Ultra Race of Champions: A Sufferfest

Last weekend was the Ultra Race of Champions 100k, a self-described "World Championship of Ultra running", also known as UROC, because, much like ultra running, saying Ultra Race of Champions over and over gets very tiresome. After hearing many of the same utterings from the competitors, it should have been called the "Sufferfest of Ultra running." With temperatures in the high-teens at the start, snow as deep as a short person's waist at the peak of some mountain-top climbs, Krupicka doppelgängers abundant, 10 miles of pavement (Killian definitely wanted to shoot himself) and an additional 4 miles tacked onto the already long 100k of running (that's over 6 more K's to you Euros!), everyone suffered nicely.

Our Team Colorado contingent was present: Michele "bomb 'chele" Yates, Sage Canaday and Rickey "Heavenly" Gates, along with Spaniard Kilian Burgada Jornet (we are not really sure if that is a middle name or a first-last name), Flaggers Rob Krar and Jason Wolfe, Swede Emile Forsberg, Bendite Stephanie Howe, some guy from Jones, North Dakota, Colorado's own Kerri Bruxvoort, Francesca Canepa from Italia--probably a wine drinker, Team Inov-8 master's star Gary Gellin (he was Gellin'), the whole Salomon contingent and others that hoped to make their mark on this course. 

Team Coloradans ready at the line (Rickey "Red Mustache" Gates over florescent-yellow-Krar's left shoulder, Sage in key lime green jacket and Michele off his left shoulder (she's short!)                              photo: Brad & Lori Clayton

The Prez and first lady were present to cheer on and crew for our fellow athletes and a few things became apparent: it can get really, really cold in Colorado (sh'yeah...we're in the Rockies!); misery does NOT love company; crewing is hard work--even if you are drinking beer; snow can be very deep...especially if you are very short; no one wants to drink beer after over 10 hours of racing...booo! That is what happens when you eat a gallon of gel and gelatinized gels. Very understandable.

Michele Yates took the plunge, considering she ran a 100-miler two weeks ago. Don't ever tell her she can't do something, because she will prove you wrong (while dropping a bomb on you!). We asked her a few questions about the race.

Power hiking at its finest!                                             photo: Brad & Lori Clayton

Team Colorado: Michele, congrats on 169 miles of racing in a two week period (Dean Karnazes has nothing on you!). We heard a lot of (most) people say that UROC was one of the most difficult races they had ever done, do you think so?

Michele: UROC was a very challenging race, mostly due to the weather conditions. We experienced some dangerous, snowy conditions on one of the peaks, mud, ice, flooding, more snow...but all in all, that is what it's ALL about, right? ULTRA-going beyond others or beyond due limit...  The course tested our limits :) It had technical trail downhills, uphills, easy road, bike path..you name it!

Team Colorado: How bad was the snow on the second big climb? You said you were waist deep (but you did describe yourself as "short"). Did that affect the rest of the race?

Michele: The snow wasn't too bad, it was just the wind that accompanied it! They said the temps up top reported below zero with gusts up to 30mph..and I believe it! There were some ledges that weren't runable..you seriously could have easily slid right down the mountain..that all made it fun! I think the only thing that affected my race was running 103 miles 2 weeks ago..otherwise, I was happy to be out there!

Team Colorado: I don't recall hearing one negative thing from you, everyone else was not as positive as you (did you eat some pop tarts or something)…did that help you get through the race?

Michele: Thanks, I always try to stay positive..and again, I am happy to be out there and blessed I have the ability to do so! 


Thumb up while climbing a 35% grade with a sandwich in her mouth              photo: The Prez

Team Colorado: You went from 2nd at the beginning of the race to 4th in the middle back up to 3rd at the finish, how was that getting passed and passing in such a tight race?

Michele: Hmm, well...my legs were not happy to be out racing again so soon, however..the rest of me was :) So taking that into consideration...I had to take care of myself nutritionally and be more conservative at the beginning of the race...pretty much up to the last 15 miles. I didn't expect to be in second at one point, so again..I stayed conservative..then towards the end (after one REALLY rough low point) I hammered down! I knew I had to be realistic coming into this race. I was not going to be "fresh" with "spunk" in my legs..but I didn't ever count myself out of first place either. ..this is an ultra- anything can happen and a lot does!

