Sherpa John: Human Potential

VB: Sanitarado

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I headed out across Boulder's Front Range to challenge myself on the classic Sanitarado route. I called it The Frozen Front Range Marathon and it was the first of this years Team Sherpa Winter Expeditions. Nine hearty souls ventured out into the frigid cold and enjoyed one epic experience. No one finished the entire route, but I came the closest to completing the task. While the run report is to follow, I hope you'll enjoy the video for now.

RR: Southside 50K Fat Ass

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

1-21-12
Southside 50K
Superior - South Boulder, CO
32 Miles
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A month or two ago I received a FaceBook Event invitation to a Fat Ass run being organized in the South Boulder area of Colorado's Front Range. It's not often that I'm the one being invited to a Fat Ass event this time of year as I'm used to being the one organizing them. And even though it's a week before my own first fat Ass of the winter, I knew I had to take the chance to hop on board. The starting line was to be at the Superior Town Hall, which is quite literally .93 miles from my front door. It quickly became the first time I'd actually run to the starting line of an event I myself hadn't organized.

2nd Annual Southside 50K Route (Courtesy: Eric Lee)

After running to the start during dawn, I arrived at Superior Town Hall to the rumblings of nearly 40 trail runners from the Boulder/Denver Metro Area. They huddled around and danced about, attempting to keep warm on a morning that is cold to this winters standards, but balmy to mine. I hung around realizing that I only knew two people there. The organizer and Chris Gerber, a Louisville resident who lives a mile away from me. I'm still waiting for the Boulder Ultra crowd to come around and say hello to this complete stranger; I've been told it will happen... someday. :)

After a quick photo, the organizer passed out maps, described where the aid stations were and went over the course. From there, we heard a "Have Fun!" and we were off. I love Fat Asses. I was very glad that my good friend Jerry Armstrong showed up to keep me company. Jerry is what I would classify as an ultra-phenom. A self proclaimed dark horse who is under-appreciated in the ultra community.. mainly because he doesn't have a sponsor. Jerry's enthusiasm for our sport is contagious. His knowledge unmatched by many and his ability to simply run.. special.

As the sun finally rose above the horizon of the great plains, the waving fields of open range grasses was glowing red, orange, yellow and then traditional for this time of year - the dead brown look. Speaking of dead brown.. I ran beside a guy who has been to The Barkley 6 times and is returning this year to try his luck at the Fun Run. I started telling Jerry that it kind of hit me as he talked to other runners.. that just as I didn't care that he has done and is going to Barkley.. no one cares that I've been either. :) Ahh.. Boulder.

We continued down the trail through Superiors backside. our route runs gradually uphill along an old rail grade where mine cars dragged coal from the holes still visible in the ground here. Tailings line the sides of the trail which is indicative of the hard work done here just over 100 years ago. The trails we started out on were the scene of a historic mine strike in one of Western America's busiest coal fields. It's always great to appreciate the history of the area we merely run across.

As we reached Marshall Mesa, the winds kicked in. Forecasts called for a warm day with temps in the 60s. Unseasonably warm for January in the Front Range and you could feel the fight between warm and cold air happening around us. We ran through cold pockets buffeted by warm breezes.. and warm pockets thrashed by chilling winds rushing down from the snowy (snowing) Continental Divide. Regardless, on the Marshall Mesa the winds gusted to near 45 mph as we struggled to make it across. Winds so strong that they stand you up and nearly stop you in your tracks as you continue to turn your legs over. After crossing CO 93, we sunk down onto Community Ditch and was suddenly protected from the gustiest of winds.

Funny, Jerry talked the entire way across Marshall Mesa and when we reached Community Ditch, I admitted to him that I only heard bits and pieces of what he had to say. The wind blew so strong that all I heard for the last hour was the wind rushing across my ears. Sorry Jer. I had to stop to walk because, par for the course, nature called. Jerry was puzzled when I sunk down along the back of the ditch. Jerry thought for sure that the water that flowed through here, UPHILL (no seriously it does), that I was taking a dump in water that people drank. When I caught up to him at mile 8, at the Dowdy Draw parking area where the first aid stop was, I explained to him that the ditch is for irrigation and cattle drinking water only. I don't think he was too relieved.. but I was. Get it?

I had planted water and some aid in a bush near the parking lot the night before. I ran into the aid station around the same time as the bulk of the runners. They watched as I ran off into the high plains scrub, trying to figure out what I was doing. Then I pulled water out of a bush and the organizer wondered why I had done that. She told me to carry all that I needed for the day and there would be limited aid. So I prepared and it was no big deal. I was actually doubly appreciative of her and her husbands kind generosity in having an aid van set up here with cookies, pretzels, fruit, etc. After nomming down some oranges and half of a rotten banana, Jerry and I were off.

We spent the first 8 miles wondering if our pals Kurt and Val were going to show up or not. As we started to pass Sherpa Shack, we actually saw them sitting there refueling their bottles with jugs of water. Jerry took the gallon jug Kurt had and we showed them where to stash it on our return trip back through here. We got to the junction where the Spring Brook Loop splits off. These cats quickly got acquainted with who I was, this having been the first time we've met. It was pretty clear though that our time together just got better.

Jerry lead the charge up Spring Brook South and eventually onto the Goshawk Ridge. We talked about running 100s and Kurt is training for his first and Val is training for redemption at Leadville. This really left our group open to countless possibilities for discussion over the next few hours. The winds finally began to die and the air was warming up. The snowy sections we started to come across nestled in the mountains shadow, were sticky and wet as the snow continues to melt. Val doesn't do well on these sections and she didn't really have the footwear for it either. It was a great excuse for us to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

After descending off Goshawk, we took back onto the old rail grade around Fowler and into Eldorado Canyon. Eldo is notorious for it's incredible wind speeds as the air coming down from the mountains gets squeeze played out onto the plains. The wind was easily gusting to 60 in the final rock cut of the rail and it was tough to slip through here. I managed to use Jerry's camera to take a pic of our crew sneaking on through.

For more on Eldorado Canyon, check out the YouTube Video posted on the Human Potential YouTube Channel last week.

After we passed the windy section, we started our climb up Rattlesnake Gulch. The front runners came rushing on by us, a good 2+ miles ahead of us which was about an hour at this point. As we started to climb, we continued to experience some of the icy/pack snow that still graces the gulch. The sun rarely makes it in here this time of year and without traction, those not accustomed to these conditions were going incredibly slow. We stopped to give Val my micro-spikes which she was buying her own pair of on the way home from the run. After slapping these babies on, she was a cruise missile taking it to the trails like she hasn't ever before this time of year.

We saw a few more mid-packers running the loop in the opposite direction of us. We climbed steadily and took a break near the top. I had heard the whistle of Union Pacific in the distance and we debated waiting for the train to come by so we could act like kids as it chugged on by. "I heard it Jer but that doesn't mean I know how close it is." We elected to keep moving, and then.. within 5 minutes we saw the train rolling by up high. CRAP! We missed the excitement but continued to have our own. Val had my micro-spikes on the descent and I was now focused on not falling on my ass. I planted every foot step with purpose and poise ensuring that I stayed up right. Half way down, Jerry said his good byes as he ran home to family obligations. It was just Kurt, Val and I now and the sun was definitely warming the place up.

After running out of Eldorado Canyon, We ran around the North loop of Spring Brook. Val and Kurt grabbed their stashed water and I continued on as they hung back and filled their bottles. I needed a walk break and with the new cement mud that was hanging around on these trails, I took the opportunity to just pick my way through the slop. As I reached the Flat Irons Vista Trail (North), I slowly made my way up the hill and soaked in the views.

Near the top, Val and Kurt caught up to me. I guess Val took a spill back around the corner. She was smelling the barn now, her car parked at the Green Belt Plateau, she was done for the day. This became tough though. As Val smelled the barn, she picked up the pace. Right in the middle of me fighting a bonk. I struggled to keep up with her. But I knew I had some rest time down near her car as I planted a bottle of water in a ditch. Upon reaching the cars, we said our good byes and I was excited to hear that Kurt was going to finish the run out with me. Even though I would have enjoyed the last 8 miles alone, I enjoyed company much more.. and the company of a new friend. Maybe these Boulder Runners aren't that bad after all. (Kurts from Westminster via Southern Cal).

After refilling our bottles and dumping our access food and such off to Val, kurt and I took off around the Green Belt Plateau. I look at my watched and realized I had a good chance at finishing this in the 7 hours I had wanted to finish it in. Which in my mind, was a rough goal. By now the sun was hot and the temps are in the low to mid 60s. I'm still wearing man-pris and my long sleeve tops (2). I make kurt stop so I could get down to my short sleeves. You have no idea how good this feels in January. After this, Kurt and I tackle the minor hills that remained with purpose and vigor. We ran when we felt like it and walked when our legs tired. All the while we talked and told stories.. and I started to wonder where the hell all the other runners were at.

Near the top of the Coalton Trail, I stopped to take one last picture of myself with the Flat Irons behind me. I'm so incredibly lucky to live in an amazingly gorgeous location. In the far distance, we watched as even though it was 63 degrees where we were, a blizzard was raging on on the Continental Divide.

Kurt and I made it back to Superior around 2:00pm. I managed to finish the 32 miles in 6:58. Two minutes under my goal for the day. I'm sure I could have run it another 20-30 minutes faster if I had tried; but some days you just want to enjoy the journey and being out under the warm sun. Upon reaching Superior Town Hall.. the car which had the sing out clip board was gone. I thought I came in last and perhaps I did. It's a Fat Ass so it doesn't matter. I later learned that about half the field decided to not run Rattlesnake Gulch because of the snow and ice in there. Probably a good choice. The best part of the day though was not even caring about that clip board. I figured, "meh.. so it isn't here.. guess I'll run home." And that's what I did. I ran along Goodhue Ditch on the Coal Creek Trail. Watched some golfers take a few swings on the course next to my place and the sauntered the rest of the way home. I showered up.. and headed out for groceries for the next days Pats game.

Southside 50K Elevation Profile

Yosemite In HD

2012-01-23T12:59:00.002-07:00

A friend of mine sent me this video the other day and I just have to share it with everyone I can. It is insanely powerful on so many levels. In my inability to truly find the words, I'm taking a caption from Jerry Armstrong's Blog. Jerry posted the video over there after I shared it with him, and his words capture my thoughts perfectly.

From Jerry: "This video captures the feeling and experience of a great 100 mile mountain ultra. Time stands still, and the sun rises and falls. The night comes and goes...and we just keep running. As ultra-endurance athletes, we come to experience nature in a much different way...we work with the earth and come to know the subtle changes that happen every day and throughout the year. Changes and adaptation to environmental factors like cold, wind, water erosion, light, and dark, shape the earth into its magnificence. Ultra athletes, too, are shaped by these forces, and the mental and physiological adaptation that takes place develops us into advanced versions of our previous selves."

Amen Jerry... I'll have to add that once again.. Ultra's are metaphors for life. Enjoy!

VB: Eldorado

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

While I'm working on training and exploring, and exploring while training, this year; It's pretty important to me to continue to not only share my journeys with you but also my passion for my life in the outdoors. In 2011 I made the commitment to purchase the new equipment needed in order to accomplish this goal and now in 2012, my commitment goes deeper. On Monday, Jerry Armstrong and I set out for a trek around some of our favorite Front Range trails. From South Boulder's Fowler Trailhead, we made our way into Eldorado Canyon before attempting to summit Eldorado Mountain. In a little over a week, this same area will be a part of the Frozen Front Range Marathon. For now.. here's a preview of the trails I've easily grown to love.

2012 Preview

2012-01-16T01:15:00.000-07:00

As promised a few weeks ago, we're going to take a closer look at what I have in store for 2012. This year isn't going to be like years in recent memory, as my plan is to return more towards my ultra-running roots. This is a decision I struggled with over the final months of 2011, but am assured that this is exactly what I'm on need of. What I've really discovered over the last year or two is that my interests in Ultra-Running had brought me to some of the more popular races. Races with large entry fees, a large running field and a whole lot of flair. But when I entered this sport, I entered as an explorer. A lover of mountains, wilderness and solitude; simply out there looking to push myself and discover what truly is possible while exploring the nations most beautiful locations.

So, as we look ahead to what I hope will be an exciting year; you'll notice that I'm regressing back to my roots. I'm heading back to the mountains. Signing up for the lower key races, where I am rest assured at my entry fee is going to greater causes and not someones pockets. Where I know that these grass roots, scenic and memorable experiences will lead me back to a time when Ultra-Running was still niche, humble and personal.

Winter Expeditions/Fat Asses
This year is going to start off with my annual series of Winter Fat Ass Adventures. Each of this years planned adventures is either a classic route here in Boulder, CO or something a little less travelled. Either way, each adventure features the no fee, no aid, no awards, no whining policies. We'll start our journeys next weekend in the Southside 50K held in Superior/South Boulder, CO. This 50K loop along the mesas south of Boulder will be run by nearly 30 runners. Next is what is more commonly referred to as the "Sanitarado," The Frozen Front Range Marathon tackle the seven peaks that make up the Boulder Colorado backdrop. Sanitas, Red Rocks, Flagstaff, Green, Bear, S. Boulder and Eldorado Mountains make up my 23 mile run which boasts over 10,000' of elevation gain! February will play host to our Frozen Dead Guy 50K which is my title for the classic Nederland to Boulder (Ned to Boulder) on trails and dirt roads. This mostly downhill run will entertain us with some of Boulder Counties most remote mountain space. We'll top it all off in March with the High Line Canal 100K. This run will take us from Waterton Canyon south of Denver 64.3 mils to the Northeast Corner of the city near the Rocky Mountain Arsenal.

Races

Courtesy - K9Runner

1.) Collegiate Peaks 50 Miler - April 28, 2012
Our race schedule will start in Buena Vista, CO with the Collegiate Peaks 50 Miler. This race is a grass roots event put on by The Buena Vista Optimist Club to support local area youth. Everything about this race, that I've uncovered, truly resembles one of my favorite East Coast events in the Vermont 50. So it's with great pride and excitement that I signed up to run in this event.

2.) Big Horn 100 - June 15, 2012
Our first, and maybe our only 100 miler in 2012, will be the Big Horn 100 Miler in Dayton, Wy. I'm actually really very excited to be heading 6 hours north of here to explore another new range of mountains, during a time of year when the wildflowers should be breathtakingly spectacular.

3.) Wasatch Front 100 Miler - September 7, 2012
It's not confirmed yet as I'm awaiting for the Wasatch Lottery to be held near February 4th. I was selected in this races lottery in 2010, but bowed out of running the race due to my failed attempt at the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. In 2011, I returned to finish Leadville and did so successfully. In 2012, I'd love to complete the races in the slam by heading to the Wasatch Range of Utah and exploring the many ridge lines and valleys of this magnificent landscape. Hoping my lottery luck will welcome me to Utah once again.. though if it doesn't, I may opt to run a local 50 miler here in the Front Range instead (see Bear Chase).

Journey Runs
All of this years journey runs are maybe's and I've listed them in the order of their probability of happening. These runs are what truly sends me back to my roots as an endurance/trail runner. Long days in the mountains, bagging peaks, and trying to see as much of the land as I can in a day.
Pawnee-Buchanan Loop (Indian Peaks Wilderness)
High Lonesome Loop (Indian Peaks Wilderness)
Maroon Bells Four Passes Loop (Aspen)
Moffat to Winter Park and Back 100K
Grand Canyon Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim
Kokopelli Trail
Pfiffner Traverse (Continental Divide/RMNP - Berthoud)
And a little something I call - Rocky Mountain Sky. (super secret mission)

I'd also like to start my journey in peak-bagging Colorado's 14ers.. and it also sounds like I'm about to begin the greatest ultra of my life in the coming year as well.

So as you can see, I'm stepping away from the "ultra-scene" a bit this year and focusing more on the journey. After all, sometimes it's not the destination right? I joined this sport because "so few people we doing it" and much of what I'd like to accomplish this year, is the things that so few people do. Colorado is an enormous state with countless opportunities and many stories to be told. I hope you'll continue to join me on this trek called life. I'm excited and feeling reinvigorated with my sense of adventure. I can't wait to get back out there and see what magic lives beneath the trees and a deep blue sky. Join me...

Happy Trails in 2012.
Sherpa John

Colorado Snowpack

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

The big topic of discussion these days in the Front Range of Colorado, besides Tim Tebow, is a discussion that happens all too often in these parts. From my balcony here in Louisville, I can clearly see the Continental Divide Regions of the James Peak Wilderness, Indian Peaks, Roosevelt National Forest and the Southeast Corner of Rocky Mountain National Park and the closest 14er known as Longs Peak. For much of this winter, and as late as yesterday, I can glance up at the divide and see a snow depleted ridge. During this time of year, the divide should be buried under feet upon feet of snow. Take for instance last year when during a mid June bike ride, we coasted past 22 foot high snow drifts along the famous trail ridge road.

Things are different this year and the locals are not only starting to get worried.. but they're growing restless and down right concerned for the lack of water up high. Obviously the major concern is water woes in the plains as there is no snow to melt and replenish the reservoirs, rivers and streams. Things could get ugly. But it's not all doom and gloom for folks.. as a lack of deep snowpack here in the West actually excites some of us adventurers and ultra-runners. Here's why.

Above is the SNOTEL Snowpack map for the state of Colorado. As you can see, Colorado is at 65% of it's normal snowpack on average. Statistics from years past have indicated that snowpack levels have never returned to normal levels before the spring melting season. Obviously you can understand why folks are worried. Take a careful look at the Colorado River Basin which is at 58%. Huge implications for major cities that live downstream like Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Snow Water Equivalent for 1/11/11

Compared to

Snow Water Equivalent for 1/11/12

But the good side of this story comes from an adventurers perspective. As I look up at the divide from my balcony, I can actually still see plenty of grey mixed within the patches of white (We call is Apache Snow.. Apache here and Apache there). Why this has me excited is because snow out will be much earlier this year as compared to last. Last year saw many failed attempts at long distance runs in the mountains due to a deep snowpack well into July. Many of the regions June Ultras (Big Horn 100 and other 50s) were forced to implement course changes due to the snow pack. Western States had runners travel over 50K before seeing their crews. Without the snow pack that was present this time last year, runners can expect trails to re-emerge sooner, dry quicker, and the number of adventures to be had this year in the mountains will be incredible.

And so I'm excited. While not pleased about the water worries, which I totally get; I've decided to not only run Big Horn in June but to also spent much of my year exploring Colorado. Peak-bagging. Trail-Bagging and exploring those popular 30 miles loops over passes and through the wild wilderness of The Rocky Mountains. This could be one epic year full of personal discovery, inner journey and self-transcendence. The weather gods are cooperating nicely.

For more on water issues throughout the Front Range and the Colorado River Basin Especially, I invite you to once again check out this awesome video.

2012 Week 1

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

I guess you could kind of look at the first week of the new year as an indication of how the rest of your year might go. As with anything, you take the good with the bad, and you may find yourself "up against a fire", or "swimming upstream", or dealing with "rainy days".. but it's really all about perspective isn't it? Certainly the apartment catching fire upstairs and the ensuing deluge was not a good sign... but I think that what I experienced the rest of the week is how I'm choosing to look ahead. This first week of the 2012 Streak was simply amazing. My eyes and soul were treated to some of the most spectacular views on runs since moving to Boulder and I finally decided to hit up some places I'd yet to make it to while on my journey's. Here is how a few of the first 7 days of the streak looked..

Thursday - Mount Sanitas
Adjectives I thought of during my run: Sixty-Six degrees. Shorts. Short sleeve shirt. Sunset. Sandstone rock. Simplicity. Suffering snow. Shimmering. Superb. Silence. Sanitas

Neighborhood Deer on Moorehead Rd.

Boulder from the climb of Sanitas

Looking South towards Green, Bear and S. Boulder peaks

Sanitas Trail

Sunset behind the divide

Boulder at Dusk

Boulder at Dark

Friday - Louisville
I ran my typical 2 mile route on Friday. A simple out and back from my front door and up the hill on the towns paved path. At the turn around, I was treated to this magnificent sunset with the silhouette of the Continental Divide and Boulders Front Range

Saturday Epic - Flagstaff and Green Mountains
I woke up before the sun on Saturday and headed into Boulder. Spotted a car with Jerry and then met up with my boss Josh. Together we all tagged the ascent of Flagstaff and Green Mountains in Boulders Front Range as I continued to scout out the trails for this months Winter Expedition - The Frozen Front Range Marathon.

Looking North from near the summit of Green

Bear from Green Summit

FIRE!

2012-01-03T22:42:00.003-07:00

The following is a true story of events that occurred on Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Included are my subsequent thoughts and feelings.. and how I'm not only lucky to be alive.. but thankful.

I told my wife on the phone as I drove home that I'd see her after I returned from my evening run. She was out grocery shopping and on the other line with her sister. I quickly let her go and returned home to perform my pre-run rituals. Per the norm, I hovered on top of the porcelain throne and played Words With Friends on my iPad. While sitting there I heard a loud commotion in the apartment above us. Blood curdling screams and a lot of running around. Our neighbors are constantly apologetic towards us for the racket they frequently cause from family arguments. I thought nothing of it. And yet it continued. I heard them run out of their apartment, down the outside stairs. Doors slamming. People screaming.. and yet I sat there..

I figured after 5 or so minutes of ruckus, I might get up and figure out what was going on. The last few mornings, I've sat on the throne without toilet paper at my disposal. This morning, I decided to not refill, trying to "get back" at my wife for my earlier predicaments. But I had beat her home and was now victim to my own stealthy prank. I figured out a solution and acted. I then got dressed and began walking down the hall way to my apartment. I heard the beeping of a smoke detector in the apartment above and began to put it all together. As I entered our living room, I could hear the sprinklers flooding the floors above as parts of our living room ceiling began to bubble and slowly drip with water. 8 Minutes had now passed since I first heard screaming.. and as I opened the front door to the apartment, I was greeting with a thick plume of black toxic smoke. I immediately slammed the door shut and.. was still inside.

I was suddenly faced with that situation you all dread yet always think about. Your apartment is on fire. What do you do? What do you save or bring with you? I saw the water going for my banjo, so I saved that first, running it to the back bedroom. I returned to the living room and thought about our wedding pictures. They're in the ottoman, so I push that to the back bedrooms as fast as I could. Finally.. I step to the outside of the apartment. People are still screaming, hugging, embracing.. I see my wife through the smoke.. she thought I was out for my run. No idea I was home. She's signaling for me to come downstairs. I ask her, "Should I get the cat?" She nods yes. I run back inside and know exactly where she is. I literally throw the spare bed up onto my back and crawl underneath, grab the cat by the scruff, shove her into her crate and run downstairs.

After placing the cat in the car, I return towards the building. The wife from upstairs tells me the fire is out. Everything is ok. Her husband is blackened and in shock. While cooking dinner, a grease fire started on their stove. She asked her husband for baking soda so she could put it out. He panicked and threw water on the stove. The fire immediately spread and engulfed their kitchen in flames. The sprinkler system turned on as they ran out.. which was the commotion I had heard.

In the end, everyone is safe. By now water is literally raining into our living room. In hearing that the fire was out, I returned to our apartment to begin moving things out of harms way of the water. I managed to save everything.. we've lost nothing. Our upstairs neighbor is incredibly depressed, worried that he's ruing our apartment and that we hate him. I tell him, "Dave.. nothing in our place is damaged except our living room ceiling and the rug. In the ends.. it's just things man. And things don't matter. We're just happy that you're safe and your entire family is safe. It's ok." I continue to ensure him that we're not mad. I bring him inside to show him that the damage is minor and everything is ok. I embrace him many times, ensuring he's ok and comforting him. It's just things... I have a place to call home tonight. Everything is fine...

But as I sit here tonight and type this. I realize how incredibly lucky I am to be able to share this story with you. After my wife and I prepped our apartment for the workers that will be coming in and out the rest of the week now.. to dry things up, to begin remodeling for us.. I laced up my running shoes. I went out for at least 2 miles.. it's my third day in a row of Streak! Even as my apartment building was on fire and the waters rained from above.. I managed to run. Perhaps as a source of therapy. A way to think about... how incredibly lucky I am. For 8 minutes.. maybe 10.. the upstairs apartment was on fire. In many cases.. it takes less time then that for an entire building to be engulfed in flames. Everything you own.. even YOU... gone forever. And yet... I sat on the toilet, taking a pre-run shit, stranded without toilet paper.. and I've lived to tell another fascinating story about my bowels.

You can't TRULY appreciate how precious life really is.. how quickly things can change.. or how quickly it could all be over.. until something like this happens. It makes you think about all the petty arguments, silly disagreements, how have you conducted yourself? How would you be remembered? Where do I go from here? Once again.. with another ticket to ride??

I don't know.... but that was the best 2 miles I've run in a long ass time.

