Team Montrail Canada

Long Time Montrail Runner Dies

2009-09-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

This is a posting from the Montrail U.S Blog.

Dave Terry
One of the original Montrailians, Dave Terry, passed away over the weekend. Dave proudly sported his Montrail colors for over a decade. He was so tough, strong, super buff, an excellent downhiller, and super friendly and genuine.

When I first met Dave at a big group training run at Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon, he really took a genuine interest in me, my running, and just my life in general. Although I knew who he was (eventually a 10 time Western States, Wasatch, and McDonald Forest finisher, usually in the top 10), he never once mentioned that to me. Whenever I've seen him since, he treated me like an old friend.

Dave was also quite the lady's man. He was a strong, good-looking guy, who always seemed to have a cute girl with him.

One funny memory I have of Dave is from Zane Grey in 2005. I was running along with Tim Halder around mile 25 when Dave comes running towards us (Zane Grey is a point-to-point race). Dave gave us a confused look, and we told him that he was going the wrong way. So he turned around with us and explained that he had just wiped out pretty hard, whacked his head on a rock, got up in a dazed stupor, not really knowing where he was, but knew he was supposed to be running. So he just ran until we found him. He said he still wasn't sure what was the right way, but since Tim and I were both going the same way, we were probably right.

The last time I saw Dave was at Western States this year. After running WS for 10 years in a row, he said he felt weird being there as just a spectator and he didn't quite know what to do with himself. I'm sure he had a blast hanging out and cheering with Steve and Scott. Dave always was a great cheerleader.

I'll miss you, Dave.

Montrail Rises at Transrockies

2009-08-30T13:24:00.001-07:00

In the open mixed division our own Gary Robbins and partner Tamsin Anstey won the Transrockies Stage Race. The race threw some loops but in the end they seemed to cruise to the win!

Also racing was our own Aaron Heidt with his partner Adam Campbell. They had a super hard fought battle and finished 3rd overall, and I believe winning 2 stages outright! Way to go guys!

Training for a 25km?

2009-08-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about Run for the Toad? It is one of the most successful trail races in Canada. It is held October 3rd in Ontario and has a 25/50 km catagory.

Here is a training PROGRAM for a 25 km race that Ryne Melcher put together to help out participants!

Trans Rockies

2009-08-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

This year from August 23-28, up to 150 teams of two will take on the Colorado Rockies for a running experience like no other. During the six days of the GORE-TEX™ TransRockies Run, runners from all over the world will run, eat and live together as they cover 113 miles of spectacular scenery, fully supported by a dedicated and professional Event Team who will look after all aspects of their food, accommodations and on-course support.

The GORE-TEX™ TransRockies Run course runs from Buena Vista to Beaver Creek, through the heart of the White River and San Isabel National Forests. The course includes a mix of singletrack and forest road with nearly 25,000 feet of elevation gain, reaching altitudes of over 12,500 ft.

Our Own Gary Robbins and Aaron Heidt will be racing. Gary is on a co-ed team and Aaron on an open male team.

Will we see Lance on the Trails?

2009-07-23T13:38:00.001-07:00

Interesting news today. Lance Armstrong is forming a new U.S team. Team Radioshack. Check out this article link....He says he will be a cyclist, triathlete and runner for the team. Will we see him on the trails? I hope so!

Team Takes Knee Knacker

2009-07-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

Aaron Heidt's Race Report

An Impressive day. Aaron Heidt set the course record, Ellie Greenwood won the women's race, and Gary Robbins finished 4th overall just a couple weeks after Western 100.

2009 Knee Knacker Race Report

Pre Race Jitters.
My race plans are usually simple. I like to start strong, push hard through the middle, and finish fast. Primary goal: course record. Secondary goal: win. That usually works well, but it certainly didn’t in the 2008 version of this race, where I bonked hard and slogged up Seymour Grind to finish 3rd in 4:59. As a result, the night before the race I couldn’t decide whether to go for the record or play it safe and sit back and see how the race played out. I knew I was fit but I had not tested myself over an ultra distance since Chuckanut in March. Not until midnight pre-race did I decide to go for it.

¼ of the Way There.
Usually I don’t know how an ultra is going to go until at least the half way point but this race was different. While I felt heavy and slow in the first few miles by 30 minutes into the race my legs began to respond and with each mile I felt stronger. By the time I got to the Cypress check point at 12km I was feeling relaxed and loose: This despite being 2 minutes under the record pace and 1200 meters of elevation gain. I was pretty confident that today was going to be a good day.

The Home Stretch.
It turned out to be my most uneventful and enjoyable ultra to-date. I focused on staying relaxed and running strong, my wife and son met me at all the check points proving to be my most reliable support crew yet, and I continued to consistently and rather effortlessly click away the miles at a decent pace over some beautiful single track. An ultra runners dream day.

One of my major goals this year was to feel strong up the Seymour Grind, which proved to be the nail in my coffin last year. While still an unrelenting climb at a cruelly late stage in the race I managed to run the entire climb and feel pretty good about the up coming plunge into Deep Cove. The last task was not tripping in the final few kilometers.

The Knee Knackers has one of the most spectacular finishing venues around. As I cruised into Panorama Park just slipping under 4 hours and 40 minutes the mountain and ocean views capped off a perfect day of racing for me.

Thanks to all the amazing race organizers and volunteers – everyone and everything was top notch. Congrats to fellow Montrail Team athletes Ellie Greenwood for her spectacular win in her first ever Knee Knacker and to Gary Robbins who managed to finish 4th despite completing the Western States 100 mile only 2 weeks prior – what a stubborn beast!

Western 100 takes some hostages!

2009-07-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well, first of all, congrats to everyone that gave it their all on what was an EPIC day. 115 degree heat, 100 miles, and a stacked field. Some big name casualties include Jurek, Mackie, Omine.... When it's not your day, sometimes you just need to pack it in and get ready for the next race.

But, saying that, more people finished under 20 hours this year than the previous few. So some of the big guns like the heat and seem to not be affected.

Our own Gary Robbins was going into this race primed! He trained properly, raced fast, and seemed to be at an ideal race weight. He earned his silver buckle finishing around 23 hours. Sometimes the perfect race does not happen (rarely), but we need these races to make us more experienced and stronger in the end!

I spent the day watching Gary, Andy Nicol, and my brother Wade. Wade has had a string of issues at WS100. I thought this was his year. He fought hard to the end. However, at 28:15 he simply ran out of time and had to drop. But like he says, next year if he does not get in the lottery he's not doing WS100!

Ok, I am now just waiting for my free DINNER from Gary......I lied gary, I am hungry!

Montrail Canada Keeps Winning Form

2009-06-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the inaugural Summer Solstice Marathon and Half Marathon presented by North Shore Athletics.
The route was a tough mountain course mainly through Grouse and Seymour in North Vancouver. The field was not huge, maybe partly because it was held on Father's Day. Not something I would have considered being an issue before I was...well a father.