Michele leaving Frisco in 3rd (within 45 sec. of the leaders) with the snowy mountains (and this guy) taunting her               photo: The Prez

Team Colorado: Thank you for giving us a dance! It was like you were turning a ultra into a discotech!

You were the girl that changed my world
You were the girl for me
You lit the fuse, I stand accused
You were the first for me
But you turned me out, baby
You dropped a bomb on me, baby...
                                                                                           -The Gap Band

That is not a literal bomb, if anyone from Homeland Security is reading this...oh, never mind, you guys are shut down! After swapping positions, Michele moved into 3rd place and secured her position, finishing in a time of 12:46:24.

Michele literally crossed the finish line and had to run over to the awards ceremony that was already in progress...way to go "Ultra World Championship".

Team Colorado making its mark on a snow-covered bridge, but it was gone before the runners arrived      photo: The Prez

Rickey with the red shoes, red jacket and red mustache, alongside awkward running friend Ryan Ghelfi                    photo: Brad & Lori Clayton

Rickey Gates started off in a great position at the beginning of the race, in about 7th place through the first aid station, but the course and weather seemed to take its toll on him. Cold weather can do that to a person. Though, sometimes it was hot...frigidly-hot. When the wind blew or if the runners happened to find themselves in a crotch-deep snow, it was really cold. At times of no wind and when the sun was blaring...all you wanted to do was take off your clothes. 

He took his clothes off                                         photo: Brad & Lori Clayton

When you want to know the time, just know that Krupicka has your back with a watch at the ready             photo: Joe Grant

We are still not sure if he was aware that he ran the last 40 miles in two different shoes. He started off with two red Salomon S-Lab Sense 2 and finished with one blue and one yellow Sense Mantra. Make sense?

                                                               Who's the man?                                                      photo: The Prez

"Hey kids, who wants some candy?...it's been in my pants for 56 miles!"   photo: The Easter Bunny

Rickey takes the time to play the role of Kris Kringle and hand out candy to the kids in Minturn.

An obvious sign Rickey was struggling was when he texted his mom in the last 10 miles and told her he was suffering badly and needed Miller Lite...you know you are struggling when you request Miller Light! It has the same molecular structure as water, so maybe he just wanted to rehydrate. Although, when offered a (real) beer with 100 meters to go in the race, Rickey turned it down stating, "I'll puke if drink that right now."

Gates fully clothed with see-through lingerie jacket and fall foliage        photo: Brad & Lori Clayton

Sage Canaday took the race out Sage Canaday style--honest. Having already had a phenomenal ultra year, Sage planned on continuing his streak with an "Ultra World Championship" win. After taking a prime at the top of the first climb, Sage swapped the lead several times with the front runners, always within striking distance.

                                                       Sage among the sage                                      photo: Brad & Lori Clayton

Word was that Sage took the lead at the halfway point (since the race was approximately 4 miles long). Everyone loves an honest person!

"How do I get this damn jacket off..."                           photo: The Prez

"Oh, right, it's a half zip!"                                    photo: The Prez

The pace was fast and the weather was exhausting. Sage soon found himself struggling with some of the other superstars. He later said, "My stomach felt so bad all day and after the race I had to go straight back to my hotel room and pass out...I couldn't muster up the energy to have a single sip of beer the whole night after the race (I know, pathetic!)."

Sage wore his fall camouflage                               photo: The Prez

At Minturn, Sage attempted to eat some potato chips which went from his hand to his mouth straight to the ground. He then proceeded to apologized for littering. He was shaking and complaining of stomach issues. "All I want to do is finish", were his main words at Minturn--10 miles to go. He doesn't remember much of the conversations with people beyond this point so we can say he said anything.

Read Sage's write up on his blog.

"Michael Jordan" or "Miley Cirus"...you decide     photo: Brad & Lori Clayton

After running the 10 miles paved bike path up and over Vail Pass, Kilian Jornet was asked by his crew (entourage is a better word) how he was feeling. He spoke sign language and held a imaginary gun to his head and pulled the finger. You'd think he was allergic pavement! Pavement doesn't exist in Spain, if you weren't aware.

