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
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Team Members heading East!
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
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
Monday, August 18, 2008
Team just waiting to sign new athlete
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.
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!
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!
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!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Team Rocks Stormy!!
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Gary's first 100 mile week
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
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
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Canadian Mountain Running Championships
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!
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!
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