Team Pearl Izumi - Smith

Palo Duro 50k

admin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:40:07 +0000

The 2008 Palo Duro 50k is in the books. Team Pearl Izumi-Smith’s very own Paul DeWitt finished 4th in a time of 7:42.32. A great result and a good prep for his assault on the JFK. Below is Paul’s recap.

Palo Duro 50M Race Report

Palo Duro Canyon, TX

Oct 18, 2008

My local running group, called CRUD (Coloradans Running Ultra Distances) tries to pick one event per year that is out of town for a road trip. This year we decided to go down to Palo Duro Canyon, which is about 30 miles south of Amarillo, for the Palo Duro 50KM/50M event. While I had never run it, several CRUDers had run it over the years, including 2 of our members who are former 50M winners. Both those guys, Ted Bidwell and Rick Hessek, along with about 6 other runners, a volunteer, and numerous family and friends headed down for the weekend. As an added bonus, one of our runners now living in Texas was meeting us for the race and was celebrating his 40^th birthday.

The canyon is quite impressive, particularly considering the drab flatlands you drive through in the panhandle of west Texasto get there. The canyon is a state park and most of us camped and enjoyed a very nice weekend of eating and drinking, interrupted by a 50 mile jaunt through the canyon. The longtime RD of the race, Red Spicer, died earlier this year but many of the same volunteers who had been involved over the past 20 years kept the race going and dedicated the event to Red. For the 50 Miler, the course consists of 4 x 12.5 mile loops which are gently rolling and all on single track.

We started in the dark, which lasted for about the first 30 minutes, but enjoyed a great sunrise shining on the red cliffs of the canyon. I had only run about 10 times since the Leadville 100 where I paced Rick Hessek to a sub 20 hour finish, so was just going to try to keep up with him as long as possible. He won the race 3 years ago so knew the course well. In the dark, I lost him and got just a bit ahead of him where I settled in with the leaders of the race. There were several guys and it seemed like they all were fairly young and new to ultras, which is always nice to see. There is a short out and back at 6 miles and Rick was just 30 seconds back so I knew he’d catch up before too long. At the end of the first lap, I was with the 2 leaders and we came through in 1:46. I was shooting for sub 8:00 so that was a bit faster than I should have run, but I still felt very comfortable. On the 2^nd lap, things started heating up a bit and I let the 2 guys go ahead. I finished the 2^nd lap in the exact same 1:46 so now had a big cushion on 8 hours. Which was good because the grim reality of running 50 miles when not in shape was catching up with me! I took a few walking breaks on this lap, and Rick caught up and passed me at 32 miles. I also passed one of the early leaders so was still in 3^rdplace, and then right before the end of the lap was passed by Scott Eppelman to put me in 4^th. I did the 3^rd lap in 2:01 so I knew I’d break 8:00 but it was not a fun 4^th lap. I was expecting to be caught by more people but stayed in 4^th the whole way to finish in 7:42. Scott was about 5 minutes ahead of me for 3^rd, Rick was 2^nd in 7:32, and the winner ran about 7:25 but I didn’t catch his name. I believe it was his first ultra so he did a great job obviously.

All the CRUD runners finished, including 3 first time ultra runners so it was a great weekend all-around. The low-key, friendly atmosphere of the Texasultrarunners who hosted the race makes it one I’ll be back for again.

Take care,

Paul

World of Hurt 50k

admin — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:29:57 +0000

As the 2008 season winds down, there are still a few solid races left on the calendar. This weekend in Boulder City, NV, expect the dust to fly at the World Of Hurt 50k. This is a great race and has a little prize money to boot. There is a 50k and a 25k for a little variety.

Our very own Josh Brimhall will be there and after a 2nd place finish last year, he is hungry for more. Looking at the other runners-there is no shortage of solid athletes. We have a few legends in Scott Jurek, Hal Koerner and Ian Torrence. There is also some very recognizable names Susannah Beck, Jenn Shelton and Justin Ricks to name a few. It is sure to be an exciting race with some pretty fast times. The race is sponosored by Pearl Izumi too……

Good Luck to all and for some of us, a great time to rest up after a long year and watch these runners torch the course.

Furnace Creek 508- Lisa’s 810

admin — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:21:37 +0000

If you’ve ever read Kirk Johnson’s book “To the Edge” about his experience running Badwater, you’ll see that he calls Lisa “The Sphynx of Badwater”.