So what happened:
1-Lisa Polizzi won the overall marathon quite easily
2-Cheryl Beatty won the Half Marathon after taking some ibuprophen to help get her through her injury
3-Aaron Pitt ran hard placing 2nd overall (1st was Simon Driver) and proved: he can wipe out but has the most ripped legs of anyone on the North Shore. I am jealous.

I think all the athletes kicked it in their Montrail Masochist!

Western Predictions

2009-06-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a cool site
You can enter the contest by making your top 8 predicitons for Men and Women

Here are mine:
Men
Jurek
Omine
Mackey
Koerner
Cooper
Grossman
Robbins
Skaden

Women
Kimbal
Moehl
Abs
Oriz
Shelton
Gardner
Copal
Arbogast

Master Mens
Nicol
Master Womens
Gardner (Assuming 40 is masters????)

Prelim Western Calls from Meltzer (Not Melcher)

2009-06-20T20:58:00.001-07:00

I have been watching Meltzer's blog for a week waiting for some prelim calls. His Official odds come out on Monday. Here are his Men's picks.
1. Scott Jurek. He has to be the favorite, he’s won the thing 7 times.
2. Dave Mackey. Hot on Scott’s heels, and with unfinished business at Western he’s my pick to win….even though I have him second here.
3. Hal Koerner. He likes to go out quickly, and if he holds it, he’ll be right there at the Auburn track at 930pm.
4. Eric Grossman. I should probably give him some more love here. He’s been stellar all year and this is his chance to shine. Definately the best on the east coast. The darkhorse (sort of) to win it.
5. Erik Skaden. He’s proven he can run fast at Western, and although he hasn’t shown big stuff this spring, I’m sure he’s focused on being another darkhorse to win.
5. The mens race is so tight it’s a tough call, but here’s another bunch of guys that will be in it at Robinson Flat…..at least. These are in the order I think they’ll finish.
Jasper Halekas, Zach Miller, Kubaragi from Japan, Todd Braje, John Olsen (if he runs), Josh Brimhall, Graham Cooper, Dave James, Dan Olmstead, Brian Morrison, Hiroki Ishikawa, Lon Freeman, Marco Olmo (he wins the over 60 category too), Laval Benoit, Mike Wolfe, AJW, Chikara Omine.

I think top 22 is enough for now. The real odds come out Monday
----
I would have to say it's hard to bet against those top 5 picks. Of course, I think one of our own Canadian team mates could run well and place well. This is a DEEEEEP Field. Jurek has to be the top pick, and if you don't think so.....well, I'm not sure what you are thinking (sorry Meltzer). I am not saying it is a sure thing but if I had to bet, I could not bet against the King of Western.

I would definitely put Robbins in that list of top 22. Anyone of these guys could press or blow up. All I know is it is going to be an epic battle out there....

More to come soon.

Mountain Hardwear /Montrail Contest

2009-06-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

Check out the Go to Girl contest!

Mountain Hardwear and Montrail join forces to celebrate the inspiration and motivation women provide each other to climb, bike, hike, swim, surf, trail run, and paddle. We want to know who that Go-to-Girl is that motivates you! Give us 300 characters on who motivates you and include a photo. Let’s go!

Summer is here!

2009-06-11T12:23:00.001-07:00

Yes, I'm going to say it. Summer is here in Vancouver and North Vancouver trails are the best trails to run in North America....I truly believe that!

Sure, sometimes I say "I wish we had more trails to run" but then I go somewhere else....My unconfirmed estimate is that we probably have 1000 km of mountain trails in North Vancouver, probably more actually.

So, there is no excuse for not running. I will finally hit about 14 hours of running this week. Not huge but getting respectable I think. Am I fast, no, but am I loving the summer dryness and our epic trails-yes!! I generally see a few people running while I am out, but often I don't see a soul and I like that. I like getting to high places and looking over the ocean to the south and white cap mountains to the north.

I am not running Western States, Trans Rockies or any other epic race this year and I think I am happy about that. No pressure just running!

Ouch

2009-06-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

After the Iron Knee last weekend, I knew it was time to get in some long runs. I figure I have 4 weekends to do so. I joined up with fellow team mates Aaron Pitt and Ryne Melcher. They were kind enough to slow up for me.

We started our run with a 3500 foot steep climb hidden on one of my secret trails west of the Grouse Grind. We then proceeded to run through base camp Grouse and down the 13 km Montain Hiway. I truly love running down here as it is so different than any where else on the shore. We found an additional 30 minutes then headed back along the Baden Powell. 4 hours. Does not sound long, and used to be a piece of cake for me....not so much. I got home, and literally laid down in my hallway. My 9 month old looking at me and wondering what I was doing and my wife asking if I needed an ambulance...I was so tired. I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I crawled into bed and complained for 3 hours before falling to sleep.

But, it was my first real challenge. I give myself a 5.5 out of 10. I have a long road to climb but with 2010 as my goal race season, I am happy. I'm not sure if I am going to run KK50 yet, but I will train as if I am.

Still need to lose 10 pounds, still need to stay running at least 5 days a week, and need to get more sleep. Not sure how the sleep part will happen with a lot on the go. I did have moments of remembering what it felt like to be an ultra runner a couple of years ago....and it felt good. Watch out Pitt and Melcher...I'm coming.

The Road to Western States 100

2009-06-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

I have been an active participant of watching local Montrail team mate Gary Robbins get prepared for this years Western States 100 Mile Endurance Race.

To say I have been impressed is an understatement. I have trained and raced for WS100, so I know what it takes to get ready. 15-25 hours a week of training. I have been there, done it, lived it...but I guess I forgot. Now that I am not in that form, I am amazed of the dedication it takes. I think what I am impressed by the most is that Gary's first ultra was just a couple years ago and last year was when he really decided to get serious about training. In case you have not heard, he is KILLING it!!!

Now, Western States has brought many giants to their knees. Literally, unless your name starts with Scott and ends with Juerk you have probably been slayed. A couple years ago Brian Morrison collapsed on in the last 100 meters and the win was taken away. I remember seeing Dink Taylor on all 4's crawling down the trail (seriously).

Gary is logging huge miles, training and recovering very well from his training. This next 3 weeks is as important as the first 6 months. It is time to taper. The worst part is the taper!!!!! It's when your mileage cuts back huge, you feel crappy, start stressing about training.

To get a taste of the Race-Check out a couple of these: Vimeo and Running Madness id you can find the trailer on line.

Make sure to tune in on Race day to the WS100 website and follow the webcast. No matter how Gary does, our small community of ultra runners up here will be watching and supporting.

Iron Knee

2009-06-05T08:33:00.001-07:00

Our team took up another race this past weekend. A short haul of 25km, called the Iron Knee.
This was actually my first race in a while after taking last year off. It was also a little pre run before Knee Knacker. One thing I learned-must do long runs before KK50. I have been running consistently but need t get a few 5 hour runs in....

The conditions were amazing, 27 degrees, not a cloud in the sky and the trails were bone dry! Summer is here. I don't know the elevation of this race, but the course generally starts with a long gradual climb to about 6 km in. I thin overall the course may lose elevation which when you have some extra weight to roll out like I do, gravity is your friend.

