Ultramarathon Daily News, Wed, Mar 25

Sabrina writes some of the funniest ultramarathon race reports around. Here’s her latest from the Grasslands 50.

She’s nervous–and prepared–for hardcore Badwater training. Fun read.

Three things you need to know about snowshoe running. Thing #4: We got so little snow in CA this year that I didn’t get a chance to go out once.

Here’s a great example of how retail and brands can come together to support runners: The Baybirds.

…which leads me to the search for two people (men size 11, women 8) who live somewhere it’s still raining and would like to help with a shoe review. Please have writing experience, no “affiliate” or sponsor programs, live in the US, and email me: [email protected]. Thanks.

The first marathon on Mars is complete!

Barkley is coming up this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the race, here’s our interview with Laz, here’s our interview with the youngest finisher Nickademus Hollon, and here’s our interview with Bev and Alan Abbs a few weeks before their last attempt a few years ago.

Oh hell yes. Kilian announced he’ll be running Mt Marathon this year. That will be awesome.

If you haven’t been watching the #urmadness on twitter, it’s down to the final four!

Gorgeous video of Oswaldo Lopez on a training run in the mountains of Southern California.

Steve Magness hates CrossFit.

Rock Creek Runners has developed a “how-to” for new trail runners with advice, nutrition information, stories, and videos. Sarah and I (along with Chris Vargo, Stephanie Howe, Wardian, Matt Fitzgerald, and others) contributed to it a few months ago and it’s available right over here (for a fee): Click here to view more details.

We all do this for different reasons and at different paces. This guy is my new favorite person of the week of all time.

An ultrarunner’s first time running a road marathon. Yes, yes, yes. Here’s my take on them from last year.

This looks like an awesome event in Wales, but please help me understand it. Is it a trail race or not? The description says it’s not, then describes it as a “trail race.”

Sketchiest trail in the world.

Jenn Collins says:

March 25, 2015 at 7:28 am

In fairness, a lot of us Crossfitters are pretty skeptical of the CF Endurance claims too. I feel like CFE is great for short distances, but I’m not going to max out at 12 miles and then run a marathon or beyond.Reference

cb says:

March 25, 2015 at 8:03 am

I’m surprised an ultra runner would decide to try and bank time early in a road marathon by running a pace that they knew wasn’t sustainable for the entire race. Banking time almost always comes back to bite you in the rear in both road marathons and trail ultras.

Pete Miles says:

March 25, 2015 at 8:27 am

Dragons Back is much more an ultra mountain/fell race. Taking the optimal route means there will be a shortage of actual trails! It’s pretty epic and certainly one to watch! Some of the names from 2012 may not be familiar in the US but includes some awesome mountain runners.

Pelms84 says:

March 25, 2015 at 8:30 am

Yeah it’s more British ‘mountain’ running than trail – more often than not there wont be a clear trail as such. It’s definitely not road!Reference

Iwan says:

March 25, 2015 at 8:31 am

From memory it’s more of a multi-day Fell race. I think each day the runners get given positions of the checkpoints and they self-navigate to each place – crossing open land and not necessarily following established trails.Reference

Paul B says:

March 25, 2015 at 8:40 am

It’s a fell race, which is similar to trail race but different. Fell races take place in the hill and lake countries of GB. There is no defined path and use navigation skills. Or attach yourself to someone who knows what they’re doing and hope they don’t drop you.

Bruno says:

March 25, 2015 at 9:56 am

I have used the CFE training idea for a few months, but still using my long runs from “Relentless Forward Progress.” The mix has been working for me. Lower weekly millage with some CF style workouts (not at a box) but the normal weekend runs. Had a nice 1:20 PR at Rocky Raccoon that was a combo of being strong and just getting better at finishing 100’s. But I’m just a casual ultra guy. Love it for journey and the older I get, I’m just trying to find a way to stay as fit as possible. I’m sure I’ll change a lot of training over the years. CheersReference

Lonsy says:

March 25, 2015 at 12:21 pm

It’s a mountain race – some sections are on trail but the majority is freestyle from one end of the country to the other. It’s legendarily difficult!Reference

Eric says:

March 25, 2015 at 4:00 pm

That is the funniest, and perhaps best race report I have ever read. I haven’t laughed that hard in a while.Reference

Josh says:

March 25, 2015 at 4:16 pm

Along with being a great runner, Oswaldo is also one of the kindest persons you could meet.

I think most in the Fresno area consider it to be Central California… But that may just open a can of worms.Reference

Meghan says:

March 25, 2015 at 5:51 pm

Uh… do you have to sign a death waiver before you do this?Reference

Dan Brostek says:

March 25, 2015 at 6:53 pm