Intention

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year Everyone! So here we are, another year. I'm really very glad, and humbled, that many of you continue to check back here from time to time and read the words I put up on your computer screens. It's incredibly hard to find content that constantly engages my audience. I've been at this blogging thing for over 7 years now. What the heck else could I possibly have to say? During the Christmas Break, I enjoyed a wonderful journey back to New England. I spent time with my family and close friends, even managed to run a little with my higher red blood cell count and yes.. it's true.. running is easier at sea level when you live at elevation. I had a great time while back east but it goes without saying that the many conversations I had with family and friends, the time away and time off, allowed me to be introspective about what I'm doing and where I'm going.

“I see my path, but I don't know where it leads. Not knowing where I'm going is what inspires me to travel it.”

I truly do love living in Colorado and moving here was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. Though I'll admit, as my job has turned unintentionally seasonal, and as my wife and I continue to work on the idea of welcoming a child into our world; I am often asking myself the hard questions about this journey called life. But in order to answer the hard questions on where I'm going; I must take a deeper look at where I've been. Reflection, after all, is a major component in educating oneself about.. oneself.

In the coming weeks I'll begin to share with you my plans and aspirations for 2012. We're also going to start diving right into adventures and expeditions very soon and I look forward to continuing to share these experiences with you. I really feel like I'm ready to make a major change in the way I explore and venture out into the world and this is the time to make that commitment. I'll share that with you in due time; but first, I really felt the need to share with you my thoughts on why I'll be making these decisions so that you have a better understanding moving forward with me.

Over the last few months, I've taken the opportunity to share with you my thoughts and opinions on the direction of Ultra-Running. There is no doubt that the sport has changed since the days when I first jumped in on the scene (2005). I think that, some times, I lose track of the journey I've taken to accomplish the things I have as an ultra runner; and have begun to focus on the things I don't agree with or generally feel detracted from the sport I knew when I joined it. In turn, the intention of my posts, my thoughts and my feelings often times get lost.

So.. enter the grumpy guy (that's me). I don't really want to be the grumpy guy. Most times, when I post something on this site, or else where; I'm sincerely trying to offer up a different point of view. What I've seen transpire in this sport is that "the masses" have subscribed to "group think" when it comes to their views and opinions on the direction the sport is taking. For instance... The Run Rabbit Run in Steamboat, CO is going to be offering up a $100,000 prize purse ($$ they don't even have yet) to the front runners of their inaugural race. Now.. I've shared my opinion a few times in regards to RD's making money, and rising entry fees of races, and the overall transition of people making a business out of this sport. And it's been argued in return that "the sport will NEVER be what Marathon Running or Triathlon/Ironman has become. The prize money is a good thing, etc etc."

"What is common to the greatest number gets the least amount of care. Men pay most attention to what is their own; they care less for what is common; or at any rate they care for it only to the extent to which each is individually concerned. Even when there is no other cause for inattention, men are more prone to neglect their duty when they think that another is attending to it." ~ Aristotle

So I try to offer up that differing point of view.. and often times in our sport get crucified for it (more on this later). Yet I still ask those questions others don't want to. Why do we NEED to provide the front runners in our niche sport.. a niche sport which was one considered a niche community, the opportunity to share $100,000 in winnings? The marathon culture never thought it would be as huge as it is today. Same goes for the triathlon and Ironman Culture. So how can you say, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Ultrarunning won't rise to the same popularity? And if we're offering huge prize purses now.. what will it look like then? The numbers of participants and finishers in our sport has gradually grown every year since 2002; as well as the number of aspiring entrants and lottery hopeful's. There is no signs of a blip in these numbers, no down year, and the sports population has continued to rise over the course of the last 5 years.

I fear ultra running has jumped the shark. Leadville is offering up pre-orders of IV's at the finish line of the race. Western States entertains almost 2000 people in a lottery where only 130 names are chosen. A few short years ago, Leadville struggled to entertain 400 runners in the race. After a year in which over 800 signed up, they now cap the race at 750. Over 700 people enter into the Hardrock Lottery now thanks to every Tom Dick and Harry running and finishing Leadville and/or Western States which is proof that.. as things transpire at certain races; it sends a ripple effect through to other races. The sport has changed.. and we're going to be the demise of the community we created and once cherished.
See: Tragedy of the Commons

I'm rambling on so let me get to the point. Over the last few months, as I've continued to ask these tough questions and try to share a different point of view (whether it's the point of view I agree with or not), I've been torn to shreds by the community I thought I once belonged to. I've been called a douche bag and a moron. I've been publicly labeled as someone who slings insults (from those who throw insults at me) and have had my opinions called erroneous and full of hyperbole.

When I joined Ultra-Running, I joined because the guy who introduced me to it said "so few people are doing this kind of thing." It appealed to me.. and I suppose that's not the case anymore because too many people are doing this and mucking up the water. I fear that my time to take a back seat in this sport has come (at the very least); and I've often even considered leaving the sport all together. So.. moving forward in 2012, I'm only signing up for 3 races. All three races are locally grown, are fundraisers that benefit a non-profit specifically, and to my knowledge do not have an RD that collects a pay day off of race revenues. Also moving forward, as I start to distance myself from the main-stream "popular kids club" of our sport (Ultra-List) I'll be taking on more journey runs.. and return to the roots I planted for myself when I first came to this sport. THIS is what made me so successful in years past.. the idea of community and adventure and human potential. That as the focus on these ideas have been lost, so to has my ability and desire to consistently reach the finish line.

My goals in this sport and through this blog remain the same. To engage in adventure and embark on new and exciting adventures; share the experiences had through these adventures with the readers of my blog; and hopefully inspire YOU to take on adventures of your own which helps unleash your true Human Potential. Please join me.. let's re-promote adventure, community and "for the common good" and abandon competition and corporation.

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ~Andre Gide

2011 Year In Video

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

..and finally, we're ending 2011 with our 2011 Year in Video. Below is a collection of all of the best video we took during 2011. Stay tuned for more video in 2012 as we upgrade cameras and video editing software. Can't wait! Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Whatever it is that you celebrate this Holiday Season, you shouldn't be reading this. Instead, put the mouse down, step away from the computer and return to your family. Remember, your family are the people who put up with your obsession. Your obsession for adventure, your obsession to run or hike. Your obsession as an internet troll that prevents you from not visiting this site (I know you're out there).. whatever it is. You owe it to your family to continue to spend this time with them for all that they've given you. I wrote this post on December 12th and scheduled for it to be posted on this day. Currently, I'm in New England giving my family some time. I'm devoid of this website until I return to Colorado. I'm MIA until I can give my family the time and attention that they require. I wish I could say I was kidding.. but I'm really not. Get out of here and enjoy the Holiday's with those who love and support you. Return the favor.. love and support them. Return here on Thursday for our Year in Video post. Until then.. Happy Holidays.

2011 Year In Pictures: Part 2

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

July

In July I went up to Leadville to continue my training for the Leadville 100. Without a doubt, the Silver Rush 50 is a more gorgeous course then the LT100 and is one of the toughest 50 Milers I've ever run. This is a photo of my running into Stump Town.

August

In August I found the finish line of the Leadville Trail 100 one year after DNFing at mile 62. The taste of sweet redemption was oh so yummy as I actually found a beer that bared the name.

One week after Leadville I was hiking along the Continental Divide, literally. From Milner Pass to Bear Lake, I enjoyed a day out with my co-workers as we traversed along the top of Rocky Mountain National Park.

We entertained a welcomed visit from my dad and evil step-mother Helen. Here we are soaking in the views and gorgeous sunshine along the shores of RMNP's Bear Lake.

September

We started what we hope will be a new tradition in Colorado's Front Range called Flags on The Front Range. This 9/11 Memorial Hike brought me to the top of Bear Peak in Boulder where we flew the flag proudly for nearly 3 hours.

I headed up to Rollins Pass to investigate where the wilderness boundaries are so we can look at putting on an Ultra-Marathon (50K and 100K) through this area in 2012. This is a picture of one of the old rail trestles that still exist up high.

October

Went to Moab to run in the Slickrock 100. After 50 miles and constantly being lost, I threw in the towel and traded it in for a day out at Arches.

I turned 30 years old and enjoyed my birthday driving around on The Peak to Peak Highway, gambling at Black Hawk Casinos and eventually.. my new banjo.

November

I spent much of October and the first half of November co-creating a team building adventure for Team Garmin-Cervelo's professional cycling team. The event went off amazingly well. Unfortunately, until the first of the year, this is the only picture I'm allowed to show you due to contractual restrictions.

December
December has been a real treat as I return to training and preparing for the 2012 season. I have a lot f things I'd like to do in 2012, most of it involving journey runs and exploration. In the meantime and as 2011 comes to a close, I've enjoyed spending fun times with my new friend Jerry Armstrong. Jerry is one of those fun guys whose sense of humor and laugh is contagious. I hope to share many many miles with Jerry but for now.. here is what our December has looked like.

2011 Year In Pictures: Part 1

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, the end, when we take a look back at the year that was. In the next two posts here on Human Potential, we're going to take a look back at the year 2011, in pictures. We'll also top it off with a year in video montage which I hope you'll enjoy. Sometimes I feel like this past year lacked much of the true adventure that other years have had. The great thing about looking back is seeing how wrong I really am. 2011 was filled with life changes, accomplishments, journey and inspiration. I'm really looking forward to 2012 but for now.. here is what 2011 looked like.

January

You know you wanted to see it again. 2011 started with a very successful streakers program. About 6 of my fellow runners joined me by running 2 miles every day for all 31 days in January, completing with the naked mile on January 31st.

February

The Frigid Caboose Fat Ass 50K was a great adventure on top of 3+ feet of snow along New Hampshire's Rockingham Rail Trail. Team Robert joined us for the first half while Nate, Julie and I ran the rest of the way to Newfields.

Introducing Randy Pierce to the highs and lows of winter peak bagging was a real treat. We moved through 2 to 3 feet of snow in our attempt to summit Lafayette. Strong winds held us at bay, but learning that the view within is sometimes better then the view out was well worth it. Hearing Rnady hoot and holler on the way down while glissading was exceptional

March

I finally made it (back) to the summit of Mt. Jefferson with my friend Pat Perkins. We found the perfect weather window to enjoy a day up high in New Hampshire's White Mountains. In this photo I enjoyed feeding some peanuts and raisins to one of the local Gray Jays.

One of the most privileged talks I've been able to give to date. The Balsams Grand Resort in Dixville Notch, NH. I gave a talk on Human Potential in the same room where the first in the nation primary is held.

April

Sarah and I headed up to the Fool Scouts Ball, and event we had been to the first few editions of but had missed a few in between. This was the start of our farewell tour, a chance to say goodbye to many of the friends we'd made over the years.

A long weekend in Virginia afforded me the chance to run some trails while New England was still a bit frozen. Running around the fields of Bull Run in Manassas was simply amazing and a well deserved early season treat.

May

Still cannot believe that I got to spend the day with one of my lifetime heroes, Tedy Bruschi. Guiding him on an all day hike is, and will probably forever be, revered as one of the highest honors I've ever had. It was a fantastic day leading him around the Belknap Range of NH.

My final White Mountain hike as a resident of New Hampshire came with what many would view as a daunting task. You had to see it to to believe it, the way we lead Randy Pierce up Owls Head slide and to the top of Owls Head Peak, New Hampshire's most isolated 4K. Truly a proud moment.

Some said it couldn't be done and yet, I did it. I graduated from The University of New Hampshire with a Bachelors in Kinesiology: Outdoor Education.

Two days later, Sarah and I arrived in Colorado where we've since dug in our roots. Driving across country is an amazing journey. Especially when tornados twirl around your U-Haul in Iowa as you tow all of your worldly possessions.

June

And so I started my job as a Professional Guide in Colorado's Front Range. Here I am guiding on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.

It's very easy to sleep at night with visions of Front Range single track laid out in your head. There are literally hundreds of miles of single track right out my front door. This is one of my favorites along Dowdy Draw.

Stay Tuned For Part 2

STREAK!

2011-12-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

It's time to get ready for the 2012 edition of STREAK! This years edition will be a 2 part initiative. You DO NOT need to participate in both parts to join in on the fun though it is encouraged. In this post we're going to outline the rules for both parts of this years edition and how you could win a 2012 Human Potential Prize Pack by participating.

PART 1: STREAK!

The STREAK! challenge is designed for you to get out and RUN AT LEAST 2 MILES every day in the month of January. Anyone who runs all 31 days in January and then continues their streak through the February Finish Line date will become eligible to win a Human Potential Prize Package!

2012 Human Potential Prize Package
One Team Sherpa Headsweats Hat or Visor
2 Cases of PowerBar Energy Gels (48 Packets Total)

2 Cases of PowerBar Granola or Energy Bar ProductsNEMO and PowerBar Stickers

DVD Copy of "48: A White Mountain Documentary"

To Enter, send an e-mail to Sherpa John at Sherpajohn@gmail.com

Once accepted into the program we'll invite you to join our private Streakers Facebook Page

The Rules:

Once accepted into the contest, it is your responsibility to do the running and report to Sherpa every Sunday informing him if your streak is alive or not.

Anyone still streaking After Saturday, February 11, 2012 will have ONE ticket in the drawing for the Prize Package.

Extra Tickets are given for the following:

5 Extra Tickets for a Naked Mile on January 31.
[Backside picture required for verification and may be posted ;)]
3 Extra Tickets for Most Total Miles in the month of January
2 Extra Tickets for each 50K or Longer run during time frame
1 Extra Ticket for copy of a Western States 100 Rejection Letter
2 Extra Tickets for Registering for any ultra-being run From April 1 - June 30 (Excludes WS100)
[Copy of e-mail or web receipt or name on registered entrants list required]

PART 2: 31 Days of Something New

In our last post here on Human Potential Titled: Resolutions; we talked about the idea of instead of making your typical New Years Resolutions in 2012, engaging yourself to try something new for 31 Days. A good example of this would be.. I received a Banjo for my 30th birthday and have spent the last 31 days learning how to play it. Now.. you don't need to go out and buy a $500 banjo and in fact, this kind of action is discouraged. What is encouraged is that you get outside of your comfort zone and do something you've never done before for 30 days.

The Rules:
For the 31 days in January you must engage in some activity that you've never done before. See the video in our Resolutions Post for help brain storming some ideas.
Ideas must be tangible and capable of results.
Your activity must NOT be running related.
Successfully trying something new for 31 days will award you 2 Tickets in the Prize Package Lottery.

2012 Human Potential "Something New" Prize Package
One Team Sherpa Headsweats Hat or Visor
DVD Copy of "48: A White Mountain Documentary"
$25 REI Gift Card (Courtesy of Sherpa John)

WHO'S IN?! Write an e-mail to Sherpajohn@gmail.com with STREAK! in the subject line. Then, let me know if you're in for Part 1, Part 2 or Both and you'll be ready to roll come January 1st!

Resolutions

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

with the New year right around the corner, comes the time of year when we all start to create our resolutions. Typically resolutions involve some kind of fitness program or some other task designed to "turn over a new leaf." As per traditions here on Human Potential, we'll be bringing back the STREAK! program to quench your athletic thirst. But this year, I want to introduce you to a new idea; a new idea which I hope will help you create a different kind of resolution for 2012. Below is a video I recently watched on Ted.com. In it, Matt Cutts talks to us about his mission to get us to Try Something New for 30 Days. Watch the video and continue to stew over your resolutions for 2012 and I hope for the month of January, you'll decide to Try Something New for 30 Days.

Ultra-Market Research?

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Over the last few years I've sat back and watched as the ultra-landscape has turned into a business. I've touched on various points through-out the last few months here on this blog. From Race Directors looking to make a yearly salary on directing ONE race, to the rising costs of entering (WS100), to selling out to Corporations that leave ultra history and tradition behind (LT100). There are two topics I've yet to cover and in this post I'll be focusing on one of them. The first is the idea of Ultra-Runners selling themselves as coaches as their way of sharing their vast knowledge to new-comers to our sport (more in a later post). The other idea focuses on how running companies are choosing to market us and to us.

The other day, while running with a friend, I asked him a series of questions and I'll ask the same to you:

1.) Would you agree that Ultra-Running is a sport that isn't as enthralled with the front runners and champions as the others like Marathon Running and Triathlon?

2.) Would you agree that Ultra-Running is a sport that mostly treats each others as equals.. where we're in this thing together?

He answered as I suspected he would, and I suspect that many of you have answered the same way as well. So then I'll ask a follow up: Then why do these companies always put their marketing dollar into the front runners and "champions" of our sport?

Since I started ultra-running I've had the privilege of being a sponsored runner. Many would think that I get sponsorships in the form of money, when the reality of it is, that in 7 years of running I've yet to receive any paper money or check. Instead, I receive product that allows me to pursue my goals without having to spend money on the products I use and support. I'm incredibly grateful to have had these opportunities. Mainly because I look at myself as a nobody. I'm just a regular, average Joe, mid-pack runner who just so happens to have a blog. But it always got me thinking.. why me? The answer is simple. I have something to sell these companies in return for product.

But take a step back. If I'm an average Joe with nothing more then a website and the ability to run very long distances; then why aren't more companies waking up to the fact that we ultra-runners really don't care that much about the front runners? Sure.. we pay attention to them and their achievements, but at the end of the day, once we know how they performed, we're off sifting through the results pages to see how everyone else performed as well. While we read the blogs of Rowes, Krupichka and DK; we spend more time reading the blogs of the mid-packers and those who run at our speed.

It amazes me that the marketing reps at running companies haven't taken more time to conduct market research into what Ultra-Running really is. What's it all about? What is the history? Who runs ultras and what do they care about? The big question is: If we're going to sell product to these people, whom are often times very frugal and anal-retentive.. how are we going to do that most effectively?

My opinion is, that these companies should consider laying off pushing their products through folks like Dean Karnazes or Anton Krupichka and Scott Jurek. Sure, we ultra-runners have some respect for them and we do follow them. But at the end of the day, I truly want to know what all of the other Average Joe's out there are wearing and what gets them through the event. Why? Because 95% of us Ultra-Runners are out of the league of the top 5%. So why would I care what the top 5% is wearing or using when the reality of the situation is, What works for them isn't going to work for me?

So I ask the running companies. Do you treat ultra-runners like all the marathoners and triathletes out there because you're ignorant to who we are? Or do you just do what you think works? Why wouldn't you promote your product through the runners who are out there longer, are slower, have decent websites that carry a message.. when they truly are the ones that will give you the visibility within the sport that you need?

You would think that you'd get more for your marketing dollar by sponsoring the mid-pack runners. The folks who will push your brands and provide visibility for 23-30 hours as opposed to 14-20 hours followed by the quick stage left exit. Sure.. we all pay some attention to "Special K" and the Jerker.. but in the end.. I pay WAY more attention to my mid-pack brethren.

~SJ

The Hardluck Lottery

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row I watched via Twitter as the names were drawn for the Hardrock 100. For the second year in a row, my name wasn't pulled for the starters list, nor was it pulled for the 100 name Wait List. I'm completely shut out of the Hardrock 100. This years lottery saw 703 entrants from all over United States and 15 foreign countries. Of the 721 entrants, 36 received automatic entries and the rest shared 1,325 lottery chances. Myself? I had 2 tickets in this years lottery. Some folks had as many as 7 tickets.

Words really can't describe how disappointed I am in not getting into The Hardrock 100. This is by far my epic dream race. I feel guilt because I have myself to blame. Or do I? I kind of consider myself one of the "considerate ones." Allow me to explain. I've finished a qualifying race, every year, since I started running 100 mile races.

2007: Grand Teton 100
2008: Massanutten 100
2009: Massanutten 100
2010: Western States 100
2011: Leadville Trail 100

Even though I've qualified all of these years.. I never threw my name into that hat until last year (2010 Lottery for 2011 Race). Why? Because I knew I wasn't ready to take on Hardrock despite having finished any of these other races. I call myself one of the "considerate" ones because I refuse to put my name into a lottery unless I truly believe that I have a 90% or higher chance of finishing the race I've applied for. Call me bitter, and maybe I am.. but I saw a few names of folks who were picked in the lottery that I'd bet my life savings on them not even making it to the 100K mark.

And so I blame myself. If I had applied to Hardrock in all previous years, I would have had 5 tickets in this years lottery and one hell of a chance of actually getting in. Instead, I spent a good portion of my Sunday coming up with an entirely new plan for the 2012 Ultra-Running season. Hardrock was going to be my only 100 miler this year. Now, I'm going to run the Bighorn 100 and have entered my name into the Wasatch 100 Lottery. I figure if I DNF at Bighorn, I'll have a second chance at finishing a qualifier at Wasatch. Either way.. I'll be in next years lottery with 3 tickets.

I'm not going to sit here and complain about the lottery process. I think Hardrocks is one of the most fair and they maintain a reasonable entry fee with a grass roots feel. I completely admire the event and I'm determined to run it. So, I'll keep running and qualifying and hoping that those who truly don't belong will get the hell out of my way. : )

Bitter... yeah... a little.
Sherpa John

Depression: A Small Price To Pay

2011-12-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

It was 2008 when I first ran 125 Miles across New Hampshire, becoming the first person to ever do so as a non-stop continuous run, and to this day still the only person to have completed it. I distinctly remember a reporter from NPR running along side Nate and I some 60 miles into the run. he held a microphone close to my face while he ran beside me and asked me personal questions about my life.. "Why do you run? Would you say that running has saved you?"Saved me? From what.. depression? I answered that day with a yes, Running has saved me from depression. Then, a month later, after the highest adventure moment of my life, I crashed hard and depression, in the end got the best of me.

Hear the entire NPR piece here.

Three years after checking myself into a psychiatric ICU to battle through my darkest days, I'm still haunted by images and thoughts of who I was back then and what I endured. I used to be one of those people who, when I heard someone was battle depression or bi-polar disorder I'd say something to the effect of, "They just need to get over it and move on." It was in 2008 when I was on the front lines battling my own demons that I learned the truth of a very serious illness known as depression and the subsequent thoughts of suicide.

It's not something someone can just "get over," mainly because it's not even them that has these thoughts. I distinctly remember feeling like my brain had turned against me. Thoughts I'd never thought up on my own coming to the surface, thoughts of suicide and ways to end it all occupied my every awake moment and I had absolutely no control over it. Or did I? I remember my darkest day, November 24, 2008 (Thanksgiving Day this year) walking around in a state not of this world. Constantly thinking of ways to kill myself and rid myself of this planet. I remember walking to one of my professors offices and telling him I was afraid of myself.. and then.. he led me to the Campus Counseling center at UNH. From there, I found myself checking in to the Eliot Hospital.. having just tried to throw my life away, ruining every meaningful relationship I had and unaware of what the hell I was actually doing.

This day, I fear, is going to haunt me for a long time. During the last week, I've put myself back in time, on that very day replaying everything I went through, everything I was going through and bits and pieces of where I went from there. 3 Years later, I'm no longer taking medication, I'm not longer going to a therapist on a regular basis.. but I can tell you that I'm still not 100%. I'm saddened not that I live 2000 miles from a dysfunctional family, but that I still live with this nightmare of what I went through. And yet, I try to find the strength in what I over came.

At some point in time, in 2008, I made a choice. Depression was wining the inner battle of good vs. evil. I knew it was going on and I admitted that I had a problem.. almost before it was too late. I brought myself to someone I knew who could help me, then I checked myself in to a psychiatric ICU. I lived a long life of being anti-medication, refusing to put any chemical into my body to make anything "better" for fear that better would only be artificial. I left the hospital on 3 different medications, with the personal understanding that it wasn't a life sentence and was merely temporary to "help reconnect my wires." I made the decision to fight my demons head on, to take care of my issue by not just taking medication but by talking to someone. Talking to a psychologist, once a week, every week, for two and a half years. I made these decisions because I chose to stand up and fight, to battle the evil of my demons and to be a happy, whole and sane person.

Living with the hard memories and the nightmares of what I endured is a small price to pay.. for saving my own life. For giving those I loved a new chance to be able to handle me, to be a part of my life and complete me.

In the last few years, I've been able to understand depression in such a way that I can tell who are the people in my life who battle this disease themselves yet.. refuse to get the help they need. Unfortunately... some of these people, no matter how long they've been in my life, I have had to say good bye to because their depression is so severe, and their will to battle their own demons so non-existent, that continuing a relationship with them undermines my own mission to remain happy and could easily pull me back down into the black abyss. I'm sad... sad that so many people are battling a disease and doing nothing about it. Sad that they'd rather suffer. Sad that they'd rather not have the people who care in their lives because they'd rather be miserable and live the rest of their days battling their own demons.

You know.. it wasn't pretty, what I went through. A lot of the time it was pretty damn hard. Even after coming out of the hospital, I had thoughts of suicide. I struggled.. but I fought. Even to this day, though I feel great and I'm happy, and I'm living my dreams.. I still catch a wayward "What if I was dead?" float through my head. Thing is though.. because I went through my trial and tribulation, because I put up a fight and overcame the worst of my depression.. I know how to continue to battle.

121 Million People World-wide suffer from depression.. how many do you think are ready to fight? How many are living in denial? It's time to fight.. nightmares are a small price to pay when it comes to saving your life.

