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Tag: ultra running

  • 2008 Leadville Trail 100 Run

    Looking thrilled just minutes before the start
    Looking thrilled just minutes before the start

    You know you’re going to be in a death march when bad weather prevents you from driving the posted speed limit on the way to a race start.

    Running 100 miles at high elevation in the Rockies is tough as it is. Driving through freezing rain with the occasional lightning hitting the nearby mountaintops makes it surreal.

    Fortunately there was only an occasional drizzle in Downtown Leadville prior to the 4 AM start. And unlike the Leadville bike race, there was no jockeying for a good starting position among the 466 runners. Everyone basically stands around nervously making small talk and waiting for Race Promoter Ken Chlouber to fire the shotgun. (more…)

  • I’m Dreaming of a White Leadville

    It’s official. Snow is now in the forecast for tomorrow’s Leadville Trail 100 running race.

    Snow showers likely and slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning…then rain showers likely and slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Snow accumulation around 1 inch. Highs 45 to 53. Southwest winds up to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.

    Because there will be a mix of snow and rain, it’s going to be very tough keeping my clothing dry, especially critical items like gloves.

    Also, racing in cold weather makes me want food with higher fat content. Typically I would do this race with just Hammer Gel and a protein-supplement. Now I plan on having raw cookie dough on hand.

    The Race Medical check in is underway now. The race starts with an early morning shotgun blast at 4 AM.

  • Leadville Weather Looks Sketchy

    Leadville 100 weather
    Leadville's weekend weather forecast

    It’s just a couple days away from the start of the Leadville Trail 100 running race.  Running 100 miles at altitude in the mountains is epic in its own right.  The race doesn’t need to be made tougher with lousy weather.

    It appears Mother Nature wasn’t made aware of that.

    This weekend’s weather looks wet and cold.  I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw snow.  I’m glad I packed some winter running gear.  It’s going to be interesting!

  • 2002 Leadville Trail 100 Run

    My watch alarm beeps at 2:30 AM on race morning. It’s time to wake up and get to the starting line for my first 100-mile running race.

    Leadville, Colorado is still sleeping except for the 465 runners, their support crews, and spectators milling about the dimly lit downtown area. It’s a rather balmy 43F and runners are getting in their last minute stretches.

    At 3:59AM the announcer excitedly states “The shotgun is cocked.” (more…)