How did you train for this year's Leadville 100?
My training this year was very similar to previous years; I
focus on getting a good long run each week, along with two hard
days (one hill tempo run and one flat workout). About every
three or four weeks, I try to either do an ultra or run a real
long run (five hours or so). I am not a high mileage runner by
any means; I typically average 60 miles a week in five days of
running, but some weeks can be much longer or shorter depending
on the distance of my long run.
What did you think of the competition at this year's
Leadville Trail 100?
The competition this year at Leadville was great; anytime Scott
Jurek is in the race you better be ready to run hard! Hal
Koerner, Joe Kulak and Jeff Tiegs were back after running very
well last year. I knew Matt Carpenter would take it out fast.
One hundred miles is just so long that a lot can happen and
there are usually several people who are capable of winning; it
just comes down to who has the best day.
How do you stay hydrated and nourished during the race? Any
secrets to pass on to other runners?
You have to figure out what you can tolerate for hours after
hours of eating and drinking. I keep it simple: water, Gatorade,
flat coke, and gels. But this is something that each person has
to practice and figure out for themselves.
What are your upcoming race goals?
I'll be running the Mt. Masochist 50 Miler in Virginia this
fall. It is the final race in the Montrail Ultra Cup and will
have a very competitive field.
Where's your favorite place to train?
The trails in and around Cheyenne Canyon and Rampart Range,
which are right outside of Colorado Springs.
What's your most memorable race?
My first Leadville 100 in 2001. That was my first year of doing
ultras and my first 100. I really had no idea what it was going
to feel like or if I was going to be able to cover such a long
distance. The excitement of finishing that first 100 miler was
great.
Does your family play a role in your running?
My wife, Judy, is also a runner and she has been my crew for
numerous ultras. A lot of ultras are set up so that your family
or crew can see you several times during the race, which is
nice. My parents have also crewed for me several times, and my
Dad has paced me at the last two Leadville 100s.
Why ultras?
I like running on trails, and it seems like some of the most
interesting and competitive trail races tend to be ultras. Also,
the atmosphere at ultra trail races is great; everyone is
extremely friendly and you start to see some of the same people
at ultras all over the country. I have made some great friends
through ultra running.
Any training tips to offer those thinking of trying an ultra?
Don't be scared by the distance; if you can run a marathon, you
can definitely finish a shorter ultra, such as a 50K or a 50
Miler. Almost everyone is walking at some point during an ultra,
so incorporate some walking into your longer training runs.
Anything else you want to add?
No matter what type of racing you enjoy, try to find a group of
like-minded people to train with. I train with a great group
called CRUD (Coloradans Running Ultra Distances). We do several
runs each week together and if I don't feel like running, I
still go if we have a group run scheduled.
