Ultramarathon Daily News, Thurs, Dec 10

No ultramarathon content, but you need to read this: This guy is attempting to break the record for most miles ridden on a bike in a year. Current record is 75k, which means Kurt is on his bike more than half the day, every single day, pushing past 200 miles and 8k calories every single damn day. Holy cow.

Caitlin flew sixteen hours for the 50k World Championships and learned some lessons about travel and diet. Still a solid 6th with an international field. Nice work!

Science: Wait, huh? I forgot what I was writing.

Here’s a good bio/obit about TNF founder Doug Tompkins. He certainly had a full life. And here’s the story about how he went from a high school drop out to a millionaire conservationist.

I’ve got ten months to get ready for Tahoe 200. Can’t wait! Check out this video!

Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc is now officially called UTMB and there’s a new logo. And Columbia (Montrail’s parent company) is a parent sponsor.

#letgordyrun: I still don’t understand the Board’s decision to cause waves in the MUT community just to save one spot, and wish we’d get some clarification. “Rules are rules” isn’t an acceptable response, so what is it? Sure, it’s the Board’s call, but this move makes it look tone-deaf and insular.

Do you use marathons as training runs? Do you think they’re a good replacement for the long run? Read this. I’ve used them to get into race mode and to help train myself to push in a race…and will continue to do so. You?

Pretty cool: Nickademus Hollon and Charlie Engel are taking off today on the “Sea to Sea”—one surge from the Pacific Ocean in San Diego to the Salton Sea in southeast California. 130 miles across 4 distinct ecosystems, serious mountains, etc. Anxious to hear how it goes! And if you haven’t listened to each of their podcasts, definitely check them out. I spoke with Charlie (one of the true icons of this sport) shortly after his release from federal prison, and spoke with Nick (at least in this interview) shortly after his hallucination-fest at TdG.

New to ultras? Read this. Training to walk and hike in ultras and trail races can pay off well.

Leor just added another section of wilderness to my bucket list. Check out the Buckeye Loop above Yosemite. Wow!

Chris price found a nutrition/hydration regimen that worked for him during his first time at TNF50. Top 20 finish, too!

I was watching this video on improving running economy and form this morning while listening to some old Prince at it synced up perfectly. You’ll have to trust me. It was awesome.

18yo junior-level cyclist takes EPO to capture a time trial in the UK. Not good. I’m assuming there’s not a lot (if any) money in junior level events, so what’s going on?

And in other cycling news, China’s richest man aiming to purchase many of the sport’s top events (including TdF). This is all after he bought Ironman earlier this year.

11 Responses to "Ultramarathon Daily News, Thurs, Dec 10"

Aitch says:

December 10, 2015 at 8:23 am

Gordy should bandit the race. Seriously though, has anyone heard Gordy’s thoughts?Reference

Reply
1. eric schranz says:
  
  December 10, 2015 at 8:47 am
  
  Yes, he’s been pretty vocal on Facebook and has expressed his desire to run the race. He’s got two main points (it seems.) First, he says if he’s too slow and makes the a/s wait that he’ll drop out. He also wants to give a talk about his friend who he credits with helping to start WS.
  
  Reply
  1. Guy C. says:
    
    December 10, 2015 at 9:59 am
    
    The only reason I’ve seen given is the RD’s comment that one needs to demonstrate a “reasonable chance to finish the race.” (Apparently there are a few ways to do this: finish a qualifier or to win a spot through a golden ticket race.) I get that people think an exception should be made, that seems a reasonable position, though I think the WS position is also reasonable. No decision pleases everyone, and woe to any leader who tries to appease all…
    It would be sad to see Gordy bandit the race or even publicly complain. He’s an icon, a legend, and being small about the WS position could tarnish that iconic status. Wouldn’t the “big thing” be to show up, high five folks as they head out, and be there to cheer and greet finishers and shake their hand on the track? (most running their first WS; many running their only WS). Gordy has an incredible narrative; wouldn’t want his story take an ugly turn. And what an awesome thing it would be for him to qualify for 2017 and finish for the first time since 2007. I’d like to be there for that, as would many others.Reference
    
    Reply
    1. eric schranz says:
      
      December 10, 2015 at 1:00 pm
      
      I agree with nearly everything you wrote. It’s a messy situation to be sure, but one that didn’t need to be fought. The Board seemed to create this issue on purpose. Surely, they knew this would create a debacle, and all for one spot? Doesn’t make sense to me…fails my BS test.
      
      Reply
      1. Aitch says:
        
        December 10, 2015 at 4:03 pm
        
        I agree. It feels gross.
Jesse says:

December 10, 2015 at 10:24 am

On using marathons for training how can one really get benefit from a flat road course if your training program is aimed towards a hilly Ultra? I do a couple of road runs weekly just as a way to stay sharp running a steady pace and in case I run into a longer road section at some point (Rio and AR 50 being prime examples). Outside of that I much prefer the undulations of the trail. If you fit the marathon to suit the Ultra you want to run then yes why not? As long as you can remove the need to finish in a certain time…aka set the ego aside.

Reply
Andrew says:

December 10, 2015 at 10:35 am

Train hard for Tahoe 200. I run at around 2000-3000ft elevation and I trained well for TRT 100 dispite developing performis syndrome . I recall the views epic and amazing from Marlette and Snow Valley Peaks amung others, but desired not to stay and look but to hurry up and get down below 8000 ft, which isnt often. The elevation up there increased my heart rate about 15bpm higher than normal during the first 50 miles while I thought it was due to to the thin air and excitement , I wore myself out too quickly and death marched my way to finish .

Reply
1. eric schranz says:
  
  December 10, 2015 at 10:43 am
  
  Thanks Andrew. That’s exactly what I’m afraid of. I’m confident I can handle the distance and sleep issues, but I’m pathetic when I get above 5k’ and the entire course is significantly higher. I’ll be sure to spend many a weekend in Tahoe as it gets closer. You doing it again?
  
  Reply
Ryan says:

December 10, 2015 at 10:50 am

Seems the article is saying don’t do marathons as a training run for… a marathon. And that makes sense, but if you’re training for an ultra, and you can discipline yourself to stay at training pace, not race it- why not? Easier said than done, though, in my experience.Reference

Reply
1. Pete says:
  
  December 11, 2015 at 12:33 am
  
  That’s one point for sure Ryan. Another is the risk that you’re training yourself to run at training pace in a race environment. When you come to push in your target race, you’ve already taught your subconscious brain that it’s OK to run easy in a race….
  
  Also leaves you vulnerable to switching ‘races’ to ‘training runs’ in your mind when they don’t pan out as you’d hoped. It’s a slippery slope
  
  Reply
Geoff says:

December 11, 2015 at 2:30 pm

What’s going on? Results that would garner enough recognition to eventually join a pro team, most likely.Reference

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