Trail Chat with Nicole Hunt: Henry Reich

July 7, 2015, 7:38 am

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July’s MTC Trail Chat is with Henry Reich age 28. Henry burst into the local trail scene with his 2nd place at the competitive DFMI and a few weeks later won the tough Pengelly Double Dip. Henry is originally from Minnesota and moved to Missoula last fall. He ran at Grinnell College in Iowa (where he skipped a Rhodes Scholarship interview to run at DIII Cross Country Nationals). He Nordic skied competitively in high school in MN and also Nordic skied during graduate school at the University of Waterloo, Ontario. He had a hiatus from athletic competition for a few years and then picked up Nordic ski racing again over the last few winters and recently started trail racing after moving to Missoula. He said “I'm excited to be back running more!”

What brought you to Missoula? And how long have you lived here?
Missoula! I make YouTube videos for a living and can thus live pretty much anywhere there’s an internet connection. I moved here last October (2014) because it seemed like a sweet northern town with a great sense of community, amazing access to the outdoors, plus I have a few work friends/colleagues here. So far it’s been a blast!

Races that you have run this year and place?
I started off the year with a bunch of cross country ski races (in MT and in the midwest), then gradually transitioned into running.

Snow Joke Half Marathon (4th)

Buttercup Half Marathon (1st)

Montana Open Track 5km (5th)

Don’t Fence Me In 30km (2nd)

Missoula Mile (2nd)

Pengelly Double Dip (1st)

Ski races 2015:

Seeley Lake Biathlon 9km skate, Minocqua, WI Wolftracks Rendezvous 42km skate, City of Lakes Loppet Skate Marathon, Pre-Birkie 26km skate, American Birkebeiner 51km skate, Yellowstone Rendezvous 50km skate

Future races?
I’m mainly focused on the Rut 25km, but I’ll probably jump into various local races like the Missoula Half, Sentinel Hill Climb, Montana Cup, Snowbowl race, etc. I don’t plan to get into ultras any time soon and trail races between 10 and 30km are probably best suited to my strengths anyway. But who knows.

When did you start trail running and why?
I basically started trail running after moving to Missoula. I come from a high school/college track & cross country background in the Midwest, which tends to be more golf courses and corn fields and wide rolling grass trails in state parks. But the trails around town here are just so incredible you have to try really hard to NOT be a trail runner in Missoula. That’s not the whole picture, though – I’ve always done a ton of Nordic skiing and Nordic ski racing, and based on the experience so far, I think trail running and Nordic skiing are very much sister sports. They’re both about aerobic capacity and strength, about finding your limits out on remote trails in beautiful places. In a sense I’ve been running around on trails for decades, Missoula just finally got me to do it without skis.

What are you goals for the season and for the future?
Stay healthy and explore the amazing landscape around western Montana. And be competitive in the Rut 25km. Looking farther into the future, it would be nice to run a fast marathon and break my college 5km and 10km PRs at some point, but for now I just want to run for fun (fun can be fast, of course). I’m still also trying to figure out this trail running thing – uphills are hard.

What are your top 5 running accomplishments?
In terms of trail running, this year’s Don’t Fence Me In and Double Dip are definitely my top results, but that’s an easy list to make as they’re the only trail races over 10km that I’ve run.
Another major accomplishment of the last 3 or 4 years was giving up thinking in terms of mileage (and stopping keeping track of it religiously). It was hard but extremely liberating – now I run and ski first and foremost for the pleasure of it. Of course, I do have a training plan and keep track of hours, but only keeping track of time somehow makes me more excited about getting out and exploring, it gets me running for fun rather than always worrying “did I run enough?” (normally I run more when I’m having fun, anyway) Plus, time is more accurate than mileage when you live in a place where 10 miles could mean 2.5 hours of intense climbing in the mountains or 70 easy minutes in town.
I’m just going to lump random stuff from back in college here: I led my cross country team to a perfect score at our conference meet and to a team qualification to NCAA Nationals (DIII) for the first time in 16 years; that year our varsity team also had the top academic record (GPA) in the nation, which I’m pretty proud of. After the season, a few of us decided to run a marathon for fun on the snowy December trails of the local state park (ok, so I guess I did do a little trail running before moving to Montana), which remains my longest run (and only running marathon) ever. I had modest PRs in college: 25:05 for 8km cross country, 15:09 indoor 5km.

Describe 2 key hard workouts
Threshold runs of 5-10 miles at 5:20-5:30 pace are a longtime favorite.
Since moving to Missoula, running hard up and down Sentinel has been a great way of improving both strength and trail running technique & dexterity (which I didn’t have much of before coming here).

Describe a training week.
When I’m in serious training mode I’ll put in between 10 and 15 hours a week, and I always take 1 day entirely off every 7-10 days. I also try to keep my running to 3-4 days per week max, with the other 2-3 days a mix of rollerskiing and mountain biking – the ratio changes a bit in the winter when I switch to full cross country ski mode and only run 1-2 days per week. Oh, and add in an hour or two of strength work each week, either at the Momentum gym or on my own. Whatever the season, I try to have two or three “hard” workouts per week, “hard” being either intervals or threshold or overdistance. The other 3-4 days are an easy effort, and I mean, really, really easy. Not necessarily short or slow, but in the “nose-breathing is comfortable” range.

Favorite trail race?
Having only ever run 3 “true” trail races, I’m not qualified to answer this question. The American Birkebeiner would be at the top of my list for marathon ski races, though.

Favorite Montana trail and why?
I haven’t run enough Montana trails to do justice to this question, either, but the trail I run the most here in Missoula is definitely the Smoke Jumper trail up to Mount Sentinel and down the face – it’s hard to beat a run where you can leave from your front door, ascend and descend 2000’ through beautiful forests and meadows and be back in an hour. My favorite Montana trail so far would have to be the Lone Mountain Ranch Nordic Area (across from the Big Sky Resort) – it’s the most spectacular cross country skiing I’ve ever experienced in my life.

What motivates you to train?
Sometimes I’m motivated by wanting to do well in races or break PRs or run farther/higher/harder/faster than I ever have before, but most of the time it’s just the joy in being able to move effortlessly through the world, to be able to go, at a whim, up mountains and overland on my own two feet. There’s an incredible freedom that comes with being fit.
Training with other people is also very important to me – I’m a much better athlete when I have training partners or friends or teammates to train, explore, and race with.

Describe the most difficult experience in a race and how did you overcome and what did you learn from it?
I’m tempted to say the most difficult experience was badly spraining my ankle in this year’s Pengelly Double Dip with a mile to go and Seth Swanson breathing down my neck, but that wasn’t actually so bad.
The truly most difficult race I’ve ever had was in the American Birkebeiner in February this year. It was my first time starting in the elite wave (with all of the professional & olympic class skiers), and naturally the field went out fast, so I went too. Midway through the race I was just where I thought I wanted to be, so I kept pushing hard to stay connected to the group I was with – this caused me to miss a few feed stations.
And so, about 42km into the race, I bonked (which I’ve experienced before) and started cramping like crazy (which I’ve never experienced in a race) – I didn’t know abs could cramp, but they most certainly can, and I felt like someone was stabbing me in the stomach with a knife. I tried to push through it, but my abs would have none of it; I literally had to stop and wait for the cramping to end. I was losing places like crazy, but each time I tried to start racing again, the cramping came back as bad as ever, so I had to ski the last kilometers of the race getting passed over and over and not able to do anything about it – I would start skiing fast (which I oddly enough had energy for) but before too long the cramping would have me doubled over at the side of the trail. So I had to swallow any pride and ski, very, very slowly, the last few km to the finish, trying to ignore all the other racers going by. I definitely learned that I need to be more conservative from the start of long races, that I can’t rely on pushing hard to make it through races over 2 hrs long, and most importantly: DON’T MISS FEEDS!!

Describe the most memorable race experience and how did it allow you to become a better runner?
This isn’t a race I ran but one that really changed my approach to running: early on in college (when I was still doing fairly low-volume training), one of my teammates raced a 5km where every lap he split 2-3 seconds faster per lap than we thought he should. I remember a whole group of us saying to each other “what’s he doing? He can’t run that fast – he’s going to blow up!” but he didn’t blow up – he ran a massive PR. He’d put in the time and the training necessary to run that fast and he knew it; it gave him the confidence to run much faster than the rest of us thought he could. That race convinced me more than any other of the value of putting in the training and then trusting it.

Describe your training diet.
I’m vegetarian and I also avoid anything made with processed grains or sugars (white flour, white rice, sugar, corn syrup, etc). I don’t consume that much milk/dairy, either, other than a soft spot I have for strong/fancy cheese. Essentially, I eat lots of salads, vegetable stir fries, curries, ratatouille, beans, brown rice, polenta, tons of fruit and nuts, and banana smoothies. I have a banana smoothie after every single workout.
The big exception to all of this is during training (2+ hours) or races, during which I’ll happily have hammer/clif/granola/etc bars and/or gels.

How do you keep yourself injury free?
Well, having badly sprained my ankle in the Double Dip, I’m not sure I’m the right person to answer this question. But in terms of avoiding the over-use injuries typical in running, my strategy is a combination of taking one day off every week, regularly mixing up running with biking & (roller)skiing, working on core and limb strength, and listening to my body (learning which kinds of pain are good and which are warning signs).
I’m also a strong believer in the importance of natural running mechanics & constantly strive to work on my running form. It probably comes from my technique-crazed nordic ski background.

What is something unique about you?
I have a masters in theoretical physics and I run two popular science channels on youtube (MinutePhysics and MinuteEarth).

What are 3 words that describe you?
Nerdy, curious, unflappable

Anything else you want to add?
When winter rolls around, if any trail runners want to learn or improve their cross country skiing, I’d be happy to give some lessons! In fact, if anyone wants lessons before winter and doesn't mind looking dorky, I have an extra pair of rollerskis.

Thank you Henry for the inspiring interview; we wish you the best in your future life and racing endeavors.
Nicole

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MTC Weekly News: 7/13/15

July 13, 2015, 7:00 am

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Here are a few of the happenings of the Montana trail running community over the past couple of weeks:

Mike Foote at the 2015 Hardrock 100 - Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer Hardrock 100: Montana's own Mike Foote threw down big time this weekend with a second place finish at this iconic mountain race in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. Catalonian mountain running legend Killian Jornet took the win. Remarkably, Foote's 25:45 marked a nearly 4 hour improvement off his 2010 3rd place finish there and also ties him for the 11th fastest on the all-time Hardrock 100 finish list. Way to go Mike! Beaverhead 100K/55K: A number of Montana runners toed the line Saturday in this challenging mountain run along the Idaho border. Missoula's Allison Onstad took top honors among women in the 100K, Zachariah Miller of Corvallis finished third among men in the 100K, and Leah Samberg Story of Missoula finished second among ladies in the 55K. Complete results are not yet available. Check back for updates.

Allison Onstad bringing home the hardware - Credit: John Fiore Bangtail Divide 38K: This Bozeman Running Company event celebrated Independence Day along the well-known Bangtail Divide Trail outside of Bozeman. David Ayala took the win in 3:18 among men and Corrine Malcolm finished second overall and took the win among women while setting a new course record in 3:33. In case you missed it, check out our Trail Chat with Corrine. July Trail Chat: If you missed it, take a look at this Q & A Nicole Hunt did with Henry Reich. Henry Reich on his way to winning the Double Dip - Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

Mountain Mondays: We're still on hold. Travel and injuries are slowing the regular crew but hopefully we'll get rolling again with this within a few weeks.

Missoula Marathon: A big shout out to the thousands of runners who took part in this weekend's festivities. This is the premier race in Montana and continually amazes as being an unparalleled community event. Put it on your calendar for next year!


-JG

MTC Weekly News: 7/20/15

July 20, 2015, 9:57 pm

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This week's Montana trail running news -


Emily Linton marching to victory - Credit: Babak Rastgoufard

Devil's Backbone 50: Just 20 people finished this rugged 50 miler in the Gallatin Range, but among those finishers came a disproportionate number ready to fly. Missoula's Emily Linton finished on top among the women in 10:56. Her time not only broke the race's longstanding course record (Zanna Drobnik 11:21, 2006) but also placed her 6th overall. Among the men, David Ayala continued his winning ways (2015 victories at both Bighorn 52 and Bangtail Divide 38K) to tie Seth Swanson's 2013 Devil's Backbone course record in 8:24. The 33rd year-old Ayala next toes the line in 3 weeks at the Bridger Ridge Run where he'll compete against past champions and some solid local mountain runners. Check back to MTC for a preview of that classic.

Eiger Ultra Trail 100K: Missoula's Jeremy Wolf and MSU Alum Jason Schlarb traveled to the Swiss Alps to take on what Wolf called "the hardest 14 hours of my life, but also some of the most beautiful and rewarding." Schlarb finished 2nd overall only minutes back from the winner. Wolf took 20th.

Jeff Rome and Kristina Pattison - Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

Audi Power of Four: In the Vertical K Missoulian Jeff Rome and soon-to-be Missoulian Greg Friedman both landed in the top ten of this U.S. Skyrunner Series event, which took place on Saturday. Rome finished 6th, while Friedman took 9th. In the accompanying 50K on Sunday, Rome doubled back to take 12th overall while fellow Missoulian Kristina Pattison finished 8th among women just two places behind Missoulian-to-be Amy Friedman.