Now she’s off to the Furnace Creek 508, also known as the Toughest 48 Hours in Sports. It’s an apt title. The course has a total elevation gain of over 35,000′, crosses ten mountain passes, and stretches from Santa Clarita (just north of Los Angeles), across the Mojave Desert, through Death Valley, to Twenty Nine Palms. Though she’ll be officially running as the “Empress Penguin” we’re sure “The Sphynx of the 508″ will be featured when a book about the 508 comes around.

Joining her at the 508 will be the mega-mile man, Joe DeSena. Afflicted with the same disorder as Lisa, he seems unable to be content with the race director’s decision of the starting line. So he’s decided to do a little warm-up ride from New York to the Furnace Creek 508 start. Just under 2,800 miles, it took him 14 days. You can read about it on his friend Chris Mitchell’s blog. He too is raising money for AIDS Orphans Rising, and you can donate at www.active.com/donate/USAjoe

To date, Lisa’s 810 has brought in $435,000 since May 1st; our goal is $500,000. You can donate here.

Way to go Lisa, now got get those 508 miles! Good Luck and Gods speed!

GTR report from Josh

admin — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:56:37 +0000

The Grand Teton Races take place in Alta, Wyoming, just over the border of Idaho. After spending 6 days visiting family in Salt Lake City and adjusting to some higher altitude in preparation for the race, I made the 4-½ hour drive up. Going into the race I felt relaxed and comfortable with my training.

The 100-mile race begins on Saturday morning, with the 50-mile race commencing just 1 hour later on the same course. The scenic course consists of four, 25-mile loops through the Targhee Forest. The course has its ups and downs literally and figuratively. Each loop contains long, steep climbs and descents along with some short, stumpy hills for good measure. As with any loop course, you are constantly seeing other runners. Sometimes I was unsure if I was passing a 50 mile runner or a 100 mile runner, which made the race both exciting and frustrating at times.

It was great to see such wonderful aid station placement. The longest distance between each station was a mere 3.8 miles. In hindsight I would have probably been just fine carrying only one bottle. Three times per loop the runners would pass the “main” aid station, where there would be a massage table, bathrooms and ample food and beverages to consume. Thankfully, two very professional ultra runners Jay and Lisa Smith Batchen organize the race. The Batchens are two of the nicest people that I have had the pleasure of meeting and accomplished runners in their own right.

As the day wore on and the temperatures increased to 88 degrees, some runners slowed in anticipation of cooler weather to come later. Unfortunately, it came in buckets of water. I was lucky enough to finish before the torrential rains came sometime in the early Sunday morning hours. I was pleased with my overall time and win, but I still have a lot to learn at the 100-mile distances. I look forward to the next one with an ample amount of respect for the distance.

As for some of the equipment that I used during the race: 1 pair of Pearl Izumi Peak X/C’s with no blisters-most likely due to ample amounts of Body Glide used on my feet, about 20-25 Vanilla Hammer Gels, about 200oz. of Heed electrolyte drink, Smith Haven sunglasses, two Nathan Hydration handheld bottles.

Josh Brimhall takes the Grand Teton 100 miler

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:02:54 +0000

Our very own Josh Brimhall ran away with the Grand Teton 100 mile race in 19:59. Way to go Josh!

Keep checking back for a race report from Josh on his win in the Tetons!

Grand Teton Races

admin — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:49:59 +0000

GTR is on tap for Labor Day weekend. Located in the beautiful Teton mountains, GTR has a distance for everyone from 100 mile, 50 mile, a trail marathon and of course the kids runs (1/4 to 1/2 mile).

This race is family friendly and how can you beat the Tetons. Lisa and Jay Batchen RD the race so you know you are in for a treat. With proceeds going to great causes and guest speakers such as Sister Mary Beth, this is a race you can’t miss.

Our very own Josh Brimhall will be there to run in the 100 miler..Go get em Josh and good luck.

Visit GTR @ http://www.dreamchaserevents.com/gtr/index.htm

Visit to Pearl Izumi

admin — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:00:59 +0000

I flew in a couple days before Leadville 100 so that Scott Jaime and myself could drive up to Louisville, Colorado and visit our good friends at Pearl Izumi. What a visit it was! We got the grand tour of thefacility and met all the people who make it happen for Pearl Izumi and our new endurance team.

We had the privilege of looking over the new line for 2009 and let me just say…BRAVO! The new footwear is incredible. Pearl Izumi has truly done an amazing job of tweaking and fine tuning the line. I am a huge fan of the Seek so when I saw the new stuff I was like a kid in a candy store. The Peak has a new color-black and it is sweet. Not only a top notch light weight shoe but looks great to boot. Reviews to follow, keep checking back.

The apparel and accessory line for 2009 is off the charts as well. Pearl Izumi has something for everyone from form fitting to loose, from long sleeve to sleeveless, from men specific to women specific.