Not only did I toe up, Lisa Polizzi, Cheryl Beatty also did. Of course they are both running well and finished 2nd and 4th respectively. Gary, Aaron, Aaron, Ryne and Ellie decided to sit this one out but were there for the support at the end.

Thanks to North Shore Athletics for a great event. Their events continue to be be the best organized around!

Melcher and Robbins Take Wins!

2009-04-27T07:02:00.001-07:00

The team continues to roll.
On the weekend of April 17th, two races were taking place. The Diez Vista 50 km and the Mt. Si 50 Miler. Gary Robbins stayed local for Diez and Melcher headed to Washington to check out the U.S field.

Gary was heading to Diez as part of his tune up for Western States. His training has been going well and he seems to be getting faster all the time. Gary led from wire to wire and was never pressed. When the dust settled Robbins had blasted the Vistaa new pair of shoes. A course record of 4:15!. OK, so this made me adjust my WS100 prediction and say that Gary is FAST enough to...I won't say it but you know what I'm saying. Let's look at the guys times he has just beat at Diez.
:
Scott Jurek-7 time winner WS
Brian Morrison: kinda, maybe but not winner of WS100-what a sin.
Hal Koerner: 1 time winner of WS
Phil Kochek: bloody fast and I think top 5 as WS
Peter Reid: Ironman World Champion
Dom Repta: I may not be the fastest but I'm better looking than Gary
Aaron Heidt: last year's course record holder

On to Melcher
I don't know much about this race or the past runners but what I can tell Melcher just ran the 2nd fastest time in course history behind James Kerby in 2005. 6:17:00 is bloody fast for 50 miles is all that I know!!! Even impressive (and possible stupid) is that Melcher needs knee surgery at some point. I think it is scheduled for next week. It looks like Melcher and Robbins are trying to battle for bragging rights.....all I know is we're happy to keep up the friendly rivalry.

I believe both runners were wearing the Montrail Mt. Masochist for their runs. Maybe I should chuck on a pair and see what happens....watch out boys.

Montrail Athletes Take Canada's Top Honours

2009-04-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Great News! Gary Robbins and Ellie Greenwood from our own Team Canada Montrail have been named Canada's top ultra athletes! Here's the letter below.

Ellie, Gary,

On behalf of ACU executive, I am glad to announce you that you have been named the 2008 - ACU (Assoc Of Cdn Ultramarathoners) ultrarunners of the year. Your constant in your races has been, for both of you, a great factor in your nomination.
All Provincial representatives had to make proposals with the criteria established, and at the end, the ACU executives had to make the final choice...Your are our choices!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Michel Gouin
ACU president
www.acu100k.com

----

Gary had a break out year last year in what was really his first year concentrating on Ultra's. He won the Stormy 100 Miler and placed 2nd in a bunch of others including the Mountain Masochist 50 Miler to qualify for Western States. Ellie, well I think Ellie pretty much won every race she entered.....can't say much more than that.

Congrats guys and you are already doing better this year than last year!!!

Team heading to to support first timers

2009-04-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the Run the North Shorerace, My First Trail Race. Team Montrail Canada will be out supporting our future competition ;o)!!!

We will be taking to the trails and setting up our info booth. We hope to see everyone out there.

Aaron Heidt Race Report

2009-03-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Chuckanut Race Report:

Chuckanut was supposed to be a show down between me and Gary Robbins, which meant it was a race I had been looking forward to for months. Unfortunately, Gary was still recovering from Dirty Duo and his travels in Europe and decided racing would jeopardize his training for Western. However, there was no shortage of competition. On Friday night Gary counted 10 guys that would be fighting for the podium.

To race or not to race?
The 2 weeks before Chuckanut I was battling a cold and only running for 45 minutes per day before exhaustion would stop me and I would shuffle home defeated. Wondering how I was going to complete 50km I hopped into the car on Friday to drive down to the coast where I was meeting up with Gary. When I got into North Vancouver I threw on my Montrails and went for a half hour jog. As I headed out the door I was praying my legs would finally feel OK. For the first time in 2 weeks I actually had a little spring in my stride giving me a glimmer of hope that I would feel good on race day.

Gary and I headed down to Bellingham Friday night and stayed with Barb, a friend of Gary’s. It was a sweet pad, and only 10 minutes from the start line, which meant a pretty relaxed pre-race morning. I had made the mistake of not properly planning a race strategy for the Dirty Duo at the start of March and it cost me dearly during the race, so for Chuckanut I had plenty of fuel and bottles, and with the use of drop bags was confident that I would be able to keep myself well fuelled throughout the race.

That was until I found out that there were no drop bags this year due to road closures. With people already heading toward the start line there wasn’t much time to hash out a plan B so I grabbed two of my bottles and asked Gary to find a way to get the other two to aid stations 3/4.

Is this an ultra!?!
Chuckanut starts on a 10km flat gravel and paved trail – this isn’t typical for an ultra and neither was the start. When the gun went off Greg Crowther from Seattle, who happens to be a 2:22 marathoner, bolted into the lead. It was a pace I have never seen in an ultra. However, as with most ultras no one seemed too concerned about someone getting away and the following pack was happy catching up with old friends and easing into the race. This has never jived with my track background and I also was not about to let someone of Greg’s pedigree get too much of a lead. Greg has publicly acknowledged his challenges on technical terrain and steep downhills but considering the race finished on the same flat 10km he had a good chance of winning this race. So I tried to pick up the pace to match his and hoped I’d be able to close the already sizeable gap later in the race. Luckily for me Hal Koerner eventually made the same decision and pulled up beside me around km 5. This gave us the huge advantage of being able to chat while hunting down Greg, thereby keeping our mind off of how insane the pace was.

My kinda course.
Gary told me I would like this course, which means most true ultra guys probably wouldn’t. It wasn’t too technical or too steep – all the hills were runable, and it had lots of flats. In other words it was easy to lock into a rhythm and just run. When we left the interurban trail we headed into some classic west coast single track. It was beautiful, winding and hilly. It wasn’t long before Hal and I were able to hunt down Greg, and once we hit the first long technical downhill at about mile 10, Hal and I slid into the lead. The downhill popped us out at aid station 2 and at the base of a 5km climb on logging roads. If I had to choose, I would say that this type of terrain suits my running strengths best. On hills that are not too steep I’m able to get into a rhythm and keep running indefinitely. However, while I led up this section, Hal and Greg seemed to have no problem hanging on.

Eventually we headed back into some sweet single track and topped out along the ridge trail. It was awesome up there. Crisp air. Narrow, winding single track. Amazing views. Several times I had the urge to stop and take in the views and enjoy the feeling of being in the west coast mountains again – but the thought of getting chased down kept me going. I am not sure where or how, but along this 12km technical section I was able to start opening up a gap on the rest of the field.