Kendall Mountain Run 12 Miler: Missoula's Forrest Boughner finished 9th overall at this highly competitive U.S. Skyrunner race put on by Aravaipa Running in Colorado's San Juan Mountains.

The Rut: If you're running The Rut and haven't started training yet, you better get on it. There's no better way to go about this than picking the brains of the masterminds behind the race, Mike Foote and Mike Wolfe. Here's what Race Director Foote has to say:

Rut Prep Night at The Runner's Edge in Missoula on Thursday July 30th at 7PM. This will be an informal evening to go over many of the main aspects of the Rut races as you head into your final 5 weeks of prepping for your event. Race directors Mike Foote and Mike Wolfe will go over the various courses and we will have a former Rut Aid Station captain to speak about the good, the bad, and the ugly he witnessed on the front lines the last couple years to give some insight into some successful, or not so successful strategies, seen on the course. Also, there will be a Q & A session to help quiet any concerns, while maybe creating some new ones;) Regardless, we are excited to share what we can and want to help you all be ready for the challenge this Labor Day weekend as much as possible! See you on the 30th!

Mountain Monday: Our group runs are most likely on hold until September. If someone wants to pick up the slack and would like us to post about it, let us know and we'll spread the word.

Western Montana Trails Series by Amelia Hagen-Dillon: Rattlesnake Wilderness

July 24, 2015, 9:44 am

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Sunset at Boulder Lake. Rattlesnake Wilderness, Montana. Photo: Amelia Hagen-Dillon

Editor's note: Amelia is co-owner of Cairn Cartographics, a company based in Missoula that makes beautiful, accurate, outdoor recreation maps for popular destinations in western Montana. They have maps of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Mission Range, the Rattlesnake and Missoula, and the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. This series will highlight one of Amelia’s favorite trails from each of their maps and hopefully inspire some runners to get out and explore some new places.

by Amelia Hagen-Dillon

Until I decided to make a map of Missoula’s trail system, I was a total creature of habit as a runner. The only reason I ever mixed up my regular running route was when I moved to a new part of town. I’ve been like that since high school, and in college I ran variations of the same three to five mile loop hundreds of times. That changed in 2011 when my partner Jamie and I decided to make a new map and set out to GPS every trail in the Missoula area. 

I’ve called myself a runner and loved running for more than ten years, but the experience of covering every inch of Missoula’s trail system made me fall in love with running all over again. I spent several weeks in the fall of 2011 heading out the door every day with a waterbottle and a GPS unsure of how far I would end up going or how fast I was moving. I got lost a lot (especially at Blue Mountain, I still do…) and I found so many new favorite spots. I’m happy to say I haven’t completely fallen back into my old routines, and I try to run a route that I’ve never run before at least once every few weeks. In case you are stuck in the same kind of rut I once found myself in, I thought I would profile some trails that are a little off the beaten path.

Boulder Lake to Rattlesnake Corridor Loop from Gold Creek Trailhead - 18 Miles - 3000 Feet Gain

Getting there

The West Fork of Gold Creek Trailhead is 17 miles off of Highway 200 northeast of Missoula. The road is well-signed and in fairly good condition but a higher clearance vehicle makes it easier and the last few miles can be kind of slow going- give yourself an hour to get to the trailhead from Missoula.

Burn on 504. Photo: Amelia Hagen-Dillon

The Route

From the trailhead you can go two directions. Trail 333 heads north through rolling terrain through some old logging units. It climbs gradually and crosses old logging roads a few times so you have to pay attention to make sure you stay on the trail. A couple miles up the trail, shortly before the Wilderness boundary there is a junction with trail number 518 which leads north and east to Gold Creek Meadows and an old cabin and eventually another trailhead. If you stay left on trail 333 the trail continues two and a half more miles to where it crests a ridge overlooking Boulder Lake. There is a short side trail up to a high point where there used to be a lookout over the lake and another one-mile long side-trail that drops about five hundred feet down to the lake. 

Ridge overlooking Boulder Lake. Photo: Amelia Hagen-Dillon

A run to Boulder Lake and back would be a fun 10ish mile out and back. But if you want to make a longer loop, continue along the ridge past the lake. Half a mile down the trail there is an old spur trail that heads up the ridge, don’t take that. Instead head back south down towards the Rattlesnake corridor. After a three and a half mile descent, you will hit the main Rattlesnake corridor trail--which is actually a road. If you keep heading downhill and south on the road for two miles there is another single track trail heading back up off the corridor on your left. The first part is a steep, switchbacking climb up off the creek bottom but then it levels out and winds through some marshy areas before a short climb back to the trailhead. 

Rattlesnake ridges. Photo: Amelia Hagen-Dillon

In total this loop is about eighteen miles and about three thousand feet of climbing with the option of a little more by adding an out and back down to Boulder Lake. There are a lot of shorter out and back options from the West fork of Gold Creek trailhead as well as hundreds of miles of double track roads to explore. 

Stuart Peak view. Photo: Amelia Hagen-Dillon

All the trails and roads mentioned can be found on Cairn Cartographics’ Rattlesnake Wilderness and Missoula map which is sold at most outdoor retailers in Missoula including The Runner’s Edge and the Trail Head as well as online at CairnCarto.com. Mileage and elevations described are estimates- please be careful and familiarize yourself with a map and how to read it before you go- the Gold Creek area is notoriously confusing!

MTC Weekly News: 7/29/15

July 29, 2015, 8:53 pm

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Lots of Montana runners hit the trails again this week, so here's a brief recap:

Helena High's Aidan Reed - Credit: @aidanrunn11 via instagram

US Mountain Running Championships-Bend, Oregon: Several Montanans toed the line against some of the very best in our sport.

In the Women's race, Anaconda's Nicole Hunt finished 12th and Bozeman's Corrine Malcolm took 18th

In the men's race, Montana native and current Alaskan Matt Shryock finished 17th and Helena High School speedster Aidan Reed got his first real taste of mountain racing and performed spectacularly by taking the top spot in the junior division.

Speedgoat 50K, Snowbird, Utah: Bozeman's Becky Wheeler finished 5th among women at this rugged mountain race. Polson's Jason Delaney finished 22nd overall. Other Montana finishers included Loren Davis, James Pyke, Andrew Mayer, Justin Klebe, Josh Gimpelson, Brianna Baker, Anne Hobbs, Annie Ley,

RATBOB-III: Congrats to all the participants who crossed "The Bob" on Saturday. If you're a longtime MTC follower you may have caught our two posts recapping the first two iterations of this epic group run. The concept is simple: enlist a group of selfless volunteers to shuttle a bunch of runners to one side of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Camp out there and hit the trail the next morning on a no-turning-back adventure across 50-plus miles of some of the wildest country around before reaching the other side. All are welcome and, thus far, all have survived. Each year this group takes a new route, so with any luck one of these hearty adventurers will fill MTC readers in with a story on what this year's wilderness experience meant to them. According to Vo Von Sehlen, remarking on this year's crossing: "It was everything one would think a true Wilderness is, and more!" For now you can whet your RATBOB appetite with these classics: RATBOB 2013and RATBOB 2014

Western Montana Trails: Amelia Hagen-Dillon is a trail runner and map maker and we're thrilled to have her share some insight gained from living and working in the wilderness. She's field checked maps in Western Montana's iconic mountain ranges, so she knows a good trail running route when she sees one. Take a look at this article and discover a new-to-you route for your next trail running adventure. Thanks Amelia!

Misc.: Still plenty of events left this summer to give you your trail racing fix. A great new event takes place August 8th with the inaugural Snowbowl 15K-- a short race with plenty of views, good people, and cold refreshments. Registration is open: http://www.runnersedgemt.com/events/snowbowl-15k/

MTC Weekly News: 8/11/15

August 11, 2015, 4:12 pm

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A quick recap of what's gone down (and going down) for Montana trail running in August and some Montana mountain running history.

The Ridge - Credit: Big Sky Wind Drinkers

Mount Sentinel First Known Attempt: This Sunday's Missoulian included an interesting mountain running tidbit in a column reprinted from 1922 by Will Cave discussing Western Montana place names. He wrote that local Indians simply called Mount Sentinel "Esmock," or "Mountain." It's easy to assume that plenty of Salish raced up the mountain at some point or another, but Cave recounted a tale that is most likely the first documented speed ascent of the mountain. The story tells of Daniel E. Bandmann, a famous 19th Century actor who, in 1889, took a $5 wager that he could ascend the mountain in 45 minutes beginning at Missoula Mercantile at the corner of Front and Higgins. According to Cave, "None present had suspected his sprinting ability; but the speed he displayed in crossing the bridge, the flat, and climbing the mountain astonished the watching bunch. He was in full view until the last 'pitch,' from which point he was concealed by the trees. He was still several minutes to the good. In a brief time he appeared returning." Because the onlookers never saw him reach the top, they refused to pay him. But Cave reported that whether Bandmann summited or not, he came close enough that his feat "has never been duplicated" and "he was as near entitled to have a mountain named in honor of his endeavor as any one I know." Presumably, Bandmann's 1889 route involved covering the mile of flat before ascending the Northwest Ridge. 45 minutes for that route remains an impressive feat.

Elkhorn Endurance Runs: The Helena Ultra Runners League's (HURL) summer classic took place August 1st and brought some tight competition. Among the men running the 50 miler, Alberta's Andy Reed narrowly edged Missoula's Chase Parnell for the win (10:25 to 10:31). Spokane's Justin Shobe took 3rd. For the women, it was Missoula's Christi (Nowak) Richards taking her first ultra win as a Montana resident. Her time of 11:08 was good for 5th overall. Livingston's Jenny Pierce and Pocatello's Melissa Merrill rounded out the podium.

In the accompanying 50K, Ian Engerbretson took the win just minutes ahead of former Leadville 100 champ Ashley Arnold, who finished first among women. The other two men on the podium were Micah Bostrom and Brian Flansburg in 3rd and 4th overall, respectively. Darcy McKiney Lester finished 2nd among women and Chelsey Frank took 3rd.

Snowbowl 15K: This new Runners Edge event brought some talented runners out to test their fitness on Missoula's local ski mountain. Polson's Jason Delaney, in his final tune-up before this weekend's Pike's Peak Ascent (an event he won in 2013), secured the overall win. Jeremy Wolf finished a couple minutes back as runner up and Mike Wolfe, back from a recent hiatus, showed that mountain biking makes good cross training by taking 3rd. Wolfe recently finished second at the Butte 100 MTB race. Among the women, 14-year-old phenom Ella Degrandpre showed that her strong performance at the Pengelly Double Dip was no fluke by finishing four minutes up on her closest follower, Missoula's Rhea Black. Degrandpre's performance was good enough for 8th overall. Missoula's Ashley Powell finished 3rd.

Bridger Ridge Run Video: This weekend marks the 31st running of the Bridger Ridge Run. In honor of last year's 30th Anniversary event, Bozeman Filmaker Erick Bendick of Grizzly Creek Films recently debuted "Wind Drinkers: 30 Years on the Bridger Ridge." Prepared in conjunction with Epic Montana, which has brought some amazing footage to Montana trail running fans over the past year, the film follows the experience of a diverse set of Ridge Runners ranging from first-timers, to multi-time champs. It also capture's MTC contributor Peder Anderson's victory. The film is available to view online in two parts here.

As for this weekend's race, there will be another deep field of athletes competing, Anderson will be back to defend his title. 10-time champ Scott Creel is entered and so is recent Devil's Backbone champ David Ayala. Also expect 2013 runner-up Adam Sepulveda to be in the mix. Course record holder Nikki Kimball is back to extend her legacy of dominance on the ridge against a field that includes 2014 4th place finisher Kaitlin Macdonald.

40th Mount Helena Run: Even older than the Ridge Run, the Mount Helena Run's 40th edition is taking place on September 12th. Helens's trail system is spectacular and this landmark race should be quite the celebration of the capital city's mountain running tradition. The race itself is actually a reenactment of a footrace that took place on the mountain 99 years ago. Not unlike the aforementioned account of the first known attempt of Mount Sentinel, the first known Mount Helena run came when a pair of local teenagers beat an athlete "from the coast" in a race up and down the town's mountain. There's a lot of history in Montana trail running. More information on the 40th Mount Helena here.

Trail Chat: Check back tomorrow for a brand new Trail Chat. This month, Nicole Hunt interviews the Runners Edge's Em Kendrick about forming the Big Dipper Running team. It's a great piece about local runners and local business working together.

Trail Runner Magazine: Speaking of Nicole Hunt, pick up September's issue of Trail Runner to read an article about her experiences as an elite athlete while raising three young boys. There's also an article in there I wrote about my Wilderness Running Project that features some great Montana running shots from Myke Hermsmeyer.

Mountain Monday: It's looking like Mountain Monday will be a go next week and we'll post something to the MTC Facebook page on Sunday if it is. Mountain Monday is MTC's long-time group run where we ascend Mount Sentinel beginning at noon at the trout statues next to Caras Park. The idea for next week is to follow Bandmann's 1889 route to the top. Should be good Rut training and 45 minutes should be doable for the ascent.

