Spring--The Most Interesting Time of the Year---New Mammut gear

Every year once spring rolls around, people begin to feel the heat of summer only a few months away. The lack of sunlight from a cold and dreary winter coupled with the anticipation of excitement and joy of spending more time outside intrigues and excites people into a frantic explosion of craziness.


It is exciting that the snow is all gone and the weather is starting to warm.  Tomorrow, I think the high temperature will be in the 60's!!!!  This time of year, school is in the moments of winding down, summer excitement is around the corner, internships are on the horizon and the inevitable planning of another year begins.  This time of year is always a stressful one. On the running end of things, I scratched the MAD City 100k and will be training through to June 1st and the Cayuga Trails 50. I do not know other than the Tom B run what races or events I will be doing from middle of April until June but if I decide on any runs, they will be some fun local events. I am finishing up my Graduate degree at SUNY Cortland and I look forward to finally getting my schedule more along the lines of working, family, and running.  School has made it hard for me to juggle everything and added another dimension to my days but I am so thankful for this opportunity that has given me so much knowledge and skills that I will be able to apply in my life's work.  I am talking each day one day at a time. Planning the best I can for a fun and rewarding future.


And with everything going on it was a pleasant surprise the other day was when my Mammut order for the Spring and Summer came in.  I ordered some awesome gear for racing and training and look forward to trying all the gear out. Thank you Mammut for the support.

The great run with Ashlee--The first nice day in a long time!

*The run I had with Ashlee was a blast. With her out on the bike and myself sprinting to catch up, it was a blast getting outdoors and spending a lovely morning together. The morning was sunny, yet cold with temps around the low 30's but man that sun makes up for it. We headed out into Homer which is the next little town over to the main drag there and then turned back. After we concluded our fun adventure, I set out for another 10k of running and actually ended up with 7 more miles which totaled 13 for the day.

The beginnings of Spring--dead grass :(

In about a month, this field will start looking green.

My full gear allotment

MRT Rainspeed Jacket--An Amazing waterproof jacket

MTR 201 Pro Low (Left) and the MTR 71 II (Right) 

My training and racing shoes for the season

Mammut MTR 71 short sleeve in Red and Green

Blue Race shorts and Go Far Hooded Jacket!

*****Please check out Mammut! We are an incredible company making some of the best outdoor gear imaginable. Our MTR (Running) division of shoes and apparel are AWESOME! The shoes we are working to make them smoother to compete with this new track and field trail shoe trend but for any technical running, Mammut footwear is unbeatable. I have been even using my MTR 141's on the roads all winter and this Spring. They may not be a road shoe, but they function much better than a lot of other trail shoes out there. Check them out!  

http://www.mammut.ch/en/productDetail/303002440_v_5562_10/MTR-141-Men.html

Valentines, Running in the Snow and the PA State Snowshoe Championships---Feb 14-16---Prep for Snowshoe Nationals

So I had to cancel the trip out to PA for the snowshoe race because my amazing girlfriend, Ashlee ended up getting severely sick with one of the worst sinus infections I have ever witnessed. 2 weeks later and she still is having headaches and feeling off.  It would have been nice to run a tune-up race but I can always get in a nice 10 mile snowshoe run as preparation for the big dance!  I have been able to keep my mileage consistent even with running in deep slippery snow which has slowed my running.  Just today, running in snowy roads made every effort to gain traction seem like I was running in waist-deep snow.  An absolutely exhausting run where I got some nice vertical near 1,500 feet of elevation gained in 11 miles but averaged like 7:40 a mile for the run which is about a minute a mile slower on that same loop most days.  It has been like this all winter just getting in the time and mileage and hoping I can gain some traction for once the snow melts.

USA Snowshoe Nationals is going to be my next big race and it is going to be a fun one. With lots of great athletes I am excited to see where I stack-up.  I think I have the potential to make the team and really this year in my two snowshoe races have not run well or at least to my potential I think. The Cockadoodle shoe I was mentally drained getting stuck in the ice and at Highland Forest not only did I leave people off-course but I ran more conservative looking to wear-down the racers rather than sprinting out to the front.  What I learned from the races is that I need to stay focused on position and that if I run comfortably and draft a little once it comes to that last downhill sections watch out! I want to run smart and fast at Nationals. I want to give it all I have and to leave it all out there. I want to crawl to the finish the last 10 meters.  I hope to blitz those with some quick speed.  It is going to be interesting how Nationals will play out. I do know it is going to be an amazing experience and I cannot wait to share it with everyone.  Stay warm and see everyone in Bennington, Vermont.


