Trail Running Blog

Matt Carpenter in the NY Times

Scott — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 05:25:10 +0000

The NY Times has a great article on Matt Carpenter probably the greatest mountain runner of all time.

Yaktrax Pro Keep You On the Trail in Harsh Conditions.

Scott — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:02:32 +0000

Well the snow has been flying up here in the Great White North so I was very happy to see my Yaktrax arrive in the mail. I know my mother has been using these for a couple years in Saskatchewan and raved about how excellent they are, but I never really had a need for them until this years rare heavy snowfall in Vancouver.

Yaktrax are traction devices that slip easily onto your footwear to reduce the odds of slipping while running on snow and ice. Yaktrax consist of coils to create hundreds of biting edges to grip snow and ice. I used these in very icy conditions in the Alberta Rockies as well as on snow here in British Columbia and I found them to work flawlessly. Make sure you get the right size so you have a snug fit and try not to wear them on exposed asphalt areas they will wear quickly. All and all a very good product and highly recommended to those running in slippery conditions.

Review: Go Motion Trail Runner Light Vest

Scott — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 02:18:36 +0000

I was recently sent a Trail Lite Vest to review by GoMotion, Inc. Go Motion, a new company, designs lighting systems for runners who train and compete in the dark. This is a great thing for those who live in northern climates with little training light from October to March. For those who run in the dark the normal alternative is a headlamp which works alright but you find your self running with the head down and dealing with the head bob.

My first impression of the pack was it was light and fit me well but I found it odd to have such a small storage capacity for a “trail run” vest, not something to be used when venturing into the back country for a night ops mission. This pack is more for short blasts, I think the maximum water bladder size you could carry would be 1 litre (they state 1.5 litre on the website). The lighting was decent, illuminating the path ahead and letting the cars know I was coming. The thing I like about the pack is the fact it remains on the trail even if you look away. The safety light on the back is a nice feature also warning the cyclists that their is a runner ahead of them. I think this pack with a headlamp would be a great combo especially for those competing in ultra runs that run into the night or even 24hr mountain bike races. One thing I found some issues with was the method of light attachment. I think it would have been more useful if it was not attached via “rails” so users could potentially remove and attach it to other packs.

Features of the pack include:

Some common features of the GoMotion packs include:

3-Level Beam Intensity
Flood to Spotlight Beam Control
Adjustable Beam Angle
Two Flashing Rear LED Taillights
3 AA Energizer batteries Included
Accepts GoMotionTM Re-chargeable Battery Pack
Low Battery Signal
Breathable cool-mesh padding
Reflective trim

Worth checking out who for those who have get the miles regardless of light conditions.

Attention Canadian Runners Casting for Terry Fox Marathon of Hope Documentary

Scott — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:15:08 +0000

This looks like a great opportunity to support a great cause and and follow the footsteps of one of the greatest runners of all time Terry Fox.
————-
Are you a passionate athlete who draws inspiration from Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope?

At CBC Television, we are presently creating a program which would illustrate in detail what Terry accomplished in 1980. The event will reacquaint new and existing generations with Terry’s example of athleticism, determination and self-sacrifice.

A team of twelve runners will start the marathon in St. John’s, NFLD on April 12th. Each participant will attempt to run 3,339 miles in 143 days - matching Terry’s daily mileage - arriving in Thunder Bay, ON on Labour Day weekend. Our camera crews will document the journey from the first day of training through to the end of the run, providing viewers with updates on the participants and their fundraising efforts.

Our first episode, to air in April on CBC, will see the introduction of the participants and the stakes set for the run. Terry’s enduring and building legacy will be highlighted. We are working in conjunction with the Terry Fox Foundation, who in the past have declined proposals where the intent is to symbolically or literally finish the Marathon of Hope. This concept does not infringe on that wish.

If you are interested in participating in, or supporting, this initiative — we want to hear from you. We welcome any questions at any time along the way.

An ideal candidate would possess the following:

1) They have been inspired by Terry’s story and have a history of supporting Terry’s vision and principles
2) They have the ability and willingness to fundraise
3) They believe and offer evidence that they are capable of physically attempting the run
4) They are willing and able to put aside work/other commitments for 4 and a half months to document their personal journey.

Do you have what it takes to go the distance?

If you would like to participate as a runner in this historic event, please reply to marathonofhope2009@gmail.com , sending us your contact information and telling us why you are the ideal candidate for the show.

In addition, we ask that you please create a 3-5 minute video so we can see you in action. Your video should include: Your name, age, hometown and why you want to be a participant in the Marathon of Hope 2009. Please upload your video to YouTube.