Trail Chat with Nicole Hunt: Em Kendrick- Big Dipper Running Team Manager

August 12, 2015, 8:01 am

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Have you noticed Montana runners wearing Big Dipper Running uniforms and wondered what is the Big Dipper Running Team all about?  August’s MTC Trail Chat is with Em Kendrick who is the Big Dipper Running Team manager. Em Kendrick has lived in Missoula with her husband, Tory, for 15 years. They have two daughters, Annika, 10, and Sylvie 7.  Em works at the Runners Edge and is Assistant Cross-Country coach at Hellgate High School. Whenever I see Em, she always has a big smile on her face and her positive energy and enthusiasm is contagious. Em asked me if I wanted to join the Big Dipper Running Team early spring and I jumped at the opportunity since I love their homemade ice cream and want to support organizations that foster and promote community spirit and service.

From Left to Right: Heidi Gaskill, Emily Kipp, Charlie Beaton (Big Dipper owner), Anya Gue, Em Kendrick, Anna Doran, Marlie Johnson.

Can you tell the readers who founded the Big Dipper Running Team?

Charlie Beaton, the owner of Big Dipper Ice Cream founded Big Dipper Running.  It started as a fairly informal sponsorship of Mike Wolfe and Mike Foote, two local North Face sponsored ultra runners.  Charlie wanted to formalize Big Dipper Running and make it into ‘something more’, so after a few brainstorming sessions we came to the conclusion that although there are a lot of competitive, strong women trail runners in Missoula, they were not necessarily working out together or utilizing each other’s experience.  Big Dipper Running seeks to bring this group together to provide a fun, positive environment to promote Missoula and trail running; and of course everyone loves ice cream...

What exactly is the mission of the Big Dipper Running Team?

The Big Dipper Running Team's mission is to bring together competitive women trail runners and provide camaraderie, support, serious training partners and ice cream! We will train and race together as much as possible and have a positive presence in the local community and the trail running world at large.

Our goals as a team include:

1) Train and race hard

2) Reach out, encourage and teach others about trail running

3) Host local group trail runs

4) Host clinics in a variety of areas related to trail running (i.e. nutrition, training, injury prevention)

5) Have a positive social media presence that is enthusiastic and informative. 

Our great sponsors include Caffe Dolce, Sapphire Physical Therapy and the Runners Edge, in addition to Big Dipper Ice Cream.

Emily Linton after her course record at Devil's Backbone 50 miler

   

Who is on the team?

Em Kendrick - Runners Edge Employee, and Hellgate High School Assistant Cross-Country Coach

Anna Doran - Owner Big Dipper Helena

Heidi Gaskill– Physicians Assistant, Western Montana Clinic

Nicole Hunt – Online Personal Coach, 2 x US Mountain Running Team Member

Marlie Johnson - Veterinarian, Pet Emergency Center

Emily Kipp – Personal Trainer

Emily Linton – Elementary School Teacher

Anya Wechsler Gue - Physical Therapist, Sapphire PT

Molly Quinn – Physicians Assistant, Western Montana Clinic

What are the benefits of being on the team?

I think the biggest benefit of being on the team is the training support that we can offer to each other.  It is so nice to have a solid group of runners who want to do workouts, long runs and maybe offer advice and support.  Our varied experience is also a huge asset; we have a PT, two PA’s, two personal trainers, and coaches. The team is really low key and mostly about the camaraderie, but we all get a racing kit, lots of ice cream and lots of laughs.

 

Em Kendrick and Mike Foote

How does being a member of the team benefit the sponsors?

Sponsors get positive press and involvement in a fun, active community.  The Team sponsors share a vision of healthy lifestyles, hard work and fun competition.  There are plans in the works to create more events and build upon the buzz that is the Missoula trail running scene.

What is the long range vision that you have for the Big Dipper Racing Team in the next five years?

We hope to increase the exposure of trail running around Montana and beyond.  Team members all have specific goals that they are working to achieve and the Team is very supportive of them.  Being positive role models and ambassadors for the sport is at the core of Big Dipper Running.  The possibilities in the future are as limitless as the number of possible Big Dipper Ice Cream flavors.

Is there a Facebook Page or other social media site to follow the team?

We have an Instagram account at bigdipperrunningteam

We sure appreciate all the work you do to organize and guide the Big Dipper Running Team. People like you and Charlie (owner of Big Dipper Ice Cream) and all the other Big Dipper Running Team sponsors are making Montana a better place for runners. A big thank you to you all!

RATBOB 2015 by Steve Brown

August 16, 2015, 9:38 pm

≫ Next: MTC Weekly News: 8/19/15

≪ Previous: Trail Chat with Nicole Hunt: Em Kendrick- Big Dipper Running Team Manager

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RATBOB 2015 by Steve Brown

In January the maps rolled out.   Maps of the Bob appear on the kitchen table when the days grow short and the trails icy.  After crossings by different routes of roughly 50 miles each the past two summers, was it possible to create another route of similar distance and matched scenery?  Would anyone ante up for it?  Was it possible to hoodwink drivers for another long shuttle circumnavigating a huge swath of the northern Rockies?

Credit: Vo von Sehlen

Over the last three years, the run we now affectionately know as “RATBOB” has evolved to require just a few simple ingredients: Traverse some segment of the Bob Marshall Wilderness from one point to another, because who wants to run 50 miles just to end up back at the start? Revise the route each year because life is short, variety is good, and the Bob is big. Stretch it long enough to occupy an entire day, but short enough to avoid the risk of spooking grizzlies or skunks after dark.  Reach high altitude a few times so to gaze over the endless ridges and marvel that there’s still something this enormous without roads or cell towers.  Finish with a bunch of food and drinks and some time to tell stories.  Manufacture a catchy acronym.  That seems to be enough to entice just enough goofballs to sign on, but not so many as to lose respect for the sacredness of this place.  After that, it’s just pure fun.

Each of the three RATBOBs has crossed the Wilderness from east to west, starting somewhere along the Rocky Mountain Front before sunrise, then following the sun, over the Continental Divide to some obscure trailhead on the west side.  This year’s route took us to a new start — Headquarters Pass in the upper reaches of the Teton River basin, and then meandered northwest to our exit point at the Silvertip trailhead on the Spotted Bear River.


Once the route is roughed out, the logistics are simple.  Send some enticing emails, pass the word, and buy a bunch of food and beer.  By the end of May I had a list of nearly 40.  By launch date we were down to about 20 runners, which is about the perfect number because it allows us to divide into small manageable groups but still be there to support each other.  The key ingredient is the support crew and that’s where Missoula shines.  To run this 50-odd mile boondoggle required a shuttle of over 600 miles.  That’s a good thing because it’s a tribute to just how little road access there is in the divide country between Glacier and Roger’s Pass (none).

Credit: Vo von Sehlen

The Gang

Among the many things to love about this run is the assortment of people who end up at the start and how they all get connected.  There were the three-peat veterans, names synonymous with Missoula running - Ken Ellis, Dean McGovern, Tim Mosbacher and Jared Oyler.  Each of these guys now has run over 150 miles in the Bob over the last three summers.  Several others who always are up for trail adventures all year long - Justin Grigg, John Fiore, Allison Onstad, Renate Bush, Mark Munro, Vo von Sehlen, Tod Bachman and of course JB Yonce.  Others who got word second or third hand and took the plunge  - Joran Elias, Erin Clark, Sally Cannata, and Milton Zhinin.  Rounding out the runners were two medical residents new to town, but very accomplished runners Christi Nowak and Ethan Richards.  And most importantly, the support crew (more on them later).

Following the tradition of the last three years, we caravanned out of Missoula early Friday afternoon. We headed first to the mandatory stop at the Buckhorn Bar in Augusta to see if they’d run out of chicken dinners yet (they hadn’t).  We next stopped briefly in Choteau for supplies, gas, and a glimpse at the fiddlers in the back of a semi, then turned west toward the jagged line of peaks that form the Rocky Mountain Front.

Headquarters Pass By the Dawn’s Early Light

Credit: Vo von Sehlen

Thirty miles west of Choteau, the road up the South Fork of the Teton River dead-ends hard against the aptly-named Sawtooth Range. From the air (or in my case, hours spent manipulating Google Earth), the Sawtooths are a series of massively layered rocks tilted west and sheared off in jagged faces to the east. Sort of like someone shoved a stack of books up a ramp. A geologist would call it imbricate thrust faulting. Everyone else calls it stark, beautiful and slightly daunting when approached from the east. It’s almost impossible to enter the mountains more dramatically.

After crawling out of our little Forest Service campground in the dark, we were at the trailhead by 5:00. We counting noses, switched on headlamps and immediately began to climb up one of the steep eastern faces. By 6, the sun rose out of the eastern plains. Its long rays bathed the barren mountains above us with soft pink light. With each turn the terrain became more tundra-like with only rocks, flowers and scrawny wind swept krummholz. After 2000 feet of steady climbing, we reached Headquarters Pass. The pass is a rocky notch that sits between two mountains - Rocky Mountain to the south and Old Baldy north. Rocky Mountain is the highest peak in the Bob and earns its rather bold name.

Credit: Vo von Sehlen

Five of the support crew joined us for the trudge up Headquarters Pass. After snapping some pictures, they shoved us over the edge to the west and turned back for their long loop up around Marias Pass and down the long Hungry Horse road. The rest of us now were committed to do whatever it took to get all 19 of us across the next 45 miles, most of which none of us ever had seen.

From Headquarters Pass the trail drops into a long gradual valley that was scorched in the legendary 1988 fires and still bears its scars in silvery snags surrounded by vibrant adolescent new growth. Nine mountain goats greeted us, climbing the trail we were descending. The next 8 miles or so were very smooth and runnable and we quickly spread out as the air grew warm. Some of us began to feel the early inking that this was going to be a long day.

Credit: Vo von Sehlen

At 12 miles we reached the bottom of Headquarters Creek where it dumps into the North Fork of the Sun. At that point we’d given back all the elevation we'd earned and now actually were at the lowest point of the whole run. We regrouped and crossed the North Fork of the Sun on a sturdy horse bridge and entered the series of meadows that form Gates Park. Gates Park is classic Bob Marshall country - wide grassy valleys filled with rich tall grass, surrounded by mountains on all sides. The Sawtooths now rose behind us to the east, the main spine of the Continental Divide our next destination to the west. Any other place in Montana the valley would be filled with cows and the cows would be in heaven. But there were no cows, nor other people, so we got that little slice of heaven all to ourselves, just like we did for most of the rest of the day.

The North Wall

From Gates Park we began our second big climb of the day, this time a long 8 mile, several thousand foot slog up Red Shale Creek. It now was mid-morning and warm. Again we spread out in little groups of threes or fours. The Red Shale drainage burned in 2013, during the first RATBOB run. Unlike the fire remnants in the run down from Headquarters Pass, these scars still are fresh. Trees jet black with soot and ashy soil underfoot. But the open vistas were great and there was pink fireweed everywhere. I had worried that this drainage would be hot and dry, but the more we climbed the more lush it became.

Credit: Vo von Sehlen

After about 7 miles of climbing, the trail grew steep, but we also reentered shady unburned forest, so it didn't seem so bad.  The trail slowly switchbacked up until we finally broke out into a beautiful meadow filled with flowers and backdropped by the huge yellow escarpment that forms the North Wall.  It now was after 11:00 and we'd become pretty spread out, so we stopped for a long lunch break to regroup.  The clouds gathered heavy on the wall and spit rain and the wind blew.  No one said much about the weather, but it was on our minds, especially with only 20 miles down and more than 30 to go.

Credit: Vo von Sehlen

Every good run seems to have a heart and for this run the heart was the run along the North Wall. Up to Red Shale Meadows we’d mostly been traveling west, but now we turned north. The North Wall was our companion for 12 stunning miles after leaving Red Shale Meadows. It’s much wilder than the Chinese Wall, and every bit as spectacular. Like the Chinese Wall, the crest forms the Continental Divide. Our trail at its base is part of the rugged Continental Divide Trail that runs from Canada to Mexico.

From Red Shale Meadows, the trail climbed over a little pass, then down around the head of the first of four bowl-like drainages that poured east into the North Fork of the Sun.  None of these passes or bowls is huge, but cumulatively the ridges began to take their toll as we rose and dropped 500 to 1000 feet in each drainage. The ravages of the 1988 fires still were quite evident in much of it.  

Somewhere around the forks of Lick Creek, we passed 25 miles.  Normally that feels like a milestone because the run is half over and the distance to the finish seems reachable.  But it was hard not to think about the lack of any road within 25 miles either direction.  Since leaving the shuttle crew a mountain range away, we’d yet to see another human the entire day.  It’s moments like that when the realization hits of just how massive the Bob really is, and how insignificant a spread-out group of 19 runners feels.  It’s sort of like swimming in across huge expanse of open water and realizing somewhere toward the middle that it’s still a really long ways to either shore and too far to turn back if something goes wrong.  But there were wild strawberries and teeny whortleberries and flowers everywhere, so it was easy not to rush through the day.  Somewhere around here, the ever resourceful Tod found the side trail up to Lake Lavale and swam in its icy waters, apparently thinking there was a swimming element to this run.