All systems shutting down.
By the time I was heading down the long descent to the base on chin scraper I was beginning to bonk. As with many of my ultras I made a series of bad decision that had culminated in my race falling apart. At aid station one I dropped one of my bottles so I only had to carry one. Unfortunately, I dropped the full one. Instead of stopping and exchanging it for the half full bottle in my hand I decided I couldn’t lose the precious seconds and kept going, figuring I could make it to aid station three where Gary would be waiting for me with a fresh bottle.

Aid station three was half way up the 5 km logging road climb but as I approached I couldn’t see Gary or Roxy… they weren’t there yet. I later found out that Gary had to hike a good 4km to the aid station and missed me by 20 minutes. In the meantime I had a decision to make: I could plug on with a bottle that only had a few drops left in it and hope Gary would be at the next aid station or fill it up with whatever the aid station was offering. I chose the former. Like with many buffets, I have had some brutal experiences with aid stations and I didn’t want to fall to the same fate again.

Fast forward 12 km to the hill heading down to chin scraper and I was beginning to cramp along my diaphragm and in my calves and my energy was seriously waning. I knew if I didn’t get fuel soon I wouldn’t be finishing. Luckily there was an amazingly stocked aid station at the base of chin scraper (they even had big pots of hot soup!). There was no question that I would be risking the buffet this time around. I quickly filled my bottle with Nuun and grabbed two Clif shots. Most people describe chin scraper as the hardest part of the race but getting those electrolytes and fuel was a life saver for me and I felt better at the top of the climb than at the bottom.

Are you sure this is only 10km?
Once I crested the top of chin scraper all I had left was about 5km of downhill running and the 10km interurban trail home. I leaned into the downhill and was happy to see Gary at aid station 4 with a fresh bottle and some gels. Even better was Gary’s excitement at seeing me in the lead with only an hour of running left.

At the beginning of the race Hal warned me how long the home stretch on the interurban trail would feel. For 43 painfully long minutes I oscillated between visions of a pack of gangly and ravenous ultra runners hunting me down and me giving my victory speech, which means I probably looked like I was doing a fartlek workout – one moment running for my life, the next slowly jogging a victory lap. Constantly glancing over my shoulder I was sure I was going to see someone gunning me down. Somehow, however, I managed to hold everyone off and win in 3:53:54. All my initial fears were confirmed though, when Greg Crowther came barrelling around the corner for a strong second place finish. I was glad I had decided not to let him get too far ahead at the beginning of the race. It is not often that an ultra is decided in the first 10km, but today 1st, 2nd, and 3rd went to the guys that went out strong.

Shades of red and white
I am not sure if it is the proximity to the border or the promise of warmer weather but there were a lot of Canadians in the race - fast Canadians. As the 20th place person crossed the line the race announcer pointed out that more Canadians had crossed the line than Americans! And there were great finishes by the whole Montrail crew. Aaron Pitt rounded out the top 10 for the men and Ryne Melcher had a strong finish as well. Ellie Greenwood was 1st for the women with Lisa Polizzi not far behind in 3rd spot. Cheryl Beatty also finished strong in 5th place for the women.

Chuckanut is a sweet race. The course is beautiful and has a little bit of everything. The volunteers were awesome and kept me upbeat the entire race. And most importantly, the weather was amazing! Everyone should put this race on their calendar for 2010!

Team in Chuckanut Herald

2009-03-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Have a read!

Aaron Heidt and Ellie Greenwood rockin' local paper.

Team Takes Chuckanut 50km!!

2009-03-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Chuckanut 50km

What is one of the West Coast's premiere early season tests, the team headed down to Bellingham to run with our southern neighbours. Aaron Heidt and Aaron Pitt laced up for the 50km, Ellie Greenwood, Lisa Polizzi and Cheryl Beatty were representing our females.

Gary was sidelined due to an injury sustained at Dirty Duo when he outpaced team mate (who's laughing now!), Ryne Melcher is having knee issues, and I am in no way ready to hammer 50 km.

These are early results and I will post race report soon but..Aaron Heidt won! 3:53. Ellie Greenwood won! 4:33! Aaron Pitt ran hard for 10th overall and in her first 50km race since having a baby 9 months ago, Lisa Polizzi finished 3rd and Cheryl Beatty struggling with some hamstring issues still cruised to 5th overall!

More to come....

Team Racing Fast-Dirty Duo!

2009-03-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

Results from our local Run the North Shore trail racing series. Team Montrail raced hard!

In the women's field, Ellie Greenwood won the 50 km category. Ellie is continuing to lead the pack when she takes to the line.

In the Men's 50 km filed, it was a nail biter...Gary Robbins laced up against fellow team mate Aaron Heidt. Lot's of friendly trail trash talk before the race. Both are in exceptional shape right now. I was out running the course and I saw them neck and neck at the 20 km mark-hammering!!!

I thought there was no way they could make it together to the finish line at that pace. Well, they did. Gary Robbins took 1st overall by 10 seconds over Aaron. Disabled from a hip injury at the finish line, Gary won the battle but did he win the war. Well, both are lining up at Chuckanut 50 km so we'll see. Ryne Melcher had logged 120 miles leading up to Dirty Duo and he still managed 3rd overall!

In the 25 km Division, Aaron Pitt went in quite sick. I think I heard he was heaving on the course. Coming from a road racing (bike) he knows how to suffer and still finished second.

Shoes worn:

Gary Robbins: Mountain Masochist

Aaron Heidt: Streak

Ellie Greenwood: Streak

Aaron Pitt: Streak

Sweet Nectar from the Earth

2009-02-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

Ok
I am letting you in on a secret. I have found the perfect racing drink, recovery drink and all around wonder liquid....coconut water. Either straight from the coconut itself of from the one product I am addicted to "One" brand coconut water.

Check out all the benefits!

My team mate Aaron Pitt got me addicted to this, then I got team mate Cheryl Beatty addicted. We are working on Gary. He should love it, there is no gluten and it has amazing rehydrating properties.

One is the one!

Orcas 50Km Update-Canada Rockin'

2009-02-16T13:34:00.001-08:00

Team Montrail Canada is off to a GREAT start. Ellie Greenwood won the women's 50 km race and Gary Robbins took 2nd overall for the first race of 2009!
Race reports will be coming soon!
Next up is Dirty Duo.

Results of Orcas Island Race HERE

2009

2009-02-06T10:45:00.001-08:00

Well, the 2009 season is just around the corner. The Montrail Canada team is amped and ready to roll. We have a couple new members that joined late in last years season-Aaron Heidt and Lisa Polizzi. Both rock stars on the trail!

Gary Robbins is leading the way this year with the first race this weekend, the Orcas Island 50km. I nice little pre season warm up.

As for me, the fearless, wait that means I am not afraid right, ok, the fearful leader, I am getting into shape again and hope to be in full throttle for the Knee Knacker this year....

Ellie, Ryne, Aaron, Cheryl, will represent well. The DIrty Duo is the first race in our Run the Shore race series. 25 and 50 km! Our team will be racing and representing the Montrail brand at the start/finish line.