Need extra help uploading your video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFyIT7rVZ0Q

Deadline for applications:
January 8, 2009

Please notify us immediately by sending the URL when you’ve uploaded your video.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Michelle & Lara,
Marathon of Hope 2009

Matt Carpenter and Kami Semick win the 2008 North Face Endurace Challenge

Scott — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:41:22 +0000

Last year it was Uli Steidl who took first with Matt Carpenter in second in the inaugural North Face Endurance Challenge this year it was the legendary mountain runner Matt Carpenter who took first and earning a well deserved $10,000 for his efforts. From the looks of the results it was a close race. The always strong Kami Semick was well ahead of second place Anita Ortiz who finished 20 minutes back.

4th Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race Report

Scott — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 05:51:23 +0000

Looks like the Africans are still dominating the mens division in the richest price money mountain race. Wyatt was shut out from “heat issues” while the female World Champion Andrea Mayr of Austria had no problems with the heat and finished ahead of the tough African competition. See the WMRA site for full race report.

Leading Results

Women
1 Andrea Mayr (AUT) 51:14
2 Angelina Mutheu Mutuku (KEN) 52:17
3 Rehima Kedir (ETH) 52:51
4 Aselefech Mergia (ETH) 53:02
5 Pauline Wangui (KEN) 53:03
6 Ashu Kasim (ETH) 53:05

Men
1 Abebe Dinkesa (ETH) 41:45
2 Geoffrey Kusuro (UGA) 42:36
3 Awash Fikadu (ETH) 42:42
4 Tilahu Regassa (ETH) 42:47
5 Lishan Yigezu (ETH) 42:48
6 Rolando Ortizcelis (COL) 43:40

Oiselle: The Perfect Running Short

tara — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:35:08 +0000

British Columbia weather had already begun to turn when my Oiselle shorts and sports top arrived in the mail. A cool crisp Saturday morning in Vancouver was sure to be even colder up in Squamish. This normally would have been a knicker day for me, but I really wanted to try out the new gear. Louise and I were excited about our run in Alice Lake Provincial Park, and I was anxiously hoping I would not freeze in my new little number. Increasing the adrenalin factor was Louise’s friend, Wolfe, a first time addition to our running duo. I had been climbing with the two of them before and I knew there would be pressure to step it up on the trails. Outfitted in my runners, the Oiselle Roga shorts and bra top, a coolmax long sleeve and some light wicking gloves, I was the perfect temperature, ready for run swift run through the trails.

Oiselle is a Seattle company founded by Sally Bergesen in 2006. A runner herself, both competitively and for pleasure, she decided to create a line of clothing specifically for female runners. Focusing on comfort and style, it lives up to its claim; it has a beautiful fit and superior function. The shorts look great, feel great and best of all do not ride up. In fact, you can hardly feel you have them on. They are super lightweight with a comfortable liner. There is also a good size internal key pocket. The Iris sports top is what I have always looked for and never found: a light, comfortable top with support and lining. It comes in a pretty blue and adds a little shape to the runner body. However you like it, the Oiselle line is practical, comfortable and looks cute. I may not have needed the knickers on this run, but as winter approaches, I soon will and I have my eye on the Leslie by Oiselle.

How to Stretch

Scott — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 04:28:53 +0000

Great NY Times article on proper stretching techniques. Make sure to check out the video.

Stretching: The Truth
By GRETCHEN REYNOLDS
Forget everything you know about warming up. This is how it’s done.

Documentary on legendary Marco Olmo

Scott — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:51:36 +0000

This was just forwarded to me looks interesting:

“One Step Beyond”.
This will be one of the first documentaries about the world of ultra-trail running. The movie will tell Marco Olmo’s history. Marco is one of the best extreme runners in the world. We has one two Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (2006 and 2007), six Cro-Magnons, four Lybia Desert Marathon, three Marathon des Sables and many other races.

Marco is 60 years old. He is training for what could be his last race. Winning is his only goal. Running is his reason for living. “One Step beyond” tells his history.

The movie will come out in 2009 and it will be subtitled in English. Visit www.unpassodopolaltro.it or www.filmunpassodopolaltro.blogspot.com to view the movie’s trailer (http://www.unpassodopolaltro.it/trailer_eng.html) and to read more about the documentary.

Scott Jurek Hill Running Tips

Scott — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:42:17 +0000

Stumbled up this great video by Runners World featuring Scott Jurek, Scott gives some great tips on proper hill running technique.