We sat down and discussed the future and direction of the team and we are all go! Pearl Izumi has been great both people and product. Thank you and keep up the amazing work.

Keep and eye out for the team in 2009, you won’t be able to miss us.

If you are interested in being part of the team, drop me an email aric@teampearlizumi-smith.com

Cheers!

Leadville 100

admin — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:36:19 +0000

Leadville 100 - 5th 20.29

Greetings from sunny Florida…… yeah right! If there’s anything I’ve learned from running ultras is that plans should be flexible and to expect the unexpected. We arrived here in Orlando on Monday along with Hurricane/T.S. Fay. It seems as though I brought the fowl weather with me from Leadville. The great thing is that I get to spend quality time with the family in the hotel room as Fay passes over.

Believe it or not as I heard the weather report for Leadville I was happy - happy because only the toughest survive in austere conditions usually separating the contenders from pretenders. 560 some odd signed up for Leadville this year but I heard numbers in the 300’s that showed up at the start line. Of that only 42% finished (186), one of the lowest finishing rate in Leadville history.

As I checked into the race I mingled with other runners and friends, several of which had asked me if I thought I could win since Tony Krupicka was not running. I realize I’ve been running strong but I never consider winning any race, I only think about running against my own ghost and beating down the demons that try to take me down. I’m never the most talented runner in a race (including Leadville) so I quickly pooh-poohed anyone who put me in that position. I told anyone who asked my expectation was only to get a PR on the course. My previous in 2006 was 21.27 so I would be happy with anything less, especially considering the conditions.

I recognized several names to include: Duncan Callahan, Zeke Teirnan, Andy Skruka, and Rick Hessek, who are all talented runners and would be tough to hang with over 100 myles. The only one of the four that had proved themselves at 100 myles was Rick Hessek and usually comes on strong late.

Before I begin my recollection of the race I want you all to know that I had a TREMENDOUS support crew in Leadville, no different than any other 100 but the conditions made for a miserable time for the crew. Aric Manning (friend and Pearl Izumi/Smith team manager) flew out from Utah to lead up my crew. His role included going on a training run with me around the lake on Thursday, putting up with my erratic state on Friday, waking up at 2 a.m. to get me to the start line, go to every possible aid station, pace me from Twin Lakes to Fish, meet me at the finish line, and then basically dress/undress me in my delusional state after the race . Next is my father in law, Rick Robinson -talk about solid as a rock! Rick called me on Friday and said he was driving out to help out in any way shape or form. I couldn’t believe it! Driving 8 hours, sleeping in his car, and driving around to all the aid stations with Aric to make sure that all my needs were taken care of. Rick has been to almost every race I have ever done in 5 years. He has seen me at my worst - he has seen at my best. He knows how to gage my state as I enter the aid stations. Needless to say I was well taken care of. In addition I’d like to give a big “thank you” to Brian Fisher for not only being a good friend but also for putting me, my crew, and my family up in his cabin! My wife, kids, and mom all came up late Saturday to show their support but because of the bad weather I only wanted them to spectate but their support is just as vital.

At 4 a.m. on Saturday it wasn’t raining all that hard but it didn’t matter because I knew at some point it would. I ran down the boulevard with about 20 runners and some of us were talking, trying to make everyone laugh but most people seemed to be in a bad mood. Joe Kulak was running right next to me and began to feel ill down the boulevard. Joe flew in from Philly the day before so from 0 ft to 10,000 ft altitude in 10 hours can have that effect on anyone but Joe is the only one that I know of that can endure that state for 20 + hours. As we rounded the lake my stomach was upset thus I had to bolt into the bathroom. Next I twisted my ankle (again) as we approached May Queen and then had to stop at the bathroom again. I made it to May Queen in 1.48, which is what I wanted. After that the only other split that I really wanted to hit was Winfield.

For the next 20 or so myles I was running with Zeke Tiernan and Duncan Callahan. A couple more stops in the bathroom which is not normal for me so something wasn’t right in the stomach. It rained off and on for the Colorado trail segment and I started to get a little wet underneath. I felt strong as I sat behind those two, hoping that they would battle and tire out. Turns out they both were strong all day and ran very smart.

As efficient as my crew was I only spent about 10 minutes in all aid stations. Having said that, I left Twin lakes in 1st place and that is something I didn’t want. I have a tendency to overdo it because I’m feeling good and don’t want to disappoint. I climbed Hope with Andy Skruka at a very rapid pace. Little did I know that Andy was an extraordinary fast hiker (great western loop). I got to Winfield in 8.40, which was about 5 minutes faster than I wanted to so I slowed up a bit and cruised down Winfield road. Then it all started to happen….

