Across The Pond

No amount of research could’ve prepared me for my experience last August as a participant in the 2010 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc®.
According to the race’s official website, www.ultratrailmb.com, the UTMB® is “the original and queen of the (four) races” sponsored by North Face®. The site boasts it as “…a great epic in a magical environment” and adds, “(It’s) the race that every runner should finish at least once in their life.”
The course passes through three countries: France, Switzerland and Italy. The Mont Blanc range itself features seven valleys, 71 glaciers, and 400 summits. The race covers 166km (the equivalent of four marathons) and has 9,500 meters (31,168 feet) of positive height gain.
On a whim, I decided to submit an application to participate. Since 45 percent of UTMB® applicants would be denied, I understood my chances of acceptance were slim, and was surprised to get the news of my successful entry.
With only__ weeks from my decision to pursue entry to the start of the race, preparation time was minimal, but I readied as always did: I researched weather conditions, studied the race route’s terrain, and carefully calculated what foodstuffs I’d need to consume to achieve the right balance of calories and carbs. I also gathered the clothing, safety equipment, and other supplies I’d need for maximum performance. I even secured a mild sedative since I’m not a big fan of air travel.
I packed my gear, said goodbye to my family, and headed off to France.
Delta wined and dined us on the 10½ hour flight aboard the biggest airplane I’d ever seen. We touched down around 5:30 p.m. on August ___?___ then boarded a shuttle to the hotel.
I tried to enjoy the scenery and take in the sites of France- an effort proved impossible by the overwhelming fear of death that gripped me as our shuttle driver navigated narrow streets at breakneck speeds through rush-hour traffic. I was amazed we didn’t hit anyone!
The terrifying hour-long adventure ended with the abrupt arrival at our hotel. With a sigh of relief, we exited the shuttle and finally touched our feet on solid ground.

After a good night’s sleep, we scouted out the area and studied the race route. I’d been told everyone in this part of the world uses trekking poles so I’d brought my own- a set won in a drawing at the Hard Rock 100 in July2010 My first time using trekking poles was a real eye-opener. The rugged terrain was more easily navigated with the poles’ utility and I was glad I brought them.
As an ultra-runner with more than seven years of training and thirty-plus 100-milers under my belt, the typical challenges and anxiety that come with the race experience were very familiar to me: building endurance by dedicating every bit of extra time to heavy training, pushing through bad weather, overcoming rugged terrain, fighting off the aches and pains of prior injuries, etc.
No matter how many runs I’ve done, each one brings excitement that build as the race date approaches. Quelling the butterflies of excitement trying to sleep the night before a big race, pushing through hordes of excited runners all eager to gain the lead, running hard despite inclement weather,
The biggest challenge over our first few days was figuring out the terrain and city accommodations and the weather. Thick cloud coverage, 20-foot visibility and chilling winds combined to create an iciness I’ve never experienced anywhere in the West. The snowiest peaks in Utah and the frostiest winds of Denver never produced such an all over numbing, bitter chill. Race coordinators know the risk factors associated with such weather and warn runners of the risks; even going so far as to require all participants to sign a waiver certifying personal mental and physical capability.
For me, a guy used to 5 a.m. starts, the race’s evening start time made for a long day of anticipation. The live music and palpable energy were fun, but I admit it got boring wandering the quaint streets, killing time waiting for the race to start.
We did enjoy spending a portion of our time abundance with some of the German and French ultra-runners. Additionally, it was an honor to visit with …Mika Hoka? Owner of Hoka OneOne, a revolutionary shoe company originally based in France.
As the start time finally approached, we wound our way through 2,300 runners to get as close to the front as possible. With that many people, the public, pacers, and other volunteers, a position toward the back of the line meant an additional two hours of walking just to get to the starting line. We were in the middle and knew the race began when cheers from the crowds signalled the race had begun.
I wound through a service road with Jody Chase, a friend and occasional running companion. We ran together for the first 8-10 miles before we split up. Around 10 p.m., I arrived at Saint-Gervais, the first major aid station
The first sign something was wrong was the sight of hordes of runners on their cell phones milling about in the rain. More focused runners tried to push through the station but were held back.
We learned there’d been a major landslide about further up the trail. I waited with hundreds of other confused runners for news of a rerouting. The information we received was sporadic and sketchy. After 1½ hours, we were told to return to our hotels. That was it. The race was over.