Three-quarters of the way around Open Creek, the last of the drainages, the trail split and our route went left and abruptly up.  Straight up to the top of the Continental Divide.  More than 1700 feet in about a mile, 32 miles into the run.  With every step, the world became more alpine and the long views to the east and south even longer.  After about 30 minutes of crazy climbing, we entered jumbled terrain filled with bright white limestone boulders.  It was there we heard the crazy otherworldy yell that only could be John Hart.  John had run in 18 miles or so from the other side and was perched up there in a high bolder field with an incredible vantage point.  As each group of runners passed, John gave careful directions to follow the line of cairns at the ridgetop to the actual pass where the big descent into the South Fork of the Flathead River basin began.

Credit: Vo von Sehlen

Switchback Pass to Silvertip

Once we crested, we ran north for about a mile along the high ridge to Switchback Pass.  From there, a trail continued north into the Trilobite Range but we turned west.  Our trail dropped steep and fast down the imposing southeast slope of Pentagon Mountain, into the Dean Creek drainage.  John Hart warned us of a trail of endless switchbacks.  According to my Strava track, we rounded at least 41 switchbacks, descending nearly 3,000 quad-burning vertical feet.  It was dry too, though after a while we could hear running water and finally reached one of the forks of Dean Creek.  There is no water like fresh cool water after it’s been rock-filtered and aerated off a virgin mountainside.

From the water crossing the trail leveled out and after a series of small climbs and descents, and a soothingly cool ford of the wide creek, we finally reached the Pentagon Cabin.  Pentagon Cabin is a backcountry outpost that sits at the confluence of Dean Creek and the Spotted Bear River.  This is where the lugnuts start to come loose and the trick was to finish the last 10 miles along the Spotted Bear River before wheels fell off.  Pentagon Cabin also was the first time in 12 hours that we’d seen any other human other than crazy John Hart.  It’s odd to explain the day to someone who just has spent equal amount of time backpacking less than a quarter of the distance. 

From Pentagon Cabin to the trailhead is a smidgen over 10 miles.  At 80 percent, it started to feel close and the daydreams kicked in.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have a cold frosty beverage waiting at the trailhead?  A plate of hot food, a campfire, a chair?  Maybe some camp hosts to set up the tent? Irrational daydreams come toward the end of a run.  Those 10 miles look easy on the map since we’re running downstream in the Spotted Bear River canyon.  But they’re deceptively hard.  Numerous times the trail climbed up on the hillside, then plunged back down toward the river.  Climbs that we had run earlier in the day now became walks.  Runs became the characteristic ultra-shuffle.  But like the rest of the run, this stretch too had its charms.  Afternoon heat gave way to the soft cool evening and its golden light illuminating the Limestone Wall above us.   We passed over the roaring Dean Falls, then the wilderness boundary sign, and eventually got to the two iridescent blue lakes.  Finally as all the Garmins clicked past 50 miles we arrived at the junction for the last little kick-butt climb up the trailhead.

Superheroes

We began to realize again the full measure of what the support crew means to this run.  Earlier on the Spotted Bear trail Brian Fruit and Craig Macholz greeted us with enthusiastic high fives and bags of goodies.  All they had done during the day was run up and down Headquarters Pass, drive 250 miles to the other end, find a campsite, and get the food unpacked, then run in 10 miles to be a mobile aid station. Dana Bandy, Ross Carlson and Jen von Sehlen met us at the trailhead with more food and coolers of cold drinks.  It was like reaching the ultimate aid station, but it only got better.  From the trailhead it’s a dusty half hour drive to the Spotted Bear campground.  We arrived to an amazing sight.  All the tents were set up.  Amanda Dawsey was there with a huge spread of hot food and more drinks, far more calories than we could ever devour, though we gave it a good shot.  For the next several hours we sat around the fire, told the stories of the day, plotted next year's adventure, ate, drank and ate some more.  You couldn't ask for a better finish anywhere.  All this the handiwork of Brian, Craig, Dana, Ross, Jen and Amanda, six truly amazing people who volunteered to do this. Sometimes even daydreams come true.

The Bob Marshall run has become like no other.  No one takes home medals.  There are no FKTs. The pictures matter more than the elapsed time or elevation gain.   It may not be as constantly spectacular as the vertical rocks of Glacier or the Bitterroots, but in its own way it's far wilder and starts to feel like it’s our own secret spot.  It's stunning to me that we could run through terrain like that and not see anyone for miles on what has to be one of the prime weekends to be out there.  But what makes this run really special is how the comradery of the group melds itself to the wildness of the terrain such that we become part of it for the brief time we get to visit.  There are so many people to thank.  The runners, the crew, those who supplied us with home cooked food (Amy Brown and Margie Menendez), loaned us stuff (Kevin Twidwell, Runner’s Edge), and families that let us get out there for a Montana weekend.

So gaze at Vo’s truly amazing pictures (http://www.votographyimages.com/Other-Running-Events/2015-RATBOB/), dust off the maps, and starting thinking about what you might be doing toward the end of July next summer.  Surely there’s another way to squeeze out a new 50 miles.

Credit: Vo von Sehlen

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MTC Weekly News: 8/19/15

August 19, 2015, 8:51 pm

≫ Next: The Continental Divide Route by Jeff Rome

≪ Previous: RATBOB 2015 by Steve Brown

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Lots of smoke out there - 8/19/15 NOAA Smoke Analysis

Smoke: The news this week is the smoke. It's out there and makes running tough. So for those who don't have a treadmill and can't do without their daily run, be careful out there. Consider waiting for it to clear up, lowering the intensity, or taking a day off. There's a point where smoke inhalation outweighs the benefits of a workout. If anyone can share some information on what that point is we'll post it here.

Ridge Run 2015 - Credit: Boz Boswell via Facebook

Bridger Ridge Run: The 31st running of the Ridge Run brought its third consecutive first-time champion. 33 year-old David Ayala continued his impressive season by following up on his victories at Devil's Backbone, Bangtail Divide, and Bighorn 50 with a win on the ridge in difficult conditions. Reports from the field called the forest fire smoke Saturday the worst in the race's history. Nikki Kimball, who took top honors among the women, told the Bozeman Chronicle"The smoke was just horrid ... As soon as the smoke came in I couldn’t breathe that much. I couldn’t breathe like I normally breathe and I just slowed way down. Pushing yourself in the smoke could be really dangerous.” Following Ayala was T. J. Anderson in 2nd, and 2014 Ridge Run Champ Peder Anderson in 3rd. Kimball's victory marked her second consecutive win on the ridge. The course record holder has won the race 6 times. Despite a slower than usual time for Kimball, this year might have been the most hard-earned because she finished less than a minute up on 2013 champ Kaitlin Macdonald. This appears to mark the closest finish in ridge run history. Becky Wheeler rounded out the podium and completed the all-Bozeman podium sweep for both women and men. The story of this years race wouldn't be complete without mentioning another Ridge Run first: course mismarking. The fact is somewhat ironic considering the course is famously unmarked. The mismarking might be the only course marking on the entire route. According to the Chronicle, Ridge Run debutant Edward Farley had a couple minute lead on the rest of the field around the halfway mark. He, and the rest of the leaders, followed the course marking and went the wrong way. The chase pack realized the mistake and recovered quicker. The 25 year-old Farley, on the other hand, was forced to call it a day and turn his race into a training run. A "close encounter' with a mountain lion apparently didn't help either, so he made the most of it and waited around for some friends with whom he ran to the finish. At last check, Farley is registered for the Rut 50K, so he'll have another chance to run fast in the mountains in a couple of weeks. Consider him among the locals to keep an eye out for at Big Sky. Full results here. 

Standhope 60K: Quite a few Montanans competed in this super challenging ultra in Idaho. Missoula's Patrick Murphy finished as top Montanan by taking 4th overall. Full results here. 

Mountain Monday: It was great having a group back together for MTC's weekly run up Missoula's Mount Sentinel. We'll plan to do this again next week and most Mondays moving forward. Stay tuned to MTC and our facebook page for updates.

The Bob: In case you missed it, here's an awesome recap of a Bob Marshall Wilderness adventure run a bunch of Missoulians did a few weeks ago.

Do you have news or a story to share? We strive to make MTC a community resource for Montana trail runners and a place to share news and stories of adventure that celebrate our trails, open space, and wild lands. We'll take news tidbits all weekend and try to get the news posted by Wednesday each week. We'll take stories anytime, so tell us about them here: admin@montanatrailcrew.com

The Continental Divide Route by Jeff Rome

August 20, 2015, 10:37 am

≫ Next: MTC Weekly News: 8/24/15

≪ Previous: MTC Weekly News: 8/19/15

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THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE ROUTE

 by Jeff Rome

    I learned to backpack in Colorado, California, Arizona, through desert, canyons, timberline passes and rocky ridgelines.  Food was kept in the tent, campsites required nothing more than clear and flat ground, and often the travels were thought of in terms of distance covered or elevation gained.  In general, even the more extreme outings were well controlled excursions with predictable itineraries and Indian Summers.  For the Continental Divide Route, all of this has helped only in the most elemental ways.

Henry on the summit of Summit Mt.  Light flurries of snow coming down.

    In the second mile, I learned my National Geographic map was near useless.  In the third mile, I realized both a new need for gloves (protection from rocks) and the seriousness of this route.  I’d taken a forty foot tumble, sliding down scree, gaining momentum after going over a four foot cliff, digging in my heel and stopping just a foot shy of an eight foot cliff.  When I stopped I had to sit there for a minute and make sure nothing was broken.  The mountains had let us know early on that a fatal error is easy to make in this terrain.  I also learned I have an allergic reaction to wasp stings. And, regretfully, I realized I can backpack even lighter, but that my largest weight cut must come from Nutella.  I’ve never had to admit that a two pound jar of Nutella is too much to bring for a three day outing, which I think must qualify this route on a realm above all others I’ve done.  The Continental Divide Route (CDR) is full of tough love.

    It’s a beautiful, remote, dangerous, and staggeringly large undertaking.  110 miles, mostly off trail, traversing valleys where not only will you not see another person—there likely won’t be another person in the entire valley.  Ski down scree chutes, wade through mountain streams, follow goat paths for hours, sleep next to bear scat—if Jim Bridger, mountain man, were still alive he undoubtedly would have done this route.  The goal is to find the most elegant, non-technical line that stays close to the Continental Divide.  Originally the goal was to stay within a mile, but glaciers/cliffs have caused me to reroute in order to find something more akin to my skill-set.  Once I find a route, and feel I know it well enough, a single push effort over two or three days seems like a good undertaking to consider (so long as it doesn’t involve an undertaker).

    My first scouting trip, with Henry Reich, ended when we descended to Upper Two Medicine Lake, hoping to return to the Divide at the saddle above the lake, which appeared to us as a sheer 200 foot cliff with rotten rock.  After a brief excursion via trails to Dawson Pass and experiencing gale force winds, we decided to leave the next section of the divide for another excursion.  Post-hike, we learned of a notch, hidden from our view, leading to the saddle from Upper Two Medicine Lake.  I began planning, then, for a second trip.

Leaving Buttercup Park at dawn, unnamed lake

Descending Mount Helen, towards human trail at Dawson Pass

Looking towards Split Mountain from Mt. Norris (the Divide goes left, following the white line in the shade)

Mt. Jackson in the background, Blackfoot Glacier in the foreground

Icefall below Blackfoot Glacier

As I’m writing this, I’m studying the south ridge of Gunsight Mountain via Google Image search.  No guide book or website mentions it as a viable route.  The west side of the ridge looks horrendous, but the east side looks like a maze of diagonal, vegetated shelfs and likely hidden chimneys, all high above a large snowfield leading down to a waterfall hundreds of feet above Gunsight Lake.  This is the part of the route, I’m guessing, that demands the most attention—there is no easy way, and no written information available to indicate the way.  The upper section of the ridge looks like easy hiking on scree, all guarded by the cliffs below.  From the picture I’m studying, it’s difficult to tell if a cliff is six feet or fifty feet, and all but the last wall of cliffs looks entirely doable, though there is one apparent line of weakness in the upper cliffs.  If it goes, the rest of the route is at least vaguely described or on easy terrain.  If it doesn’t, I may spend the rest of that day searching for a line.

The eastern side of the south ridge of Gunsight Mountain in the early morning

I received an email, in response to an inquiry about Gunsight, from the only man who’s traversed GNP within a mile of the Divide.  His response:

You probably won’t like my reply. I respect what you are trying to do, but I’m going to tell ya that you’re going to have to go out there and connect the dots.

He went on to write,

If you get in a serious jam and need a tip, let me know. But the real challenge I suggest is that you go to GNP, and find the route. That is the true challenge…. the best adventure you’ll ever go on.

Take care and good luck,
Richard Smith

    Like a true mountaineer, Smith kept things vague and interesting.  I’m keeping my head about myself, and am intent on making wise decisions as I head into this next trip.  Four and a half days might be enough time to cover the rest of the route, dependent on Gunsight, weather, route finding, snow conditions, and barring injury, hypothermia, loss of gear/food, bad timing or other unforeseen circumstances.  Really, I have no idea what will happen, but it’s always good to get out.

FOUR DAYS LATER

    Well, I’m back and mostly just hungry and tired.  My diet this past day has included more ice cream than usual, more napping, more doing nothing.  Gunsight Mountain went more easily than expected, but it’s still not a place I’d want to be in adverse conditions.  The ascent over Gunsight marked the end of remoteness in this last trip.  I hadn’t seen anyone for a day and a half, and about the only word I’d spoken to myself was, “Wow!” several times.