Head down to North Shore Athletics and talk to the crew there and check out some Montrails.

Lots of Team News

2008-11-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Well, where to begin.
Our team members that took off to Run for the Toad went, saw and conquered. Ryne Melcher returning home to former stomping grounds took the overall 50 km win, Gary Robbins not far behind to take second overall. Ellie Greenwood continued her domination of trail running by winning the 25 km event.
Thanks to the Run for the Toad crew for putting on Canada's largest trail running event and making the team fee very welcome!!

Next up-the Halloween Run. This saw the welcoming of two new team members. Trail running phenom, just off from having a baby 4 MONTHS ago Lisa Polizzi and fresh blood to the trails over the last couple years Aaron Heidt (Diez Vista CR which has seen stars like Scott Jurek, William Emerson, Peter Reid, Hal Hoerner, Phil Kochik race it!!). 5 members laced up for this including me. This was my first trail race....almost of the year after some physical and mental battles. But I am back and stoked to get back to form. The race saw Aaron Heidt take 2nd overall and Aaron Pitt round out the top 5. For our women, low key but sensational trail runner Cheryl Beatty took 2nd, and Lisa Polizzi took 3rd in her first race in over a year. Great run guys.

3rd-Gary Robbins went down to a stacked field to try his hand at getting on of the 3 Western States spots at Mountain Masochist. Lots of trash talk before this race...Karl Meltzer put Gary ad 8-1 odds I think. I emailed both he and Clarke Zealand saying he will podium and will make Western States. Looks like I was correct in my confidence in Gary. 50 Miles is a great distance for him. Not only did he come top 3, he had the speed to finish 2nd to Eric Grossman...not a bad accomplishment. So Gary earned an automatic entry into Western States-THE BIG SHOW!!!!! All I can say is this advice given to me 10 years ago. "100 miles is not like running 50 miles twice..." Anything can happen there but in my opinion Gary is Canada's leading trail ultra runner right now and he should represent. ps-vote for Obama while you're down their Gary.

The racing season is coming to a close-but there will be snowshoeing, backcountry ski touring and of course trail running. I'll be busting my ass to give my teammates a run for their money. I need to get into 2007 form!

Peace

Team Members heading East!

2008-09-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Three team members are heading to Ontario for Run for the Toad-25/50km trail race. Gary Robbins (fresh of the U.S Cle Elum 50 km WIN!), Ellie Greenwood and Ryne Melcher. Here is a piece from the RD of RFTT!

Hello Dom,
This years Run for the Toad is sure to provide high drama in both the 25 and 50k events. With the Montrail Teams arrival this year we are bound for some East versus West adrenaline pumping 50k moments. Montrail team member Ryne Melcher has yet to win the Toad but we sense this year Ryne is determined to fill the one gaping hole in his running resume – and the fact that he knows the course well, he may just tidy up unfinished business. Montrail team mate Gary Robbins will surely be one to watch. In looking over Gary’s impressive 2007 and 2008 first place finishes you know this guy has speed and has demonstrated his tactical superiority in every sense. Tactical savvy is an asset when racing the Toad. We are talking about a course that takes a pacing skill-set to bring home the gold. Course record? Ryne, for one, knows that step will not come easy.

So is the Toad a West 1st, 2nd finish? Before anyone makes that prediction you may want to take a good look at these three other individuals. When it comes down laying claim to 50k territory at the Toad none does it better than three time Toad winner Giles Malet. He knows how tempting and irresistible it is to blitz those first 2 loops. Well rounded Giles starts with experience and by the third loop knows his opponents – also a crowd favorite. Another home favorite is Clayton Sloss a racer that picks his races well. He can race in the heat and from our own observation knows how to get comfortable at goal speed. Then there is Jim Orr who credits lady luck and supportive family to a string of success making him a 2007 North American Trophy Series Ultra marathon champion. And to think this guy is 52 years young.
We are very excited having Montrail racer Ellie Greenwood in our 25k lineup. With Ellie’s string of ultra performances to her credit it will be notable watching Ellie on what might be considered for her a sprint-distance category.
We are immensely happy overall that Montrail a Toad sponsor will be setting up their technical shop this year race expo. At the Toad we attract many of those cross-over asphalt to trail racers and the need for more education in this growing trail racing climate will be well received.

We are also hoping many of our racers and spectators staying at our host hotel Cambridge Best Western will get a chance to visit with Elli, Gary and Ryne during their stay.

Kindest personal regards,

George & Peggy

Team just waiting to sign new athlete

2008-08-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, our team is just waiting. A new rockstar-he might be running Western States in 2028...why so long, because we're just waiting for him to be born. My baby is coming any day now and I am stoked to throw on trail runners with him, big FAAAAT skis, road and mountain bikes and maybe a turntable...Well, really, he'll do what he likes, but it would be cool if he picks up trail running in a decade or so!
I figure that once I am back fit, it will be very cool to see him and I both school Gary-lol!!! 20 years from now, I'll be 54, Gary 50, and Myles obviously 20. So yes, it's a boy and his name is Myles.
Just hoping everything goes well in delivery.

Ellie Keeps Rolling!

2008-08-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

With this being Ellie's first real trail running year, I figured I'd do a Q3 recap of her races.
First Half 1/2 Marathon Feb 2008 - 1h23m34s - 6th woman

Dirty Duo 50km - 1st woman

Diez Vista 50km April 2008 - 4h59m - 1st woman

Boston Marathon - April 2008 -3h07m20s - 122nd woman!

Vancouver Marathon May 2008 - 2h55m28s - 3rd woman (1st 'Canadian'!)

Scorched Sole 50km June 2008 - 4h39m - 1st woman, 2nd overall

Iron Knee 25km - 1h54m52s - 1st woman

Longest day 5km road race -18m03s - 4th woman

Peak Challege 12km -1h26m53s - 6th woman (out of 8 in the elite division!)

Stormy 50 miler -8h 19m - 1st woman (2nd overall)

Next for Ellie is Victoria Marathon. I'm sure she'll kill it!

Team Rocks Stormy!!

2008-08-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

Not sure where to start. So Ladies first (Sorry Gary!)
Ellie Greenwood and Cheryl Beatty raced the Stormy 50 miler Canadian Trail Championships on Saturday. Both finished 1-2 and second and third overall!! Cheryl Beatty is the new holder of the Canadian 50 Mile Womens Trail Title. Talking to Cheryl after, she said "never running over 50 km again"....but that's what she said in May after Miwok 100, so...SO Cheryl is holder of the Canadian 50 mile and Canadian Snowshoe championship!

Ellie, has been fighting injury, and pulled off another win!!! She is pretty unstoppable on the trails this year!

Next, Stormy 100 Miler, the field was not large, but I'd say it would not matter. Gary Robbins, in my assessment, is probably the fastest male trail ultra runner right now in BC for sure...and I'd say nationwide but I don't want to start a rivalry. This was Gary's first 100 miler, on what would be considered a fast 100 mile course. But, it's 100 miles and to run 17:39 is not fast, it's smokin' fast! Gary fought through the usual 100 mile demons and cruised for 1st overall.