Depression 101: From December 2008

Interview: Jim Lampman

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Ultra Achievements:
2006 Western New York Ultra Series – 15th out of 83 in Men’s Open
2007 – 5th out of 75 in Men’s Open
2008 – 3rd out of 77 in Men’s Open
2009 – 2nd out of 93 in Men’s Open
2010 – 15th out of 131 in Men’s Open
2011 – 8th out of 122 in Men’s Open

Sherpa John: Jim, thanks for taking the time to talk to us about your Ultra-Journey and a little bit about your upcoming journey within our sport. You've been a part of this sport about as long as I have now and I'm sure our readers will find your story inspiring and helpful within their own journeys.

Jim Lampman: John, thank you for having me and as I said, I have been a long time fan of the blog, so it is an honor to be interviewed. John, remember way back when in 2006, when I got you and a couple other veterans lost in my 2nd ultra ever at the Damn Wakely Dam Run? Apparently, I looked like I knew what I was doing and that is still one of the favorite stories to tell on the trails during races, and since a lot of people know you the story gets even better.

SJ: So Jim, tell us about how you became an ultra runner. What inspired you to join this sport? How did you get here?

JL: Well, the trouble is I wish I had been informed earlier, why didn’t anyone tell me I did not have to kill myself running 5Ks in high school, I could have been having fun running much further and not gotten yelled at for talking during cross-country races – I talk a lot, it’s a curse. The whole trouble began when I went to a college that did not in fact have any running sport (XC, track) and I just started running on my own in Rochester and the surrounding areas most days of the week and really keeping mileage, but just going out and exploring. I hook up with the Run Club on campus and they were going to a 5K/Half-marathon in Syracuse; everyone in the club was doing the 5K and someone said “Man, you would have to be nuts to do 13.1-miles.” (Isn’t perspective interesting?) The club was paying the entry fee, so I thought what the hell why not, which got some weird looks from the others. Finished that fine and someone at the finish said if I doubled that time it would be a good marathon time. So, I ran a dozen or so marathons over the next three years and managed to get myself into Boston twice while I was at it, but I had also really enjoyed a few 30-mile local trail runs (Highland Forest 1-2-3 Run) that I had also done during that time. So, first 5Ks, then half marathons and full marathons, but while those were fun and I got to meet some great people doing them, those races were just not my scene. It bugged me that everyone was very “me” oriented, very serious for the most part with everyone trying meet their own goals, and there’s was not a lot of camaraderie, which was very weird for a kid that likes to talk and joke. On the other hand, at those 30-mile trail runs I had gotten a taste of what trail running and ultra-running was all about. Races were no longer about competition, but about a community of friends (old and one you haven’t met yet) coming together to help each finish, because unlike the marathons, with their 95% finishing rates, it was not a given that you would finish an ultra. One thing that I loved about the ultra community was the stark difference in how runners treat each other in a race; a favorite example, if a runner in marathon stops to tie a shoe literally hundreds of people could go be without a word, but in an ultra every single person would ask if that person was okay, if they needed anything, if they wanted them to wait for them, want to walk for a bit, etc, because others are not seen as competition, but friends and I like that a lot.

SJ: In all the years you've been running ultras, what was your one toughest race and what do you think got you to the finish line?

JL: That would have to be the first Beast of Burden Winter 100-Mile in Lockport, NY (Buffalo) in February 2010. Thirty hearty souls in the 100-mile and the same number in the 24-hour run took off from the start line at 10am that Saturday the end of February with a foot of snow on the Erie Canal path, which served as the 12.5-mile out and back course for the 100 that we would do a total of four times. The first half of the race went great, people moved in groups and I got the first 50-miles done in a very respectable 12-hours flat, which I was very happy about and even the next 25-mile loop went fairly well as well, but by the time I was heading out for my final loop the number had thinned out considerably and I was happy to have a pacer whose runner had dropped go out with me. The first 6.25-miles went alright with us keeping an okay walking pace but we (and by “we” I mean “I”) were definitely going slower and slower with each mile and by the time we hit that 6.25 half point I would have been moving faster if I had been crawl on all fours, or so it seemed. I the next 6-miles I barely even looked up and just watched my pacers feet and plotted forward – this would be the only time in any race I have ever been in where I was not ambitious enough to talk, but I was moving and I took some pride and smiled at the fact that I knew I was one of three people still out on the course. It took me 2 hours and 40 minutes to cover 6-miles, this was not looking good. Me being out on the course for that amount of time with my crew seeing me did not sit well with my crew, my friend Mary Holmes (who would crew for me at the next two Beast of Burden 100s). When we got to the 12.5-mile turn-around the volunteers said I had only had the turn-around cut-off by minutes and after hearing how long the last leg had taken us from my pacer said at my current pace would not be able to make it back to the finish under the 30-hour cut-off, but if I wanted I could turn around and go to the 94-mile and my crew and everyone could meet me there and I could get a few more miles in, which sounded good. My pacer unfortunately had to leave, but I was willing to trudge in the miles by myself, but one of the pacers said her husband could go out with me, I turned to see a man in short and a yellow fleece smiling at me. They asked if I need anything, but I did not feel like anything (this is also the ONLY time I have ever refused food in a race or in life in general) So, Allan VanBuren and I start walking. When he got maybe a quarter of a mile, Allan, behind me at the time said, "Can you run? "I said, I don’t know. I tried to jog, which worked. Allan asked, do you think you can go faster? I tried and apparently I could, because now we were running at a decent clip, which we kept up for maybe a 1/3 of a mile until the next bridge and we just kept doing that; running as hard as I could then power walking until I decided to run again…we covered that 6.25 leg that had taken me 2 hours and 40 minutes only just a little while ago in about an hour and 10 minutes – we were talking up a storm during the power walks and I was once again smiling like I did not have a care in the world. So, there’s the race director Sam Pasceri, my crew, Mary and a bunch of volunteer waiting for us at the halfway point ready to tell me good job on get that far and drive me back to the start. Instead they see Allan and I barreling down the canal path in the distance as full tilt. Sam sees us, looks again to make sure and screams “You son of a bitch! I knew it!” As he got closer I tried to start talking to Mary, Sam and everyone, but Sam said, "No No No, kept moving1 we will get you whatever later!" So, we kept up our power walking and running and eventually we passed a guy that I had not seen in like 10 hours, he would eventually get in and make the cut-off by 10 minutes, which is awesome. Allan and I ran in it always trying to keep a half hour buffer zone, which we kept and finished in 29 hours 30 minutes, which was just fine by me, 7th of 8 finishers. So, technically I got 7th in a 100-mile run…people do not need to know out of how many finisher or starters. (smiles)

What got me to the finish line? Well, it certainly wasn’t me, if I had been at that race on my own I never would have finished, or probably even gone beyond mile 75. Luckily I wasn’t alone; I had my friend Mary that came to look after me in place of my Dad while he got the weekend of from race duty. She calls me “Superman”, kind of like my Dad, but a little different, kind of hard not to get jacked up when someone thinks you can do anything. So, she would talk with everyone at the aid stations about me so when I got to them I felt like everyone already knew me. She was there for whatever I needed, well and it is hard to failed when someone looks at you like you could do anything. I had gotten her through her first marathon that previous fall, so she was kind of paying me back by crewing for me. I had Sam, the RD and my friend, his wife and all of the volunteers out n the course. I also had my mystery pacer to thank, which it kills me that I do not remember his name; I never would have made it out of the warm aid station and back out into the snow at mile 75 without him by my side. Finally, Allan Vanburen…that man was my savior, he could have just let me walk it into mile 94, hell he could have not gone out on the course with me in the first place, he wasn’t dressed for the weather and it was his wife that volunteered, if I remember right, so yes, he was awesome to get me to run again when I had run since hours earlier. That is why I love ultras, everyone is there for everyone; I have seen people in the state I was in and I know how it felt, so I am willing to do anything for someone else in the position, walk with them for a while or whatever needs to happen for them to continue and bring it home, because there is nothing like brining in a race, no matter how many times you have done it.

SJ: If you could give one piece of advice to a newcomer ultra-runner, what would you say?

JL: Go out slow, if you think are going too fast, you are, if you think you are going too slow, you aren’t; go steady; eat and hydrate early and often; smile, talk people and be merry – you’ll get there, just keep moving – if you are moving you are banking time, no matter how slow, if you are stopped you are losing time; and be kind to your crew and volunteers – they are there just for you, but no not take them for granted. Oh, and proper wiping, it saves races – myself, I like to pamper myself with baby wipes. Finally, be happy, you get to go running.

SJ: Jim, you're one of the happiest people in our sport. And so, your new blog is titled Jim Runs Happy. Can you tell us a little more about why you've always remained happy even during your darkest moments out on the courses?

JL: True, people at aid stations always tell me “You look great, did you start at Mile 50?” and that I look happy in races: I am smiling at the start, 30-miles in, 80-miles in during the night being poured on by rain (or hail? MMT anyone?), then more than a day later still smiling at the finish. I always tell people that running should be fun and that if they ever see me running and I do not look happy, tell me and I will stop running. I guess; I do not HAVE to run, when I go for a run or to a race it is not something I am forced to, but something I GET to do, I GET to go running. The way I see it, I am able-bodied and can do something I love, why wouldn’t I be smiling like an idiot?

SJ: Those who know you Jim, know that your Dad (Don, “Big Don”) is at every one of your races. What kind of support has he given you over the years and what does that mean to you from a crewing perspective?

JL: My Dad is at most of races that he can be and I give him just as much credit as myself at a race, because for the most part he stays up the whole race besides some cat napping, is at every aid station he can be and even runs an aid station one on of my fall races and has for the past six years (Canandaigua 50). The man is two scores older than I am, is tough as nails (still sleeps in the truck or van the night before a race with me; we like to keep race cheap, so we park at the start line) and is always still smiling and joking at an aid station in the wee hours of the night. Races are definitely not the same without him and everyone always asks about him if he in not here. He is a great asset in a race, because he does not baby me, tells me what I need to know (cut-offs, pace, etc.) and always has my trusty duffel bag that has anything I could ever want in it.

SJ: You've completed a number of races over the years and it looks like 2012 is going to be an incredibly full season for you. How do you avoid getting burnt out and staying motivated from race to race? Or do you find yourself burning out near the end of seasons?

JL: Burnt out? Quite the opposite really, ever since my last race of this year last month I have been madly looking forward to my first race of next year in January. I race as much as possible, because if I go any more than 2-3-4 weeks without a race I get fidgety and I miss my friends I see at races. I just wish I had the funds to race even more; I told my buddy that I would gladly race a 100-mile or other race every 2-3 weeks of the whole year if I could afford to do so. I suppose athletes get burnout because things get to feel like a job and aren’t fun any more, well running most certainly is not a job for me and I will make sure it never is, no matter what happens. I mean I don’t race for prize money or anything like that; I race for the camaraderie, the sights, the food and a good old sense of adventure. Plus, you can’t keep a good man down, right?

SJ: You've done a bit of work trying to tackle that ever-deep question, "Why?" You wrote a brief psychology paper on the topic and it was actually a pretty interesting read; what did you conclude in your writings about how you feel about ultras and perhaps why you run them?

JL: “Why?’ I say, Why not? As I said, I race for the camaraderie with other runner, the sights of the courses and place I visit for races, the food during the race, before the race and after the race, and a good old sense of adventure of seeing if I can do it again. I never want to win a race, I honestly don’t, and I would much rather enjoy my time on the trails with my friends and the volunteers.

SJ: How do you find the time to train when you're trying to balance a work and school in the equation? Is it as difficult as some folks think? Do you find that one of those items takes a back seat to the others from on a regular basis?

JL: It really is not that bad or difficult, almost everyone has the time and it is just a matter of seeing the opportunities to get everything done. I find that my running or some other physical activity has always helped my studies and schoolwork more than hindering it. Running and working out keeps me stress free, a lot of times even if I have a lot of work to do for school and am crunched for time I will go for a run and come back to my work refreshed and clearheaded and ready to get some work done.

SJ: What is your ultimate Ultra-Goal? Your dream race? Your dream accomplishment?

JL: Well, I was once running a marathon with a friend, that friend that crew for me, Mary, a few falls ago with her as her first marathon to company her through to the finish and she spotted someone that had a 100 Marathon Club shirt on and said, “That doesn’t sound that hard.” I looked at her with a weird face. She said, “Well, you have probably done that with your races divided out.” I concede, “Yeah, that sounds about right.” She said, “Well, you should have a 100 100-Mile Club, now that would be nuts.” What can I say I liked the idea, and I have 17 official 100-mile finishes in the last five years towards that goal and am looking to up the number completed in each year.

SJ: If you could go back in time, would you do anything differently whether that be in the process you've taken over the years or something in a particular race?

JL: I really don’t think I would change anything, I am very superstitious like that, that I think things definitely happen for a reason, plus if you mess up on a race, that’s what revenge runs are for – that’s what the year is after you DNF a race, the Revenge Run of that race. Sure, I wish that a few races that I had not given up and that someone had told me to just take a minute and realize I have lots of time on the clock still and finishing is still possible, but I really don’t regret the races I did not finish, good things still came from those races; I learned good lessons of preparation, I met new friend, saw old friends and gained some really good stories to share at the next race and races since.

SJ: What does "Human Potential" mean to you?

JL: Human potential means that a person should always be striving to see what they are capable of and that can only be done by "Getting the lead out!"

SJ: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Jim and we wish you well in your 2012 season. Of course, our readers can follow your progress on your blog at http://jimrunshappy.blogspot.com/ We'll certainly be following and rooting for you and wish you all the best.

JL: Thanks for having me; I am really excited and honored because you have interviewed some great local and national scene runners, as well as trail running superstars like Karl Meltzer and other usual suspects, so I am humbled to be questioned along side such ultra running greats. Thank you again and I will see what I can do about see you out on the trails in the near future or as soon as possible. Maybe I can hitchhike out to a race in Colorado. As far as 2012, it’s going to be a hell of an adventure and I look forward to see everyone out there and feel free to say “Hi” if I don’t first.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

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?..

Thanksgiving is a celebration of Good Harvest. Contrary to popular American beliefs, it has nothing to do with Pilgrims sitting down and having dinner with the natives. Though, that did come much later. The first Canadian Thanksgiving was held in 1578 (43 years before the first American version) by Martin Frobisher. He held the day to give thanks to his sailors, for enduring the hard, frozen, iceberg laden journey from England to Canada. They gave thanks to god and celebrated with communion (the breaking of bread) and the service continued in following years by rising population thanks to further expeditions to the new world.

But it's truly the American story that we all think of when we consider Thanksgiving. That feast on the shores of Plymouth, MA where the pilgrims had landed their ship and had made peace with the local "indians," Partly true, in 1621. The truth is, Thanksgiving feasts were had in 1565 in Florida, and in 1607 in Virginia. It was 1621 when the plymouth settlers didn't have enough food to feed the 102 colonists. So, the local natives taught them how to plant seeds and fish. It was in November of that year where they had a celebration of good harvest and invited their teachers (the natives) over to help celebrate and reap the rewards of this good harvest. The tradition of an annual feast was not a regular event until the 1660s.

Lets tie it into what we tend to discuss here on Human Potential. It's pretty simple. Thanksgiving was started by Explorers. They gave thanks to their fellow explorers and adventurers. They gave thanks to those who taunt them new skills and helped them survive another year of hardships and dream weaving. They were all explorers in a new world, or natives in a world that was originally theres, creating a more fruitful society for the betterment of man. Realizing their true human potential as members of a civilization. Going the extra mile, taking huge chances, leaving their world behind to create a new one. And through all their hardships, battles, questions.. they gave thanks.

Giving Thanks
I write all of this because it's a learning lesson. Before writing this piece, I was also stuck on the first Thanksgiving being that of what we know in PLymouth. A "peace-meal" between The Wampanoag and The Pilgrims. Just as the 14th and 15th century explorers lifted their roots for new beginnings, so to did my wife and I in the 21st century. We packed up all of our things and moved 2000 miles from home, just shy of the 3300 mile trek from London to Boston.

Since arriving here in Boulder, CO; I've had the adventurous and yet amazing task of meeting the locals and trying to get a lay of the land. I've had to learn how to survive here and grow accustomed to the many differences between where I'm from and my new home. I've shared meals with those who have lived here before me. I've learned the local history and have had no issue growing accustomed to the weather.

And so.. I give thanks to all of those back home who continue to support Sarah and I on our amazing Western Journey. We've only just begun and as we look back on our harvest for the year 2011, we give thanks to god and all others who haves helps us reap the rewards of our "planted seeds." We're hoping to plant a few more in the coming months to continue to foster growth in our fellow man.

Good tidings to you and yours on this Thanksgiving Day,
~John Lacroix

WS100: The Lottery

2011-11-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

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.

I successfully finished 2 qualifiers in 2011, and I successfully finished 4 qualifiers in 2010 one of which includes the race itself. So I went to the UltraSignUp page to look at throwing my name in the hat.. and then I saw the price tag. $370. This is another $20 more than it cost in 2010 and is the seventh year in a row that the entry price has risen.

So I went to the Vermont 100 Website to see what their entry rate is for 2012. In the 3 years that I ran the race, and even the 1 year that I paced; the price had always been $175. Last year, they increased the entry fee to $200. This is not a complaint. For years I've written RD Julia Hutchinson, telling her that since the event is a fundraiser, they should raise the entry free a bit to help cover the rising cost of putting a race like that on. I'm glad to see they finally did, and that the price remains reasonable and un-insulting. Yeah, I said it, The price of the WS100 INSULTS me. But the main point with this statistic is that the Vermont 100 had gone a half dozen years without raising their entry fee once, when the WS100 has raised it damn near every year.

After the race in 2010, I wrote a couple of posts about this race. The first being my Top 10 Things I learned at the WS100. The second being about the overall experience in Western States Thoughts. Over the last week, I've sat in front of my computer and hemmed and hawed about signing up again. Of course I would LOVE to run on that course again. But the reality of it is, I'd rather just run the course without all the hoopla.

The Western States 100 has gotten out of hand. About 400 people are about to pay $370, raking in a total of nearly $148,000. As a previous race director myself, I can tell you, 100% certifiably, that it doesn't cost nearly that much money to put this, or any, race on. The entry fee has gone up, every single year, since 2004. Furthermore, this price is set simply by supply and demand. After sifting through their enormously large website, I fail to see anywhere, a statement which states that any of the entry fee goes to a real charitable organization. They claim to be a not-for-profit organization, which is quite simply a joke. The RD Greg Soderlund has vacated his position, they're looking for a new RD, and that person will receive a yearly salary of over $30,000 (more then I make in a year at current) to take on the task of directing the race. It's time that the WS100 shows the ultra-community their numbers. How much money does it take in? Where does the money go? Who's getting paid and how much? What is the true 100% value of your entry fee?

Yeah, I'll shove an elephant into the room, or play the part myself. Is this race worth $370? In my opinion, NO. Is this race worth all the hype and hoopla? In my opinion, NO. Is this race the true golden icon, the moniker, the standard or our sport, which has historical and traditional values of ultra-running in mind? In my opinion, NO. So.. with that, I quickly clicked off the page and decided to not enter the WS100 lottery and it's very likely I never will again. I'll take my money else where, staying away from the Big Money Ultras, and instead choosing to run the humble, ultra tradition rich events. After 7 years of ultra-running, over 20 runs of 100 miles or more and countless other ultras.. I know exactly what I'm looking for and Western States isn't it.

You don't need a race to run 100 miles.. just go.
SJ

Winter Running

2011-11-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Plan Ahead!
You've been running the same trails all year long and you've got a few of your favorites down to memory. Before the snow flies for good, make your last few strolls on those trails important. Really scout out your trails and figure out which ones would be the best in light snow and which ones would be fun in, dare I say, snowshoes. Just because they're snow covered in winter doesn't mean you still can't play on them. Plan ahead by scoping them out. Find out if there are any local snowmobile trails in your area. They'll be groomed and packed down for the winter making for easy running with the right footwear. Lastly, if you anticipate being pushed to the roads, start planning your road loops now. Go for a drive during the time of day you'll most likely run and figure out which roads see the least amount of traffic. Planning your routes now will set you up for success later.

Accountability!
Sign up for an online run tracking service like Dailymile.com or Runningahead.com. Join a local runners group or community. Find a few other folks who could use the help of a little motivation through the winter. Create your own contests (Check back here in January for our annual Streak! Competition). Start finding ways to hold yourself accountable even if it means hiring a coach to help you fine tune yourself throughout the winter. If you do this, you can only win once the snow melts and/or the temps begin to rise.

Bring Others!
I've had a long standing history of creating winter fat ass runs and journey runs. Now is your turn. In our last post here on Human Potential, you learned about our upcoming winter expeditions schedule. Now is a great time to create your own. While very few of us sign up for official races/events in the winter, it's still essential for us to have mini-goals which help us get to our BIG goals. Create your own winter run series and invite anyone and everyone along to join you in the fun. It's a great way to meet new folks, share info and create a stringer community around you.

Gear Up!
This is the stuff everyone loves to read about.. GEAR! Below is a list of my most highly recommended gear, in-that, it's the stuff I use. Don't be afraid to shop around and try different brands. It's essential to find a system that works for you. So, head out there and start trying stuff on and trying it out until you dial it in. You want.. to be warm but not suffocating, wicking layers that dry fast, efficient, comfortable using the stuff and adjustable. Ready? GO!

Kahtoola Microspikes:
These things are the cats meow! Long gone are the days of Yak-Tracks (aptly named because their construction makes us yak!). Micro-spikes are the industry leading brand of crampon/traction equipment. The stretchy rubber lets you slip them on and off your shoe with ease, they stay on, they're durable, they work great.

If you think they might be overkill, I suggest you leave one pair of shoes aside for the season and place tiny screws into the shoes soles. The screws should afford you with ideal traction on those lightly icy days.

Winter Gaiters:
While I'm a HUGE fan and advocate of Dirty Girl Gaiters, the nylon construction of those shoes isn't really ideal for snowy winter travel. Instead, I suggest shopping around for a durable pair of gaiters (La Sportiva, Mountain Hardwear or OR) designed to keep more then grit out. Anything with a Gore-tex type fabric will work. No more than ankle gaiters will do you fine. While we're at it, Gore-Tex shoes are ideal in the winter. While your feet are still very likely to BE WET EVEN WITH GORE-TEX, the fabric is designed to keep you warm.

Fleece Lined Tights:
Yeah, you know they're sexy. Just slide your legs into these babies and never feel the cold again. Just be sure you buy the right pair. Just like when buying a fleece jacket, fleece lined tights come in different grades. Some will keep you warm down to 40 degrees (who the hell is wearing these at a paltry 40 degrees?!) and others will keep you warm to damn near zero. it really comes down to your local climate and what temps you'll typically see. This will be your BEST investment of all the gear you're likely to buy for the winter. Don't be afraid to spend! one pair of these will push you through 2 seasons at least. Just do us all favor and wear a pair of shorts over "The Bulge"!

The rest of the gear that you'll need is entirely up to you. When it comes to the top portion of my body, I tend to wear all those race shirts I received over the years, and never wear otherwise, during the winter months. They're light weight and wicking. I typically wear a short sleeve tech shirt, then a long sleeve tech shirt with another "baggier" long sleeve tech shirt over top. I also have various light jackets I can wear instead of, or in addition to, the 2nd long sleeve shirt.

90% of your body heat is lost through your head. HeadSweats makes quite a few, amazing, winter hats. Some are fleece lined while others are a lighter weight wicking fabric. The key is to wear something to keep your heat in while not causing you to sweat profusely. Laos consider buying a runners mask which covers your head, ears, neck and up to your nose if you'd like. Under Armour makes a stellar one. Gloves should be just enough to keep your hands warm and not so hot that you'll sweat a lot. See a trend? Comfort, warmth without sweating a lot.

Now get out there! NO EXCUSES!

2012 Winter Expeditions

2011-11-14T00:00:00.001-07:00

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.

As always, these "Fat Ass" style events are open to any and all qualified comers; though screening will be conducted to determine one's true ability to complete the challenges, given their sometimes risky nature. We do welcome those who wish to travel on a small part of the course to join us for any distance they are comfortable with. All events are unofficial, FREE, no aid, no t-shirts, no awards, no whining. Quite simply.. group runs.

February 18, 2012: Frozen Dead Guy 50K

Starting in the home of the World Famous Frozen Dead Guy, this run travels on back country roads and trails from the Nederland, CO High School to Chatauqua Meadow in Boulder. Snowshoes required in the event of deep snows, lighter traction recommended for icy/dirt roads.

March 17, 2012: High Line Canal 100K

A National Landmark Trail, the High Line Canal travels 64.3 miles from Waterton Canyon (south of Denver) to The Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Green Valley Ranch, CO. Mostly flat, mostly boring, mostly perfect for March.

TBA: Trail Ridge Assault

Trail Ridge road travels nearly 50 miles from Granby, CO and the Headwaters of the Colorado River, up and over the Continental Divide to over 12,000 feet of elevation before dropping down into Estes Park. This trip will be a variation of snowshoes, skis and running shoes.. EPIC.