    Sometimes you don’t need a guidebook, maybe just Google Maps and some common sense. Nearing the top of Gunsight, I was at over 9,000’, above snowfields and the Sperry Glacier, and I’d just gone up a mountain without following anything other than intuition.  This was maybe the most free I’d ever been.  An hour later, approaching a family out on a side hike from the Sperry Chalets, my first encounter with the rest of the world would be to take their picture.  What is scenery without a face in it?

This guy didn’t ask me to take his picture

Red pool, Sperry Glacier Basin

    As I approached Logan Pass, people started trickling by.  First a few parties doing the Floral Park Traverse, then groups lounging on the Hidden Lake Shoreline, and beyond the pass it became difficult to continue apace, having to watch out for erratic movements of five year-olds, making sure not to photobomb anyone’s picture, and working harder to pass people who speed up when they realize they’re about to be passed.  Mentally, this felt like one of the most difficult miles (hiking in convoluted crowds feels more taxing than hiking up convoluted cliffs at times).

    From Logan Pass, I took trail out to Granite Park and camped there.  This was my first night camping in a designated area, and the experience was odd.  People talked a lot about gear.  I didn’t have much in terms of fancy gear—just lightweight, simple stuff.  Dinner was refried bean mix with water shaken up in a small peanut butter jar (I learned that from Henry).  People asked me what all I had in my pack, since it seemed so small for such a large trip.  I was beginning to realize that my pack was so small and light partially because I hadn’t brought much food.  For snacks, all I had left were ginger snaps, three Kashi bars and dehydrated banana slices.  Perhaps I should have packed that whole jar of Nutella this time.

    Ten miles or so of hiking the next morning brought me to Fifty Mountain Camp.  I was tired, lower on food than I’d like, and the next good spot for bailing was after twenty miles of cross country terrain.  Smoke filling the Lake McDonald Valley didn’t bode well, either.  Getting out at this point was still an adventure—Fifty Mountain may be the remotest one can be in the park and still be on a trail.  Three hours of hiking to a boat dock, then a fifty minute boat ride across the lake, and five hitches took me back to my car nine hours later.  The ranger at the boat dock had seemed very suspicious, and questioned what time I had started hiking the 23 miles from Granite Park to make it there at 1:30.  Though Glacier may be one of the best parks for fast backpacking trips (or fastpacking, if you’re hip), the tight regulations make planning such a trip more difficult than doing it.

Leaving Glacier’s high country as smoke fills the McDonald Lake Valley

    After arriving at the trailhead in time for the second boat shuttle of the day, I arrived in Waterton at 3:10, ten minutes later than the only southbound shuttle leaving from the Prince of Wales Hotel. Apparently, the boat shuttle company and the van shuttle company have never bothered to sync their schedules, probably figuring no one would ever use a combination of the two.  So I hitched.  The first ride was from a Canadian, and the only driver who went out of their way to take me farther south.  I felt very unworldly looking at the speedometer and seeing kilometers displayed on the outside, and marveling at the slight differences in road signs.  Perhaps out of duty to his country, he took me all the way to the border.

    I’m not used to borders, so I was unsure what to do, crossing it on foot.  Do I stand in line, behind the RV rental, and wait?  That felt odd.  Or do I cut ahead of the RV and the motorcyclists and just walk right up to the window?  That felt rude.  I must have seemed confused, because someone very official looking came out and checked my passport, inquired of my method of travel (hitchhiking) and told me to walk right on through.

    Four rides later, I realized I’d gone a pretty long ways.  The last ride was in an RV, with two retirees who seemed like Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau in the Odd Couple, except from Nashville.  They offered me a beer, and were very energetic and cordial.  This may have been because I was at a further distance from them than the other drivers, who could probably smell whatever the hell three and a half days in the mountains smells like.

    It felt nice to be a passenger, and see the mountains fly by.  So little of what I’d done was visible from the road, but piecing it all together from the map I could imagine the valleys on the other sides of the mountains, leading up to the Divide.  The air was becoming thick with smoke, and the area around Gunsight Pass was totally obscured by a mass of grey.  This was Glacier—the RVs, the fires, the gentle Canadians, the picture-aggressive day hikers and the rangers on the prowl protecting whatever it is that’s protected by the backcountry permit system.  I had been there and was ready to return, again, to find what lay past Fifty Mountain Camp in the largest cross country section of the route.

FOUR DAY LATER, AGAIN

    The race against the fires ended.  I learned of the Waterton Lakes fire when I called the backcountry permit office, and have postponed the last section until further notice.  It’s my weekend and I’m staying in town for once, which feels suddenly strange.

    This route has already taught me more than any race ever has.  I’ve learned to be a little less success-oriented, and more about just getting out there.  Ever meticulous in my training log, this route is the one huge question mark.  I’ve no idea how long I spent on my feet, or how much gain I did, or distance covered.  Covering some of the most spectacular country I’ve been in, with so little written about, most of it utterly alone, has caused a shift.  I feel good, I feel great, but I don’t feel focused.  I just feel energized.  Running right now, for me, is just about getting out and feeling the movement, with less a focus on numbers.  It feels really good.  I’m anxious to see what a few more days exploring Glacier’s backcountry can do, if the fires permit me to return and finish the route.

MTC Weekly News: 8/24/15

August 24, 2015, 6:18 am

≫ Next: The Continental Divide Route, Part 2 by Jeff Rome

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Not much racing happening in Montana this week, which is a good thing considering the forest fire smoke, but a few Montana runners managed to turn in some great performances elsewhere:

Tyler Bucklin: a man on a mission--a 400-mile mission!

Grand Slam of Ultrarunning: Tyler Bucklin of Conrad, MT, finished the Leadville 100 on Saturday to expand his overall lead in this year's Grand Slam of Ultrarunning. To finish the Slam, runners must complete the Western States 100, Vermont 100, Leadville 100, and Wasatch Front 100 all in a single summer. If Bucklin can maintain his lead through Wasatch he'll not only become the first Montana runner to win the Grand Slam, but he'll be the first Montana runner to finish the Grand Slam! Good luck Tyler!

Jeremy and Mike - Credit: Jeremy Wolf via Facebook

Squamish 50: Missoulians Mike Foote and Jeremy Wolf had strong runs at this weekend's race, which could very well be the most competitive ultra in Canada. Foote took second overall and Wolf finished 6th, good enough to make them the top two Americans.

Next Weekend: Missoula runners Seth Swanson and Chase Parnell will be among the 2300 athletes toeing the line at the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) in Chamonix, France. If I'm not mistaken, it's the first time racing in Europe for each of them. Swanson, fresh off of his 2nd consecutive runner-up finish at Western States 100, should be a contender in this always deep field. UTMB covers 100 miles through the Alps. Montanans, present and former, have a history of strong showings there. In 2014, Jason Schlarb took 4th, Foote finished 5th in 2013, 3rd in 2012, and 11th in 2011. Mike Wolfe finished 2nd in 2010.

Mountain Monday: The ever-popular Montana Trail Crew group run is on for today. Noon at the Clark Fork Trout, Missoula. All are welcome to join for some, or all, of this run up Sentinel, which offers just enough of a challenge to make things interesting. Make this part of your routine.

Women's Group Run: From Kpat: Womens Group run tomorrow (Tuesday) 7:30am at Crazy Creek Trailhead. 6.5 mi 1200' gain. Katie Gibson will be taking the lead. Also: if you're not getting the emails about group runs and would like to, please contact us directly & we will get you on the list!

The Continental Divide Route, Part 2 by Jeff Rome

August 28, 2015, 8:03 am

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The Continental Divide Route, Part 2

by Jeff Rome

“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till

sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” 

~John Muir

The day dawned forever.  Smoke had been creating a sepia toned world in the Rockies, and the difference between near and far is hue--the less color, the further away.  I had a window seat on The International, a boat that crosses the Canadian-U.S. border eight times a day during the summer months, and looked out into the grey of the water and the grey of the air.  It was 10:30 but still felt dawn, though I’d already been up for five hours.

Waterton Lake, smoky and still

            Nearly napping, I suddenly awoke when the crew announced that hiking beyond the ranger station requires going through customs.  I’d left my passport, ID, cash, everything behind—just like the air, my mind had been unclear that morning.  I talked to border control, stayed honest, and then once they told me, unsympathetically, “I’m sorry, I can’t let you through,” I knew I had to be dishonest.  I made like I was going to hike all the way back to Waterton, only having bought a one way ticket, and began furtively scouting the hillside for a break in the cliffs as I began the trek.

Who would really believe someone would hike 10 miles back to their car just to get a passport?  I began to suspect that border control knew exactly what I was about to do, but I went through with the actions anyway, ready to be honest about my dishonesty when caught.  The boat only stayed ashore for 25 minutes, and I imagined my best chance of eluding capture (I felt like a fugitive!) was to be beyond the customs station by the time the boat left.  For about 15 minutes I hurriedly hopped over logs, pushed branches out of the way, orienteered through the smoke and the brush, and came upon a trail heading up to the Goat Haunt overlook.

I’d made it, but remained paranoid.  I took the trail down to the Waterton Valley junction, ready to dive off into the bushes and hide, figuring the junctions are the most likely place to be caught.  Then, for the next hour, my concern was the patrol cabin just pass the Stoney Indian Pass Junction.  Fastpacking was really fast for that hour, running some ten or eleven minute miles over flat ground, hoping that by getting there faster whoever was at the patrol cabin would be less likely to expect me.  I passed a group of day hikers who had heard me talking to border control, and they were glad to see I’d made it, but this didn’t allow my paranoia to ease up.  Does border control ever go undercover?  Might a casual day hiker suddenly break out the handcuffs and a taser on me? 

Running seemed to be the only thing to alleviate the discomfort of having just done something illegal, and every switchback found me looking down at the switchback below, concerned.  The two agents at customs were both stocky and carrying a lot of gear, but I imagined backcountry rangers to be in cahoots with border control, and likely more fit.  The pressure stayed on until I left trail, just west of Fifty Mountain Camp, still paranoid but okay with getting arrested, eventually, as long as I could finish the route. 

The cross country section from Fifty Mountain Camp to the east end of Trapper Peak is the most nondescript section of the route, and has the lowest point on the divide (5700’) since the start at Marias Pass.  After gaining the summit of West Flattop Mountain it really is flat at the top, in all directions.  With the smoke still thick, I was losing visibility of the mountains behind me and hadn’t yet seen the mountains ahead, so strolled on through the smoke taking compass readings.  For a short while, my world was nothing but grey air, grey burned trees and golden brown grass.  

The least distinct section of the Divide in Glacier Park (which earns it a kind of distinction)

 I spent the night at Gyrfalcon Lake, stopping early at 7:30 since the next water seemed hours away.  I lounged, had dinner, pulled out the final map of my pack (map 6) for the next morning, and studied the route.  Much of this route has been gleaned from descriptions in Edwards’ book, A Climber’s Guide to Glacier National Park.  It’s not always reliable and often vague, sometimes only saying so much as “walk from here to there” when the inbetween is a mile and a half of picking lines through trees, crossing streams, and attempting to stay at the same elevation.  It’s like playing connect-the-dots in the mountains, where straight lines don’t exist, but it has more information about routes in the park than any other source.

Gyrfalcon Lake (I at first thought this was Gyrofalcon Lake, and imagined gyros made out of bird meat)

Two miles of ridgetop walking at dawn

Miles and miles of traversing on scree slopes

 Once back in the high country, traversing between mountains with more majestic names, visibility was never more than two mountains ahead, and the sky was not big.  I skirted the flanks of perhaps the only two mountains I know of that have neither Mt. or Peak in their name (The Sentinel, The Guardhouse), and followed an intermittent goat trail around the western half of Thunderbird Peak.  The periods of travelling without a goat trail, above steep rocky cliffs on loose scree, never became something I felt at ease on. 

I hit Brown Pass at 2:00 and, after summiting the wrong mountain, made my way over to Mt. Custer and wrapped around the south end of it on another goat trail to find the final few miles of ridgeline into Canada.  The day was getting late, especially after having thrown in an extra summit, and my only concern was making it to somewhere with water for the night, which didn’t seem to be anywhere without a large cliff in the way. 

The last difficult mile of ridgeline (the apparent cliff in the middle of the ridge had me very worried)

Chasing light into Canada (Forum Peak in photo center)

End of the route, Forum Peak summit—Mt. Custer is the humped peak in the background

This trip began and ended with a chase, trying to avoid a night up on the ridge, thirsty and hungry.  I summited Forum Peak shortly after 8, and followed the ridgeline down into the trees, where a border clearing paved the way for a steep and brushy trail (Forum Peak’s northern ridgeline lies on the Alberta-British Columbia border).  At a low point on the ridgeline, I started following a faint trail which I presumed to be the Akamina Pass trail, but I was wrong.  After a mile of bushwacking, I found myself, in the dark, ashore at Cameron Lake.  It was 9:45 and all the hikers had left, so this was home for the night.

I sat on the dock and filled up on water (no manmade water sources about), but had to pick my spot carefully to avoid small fish falling into the suction of water filling.  I didn’t have much of a dinner—several handfuls of granola—because sleep seemed the greater need.  I felt lazy enough that curling up in a row boat seemed tempting, but instead slept out in the open just yards away from a trail.  The stars were visible, and I could hear all the sounds that don’t make it up into the alpine—owls hooting, crickets, the gentle lap of waves falling apart on sand, frogs voicing their strange existence—and felt at peace. 