Sights and sounds of a Cortland, NY Winter:

My trusty Mammut MTR 141's have been my road/snow/trail shoes this winter getting in the miles and staying super durable. I have had these shoes for about a year now and they have still run like brand new.  Mammut makes some of the most durable products out there and their footwear is exception to the rule.

How my running has played out:  

Lots of snow, wind, and hills have made for a slower type of winter training but worth building the proper strength.

View of Greek Peak Ski Resort in the distance.

LimeHollow Nature Center 10 mile Snowshoe run Prep for Snowshoe Nationals:

I had the chance to run around Limehollow before the warm-up and as the temps were near 34 degrees, I thought some nice melting snow would make for a faster run. I was right!

View on the Wilderness Way Trail. A Long and windy trail through the woods.

I felt really solid averaging about 7:30's for the run with some deep snow, fast single track, and snowmobile trails that felt like a race track.  This run has provided me with some confidence heading into Nationals. I feel strong and even though I have not managed insane mileage this winter, I have done some great core runs like this one where with snowshoes, I hit some 6:30 miles and also have been working on my uphill technique. Nationals is going to have a nice long climb which I am excited for as it will pack people up for the fast downhill which I hope to blow by and secure a podium spot.

The City of Cortland from our 3rd Floor Window-View

 Training has been very interesting this winter as life has made getting in any type of run longer than 14-16 miles pretty tough as my time is pretty jam-packed. Luckily, I have been able to keep solid 10-12 mile runs almost every day which equates still to a nice base that I can begin to build my longer runs once Ultra season comes around the corner in June for me which will be (ice and snow-LESS)  which will be a very exciting thing. It is pretty funny but I have a feeling that all this tough running through deep snow, intense winds, cold temps and short days will all lend itself to a great Summer and Fall of racing.  Though my training may not look incredible on paper, I think the types of footing I have experienced and the tough conditions will allow for me to build up some extra strength that will help play into some fast times.

My amazing girlfriend Ashlee takes the best photos and braves the cold for a guy like me. She is truly the best!

For Races I have commited to:

Cayuga Trails 50---Going to be a super-competitive event with the race as the host-site for the USA 50 Mile Trail Championships. There will be some great runners coming from all over the country for the opportunity of running some Upstate New York terrain.  I look forward to besting my 9th place finish with a top 3 as I was close to that in 4th last year before I twisted my ankle which stopped me in my tracks. 

Manitou's Revenge 54 Miler---This race is crazy! Anytime you summit high peaks in a region, especially the rocky Catskills, it is going to be a fun time. For one, I hope not to fall off an escarpment or embankment, I hope not to get lost as well, and I hope maybe my leg speed and climbing legs will help me run a fast time for such a crazy course. I hope I get to run with Acidotic Team-mate Ryan Welts up front.

Virgil Crest 50k----I ran the Virgil 50 Miler last year and beat up my feet and legs pretty bad. This course takes a lot out of your legs. I have always wanted to run the 50k and with a new course design, I would love to crush a super fast time. Sub 4 hours is the goal which would be pretty legendary on such a rocky, rooty, up and down technical course like Virgil Crest. While Manitous' has sections that are not true runnable sections, Virgil has runnable sections the whole way through yet they are slow going.  Any time you run on the Finger Lakes Trail, the pace slows down from even hilly road running.  I am very excited about running my home-town ultra again this year but in a different distance.


Races in Question:  Call of the Wilds Trail Marathon----With the Eastern States 100 going on, who would not want to be apart of that excitement. And with a say 2.5-3 hour drive, the distance is not too bad. I may or may not run the race but if it fits my schedule, then I am in for some fun!

Tussey Mountainback 50---I guess I missed registration and if I cannot get into the race as an elite entry, then I will plan on running the Syracuse Marathon which is I think on the same day. I would love to run Tussey and as a historic race with great competition, I would love to see how I stack-up with some of the best road 50 milers in the country.  I would like to think of myself in their company and I hope a great performance at this event could prove it.

JFK 50---Come April 1st, I hope to get an elite spot in a race I am dying to do. If I can get in, I have a feeling I will do some great things on the towpath.  JFK suits my strengths in so many ways as a nice consistent pace will play into the go slow during the AT then Sprint the Towpath then hold on for dear life strategy. I would rather run the AT strong and come off onto the Towpath in a consistent and relaxed pace. I hope to be one of my breakout races.