January 28, 2012: Frozen Front Range Marathon - Completed

A 24-26 mile adventure with over 10,000' of elevation gain and 10,000' of loss covering the Boulder Front Range Mountains of Sanitas, Flagstaff, Green, Bear, South Boulder and Eldorado.

If you have any interest in joining us for any of these expeditions or if you would like more information, please contact Sherpa John at sherpajohn@gmail.com.

Speed Ascents

2011-11-10T00:00:00.001-07:00

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

2011-11-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

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.

The Boulder Film Festival is also put on in support of The Jonny Copp Foundation where the theme is "Make Your Own Legends.""The Jonny Copp Foundation was founded to inspire people through powerful imagery and stories born of adventure and the authentic human experience. "

9/11/10 Project: Stop 18 is a powerful film which depicts the journey of a group of our nations veterans, who climb Colorado's Longs Peak to raise awareness for Stop 18, a non-profit project that brings awareness to the staggering statistic that every minute, 18 veterans commit suicide. They climb for them.

After the VetEx film we enjoyed a few more films while at Boulder REI; Cyclosport which showcases the exciting sport of Cyclo-cross in Colorado's Front Range, On Assignment which provides an intimate look at world renowned Jimmy Chin and his life while living under a tarp in Yosemite so he can get the best pictures of the world's very best climbers; and 23 Feet the tale of a few adventurers who live inside a 23 foot airstream camper for a few months while searching out those who live minimally.

After REI, we made it over to the Boulder Theatre to enjoy the finale performances of the night. My favorite of the final films (sans the Showstopper) was a film titled Chasing Water where Peter McBride and Johnny Waterman take a closer look at the Colorado River from Source to Sea.. and we learn why it never makes it to the sea, and it dries up in a filthy cesspool near the Sea of Cortex.

The final film was titled The Wolf and the Madallion by Jeremy Collins. The viewing of this film was nothing short of legendary as the Director mixes music, ballet and painting with the viewing of his short film based on a letter he wrote to his son. It simply blew my mind while sitting in the theatre, catching the many metaphors used throughout the viewing. Stunning.

This festival is amazing and well worth the minimal cost of admission to get in and see all the films. It shows in Asheville, NC on December 7-8 for your East Coasters looking for a taste. Keep your eyes open for these films on YouTube or your local adventure television station.

Chasing Water: By Pete McBride

Like A Compass

2011-11-03T00:00:00.001-06:00

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.

It was 2004 when I first started blogging to the masses. I had just acquired my first Mac computer and it came with a program known as iWeb. The program had a feature that allowed users to create their own blog. I started dabbling a bit and figured out how to create my own website/blog. The purpose of my blog was really just to share my outdoor adventures with the world at large. I wanted people to see what an average person is capable of but 7 years later, I've been through much more than I bargained for and some of you have been a part of the ride all along.

After releasing "48," my blog took on a new direction. I needed a way to promote my film and while talking about my adventures in the outdoors, I chose to also share my adventures in touring with my film. After a volunteer created a website for "48" specifically, my blog went right back to it's initial purpose; to share adventure.

Through the years, adventure has taken many shapes and forms for me. As I got into ultra-running, it became a space for me to share my ultra adventures as well as my hiking exploits. It became a place for me to share my thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics. In 2007, I moved the blog off of iWeb and brought it here to Blogger. It's been through many phases and transformations. I've been pleased and blessed to be able to share my lives adventures with all of you. From 1 mile to 125 miles. From being a meager peak-bagger/weekend warrior to an Outdoor Education/Professional working in the field. From life in New England to life in Colorado's Front Range. From lives more joyous and meaningful moments to lives darkest days and my battle with depression.

In a sense, you can trace the last 5 years of my life right here on this web-page. Most every turn, most every experience, every triumph and every stumble.. has been documented here. However, again has come a time when I must take a step back and look deeply into what we do here, and create a new direction or adjust the current direction, to fit the needs of you my readers and my own personal desires. Let's face it, as much as this blog is about me and for me.. it's also about you and for you. I guess, in essence, this is where the biggest adjustment moving forward is about to take place.

Life Lessons
Over the last year you've probably all ready noticed a few changes. I've steered clear of sharing as many of my personal life's experiences as I have in the past. I'd like to keep more of my personal life just that.. personal. What I have chosen to share from this avenue, are the thoughts and experiences I feel are most relevant to this blog and in turn painting the picture of myself being just an average Joe.

Human Potential Video Blog
I created a video blog which not only provides me with a new way of sharing these experiences with you, but it also allows you to be more connected to my thoughts and feelings about those experiences. It has also allowed us to share our sponsors products and more of our favorite outdoor gear with you in a more personal way.

Ultra-Running/Hiking/Adventure
As I continue to explore my new Colorado home, I plan to continue to share these meaningful and exciting experiences with you here on this blog. Colorado is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been and sharing what my new state has to offer is important to me. Also, I plan on continuing to hon in on the final few of my ultra-running bucket list and hope you'll join me on the many new adventures we hope to have moving forward. Whether they be races or journey runs or fat asses; it is still my passion to share these adventures with you.

Experiential Education
I think this is going to be something I try to focus more on here at Human Potential, especially through the winter months. There is a lot to be learned through experiences no matter what arena we're learning in. Experiential Education is the very fabric of where the Human Potential movement comes from. I'm hoping to continue to explore Human Potential more deeply, experience more deeply, flow theory more deeply and.. those around us who exemplify these movements.

~SJ

Mental Lessons

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

In our last post (DNF 10/27/11), we talked a lot about why it is that we DNF in races. I'm hoping that those of you who read this blog and are not runners/ultra-runners can help tease out the parallels of what we're talking about here, in regards to running vs other activities.. and in some times.. even life. We often say that Ultra-Running is a metaphor for life and much of what we learn while adventuring, much of what we experience while "out there" can be transferred to some other kind of life meaning.

So, in keeping our last discussion in mind, I want to take another stab here at trying to clarifying the things that I was trying to express in that post. I wasn't purposely signaling any one person out when writing the last post and if you took it that way, then perhaps the post just really resonated with you or struck a nerve close to home. Take a few more moments to think about why it bothered you and then come back here and move forward with us.

After that post however I realized that I regretfully forgot to mention something in my final thoughts that I feel is relevant. And that something is, How Do You Measure Success? So, please forgive me when I say that, perhaps many of us have DNF'd races because we have a different sense of what our success on any given day actually looks like. I most closely think about my experiences at the Slickrock 100. Where, I really wanted to run the 52 miles Rim2Rim2Rim of the Grand Canyon for my birthday because it would be amazing and "far enough." Yet I chose the Slickrock 100, a race where, upon arriving and hearing of course changes, never really felt a true connection to the race and didn't truly have a view of what success looked like on that given day. In the end, success looked like this, "Well.. I ran in a gorgeous place that closely resembles the Grand Canyon and I made it 52 miles.. I'm happy." So, my success on that day, much in like my day out at the 2010 Barkley Marathons, was measured by my level of satisfaction. In turn I admit.. perhaps we DNF events because where we made it on race day made us happy and that, in effect, is successful beyond the finish line itself.

So I wanted to find a video that more accurately exemplifies what it is I was trying to ponder and prove in my last post and I found this one. In this video from Ted.com, Matthew Childs provides us with his 9 life lessons from rock climbing. What struck me about this video and how it fits here in our discussion, is that it affords us an opportunity to utilize Matthews 9 steps in a different context. Put these rock climbing lessons into the plans for your next run or race. Put these lessons into your next hike or whatever other adventure expedition. Within this video, I feel, is a series of tools to carry in your life tool box wherever it is you may go.. and if you use these tools, you'll rarely need to use the Super Glue.

DNF

2011-10-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

DNF is an acronym most lovingly referred to as "Did Not Finish." It's relatives include DNS "Did Not Start" and DFL (Dead F$@#ing Last). There is a difference between DNF and his brothers DNS and DFL and that typically include the concept of pride. Over the last few years, I feel like my set of DNF's continues to grow. As this years "official" Ultra-Season has come to a close, it's a good time to evaluate and to take a closer look at my DNF's and hopefully provide you with guidance in terms of how to avoid experiencing your own series of the dreaded Did Not Finish.

The Record (Finishes - # of Races) (Finish Percentage)

50K's: 6-6 (100%)

50 Milers: 13-15 (87%)

100 Milers: 10-14 (71%) (Barkley Not Included)

100+ Races: 0-2 (0%)

Overall Races: 29-37 (78%)

Journey Runs 50k-100mi: 5-5

Journey Runs 100mi +: 2-3

Fat Asses: 7-7

Overall JR/FA: 14-15 (93%)

Combined: 43-52 (83%)

(See Ultra Results for Overview and/or reports)

So let's take a closer look at these DNF's and give a short synopsis on why I dropped from the race. This should help us take a closer look at why I've amassed these DNF's from a general sense.

4.11.08: McNaughton Park 150: DNF @ 100 Miles - Far Enough

4.12.09: McNaughton Park 150: DNF @ 100 Miles - Far Enough

8.21.10: Leadville Trail 100: DNF @ 61 Miles - Timed Out

10.23.10: RANH Sullivan Expedition JR: DNF @ 62 Miles - Mental Exhaustion/Course Issues

3.5.11: Pittsfield Peaks Snowshoe 100: DNF @ 50K - Far Enough

9.17.11: Steamboat 50 Miler: DNF @38 Miles - Weather Related Health Issues

10.8.11: Slickrock 100: DNF @52 Miles - Mental Exhaustion/Course Issues

..and you could also add...

3.27.10: Barkley Marathons: DNF @ 22 MIles - 1 Lap is PLENTY.. come on.. it's The Barkley

*Lack of Mental Strength

As I take a closer look at what has happened over the years, it's pretty easy to see the clear cut trend. Much of these DNF's really just come down to that fact that I didn't want it bad enough. Dropping out of the McNaughton 150 at 100 miles, both times because I couldn't wrap my brain around the idea of running another 50 miles or around if I even really wanted to. The answer was no and with that I went home. Last years Run Across New Hampshire was an event marred with wrong ways, which ways and frigid snowy temps. While I was prepared and handled the weather well, after 62 miles I looked deep into the eyes of my weary crew.. and my weary self and decided that we all had had enough. Translation = I didn't want it enough. The same thing happened at the most recent Slickrock 100. How many times can you hear of course changes while out on the actual course, before you can no longer willingly prepare yourself mentally to continue. I didn't want to finish the race bad enough.. I could have.. but chose not to.

*Lack of Physical Strength

The 2010 Leadville 100 is the ONLY race I've ever run where I timed out/didn't make a cut-off. I'd like to say that I wasn't trained well enough for the event and perhaps I wasn't. But the fact of the matter is, that it was my 3rd 100 mile race in 3 months. I was physically exhausted and it was the first time in all these years running that I wasn't prepared for a race physically. The 2nd time, was the Pittsfield Snowshoe 100 this past year. I showed up to the starting line severely under trained and not even focusing on making it 100 miles. From the start of that race I knew it was going to be a "let's just see how far I go." Mostly physical but also mental issues prevented me from seeking the finish line. Besides, I was one of only 4 who even started the thing.

*Weather/Health Related Issues

The 2011 Steamboat 50 Miler was the first running event I've ever been in where I knew my health was a serious issue. I was peeing almost uncontrollably and too frequently to safely complete the final 12 miles of the race. I could barely talk with my teeth frozen together in the clenched position. My hands had swollen to the size of softballs and I was not only hypothermic but in the early stages of shock. That's when you know it's truly time to go home for the sake of your own health and living to run another day.

Discussion

After his DNF at this years Bear 100, ultra-runner Nathan Sanel said it best, "I realized that you can't get anything in this world unless you really want it. If you lose your desire for something it just won't happen." These are the truest words that any ultra-runner could ever say. We say so many times that 75-90% of these races are mental. Everything that we do to prepare for these races, is associated to our mental abilities as athletes to complete the task at hand. You run countless miles, for countless hours and tack on countless sacrifices to even get you to the starting line. It is my belief that we don't train for races to prepare ourselves physically for the event, so much as we are preparing ourselves to believe in our own abilities. Think about it.. you train to run a marathon by progressing through distances and long weekends out running.. and the progression is designed to not only increase your distance threshold, but to instill a belief in yourself that perhaps you can go a little longer.

There are many reasons why people don't finish events. This post really only looks at my own and it's not an all inclusive or even extensive list. It's merely my own. I do think that as the ultra-season winds down and everyone starts licking their wounds and looking ahead to next year; it's a great time for you to look deeply into those events you didn't finish or didn't start and ask yourself.. "WHY?"

For many of you, maybe you didn't put in enough miles. Maybe you over-complicate things to the point that it adds an element of confusion or area for error on run day. Maybe you didn't train on the right surface or on terrain that closely resembles the run you're about to embark on. When training for Massanutten I train on the rockiest hilliest crap I could find.. when training for the RANH '08 & '09, I ran on pavement for the 2 months heading into the run. Or maybe.. you have your own set of rules, expectations, desires, goals.. and somewhere along the way, you lost what was truly important to you. Maybe your goals were so grand that you got lost inside your own ego. In the end.. it always comes down to that mental twist.

Now is a great time to reflect and jack yourself up for an exciting and more successful 2012. Choose your races wisely, train smartly, prepare yourself mentally and be realistic. In the end, success is yours and yours alone and if it doesn't work out, you only have yourself to blame and no one can save you from the pain of the disappointment. Decide if that's what you want to carry with you or not.

Your life of adventure is all about choices. It doesn't matter if it's rock climbing, hiking or running. But the most important choice is, Do I want this bad enough to even start it? and if the answer is yes, How am I going to get there?

Ever Forward..

~Sherpa John

Big Money Ultra's?

2011-10-24T00:00:00.000-06:00

It was during this years Steamboat 50 Miler pre-race meeting that those in attendance were entertained by the thoughts of race director Fred Abramowitz in regards to a potential new 100 mile race in Steamboat in 2012. Even though Fred uttered a few "don't quote me"'s in his pre-race speech, I am one of those folks who live under the phrase, "if you don't want others to hear it, don't say it." I think Fred did want others to hear it because he wanted others to start talking. How else are you going to start hyping the potential of a new race which features big prize money for the front runners? That's right.. Prize Money.. for faster people then most of you who'll read this post.

That's what this post is about. Races offering big prize monies. How is it altering our sport? How does it affect all of us who enjoy doing these races as mere hobby and what is the true direction of ultra running?

"You can't make much money off 50 milers (you can do the math - about 50% of our entry fee goes to putting on the race, the other 50% or so to charity) but you can from 100 milers, where entry fees are typically 2 to 3 times as high. And there's nothing wrong with making money - I know more than most the amount of work that goes into putting on these races, and you can't expect people to do this for free - races like ours are an increasingly rare anomaly." This is the sentiment Fred told me after the Steamboat 50 in an e-mail he wrote me trying to pitch his idea for a 100 miler in Steamboat.

I'm not really sure why Fred felt the need to "pitch his 100 miler" idea to me in an e-mail. I am in full support of their being more 100 mile races in amazing places across the country, Steamboat included. There is indeed a demand for them and providing the supply will help elevate the pressures on some of the more well known races. What I don't agree with, is Fred's idea to offer up large cash prizes to the 1st-3rd place runners in the race and using the sport as a way to make money. So while pitching his race idea to me, he dove into the pitch for the need to pay people for running faster.

But is it really needed?? "The truth is that everyone - the shoe and clothes companies, the hotels putting up the runners, the specialized food and drinks and the Garmins and the socks, the race directors - is now making money off of ultras." Yup... there is a lot of truth there Fred... I can't argue with that... but I do have a problem there. I understand the companies and supporting companies making money of off these events.. but I think the RD should remain a volunteer and it's unnecessary that they be paid for doing something they wanted to do in the first place.

I argued the same point to Fred when talking about paying these front runners for being faster then everyone else. Fred argued, "but my personal view is these guys and gals train hard, make significant personal sacrifices to excel, improve our understanding of the limits of human performance, add a nice profile to the sport, are almost uniformly good self-effacing people, and are vehicles for quite a few folks to make money." And my thought on that is... Yeah, they do make sacrifices.. but it's a choice. It was their choice to hop into ultra-running. It was their choice to train harder. To sacrifice time with family and friends to dedicate to training and traveling. It was their choice. The reward for choosing as they have... should be simple. They complete the race, compete to the level they trained for and... they go home satisfied. But to say that "these folks are a vehicle for quite a few folks to make money" is disgusting at best. In the same sentence, Fred is acknowledging the hard work and dedication displayed by the front runners of our sport.. then turning around and saying basically "and they could make me some money."

Then I read recently that another race known as the Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) has doubled their cash purse to $20,000 in 2012. The UROC is another ultra-event put on by race directors who are in directing to make money. So I started thinking about a few things. The Steamboat 50 wants to start offering cash purses as a way to entice some of the worlds greatest ultra runners, to run against each other in a "true ultra championship" in Steamboat, CO. The UROC races, claims to be the "single Championship event for the sport of ultra-distance running." The North Face has a championship race series, culminating in San Francisco in December.. complete with cash prizes. The Western States 100 claims to be the Ultra-Championship in North America, The Tour Du Mont Blanc claims to be a championship race if not just in Europe but in the world. And all of the directors of these races are salaried race directors. Do they really want to create that championship race? Or do they really just want to use "spin" to put more money in their personal pockets?

Taking a step back, we can surmise that we've learned that no-body really knows which race is the true ultra-running championship and a few races are vying for the prestigious honor. While clamoring for the honor of being the race, Race Directors are discovering a way to market their race in a way that allows them to make more money... yeah, that means RD Income... by marketing their race in an exciting way that includes the need to offer large sums of money and reaping the benefits offered through top ultra performances. And who suffers?? YOU THE RUNNER! How? Fred told me that the Steamboat 100, if created, would be put on with entry fee's in line with races such as Leadville and Western States. Thats about $300 or more for those who don't know.

In my personal opinion.. I often wonder where some of these race directors get off thinking that their first year race requires the same race entry fee prices as popular races such as Leadville and Western States? These races have built a reputation over 20+ years that has created the demand for spots in the race, which in turn, has exponentially increased race prices because.. hell, no matter what they charge, people will pay! I think other races, without the notoriety should have to go through a reputation building process which helps build the demand for their race and eventually, sky high entry fees. Until then.. get off your soap box and pay your dues!

As Ultra-running continues to grow in popularity and the young guns continue to train and push each other, I certainly think there needs to be a sanctioned and pre-determined true ultra-championship race. ONE RACE WITH THE TITLE OF CHAMPIONSHIP. I'm tired of races making false claims to elevate their status in the naive world of ultra-lurkers. I don't agree with elevated race entry fee's, where the entry fee itself goes into the same pot we're paying the front runners. Why should I have to pay both the RD and the 1st place finisher when they're both volunteering their time to the event or to train for then event?

When I came into ultra-running, I learned that it was a culture of runners that run vast distances. They didn't race against each other.. they raced against themselves and at times the course. Race Directors didn't get paid to put on the race, they did it out of love of the sport. Entry fees were cheap and helped defray the cost of the essentials. Often, runners just showed up to run together, as a way to commune with one another, often times across routes they dreamed up themselves in wilderness areas where they could get away from the every day humdrum of life. And now... we are an attention hungry, ultra-business, greedy, self-indulging niche community. What happened to the sport I joined?? I don't know.. but as my future unfolds, I'm heading out to re-discover it.

Maybe The Barkley is more than a race... it's the last surviving piece of an ultra-culture now missing.

Sherpa John

A 30 Year Journey: Part 3

2011-10-21T00:00:00.000-06:00

...The last year of my life has been the best year of my life. I finally exercised my demons and defeated my long battle with depression. I landed a job in Boulder, CO and my dream of living out West was about to come true. My long farewell tour seemed to last forever, but in a way, I loved it.

I continued my work with Randy Pierce in helping him achieve his goals of becoming the first blind man to hike the 48. We managed to get our entire group to the top of Owls Head and if you could have seen the work we did there, you have to have seen it to believe it. This by far has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and something I miss terribly being so far away from him.

Not everyone gets to spend en entire day with one of their heroes. One of the greatest pleasures and honors in my life has been in guiding Patriots Hall of Famer, and soon to be NFL Hall Of Famer, Tedy Bruschi on a hike. Here I was, in my element, showing Tedy my tricks of the trade and helping prepare him for his own quest of Mount Kilimanjaro.

I graduated from UNH with my Bachelors degree. You know.. that piece of paper they told me I'd never get? I got it. Awesome day, awesome accomplishment. Always love re-defining possible and proving the nay-sayers wrong. I always love discovering the things I didn't think were possible but fought to find out for myself anyway. This journey was no different.

Four days after graduating from UNH.. we found ourselves in Colorado. I remember getting back in the U-Haul after taking this photo and just crying and weeping like a baby as I drove it down the interstate. I was so happy in telling Sarah, "It's so nice to know that you accomplish great things in this life, and that your greatest of dreams can really come true. I made it to Colorado.. I made it.. I can't believe I'm here!"

There I am, rafting in Colorado. Living my life of adventure as a professional guide. I've accomplished so many great things in my life and the adventure only continues...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I turned 30 years old yesterday... October 20th and 5:20am Eastern Time (3:20 Local Time). I slept in till about 9:00am, woke up and headed out to the Dowdy Draw Trail Head in South Boulder, CO. I marveled at the warning signs at the trail head which warned of the recent nature activity in the area, which included Bear, Rattlesnake and Mountain Lion. Under a bright Colorado sun, I enjoyed a flawless run of 6 miles.

I returned home and opened a pile of cards from family and friends. Sarah created a card for me, using her, amateur, artistic abilities to draw fun pictures of the more then 10 years we've shared. We look forward to creating many new memories.. my gift from her was the movie "Coming To America" with Eddie Murphy, a Kit Kat, a Twix and... a new Banjo. I'm excited to learn how to play it.

We then got in the car, got McDonalds then drove up through Coal Creek Canyon, topped out on the Peak To Peak Highway and wound our way over to the town of Black Hawk Colorado. We walked into the Lady Luck Casino, an old Vegas favorite of my grandparents, and I won $100 on the first machine I played not but 5 minutes into our time there. So.. I pocketed the money I came with and used the new $100 to play a the casinos. A few hours later, Sarah left broke and I left up $20.

I ate a fabulous dinner at Old Chicago where I enjoyed a rocking pizza. I tried a new Hard Cider which was no where near as delicious as my favorite Woodchuck Hard Cider from Vermont. After returning home from dinner, my wife had made me my favorite, an apple pie, complete with candles. I made a wish, blew them out.. and I'm off to bed. Thirty.. where does the time go.

Here's to a new decade full of adventure, experience, motivation, inspiration... and life.
Sherpa John

A 30 Year Journey: Part 2

2011-10-19T00:00:00.000-06:00

The beating continues on the eve of my thirtieth birthday. Ha, no actually, I really enjoy giving everyone an inside look at me growing up through the years. How many times do we really get to sit down and reflect on a life lived, through your own magnifying glass, pulling out pictures of yesterday and sharing them with the world? So let's continue

That's my first car. It's name was the egg. For those keeping track of the missing four front teeth, Urkle glasses and horrible wardrobe, you'll continue to keep track with this chick magnet of a car. I put so many miles on that car. Got it with 63,000 on it in 1997 and by the time it died in 2001, I'd made it up into the 190,000 mile range. I drove it everywhere, carried all my friends in it and even managed to hit a few of my friends with it.. you'll understand later.

Somehow I managed to graduate High School. I had four year perfect attendance but let's face it, me graduating from High School was something that didn't look to be happening by the end of my sophomore year. Just to get through it I was taking a half year of sophomore english, a full year of Junior english and in night school for the first half of senior english, all in the last semester of it all. How did I pull it off? I'm still trying for the life of me trying to figure it out myself but there I am with my best friend Erik, in our gowns.. happy I slid into the finish line.

So I went to Vermont for college. That's a much longer story. I started getting tattoos, was still pretty jacked for my size but look at me. I look wasted, stoned, like a crack addict. No.. it wasn't drugs, but I was pretty damned sick up there. Suicidal, battling depression.. my toughest of times was only beginning.

I did everything at college except learn. I was skipping class left and right, instead opting to sleep in, wake up and eat, then return to my room to watch the Simpsons all day. I played video games. I was in 8 different campus clubs... and I even ran a club known as the LSWF. Lyndon State Wrestling Federation. Yup.. that's the wrestlers up there. We used to host 100-200 people per event in the college auditorium, wrestling each other backyard style and throwing each other through tables and what-all. It was terrible and then I finally did fail.. failed out of college.

I returned home to continue my illustrious career as a backyard wrestler. (Dripping with sarcasm). Sorry for the graphic photo above, should have given you a warning but.. besides my regular job, this is what I did. Two to three times a month, I was somewhere in New England, destroying myself and cheating serious injury in someones backyard, bleeding all over the place and being an overall D.B.

