Ultramarathon Daily News | Monday, Oct 30

Justin Mock/IRF break down the trail and ultramarathon results from this weekend. My musings: Anxious to hear what happened to Zach Bitter at JJ100, and stoked to see Larisa and Caroline back on the podium. Missing from the list: Geoff Burns‘ 5:14 50 miler (6:18 pace) at Chicago Lakefront 50 miler. Fastest 50 in US since 2013.

CTS advice for parent-athletes.

TIME Magazine covers the rise in popularity of FKTs, including Freriks‘ and D’Haene’s recent records. But can we please stop using the “extreme” description?

I sure as heck hope I’m running and racing like Bob Hayes when I’m pushing 90yo. Check out this trailer for what looks like an inspiring film.

Another old dude finishes the entire Appalachian Trail in one year, making him the oldest person to do so.

Fun race report from Jay Friedman about accidentally racing Speedgoat Karl and being comforted with a shot of bourbon at an aid station.

The guys at Ultra168 write about the stages of a 100k. Good stuff!

Quick words about training through a rut and the myth of greatness.

Site news: Sarah and I recorded two fun interviews Friday that I’ll release this week. If you’re interested in 100 and 200 mile slams (and the corresponding lessons and wisdom), you’ll want to listen to these.

SteelTownRunner says:

October 30, 2017 at 9:53 am

Patrick Reagan’s impressive 100 mile debut, winning in a CR of 13:01 while running in 90 degree heat is worth a mention. FWIW, Pat has better leg speed than Zach. I haven’t seen Zach’s splits, but Pat’s were very consistent. I’m anxious to see Pat, Zach, and Co face each other on a short road loop / track.

Rich says:

October 30, 2017 at 9:57 am

Eric, what do you mean: “what happened to Zach Bitter?” From his Strava recap it looks like he had a solid run but was just beaten by a faster runner. Reagan is similar to Bitter in that he excels at runnable ultras, however, he is faster—i.e. 1:04 half marathon, 6:33 100k.

Also, I wish there was one fast road 50m in the US that attracted a top-class field as I think a lot of the top guys could go sub-5 given their other PRs. Unfortunately, the ultra world is so trail focused that this likely won’t happen any time soon. Instead we get sporadic stellar solo efforts like Bitter’s 5:12 in 2013, Puzey’s sub-5 on the treadmill, and Burns’ 5:14.

eric schranz says:

October 30, 2017 at 11:23 am

I agree! I wish there were a fast 50M that elites ran. I’ve heard rumors of Jim W targeting the record, which would hopefully trigger some new attention. Ideas for a venue?
In terms of Zach, he’s not often beat at that distance (specifically JJ100) so I’m curious if it was issues from his surgery or what. No doubt Pat Reagan was on FIRE though.

1. Andrew S says:
  
  October 30, 2017 at 11:28 am
  
  He beat Zach’s fastest ever time, it looks like. What a run by all involved!
  
2. Jason Friedman says:
  
  October 30, 2017 at 3:49 pm
  
  Chicago Lakefront would be a great venue for that; seems awful fast, based on Geoff’s run and Zach’s 2013. Plus I think it’s the same course (under a different name) as Klecker’s 4:51 and Heinrich’s 6:38 100K…though I’m not 100% sure on that.
  
  1. Rich says:
    
    October 31, 2017 at 7:19 am
    
    Hey Jay,
    
    The course is similar just different sections of the Lakefront Trail–i.e. obviously both are flat and fast. The Fall 50 is four 12.5m loops on the south side of the LFT. Only danger in Chicago is the wind. I’d love to see a championship level 50m held on a fast loop course.

Eric J Haye says:

October 30, 2017 at 11:33 am

The Hard Way is fantastic! So glad I got to see it at a film festival in Estes Park a few weeks back.

Ultramarathon Daily News | Monday, Oct 30

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