We were stunned that such an event could end something we’d prepared for so carefully. There’d been so much time, money, and energy spent on an adventure that was over almost as quickly as it began.
After overcoming our shock and disappointment us Speed goat team members found each other despite the confusion. We took the provided trains back to Chamonix. Around 3 a.m, we got the news- a make-up bus leaving would be leaving for Coumayeur, Italy at 6:30 a.m. Thought we were exhausted at the thought of starting over in just a few hours, we put on our wet shoes, re-gathered our supplies, and mentally prepared ourselves to go on.
The Italian version of the race was less eventful but certainly more challenging. The false start in Chamonix just hours before knocked me out of race mode. Waiting for the start in Italy was rough. We were fed well, but housed in a large ski lodge-type building with mats laid out all over the floor for hundreds of us to take turns napping.
The events of the re-race were typical: cold, dreary weather, and rough terrain. The decreased elevation was helpful and I finished . Cory took the restart of UTMB in Courmayeur and finished 410, we met him after the race and even though he's a little deceived of not having run the full tour, he's really pleased by this experience and will for sure come back in a couple of years.” Big up Cory!”taken from Petzels web sight.

There were many memorable moments of this experience. I was surprised by the obvious differences between American ultra-runners and their European contemporaries. French runners took smoke breaks along the trail. Novel aid station offerings included: bread, cheese, sausage, and hard-boiled eggs.
My adventures in Chamonix made one thing clear: when it comes to this sport-- the challenges, the risks, the aches and pains… all these negatives pale in comparison to the positives. The lure of ultra-running remains constant, powerful, and intense… and so, I persevere. Essentially, what draws me back to race again and again are the same things that compel every ultra-runner: a determination to push my body to its limits, the thrill of the competition, and the satisfaction gained from setting, and reaching, goals others wouldn’t attempt in an entire lifetime.
We’re a unique bunch, that’s for certain. Not many groups are so devoted to an activity that can be brutal as it is rewarding, but ultra-running isn’t a choice anymore; it gets in your blood and becomes part of who you are. Ultimately, the pure, absolute love of the sport is at the core of every ultra-runner… and when everything is said and done, that’s all that really matters.


Article Writen by Wendy Green:

UTMB racer profile: Utah's Cory T. Johnson

Interview of Cory be the Petzel team in France: Cory T. Johnson, 45, had set out to run the Ultra-Trail Tour du Mont-Blanc, but because it was cancelled, he changed plans and is now running the 98km alternative CCC.

This is Cory's first to Europe and he's quite impressed: "This place is totally amazing, such high mountains with glaciers. I like the beautiful architecture of Chamonix and people here are so lean," he said.

A native of Ogden, Utah, Cory is the owner of the second largest auto body repair shop in the state. He is a member of the Wasatch Speed Goats team and runs about 2300 miles a year. He runs between four and seven 100 mile races a year along with several 50 mile races. Cory placed 18th on the Hard Rock 100 in Colorado and 12th in the Bear 100 (Utah/Idaho).

He finds the terrain in the Alps a little different than his home training grounds. "The terrain here is less technical that in the Wasatch mountains."

Cory is definitely not afraid of running after the sun sets. "Night running is definitely my thing, I train almost every morning before going to work, whatever the weather. Running at night is my strong point - I feel better and go faster," he said

He runs with the MYO XP BELT with an E+LITE for a back-up. But, "In case the weather is bad, I will for sure pull out my ULTRA. It's such an incredible headlamp in terms of power," he said.

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Petzl Cory took the restart of UTMB in Courmayeur and finished 410, we met him after the race and even though he's a little deceived of not having run the full tour, he's really pleased by this experience and will for sure come back in a couple of years. Big up Cory !
August 29, 2010 at 9:05am.

Squawpeak 50 Mike

The race went well for me after the first 16 miles; I am unclear as to why? However was pleased with my 8th finish .The conditions were very good for the most part. There were some times that the heat became very evident often times like a sauna. But as soon as the heat became so intense I would go through the trees and was cooled down. I met some new people along the way and enjoyed running with them. I was trying for the first time a mix called Citomax,I am now a believer of the product. Nothing against any other .Tom Remkeys and Matt Connors uses this as well and they have been trying to get me to use the product for some time now, but have never listened to them until before the race. I can see how it feels to run an ultra without cramping in anyway. As the race progressed into mile 40 just after the highest point of the race, Windy pass I began the funniest part of the race for me because its got the most snow and or mud its fast its technical and challenging because of the rocks and ruts and challenges of each turn. The last three miles are on the oil and this year was different than most, I actually ran the entire way without any issues. The finish line was very eventful because my family was there too welcome me for a job well done. I enjoyed the visiting with some very good friends of mine and all who are very fast in their efforts of racing ultras Tom Remkies Matt Conners Karl Meltzer Scott Mason and many others that possess the same. Off to Hard Rock 100...