The next morning I started walking, again, down Cameron Lake Road.  It felt odd to continue hiking after I’d completed the CDR, and it took an hour and a half, with the sparse outbound traffic during the 7-9 AM hours, until a park ranger stopped for me.  Maybe it was just this ranger, or maybe it’s Canada, but he didn’t seem like he was on the hunt for a ticket to give.  Even when I told him where I’d camped last night (illegally), he didn’t seem to make note of it.  He was able to answer a few questions I had about the descent from Forum Peak, recommended places in town to eat, told me a bit about the history of the area, and seemed like the kind of old guy I’d want to be when I grow up.  

So it’s done for the year.  This being a multiyear project, the next step will be to get a better idea of how viable a one-push go at this route will be.  The key will be getting to the 20+ miles of trail by dark, and working cross country across the broad, flatscape of West Flattop Mt. into sunrise.  I imagine starting at midnight and ending near midnight, two days out on the Divide, with a full moon and warm weather.  But of course that won’t happen.

            There is very little information on the web about any given section of this route, let alone the route as a whole, but I was able to find this.  It provides a good overview of the route, which, used in conjunction with Edwards’ Climber’s Guide, should point CDR aspirants in the right direction.  The Missoula Public Library has a mapping program that came in great use for the route (the 100 foot contour intervals on the National Geographic Map aren’t great for cross country purposes), and allows printing on waterproof paper for $3 a sheet.  For descriptions of the route, I transcribed sections of Edwards’ book onto race bibs (also waterproof) and kept both map and description readily accessible in my pocket. I saw no bears on this route, and the only off trail humans I saw were in Floral Park. At no point did I need spikes or an ice axe, though this could change with a more snowy year, and everything was 4th class or easier (some of it with significant exposure). The only road along the route is at Logan Pass, and the only option for resupply is at Logan Pass and Granite Park.  There are several bailing points, though these become less frequent and involve more travel in the northern half of the route.

There is little else I can compare this route to, except to say that it’s uniquely Montanan.  It has the soul of a mountain goat, the heart of a grizzly, and the curiosity of a marmot.  It will leave you drained but at the same time fill you with a sense of being.  There is a floating feeling that comes from traversing on and near such a long ridgeline.  I close my eyes and I’m flying over the route.  Whenever I’m not preoccupied and awake, my mind wanders to somewhere along the CDR, taking in the feeling, the surroundings, the knowing that I’ve been there and so far, far along that ridge.  Whatever the opposite of PTSD is, I have that. 

Now, readers, it’s up to you to find your dream route.  The best possible line, the most interesting way to run to work, the best five mile loop in the woods, the run or hike or scramble that will leave you someone else, whether the route be big or small, a daily ritual or a once in a lifetime trip.  This is it for me, the CDR, and now that I know where I need to go it’s taken me somewhere I’ve never expected.  

MTC Weekly News: 8/31/15

August 31, 2015, 7:18 am

≫ Next: Trail Chat with Nicole Hunt: Emelie Forsberg

≪ Previous: The Continental Divide Route, Part 2 by Jeff Rome

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Seth Swanson is all smiles crossing the UTMB finish line - Credit: @iRunFar via Twitter

A steady rain and a breath of fresh air rarely feels as good as it did on Sunday afternoon in Missoula. The cold front that provided the refreshing moment was desperately needed after a couple of weeks of poor air quality that caused problems for much of the state. Northwest Montana got the worst of it, with smoke was so thick Saturday that event organizers cancelled both the Garden City Triathlon and the Roots Run. There has been a number of years that the Roots Run went on despite the smoke, but it has never been as thick on race day as it was Saturday. Canceling an event is a tough call for a RD to make, but in this case it was the right call. Along those lines, I've been keeping an eye on the web cams at Big Sky Resort in anticipation of next weekend's Rut and I've yet to see it anywhere near as smoky as what we've experienced in Missoula over the past couple of weeks. So we should be good to go!


UTMB: For some of us, the smoke provided a great excuse to postpone our Saturday morning run to catch the final hour of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) where Seth Swanson worked his way up through the top ten in this deep international field and, after 22 hours, over 100 miles, and in excess of 30,000 feet of elevation gain, took 4th overall. Seth's run is especially impressive considering he finished 2nd at Western States 100 just 2 months ago and fought in an extremely tight back and forth battle up to the very end where just 28 seconds separated him from 3rd place. It was a spectacular effort to say the least. In this iRunFar.com interview Seth tell how it all went down. Missoula's Chase Parnell recorded a UTMB finish as well, coming in 120th out of the 2300 starters in just his 2nd 100 miler. Well done guys!

As we made note of last week, Seth is the 4th Missoula-trained runner since 2010 to finish in the top 4 at UTMB. The likelihood of one town producing that many top finishers there is really slim and it speaks to the special thing we have going here with Montana trail running. We've posted about this in the past, but in case you missed it, here's one worth checking out: "Weekend That Missoula Sat on Top of the Ultra Running World"


Let The Rut Hype Begin! This week we'll get a few posts out about the Rut Mountain Runs taking place this weekend in Big Sky. First up, Nicole Hunt tracked down Emilie Forsburg, last year's Rut 50K champ, for a quick Q&A. After that we'll do our traditional Rut preview posts. With the added 25K, we'll do two of them. If you know of anyone we ought to keep an eye out for in the preview let us know about it: admin@montanatrailcrew.com 

Mountain Monday: Today is the last Mountain Monday group run until after Labor Day. As usual we're meeting at noon at the Clark Fork River trout statues beneath Higgins Ave. Bridge. Hope to see you there.

Trail Chat with Nicole Hunt: Emelie Forsberg

August 30, 2015, 6:54 am

≫ Next: 2015 Rut Mountain Runs Preview

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Having fun in the mountains. "Pleasure and Happiness" ~Emelie Photo Credit: Kilian Jornet via Facebook.com

Last year, Montana trail running fans met Emelie Forsberg. The 28 year-old Swedish mountain runner led the 2014 Rut 50K from the start and never looked back. Not only did she dominate the most talented trail running field ever assembled in Montana, but she also earned the Skyrunning World Championship with her victory. When not running up and down mountains, she's skiing up and down them on the Ski Mountaineering World Cup circuit. For more information about Emelie and her many accomplishments in the sport check out her blog. Emelie a talented athlete, but she is also very kind and humble. So when I messaged her requesting if I could ask her a few questions for Montana Trail Crew she said, “of course I will.”

"Very happy to finish this race (Rut 50k) as the first lady! It had everything, easy & technical trails, amazing scrambling and beautiful downhills! Good feelings from the start even though I was so tired last week race directing! Thank you for all the cheering!" -Emelie  Photo Credit: Emelie Fosberg via Facebook.com

1. Are you running the Rut VK, 25k and the 50k? What shoes would you recommend for each race?

My plan is to run them all. For the Vk, I will use Salomon Sense, on the 25k, I might use Salomon Sense Soft Ground or Salomon Sense, and on the 50k I will use Salomon Sense Soft Ground for sure!

2. How does the Rut race compare to European races in difficulty?

I think it´s similar! It has easy sections and technical sections, more or less as the Sky races over in Europe.

3. What is your secret to quickly navigating those ankle twisting rocks down the scree field you see at Lone Peak?

Just go for it and feel comfortable.

4. What are 2 specific workouts that are key to your preparation for the Rut races?

Hmm, as I have been racing the whole summer I have not had time for specific training, but for the Vk I would say it´s good to do 3x 10 minute session, for the 25 km it´s good to do a 1.5-2 hr fast run with almost race pace some sections; and for the 50k to fit a 3 hour run or a longer mountain day into the schedule.

5. How do you see yourself in 50 years and how do you want to be remembered?

Waow, that´s far ahead..! I would love to be a healthy and happy runner and grandmother with a big garden/small farm.

6. You seem to have love and passion for the mountains, how did you get that way?

I think for spending a lot of time outside as a kid, you get an understanding and a caring way for the nature.


On her way to setting the course record at Mount Marathon Seward Alaska (5k 3022 ft gain). Photo Credit-  Emelie Forsberg via Facebook.com

Thank you Emelie for the interview! Your enthusiasm and passion for adventure and exploring the mountains is inspiring and infectious. We wish you the best!
~Nicole



Training in the Mountains. Photo credit: Emelie Forsberg via Facebook.com



2015 Rut Mountain Runs Preview

September 2, 2015, 7:38 am

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Whitefish native Matt Shryock (shown at the 2014 Rut) has been training in Alaska for his 3rd go here and is hoping to make Montana proud. Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

The Rut--now in its third year--already has a cult following here in Montana. It's just one weekend, but it looms large all year long. Pick a Saturday morning in the summer and you're bound to see its devotees slogging up the steepest pitches of Mount Helena, Sentinel, or Baldy. The Rut is a disciplinarian telling the runners to put in the work or suffer in September.

When we first wrote about The Rut we knew it would have an appeal--a way for those of us in the Northern Rockies to experience the thrills of European mountain racing without the airfare. After all, a couple of guys who know a thing or two about mountain running put it together. As it turns out, what we got is way beyond some imitation Euro-race. The Montana Mikes (Foote and Wolfe) devised a 50K drawn not only from their experiences mountain running across the pond, but from their local knowledge of Big Sky Resort. Mike Wolfe, of course, grew up in Bozeman so he knows the ins and out of Lone Mountain as good as anyone. Mike Foote, meanwhile, ski patrolled at adjacent Moonlight Basin. Throw together equal parts cowbell and camo and "A True Montana Mountain Run" was born.

To say The Rut was a hit from the start is putting it mildly. As Jeff Rome confessed after the inaugural event, "For the first time, I actually felt challenged on a course—I genuinely felt proud for each person who crossed the finish line because I know everyone there had to really try to finish." We always expected that The Rut would draw people looking for a challenge, but the way it influences how people in Montana train is a pretty special phenomenon. The Rut faithful grinding the steeps is the mountain running equivalent of marathoners running long every Sunday morning. Instead of the extra miles, we take on the steepest challenge simply for the fact that it might make things just a little less painful on race weekend.

Courses: 

The 2015 Rut 50K course appears largely the same as 2014, which was considerably harder than 2013. Rut veterans will notice the absence of the hand line and the prominent out and back in the basin, but the vertical and mileage remains the same. It's in the ballpark of 10,000 feet of gain over 31 miles. Ouch!

The 25K is new for 2015 and features all the prominent summits of the 50K with half the running
distance. It'll be a grind up some 7,500 feet of gain. It's up and down, nothing else.

The VK is as tough and steep as ever. Up all the way.

Weather:

As runners there are things we try to control, but in the mountains there are plenty of things we can't. Topping out in excess of 11,000 feet in the Madison Range, Lone Mountain draws weather. The latest 50K race day forecast is calling for a high of 51 degrees and a low of 33. That's the base area. For the mountain, this means a pretty good chance of snow. Nobody said this thing was going to be easy, but the RDs have a contingency plan in place that utilizes lower elevation trails as an alternative if runner safety becomes a concern.

Athletes to watch:

The Rut course gets much of the attention, but the athletes should too. There are some amazing international athletes competing to go along with some mighty talented locals. The fields for all three races are stacked and contain everything from speedy marathoners to elite ski mountaineers. There are dozens of very good runners in each race. It made assembling a thorough race preview a fun and arduous task! So from a quick look at entrants, here are some people to root for and mostly in alphabetical order. (If we missed anyone who you think might contend, let us know admin@montanatrailcrew.com)

Vertical Kilometer:

Women:
Ashley Erba, Boulder, Colorado... Moab Red Hot 55 Champ, 3rd at 2015 Lake Sonoma 50, racing all 3 events
Emelie Forsberg, Sweden... 2014 Rut Champ, 2014 Skyrunning World Champ, racing all three events

Emelie Forsberg making it look easy at The Rut - Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

Anna Frost, New Zealand... 3rd at 2014 Rut 50K, 2015 Hardrock 100 Champ, countless podiums around the world, racing all three events
Nicole Hunt, Deer Lodge, Montana... 3rd at 2014 Rut VK, Masters CR at Mount Washington, CR at Sentinel Hill Climb, undefeated in Montana this year, including Pengelly Double, 11 Miles to Paradise, and more.
Stevie Kremer, Crested Butte, Colorado... Winner of numerous European mountain runs, including 2013 Mont Blanc Marathon.

Stevie Kremer - Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

Corrine Malcolm, Bozeman, Montana... national class Nordic skier, several top trail finishes in MT this year.
Laura Orguè... VK World Champ
Oihana Kortazar...Spain
Yngvild Pedersen... Norway
Maite Maiora ... Spain... 3rd at 2015 IAU Trail World Champs

Men:
Perret Adrien, France...French SkiMo champ
Rémi Bonnet, Switzerland...
Art DeGraw, Flagstaff, Arizona...2nd at 2015 Whiteface VK, 2nd at 2014 Flagstaff VK
Rickey Gates, Madison, Wisconsin...2nd at 2014 Rut VK, 4th at Rut 50K, countless victories and podiums throughout his career.