Over the Mountains--From the Adirondacks to Mammut Headquarters and Back!

Let me begin by saying that my Trip out to Burlington, Vermont was Amazing!!!!!  I had some travel difficulties that I will explain in my post, but overall, it was well worth it.  Here's Why:

1. I had the chance to see the Adirondack Region for the first time

2. I set a summit record of Gore Mountain (3,600 feet in 2 miles)

3. I met all the amazing people at Mammut

4. I got some cool Mammut stuff

5. I got to see a little of Burlington, VT

6. I took a Ferry on the way back!

7. I saw some great fall foliage!

Leaving the farm country of Cortland, NY

Sign at Hoxie Gorge State Forest

Hoxie Gorge State Forest near Cortland, NY

Ok, so my story begins with me heading out in my Honda Accord on a perilous journey, through the wilds of the Adirondack region.  I began my trip from Cortland, NY around 9am. The plan was to be in Burlington around 1-2 to preview the HQ and get to meet everyone at the Mammut race/event.

I headed out to Syracuse then to the Utica area then out into the southern section of the Adirondacks near Lake Pleasant.  The drive was going great.  Around noon or so I would stop for a detour at Gore Mountain because while on this trip I desperately wanted to peak bag my first high Adirondack peak. Because of limited time, I thought that Gore Mountain would be a easy mountain to find and run up and down with not getting lost.  Driving into the Adirondack region was better than I imagined. There was lovely trees, rivers, mountains that are unlike any other mountains I have ever seen. The whole wilderness experience was awe-inspiring. Reading about the region in my Park Management classes was so amazing to know all of this intell and knowledge about the Adirondack Park but to actually see it was something special.  As I drooled out my window like a dog going for some yummy steak, I was fully enamored with the whole Adirondack Ethos!  Winding along the road passing through little towns and villages I just fell in love with the place the same as many others have before me.  In no-time I had made it to Gore Mountain.  Ok, it was time for a peak summit.  I got my running vest ready, my phone to map my run on Strava, my running shorts and gear and off I went.

Here are some photos I took on the descent of Gore Mountain:

Trail Map--Going from Base Lodge to Top Summit

Base Lodge

Mammut MTR 141 shoes!

High Peaks in the Distance--Had to be careful with the cliff drop-off

THe Road to the Peak

***The Run---Well, the run started off...HARD! I was gasping for breath from the get-go.  Running up a steep ski slope is tough work and really is a grind.  I slogged up the slope little by little with the occasional power-hike thrown in there to allow for the body to rest a little.  Before I knew it, I was right near the summit. I mentally pushed and told myself "Push Cole, Push!!!" Before I knew it, I had made it to the observation deck at the top and some burly-looking grounds guys came out and asked my what I was doing. We went into detailed conversation about the Escarpment Run in the Catskills and how it is crazy and that I should look into that race. I do not know if I have the ability of signing up for a body thrashing as that race I have been told is a body-thrashing type of race.  After about 20 minutes or so to reach the summit. I took some sweet photos and then headed for the dowhill fun.  It was interesting to feel the cool air as the base was at the time at 56 degrees and at the summit it felt like the 40's. I was very pleased with the run.

The Top only a few hundred feet away

What a view up near 3,000 feet

The photos do not do the views justice! It was breath-taking seeing both the Adirondack High Peaks on one side and the Green Mountains in Vermont on the other side!

Coming down the slope--Beautiful Fall Foliage at Gore Mountain

***I headed back to my car and pushed off for the rest of my trip. The time was now near 1:20 or so.  

As soon as  I got back on the main road, I looked and saw that my phone was almost dead.  Oh no!  I did not print out any maps or anything so how am I supposed to make it.  As soon as I was heading to Interstate 87 which I knew I had to get off near Ticonderoga to catch a bridge across to Vermont where I would take 22A North to Vermont 7 into Burlington.  Before I could do anything, my phone died. It was at the worst possible time!

WOW I AM GOING TO BE LOST!!!!!