I spent 7 years as a landscaper while I backyard wrestled. This is me one Halloween dressed up like a co-worker. I hated that guy. He was the prime example of who I was destined to be in my life. A drunk, fat, copper stripping in my underwear, smelly, dumb-ass. Then I met a woman named Sarah who told me if I ever wanted to marry her, I'd need a degree and a job. So after professional wrestling school didn't work out so well thanks to being beat down by John Cena...

....I went to one of those community colleges where anyone can get a degree for just showing up. That's me on graduation day. I got my Associates Degree in Radio/TV Production and Broadcasting and started to realize that.. maybe I did need to make something of myself. I landed a job at a local ABC News Station and started working on my documentary film. This was all a very big deal, it was 2005. Four years prior, I barely graduated high school, was told I'd never get a degree.. and if I did it would't be a Bachelors.. and here I was. A graduate, with something, a job and.. actually trying to make something of myself.

This picture was taken in 1994. Dad and I had climbed Mount Eisenhower in NH's White Mountains. My quest to be a peak-bagger started in 1992. In 2004, with a camera in hand, I made my documentary film. I finished hiking New Hampshire's Four-Thousand Footers, a quest I started 13 years prior. In 2005, I completed my film and went on a film tour. I was meeting people and making a bit of a name for myself in a niche community. Sharing my adventures with people, I started blogging, I made a TON of money for non-profits and I could't believe how well everything was going. I eventually finished the 48 in Winter and then went on to finish the TrailWrights 72.

And along the way I discovered this ultra-running thing. For the first time in my life I really felt like my entire family believed in me. I was showing them that I could still do things. My parents brought me up with the belief that I could do anything I could put my mind to... I felt like, "better late then never." In my early 20's I started running ultra-marathons and continuing to push my limits and see what I really could put my mind to. This is a picture of me running across New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway. I failed the first time I tried, stopping 6 miles short of the end. I've run that road in it's entirety 3 times now, one of which was in winter, February, at 8 below zero.

In 2006 everything changed again. Moe, my best friend, passed away after a long battle with Cancer. He had spent the last 14 years of his life in a wheelchair, many of those years I spent as his caretaker. Those would be those darker years I spoke of in Part 1. My freshman and sophomore years of High School.. and beyond. He was everything to me. I'd do anything for him as he'd have done anything for me when I was younger. When he passed, a lot of my mission in life centers around how he lived his final years.. never giving up. Most of the time, I run because Moe Couldn't. It was the first time in my life that I really did realize that life is precious, I get one trip around the rock.. and I really can't afford to mess it up or pass it by.

In the first grade I had made a "Dream/Goal Book."In that book I had things like hike Mount Washington, Visit Everest, Complete the Four Thousand Footer, Learn how to bet on horses, Visit Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons and put my legs in the Snake River. After Moe passed, I started searching out my dreams more often. I wanted to see America and see it on foot rather then through the window of a car. So here I am in the Grand Tetons. I took this during my Third 100 Mile Race, the Grand Teton 100. I actually have completed everything from that book I made in the 1st grade except legs in the Snake River and seeing Everest.

Remember that part about never getting a Bachelors Degree? Well, somehow I got into The University of NH in 2007. In 2008, my sophomore year I was actually making it and was tasked with an endurance challenge for a class. I took it on big time and decided to use my long dreamt about Run Across NH to write about my Philosophy of Outdoor Education. Above is my favorite picture from that run.. I couldn't believe I made it. To this day, probably my proudest moment. I continued to raise the bar.. but a few weeks after this photo was taken, I crashed and burned hard. Checked myself into a psychiatric ICU and my long awaited war with depression... had begun. It was my personal Battle of the Bulge.

As I continued my long battle I continued to explore. I made it to San Francisco for a long weekend of running and soul searching through the Marin Headlands and Point Reyes. I saw the Red Wood Forest and put my legs in the pacific ocean for the first time. The more I journeyed around the country, the more I feel in love with the American West. The true frontier and a place where I was finding piece and community with the earth.

To Be Continued....

A 30 Year Journey: Part 1

2011-10-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

Who knew that turning thirty would be so hard for me. The truth of the matter is, it has been. Yeah.. some of the readers here have passed the 30 year old barrier.. I don't want to hear it. You're not going to say anything I haven't all ready heard. But let's face it, we've all had very different experiences through the tale of time. I remember being 10 years old and people telling me I had the mind and body of a 40 year old. Perhaps some of that is true. Of all the 30 year olds I know, I'm pretty damn sure I've lived more life then all of them. I guess it's easy for me, on the eve of my thirtieth birthday, to reflect on my journey thus far and to find a way to share the tale of a still young man, named John Paul Lacroix. (aka. Sherpa John).

Yeah baby, that's me as a baby. Look at that long curly blonde hair. You've seen pictures of me recently and I agree, it's hard to believe that I was that cute and I do often ask myself, "What the hell happened to me." Life happened to me. I'm not one of those kids who let it pass me by. Even at the spry age of... less than 1, I was all ready wearing shirts with trains on them.. wondering where the rails of life were going to take me. As you can see, it was a happy prospect back then.

I was pretty lucky to have a best friend very early in my life. This is me and Moe. We did everything together. Some of my cousins will interject when I tell you that I was his favorite. But.. I really do know that I was. I asked around and was told even when I didn't ask around. Look at me reading the card while Moe opened those gifts for me.. I always loved Christmas before I understood how overwhelming it became. My siblings and I always made out like bandits on Christmas.. it was always too much.

But Moe and I had a special relationship. I still day dream about sitting on this rock wall with him. This wall lined the side of his yard, next to the driveway. After we did work in the garden or mowed the lawn.. after we fixed up a once broken lawn mower together, we always sat on this wall and drank a coke to celebrate the day and work well done. We even had the same cobbler...

These are my siblings. Ann (Top L), Mike (Bot L) and Billy (Top R).. then that's me. Yeah.. I'm a HUGE football fan still.. I actually don't even remember that shirt. This was a classic picture for us. "Stand in front of the mantle there." Truth is.. it wasn't even a fire place.. it was a decorate mantle in the living room. You'd also think from this picture that I was the delinquent of the group. Look at those smirks on my brothers faces. Most of the time I was their personal punching bag. They picked on me a lot.. and now when I pick on them now that were older, they can't stand it. Don't get the wrong picture though.. that's what siblings do. We really did look after and love each other. We had to... that's how it worked in the 80s.

So my parents put me to bed one night with a bottle in my mouth. I then had was it more commonly referred to as "Milk Rot." Just like that, I had my four front teeth pulled out and would be toothless until I was 8. This picture was taken when I was 4. What an outstanding looking smile.

By 5 I thought I was super man. This was me at a cub scout halloween party. We went to a lot of these when I was younger. Scouting was a huge part of my families life. All these years later I'm still wearing my underwear on the outside of my pants and from time to time, think I'm super man. How else do you run 100 miles? I can't figure out why I looked so terrified in this photo though.

This was my first grade portrait. Still no front teeth but still lookin' like a playa'. I bit my lip and that weird hair line.. yeah, I gave myself a haircut one night and this was the attempt at making my hair look normal. This was my new Robert Redford look.

I lived a pretty senseless life as a younger kid. Overalls and sport shirts. Always messing with my hair. I actually do remember loving over alls, my favorite pair was red and corduroy. If I could find a pair today, I'd still wear em. I was a pretty happy kid though. I lived a life of adventure thanks to the influences of my older brothers.

Moe taught me to mow the lawn when I was 7. I could barely reach the pedals but I cut that lawn to damn near perfect on a weekly basis. I loved it. Some days I just rode the mower around just for the hell of it. We found this one in the trash, brought it home and fixed it up. In this photo it was still running great. The year it died, it was a smokey mess. Notice the duct tape seat accouterment.

This was my swimming pool. Every summer Moe and I set it up in the back yard. Right outside the door from the summer porch. It was strategically set up here so he could sit on the steps and smoke a cigarette while "watching" me swim. I was a scrawny runt then.. shorts didn't fit too well.. but the water was always perfect in that pool. The only downside was the dozen pine trees in the backyard that rained crap into the pool.

I was a cute kid in my younger years.. and by the 4th grade, the above happened. I finally had front teeth again, but now I was sporting these Urkel glasses. They were the cheapest glasses in the place and all we could afford. Lucky me. Later that year they told me I needed braces too. I drew the line there and still enjoy my overbite. Obviously being this ugly, I was the kid that got beat up every day after school. The neighborhood punching bag. I survived it.. barely.

Scouting was everything when I was younger. I actually made it up to First Class Scout before quitting. To this very day I regret never getting my Eagle. This is a picture of me at our local church. I did a yearly stuffed animal drive to help kids in need of a hug. A young philanthropist in training.

This was my first ten speed. Christmas morning. Glasses on, bed head.. and my pants don't fit. With the looks of those socks, I look about 80 years old. This would be the last time in quite a while, where you'll find a picture of me with an actual smile on my face. After this Christmas, my life changed in ways I never knew they could as a young child.

This was the tomato plant I grew the first year of my keeping up the garden. Moe had a stroke when I was 14 and was in a rehab hospital for the entire summer. I wanted to do him proud so I kept the garden up like he always would. I used every trick he ever taught me and grew this monster 6 foot tomato plant that wielded tomatoes the size of softballs. It's stalk was 3" thick at it's base. I was pretty proud and in my closet today.. is that flannel jacket. That was Moe's gardening jacket. I still wear it on frosty mornings.

This was my junior prom picture. 15 years of life thus far and I was taking a teachers daughter to prom. You have no idea how excited I was. I asked her to go as a part of a dare.. and she said yes. I was speechless. But truth be told, at this point in my life, I was barely surviving high school and really just starting to dive into the depths of depression. There are very few pictures of me from these trying years of my life (12-17).. and even in this one it's obviously painful to smile. I wanted to be a weatherman.. I had no ambition to change the world.. I was just playing soccer and trying to survive. Every day I thought about hurting myself, I thought about dropping out of High School and hitchhiking for a living.. I had no ambition, no desire to succeed... just living a life of going through the motions.

This story is only really beginning. The first 15 of my thirty years were lived like most folks. The youngest of four children, the son of two hard working and giving parents. My best friend was my grandfather.. and by the 90s.. the product of a divorced family, struggling with depression, abandonment.. and the severe stroke of my grandfather. I wish I knew at 15 how the next 15 years would turn out.. I thought it would be all for not. Instead.....

To Be Continued....

RR: 2011 Slickrock 100

2011-10-13T16:01:00.000-06:00

"You fall out of your mother’s womb, you crawl across open country under fire, and drop into your grave." ~Quentin Crisp

For Video of the 2011 Slickrock 100 CLICK HERE

Pre-Race
Friday night, Runners arrive at packet pick-up which starts at 3pm. At3pm, RD Aaron arrives and is immediately hurrying to set registration up. He looks exhausted, flustered and.. is scrambling. A few of us stepped right in to lend him and Jenna a hand. Things were VERY chaotic and unorganized.. and the pre-race meeting started late. This is when we found out why and what eventually started a maelstrom of frustration from the runners. (NOTE: At this moment... Aaron stepped forward and offered to refund anyone their money who no longer wished to start their race. That's right.. before you jumped into what was about to take place.. you have a sweet offer to back out.. take your money and use it for a great weekend in Moab.)

Course Changes: The 100 milers were supposed to run a 50 mile loop to the north. Due to torrential rains in the days before the race, huge wash-outs had been reported in the area and during course marking, Aaron had his jeep swallowed up by quicksand. Yeah.. the guys jeep was up to it's windows in Moab red-clay sand. He had to walk 15 miles back to camp, in the dark, rainy cold night.. and figure out what to do with his race. This is why he looked so haggard.. he hadn't slept in awhile.

Because of this.. the chaos began. On the fly, Aaron had to change all three of his races (50K, 50m and 100m). Each course had a new course and we all ran pretty much on the same section to the South which was pretty much the second 50 miles of the 100. Aaron hadn't even had time to re-print out maps, or to write down aid station names, mileages etc. From what little notes he'd scratched on a piece of paper, he told us what the changes were, to the best he could. He told us the approx. mileages, drop bag stations, crew stops, etc... he did an amazing job for having to do this on the fly.. absolutely incredible.

After hearing all the changes, Sarah and I ran down into Moab to grab dinner and to also find a hotel. I walked into a hotel a pretended to be a guest so I could sit down in the hotel office center and print out the course maps from before. Then, I went to a local outfitter and bought a Moab trail map where I then transcribed the course onto that map, committed most of it to memory, marked aid stations for Sarah and then, stuffed a few map copies into my pack. I was prepared and hoped many of the other runners had as well.

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The Start
We huddled around in the crisp damp morning air. It started to pour at about 4am. Who knew that it could rain so much in the desert. We certainly found out that there's a rainy season and we're in it. The rain still fell lightly around 6am as we waited for the starting orders. I looked around for Jason, a runner from Casper, WY who was still trying to finish his first 100 miler. We agreed to run together. Just before the race started I spotted him, we said high, heard the faint dying cry of a soaked air horn and we were off.

Jason started off running at a good clip. As we headed off down Dubinsky Wash Road, I found myself struggling to keep up. I guess over the last few years, as I've trained to run less, I've trained to walk faster more. I tried to keep up with Jay, he's looking to be about 6' something while I'm a paltry 5'6". He's got a longer stride and more zeal I think, for now anyway, and we stick together. I figure if I could talk I wasn't running hard enough. Yet as we ran down the road and I tried to chat to get to know each other, I was too winded to let out a complete sentence.

The rain kept coming down early. I was thankful for this because as crew vehicles began to pass us, I was happy that the dust was non-existent. As we made our way to the end of the dirt road, Sarah pulled up in her car and told me that she doesn't meet me at Wash Out. An aid station I thought sat at the 6 mile mark, where I had planned to get supplies. In all the confusion of the race changes, I must have missed where this was no longer a crew stop. We also had discussed how she wasn't going to be able to get our car into the Gemini Bridges stop at mile 13. So she stopped the car and I grabbed what I needed to refuel myself and take care of myself up until mile 33. I thanked her and she was off. Normally I wouldn't accept aid from my crew outside of an aid station, but in seeing how many other runners were doing this at this point, I hardly felt guilty or concerned about breaking any rules.

Jason ran ahead while I dropped trow and applied the Body Glide I forgot to smear on before the race start. I got every place i usually chafe and I'm glad I did considering the conditions this morning. I caught back up with Jay and we took a right, entered onto the trails and headed off into the desert. It really is strange how everything out here looks the same. Every rock, every tree, every hole.. everything. It's all the same. I could see how getting lost wouldn't be any fun, and the ability to find your way back once being lost virtually non-existent. Given all the changes to the course and the way things were shaping up with sporadic course markings, we agreed that the only way and the best way to survive this race was to stick together in groups.

Running With The Law
We slowly collected another runner named Dave, and then a group of runners who had gotten lost caught back up to us, we were now a group of 5. I was pretty tickled to find out that 4 out of the 5 runners in our little group were all lawyers or attorneys. It was pretty comical to listen to their discussions. I let them run ahead while I shot video and gave some commentary. Ten minutes later I had caught up to them and they were still discussing law topics. Gag me! "You must be enamored by our conversation Sherpa!" I couldn't stop laughing when they said this as I was simply bored to tears.

As we made it into Gemini Aid station, the wind had picked up a bit, I'm guessing because we were a bit higher on the plateau now. Very few crews seem to have made the trek in with needing a high clearance 4wd vehicle to get here. It was still raining to beat the band but as you looked around the desert, you could see rays of hope peaking through cloud banks. The first aid station wasn't all that great. Three volunteers cutting up food and preparing small sandwiches for over 200 runners. They were overwhelmed all ready and struggling to keep up. There was little to graze from and I'm glad I had taken extra food from Sarah when I saw her.

We left here and followed the jeep roads through god knows where. Simply trying to find the way and hoping to not get lost. We kept Dave close and we all continued to shoot the shit as we meandered down the trail. Soon the rain let up and the clouds began to lift. Still a bit gloomy but we were glad the sun hadn't come out to beat down upon us. Somewhere down the road we ran into Jason's wife who had driven their car about as far up the road as she was comfortable doing. After we left her, we saw the kind of terrain she drove over and were really quite impressed with her resiliency to get in as far as she could. I know Jason was happy as he got some extra aid. (Later we'd find out that many of the racer crews were given the wrong directions in getting to Gemini Bridges which is why crew attendance was low.. many couldn't drive their cars up the jeep road.. when in fact an easier access road existed that even 2WDlow clearance vehicles could have managed).

Into the Hole
After leaving Jay's wife we started running down hill. Soon we started seeing the 50K runners heading back. I knew a few of the runners heading in the other direction looked like 100 mile runners and had 100 miler bib numbers on. It was obvious a few folks had had enough of the wind, rain, limited aid and no access to crew and had decided to cut their loses early. We soldiered on, eventually arriving at what we called "Gold Bar Low." As we ran into the aid station I heard someone yelling out my name and screaming for me to get my butt moving. It was Doug Newton and I was actually incredibly appreciate and jazzed up by his energy and support. While in the station he got me anything I needed while also helping other runners. It was the ultimate balancing act and he was large and in charge. I so appreciated his help and energy that it actually energized me. We took off running and headed off down a flat road at the base of a wide canyon.

Everything was covered in sand from the last aid stop. As I ate my PB&J I could taste every bit of gritty sand that was caught within the slices of bread. I had sad on my water bottles. I had sand on my hands. I felt like a windy day at the beach just happened and everything was covered. I found comedy in this though so we laughed as we ran along. Jay and I lost Dave. We thought he was behind us at the station, we walked for a bit before giving up and getting back up into a run. Soon we met up with a blonde girl from Denver. We had our introductions except hers was different. Part of her introduction was lifting her short legs enough to show us the scar on her left thigh.

So come to find out, last December this girl was hiking along in the Indian Peaks Wilderness outside of Denver. She stumbled and slide down a 1000' snow slope, crashing into a boulder at the bottom and fracturing her femur. Her hiking partner rushed to her side while they waited for help. When Search and Rescue (SAR) had finally reached her, she had 3 minutes to get on the chopper or they were leaving without her because of a fast approaching winter storm. 3 minutes came and went and they left her and her friend there. This girl sat in the snow with a broken femur and endured an epic winter storm, blizzard conditions and 60mph winds for over a day and a half before they returned. She shouldn't be alive. Her doctors later told her she'd never run again (you've heard this before) and now... 9 months later, she's running in her first 100 miler.

So... Jay and I listened to her story and watch as she took off from us. We agreed that we instantly became the biggest wimps on the face of the earth and had nothing else to say. She left us speechless yet inspired. In Awe... mouths agape.. incredible. Around the corner we found Dave, all smiles. We gave him a ration of crap for leaving us behind, telling him that we waited for him not knowing it was he who was in front of us. Back together our group continued to climb to the next aid station which we referred to as "Gold Bar High." We stumbled in and I thought we were at the top of our long climb. The aid workers had gotten here with souped up Jeeps with suspension systems worth more then everything I own. We grabbed what we could, joked around and listened to the warning of the aid workers... "When you leave here, follow the white dots. Someone has removed the course ribbons and we're not sure how far in they've been removed." Great...

Lost
It didn't take long for us to be off course. This section was a series of switch backs. But not the normal switch backs that allow you to side hill an up or down section. The switch backs were the up and down section. We'd head down along the top of the slick rock, then turn and switch back and head back up the slick rock. We walked precariously along the tops of deep canyons and, we walked precariously along the top of a huge 2000+ foot cliff which dropped down the road which leads into Arches National Park. 4 of us struggled to find the route and at times, 8 of us struggled together. We were literally combing this area, trying to find white dots or pink ribbons. This is for certain where the team effort we talked about all morning was coming into play. And then we talked, about how at night, there is no way any of us, together or not, were going to find our way across the ridge without getting lost, hurt, or killed.

Soon we were sharing the trail with armies of dirt bikes and armies of custom jeeps. We kept following white dots until eventually, we once again found pink ribbon. Finally the sun had come out and the clouds were lifting. We all stopped to delayer and get more comfortable. I felt amazing as my soaked clothing finally started to dry out. I was hanging my rain jacket off of my pack in my attempt to dry that out. The terrain was ever changing now. Slick rock turned into rockier sections with desert sand mixed in for fun. We ran down into deep canyons where cacti and other pointy plants lived all the while glaring up at colorful red canyon walls. Then we were running across the tops of petrified sand dunes and in this section, we felt so incredibly on the moon given the resemblance to a moon scape. This entire course thus far, no matter how desolate and frustrating, was incredibly breath taking.

Back On Track
Soon we found ourselves running across the top of a large mesa. We enjoyed expansive views of the Moab valley to the South and West, with towering pillars, petrified sand dunes, and a collection of other sand and rock formations I couldn't even try to find the names of. To the South and South East, where we were heading over the next 16 miles, was the canyon lands. An area that closely resembles the likes of the Grand Canyon. Dave seemed to gas out a bit and Jason and I were feeling strong. So we opted to stretch out our legs and run ahead. We attacked this long 3 mile downhill section as best we could. We ran with purpose and walked with purpose. Across rock, through sand, around jeeps, under brush.. we dodged a bit of everything. And then finally, we began a long, normal, section of switch backs which led us back and forth and down to Poison Spider, a trailhead along the banks of the mighty Colorado River where both of our crews were settled in.

Jay headed to his car to change his shoes while I worked with Sarah near the aid tent. I snacked on what little they had there. Half a PB & J, some fruit, a cup of chips, a cup of Fritos, chugged some soda. Whatever I could get my hands on. I sat down and munched while Sarah continued to attend to my pack and prepare me for the next 6 mile section of flat, paved road. While sitting there I saw Dave sitting with his crew, and there was chatter of more course changes. I walked over to hear what was up, "So now, you guys are going to climb Long Canyon, then head to the start/finish, then do the 50K out and back." It was great to hear that they were no longer going to have us repeat this loop we were just on. It's brutal and there is no way we could safely navigate the ribbon-less rim. I took the information and ran down to Jay, collected my new running buddy and we headed out.

As we ran along the Colorado River, we chatted about the changes. It didn't make sense to me. As I counted up the milage I knew, the route that was just explained to me would come up 20 miles short of 100. I knew something was amiss yet, we kept running. I think I was driving Jason crazy. I talked his ear off. And every time he started to talk, I picked up the pace and ran. He was comfortable at a fast walk for awhile. He had changed his shoes and admitted it was a mistake. Yet I knew this road section was our chance to make up some time. Even still, we held back, engaged in great conversation, deepened a new friendship and admired the towering canyons walls that surrounded us.

After while we noticed that no one was gaining on us or even appeared to be coming. Then we spotted the Yugoslavian, whose name escapes me, up ahead. We decided reel him yet, yet slowly, over the course of the next 2 miles. Just as we began to approach the Long Canyon aid station at the end of this long, flat, torturous 6 miles of pavement, we caught him, and passed him and then entered the aid station.

Where we going now?
In the aid station we heard another version of where we were going to go. Top of the Canyon, to Dead Horse, then to Gemini Bridges then up to Gold Bar High.. then turn around and go to the start/finish. Then, we heard another version.. "No... it's Dead Horse, then Gemini, then Gold Bar low.. then back to the S/F." Whatever! We got what gear we needed for a long haul up to Dead Horse. We'd see our crew there but it was 12 miles away, 6 of which was all uphill and it was starting to get dark.. especially so in these canyons where the sun disappeared early. I ate some under cooked ramen soup, sandwich, then kissed Sarah farewell before Jay and I began our walk into the abyss.

The yugoslavian and left ahead of us and was a man on a mission. We weren't going to catch him as he was all ready a quarter mile ahead, just within sight. Jason discovered that he had developed a bad blister on the ball of his foot. We took turns trying to find the least rocky section of trail as we headed up Long Canyon. And a long canyon it was. We walked along a long wash out/drainage that abutted this long dirt road up and up and up through this canyon of towering red rock walls. It was spectacular. I felt like I was on Mars, or in the middle of the actual Grand Canyon. The higher we climbed the more breath taking the views got. On one of the switch backs of the road, I had to stop. I walked to the top of a rock and just gazed out into the open expanse we were conquering. If I was alone I would have cried. Instead, I silently stood upon high and felt the wind brush across my face. My eyes welled up and I took a moment to say hi to Moe. This was my moment in this race.. this is where finish or not, I had my fill and knew that this was one of those special places in my life.. perhaps the coolest place I've ever been and a place perhaps my ashes would be spread (morbid I know but it was that friggin cool!).

Jason and I carried on. Talking, joking chatting. Talking about dropping out. Wondering where the course actually went after this. We soon came to a huge rock, what appeared to me the top of a pillar that had collapsed long ago, that was now leaning against the canyon wall and created a tiny arch way to walk under. On the other side, the canyon walls shrunk in and revealed to us, from the closing in of the world around us, why this was referred to as Alice and Wonderland Canyon.