Ricky Gates at the Rut VK - Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

Tom Goth, Salt Lake City, Utah... 2014 Ski-Mo National Champion
David Morris, Helena, Montana... 2:09 marathoner, (former U.S. record holder),1:01 half marathoner, a top master in MT.
Davide Magnani, Italy...
Jeff Rome, Missoula, Montana... 9th at 2014 Rut VK, 6th at 2015 Power of Four VK, 3rd at 2015 Pengelly Double Dip, 3rd at 2013 Ridge Run.
Jim Rucker, Whitefish, Montana... 2:25 marathoner, 1:07 half marathon, 3:25 trail 50K
Ferran Teixidó, Andorra...
Xavier Teixidó, Andorra...

25K:

Women:
Ashley Erba, Boulder (See above)

Ashley Erba at the 2015 Power of Four Run - Credit:Myke Hermsmeyer

Emelie Forsberg, Sweden (see above)
Anna Frost, New Zealand (see above)

Anna Frost (2015 Hardrock 100) - Credit: Matt Trappe Photo & Film/Myke Hermsmeyer from Matt Trappe's upcoming Hardrock 100 film.

Nicole Hunt, Deer Lodge (see above)
Megan Kimmel, Silverton... Multi-time USATF Champ, multi-time Pikes Peak Ascent champ

Megan Kimmel at the North Face Endurance Challenge Series San Francisco Credit: ultraracephotos.com/Myke Hermsmeyer

Stevie Kremer, Crested Butte.. (See Above)
Corrine Malcolm, Bozeman... (See Above)
Eva Moreda Gabaldon, Spain
Laura Orguè, Spain
Maite Maiora, Spain
Oihana Kortazar, Spain
Yngvild Pedersen, Norway

Men:
Perret Adrien, France (See Above)
Peder Anderson, Bozeman... 2014 Ridge Run Champ, 2015 Old Gabe Champ
Michael Barlow, Aspen... 2015 San Juan Solstice 50 Champ
Forrest Boughner, Missoula... 1:10 half marathoner focused on the mountains
Rickey Gates...Madison (See Above)
Joe Gray, Colorado Springs... Multi-time US Mountain Running Team Member, dozens of wins in 2015

Joe Gray at the North Face Endurance Challenge Series Washington, DC. Credit ultraracephotos.com/Myke Hermsmeyer

Jessed Hernandez, Spain
Bartolome Ingles Balagner, Spain
Henry Reich, Missoula... 2015 Pengelly Double Dip Champ, 2nd at Don't Fence Me In 30K

Henry Reich at the 2014 Mount Sentinel Hill Climb - Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

Thomas Morgan, Bend, Oregon... 13:25 5K, 22:36 8K, 1:05 half marathon
Tom Owens, UK... podium finishes at numerous European Skyrunning events, 2015 Whiteface Sky Marathon Champ, 4th at 2014 Rut 50K.
Pere Rullan, Spain... Skyrunning national champ, 3rd at European championships.
Paul Terranova, Austin, Texas... 10th at 2015 Western States 100
Tadei Pivk, Italy..Zegama and Dolomite Sky race champ
Marco De Gasperi, Italy... 6-time World Mountain Running Champion
Sintu Vives, Spain
Jessed Hernandez, Spain
Ferran Teixidó, Andorra...
Xavier Teixidó, Andorra...
Jeff Krar, Calgary, Alberta...

50K:

Women:
Hillary Allen, Boulder... 2015 Speedgoat 50K Champ, 2015 Quest for the Crest Champ, 2014 Flagstaff Skyrace Champ, 5th at 2014 Rut 50K

Hillary Allen at the 2014 Rut 50K - Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

Juliette Benedicto, France
Rhea Black, Missoula... former Pengelly Double Dip Champ, 11 at 2014 Speedgoat 50K
Meaghen Brown, Sante Fe (Missoula, MT)... 9th at 2014 Rut 50K, 2nd at 2012 Big Horn 50.
Ashley Erba, Boulder (see above)
Emelie Forsberg, Sweden... (see above)
Anna Frost, New Zealand... (see above)
Anya Gue...Missoula... 2nd at 2014 Big Horn 50, 2nd at 2013 Don't Fence Me In

Kristina Pattison... Missoula... MTC's own, 6th at a pair Skyrunning Ultras this year, currently ranked 4th in the Skyrunning World Series.

Kristina Pattison at the 2014 Pengelly Double Dip - Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

Emily Linton, Missoula... 2015 Devil's Backbone 50 champ and CR
Kaitlin Macdonald, Bozeman... 2nd at 2013 Rut 50K, 2nd at 2015 Bridger Ridge Run
Viviana Masis, Costa Rica...
Laura Tabor, Boulder, Colorado..

Men:
Alan Adams, Missoula... 5th at 2013 Rut 50K
Franco Collè, Italy
Cristopher Clemente, Spain
Art DeGraw, Flagstaff... (see above)
Edward Farley, Bozeman... wildcard who had a big lead at the Ridge Run before running off course.
Kiefer Hahn, Missoula...3-time Missoula Marathon Champ
Adam Jenson, Anchorage, Alaska (Missoula, MT)...7th at 2015 Mount Marathon
Max King... Bend, Oregon...2014 100K World Champion, 2011 Mountain Running World Champion, countless podiums over all distances and terrain.

Max King at the Lake Sonoma 50 - Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

Dan Kraft, Corvallis, Oregon... 2013 Ridge Run Champ, 7th at 2014 Rut, 2015 Flagstaff Sky Race Champ

Dan Kraft at The Rut - Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

Andy Lefriec, Spokane, Washington... 3:40 trail 50K

Luke Nelson, Pocatello, Idaho... 3rd at 2013 Rut, 2014 Big Horn 100 Champ
Timmy Parr... Leadville, Colorado...a dozen podiums at mountain runs this year, including several wins such as Tushar Trail Run
Chris Price, Pasadena, California... 4th 2015 Hardrock 100, 2nd at Jemez Mountain 50
John Ricardi...Bellevue, Washington (Gardiner, MT) 2:27 marathoner, 1:07 half, 8:36 steeple, 8X Montana State Champ, Former U.S. Junior Mt Running Team member
Josh Ricardi... Seattle (Gardiner, MT)... 2:27 marathoner, 1:09 half, pro obstacle racer
Gary Robbins... British Columbia... 2-time HURT 100 Champ, Podiums at numerous Northwest Ultras.
Jeff Rome... Missoula... (see above)
Matt Shryrock... Anchorage (Whitefish, MT)... 2nd at 2013 Rut, 11th in 2014, former Missoula Half Marathon champ.
Paul Terranova... Austin, Texas... (See above)

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MTC Weekly News: 9/14/15

September 14, 2015, 6:59 am

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Montana runners ascending Lone Peak in the Rut Vertical Kilometer. See this and 200 more Myke Hermsmeyer images from the weekend over at MTC's Facebook. Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer

Here are a few recent happenings in the world of Montana trail running::

The Rut: Runners Edge pulled off another world class event this year and plenty of athletes put forth some exceptional performances in all distances. The race was as tough as ever, so the old saying "to finish is to win" rings especially true. Congratulations to all finishers! And while we didn't have a Montana champion, we actually came pretty close in both the men's and women's 50K with Missoula's Kristina Pattison taking fourth overall and Whitefish native and longtime Missoula resident Matt Shryock of Anchorage, Alaska, finishing 3rd. A unique part of this year's event is that it served as a qualifying race for the U.S. Mountain Running Team at the long distance world championships. The top two Americans in the 50K earned spots on the team, which means that Kristina and Matt earned the opportunity to represent Team USA. Read more about that here. And if you want to relive the joy of this event or get a better sense of what it entailed, check out Myke Hermsmeyer's Montana Trail Crew Rut Facebook Gallery Myke did an amazing job and must have covered more vertical than the racers to get all of these stunning shots. Thanks Myke!

Mount Helena Run: On Saturday, the 40th edition of this 7ish mile race up and down Mount Helena drew a talented field. Michael Kaiser took the win followed by Jesse Zentz and Greg Friedman. Amy Friedman took the win among women followed by Ashley Basten and Debbie Gibson. Full results here.

Big Bear Stampede: Liza Faeber and Sam Read took the wins in their respective divisions of this second year trail run in Gardiner. Faeber was followed by Janene Wilkey and Tanya Smith rounded out the podium. Ford Smith took second among the men and Bret De Young finished 3rd. Full results.

Tyler Bucklin Wins Grand Slam of Ultrarunning: Tyler Bucklin, a Conrad middle school teacher and member of the Bucklin family that is a ubiquitous presence at Montana ultras, finished the Wasatch Front 100 on Saturday to earn a total time of 94:16, a full three hours up on his closest competitor. Bucklin is the first Grand Slam Champ from Montana and appears to be the first Montana runner to finish the Grand Slam. For those unfamiliar with the Grand Slam, it involves running the following 100s in a single summer: Western States, Vermont Trail, Leadville Trail, and Wasatch Front. More info on the Grand Slam here. Nice work Tyler.

Also of note in this year's Wasatch Front 100 was a strong performance by Bozeman's David Ayala finishing 4th overall in a time of 22:29.

Mountain Monday: We're back to our standard route up Sentinel via Smokejumper and down the face. We'll roll at a conversational pace and take about 1.5 hours to cover the 9ish miles and 2,000 vertical of ascent. If you're interested in joining us for some, or all, of this weekly tradition meet us at noon on Mondays at the Clark Fork trout statues below the Higgins Ave Bridge.

Trail Work Day (9/26/15) Volunteers Needed!

September 17, 2015, 3:56 pm

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Montana Trail Crew getting dirty in Missoula's North Hills

Saturday, September 26th, is National Public Lands Day so celebrate by participating in a Montana Trail Crew trail work day! This is the first of two trail work days we're hosting this fall and both promise a unique blend of hard work, stunning views, and good company.

The project we have in store for the lucky volunteers on the 26th is unlike our trail work days of the past because we're headed into the mountains. As runner's we're as suited to handle the task at hand as anyone because of our ability to cover long distances and ascend difficult climbs! This trail project is also a special one for us because it has a bit of a history going back a couple of years when we were contacted by Anders Brooker of Runners Edge about lending support to this major trail improvement project proposed up the Ninemile. We agreed and MTC co-founder Jed Rogers penned the following:

Fast forward a year and a half. The Ninemile Ranger District won the grant funding and various local organizations including MTB Missoula and the Backcountry Horsemen have cleared trail to make the project happen. Now it's our turn. 

Three Lakes Peak, not a bad place to work. Credit: listsofjohn.com

The plan is to meet behind Runners Edge early on Saturday morning the 26th and carpool to the the site. With hydration packs, some warm clothes, work gloves, and our running shoes we'll run into the mountains--uphill--and gain some 2,000 feet before reaching a series of scree fields in the vicinity of Three Lakes Peak where we'll be moving rock and leveling trail. 

Where's Three Lakes Peak? Here!

Volunteers can expect to be treated to stunning fall colors and a decent workout before heading back for a late picnic lunch and a ride back to town. So if you're interested, sign up! As they say, "many hands make light work," so we're looking for a dozen volunteers to help make this project happen. 

Here's the details:

When: Saturday September 26th, 7:00 -1:30

Where: Meeting behind Runners Edge

Lunch: Post work picnic provided!

What to bring: Appropriate clothes, hydration, snacks/gels, footwear, and work gloves.

Sign up here: https://www.volunteersignup.org/BMMFX

We need at least 12 volunteers to make it a go, so get signed up via this link: 

Email us at admin@montanatrailcrew.com with any questions. We hope you can make it. 

RATBOB Prairie Faction

September 22, 2015, 5:28 am

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MTC Note: Over the years we've shared tales of epic adventure runs across the Bob Marshall Wilderness undertaken annually by groups of Missoula runners called "RATBOB" (run across the Bob Marshall Wilderness). "The Bob" is so big it spans from the mountains all the way to the prairie. Along the windswept Rocky Mountain Front an equally impressive adventure tradition is forming: RATBOB Prairie Faction. Here's how  group of Montanans from the prairie took RATBOB inspiration and ran with it... through 56 miles of Wilderness!

RATBOB Prairie Faction

by Jake Babich

  

The Chinese Wall - Credit: Kam Kidrick

Before we get started with this story of epic proportions, let me please send out some much needed shout outs. This trip would not have been possible without the expert knowledge of Kam Kidrick. Secondly, we would have failed before it even started if not for the forward thinking of Robin McGuire. Also, thank you to Josiah/Lisa Badger and Kristi Scott for having a warm fire, with much needed food and our tents setup when we finished.

Let’s get started…

The trip was loosely planned and ideas had been thrown around all summer. The final runners for the trip ended up being Kam Kidrick, Wade Stover and myself, Jake Babich. On Friday, 14 August, the plan was to camp at Silvertip Trailhead and make our way towards Benchmark starting the next morning. That plan was quickly diverted by Robin McGuire, who had stepped up last minute to drive us and see us off in the morning. Robin called ahead to the ranger station to see if Silver Tip Trailhead was open. It was closed due to fires in the area (Thank you Robin). We met at my house at 4:30 PM on Friday evening, the next 30 minutes were spent mulling over maps and guide books. Two options surfaced. Option 1 was to run from Holland Lake to Benchmark and make it an official RATBOB. Option 2 was to travel from Headquarters Pass to Benchmark, in order to see the Chinese Wall. We pondered our decision and chose option 2, even though it wasn’t RATBOB. The 56 mile trip was still a great endurance feat, and as a collective group we decided it still counted.