Timp marathon

For the past two weeks I have not ran had a new injury that I have not experienced until now, it was on my right ankle after two weeks off and a visit or two to the physical therapist Korryne Weise who owns “Body Tune I went and ran the mountain marathon called “Timp marathon “it was on the Wasatch front above a town called Timpanogos, south of salt lake city and north of Provo. The run started at six in the morning. My friends Remkes and wife Jamie and Matt Conner’s all of which are some of Utah’s fastest ultra runners drove down with me. The weather was rain and high in the mountains fresh Utah snow. The run was about the best any ultra runner could hope for, the conditions along with the beauty of the mountains. My quads and calf muscles kept locking up on me .@)&%#!!...i took every E-cap I had on me along with recover rite mix I had on me along with about ten bottles of water during the 5:55 hour run. But apparently it was not enough. Tom afterwards while setting around says as he pulled out one of his two water bottles” I guess I better start drinking my water huh?” I look at him with a glare. Tom Matt and I went back out on the course to hook up with Jamie and ran in with her. We guessed it was about four more miles. So another run behind me and gearing up for Squaw Peak 50 mile run in two weeks.

How far are we going today dad”?
I respond to my two 14 year old girls’ who are twins. “Oh just about 5 or 6 miles”. And then about 4 miles into the race Celeste Collman recognizes the girls and said. ”Oh my heck are you two really running the whole 19 miles?” my twin girls Clarissa and Catrina both look at me in mid stride and said.”19 miles”!! With a big old grin on there faces, they knew they had been had by there dad once again.
Catrina is out of the two a bit more aggressive in her activities than Clarissa is, so I told Catrina too run your own race”, she takes off and pretty soon she is out of sight. So I ran with Clarissa and about 8 miles into the run we catch up with Catrina, we both say to each other she has got be injured? Sure enough we asked her if anything was wrong. She said my right foot hurts. So I tell her to just run with us. she does and we ended up all running most of the race together, that is until Clarissa takes off ahead of us and ends up coming to the finish line about 10 min ahead of me and Catrina. This was a good boost for Clarissa. She just broke her collar bone about a month ago and here she is running her first 30-K
Later after arriving home I looked at Catrina’s foot and to my surprise it’s a big old blistor,”Ha if I would of known that during the race I would have pushed her harder”.
This was my first time I ran in an official race with my girls, eventhough we all ran bandit” John from Striders knew about it before we started the event and he gave us his approval, we are doing trade work. I am painting his Bronco and he lets me run Bandit

Another Horny Run!

Just five days after the American river 50 mile run, I took the day off to go spend a day in some of Utah's Most remote back country around. the trails were covered in snow and I was able to run the length of it until I reached the reservoirs inlet crossed the river which was very cold. the rest of the run was motley up hill and was very muddy. I still felt strong, with a 20 pound pack on my back I quite surprised myself". the overall adventure was 22 miles and I was able to score my biggest shed antler yet. Of course the trip included a 15 manpower nap"..by the time I reached the truck I could tell I was starting to feel my body was in need of some rest.

American River 50 Mile

From Sacramento to Auburn. I left Wednesday night with Marc Coleman, one of Utah's most dedicated runners. We stayed Wednesday night in Wells NV in the Motel 6. We left the next morning at 6am and went to the local eating house Bella's which serves the best hogg meat and hen eggs around. We then drove to Elko NV and stopped to visit a local business man, and friend. He owns Top Gun Auto Body. We made are way to Sacramento California Thursday night. The next day we hooked up with the speed goat team members Tom Remkes and Monica Ochs. Saturday morning at the race I made my way to the front line and saw Monica Ochs ready to race. The race went well. I had lots of energy. It was my fastest American River to date. I ran it in 9 hours 9 minutes. Tom ran the race in 7 hours 49 minutes. Monica was just minutes behind Tom.