I Do...
As we round the final corners we ran into a few folks we'd been running into often on the course. They had driven down a road to find their runner, Carrie, and cheer her on. We thought maybe she was who was behind us. A runner we'd been watching creep up on us for the lat 2 miles and let me tell you, make some awesome ground/time heading uphill all that while like we were standing still. Maybe we were.. for some of it. Anyway.. We reached the top of the canyon and got some water. We then got a new version of the course. "Run to Dead Horse, then to the Start/Finish, then run the 50K out and back, then return for a 10 mile out and back." SCREW THAT! "Then someone else chimed in with, last I heard they were going to the start/finish, then just doing out and backs." Jason and I just started laughing. You know.. the madness laugh. Where you've heard enough and now you're just going crazy?

Then I looked over and saw a sign on a fence post that someone, was getting married. What?! We are out in the middle of no where. I later found out that this particular place on the map is called Pucker Mesa or something and at any rate.. someone had just tied the knot. I'd seen it all now. A wedding, on the course, during an ultra. Jason and I took off climbing up the road, still moving at a good clip. As soon as we crested the hill I picked up into a run, and then.. Jason's blister popped. He slowed to damn near a crawl for a bit while he straightened himself out, I kept running after he told me he'd catch up.

Down the road I ran into those folks again, the ones looking for Carrie. "Ok... so we heard from here you run down this road to Gemini Bridges.. then head to Gold Bar Low, then back to Gemini, all the way back to here.. then to the start finish." If this was true, I wouldn't see my crew again until the finish line. "Dead horse no longer exists... and.. the front runners have all ready gone the wrong way." Now I'm hearing, no more crew, front runners on a different course.. our brains are fried. I've grown so tired of these changes that I start talking to other runners..

They encourage me not to quit.. and when I tell them that this is my 20th event of 100 miles or more.. they get it that I've go nothing to prove and no place to be. My brain is fried. Mentally exhausted. Every single time I heard a course change.. I was re-configuring my game plan in my head. As it grew dark, we kept getting passed by runners, and each one had a different story as to where we were going. The consensus was pretty dead on with them all though, "Run to Gemini Bridges, then Gold Bar Low, then the start/finish, then do an 11 mile out.. and an 11 mile back on the desert road." What... the F.. ever. Jason an I continued to run and joke together. Making light of the situation and agreeing that we were dropping at the next stop, hoping our crews would be there. When we arrived.. we were at Dead Horse.. the place we were told no longer existed.. and far from Gemini.

DNF..
As we entered the aid station, our wives cheered us in as did a few other folks. I called out my bib number and said, "Number 5... dropping." And that was it.. Jason came in, said the same and our race was done. We had run 52 miles in 13:36. But in fact, we wondered if we actually were at 52 or perhaps 100K. We had no idea what the cut-offs for the race was anymore. No idea what the mileages were to the next aid stations, when we'd see our crew again or anything. We finally caught wind of the new official re-route.. Dead Horse to Gemini to Gold Bar Low, back all the way to Dead Horse then down to the Start/Finish then a 22 mile out and back on the road. They could have it.. we were done. I felt fresh, could have kept going.. but had nothing to prove to anyone. When I put my decision for October up on my blog, I prayed for the Grand Canyon to win. I had to choose.. Slickrock was hard to pass up, I was in the 100 but knew I was only ready for and wanting to run 50. I guess I got it all in this race. I ran my 52 miles, and I got to saw terrain very similar to the Grand Canyon. Lucky me.. and a great birthday expedition.
-----------------------------
Post Race
I'm not sure how many started each race or how many finished. For the most part, the majority of us runners were not at all upset with the race directors. We thanked them for their hard work, their ability to adjust on the fly and their dedication to giving us the distances and safety. Some folks were pretty pissed at the end of the race and regardless of the issues or how angry they rightfully were, the RD did offer anyone their money back prior to the race start with apologies. What a great weekend in Moab that would have been had they just taken the money. Instead.. their crews and themselves acted with a ferociousness that no volunteer RD should ever had to endure. I feel bad for them, and I feel bad for the RD's.

I'll return to the slick rock races, better prepared for anything, with the hopes of a more complete course. Moab is an amazing and breathtaking place. It's magical and those walls have eyes. I'll return, it's an adventurers playground for sure.

Lastly.. for those runners out there who still have their undies in a bunch.. I created this for you:
*Hey.. this is a good time to remind my fellow runners of a few things:*

1.) Sometimes, a first year 100 is *not* an ideal first-time 100 miler.

1A.) Especially in the desert.

2.) Your GPS may not be accurate.

3.) Not every race is as fine-tuned and over produced as Leadville or Western States... which have 20+ years on this race.

4.) RD's are volunteers too.. whether you've paid an entry fee or not. Have some empathy.

5.) Your crew is a direct representation of you... choose them wisely.

6.) The runner, is ultimately, responsible for knowing the course (after the course changes Friday night.. I went to Moab and bought a map)

I've managed to learn these things in 6+ years of running ultras.. 40+ races and twenty 100's now. I've also learned.. to thank your RD..

*THANKS KISSLERS FOR AN AMAZING RACE IN ONE AMAZING LOCATION!*

:)
Sherpa

VB: Slickrock 100

2011-10-10T21:55:00.000-06:00

This past weekend was the first annual Slickrock Ultras held in Moab, UT. I had the pleasure of starting the 100 miler, a race I dropped out of at mile 52. Moab is one of the most incredible places I've ever been to on the face of this earth and I, for one, am incredibly excited about the idea of returning to these races in the future. During this weekends race, I took the chance to make a short film about my personal experience in the desert. Enjoy!

[Note: Check back later for the detailed written report on Sherpa John: Human Potential]

For more videos, visit Sherpa John Human Potential's YouTube Page!

Race Preview: Slickrock 100

2011-10-07T00:00:00.000-06:00

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” ~Steve Jobs

Welcome to October and as it were, the end of my Official 2011 Ultra-Running Season. You all voted for what I'd do for my 30th Birthday Adventure, we call it Adventure 30 and you voted for the Slickrock 100. No ultra-season would be complete without me putting up with the elements one last time. It sounds like the first major storm of the season is blowing into the Rocky's and Slickrock is taking place in the aftermath. For those who don't know, Moab is a sandstone environment. Heaven rains of any proportion drastically affect the landscape. No one knows, what we're about to handle out there, but I know with the Rocky covered in White, the views should be breathtaking.

I'll throw the honesty out there right now. I'm literally stumbling into this race on the.. ran a few ultras in the last few months, praying to make it.. training program. I've never been to Moab and I'm excited to see a new place but am worried about my preparedness to complete the task at hand. In my personal life, things are a bit shaky in ways I didn't expect them to be so I'm a bit emotionally vacant heading into this monstrous undertaking. But hey.. it's my flipping birthday and I'm going to enjoy the hell out of this adventure.. thanks to you.

Goals

1.) Finish

2.) Sub 28

3.) Sub 26

A Dedication
I want to add something personal here and it's going to seem pretty "over the top" for some but trust me when I tell you that this is pretty meaningful to me. On Wednesday I found out that Steve Jobs, one of the founders of Apple, passed away after his long battle with cancer. Sarah (Wife/Crew Chief) works on the biology industry where for the last 5 years, she's been on the front lines in the battle with cancer. Steve Jobs changed my life.. or rather his Apple Products did. It was my 22nd birthday when I told my mother I wanted an iMac G5 Computer with dual processors. Why did I want it? Because I was in college for TV Production and I needed the unit to make my first documentary film.

So for my 22nd birthday, I got a G5 computer and a year later I was wrapping up the finishing touches on my documentary film titled "48". I produced 95% of the film on my home computer and the other 5% was spent flashing it up at a professional production studio on their macs. Yup, 100% mac made. 5 to 10 years prior to this time (2004), you weren't producing movies at home and truth be told, many Hollywood studios are doing the same now. I'm getting away from myself here but.. Apple changed my life. That movie was the key to many doors that I've been able to open in my life. Producing that film helped guide me to Ultra-Running, it then helped me get a job at UNH and later at a local high school. It's helped me create an enormous network of friends. It helped me get into UNH and it helped me get work out here in Boulder, CO. It helped raise over $25,000 for local and national charities.. and it even put a smile on a few hundred children's faces thanks to a school visit I did back in Manchester, NH.

These are just a few ways I know that this film has changed my life and I'm certain there are a few other ways I'm unaware of yet. It matters not. What matters is that I do recognize how Steve Jobs and Apple has changed my life. So.. with this in mind, I'm going to dedicate this weekends effort to Steve Jobs in his memory. He has changed my life in numerous ways and without him, I'd very much doubt this blog would even exist. So finish or not, I'll be thinking of Steve and how he changed the world.

Thanks Steve.. for everything.

OFF TO MOAB!

A30 Interview: Jerry Armstrong

2011-10-05T00:07:00.000-06:00

We're continuing to gear up for the Slickrock 100 and this years Adventure 30. Jerry Armstrong is no secret to ultra-running. A well accomplished endurance athlete with a popular blog, Jerry is looking to lace it up in the 50 Mile Option of the Slickrock Races. He took some time to speak to us about this weekends race and the current ultra-culture in general, here he is.

Name: Jerry Armstrong
Age: 34
Hometown/Location: Born/Raised: San Diego, CA; Currently: Broomfield, CO
Years Running Ultras: 6 years
100 Mile Finishes: AC100, SD100, WS100, 24hrs Boulder
Ultra Achievements: 20 ultras, Solo 281mi run for diabetes, Solo Kida Relay (150mi bike/36mi run), Ironman x2,

Sherpa John (SJ): Jerry, thanks for taking the time to talk to us about your upcoming race at the Slickrock 50.
Jerry Armstrong (JA): Thanks Sherpa. I'll try my best to think of interesting things to say.

SJ: Before we get into talking about this weekends race, can you tell us a little bit about how you became an ultra-runner?
JA: Wow. Bluntly, I was trying to focus an addictive energy drive. I found myself developing an unhealthy interest in gambling. It was legal, but unhealthy none the less. My family has many addicts...drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food. I'm wired just like these people in my family but I was self-aware enough to recognize my tendencies. My wife, Jen, also identified the problem right away. We talked to each other and she told me to make a change...so I started training for my first triathlon the next day. That was almost 10 years ago now.

I made a conscious decision to "become addicted" to endurance sports. First it was triathlon for a few years, then I found ultras, the heroin of endurance sports. Having said that, I believe that "addiction" and dependency on drugs is completely different than focusing that potential drive on something good, like endurance sports. You can't change who you are, but you can make decisions that allow you to succeed. That's how I became an ultrarunner.

SJ: Coming over from a Triathlon/Ironman background, how would you most say Ultra-Running is unlike those types of competitions?
JA: Triathlon was very much like ultras in the early 1980s. The beginning days of Ironman were low-budget endurance competitions where superstar endurance athletes wore funky clothes and fueled on stuff like raw figs. There were no high-cost entry fees and anyone could enter the competition, but very few did. The competitors were raw and underground, as far as notoriety. The ABC "Wide World of Sports" started televising Ironman and slowly, over about 15 years, the sport grew enough to yield money through advertising, high-end bikes and entry fees. The sport was "professionalized" and this has completely changed the integrity of what was once, one of the greatest endurance competitions.

In my opinion, ultramarathon still possesses much of the flavor unique to Ironman 30 years ago. Ultra is low-budget, raw, and underground. Despite the fact that ultra is growing, I don't think it will ever reach the level of Ironman. You just can't fake a 100 mile run! I have the greatest respect for every athlete that lines up at the start line of a 100 miler. They can be male, female, young, old, fat, or skinny...wearing a costume, pink dress, pajamas, or indian head dress. You NEVER KNOW who is going to finish. I have mad respect for ultrarunners...because they possess something special and intangible. It's the drive to seek challenge, despite the overwhelming possibility they will fail. Ultrarunners never say, "I can't." This is why I'm proud to call myself an ultrarunner.

SJ: Everyone wants to know, which is harder? An Ironman or a 100?
JA: An Ironman is a joke compared to a 100 mile run. Considering recovery time, calories burned, effort, etc... A full Ironman is about the same as an easy 50 mile trail race.

The difficulty of completing an Ironman is the various barriers to entry. Those being the expense (bike, bike equipment, pool fees, entry fee ($500-900), travel expenses, hotel expense for the week or more you'll be there...not to mention the same costs of endurance nutrition as in ultra. Then you have the added difficulty of managing three sports...like driving to a pool, changing, driving your bike everywhere, trying to figure out when and how far to run, etc.. Triathlon is just hard because it's a black hole of money and time. It's not "harder" physically...it's actually much easier.

SJ: So what does Ultra-running mean to your life now, or endurance in general? How does it help make you tick?
JA: It's all about balance Sherpa. I've made all the mistakes...too much mileage, intensity, races, salt, food, caffeine. I've pushed the limits on all that stuff over the years. I've learned to adapt by balancing the extreme physical training with lots of sleep and a plant-based diet. I also do Bikram Yoga once per week. The yoga and the vegan diet are crucial to my training regimen because they keep me free of overuse injury and/or illness. I recently started sharing my diet through a little blog called "Jerry's Kitchen."

( www.vegchefjer.blogspot.com )

Currently, my primary focus is on racing ultras at a higher level. I have never won an ultra, but I believe I will very soon. I've had many top 5 finishes..and a 2nd place in a 50mi. I know that "winning" is not the goal for many, but this is the carrot in front of me right now.

Generally speaking, ultra helps me stay focused on other things in my life too. My son, Jalen, is 5 years old. Every minute with him is truly special to me. I am relaxed and patient, in large part, because I run 15-20 hours a week. My wife understand this about me and lets me do my thing so I'm am happy and content when not training. In my "spare time" I do collision reconstruction for a large municipal police department. Ultrarunning helps me deal with the stress of my profession as well.

SJ: And having been in Ultra running a few years now, what changes have you noticed in the ultra-culture itself and what are your fears moving forward?
JA: Oh man. I know that you and I started running ultras about the same time. So, I feel you'll recognize some of what I'm saying. In the time I've been doing this sport, I've seen some significant changes. Some of these changes are good and some not so good... in my perspective.

On the good side of things, there has been incredible evolution of endurance nutrition products and equipment, tremendous growth in the number of races and types, and enhanced communication through the internet. The variety of shoes seems to have exploded...and the sheer number of people running ultras has grown.

I preface this by saying, once again, that this is just my opinion...but I think that the growth has brought some negative things too. The sheer number of runners has thrown a cloud of anonymity to large races. Before, you could go to a race and know most of the other athletes...it was a family atmosphere. There are still pockets of this found in various parts of the country. In San Diego, where I started running ultras, it still has a family feel in that most everyone knows everyone else or, at least, has seen the face before.

This is the complete opposite of what I saw at Leadville 100 this year...I was providing crew support at the race and couldn't help but feel like I was in a foreign country. It was obvious to me that hundreds of the runners and support crews had never been at an ultra before. But, then again, that may just be Leadville...a race that, at last check, didn't require any previous ultra experience to register. (Didn't they have like 50% dnf?) Anyway... I felt uncomfortable in an environment where I should, otherwise, not.

And, of course, the book "Born to Run" brought a host of people into ultra who were not only lacking the physical preparation, they were running in bare feet and/or vibrams rubber shoes. I truly want everyone to succeed...but there is so much that goes into running ultras successfully, and very little of it has to do with the shoe. Over the years, I've moved into a lighter and more flexible shoe almost every year. I agree with the barefooters, that the foot needs to move and get strong...but I totally disagree that running barefoot on concrete is the best method of getting there.

SJ: What do you feel are the solutions to these issues?
JA: Well, I don't have a solution for the growth of the sport. I accept that it is changing and I will grow and refuse to be frustrated by it. I work hard at displaying the type of demeanor that made ultra so welcoming to me. I believe this helps maintain the purity of the sport and the friendly atmosphere we wish for. I wave at other athletes on the trail, despite their frowns. I share my advice with other athletes and coach athletes all over the country in both triathlon and ultrarunning. I don't charge money because it has always been intrinsically rewarding to just help others succeed.

As for the "professionalization" of this sport...I don't think it will happen. Trail running requires so little....you know, a pair of shoes, a bottle, a hat. It's not like triathlon. The big companies will never jump on board with ultrarunning like other sports...and, in my opinion, screw it up.

And as for barefoot or vibrams 5 fingers...they'll run their course and be gone. I've noticed the vibram 5 fingers are getting more and more structural already. As long as we have a drive to be faster runners, products will be developed that promise to improve performance if you buy them. Becoming efficient and strong in ultra is not something you can purchase. It comes from inside...and it's the self-discipline to train your body consistently over many years.

SJ: Ok now lets talk about Slickrock, this won't be your first 50 so I'll start by asking what you are most looking forward to with this race?
JA: Well, I'm excited about this race just like I'm excited about every race! I've never run in Moab, although I did camp there overnight once. The photos show a very unique course and running experience.

I also like running races that have not established their reputation. This is the first year for the Slickrock races, so I like the idea of being their at it's infancy. If it's good now, it will be great in later years.

SJ: Will you be bringing a crew with you? Do you have any time goals?
JA: I was originally registered for the 100 and I had one friend doing crew support. Last week, I changed to the 50 mile race. In doing so, I allowed for more time to spend with my wife and son in Moab. They were looking at this trip as a family vacation...and didn't realize I was running all weekend. So, now I'm running the 50 and will be done in the early afternoon.

I definitely don't have 'time goals' because I've never run the course. I base my effort off of heart rate information, so I'll be watching my HR monitor and adjusting my pace so I get the most out of my body that day without blowing up.

SJ: Do you have any concerns as you head into the race, whether it be personal or course related?
JA: As always, I have to fight off my personal tendency to run too fast in the early part of the race. Using the HR monitor helps, but I have to trust the information and use it properly. This year, I've learned a great deal regarding heart rate training zone, lactate production, etc.. With each race I've run this year, I've significantly improved my ability to utilize the information coming from my garmin to maximize overall performance.

I've been told the course will be "like a road run." I also recognize that the desert environment will have that 'fine' sand to deal with. So, I'll likely pack some extra socks in my drop bags and one extra pair of shoes. I just want to run the best race I can and get the most out of my body on that day.

SJ: What is going to be your general game plan for this race to ensure you meet your goals?
JA: A "good race" in my opinion is not always based on competitive placing. In this event, I will be strictly running within my heart rate effort, that allows me to run 50 miles or more. So, in this event, my game plan is to run by the guidance of my heart rate monitor, stay hydrated, and make aid station stops less than 20 seconds. Much of the adventure takes place inside the head...so I'll just be sitting there in the board room hashing out decisions with the power players...Mr. Glycogen, Mr. Dehydration, Dr. Metabolism, and Ms. Pace. (Ms. Pace is smokin hot, by the way.)

SJ: What was it that made you decide to run this race?
JA: I received a pamphlet advertisement for the Slickrock 100 in my goodie bag at another race earlier this year. At first glance, I liked the cheap black and white advertisement...I could tell right away it was a small time operation developed by ultrarunners.

SJ: What are you most looking forward to about this weekends event?
JA: I just love packing up the car and heading out to the race. The fun starts right away. I look forward to lacing up on Saturday morning and milling about with everyone. When I was new to ultra, I would be nervous...now I'm entertained by nervousness of others. It's just a great time from start to finish...even when everything goes wrong.

SJ: One last question Jerry, when you hear the words "Human Potential," What does that mean to you?
JA: People are capable of so much more...and a vast majority of people are satisfied with living the status quo. Human potential is the greatest waste. And this is what makes endurance athletes so special...they live each day to develop into a new level, a new and better self. I make this my goal every day...and I strive to be amongst people who do the same.

SJ: Jerry, thanks again for taking the time to talk to us as you make your final preparations for this weekends event. We wish you the very best of luck, enjoy the journey and we'll see you out there.
JA: Thanks Sherpa. See ya on the trail.

Rollins Pass Investigation

2011-10-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

My current employer sent me up to the James Peak Wilderness area to get a closer look at the Wilderness boundaries along Rollins Pass Road. We're looking at putting on two races through this area on two separate days. Day one would be a Mountain Bike Race from Nederland to Winter Park and Back; and day two would host an ultra-marathon run. Both of these events would be 100K in distance and we're looking to put these on sometime in 2012.. if the stars align.

In this post, I'm going to introduce you to the issues surrounding the Rollins Pass Road that has made this section of Colorado Backcountry a major source of controversy. Then, I'd like to share with you the amazing day I had collecting information on the area itself from an "on the ground" viewpoint. By the end of this post, I'll make no attempt to choose sides or formulate an opinion on the issues, yet I do hope to have taken the chance to share this unique and wild place with you.

History
The Rollins Pass Road (Wiki) was formerly known as The Moffat Road with Rollins Pass being formerly known as Boulder Pass. In the 1860's, John Quincy Adams Rollins built a Toll Wagon Road over this pass which is one of the lower points along Colorado's Continental Divide. It was in 1903 when rails took over the pass with David H. Moffat's Northwestern and Pacific Railroad. The pass was once occupied by a railroad station, a hotel, restaurant and workers quarters (See mirror images from the Northeast). In 1928, the railroad was abandoned after the opening of the Moffat Tunnel.

The Moffat Tunnel (Wiki) is a rail and water tunnel that travels W-E/E-W underneath the Continental Divide. At 6.2 Miles in length, it rolls from outside the town of Rollinsville, CO to near Winter Park, CO.

The Rollins Pass Restoration Association was creating in 1983. It is the dream of this group to restore and preserve the Needles Eye Tunnel and the rest of the Rollins Pass Road.

The Pass itself sits at 11,660' in elevation along the Continental Divide. Vehicles can access the pass from the Winter Park Side. Vehicles climbing from the East are cut off one-half mile below Needles Eye Tunnel. You must travel on foot from there.

The Issues
In 1990, a Denver Firefighter was killed inside the Needles Eye Tunnel when a large rock fell from the tunnels ceiling. This prompted the closure of the tunnel and prevents any vehicle or foot traffic from traveling through from the East. A small herd path allows foot traffic only to travel up and over the tunnel to the other side. Also, the Western side of this tunnel on the old rail grade remains closed as well due to the deteriorating conditions of the train trestles that remain there.

The rest (from wikipedia): "In 2002 the James Peak Wilderness and Protection Area Bill (aka Public Law 107-216) was signed into legislation by President George W. Bush and Congress. The Bill specifically created a narrow road corridor between the Indian Peaks and James Peaks Wilderness areas and states that if any of the affected counties (Grand, Gilpin or Boulder) request, the Secretary of the USDA will cooperate and assist with the repair of the Rollins Pass Road and until that time the attendant road (the BWR) will remain open to motorized use. Boulder County officials and the USFS-Boulder Ranger District have resisted the wording of the law and have closed the BWR. Both Grand and Gilpin Counties have made numerous written requests to the Secretary for the repair of Rollins Pass Road but to date there has been no repair of the road or the barricaded Needles Eye Tunnel. The reopening of the BWR, and/or repair of the Rollins Pass Road, and even the facts surrounding the 1990 accident in the tunnel, have become contentious and ongoing issues."

My employers permit to operate in this area was not renewed for the 2011 year. Mainly because of a local forest rangers interpretation of the Wilderness Boundary along the road. This ranger contends that the old wagon road AND the old rail bed lay within the James Peak Wilderness Boundaries and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Boundaries. My task, was to get a first hand account of those boundaries and what they have marked off.

First Hand Report
I parked at the Moffat Tunnel and began my hike up towards Forest Lakes. When i made it to the lakes, my breath was taken away by the sheer beauty of this place. It's wild for sure. I hopped across a few rocks at the lake. The water was so clear that I felt like I was walking on water. So easy to make a mis-step by not knowing where to put your foot. I could see many trout swimming around beneath me. Stunning.

Forest Lake

After the lakes I quickly popped out onto Rollins Pass Rd at around 10,500' in elevation. I took a left out onto the road and started making my way towards Needles Eye. You can see it in the picture below. Let me tell you something, I've seen some tunnels in my day and this one is as spooky as any of them if not more. Along this road I literally walk along the edge and enjoy the views below. I get sweeping views of James peak to the south and Arapahoe Peak to the North. Jenny Lake down below while I play with a variety of Marmot and Pika.

Needles Eye

James peak in the Distance (L) with Jenny Lake Below.

As I approach the tunnel I take a sharp left and walk up and over the tunnels mound/mountain.It's steep and loose and I actually worry that a race here might cause some severe damage to this piece of landscape. It was a bit of a struggle to climb with the rocks being so loose and such. I wasn't pleased with the idea of a race going over this one little section. Once coming down off the top of the mountain, I started looking for Wilderness Boundary signs which indicated the Northern Border of the James Peak Wilderness.. I looked and looked and looked.

On the Wagon Rd - Rail Bed Below.

Finally I found the ONE Wilderness boundary sign all the way up at Rollins Pass itself. Funny thing is, this is the ONE wilderness area I know of or have ever been to that allows motor vehicles to pass across it's boundary or even NEAR it's boundary. I always thought that for a place to be wilderness it needs to be 2+ miles from the nearest open road.

James Peak Wilderness Sign

I found these posts marking the CDT

Indian Peaks Wilderness Boundaries along the Old Rail Bed.