Here is Kilian wear-testing a Salomon flesh-colored racing uniform?

Disclaimer: It is unclear whether Kilian twerked anyone during the UROC 106k.

Friends and crew recipients of Team Colorado, Stephanie Howe (The North Face) and Gary Gellin (Inov-8), both ran superbly, placing 2nd and 12th, respectively. Beer and Bloks were offered at every aid station.

                                      Stephanie Howe showing how(e) it's done                    photo: The Prez

Gary Gellin loading his guns                                   photo: The Prez

Results

1. Rob Krar (The North Face) – 9:29:00 
2. Dakota Jones (Montrail) – 9:32:26 
3. Cameron Clayton (Salomon) –10:06:24
4. Kilian Jornet (Salomon) – 10:19:18
5. Ryan Ghelfi (Rogue Valley Runners) – 10:24:37
6. Sage Canaday (Scott, Team Colorado) – 11:00:26
7. Jason Wolfe – 11:21:00
8. Martin Gaffuri (New Balance) – 11:32:33
9. Andrew Bock  – 11:36:46
10. Mike Versteeg – 11:36:46

13. Rickey Gates (Salomon, Team Colorado) - 12:04:05

1. Emelie Forsberg (Salomon) – 12:06:33
2. Stephanie Howe (The North Face) – 12:29:27
3. Michele Yates (Ultimate Dirction, GU, Team Colorado) – 12:46:24
4. Francesca Canepa (Vibram) – 12:55:07
5. Kerrie Bruxvoort (Salomon) – 13:23:39
6. Helen Cospolich (The North Face) – 14:29:48
7. Nikki LaRochelle – 14:33:04
8. Leslie Howlett (Altra) – 14:57:48
9. Jeanne Cooper – 16:35:31
10. Lynne Holme - 19:29:47

Gooooooooooooooal! Canadian and Flagstaffer Rob Krar takes the win    photo: Brad & Lori Clayton

Full Results

Team Colorado Welcomes Brandy Erholtz

Name: Brandy "Mile-a-Minute" Erholtz

Age: 36 years young

Hometown: International Falls, MN a.k.a. “Icebox of the Nation”

Current residence: Evergreen, CO

Sponsors: New Balance, Injinji, Power Bar & Atlas Snowshoes

STORK ALERT!!!: Asher Emmet Erholtz was born a little early on Sept. 25, 2013 at 4:38pm, weighing in at 2 lbs. 15 oz. He, Brandy and Matt are doing well. We welcome Asher to Team Colorado!

Personal Bests (or Worst’s):

To be honest, I’m rarely ever completely satisfied with my results and hope all of my personal bests are yet to come. Once I started mountain/trail running, I decided personal bests are usually irrelevant. A race is about pushing yourself against your competition, the course, the weather and of course yourself. With that said, I do still have some personal time goals I’d like to meet in a couple of ascent races along with some road times IF I do any more serious road racing.

Worsts: I broke both of my arms (elbows) on an early morning run in Paris after the World Championships in 2010 and still had to fly home. Ten years earlier I had broken both wrists.  Sierre Zinal 2011 was more of a death march than an actual race for me; I’d like to redeem myself there. I was also extremely disappointed with my individual performance last year at World’s despite the team Gold medal—my personal performance didn’t indicate the fitness I had as I came down with a cold. The race felt like I was stuck in a bad dream.

Notable Achievements:

5X Consecutive US Mountain Running Teams

10^th Place World Championships Italy 2009

2x Pike’s Peak Ascent Champion

2x Mt. Washington Champion

Goals for 2013/2014/beyond:

2013—deliver a healthy baby and start getting my base mileage back as soon as possible!

2014—get back in shape and figure out how to balance motherhood, training, coaching and full-time teaching! Qualify for the US Mountain Running Team to compete in Italy, break 70 minutes at Mt. Wash, break 2:35 at Pikes, improve my time and place in the Jungfrau Marathon.

Beyond—qualify for more US Mountain Running Teams, earn an individual medal at the World Champs, better my time and place at Sierre Zinal, complete and compete in some ultras, run Imogene Pass, La Luz and Aspen Golden Leaf Half Marathon; just to name a few!