This is what I exclaimed in the car. I was so angry.  I grab a car charger from my glove box and of course it is not working. I pull-off to the side of the road and then continue to plug and re-plug the jack, then my phone, then the jack, then my phone.  Of course, it is still not working.  This was perfect. My whole family is going to think I fell of the face of the planet. I had my regular charger but I would need to find a store where someone would allow for me to use their jack.  I used my best navigation skills and followed the signs for the Adirondack Highway (I-87).  I rounded the loop onto the highway and it was nice getting to go faster.  OK, so if I keep going north I could stop in Plattsburgh and then take the ferry over or I could get off near Ticonderoga and charge my phone, grab some lunch and figure this out (this is what I thought).  So I re-grouped and thought getting off near Ticonderoga I was close enough where I could potentially figure out where I needed to go. I saw a sign for Ticonderoga and BAM I was off of that interstate. At this point I followed the signs and was doing a great job. I saw some notes of a Champlain Bridge so I headed that way because maybe that was the bridge.  I needed gas really bad as I was almost out so I needed to stop badly.  Luckily I entered a 4-way intersection and took the route into Ticonderoga.  I stopped and filled up my car and then proceeded to a Walmart I saw earlier at the 4-way.  Off I went, grabbed some lunch at a nearby BK (Burger King) I know that is not good runner food at all and then went to look at some maps and get a car charger.  To make a long story short, I drove to the Ft. Ticonderoga bridge hoping I could get across. Oh, and that car charger I bought, it was not working.  So I was waiting for the ferry to come with a long 10 car line.  I got out of my car and noticed that the ferry could only shuttle one car across at a time. Great, I would be there all night.  So, I went back into town. This time, I went straight into the downtown and stopped at a small bed and breakfast and talked to a little old woman who directed me to take 9N to Crown Point and then take that bridge over. YES!!! I was back in business.  I flew to my car and off to 9N I went. I crossed that same 4-way intersection for the 4th time and then headed to 9N.   I noticed flashing lights in the distance a mile from the intersection and ....GREAT, a cop car had blocked off the road.  Apparently, there was a really bad fatal accident that had the road blocked off from Ticonderoga to Crown Point!  Well, I have no idea where to go now so I stopped in a local CVS Pharmacy.  I stopped in and was helped by some girls telling me to take this mill road.  I entered that 4 way intersection not knowing where to go  and used my best guess down the one road I had yet to go.  I followed it and it seemed like a lost cause until I passed a mill and kept going.  About 5 miles later, I made the turn onto 9N into Crown Point!  From here, I had lost that 2.5 hours of getting lost and still had at least an hour and a half to go. I eventually crossed the Crown Point Bridge into Vermont and I let out a huge sigh of relief.  

Vermont Bound-----I navigated the Vermont country roads and luckily had nice solid road signs were I found myself heading into Burlington.  I had made great time and decided to charge my phone so that  I could find the hotel.  I stopped at a local liquor store and was helped by some nice ladies.  I sat around and was glade to have my phone somewhat alive. There was a bunch of traffic but that was a good sign. I crossed some interstate road and landed at my La Quinta Hotel for the night. Sweet. Finally after a long 8 hour plus trip, I had made it.  I got some dinner and then rested up for the next day.

The Stampy Stomp 15k--Mammut Heaven!

THE PRE-RACE:::::

 

It was great to finally meet the staff at Mammut.  I enjoyed having the chance to meet everyone and help with a little of the set-up (team morale at least).  It was a crisp day and I was ready to have some fun. My real focus was going to be for the Can-lake 50 miler to set a new course record there the following weekend.  I was still in a little of recovery mode from the Virgil Crest Ultra where I ran the current course record in 8 hours.  I was feeling a little beat-up from the race but nothing where my training was sidelined.  It was a great set-up at the event and for a first-year event, excited filled the air.

It was a lovely day, nice and cool.  

THe Mammut Tent

All the Amazing Shoes!!!!!!

New 2013 and 2014 Models! I will be rocking the light blue kits for 2014!!!!

The Mascot--Stampy--Coolest Logo Ever

THE RACE--------

The Fast Start at the Stampy Stomp 15k

 

The race went out hard which I have no done in a trail race in a while.  I latched on with a fast individual as we winded through the lush rolling hills of Vermont. I remained relaxed through 5k as we went back and forth with pace changes probably running around 6-7 minutes a mile.  The next section had the hills. Little did I know, we had some technical winding single-track and a few steep climbs.  At that point I gave the 1st place runner a little space-probably too much in terms of trying to close on some flat sections. Little did I know, there really was not any fast flat sections on the course besides the eventual finish.  I hung tough as 1st just slipped away from view. The way the trail was twisting and turning, I was a little hesitant on the downhills afraid to twist my already weakened ankle from a training run during the middle of the week.  I conceded first. I let him get away and tired to close the gap but I could not. Next year, I am going for it at the gun!  I finished 2nd running close to an hour for the run which was not too bad. We ran pretty quick! 