Last time I ran Leadville, the wheels literally came off on Hope inbound. And just like last time I slowed down but didn’t realize how slow I was going until 4 runners (and their pacers) passed me towards the top of Hope, all within 3 minutes. I had loaded up on potatoes and gels so I knew that I wouldn’t feel bad for long. By the time I got to Twin lakes I was starting to feel better but the legs felt dead and the stomach still wasn’t right.

Aric picked me up and really helped me keep the pace by having me run all the flats and downs and hike fast on the ups. I really needed that! By the time Aric dropped me off at Fish Hatchery I was feeling much better and was hoping to have some magic left in the legs…. didn’t happen. I realized that in order for me to go under 20 hours I would have to smoke the last 23 myles. By the time I got to the top of power line I knew that was out of reach so from this point on I cruised in. Although when I left May Queen I had thought I heard a runner coming in and so I gave it an all out effort to the boat ramp - 57 minutes.

In the end, 5th place with a time of 20.29. I’m extremely satisfied with the result! Those 4 out in front of me ran solid all the way in. I thought for sure someone would blow up but they ran very smart and I congratulate all of them! In fact, I congratulate all who finished! This race basically concludes my racing year for 2008. I’ve done some solid running and feel like I have evolved into a better Scott Jaime. Not only in the form of running but as a father, husband, son, and friend. I appreciate all those around me who have supported me in any way - you all help me become who I am. I will be there any time you call upon me

Mountain RATS

admin — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:02:35 +0000

Scott Jaime was at it again. After a grueling Desert Stage race, Scott and Allen squared off in the mountains.

Scott came away with the win on the men’s side while Helen Cospolich cruised to a women’s victory. Here is how Fast Eddy’s race unfolded. See full results here.

Mountain RATS 1st - 10.56

Three weeks ago I completed the race of my life at Hard Rock. I gave it everything I had and knew that the recovery process would be slow. Unfortunately I didn’t have time before my next race - Mtn RATS stage race in Steamboat Springs, CO. In fact, one week before the race I went out for a 16 mile run that ended very poorly and contemplated dropping out. I came to the conclusion that this race would be a great training week leading up to Leadville thus I would do it as “training” not racing. Besides Derek Griffiths from Colorado Runner Magazine sponsored Brian Fisher and myself so we felt obligated to give a good race report in return.

There was only one problem as using this race as a “training” week: Allen Belshaw! Allen and I battled it out at Desert RATS in June and I knew that he was going to be fast, not to mention he trains on this course everyday. I decided to let my body be the guide, if I didn’t have it then don’t compete. I still didn’t know even as the shuttle dropped us off at the start line; I never know how my run is gonna go until I start.

DAY 1 - 7.8 myles 2200 ft of climbing

The horn sounded and Allen sprinted off the line! SPRINTED! Some people laughed, some hooted, others groaned, I simply smiled not taking him serious.

At Desert RATS in June Allen and I had worked out a strategy to help each other up to a certain point and who ever had it in the end - had it. On one of the short stages we agreed to run together and not take it out on each other to preserve for the long day as not much time couldn’t be gained on this stage. At the beginning of that day I sprinted out and everyone laughed as I dropped back and ran with Allen.

Back to Mtn RATS: during the pre-race I had asked Allen how the first stage was, “all uphill on a dirt road”. And again, short enough that the extra effort was for minimal gain. So that is why I smiled and laughed as Allen sprinted…. the only problem was that he was serious and was not slowing down. He had felt the weight of my pack as I did his. His pack was extremely light and mine a ton, comparatively speaking. Allen is no dummy!

Having complete respect for Allen’s running ability even a 30 second lead could be insurmountable in the end. I decided to catch him and run with him as long as I could. I soon realized I was anaerobic and could not hold on - Allen was cookin‘ - I had no choice but to try and keep him in sight. In the end, Allen finished in 1.13:42 with me in tow 20 seconds behind. The only difference at this point is that I was trashed and Allen seemed fresh. This could turn into a training run after all.

DAY 2 - 24.4 myles 3900 ft climbing, 5300 ft downhill

From the beginning Allen and I took off with Brian Fisher in tow. We immediately climbed to 10,300 ft running along the CDT for 7 myles, we must of been clocking 7:30 min/mile. I was feeling much better this day and decided to hang on for as long as I could. This time Allen dropped me going down a steep 3 mile rocky decent and I really lost hope at that point. Somehow I caught Allen by the next aid station, in a hurry he left w/o filling up with water. I didn’t know it at the time but he was completely out of water and began to slow. I sped up descending to the next aid - looked behind - Allen was not in sight. At that point I realized I could make up 20 seconds and make it a race again. Little did I know it was uphill for the final 5 myles and I suffered. I limped in just under 3.33, Allen 2 minutes behind. Again I was trashed and didn’t think I could keep it up. The trick to these stage races is quick recovery and the only way to do that is fluids, recovery drink, calories, and rest. With us having to carry all of our food and equipment on our back - these things would be limited.