Not sure what is next for the team, Aaron still battling injury, I'm just starting to feel good again-but-Ryne Melcher is off to Leadville for the Leadville 100-Good Luck!!!

Gary's first 100 mile week

2008-07-28T08:31:00.001-07:00

My First Ever 100 Mile Week
I took the Monday off to rest and recover, even though I was feeling quite good overall. It was late Monday when I set a goal for the week. 100 miles of running (161km). I have never been able to dedicate my training 100% to my running as it's always been a balance between riding, running, paddling, and gym work. I figured with less than a month until the Stormy 100 miler I might as well put on the horse blinders and see how my body responded.

Mon 14th: Day off of training

Tue 15th: 5h15m(40km)

Headed out to try and run the first 1/2 of the Knee Knacker course. 'Try' because it's quite a complex little route with many twists and turns, and I am notorious for finding scenic routes while out running new terrain. I hit the top of Black Mtn in 1h15m and Cypress in 1h45m, which was decent. I wasn't racing, and was making mental notes all along the route to ensure that I was 100% confident in it for future, faster attempts. From here however, it all went to shit. Hollyburn Chutes and it was game over...I reached Cleveland Damn in just under 4hr!
There were a few hikers that I passed less than 2km after departing the Cypress area...and they were walking Cleveland Damn up ahead of me as I came in! I turned to them and said,
"Next time I'll just follow the friggin hikers!!"
From here I continued up towards Grouse and eventually onto some trails and back to my place on Lonsdale. A technical and steep 40k route that took just over 5hr to complete. Roxy looked at me with 3km to go and simply stopped to curl up under a tree for a few minutes. It was a hot day and I was pretty shattered afterwards.
-Then out for a 1hr paddle in Deep Cove as part of the Tues night racing series
(day off of work)

Wed 16th: 2hr (20km)
Drive to The Callaghan Valley to lay out my running courses for The Callaghan Crusher on August 24th. This will be the first ever trail race to be held in The Callaghan, which is the site of the 2010 Olympic Nordic events. The course is gonna be beautiful! (day off of work)

Thu 17th: 1h15m (15km)
Out for an evening run with Ryne Melcher, also of Team Montrail - Mountain Hardware. Best running pace I've sustained since getting back on my feet and felt great!

Fri 18th: 1h45m (20km)
Pretty much straight up for 10k and then straight back down. Another solid run

Sat 19th: 3h45m (40km)
Head up to Squamish after work to join a Stormy training run group. Run the first portion of the course. Felt great physically, but had some stomach issues. Was awesome to be running at night with the headlamp on again! The Princeton Tec Apex is like my secret weapon for this race!!

Sun 20th: 4h45m (30km)

After work Jackie and I head out to run a backcountry route through Hanes Valley. Incredible evening, and once again loved the headlamp running after an incredible sunset from the top of Grouse mountain.

TOTALS: 18h45m - 165km

Roxy pretty much sums up how I feel about the week!

I was intending to try to hit the 200km mark for this current week, but after a very tough 45km run yesterday I realized that I might be a little tired from it all. Either way I feel great overall and the main thing is that the injuries are gone and no new ones have popped up to replace them yet!

Took today, Wed off and will get back to it again tomorrow morning. 16 days and counting...maybe the 200k wasn't the smartest idea anyways!

GR

Canadian Mountain Running Championships

2008-07-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend is th Canadian Mountain Running Championships in North Vancouver.
Our Own Ellie Greenwood will be lacing up!

Gary is battered and bruised or I am sure he would. He was riding the 7 day stage race BC Bike Race and suffered a series of mishaps that has put him out for a bit. He'll be back. The rest of us are regrouping!

I am shooting for a couple fall ultras and to prime up fo the Halloween Trail Marathon on the North Shore. This will see the revival of my trail running after a very odd season for me (or lack of one!).

Cheryl Beatty is heading to do a very long trail flash but I have to keep it in the bag until she's does it. It's long, steep, mountainous and should be fun.....in a not fun kind of way!

Western States Cancelled

2008-06-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

...not much more to say. I feel so bad for all the runners, crew, family, volunteers, event coordinators! I can't believe it. Very sad. I know what level of commitment it takes to get ready for this race. The weekends, weeks and months of prep work-gone....sure they can run another race but it won't be THE race....

Miwok and Van Marathon-Team does great

2008-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well, we had runners in tow races this weekend. Ellie Greenwood finishing her road series before getting back on the trail circuit and Gary Robbins, Ryne Melcher, Cheryl Beatty and myself heading down to my favorite race-Miwok 100km.

Miwok 100km is a beautiful course, super well organized and fast. The terrain varies from coastal, to inland heat,amazing views, fast rolling single track.

Gary Robbins had a goal of sub 9, the rest just to run well. I think about 250 started the race and it is always really competitive. When the gun went off, we settled in. I ran with Cheryl Beatty for about 30 km, while Gary and Ryne worked on up ahead. Not coming into this race super prepared for longer distance, I was not sure if I would run more than 50, but I knew the others would be fine.

I ran to 45 and decided that was it for me, I would now become a cheering squad for my friends. Gary Robbins rolled back through the 65 km check in 6th overall, and running very close to the sub 9 hour mark he set. Cheryl and Ryne cruised through. Cheryl was in 5 or 6th and Ryne was looking in rough shape. With encouragement, Ryne set out to finish this bastard.

Off the the finish line I went with Danielle and we waited. Click, there goes the 9 hour mark. Click, Click, Click, runners coming in and no Gary. 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th...Well, Gary had put in a lot of time on some of these folks...I knew something happened. Yes-he missed a turn (people miss it every year) and ran about 11 minutes the wrong way-22 total. Well, it would have been close. At 9:22 he crossed the line in 12th. An excellent race!

Cheryl crossed the line of her first 100 km run in about 10:30. Feeling great. Cheryl has a long adventure racing history and I wil admit I was happy when she told me that was the most suffering she has ever done!! She rocked.

Melcher suffered-a lot. but this was a better victory than many the others. With 50 km and 50 mile times like 3:10 and low 6's 50 milers, ego can often get in the way of finishing. He put it aside, suffered, and finished Miwok '08!

Congrats to the team-next up is the 1/2 Knacker!

Ellie Greenwood decided to lace up for the Vancouver Marathon. I don't have a race report yet but I know she was 3rd woman and ran a 2:55!!

Miwok or umm. Me Walk?

2008-04-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

Well, the team is ready to roll, 4 of us heading to Miwok 100 km next weekend. Gary Robbins will lead the pack out after coming off an amazing Diez Vista 50 km (2nd place). Cheryl Beatty is ready to roll and I think Ryne Melcher is feeling good. That leaves me (beer)......um, errrr, ok, maybe Miwok or me-walk (beer). No excuses (beer), my longs runs have not been so loooong (beer) and I'm just not as fit (beer) as I need to be. But May will be bear down time for Western. I just need to get through Miwok in 1 piece (beer)!