The Awards:::::

$200 Mammut Gift Card!!!!!  Trust me, at Mammut, they go big!  For Overall and age group awards, this race far surpassed some of the best events out there!  You need to be there next year!

It was an incredible event and an incredible day!   I really had a wonderful time with everyone in Vermont and I look forward to next year. On the way back, I also got to ride a ferry back to New York which was a fabulous suggestion. The views were spectacular and overall, it was a much easier trip home.  Thank you to Bill, Gribbin, Joanna, Tim, Everyone at Mammut! Thank you again.

 

2014 is going to be the year!  With my races at Virgil and the Can-lake, it is time to start looking to my next big challenges: Tussey Mountainback, Snowshoe Nationals, Worlds in snowshoe, Cayuga Trails, the Adirondack Marathon, maybe the Madcity 100k, the Manitou's Revenge, the ADK 80k and many other races and endeavors. Time to build on what strides we have made in 2013!

VIRGIL CREST PREVIEW: 3 Days To Go---Thoughts, Projections, Sponsors

This Fall has been crazy. With all the back-to-school spike nights at Confluence Running, from school starting, to the start of a much long anticipated Fall racing season, life has been going at full-tilt.  The weather has finally cooled down from the 80's and 90's we had about a week or so ago and it feels like I can run forever outside.

What makes the Fall one of my most favorite seasons?


I love the fact that Fall is one of those seasons where people's lives begin.  School starts, people come back from their summer vacations at work, sports such as Football begin, all the amazing holidays, my birthday is during Fall!  It has been very hectic but there is something about that crisp autumn air that calms me down.


In a few days,  I will be running my second official 50 miler.  The first one was a huge success at the Cayuga Trails 50 even after my twisted ankle at mile 18.  It just goes to show that if I stay dialed into my nutrition, I should run a very successful race.  The Virgil Crest will not be your average 50 miler. It has about 10-12 thousand feet of overall gain/loss and the terrain of the course is some of the toughest most technical trails around. Think narrow, muddy, rocky, steep and winding single-track that will truly test your strength.  Not only is it a tough ultra, but a beautiful one.  The whole Virgil Mountain Complex has some amazing off-road options. From the seasonal access roads, snowmobile trails, to the Finger Lakes and North Country trails, this course will offer the best of Upstate New York.  I have run at Greek Peak at least once a week to prepare my body for the obstacles I will face from the dreaded Alpine Loop to the summit of Greek Peak from the Finger Lakes Trail (2 mile climb average 12% grade) to the Rock Pile stream crossings and beyond.


In my training leading up to Saturday's Virgil Crest Ultra 50, I have done some great training runs alongside with having my highest mile week in 2 months: 93 miles.

Running Greek Peak Ski Slopes::::

Running on the slopes of Greek Peak in 90+ degree weather---(What was I thinking!)


Running In Binghamton After Work::::::

Running a steep 11% grade for 1.4 miles in Binghamton in Newtons as well

Coming off of the top of the hill I just climbed. The weather was perfect and in the Newton Energy, I was flying on those lugs!


Running at SUNY CORTLAND XC COURSE!!!!!!!!!  A SECRET REVEALED!!!!

Private Trails!!!!!

About a 5 mile loop!!!!  Going to snowshoe here in Winter!

Leading up to the race, I have run on some great training runs: The Greek Peak Run was a hot day and though I logged maybe 5-7 miles, I was sprinting up and down the ski slopes and that really taxed my legs.  I also helped Ian Golden, RD of Virgil Crest help trim some of the overgrown sections of the course.  Then one day after work, to get a little more mileage, I ran out along the hills in Binghamton and ran one road that shot straight up into the sky. By the time I had finally made it to the top, I was ready to come down.  The Cortland XC Course run was one of my favorites as one morning I slipped onto the course and was treated to amazing trails and no one else on them. Because it is a closed section, it is not used for public use because it bisects into a water supply for Cortland.  I noticed that the old Cortland Nordic Ski club had marked the trails.  I will continue to run out there.

Back to the Virgil Crest: the course record is 8:34 or so, that is my overall goal for the race.  If  I can piece together a 25 mile split under 4 hours, I think I will run a great time that will be under the record.  It has not rained in a couple of days which is great since that will help dry the trails out a little and make the creek crossings not raging rivers.  