Favorite trails:

We’ve only lived in Colorado for 7 years, so I am still exploring! In Evergreen, I love to run Bergen Peak, Evergreen Mountain and Elephant Butte.

Favorite workout:

Anything steep and uphill! Long runs have always been my favorite run of the week as I love spending time on the trails. It’s good thinking time!

Favorite races:

Mt. Washington

Pikes Peak Ascent

Sierre Zinal

Jungfrau

Vail Winter Uphill

Website/Blog:

Although my husband created a website/blog for me a few years ago, this is actually a good reminder I need to remove it from the web as I’m terrible at updating it! I have been guest blogging with Liza Howard, my fellow NB ambassador about our journey through pregnancy:

http://www.lizahoward.com/2013/09/balance-team-pregnancy-blog-part-8-squash-shaming-freshman-bad-backs/

Favorite beer:

Mmm beer; I can’t wait to have beer again! I love trying local brews—ambers and darks are usually my favorite. Tommy Knocker had a chocolate porter last winter I loved as well. Right now, I’m dying for a pumpkin beer and told Matt (husband) he needs to have one ready in the delivery room for me!

Why Trail/Mountain/Ultra Running?:

It’s the best way to explore! The people, places and experiences I have gained in my life through mountain/trail running are second to none. In all seriousness, I got into trail/mountain/running after not meeting my goal of qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Marathon Trials. I was frustrated that 4+ months of training for a marathon goal could be ruined because of heat/humidity, gale force winds, etc.  I have to thank Nancy Hobbs for seeing potential in me and encouraging me to give mountain running a try!

Mt. Washington Road Race                       photo: Joe Viger

Tell us more!:

I have six pets: Emma, Gizmo, Chopper & K2 (cats) & Ches-E & Fischer (black and yellow labs-best running buddies ever!!)

I’m vegetarian and a chocoholic.

I’m grateful for my husband (Matt) who has been super supportive of my training/racing; I couldn’t do it without him.

I also feel blessed God has given me the gift of running and hope I can continue to share and use it to help inspire others. 

Team Colorado ROCS: UROC Preview

Leading up the the 2013 Ultra Race of Champions 100k, lovingly known as UROC, we spoke to a couple of Team Coloradans that are hoping not only to make a splash, but to tuck their knees to their chests and do a freakin' cannon ball! 

We'll be following Michele Yates, Sage Canaday and Rickey Gates. Justin Ricks is out due to injury.

Follow them at iRunFar.com's 2013 UROC 100k Live Coverage.

Michele "Bomb 'chele" Yates give us the word about UROC

It's only 100 kilometers!                                                          photo: iRunFar.com

Team Colorado: Congrats on your Run Rabbit Run ONE HUNDRED MILE RACE WIN two weeks ago. What was the best part of the race...other than the big check?

Michele: The best part of the race, check or not, was winning! :) Not only a win against an elite field of women, but a win for myself. I am so grateful to be running on the trails again injury free!!!!

Team Colorado: We all read your blog about the race and know you were coming off some disappointing race results, what do you think turned it around for you and especially in such a long, difficult race?

Michele: Some serious dedication. I spent hours and hours doing therapy such as icing, PAINFUL massage therapy, recovery boots, elevation etc. Then, I slowly was able to progress into run-walking with stretching every few minutes (frustrating, patience was the key). Then, of course, progressed into my normal workouts but ONLY with a lot of therapy, too. I also dialed in my diet more...it was already pretty darn healthy, but it was the one thing I could control when I was injured so I made sure to eat completely clean and focused on a "RAW" diet with fruits/veggies, eggs, fish, beans, etc...then I added in grains/carbs more the week or two before the race.

Team Colorado: How are the legs? How are you able to recover so quickly? What is your in between race strategy when you have many races so close together?

Michele: Again therapy, therapy, therapy...and keeping a clean, healthy diet. A lot of sleep and especially icing immediately after I finished RRR (actually sitting in the ice bath eating a high protein meal...and blueberry poptarts :).  My soreness was completely gone after 4 days (even when I ran for 15minutes on the 4th day)...and from then on it has been a little bit of running, a lot of sleeping, and a lot of therapy!