So, let's see Gary take one for the team and Cheryl Beatty roll through her first 100km!

Ellie Run Boston-Miwok Next

2008-04-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

Well Boston marathon is WAY off being a trail race but being THE marathon of all marathons I couldn't resist the temptation to run Bean Town when I herad a few friends were heading over this year. A few friends and a total of 21, 963 other runners, this was not going to be a laid back and low key event. The whole Boston experience is slick , professional and organised to perfection. I arrived a couple of days ahead of time to have a chance to get over the journey and explore a little of the city. This was a great idea as even though we over did it on the sightseeing on the first day (walking is way more exhausting than running!) it meant we had the day before the marathon to chill and enjoy the US womens Olympic Trials. What better way to get into racing spirit other than watching the top US women battle it out for 3 highly coveted places to Beijing - the atmosphere was electric and the crowds have me an idea of what to expect the next day.

Marathon Monday dawned (Boston marathon is always held on Patriot's day - a holiday in Massachuessetts) - though not quite soon enough for us getting up just before 5am - a full 5 hours before the race gun went off. First a shuttle bus to get the the T (as Boston's transit system is called), then a ride on the T to get to the marathon shuttle to transport us to the start. As we all piled on to the school buses we seemed to bear an eary resemblance of prisoners being taken off to be incarcerated! But instead we were deposited near the race start where a whole athlete's village was set up to hold all the runners before being called to the start. We'd lucked out this year and already the sun was begining to come through the clouds and the temperature was rising. One last trip to the portapotty (about half an hour just to get to one!) and we were hearded like cattle into corals of 1000 runners. The corals are based on qualifying time so the better your time, the better your start position.

Despite the crowds I was amazed that it took me less than 10 minuts to get to cross the start line and even my first mile was only about 20 seconds off pace. Soon I settled into a comfortable pace (as this was a training run for Vancouver marathon 2 weeks later) and I began to soak up the whole experience. Supporters lined both sides of the course, usually several rows deep. Kids handed out oranges and popsicles and looked so forlorn at the prospect that you might not high five them, that you just had to. At first I wished I had put my name on my shirt to get more chering as others were getting who had personalised their shirts but after a while i decided that too much sideline support was possible and I just wanted to run without having to feel obliged to smile at each and every stranger that cheered from the sidelines. Just when I thought it could get not get louder I heard a roar in the distance that grew louder and louder - it could only be Wellesley college! Thousands of girls lined the sidewalks quite literally sreaming their heads off! I think it was at about this point I began to wish I had brought my ear plugs!

Boston is a net down hill course and everyine talks of the need to take it easy at the start to avoid trashing your quads, but I think that any trail runnner can safely ignore this advice! Infamous Heartbreak Hill? That mountain that stands at the 21 mile mark? I was half way up it before I even realised it was Heartbreak and I was at the top about 1 minute later. I think 'Heartbreak Molehill' would be a more fitting name for anyone that has run trails!

That said, the last 4 miles were tough. The crowds were loud, the temperarture was peaking and the road was rolling. In addItion as there are mats to track your chip every 5km there is some sort of pressure to keep an even pace rather than just get a good finishing time! It was with welcome relief that I saw the finish banner over Boylston Avenue and made a final push to the end. 3:07:20 after that start I stumbled over the finish, happy to have run a solid race and set a PB.

I would highly recommend Boston as an experience to any runner. To be part of such a huge and prestigious race with the history of Boston is worth it alone. It's not trail running - you should not expect to escape the crowds and find peace and quiet. You should expect a highly organised road race on a course where you feel you have achieved something by just taking part. It's one BIG running celebration and Boston knows how to party!

Ellie Off To Boston

2008-04-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

Keep on eye on the Boston Marathon this coming Monday April 21st, as Team Montrail Canada member Ellie Greenwood takes on the 42.2km course. Go Ellie Go!

8125 Greenwood, Eleanor J. 29 F Vancouver BC CAN GBR

Team Represents at Diez

2008-04-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Through some hard battles and injuries, Team Montrail Canada represented well at Diez Vista.
Gary Robbins ran hard for a 2nd place finish, Aaron Pitt placed 6th and Ryne Melcher ran in hurt at 13. Ellie dominated the field again and cruised into 1st overall.
Individual accounts can be seen below...

Ellie's Ahhhh-bbreviated Diez

2008-04-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

Anyways, few comments on DV. ... It was cold at the start - I was in 3 layers including a waterproof jacket as it had just started to rain and looked threatening weather to come. But the steep uphill at the start warms you up quick and soon runners were spreading out. Pretty slick on the roots on the technical downhills - lots of runners came across the finish line with scrapes from falls though I think all of Team Montrail were fine! Course was marked great - plenty of flagging and awesome volunteers cheering on and providing aid. Up the power line the grey skies, sleet falling and bracken reminded me more of Scotland than Vancouver :) I ran with Ryne for a bit, gaining and losing on each other as we stopped at aid stations etc. Gary must have gained on Aaron (winner) in the last half as after the turn arond where you cross paths with runners ahead Aaron was further ahead. I knew from this point that I was a comfortable distance ahead of the 2nd place woman so could relax and enjoy the run more! (esp seen as Suzanne Evans wasn't competing this year!). Trails in pretty good condition - no snow and not too muddy given the dryish week before. I was glad to knock 10mins of my course PB of 3 years ago. Brightened up to enjoy the BBQ and awards after. Sold oput though I think some people got day of race spots for no shows..

Diez Vista 50k, Gary's Abbreviated Race Report

2008-04-10T18:04:00.001-07:00

I had viewed the registered entrants in the days leading up to the race and noted such runner's as Darin Bentley, Aaron Pitt, and Americans Michael Sanders and defending champ Brian Morrison. My good buddy Aaron Heidt had told me that he intended to head down and attempt the last minute day of entry, and as I was to learn, he was not the only person with this plan in mind. Everyone who showed up for day of entry got in, and rightfully so as the drive to Port Moody and more specifically Sasamat Lake, is not exactly down the street for most people. As I was rushing around tending to last minute bathroom breaks, taking care of my drop bag, and then stressing over whether or not my shoes were tied to loosely I couldn't help but notice how many additional 'ringers' had decided to come out for the 50. Jason Loutitt was there along with Americans Matt Hart and Hal Koerner! This race had gone from being decently competitive to the most competitive ultra I was to have run on Canadian soil!

I had come into this race with a plan, and I was going to stick to it from start to finish, no matter how tough that might be to do! My plan was simple, I was going to start conservatively over the first climb, open up a bit on the first major downhill, concentrate on keeping a good tempo through the flatter mid section of the course, put in a solid but controlled effort on the last significant climb, and effectively safe myself for the final two huge descents into the finish. I knew that if I could just stay smart, and keep my legs fresh for this last stage of the race that I'd end up with a solid result out there.