The Climber Jersey given to the person who has the fastest alpine loop!

I hope I get the jersey this year!

\

Got to love the polka dots!

Beautiful sunset to a nice 85 minute run along the hills

As the sun sets, it is time to race!

Good Luck to all at the Virgil Crest!!!!  A race not for sissies!

Here is a great recap of a local trail race in Montrose, PA called the Salt Springs Trail Race. It was a first year event and it was so much fun. I ran the 5.5 mile option and had a blast running the wet technical single-track!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdL1_QKmVVc

Kenneth Rowe's Photo of the steepest pitch at Virgil Crest-(Alpine Loop)

Cited from: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=197454313770618&set=gm.631048786939952&type=1&relevant_count=1

50 Milers Never Felt Better!!!---Virgil Crest Ultra Build-up

We are now into the month of September and it is time for the leaves to fall, for us to get ourselves ready for football, nachos and cheese, and our fall selection of races! 
My first race coming up will be the Virgil Crest Ultra 50 Miler.  This race holds a special place in my heart as I have run and trained through the trails that will be run in the race numerous times.  This is my hometown ultra race. It is really cool to be representing Mammut, Acidotic Racing, Fits Socks, Dion Snowshoes, and of course Karhu/Craft at this season's races.  The race has 10 thousand feet of elevation gain and loss on the tough Finger Lakes Trail which has a signature "toughness" to it.  Ontop of that, runner will swing to the top of a couple summits of Greek Peak Ski Resort around miles 15-18. The infamous "Alpine Loop" looks like it will be a sure challenge! Running up 25% grades seems like something I have encountered a bunch in my training for this event and I am excited to finally get out there and race an ultra again.  I have not run an ultra since June and I think that it is time for me to put my best effort out there.

My Trusty Mammut MTR 201 Shoes!!!  And My Fits Trail Socks (Cushioned)

Training:  Simulation Run Through Greek Peak

The run had me start a wet humid day at the Adventure center at Greek Peak.  I started the run by sprinting up the steep Hercules lift section up to the peak of the ski hill.  I then slogged through the mud and proceeded to run on seasonal maintenance trails through the top of the mountain and towards the connection with the Finger Lakes Trail. 

The mist was wild and crazy as I was still amongst the clouds.  I continued to push the pace as I made my way through the steep, slippery and technical trail sections and headed towards the Rock Pile.  The pace was not quick because of the muddy sections but I managed a solid effort.  Once I had crossed near Daisy Hollow, the turn-around point in the VCU 50 mile, I headed back on the trail.  The heat of the day was creeping on myself.  It was getting hot and my handheld was about 5 ounces from being drained.  I bathed myself in every creek crossing  I could find to cool myself off in the humid mid 80 degree morning by 11am.  On the way back, I had entered a rhythm where I was running smooth and strong.  I hit the top of the ski slopes again only to find myself with the sun out and above the clouds. I flew down the slopes back to my car.  It was a lovely training effort and great simulation for the race in a few weeks.  I enjoyed being able to run through all the high creeks, and mud that slowed my pace down a great amount.  I hope for race-day that I will not be running through muck for 50 miles like in the Cayuga Trails 50.  I feel very fit and I look forward to testing my strength with climbing some of the steep course that makes the Virgil Crest the hardest ultra on the East!  Below are the photos I snapped of the occurrence.

Top of the slope looking down into the clouds

Fresh layer of clouds

Reminds me of a jungle

Finished a nice hot run.  25 miles in 3:47

I am wearing my Mammut MTR race shirt, my Acidotic Race Visor, and a Nathan HPL # 28 Minimalist  Vest.

After the Virgil Crest Ultra, I have about 3.5 weeks to rest and taper for the Can Lake 50. This race is an ultra road race where a 6:19 course record stands between myself and history. I will be racing in my Craft apparel and the new GREEN Karhu Flow Trainer pictured below.  If Virgil Crest goes well, I feel that I will have no problem racing the Can-lake.  From what I have been told, I will probably be out running alone with myself, the course and the lake.  I look forward to finding that peace with the lake and to enjoy a 6 hour running experience!  Some of the new Karhu footwear looks great and I am excited about wearing the shoes for the Can-Lake Race!

Can Lake 50 Race Projections and Racing in Karhu/Craft!