
    
    June 2, 2017 at 11:51 am
    
    Hey Eric,
    
    I live 20 minutes from the VT50 and have done it twice; hoping to make it a third time this year. It’s a fantastic race. And I’ll second the kudos regarding the race director. Mike is awesome.
    
    Yes, there are mountain bikers, but I think they’re only an issue if you’re at or near the front of the running race. I’ve only passed a handful of mtn bikers in my two times doing it, which may say more about my speed than it does about the race. All of the bikers I’ve crossed paths with have been super friendly.
    
    But yeah, the race itself is along great trails and dirt roads, through bucolic deciduous and evergreen forests and idyllic Vermont scenery. You won’t be disappointed with what you see. And you’re right about the beer… great stuff all around, and if you’re willing to fly back on Tuesday or Wednesday, you can spend a day or two doing a lap of the best VT breweries before you head home.
    
    Reply
Randy Morman says:

June 2, 2017 at 8:03 am

Bah -Maah Dah Hey gets left out; was there this last weekend. I took a unplanned 20 minute break waiting for around 250 buffalo to clear off the path.Reference

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1. Paddy O'Leary says:
  
  June 2, 2017 at 8:13 am
  
  And that huge rattlesnake you came across, Randy. We were the group of runners there on Sunday, came across the bison and wild horses, but luckily dodged the rattler.
  
  Reply
joco says:

June 2, 2017 at 8:08 am

Actually, last year’s Comrade’s winner, Charne Bosman, will be returning to defend her title. #genderequality

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1. eric schranz says:
  
  June 2, 2017 at 8:18 am
  
  Oops, I means 2nd place finisher Caroline Wostmann has scratched. Yes, Bosman will be running as far as I know.
  
  Reply
Ellie Greenwood says:

June 2, 2017 at 8:46 am

Charne Bosman (last years winner) is racing Comrades for sure, is it David Gatebe who is not – I hadn’t seen that! But then Up & Down years often bring different winners, especially on mens side.Reference

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1. eric schranz says:
  
  June 2, 2017 at 10:10 am
  
  Thanks. I was (mistakenly) referring to the women’s winner. I don’t know anything about David Gatebe not running this year.
  
  Reply
Adam Wilcox says:

June 2, 2017 at 9:20 am

I’m from New Hampshire and I’ll be ruuning VT50 this year. I’ve run it twice before and there was always food and beer when I finished. I think it’s worth the trip. The course is of moderate difficulty and a good way to experience bucolic Vermont countryside. If you’re looking for gnarly eastern mountain trails, best go to the to the White Mountains farther north or the Green Mountains near Stowe, not Vermont 50.Reference

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1. Steve Pero says:
  
  June 2, 2017 at 9:58 am
  
  Of course, there’s always food and beer for Adam because he wins it 😉
  
  Yes, Eric, it’s worth the trip just to see our trails…bring your tick spray!
  
  Reply
2. eric schranz says:
  
  June 2, 2017 at 10:11 am
  
  Yeah, definitely not looking for rooty and gnarly eastern trails. I like runnable.
  
  Reply
  1. DF says:
    
    June 2, 2017 at 6:25 pm
    
    You could always consider Mountain Masochist 50mi in central VA. Just under 10k of climbing, a LOT of fire/jeep road and maybe a quarter single track. It’s a great course and absolutely beautiful in November.
    
    Reply
Gary Aronhalt says:

June 2, 2017 at 9:40 am

Was also featured in Rory Bosio’s reality show, Boundless!Reference

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scott says:

June 2, 2017 at 11:39 am

Is that dude really trying to sell camping cots to people doing long distance trails?Reference

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Eric Anderson says:

June 2, 2017 at 2:44 pm

Hey Eric,
There is a good Swim Run event here in NC.
http://swimrunnc.com/

Free place to stay if you want to come to the beastcoast.

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Todd Sears says:

June 3, 2017 at 4:03 am

Yep. VT50 is a great race. You should come over to the Greens and do it. RD is a super guy and runs a tight ship. Don’t sweat the trails. They are bit bony at times, but runnable. And, of course, you can put an exclamation point on the thing with some Sip o’ Sunshine and Heady. The only downside for me was the MTBs. Most walk their bikes up the hills, and we pass them. Then they barrelhouse down the hills, and we have to give way and get out of our flow. Between miles 35-50, I really had a strong urge to clothesline one or two of them. Hope you make it.

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SDA says:

June 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm

I am registered VT50 and have run several times and all distances-fantastic race and beautiful, runnable course. I have found the riders to be very courteous and it makes for a great vibe even though it can throw off momentum at times-all part of the fun. No headphones allowed if you wanted to listen to episodes of URP! There is space to camp out on site if you sign up early. If you make the trip out, be sure to check out Stowe for some beer tasting.

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1. eric schranz says:
  
  June 3, 2017 at 7:19 pm
  
  Thanks! I’m registered and have a non-refundable flight!
  Looking at either sharing a room with someone (any ideas?) at Holiday Inn race central and checking out Hill Farmstead, Lawsons, Alchemist, and whatever else I can cram in. You’ll be there?
  
  Reply

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