DAY 3 - 24.4 myles 5300 ft climbing, 3900 ft downhill

Back the way we came. That meant 5 myles of downhill right away and since Allen had taken off so quickly the two previous days I thought the same for this day. I had warmed up pretty good in anticipation. To my surprise (again), Allen started off much slower and even more of a surprise was my legs felt good. I took a huge risk and took the pace out pretty fast for the first 6 myles, at which point I had a one minute lead. I had no idea what was in store for me thus had many questions but I took that chance. Believe it or not, I only got stronger as the day went on. Maybe it was the simple fact that I was running scared knowing that Allen is much tougher than I am; he has proved it many times before in longer races. The adrenaline fed my legs and carried me to the finish in 3.39, 16 minutes before Allen.

DAY 4 - 17.5 myles 2600 ft climbing, 3800 ft downhill

Even with an 18 minute lead I was extremely nervous all night. Allen had said the night before in any event that he believes he can win, even if it’s virtually impossible to do so. I think that’s a great attitude to have, which makes me only respect him more. To top things off, the last day the leader is sent out like a rabbit and the rest to chase. Great! Anything can happen and all I need to do is take one wrong turn and all is washed away. Allen was great explaining all the turn offs to me, ensuring I didn’t get lost. In the end I finished the last day in 2.30 and didn’t take any wrong turns. Ryan Cooper, Brian Fisher, and Allen soon followed. It was close battle for 3rd place as well between Ryan and Brian - results here.

So this “training” week turned out to be a “racing” week and can only hope this will help me run better at Leadville in two weeks. I recommend this race to anyone who is looking for an adventure, an experiment, spectacular scenery, camaraderie, or anyone who just likes to camp and can handle a few myles.

TOTAL - 74.1 myles 14,000 ft climbing, 13,000 ft downhill

White River 50

admin — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:57:15 +0000

The White River 50 has some spectacular views, however, if you go to win it you may not have the time to see it all. The USATF event is attracting speed. Take a look at the times over the years and the names. Pretty amazing. Michael Wardian won the men’s division while Susannah Beck not only won the women’s side but set a course record along the way.

Josh Brimhall of Team Pearl Izumi-Smith (7th overrall) was there and here is what he had to say:

This year’s edition of the White River 50 Mile National Trail Championship was a great example of the changing sport of Ultrarunning. Overall, I am pleased with my time but disappointed with my placing. This is my second time running this race in the past three years, and I have yet to run the time I believe I am capable of on this course.

The course however is top notch. Scott McCoubrey goes out of his way to provide an excellent layout of trails, plentiful aid stations, and a competitive atmosphere that is difficult to match in other events.

The race unfolded like so many others this year, many fast runners-some known, some unknown jockeying for positions on the first of two major climbs on the course. I actually felt the first 20 miles were fairly pedestrian, with runners taking turns leading the climb. Regrettably, I chose not to take off and put some distance on some guys, fearful of paying for it late in the race.

Looking back on my splits from 2006, I noticed that for the first 22 miles of this year’s race were a full 7 minutes slower than two years ago. I was amazed to see how many runners (I say runners because Susannah Beck was right there also), were so close for the first 20. Many of these runners I knew, but there were also quite a few that I had never heard of. This pretty much sums of the sport for the past couple of years. It is becoming very clear that Ultrarunning is undergoing some changes near the front of the pack. Many runners are showing up for races extremely fit and well trained in both aspects of speed and endurance.

Ultimately, I finished up in 7^th place, with a time of 7:14:53. Not spectacular, but not horrible either. This race has forced me to reevaluate my training. I realize that I need to work more on my sustained speed, much like training for a fast marathon, while cutting back some on my long, long runs.

One very bright spot was my footwear. I debated between wearing the Pearl Izumi Streak or the Peak XC. Ultimately I chose to wear the Peak XC and could not have been happier with the choice. The shoe held up wonderfully. I had no blister problems, adequate support and most importantly, a lightweight trail shoe that felt as good on mile 50 as mile 1.

I stuck to a 40-minute schedule for my Hammer Gel’s with four Endurolytes and hour. My nutrition plan was well executed and should have no issues sticking to it for longer races as well.

Congrats Josh!