The Old Rail Bed

No Wilderness Signs but.. I found a Pipline Sign

After stopping for a minute at the Pass, I took photos of whatever boundary signs I could find. Then, I headed back down towards Needles Eye along the old rail bed. The rail bed is home to two old trestles. These things are s-k-e-t-c-h-y. On both of them, as I stepped out onto them you could hear the whole thing creak. The boards wobbled and the drop off from this point is at least 3,000' to the bottom of the ravine. I got a little bit of vertigo even. Quite an adventurous place.

In the end, I ended up back down at the Moffat Tunnel. I found very limited evidence of a James Peak Wilderness Boundary along the disputed area. As far as I could tell from my first hand account, the Road and the Rail Bed are both excluded from either Wilderness Area. A race, conducted with respect and care, should allowed to travel through here. If it is, it will be the only ultra in America that actually crosses the Continental Divide. Keep your fingers crossed that we can get the permit.

Moffat Tunnel

Montrail "A New Direction"

2011-09-30T00:27:00.000-06:00

On Friday September 16th, the day before the Steamboat 50, I stepped up to the Montrail table to get a look at the shoes they had on display. With Montrail being the official title sponsor of the Montrail UltraCup, which takes place across the entire country, you'd think they'd send their most knowledgable and conversational employees to these events to represent their brand. Unfortunately, this was not the first time that I would be disappointed or surprised by Montrail (2006 Rebranding Process) or would it be the first time I was disappointed in a conversation with shoe reps at a major ultra-race (See July 2009 "The North Face").

The Story
So I steeped up to the table during the pre-race festivities at the Steamboat 50 and asked the Montrail Rep "What does the Hardrock look like these days?" I asked this question because the Montrail Hardrock, to this day, was my all time favorite shoe to run ultra-marathons in. After Columbia bought the brand in 2006, they altered the construction of the shoe so immensely that one could almost not even call it the same name anymore. The re-design was awful and unfortunately, with that came a mass exodus of runners who no longer found the desire to wear the shoe. So I asked what they looked like these days and the response was, "We don't actually make that shoe anymore. Our company has taken a new direction and we make more "running shoes" now." This puzzled me.. so I asked, "if it wasn't a running shoe, then what was it?" His response was, "It was a hiking shoe and we don't do hiking anymore. We now offer great running shoes with cushioning and support. Its a new direction."...that was it.

Thoughts
What troubled me about this interaction was that I got the feeling that this young man failed to understand what ultra-running actually is. Here is a company that made a quality "hiking" shoe (by their standards) that served the purpose of ultra-runners greatly. WHY? Because in ultra-marathons we do a ton of hiking! As much as we run during these events, 30% or more of our races includes some kind of hiking or power hiking over varied terrain at a steep incline. Why do you think ultra-runners loved the shoes?! This is what brought me to the conclusion that either this guy has no idea what ultra-running is (and has never run one himself) or, the company itself has no idea.

I'm getting incredibly tired of the running shoe company. Buying shoes, as a runner, has never been as difficult as it is in our current day and age. most consumers are willing to listen to anything. most consumers are always looking for the best show that will give them an advantage. Most consumers and compulsively buying shoes without the accompaniment of thorough, peer-reviewed, research. Lastly.. Montrail has proven to us time and again that they haven't a clue what direction their company needs to take or wants to take. Montrail has proven to us that the shoe industry is willing to say ANYTHING to sell you a pair of shoes. It's time for these companies to be held accountable for their sales tactics and it's time for consumers to be held accountable for their ignorance. Then again.. maybe their next injury is the accountability.

I used to have a love affair with the Montrail Hardrock but Montrail and Columbia won't let us date anymore.
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Special Note: (Un-related to Montrail but to shoe companies)
In the Wall Street Journal from this past Wednesday, September 28, 2001:
"Reebok International Ltd., a unit of Adidas AG, agreed to pay $25 million in customer refunds to settle charges of false advertising brought by the FTC over the shoemaker's claim that its "toning shoes" could work better than normal footwear to whip muscles into shape."

""The FTC wants national advertisers to understand that they must exercise some responsibility and ensure that their claims for fitness gear are supported by sound science," said David Vladeck, director of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection."

THANK GOD!!!
SJ

A30 Interview: Aaron Kissler

2011-09-28T00:00:00.000-06:00

As we continue to get closer to this years Adventure 30 Expedition (Slickrock 100), we thought it would be fun to interview a different kind of ultra-person this time around. It's very seldom in our sport that you read interviews with people other than the front-runners; and it's even more seldom to read an interview with the race director. As we head into this years inaugural Slickrock 100, Human Potential took a moment to talk with race director Aaron Kissler about the upcoming event and a little bit about the current/changing culture of Ultra-Running.

Sherpa John (SJ): Aaron, thanks for taking the time to talk to us about the upcoming Slickrock 100 in Moab , UT. We know that as race day approaches, your free time is becoming more and more limited so again, thanks for the time and we're really looking forward to the race.
Aaron Kissler (AK): Thank you for your awesome idea to interview race directors, it has been done before, but not often.

SJ: So tell us a little more about you first. How many years have you been associated with ultra-running and what does it mean to you to be putting on this event in Moab?
AK: This is actually our inaugural event in Moab and our first event being race directors. My professional background is in emergency response providing food, water and health care to individuals in disaster situations. I think strangely enough that the similarities in this controlled environment of an ultra mimic these situations. Jenna, my wife, has been able to provide a women’s running perspective that many of us male race directors sometimes miss.

SJ: With what this event means to you in mind, why did you folks choose to offer pre-race camping (for FREE) at the start/finish line? How does that affect your event as a whole?
AK: We did what many great ultra-marathons have done in the past: follow the horse endurance races. This is the spot where the Moab Canyons Endurance Ride sets up camp in late October.

Hotel rooms can make the affordability of an ultra just out of reach. We are also hoping that it will encourage people to stick around for the “back of the packers” (like ourselves) to cheer them on. I think it will offer a summer camp atmosphere that will be tons of fun. We want to offer an opportunity for the runners and their friends/family to enjoy a sense of camaraderie and the chance for us to get to know the runners on a personal level.

Finding a location where we could offer camping for hundreds of people clinched this location for us.

SJ: So the race is coming up on October 8-9, how many runners do you expect to have at the races? What distances are offered and are there any spaces open?
AK: We expect 230 runners this year and we have some space open as I am writing this. We had to make a limit about a week ago to make sure that we had enough supplies for everyone. I am hoping that we can accommodate everyone who wants to sign up.

SJ: Desert Rats, Moab Red Hot, 24 Hours of Moab , Alpine to Slickrock(No longer running) and now.. the Slickrock races. There are plenty of Ultra-Options in Moab, what sets your event apart and what makes it unique from all the other options out there?
AK: We wanted a single loop course that would not sell out until a month before the event and that would end with a big camp party at the finish. We also wanted to have an end of the season redemption race so that people would not have to go through the winter haunted by that summer DNF or to extend their successful summer season.

The above mentioned races are all awesome races that are great training prep for Slickrock. They all happen in the spring and are a different format.

SJ: There is no doubt that ultra-running has seen a surge in population growth, how does the Slickrock 100 hope to entertain the newcomers to the sport and how do you plan to maintain some of the more traditional ultra running principles into your event?
AK: We will have a suggestion box at our race to make things better and find out what people like. We also hope to never sell out until the month before our race. We also plan to keep our race at a low price in order to attract veterans (who may be running several large races) and beginners.

SJ: Tell us a little bit about the Slickrock course. What should runners expect and what do you really feel will give your event that WOW factor for runners?
AK: The 50K course offers a nice beginners intro, with minimal technicality, rolling hills, and beautiful monuments. For the 50 milers, I think the signature feature is the Sand Dunes, while this is a short section it is brutal and beautiful at the same time. For the 100 milers, the full moon-lit climb at Mile 81 up 2000 ft into Long Canyon is going to be amazing and tough.

SJ: Your race benefits a charitable organization, where do the proceeds from the event go and how much do you anticipate donating?
AK: This year all money will either be donated, or go into operating costs. The donations should total several thousand dollars, but we will not have the final numbers until race day. They will go to a variety of groups: Outward Bound, Girl Scouts, American Cancer Society, Friends 4 Wheelin’s reclamation efforts, and the Community Resource Center. A portion of the fees will also go to cover EMS, Search and Rescue, and BLM.

SJ: There was a pre-race vote for 100 mile runners to choose between a beer stein and a buckle for finishers medals. Where did the idea for the beer stein come from and how did the vote turn out?
AK: Some people love the buckle, some people were looking for something they could use on a daily bases. The runners who comprise our focus group, are veterans of the sport, and have tons of buckles and medals and they suggested the beer steins. If there had been an even split between the two awards, we had planned to offer finishers the choice of buckle or beer stein, but the buckle was by far the popular vote. We will offer the vote again next year and see if we can introduce the beer stein as well. We will also be taking runner’s suggestions into consideration for next year’s awards vote.

SJ: Is the Slickrock 100 an event you would run barefoot?
AK: There are sections that are barefoot heaven with slightly crunchy sand, but you would have to have the experience in order to run the more rocky sections.

SJ: So as a race director thus far, mainly because we've yet to interview an RD for the blog, but as we head into race weekend, what has been the hardest part of race direction thus far?
AK: Things are constantly changing in setting things up. It is a bit of a juggling act. We are extremely excited to have awesome volunteers bringing tons of experience to the table. It has been extremely valuable to have my wife’s opinion as a race directing team and our focus group of veterans.

SJ: Would you direct this event again in the future? Regardless of your answer, how many years do you foresee your event taking place inMoab?
AK: This will be an annual event. We may base our event on the full moon. The scenery is so spectacular, and we don’t want runners to miss any of it in the dark.

SJ: Aaron, thanks again for taking the time to talk to us as we head into the Slickrock 100. We look forward to seeing you out there. We'll have the cameras ready and hope to really catch a few aspects of the race and ultra-culture while in camp. Thanks again.
AK: Thank you, Sherpa John; we are very excited to see everyone there! We definitely want this to be a great experience that deserves to be documented!

For more on Octobers Slickrock 100 and for information on how to sign up, please visit: http://www.runmoab.com/

RR: 2011 Steamboat 50 Mile

2011-09-26T00:04:00.000-06:00

September 17, 2011
Steamboat 50 Miler - Run Rabbit Run
50 Miles - Steamboat Springs, CO
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“In our lives there is bound to come some pain, surely as there are storms and falling rain; just believe that the one who holds the storms will bring the sun.” ~Unknown

I had just put my video camera down after having recorded a segment for the video blog. I was talking about how much I enjoy camping before a race. I had nestled into my sleeping bag and watched a rented movie on my ipad. Alone and cold at a campground in town, enjoying the benefits of off-season camping. At 11:30pm I remember falling asleep to the sound of torrential rain pounding hard against the top of my tent... it would rain all night.

Mr. Blue..
This would be a day when Mr. Blue Sky would never rear it's ugly head. As I walked from the parking garage to the tavern where almost 200 runners were huddled together, free from the chilly morning air, I got to thinking about how my year wouldn't be complete without some kind of deluge weather event and subsequent mud pit race during my calendar. Though, I never thought it'd occur here in the high desert/arid climate of Colorado. The word on the street was that until now they'd always had impeccable weather at this race but this morning it's drizzling with temps in the lower 40's. We were ushered out into the crisp, damp morning air to start this race in the darkness of Colorado's North-Central Rocky Mountains. I stood calmly in the middle of the pack and awaited our cue to head out and after a brief countdown we were off.

The first 6.2 miles of this race are entirely uphill. The first half mile was mellow enough to be able to run/trot uphill for a time before your chest blows up. Once again in an ultra I am impressed and amazed by the number of new-comers to our sport who start out in these races by trying to run every single step of the way. In the first 2 miles of the climb, I found myself in the back of the back. By the time I'd reached the summit area and the first aid station, I had climbed my way back up and into the front of the mid-packers. The first climb was brutal. An unrelenting climb up Steamboat's access road to the Werner aid station at just over 10,000'. In 6.2 miles we had climbed nearly 4,000' of elevation gain in a task that took me nearly 2 hours to complete. I enjoyed my climb up the mighty mountain as I finally had the chance to talk with a group of ultra-runners from my home state of Colorado. This would be the first time since May that trail runners in and from Colorado had taken the time to speak with me.. and throughout the day it wouldn't be the last.

At the Werner aid station I grabbed some fruit and noticed an old friend on the food table. I grabbed a fist full of Chips Ahoy and chomped as I took off down the trail. My mouth literally drooled over ever single chocolatey chewy chomp. I was in heavy. Not far out of the aid station I noticed that we had run up and into the clouds or that maybe the clouds were dropping and encasing us on top of the mountain. The winds began to kick in a bit and the weather was quickly changing.

Company..
I settled in with a group of runners from Colorado. New folks. new to me, new to you, new to ultras and new to 50 milers. It was a real treat to run with these folks because you could hear their nerves shaking when they spoke. You could also hear their excitement in the sheer fact of even being out there for the race. These are feelings that long have escaped me having been in this sport for awhile now, but even still.. as the weather quickly ran south and the rain started pounding down and the winds continued to pick up; you could hear the nervous coming out of my voice as well.

We ran into the Long lake aid station which in my opinion was by far the best station on the course. The volunteers here were friendly and most helpful. All smiling and despite it being an early hour of the morning yet, I was offered a beer while grabbing fruit from the aid table. I reluctantly declined the carbohydrates nestled within the confines of that Coors Can and headed back out into the woods with a new friend. It was her first 50 miler and after having run for 4+ hours by now, I had discovered she had yet to pee. This brought up all kinds of conversation, mostly of the scientific kind where I tried to convince this woman that peeing was important. A great way to gauge your health during a run and keep your kidneys functioning properly. She finally gave in and we headed off into opposing sides of the trail for biology.

Running...Raining
From Werner aid station (Mile 6.2) to Dumont (Mile 22); the entire course is run on single-track trail. The immaculate kind. The kind where the single-track is stiff and in good shape. Few pine needles cover the trail making small patches of cushioned running. The scenery from this high ridge line, despite being in the clouds much of the time is breath-taking. I felt like on this day I was running in Oregon. Running through the forests of tall and numerous pine enshrouded in a sea of pea soup clouds. We runners were talking about everything. From Colorado to Ultras to Politics to Education. I was having a great time and enjoying my new friends.. none of whose names I remember or got to say goodbye to given the calamity that was about to happen.

The further into the race we got the darker the sky seemed to get. The sun was ever more increasingly cut-off from our world as the clouds lower still and thickened. The drizzle only got harder until it turned into an all out light rain followed by torrential downpour. Consistent, unrelenting, torrential... down pour. The field was really starting to spread out at this point in the race. After passing the next aid station and heading towards Dumont, the front-runners were all ready on their way back. Yeah.. they were 14 miles ahead of me in this race and I knew it because it was an out and back course. None of them looked very good. The forecast for the day called for a 40% chance of Showers with temps in the 60s. So far we were experiencing temps around 40 with winds gusting out of the WNW at 35mph.. and torrential unrelenting rain.

The trails quickly went from some of the best single track I've ever run on in my life to some of the muddiest, messiest, most slippery slop I've ever had to run on. Mud so epic that it put the Vermont 50's mud-baths to collective shame. I'd only seen worse at McNaughton Park Illinois. It was hard to maintain your posture or composure while trying to maneuver any of the steep yet short hills we run along in roller-coaster fashion. This race was quickly turning into hell on earth. As I was finally beginning to soak through my clothing, I took out my light jacket I had brought with me and threw it on.

Freezing..
As I headed into Dumont I began to realize that the rain had now soaked through my jacket. In the last few hours we'd all ready received over an inch of rain on the course and was on the doorstep of two inches. I was still wearing my fleece Moeben arm warmers on my arms. They were soaked and for the first time in my life, fleece was actually cold. My forearms were so cold from the wind and dropping temps that I started to lose feeling in them. By the time I reached Dumont (Mile 22) I was soaked to my core and starting to shiver. I began to wonder how far I could go on, how far could I push. I had no crew this time. Bailing out was an option but, where would I go and how would I get there. I pushed through the Dumont aid stop and headed for the turnaround at Rabbit Ears Pass.

The climb from Dumont to the pass it ruthless, especially in these wet and muddy conditions. A hill that is incredibly steep all ready was not a challenge you'd most likely see on some kind of Nickelodeon kids show. I walked like a duck trying to shuffle my way up these tiny hills. The closer to the pass you got the steeper the hills would get. At times, I was certain that some of these climbs could have used the aid of a rope. It was that messy, that sloppy and that slippery. I didn't think things could get any worse until I got to the turn around. I had slogged my way to the top of Rabbit Ears pass to simply touch my hand down on a small pile of rocks. I touched the rocks and stood up. The wind made my bones chatter and then I noticed that it was starting to sleet. Temperatures were continuing to drop and the once torrential rain was now pissing down tiny pellets of ice. I spoke into my camera, "I'm not sure how much further I can go with this but.. we're gonna give it hell.

The Hell We Gave
I turned around and carefully headed for Dumont. I was careful to not slip and fall on these many steep downhills. Slipping here meant falling to your ass, then sliding down hill and taking out 3 or 4 runners like bowling pins. The rain and sleet was letting up now but the wind was somehow picking up the pace. I've been here before in races and I know what's about to come. I'm incredibly unprepared for any of this, having shown up expecting the 40% chance of rain (not 100%) and the temps in the low 60s (not the upper 30s). During the last sections into Dumont I noticed the clouds were beginning to lift. I could see the valley some 5000' below. The sun was shining. There was hope, there was promise. I entered the tent at Dumont. I have been wearing my fleece wind-stopper pro gloves for some time now. Not only have they soaked through by their just tiny refrigerators now. My fingers no longer insert into the fingers of the gloves. I've rolled my hands up into fists inside the palm portion of the glove. My hands are red and swelling now. I noticed my knuckles were purple and my fingers white.

Because of my deteriorating condition, I had to ask for assistance of the volunteers at the aid station. Earlier I told someone,"I love this weather, it makes the weak ones go home." As I stood under the tent and watched an aid worker fill my hydration bladder for me.. I knew I was now one of the weak ones. And the once dormant conditions had all of a sudden turned into a ferocious rain and wind storm previously unseen during todays conditions. Yes.. from what appeared to be clearing skies (the calm before the storm) to this absolute calamity. I grabbed my bladder and just stayed under the tent. I kept eating food, waiting for the rain to let up.. it wasn't. So.. with my head down and my buff up and over my mouth.. I headed back out into the storm. I was using my buff as a scarf. Trying to keep my face warm and at the same time, exhaling warm air down and into my jacket. This worked at keeping me warm for awhile.. until my core temp dropped out.

I was alone for much of the way now. Unsure of if anyone was even still out here. From time to time runners would pass me quickly as I struggled to keep my legs moving. The chill on my muscles was causing them to cramp and it became hard for me to bring my legs up to 90 degrees. Things were not going good. By mile 32 I had reached the next aid station. They gave me a cup of hot ramen which I guzzled down. I ate chips and laughed with the volunteers. I'm still having a good time but acutely aware of my situation. My hands are now so swollen that I am unable to even remove them from my gloves. That's right.. my hands are now so cold that they've swollen to the size of baseballs.

Frozen...
Not long after leaving this aid station the weather changed again. What was torrential rain and wind was not a raging white out snow squall. A mixture of snow and sleet pelted the course and it started to accumulate. I've seen many things in 6 years of ultra-running.. this was a first. It snowed and then it snowed harder. I was turning white myself as snow clung to everything wet on me. Moisture on my man-pri's (Capri tights) had frozen into small beads of ice.. snow was now sticking to them. This was signaling to me that my body was no so cold that it was unable to heat up my extremities enough to melt ice and snow from my skin. THIS IS NOT GOOD. My teeth had chattered for so long that my jaw had tensed up. I could barely speak. I spoke enough, however, to the next runner who came by. A woman in all smart wool who I told to inform the aid station at Long Lake that number 91 is coming in and is hypothermic.

This was huge for me. To be in the condition I was in yet still able to recognize that I was hypothermic. Yet, I was still doing the math in my head trying to figure out how long it would take me to finish if I leave Long Lake on foot. There's 13ish miles to go from there to the finish, the last 6.2 of which is downhill. In the end I determined it would take me 3 hours at best to get there. As I approached the 10 hour mark of the race and my condition continued to decline I started to really assess what I had left in me. Two Miles out from Long Lake (Mile 38), I started to pee every 5 minutes in what almost seemed like uncontrollable urinating. I knew this was my last chance to make the right decision. Our bodies have a Flight or Fight Response. My body was now choosing to "dump" whatever things in my system it no longer needed to survive. This was my bodies last chance effort at fight when in reality is known as flight. I knew it, I recognized it and I admitted it.. and as I entered Long Lake, a volunteer ran out to me with mylar wrap. Snow still falling out of the sky, the wind still whipping.. I walked into Long Lake and walked into a big van and sat there.. waiting to be driven home.

I've run in conditions similar and worse then this in my running career and it was a bit of time ago that I concluded to myself, what conditions simply weren't worth it. I said out at Rabbit Ears that I was going to give it hell and that's exactly what I gave. I pushed my body, my mind and my soul to my absolute limits.. within reason of what I could accomplish without un-necessarily doing damage to my body. And so with that, I took a DNF at Mile 38. I DNF'd as position number 143 of 158 racers. 115 People finished the event and my hats off to them. 46 of us DNF'd for a 40% Drop Rate. I hold my head up high for making the right decision given my ill-prepared nature. I'll live to fight another day with the Slickrock 100 just 2 weeks away.
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Post Race Notes:
I had taken some great video of the conditions out there with my FlipCam but the camera drowned in all the rain. Right before it snowed I heard it chime one last time. I'm surprised it made it that long. Now I'm diligently trying to recover whatever video I can from the memory. If I do I do, if I don't I don't. right now the camera is a total loss.

This was my first time running the Steamboat 50. For a fifth year race it is incredibly well organized. A runners race for sure. Put on by runners for runners. This non-profit race actually donates 100% of its proceeds to three separate local charitable organizations. From start to finish, this race has a grass roots feel to it right down to the very runners who par-take in it. It is unfortunate that they're talking about adding a 100 next year and making it a trail running "championship" complete with prize money. They have a beautiful thing going on up in Steamboat that is surely going to suffer with the change. For now.. it's one hell of a great race and a great time. My hats off to RD Fred and his 90 volunteers

Ultra-Culture

2011-09-21T23:12:00.003-06:00

In the past few months, I've taken a few stabs at relaying my personal musings in regards to the differences in East vs. West Coast Ultra Cultures. I've really tried my best to investigate my on-going thoughts and feelings in regards to the differences in culture and a lot of that investigation has helped foster a few theories on why the cultures are so different as well as a few solutions to the issue that I hope my new West Coast brethren wouldn't mind adopting to make the culture here more welcoming and enjoyable for all. Of course, you read that last sentence an it sounds like I'm on the attack of West Coast ultra-peeps. This is not the case. I'm merely hoping to find ways to mesh the culture that is so small to begin with, yet ever growing, and is under the constant attack of non-believers and worry-warts.

My Theories

Differences in Society
As I've continued to explore the local culture of society here in the Denver Boulder area, I've managed to view some huge differences in how everyday humans interact out here. One of the hardest things for me to get used to in Colorado, is the fact that people actually make eye contact with you and say, "Hey.. how ya' doin?" Coming from the Northeast, this is something that made me pretty uncomfortable for a bit of time until I could get used to it. It's not just one or two folks either; it seems like everyone is saying hello out here. In the East/Northeast, making eye contact is avoided at all costs and if you do happen to make eye contact with a complete stranger, it's offer construed as a sign of aggression. Immediate response is typically something along the lines of "What the f--- are you lookin' at?" which quickly degenerates into a potential fist fight or road rage incident.

So I thought about it from an outsiders perspective and tried to put it into an ultra context to come up with my first theory. I think that in the East, society in general is so cold and standoffish that folks run ultra-marathons to feel welcomed. They run ultra-marathons to be a part of something. They run ultras so they can say "hi" to complete strangers and have meaningful interaction/conversations with them. It offers the East coast ultra-runners a change of pace and a chance to fit in with a group of like-minded, smiling, happy individuals. A change from the norm if you will. So my East Coast theory, in short is: East Coast Ultra Runners are more welcoming and friendly because it's vastly different from the norms they experience in every day society.

Which brings me to the West coast mentality. It's the same thing out West, a change from the norm. People on the streets here are so friendly and welcoming, so intuitive and engaging that.. I feel West coast ultra-runners are trying to get away from that. West Coast Ultra-runners tend to be more stand-offish because they-too run ultras to get away from societal norms. They're tired of everyone talking to them and prying into their business so they run ultra's in order to get some solitude and time away from the society they know here in the west. So my West Coast theory is: West Coast Ultra Runners are more stand-offish and non-exclusively welcoming because it's vastly different from the norms they experience in every day society.