After about 40k of running I was surprised, but knew I shouldn't have been, to see fellow Squmiash runner Aaron Heidt leading the way! I glanced at my watch to time myself back to that exact spot. I pretty much hit the turn around aid station together with Darin Bentley and Brian Morrison!! I was pumped...but also wondering where the hell some of the other competitors were? I would later learn that unfortunately Hal Koerner and Matt Hart had dropped due to injury, and Jason Loutitt dropped after taking a wrong turn.

Brian had stopped at the aid station just ahead of me and departed immediately before I tagged it and turned. He then lead it out over the climb back up towards the last big downhill and I timed off Aaron Heidt's lead at just over six minutes (I was later told it was as high as 9 min at one point, of course you can never be sure of exactly how precise this info actually is). I am guessing the distance from here to the finish to be about 8km maybe?? Could I make up six minutes in that time frame? Could I overtake and hold off Morrison? Were my legs gonna allow me to hammer the last section like I had been hoping for!?

As this was the out and back section we were also getting a feel for where the rest of the field was in comparison. I had put in a bit of a push to pass Morrison, managed a bit of a gap, and was now in 2nd place. As Aaron Pitt ran past he had a big smile on his face, as did I, and he simply said to me,
"Go get him dude!"

As I spotted the single track switch backs to my left I got excited, this was it, this was what I had been planning my race around, finishing up strong and letting loose over this portion. I popped back a few Thermolytes and leaned into the trail. As people climbed up the trail it only fueled me more to be getting the congrats from other runner's, as of course I shared right back with them.

At the bottom of this first big descent I glanced back to see that I had gained at least a minute over Morrison. I told myself that this was my race, this was my day, I was gonna make this happen, I was going to pull out this win. Right about that time Aaron's brother Kertis biked past. I had seen Kertis earlier in the race as well and he looked at me and said,
"I think you're gonna catch him! You're looking strong and he's hurting! He's only a couple of minutes ahead!"

Aaron's own brother was challenging me to take him down, it was priceless! To learn that I had taken back half of that six minutes in such a short period of time only helped to quicken my pace. I had saved my final two Thermolytes for the last climb of the entire race. My legs were feeling it and I was just hoping they would hold up for the last 5k or so to the finish. I power hiked up and over the last ascent and knew that all I had left was a big fast downhill strewn with decent sized rocks, which makes it somewhat technical, and about 1k of flat lakeside running...oh yeah, and about thirty stairs! What masochist puts the finish line on the upside of a set of freakin stairs!!

I hammered down the road and was constantly hoping to spot Aaron just up ahead. Towards the bottom there are two wide open sections where you can see a few hundred meters ahead, and I though for sure that I'd at least catch a glimpse of him here...but nothing. Aaron is an amazing runner and I knew he was digging deep to take the win on the day. For a fraction of a second I slowed, telling myself that he had me, there wasn't enough course left, then I internally yelled at myself to wake up and continued to leave it all out there. As I came into the final km of the race I was told that Aaron was 2m10s ahead. I knew he had me, but it didn't matter for this was one of the best races of my life. I had run the smartest race of my 'running career' and that in and of itself felt incredible. I continued as heavy a pace as I could sustain along the waterfront, cursed the race director as I climbed the final stairs, and sprinted across the finish line just 1m03s behind Aaron for second place!! I screamed out in elation as I crossed the line in 4h22m50s! Miwok here I come baby!

For my full race report you can hit up my personal blog here.

Congrats to Ellie who won yet again, and Aaron and Ryne for finishing 6th and 13th respectively. Full results here.

Team Represents at Dirty Duo!

2008-03-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

The first weekend of March represent the start of the BC Ultra Series. The Dirty Duo host a wide range of distances. 25km run, 50 km run, 25 km run/ride, and various other combinations.

With Ryne Melcher having the dreadful flu that was going around, Gary Robbins being injured there were 4 of us left. As an ultra distance race, this is a tough race to be ready for. Early in the season, usually rainy and dreary and sloppy. With one week before the race, much of the trails were covered by snow! Unusual for the North Shore. This year has been an EPIC year for snow-hence my (Dom) obscene amount of time spent on skis and maybe not enough time spent on trail runners...

I was using this as a training run-meaning not race ready so have to run slow. I did do a 4 hour run Friday night before the race so no problem there. But Aaron, Ellie and Cheryl seemed very ready to roll.

The 50 km gun went off, and the women were out fast. I knew there would be a great battle between Cheryl, Ellie and team Solomon's Jenn Segger. (Jenn Segger left, Ellie Greenwood right) This course is two loops with some classic west coast gnarl. To paraphrase an ex-team Montrail athlete-Bruce Grant; classic west coast piece of S*#t trail. We love it. Well, when the dust cleared, it was Ellie Greenwood who dropped the hammer in the last 10 km and finished 1st women and Cheryl Beatty ran the whole race smiling and finished 3rd. Ellie was 2nd overall (men and women) and Cheryl Beatty was 6th. Jenn Segger finished between our two Montrail Athletes.

In the 25 km, Aaron Pitt ran a very hard race. Racing against a couple very fast road runners, he finished top 3 to make the podium! He said if he had of had his new Highlanders he would have finished 2nd...

The Team will be taking part in the Run the Shore Series Sponsored by Montrail and host by North Shore Athletics.

Team Montrail Canada Trail Running Team Bios

2008-03-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

Aaron Pitt: 34
Birth Place: Victoria, BC
Resides in: North Vancouver
Runs in: Montrail Highlander, Montrail Streak
Favorite Trail: "The Bench" Hornby Island, Baden Powell-North Vancouver
Favorite Terrain: Gnarrrrrrly
Has taken over for Dom as the official team Hippy!

Cheryl Beatty: 34
Birth Place: Windsor, ON
Resides in: Deep Cover (North Vancouver)
Runs in: Montrail Continental Divide
Favorite Trail: Can't pick just one-Howe Sound Crest Trail, Juan de Fuca, Black Tusk...many more
Favorite Terrain: Hills, Hills and more hills!

Dom Repta: 34
Birthplace: Hamilton, ON
Resides in: Vancouver
Runs in: Montrail Highlander, Streak, Continental Divide
Favorite Trail: Diez Vista, Howe Sound Crest Trail, Secret Trail
Favorite Terrain: Roots, Rock...you know the rest

Ellie Greenwood: 28
Birthplace: Across the pond-UK
Resides in: Vancouver
Runs in: Montrail Highlander, Streaks
Favorite Trail: Baden Powell
Favorite Terrain: Anything fast!

Gary Robbins: 31
Birthplace: St. Johns, NFLD
Resides in: Squamish
Runs in: Montrail Hardrock, Streak
Favorite Trail: Alice Lake Network, Lynn Valley Trails, Rubble Creek
Favorite Terrain: STEEP, technical, bad ass descents!

Ryne Melcher: 29
Birthplace: East Lancing, Michigan, USA
Resides in: North Vancouver
Runs in: Montrail Continental Divide, Highlander, Hardrock
Favorite Trail: Still searching through the west coast madness
Favorite Terrain: Anything that does not start with 4000 vertical ascent (rules out most west coast trails)