Team Colorado: When we chatted before your 100 miler you said you were also planning on running UROC. Is this still the plan? What else is on your race calendar this year?

Michele: Yep, I will be on that starting line this Saturday and I'm gonna give it all I've got :) !!! I will have  a little bit of a break after that, but then I will be racing the USA 1/2 marathon trail champs in Moab Nov. 1st, the USA 50k trail champs in Boulder City NV the weekend after that (I'll use the 1/2 as training for the 50k)...then the North Face Endurance Challenge Championships Dec 7th. I plan on then going on to run down the 100 Mile Trail American Record in February at Rocky Raccoon.

Team Colorado: If you were a betting girl, what odds would you give yourself for this weekend's race? What is the UROC course like?

Michele: If I don't give myself the win already...then I've already lost...it's better not to listen to every one else telling me that I'm tired and just go for it- whatever happens happens, and the pressures off due to RRR so I'm going to have me some fun! The UROC course is my old stomping ground (as well as a few other places- like the 50k Champs in Boulder City NV - went to UNLV) ...I lived in Frisco for 6 months and have trained there for a few months at a time other times...I am really familiar with the first half of the course or more, but unfortunately may not get a chance to see the last parts.

Team Colorado: Lots of talk about the super smiley Emily Forsberg, have you ever raced against her?

Michele: I've raced against Emily once at the Pikes Peak marathon last year. I had a back injury then :( (be sure to not just see any chiropractor!!!)...She won the race..I finished 4th, 14 minutes behind her. I think she will do well no matter what happens.

Team Colorado: With Stephanie Howe pulling out (supposedly) with a foot injury, do you think you are now more of a target? It seems in RRR you flew a bit under the radar, does the attention bother you or motivate you?

Michele: Don't really care what people do or do not think about me. I don't mind being the underdog at all...and probably prefer it. I'd rather not get sucked into all the media attention, it takes up too much of my "focus" time :) ..and ultimately, at an ultra distance race- so many things can happen, so who really knows who will win on any given day?

Team Colorado: Three Team Colorado Men are going to duke it out this weekend as well. How do you see them finishing? (Rickey Gates, Sage Canaday and Justin Ricks - out due to injury.)

Michele: Sage is my top pick. I love Justin! Good people for sure--raced with him at the World Championships for Ultra Trail (that I bombed)--it would be AWESOME to see him hammer out a great one, too! Rickey I'm not as familiar with, but I am sure all are strong runners and my vote is for USA regardless of the name!

uRunFar...iRunFar                                                       photo: iRunFar.com

Sage Canaday gives us the lowdown on UROC

Yes, that is a temporary tattoo on Sage's leg, what of it!?       photo: Ian Corless

Team Colorado: Sage, you are preparing for UROC this weekend and it looks like the money is on you and Killian for the win. How do you feel about getting bet on like a horse?

Sage: Bring all bets! A 100km race is so unpredictable with all the variables at play so even I'm not sure how my body will respond and who else may be up near or at the lead (Rob Krar? Dakota?).

Team Colorado: The course appears to have a good amount of bike trails in it, do you think this will suit you well because of your speed?

Sage: Ha ha! Only in ultra running am I considered to have "speed." I was was as slow as molasses in HS and college track...the girls started beating me at 400m (57 sec. "speed"). I think the angle of the bike tracks will help me not twist my ankle (hopefully).

Team Colorado: We hear there could be some snow, probably mud. What do you think of Fall in the Rockies?

Sage: Boo to cold weather and snow! I like hot and sunshine all the time. Boulder hasn't even gotten close to 300 days of sun this year...yet. Anything but cold rain at this point. 

Team Colorado: We see you are getting interviewed by Bryon Powell of iRunFar.com, that is a good thing, right? Does he scare you?

Sage: Sometimes. But I gave him an Avery Beer after Speedgoat and he was happy. 

Team Colorado: Best of luck this weekend at UROC, we will be following you and have Avery beer at all the aid stations!

Sage: Double IPA only...Excellent. Thanks for the support! 

iRunFar.com interview

Rickey's hair is not that long anymore, but his mustache is as red as ever!