For Profit vs. Grass Roots
If you tally up the total number of ultra-marathons here in the West and take a closer look at how many of those races are actually "profit generating experiences," I think you'd be incredibly amazed. Even though Leadville donates a good chunk of change to local high schoolers, it's still very much a for profit event. Western States can claim all it wants to be a non-profit grass roots run, but it's totally Hollywood. Hell, in California you can see a few examples of race directors taking race directing to a whole new level. California has it's own series of ultra-marathons that are for profit events. From what I've heard, a husband and wife team used to RD together. After getting divorced, they now compete against each other and yeah.. their races are for profit.

In the East, most races are put on by charitable organizations themselves and what races that are not seem to be put on by ultra-running groups who simply love sharing their sport with as many others as they can (see VHTRC). Sure, there are a few for-profit events in the East but from my first hand experience I all ready know how their stories are playing out. Old school ultra-runners shun these races (typically), won't sign up and tend to discourage others from signing up as well. The grass roots races are the races with lotteries and are typically full and, they also offer camping at the event which enhances the feel of the ultra-culture being a "family event."

Theory: The surplus of For-Profit events in the West are affecting how ultra-runners, new and old, are reacting to the change in the over-all "feel" of the event.

West Coast = Ultra Business vs. East Coast = Ultra Culture.

Elitism
Maybe it's just because I live in Boulder, which also happens to be the endurance capital of the world. More professional and elite endurance athletes live in Boulder, CO then anywhere else in the world. That comes with a price. Many of the ultra-runners around here feel that because they can run 50 and 100 miles.. that they're somebody bigger then they actually are. They talk down to other runners, you know, those 5 and 10K runners. Some of them... not to mention any names.. even appear in magazine articles and advertisements and think they're gods gift to running... when anyone shy of the ultra-scene hasn't a friggin' clue who they are. In all seriousness, not that the rest of this paragraph has lacked any, there is a huge sense of elitism out here in Colorado at least and I've felt it when running in California. Ultra-runners out here seem to think that the ultra world revolves around them. Instead of these races being about, "all of us together", it's a real me myself and I.

In the East, they're all equals. I've never, in 6 years of ultra-running, been treated any differently by the East Coast front runners. They've all always treated me with the same respect and humility as they would treat their own family and friends at a bbq. That's right... those who win races in the East.. talk to EVERYONE at the end of the race. They cheer you in and they're in the same race as you and get it. There is no elitism out East and everyone seems to get that in the end, we're all nobody.

Theory: West coast ultra-runners are elitists while East coast ultra-runners are realists.

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I want to be clear here that while it seems that I'm bashing on the West Coast, I'm merely trying my best to express my thoughts based on my 6 years of ultra-experience. Not just because I've recently moved to the West.. as I've been running ultra's in the West since 2006 (5 years mathematician). I guess for me, I always thought that my experiences out West were mistakes. Like I just had a bad day or something. And then the more I came out west to race, I just kept having bad days. Now that I live here, I've learned to realize that.. it's not a bad day and that I wish it were merely a bad dream. The West is vastly different then the East. The above are merely my theories and below, are things I'd like to propose to help change the West coast ultra-culture to, in effect, make the ultra culture as a whole more uniform from sea to sea.

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Solutions

Education

Being educated by Ultra-Vet Gary Knipling

Part of the issue here, East and West Coast, is that many runners are entering into the sport after having read Born To Run and/or one of Dean Karnazes' diatribes. No matter how runners find their way to our sport, matters not to me. I think it's great, our sport is flourishing and we're able to share this experience and the incredible achievements that are ultra-experiences with so many others. I'll never get to run my first ultra again, my first 50 my first 100. Never again. Being able to live vicariously through others who still get to experience this feeling excites me greatly. To protect that family atmosphere of our sport and to maintain our sport as a culture and as a way of life, those who have been running here for longer then the last 5 years and beyond need to do our part to continue to educate the new-comers to our game. We need to educate them on the principles of our sport. To ditch the watch, it's not about speed. To encourage the journey. To remember we're all in this together and we're a family. EDUCATION IS KEY. We cannot afford to let people slip into our sport, run a muck of it, piss all over it, have no regard for it's history or principles.. and then let them leave having taught this kind of regard to the "other" newcomers. This, in essence, is my call to my fellow veterans to EDUCATE. Protect was is the sanctity of our sport.

Camping = Community

Pre-Race Camping
Before my camera died at the Steamboat 50, I filmed some shots from inside my tent. I was camping at a local campground in Steamboat Springs, by myself. While in my tent I talked about how meaningful camping has become to me before an ultra. Part of it is because I was pretty much forced to camp before my very first ultra and camped again the night after. Or maybe it's all those years I camped out before the Vermont 100 or the Vermont 50 or Pittsfield Ultra Marathons or Massanutten in Virginia.. Camping before an ultra forces race participants to become each others pre-race entertainment. In turn, you encourage and enhance the idea of "community" before the race actually takes place. I am extremely grateful for the Race Directors of the Slickrock 100 (who we'll speak to next week) for seemingly introducing the West Coast to pre-race camping at Octobers Slickrock 100. (Go figure, they're East Coast race directors hoppin' over the Mississip). West coast races need to stop milking runners of more money by having them stay in posh pre-race hotels and bring pre-race camping to the West!

(L) Mid Pack Runner - (R) Winner = EQUALS

Humble Pie
My wife told me that at every single race I've run out west, that the runners waiting for the starting gun all seem to be staring at their watch waiting to push the button. It's time to ditch the ego, ditch the time goals, ditch the watch and just embrace the journey. Learn that the person next to you and the person 40 folks behind you at the starting line are all in the same race. It;s time to stop pumping your chest, thinking you're the only amazing one in the crowd of 125 and realizing that there are 124 other amazing folks for even just stepping up to the plate.. and that includes those who appear in magazine. Remember, you run the same damn course and get the same finishers award as everyone else. PERIOD.

Lastly.. ELIMINATE ALL PRIZE MONEY FROM ULTRAS.
...Trails to you..
SJ

Frozen

2011-09-18T20:09:00.000-06:00

Steamboat 50 Miler = DNF

This past Saturday I ran in the 5th Annual Steamboat 50 Mile Run, also known as Run Rabbit Run. First, I want to tell you how incredible a race this is. It's grass roots all the way. Put on by runners, for runners and proceeds benefit 3 different charitable organizations. The heart and soul that is poured into that race, is unmatched in any other west coast event I've yet to attend. My hat goes off to the race organizers and the 88 brave volunteers who braved the elements with smiles on their faces to help each and ever runner.

The forecast for the race called for temps in the 60's with a 40% chance of showers. This is the weather I prepared for. Instead, we hovered around 40 degrees and it torrentially rained for over 8 hours with 40mph winds. Just when it could't have got any worse.. it did and the rain turned to snow. Temps dropped to near 30 degrees with white out conditions. Without proper clothing and gear on hand, I slowly began to freeze to death. With my hands having swelled to the size of baseballs, unable to grasp my hydration tube to drink let alone eat anything; my jaw only able to chatter yet not open wide enough to speak.. I knew my day might be over. But it was when my body began to dive into Flight over Fight that I decided to call it a day.

The whole story will be read in print this time, as my Flip Cam died... drowned.. in all the rain. I have no pictures, but a hell of a story to tell.

38 Miles in 9 Hours 59 Minutes.. and my day ended in Steamboat.

For the Local Newspaper Story.. CLICK HERE.

Race Preview: 2011 Steamboat 50 Miler

2011-09-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

“He is one of those who has had the wilderness for a pillow, and called a star his brother. Alone. But loneliness can be a communion.”
― Dag Hammarskjöld, Markings

It's actually longer then 50 miles and comes complete with 7,759' of elevation gain. The first 6 miles of the race is a chest pounding 6.5 mile ascent of Steamboat Ski Area and just like that half of the days elevation gain is quickly taken care of. From there, runners enjoy crisp autumn air while running along a magnificent Northern Colorado Ridge line out to Rabbit Ears Pass and back. We'll even spend a bit of time above 10,000'.

Now, let me start over... it's been 3 weeks since the Leadville 100 and holy crap, the next race is all ready here! I'm actually very relaxed heading into this one. It's a tough race with a 15-hour time limit. I'm heading up to Steamboat without a crew given the fact that they'd only be able to see me once during the race and even getting to that point has been known to be as challenging as the run itself. Instead, there's ONE drop bag station which we'll visit twice on this out and back course. We'll get access to that at miles 22 and 28. This means that the Steamboat 50, also known as Run Rabbit Run, will afford me to opportunity to go back in time.

It was 2005 when I ran my first ultra-marathon. That race was the Damn Wakely Dam Ultra in New York's Adirondaks. The most unique aspect of that race, in my opinion, was the fact that the course never crossed a road and had no aid stations. Now, of course the Run Rabbit Run has aid stations along the way but for much of the race I'm going to be required to wear a backpack with any necessary personal gear not available to me at the various aid stations on the course and, then there's the drop bag station. So in a sense, I feel like this race has a taste of my ultra-roots. It's a grass roots race put on my ultra-runners who aren't in it to make a buck as race fees primarily go towards charity.

And then there's this on the website: "A word of warning: This is not a beginner’s run. You might find the uphills and downhills fairly steep. You will spend a lot of time at an altitude of nearly two miles. There may be snow. There may be rain. It may be wet, or windy, or then again, it may be hot. There may be wild animals out there, some of them a lot bigger and scarier than a rabbit." ...Perfect.

So like it or not, I'm ready to head up to Steamboat all by myself this weekend. I plan to camp out in town, watch a movie on my iPad the night before the race. Get up for a casual 6:00am race start and just enjoy the crap out of 50 miles of Northern Colorado Wilderness. The leaves are changing up there and there's even talk that spots above 9,000' got some snow over the last few days. We'll see what the course has in store for us. After putting all of my training eggs into the Leadville 100, this one's just for me to enjoy. I have no time goals though I know I'd like to be done before dark. This is a journey, an adventure.. and a good place for me to enjoy some me time.. Some time alone. Time to reflect. A great way to enjoy Colorado's Northern Forest. Time on my feet this weekend will help us in the upcoming Slickrock 100. So, with that.. a...way..we...go.

Steamboat 50 Goals:
1.) Enjoy the journey
2.) Engage in adventure
3.) Time on my feet

Mile 3 and 47

Flags On The Front Range

2011-09-11T16:58:00.000-06:00

I don't think I need to tell any readers of this blog what transpired on September 11, 2001 and how the events of that day shaped our social landscape here in America. In the days following that horrible day, September 15th to be exact, a group of hikers climbed to the summit of New Hampshire's Mount Liberty to raise an American flag. Instantly, a hiker tradition was started in New Hampshire which has been known annually as Flags on the 48; an event where hikers make their way to the summit of New Hampshire's 48 Four-Thousand foot peaks as a display of solidarity. Since then, every year on the weekend closest to the September 11th Anniversary, the tradition has continued through the dedicated hikers who climb to the tops of these peaks. (http://flagsonthe48.org/)

In the years that this tradition has gone on, myself and a few of my closest friends have always been proud to participate. From hiking to the most isolated peaks in New Hampshire's wilderness to last years ascent of the original peak, Mount Liberty. We could't sit idly by this year just because we've moved to Colorado and I promised some of our friends back east the we would stand united with them from the other side of the continent. So it was with great pleasure today that Sarah and I climbed to the summit of Bear Peak here in Boulder's Majestic Front Range.

I made my way to Home Depot on Saturday where I purchased a 10' section of PVC pipe. I then cut it in half. On one half I lined the grommets of my American Flag up to the pole, and drilled two holes into the pipe at those marks. Bought two bolts and matching wing nuts, a coupler and put it all together. I spent a total of $5.00 for the flag pole and the made for pretty comfortable and non-cumbersome hiking poles. I hiked with the flag in my pack as well as the above September 11th photo book from Reuters, and made our way to the peak.

Our View of the Continental Divide from up top.

In New Hampshire they fly the flags from Noon to 2pm on the various peaks. As a display of solidarity we decided to fly ours in Boulder between 10am and Noon to match up with the difference in time. After assembling the pole and flying the flag proudly, we enjoyed a magnificent day atop of Boulders famous Flat Irons, enjoying the near-cloudless sky, brilliant sun and views of the Great American Prairie below. It couldn't have been much better. We met few folks in our time between 10 and 11am but once Noon rolled around the summit became swamped with people, many of whom had seen the flag from afar and just had to come see what was up here. We entertained around 2 dozen + people while on the summit. So many people in fact that we decided to fly the flag a little longer and didn't take it down until 12:45pm. From an elevation of 8,461' we stood united, proudly, with our brothers and sisters back in New Hampshire. We made many new friends here in Colorado under a magnificent sky and Old Glory herself and.. while it was not needed, we appreciated the many thanks extended to use from various hikers for waving the flag today.

Visitors Unite

High Above The City of Boulder

And so with that, we sincerely hope that a new tradition has begun here in Colorado's Front Range. Our goal for next year is to organize our own "Flags on the Front Range" event, where we hope many fellow hikers will hike to the peaks of Colorado's Front Range from Wyoming to New Mexico. We'll assemble the list of peaks and knobs all along the 280 mile expanse that makes up the Front Range and in July, we'll welcome hikers to sign up to man the peaks with American Flags. I hope you'll join as as we continue to NEVER FORGET!

GR: NEMO Mio & Tuo

2011-09-08T00:16:00.000-06:00

Today on the Human Potential Video Blog (also available on our YouTube Channel), we are providing you with a gear review of NEMO Equipment's Mio 1 Person Tent and the Tuo Standard Sleeping Pad. We'll be showcasing how to assemble the tent and inflate the sleeping pad, taking a closer look at the features of each and then putting it all away.

Product Information
To learn more about NEMO Equipment you can visit their website HERE
To learn more about NEMO's Mio Tent sibling, The Moto 1P visit HERE
To learn more about NEMO's Tuo Standard visit HERE

Adventure 30: Moab 100

2011-09-06T00:03:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all of those who voted during the month of August to help us decide what this years birthday adventure was going to be. It was a heated race where in the end it ended up a tie between The Grand Canyon Rim2Rim2Rim and The Slickrock 100 in Moab Utah. The tiebreaker was based on other votes for 100+ mile adventures as well as the help of a little convincing from the Slickrock Race Directors.

With that, Sherpa John:Human Potential is proud to announce that this years Adventure 30 will be the Slickrock 100 Mile Endurance Run in Moab, UT on October 8-9, 2011.

I'll have 30 hours to run 100 miles over Moab's "Mars" landscape. I'm excited about the opportunity to run past spires, arches, towering monuments, slickrock, sand dunes, the Colorado River all the while gapping at the Rocky Mountains in the distance. The crew and pacers have all ready been assembled and we're ready to not only take on the task of another 100 miler, but to take on the task of providing you with a first hand account of the adventure on the Human Potential YouTube Channel.

If you're interested in being a part of our adventure, please contact Sherpa John at Sherpajohn@gmail.com for more information on how you can help and be a part of Adventure 30!

Hoka Hype

2011-09-01T00:19:00.001-06:00

They were everywhere during the Leadville Trail 100. Or at least it felt like they were everywhere. I spotted at least a dozen runners on the LT100 course wearing a pair of Hoka's. I specifically remember early conversations around Mile 10. I was running in a herd of mid-pack runners, and of the 8 runners in front of me and the 8 behind me, two were wearing a pair of Hoka's. After some quick discussion, I discovered that none of these runners had actually worn the Hoka's in a 100 miler before. They laced these puppies up after only reading a bit of "online internet talk" and decided it was a novel idea.

These runners all traded in their typical trail shoe for some "flying time." I mean, they are a whopping 15% lighter then your typical trail shoe. By the way, what is 15% of 12.2 ounces anyway and do you really notice the difference? We started talking about how the Brooks poster boy, the very man who helped design the Brooks Cascadia, has been spotted in Boulder County training in Hoka's. I yelled out.. "you know what that means?!" The response from the peanut gallery came as, "to each his own!" and very much so but it also means that money talks.. and now bull shit does't just walk.. it runs.

Let's face it, these things look ridiculous. I know that a majority of runners aren't out there trying to win any fashion awards; but it's pretty damn evident to me that runner's aren't doing their due diligence either. I've spent maybe 4 hours total over the last two weeks, scouring the internet and library databases, looking for any real qualitative peer reviewed research on if the Hoka's are actually good for you and if they truly do allow for "fluid and natural stride transitions." I found NOTHING. I am amazed by the number of runners who state, "after the things I read..." what things?! The back of the cereal box? The stuff the folks at Hoka paid to have written? What things? What evidence backs up what you've read? What qualitative research study has been done, over a period of 2-3+ years that proves (or disproves) the claims of these shoes?

Hoka advertises on their website the success rates of those top runners who wear the Hoka's. "11 Months, over 15 podiums in 5 Countries." Yeah yeah, Karl Meltzer set a course record in them... but he was setting course records before them. And sure, Karl ran the 2064 mile Pony Express trail in them... yet he also ran the Applachian Trail without them. Point being, these shoes aren't causing anyone to step onto a podium or set a course record. The folks running in them who are setting records and winning races, have been doing it for years before they even strapped a Hoka on their feet. Hey, I can churn some numbers too. For instance, this blog has entertained over 37,245 page views in 2011 alone. Sounds impressive.. but the truth is, that it comes from only 8,304 unique visitors. But.. I'm going to use the more impressive, blown up, 37,000 stat to make myself sound much more bad ass. Please...

Here is what I saw out there during the Leadville Trail 100. I saw three of the twelve plus runners I spotted with Hoka's.. having changed into their normal trail shoes at some point during the race and staying in them through the end. I noticed all, yes ALL, of the Hoka runners over-pronating in the shoes. From what I've heard, many of these runners experienced HUGE blisters rather early on in the race. Every runner I saw coming over Hope Pass in a pair of Hoka's had either severe shin-splints or ITBand Issues. This all makes it sound like it was a great choice to slap those puppies on for a 100 mile run does't it? So Never mind what I've read and the research I could't find.. what I've seen first hand speaks volumes to me.

Looks like Over pronation is healthy to run on right?

Here is what truly grinds my gears about these shoes. Nicolas Mermoud and Jean Luc Diard are the two men responsible for creating the Hoka shoes. These cats used to work at Salomon and they should have stayed there.. because their idea in creating these shoes was to create a shoe that allowed them to run on trails while heel striking. You know.. heel striking. The very thing we've been lobbying against for the last 2 years ever since Born to Run came out. Heel striking, the very thing we've been talking about never doing again because it causes injuries. Yes.. that heel striking. But no.. instead of continuing to run away from heel striking and into a more progressive running world, a world where we return to our primal roots.. we're regressing back into the world of lazy... again. The world of lazy... where we create a shoe that allows us to heel strike only now.. we're doing it on top of two inches of foamy marshmallow Bull shit.

It pains me the most to see so many runners, who I know have bought into the barefoot/minimalist movement; are now running in these Hoka's. They're continuing to run barefoot, or in minimalist shoes like whatever aqua sock that Merrell or Vibram or New Balance is shoving your way now.. and running in these pillows. They don't see that the barefoot shoes are forcing them to run one way and the Hoka's another. Maybe shoe companies were right three years ago, and the number of running injuries is about to increase exponentially. Not because of what we're wearing.. but how many different types of "what" we're wearing.

Hoka.. it's all hype. And you're body will hate you for it later.
SJ

Rocky Mountain Rambling

2011-08-30T00:06:00.001-06:00

I couldn't stop asking myself, "What am I thinking" while standing out front of my bosses house at 11:45pm on Friday night. I've finally stopped feeling sore following the Leadville 100 (all of 5 days ago) and here I am, gearing up for an insanely long hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Then I think of Josh, Josh is my boss who works and works and works. He's also a father of two and rarely gets a day off let alone a day to play up high. So just past midnight we pulled away from his place and headed for the hills. Once in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) we placed the company van at Bear Lake trailhead, ready to roll upon our return from the ridge we were about to hike. We then drove up and over Trail Ridge Road and park my car at Milner Pass. Our adventure would begin here, right on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 10,700'.

In our party is Josh, our field director Nick and our fellow co-worker Chris. As we start our march up into the darkness, Chris and I get a good chuckle. We break our conversation to ask Josh if we were looking down on the town of Granby. His mumble incoherent answer indicated to us that he and Nick were just zombie walking in the back, asleep.. awaiting the sun to rise. After 4.5 miles of trudging through the darkness, in search of an resemblance of the non-existent trail, we sat atop Mount Ida. Here we took off our packs and bundled up in puffy coats. I put on my rain pants for a little extra protection as a frosty wind blew across the Continental Divide. Here we fueled up and sat quietly amongst the rocks while we watch the sun rise.

Nick watches the sun rise

Mt. Julian Rises above Inkwell, Azure and Highest Lakes

Sunrise

From the top of Mount Ida, I looked down across the void we had to descend into. I could't believe my eyes. I now had to scramble down a 450' drop in less then a quarter mile and then follow it up with a 380' climb in a mere football field distance. Scrambling over sharp volcanic left-overs from ages ago, along a precipitous cliff.. my nerves were shaking but for some odd reason, I smiled at the adventure and off I went.

Click image to enlarge and look closely to find my peers.

While trying to negotiate the rocks down and up this section of the divide.. by the way.. I'm literally right ON the Continental Divide. Our journey takes us along the divide for the entire day but at this point, I'm literally straddling the Atlantic Watershed and the Pacific Watershed. HOW COOL!? Anyway, as I negate the rocks, I continued to watch the sun rise as the mountains turn shades of pink and orange. The Never Summer Range to the west is lit up magnificently in the morning light. Stunning.

Flanks of Mount Ida with Lake Granby below

The Never Summer Range in the morning light

Looking back at Mount Ida

From here we walk along the ridge line, picking our way across a treeless alpine landscape. If I could imagine what walking on the moon is like, this would be it. Not a trail in sight, tiny shrubs and alpine grasses. We can see that things are starting to turn brown in the higher elevations as summer finally starts to come to a close. We're quickly reminded how high up we are and how much winter rules the world up here. After cresting the top of Chief Cheley Peak, we walk high above what is known as Highest Lake and it's amazing glacier. We walk along the ridge, around the upper ledges of the couloir that makes up Highest Lake and over to the top of Cracktop.

Top of the Highest Glacier

Highest Lake

The walk around the top

Cracktop

The View from Cracktop

At the summit of Cracktop, my friends are waiting for me patiently. I'm struggling a bit to stay awake enough to really push it up these peaks. So while sitting around on the top of Cracktop I pause to eat some food, drink some sports drink and soak in the views that surround us. Once again, we're resting on top of the world with nothing.. but air.. and beauty below us.

On top of the world

We take off and make our way down another steep slope, across the upper portions of glaciers and their cirques and eventually onto more forgiving terrain. The worst of our day was over and now, we're walking across the sky on our way to Flattop Mountain. But first, if you look in the photo above, you'll see a pile of rocks jutting up from my right foot. It's an unnamed peak, and we walked to the top of it for shits and giggles. Then, I took close-up pictures of the other side so you could see the effects of the period of vulcanization that ruled this land 70 million years ago. Just look at the way these rocks are set amongst the landscape, proof of the upward force that created these magnificent mountains.

Up-slope

After hitting the summit of this tiny un-named peak, we headed across the ridge towards our next big target, Sprague Mountain. We headed towards Hayden Spear to get a closer look at the summit area where we confirmed that we couldn't achieve the summit without proper ropes and equipment. Bummed out we kept heading out towards Sprague. Once we reach the summit of Sprague, the end destination was finally in view. I layer down on top of some tussle of grasses and fell asleep... for an hour. I woke up with a painful sunburn but I felt refreshed and ready to push. As we looked around, we could see the clouds getting puffier. It was noon, we'd been at this for some 9 hours and we're just barely beyond the halfway point. We fuel up and prepare to push.

Walking to Sprague

Hayden Spire in the center

The Man

Lonesome Lake

Longs peak in the distance. Hallett Peak is below and to the right of longs, our drop down locale

Post 12,713' Nap

From Sprague we picked it up and headed down off it's steep cone and down towards Sprague Glacier. We walked along the top, again, and glared down at Irene Lake and Rainbow Lake. We finally caught up to an old stream bed known as Eureka Ditch and followed it up through Bighorn Meadows. We spotted a large herd of Elk, some 200 in size, grazing up on high, and met up with the Tonahutu Creek Trail. We walked past Ptarmigan Point and into Ptarmigan Pass before walking to the top of Flattop Mountain. We'd spent much of our entire day above 11,000' and touching the tops of the many 12,000+ foot peaks that make up this side of RMNP. We took pictures of the storm clouds gathering over the top of Longs Peak and the surrounding area. We knew our time above tree-line had come to a close and it was time to rush to the trees. We blitzed down off of Flattop Mountain to the shores of Bear Lake. We threw our gear in the can and headed for home.

Out towards the Mummy Range

Storm clouds rolling in

Longs Peak with a thunder-head hat

Rocky Mountain National Park is a huge park compared to the places I'm used to playing in. For most of my summer I've seen it from the windows of the tour van I drive and the tiny walks across the various overlooks of Trail Ridge Road. On this hike, I learned just how huge, rugged and remote this park truly is. One of America's true gem's, I learned more about the park on this hike then I ever have from a book. Getting off the beaten path has never been so great.

Happy Trails!