Interview: Jim Lampman

I've continued to scour the run-o-sphere in search of runners and athletes to interview that not only exemplify Human Potential, but continue to be the voice of ultra-running. Today's interview is just one of those athletes. I met Jim Lampman during the 2006 Damn Wakely Dam Ultra in Piseco, NY. Just 4 miles into the 32.6 mile race.. and we were lost together (Jim was leading). I instantly loved the kid, him eating grape gummy fish (my favorite), a quick wit and a mouth that just doesn't stop. It's easy to get lost with Jim, and tick off the Miles. Without further adieu, Jim Lampman..

Name: James Lampman
Age: 28
Hometown/Location: Cato, NY
Years Running Ultras: 7, almost 8 years (Spring 2004)
100-Mile Finishes: 17 official finishes since 2007 (plus three other 100-155-mile runs: pacing and DNFs of races >100mi.) Vermont 100 (5), Massanutten 100 (2), Virgil Crest 100 (3), Beast of Burden Winter 100, Umstead 100, Beast of Burden Summer 100 (2), NJ 100, Philadelphia 100, Burning River 100.

Thanksgiving

It was 1872 when the first Official Thanksgiving Holiday was had in Canada, and it was 1863 when it was first officially celebrated in The United States. For centuries, these two nations have celebrated a day of thanks. Or have they? It never surprises me how society mis-understands the true history/value of a holiday. I mean, Christmas is all about Santa Claus and the giving of presents right? I mean, never mind the fact that a dude named Christ was born and we're supposed to be celebrating his birthday. No one really even gets that Santa Claus didn't even exist until the 1820s and he first appeared as a cartoon character in a newspaper. Well, that's the American version, the real version being Saint Nicholas during the 4th century (think 5000 AD) who gave generous gifts to the poor. But what about Thanksgiving?..

WS100: The Lottery

It opened on November 12th and after only two days, more then 1,000 people had tossed their name into the hat. 1000 People put $370 on hold, only to be cashed in after their luck, hopefully, has it good. Others who want to join, have until November 26th to toss their name into that same hat. As of the writing of this post, the number is over 1,700 names, which means you're likely to have a 9% chance of even getting in if history holds true. Yes, this is how they select the participants for the 2012 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.

My thoughts on this race have evolved over the last 7 years. It was 2006 when I ran my first 50 mile qualifier. Back then, any 50 mile race would do in order to qualify you to run in the event, and subsequently put your name into the hat for the lottery. Things have changed since then. Now the WS100 provides a list of races runners can complete in order to qualify for the event. When I first realized this, I was impressed by the organizers commitment, in listening to the feedback of the ultra-community, in making the event harder to get into by improving the qualifying standard.

Winter Running

By now, everyone in the country has experienced winter weather in some way, shape or form. For many of us, it's become that time of year when we give our bones a rest, ease back into our lazy boy and allow our joints to get creaky. Using the colder months as an excuse to not get out there and train has become rather common place amongst runners, unless you're one of the lucky few training for that April running of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon. I can remember back to 2007, when I signed up for my first Massanutten Mountain Trails 100, an early May race in the mountains of Virginia, where a few fellow ultra-runnrs of mine told me; "The reason Massanutten is so hard for a New Englander is because it's incredibly difficult to train in the winter."

Certainly I know what they meant in terms lacking the terrain, during winter months, to adequately train for that rock infested race. Though I fear that they actually meant, also, that it really is hard for some folks to train during the winter months. It's hard to motivate yourself when it's in the teens above or below zero outside. Your favorite trails are covered in deep snow or pesky ice. You've been pushed out to the roads where you dodge cars and they don't make much effort to dodge you. Your running shoes fill with slush and are crusted with ice. So the question is, how does one train during the winter and do so comfortably? That's what this post is all about.

2012 Winter Expeditions

It has become a winter tradition for Team Sherpa Ultra Running to create a series of Fat Ass events that helps us/runners motivate and continue to train during the winter months. 2012 will prove to be no different as Team Sherpa Ultra Running presents the 2012 Winter Expeditions.

Speed Ascents

Speed Climbing and Speed Hiking seems to be a new trend in our outdoor society. To those who seek the peak faster then all, power to you. The more I've investigated this type of pursuit, the more I've realized that these folks are taking "Human Potential" to elevated levels. Beyond what those who conjured up the HP Movement ever dreamed it would go. Runners and hikers can glean reports and records from the well visited website Fastest Known Time which details the various records set across the country. Some set out to challenge themselves while others are setting out to challenge each other. That last sentence is the topic of great debate. Who are they challenging really? When they say, "Myself" do they mean it? When they say, "Others" do they become villains? I guess that's for them to know and you.. to figure out on your own.

Adventure Film

This past weekend, Human potential headed out to The 2011 Adventure Film Festival here in Boulder, CO. This international festival serves as "the International Arena for the best and most inspiring independent films of the year encompassing all aspects of adventure, from serious exploration to environmental heroism to gripping tales from the edge of the believable."
(http://www.adventurefilm.org/index.aspx) 


Human Potential made it's way to the festival in search of some of this inspiration in the hopes that something will create a new spark or fuel our own fire of self discovery. Also, Human Potential went to Boulder REI to support the film 9/11/10 Project: Stop 18. This film was produced by film make Michael Ramsey and Stacy Bare of Veterans Expeditions.

Like A Compass

A few weeks ago I turned 30 years old and while reflecting on the last decade of my life, I began to realize that I've been blogging for the better half of 7 years now. To me this means that for a majority of my adult years, I've been able to share my life and experiences here on the internet. To some of you, that's a pretty scary thought, but to me it's continuing to do what I set out to do when I first started. What a long strange road it's been.