On our way up to the trail, we stopped at John Henry’s in Choteau for some much needed carb loading. We arrived at the trailhead around 8:00 PM. We setup camp at Headquarters Pass Trailhead after discussing the legality of camping at trailheads, we decided it might be illegal but we would take our chances. Thanks again to Robin’s preparation we drank a couple of beers and setup running packs for the next morning. That night a couple of small thunder storm cells had rolled through. It was quite amazing listening to the thunder roll along the mountain side.

The next morning, 15 August, we made final decisions on cold weather gear, packs and hiking poles. The trip was set. We took off at the trailhead and started our ascent up Headquarters Pass at 5:50 AM. As we climbed the sun started to peak from behind us, so we started to drop our top layers. As we peaked, the wind was howling. The view of the Rocky Mountain, the tallest peak in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, was amazing. We started our descent and picked up our pace towards Gates Park. Throughout the trip, Kam schooled Wade and I on his knowledge of the Bob Marshall. Kam told us that Gates Park was owned by a gentleman named Cates, who owned the area for logging. Over the years the name of the park was changed to Gates Park. Kam was our personnel tour guide throughout the trip. Sharing his knowledge and his childhood stories of his summers in the backcountry of the Bob.

After Gates Park, we enjoyed a quick snack and rest before we headed towards Rock Creek. On our way, we ran into and talked to three forest rangers. The conversation went like…

Rangers “Where are you headed”

Kam “to Benchmark”:

Rangers “Where are your packs”

Kam “These are our packs”

Rangers “Where are you headed tonight”

Kam “Benchmark”

Ranger “OK, that’s crazy”

Upon further conversation, it turns out that there were fires started overnight in the area from the thunderstorms and they had decided to shut down the trail. Since we planned to be out of the area within the day the rangers let us proceed.

Rock Creek Cabin wrapped and ready - Credit: Kam Kidrick

Shortly after we came upon the Rock Creek Forest Service cabin. It was a rare sight, the rangers that we had seen earlier had wrapped the cabin in fire blankets (which gave the appearance of being wrapped in tin foil) and had gravity fed sprinklers protecting the cabin. This is was the spot of our second stop for some nutrition and much needed rest. We relaxed for 15 minutes and filled our packs with cold water from the creek. We enjoyed a couple of miles of flat before we started our way up Larch Hill Pass and Spotted Bear Pass. As we were three quarters of the way up Spotted Bear Pass we had spectacular views of Three Sisters and Red Head Peak. At the top of the pass we stopped at My Lake for lunch taking in the beautiful mountain lake views. Wade came in clutch, he surprised Kam and I with a spaghetti MRE--the meal charged our bellies and our minds. 

MTC Truckers have been everywhere, but this might be a first. Credit: Kam Kidrick

After lunch, we knew that we were within in an hour of setting our eyes on the prize. As we turned the last corner we could see the face of the Chinese wall. It lifted everyone’s spirit. We knew it would slow us down but we decided to walk the majority of the seven miles that spanned the base of the wall. It is not a site you get to see every day and one you never forget. We had the whole wall to ourselves and not a single soul to be seen.

At the end of the Chinese Wall we stopped for quick rest and a change of socks. The long day was starting to take a toll, 30 miles into the trip blisters started to form and the legs were feeling the morning climbs. Lucky for us we were started to descend towards Indian Point. A mile into the descent we stopped at fast a flowing creek and re-filled our hydration packs. We were way behind our goal time of making to Benchmark by dark. As we reached Indian Point the sun started to set behind the mountains. We stopped and enjoyed our last 15 minute break. Thirteen miles to go and we were off.

Kam had thought that there was no way that we would make it back to Benchmark after dark, he decided to leave his headlamp with Robin at the Headquarters Pass Trailhead. We had planned to meet Josiah Badger at Indian Point but figured we wouldn’t see him because of how far we were behind our planned timeline, and we didn’t. We proceeded onward towards the crossing of the South Fork of the Sun River. As we came upon the Pretty Prairie it was completely dark. Wade found a head lamp laying in the middle of the trail right in front of the Pretty Prairie trail marker. He gave it to Kam under the promise that he wouldn’t leave us behind. Kam laid eyes upon the headlamp and said, “I know that light. It belongs to the Badger’s (How Kam knows who owns what headlamp I will never know). With all of us with headlamps, we pressed on slowly with muscle and blister pain in full swing.

As we crossed over the final pack bridge going into Benchmark we gave each other high-fives and bro hugs. We attempted to run our last .01 mile up to Benchmark from the pack bridge. As we proceeded into the campground we were greeted with beer, food prepped and a roaring fire by Kristi and the Badgers. We discussed our day. Our trip was complete, ending fifteen minutes after mid-night, four hours after our goal time. That didn’t matter to us, we finished a 56 mile trip to the middle of the middle of the Bob Marshall and back completely unsupported. This is the single greatest feat/experience I have ever had. Also the headlamp found was dropped by the Badgers earlier that day during a hike. They were glad to have it back.

Jeremy Wolf: 3/4 Year Review

September 23, 2015, 7:13 am

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So what the heck is a ¾ year in review?  It’s a legit question.  My desire to write this now is twofold.  First, I haven’t written a single race report this year, so this is my last ditch effort to share my experiences from this year’s races before they escape my mind completely.  Secondly, I’ve come to a resting point in my running for the year.  I’ve been training and racing consistently for the last seven months and needed some time away from running to rest the body and recharge the soul.  I plan on running North Face 50 in December, so I’ll wait until October before ramping up running specific training.

Injury – The start of 2015

I spent the first couple months of 2015 training in the gym.  In October I fell into a ditch during an early morning tempo run and bashed my knee requiring eight stitches.  What I thought was going to be a week or two away from running turned into 3 months of little to no running.  Some tendonitis had developed in the knee and it bothered me when I ran, so I did the elliptical and quad strengthening to try to get myself back to running.  Finally in February, I was able to run consistently again with the knee pain relegated to more of the nuisance level versus being a hindrance. 

New Zealand - March

After delaying the trip for a month due to my knee injury, I was finally able to feel confident about an intense two week running trip in March.  I flew into Christchurch and met up with my best bud Jason Schlarb and familiar friends and videographers Joel Wolpert and Bobby Jahrig who would be filming the trip.

Schlarb and I ready to embark on the 33.5 mile Milford Track requiring a boat ferry on each end. Photo: Joel Wolpert

 The next two weeks were a whirl wind of big days running on breathtaking trails and rallying in the motor home to the next trail head by night.  We were fortunate to run in perhaps the most geographically diverse place or earth, with the likes of Anna Frost, Grant Guise, and Vajin Armstrong giving us the locals tour.  The Kiwi Tracks film turned out to be a visually stunning portrait of New Zealand trail running. You can catch the 28 min feature film (paid) and 5 min Kiwi Tracks Bromance Edit (free) at schlarbwolf.com.

Racing

This year was one of transition for me in the world of ultra-running.  In my first two years at the ultra distance, I’d never raced longer than 50k.  This year I made the move towards longer distance ultras by racing 50 mile and 100k races.  My main motivators for selecting races this year were driven by two factors.  First, race in high profile and competitive races.  I want to see how I stack up against elite fields and have great support from Hoka One One encouraging and allowing me to travel to such races.  Secondly, I selected races in locations where I wanted to run, places that inspired me.  Last year I raced the U.S. Skyrunning series and I found myself running races just because they were in the series and I needed to run them to earn points.  Towards the end of the series racing felt forced, and that's never a great motivator.  So the criteria this year was basically, competitive, inspiring location, and enough time to recover from the previous race.  This also meant that I would be moving on from Speedgoat and The Rut for a change of scenery after racing both the previous two years.

Lake Sonoma 50 mile - April

With two months of running under my belt it was time to toe the line at my first 50 miler.  Lake Sonoma is arguably the most competitive 50 miler in the U.S. and unfortunately I didn’t feel like I was coming in with my A game.  The start line was a who’s who of the ultra-running scene.  It was good to catch up with four of my Hoka teammates and spend some miles racing with Mike Wardian and Karl Meltzer.  The course is an out and back along the rolling hills surrounding Lake Sonoma.

Karl Meltzer, me, and Seth hanging at the start line. Photo: Myke Hermsmeyer

My plan was to go out conservatively and hopefully be able to pick off the carnage on the return trip to the finish.  The speedsters took the race out quickly and I settled around 18^th place for the first 25 miles of the race.  After half way I was feeling good and one by one started passing guys who were paying the price from a fast start.  By the mile 38 aid station the carnage was becoming apparent.  Both Rob Krar and Mike Aish were sitting there having called it a day and I left in 12^thplace and each mile now becoming the farthest I’d ever run.  Unfortunately at this point I started to get some strong cramping in my right quad which shortened my stride and slowed me down.  Also at this time, I was passed rapidly by the first female Stephanie Howe and Karl Meltzer.  As those two pulled away, I focused on drinking liquids and taking salt pills in hopes of getting rid to the quad cramp.  Luckily, it subsided and I was able to pick up the pace passing Karl and another runner with 5 miles to go.  With about a mile to go I caught a glimpse of Stephanie and pressed hard and passed her with a half mile to go.  I finished in 11^th place and was pretty elated with my debut 50 miler.  I was particularly pleased with how I battled late in the race and was able to finish strong.

Lake Sonoma offers up a bunch of smooth rolling singletrack.  Photo: Myke Hersmeyer

The entire Lake Sonoma weekend was amazing.  Traveling there from Missoula with Seth Swanson, stopping by Hoka headquarters with my teammates, staying at a guest house in a vineyard were some pretty big highlights outside of the race itself.  I certainly look forward to returning to Lake Sonoma in 2016.

Had a blast racing with a my Hoka One One teammates.  Brought me back to my team x-c days.

Don’t Fence Me In 30k - May

It’s always nice to have a competitive trail race just down the road from home.  As part of the La Sportiva Cup, Don’t Fence Me In annually fields top runners from Montana and a couple elite out of state runners competing in the Cup series.  An added benefit to this years race was the Trails in Motion film screening the night before the race where I got to introduce Around Patagonia and field questions from the audience. 

Being a runnable 30k, the race goes out hard from the start.  I settled into 7^thplace and hovered around there for most of the race.  After a big climb to start the race, the field bombed down the first downhill section of single track.  As I got rolling I quickly noticed an ache feeling in both knees.  The ache wasn’t necessarily slowing me down much, but it was enough to provide some mild discomfort. 

I was looking forward to using my finishing time from this race to gauge my fitness relative to my 3^rd place finish in 2013.  With 2 miles to go in the race I faced an awkward sight of three race runners headed back up the trail towards me.  They informed me that that course sabotage had occurred at the last trail junction and we’d ran over a half mile off course.  As we worked our way back towards the junction a couple more runners came running towards us.  As a group we remarked the flagging at the junction, removed the log someone had place over the correct trail, and continued toward the finish.  Collectively we decided to jog across the finish line in the order we were when we went off course, so that meant I would be finishing in 6^thtoday.  As we jogged down Mt. Helena, the aching in my knees was intensifying and I was glad to not be bombing down at race pace.  It ended up being a fun day on the trails, but the knee issue set me back and ended up keeping me out running for over a week and the Pengelly Double Dip a few weeks later.

Eiger Ultra Trail 101k - July

As much as I tried to wrap my head around running 63 miles with 22,000 ft. of elevation gain beforehand, I really couldn’t understand those numbers until I was in the thick of it.  And by understand I mean more like how I underestimated those numbers. 

I had spent most of June and July hiking up steep mountain trails using hiking poles opposed to running them.  I knew I’d be relying on my upper body to propel me uphill just as much as my legs, so I wanted to get those muscles and coordination built up beforehand. 

Met up with Schlarb in Switzerland.  He would go on to crush this race, whereas this race crushed me.

On race day the field lined up in the town of Grindelwald for a 4:30am start.  The iconic Eiger was towering above.  Off into the darkness we went and as the hiking poles came out for the first steep ascent my headlamp shined on a familiar mullet.  Jason Schlarb and I spend the next couple of miles together as the morning light started to reveal the giant peaks surrounding us.  As Jason took off towards to lead group, I hovered comfortably around 15^th place until the 20 km mark.  At this point, my energy levels hit a low and I was relegated to walking both on the uphills and downhills.  Over the next 45 minutes 20-30 runners passed me as I contemplated dropping out of the race.  I continued to consume gels, but they just didn’t provide a boost to my energy levels.  I finally decided to consume some real food and pulled an Omnibar from my pack and ate it.  Instantly, my energy level started to sky rocket and I was able to return to running.  Ok, so maybe I could finish this thing.  The goal was no longer a competitive finish, but rather just get to the finish. 

The scenery was spectacular but it was hard to enjoy it when I just wanted this race to end.

14 hours after starting and in 20th place, I crossed the finish line located back where I’d started the day.  The announcer asked me how I enjoyed the course and if I’d be back next year.  With a microphone in my face I said “No way am I coming back, I don’t want to suffer like that again.” 

Looking back on that race, I am proud of just finishing.  On a day where early on I knew it wasn’t going to be my day, I continued to press on one step at a time through some of the most beautiful yet demanding terrain I’ve ever been on.  Questioning why I run ultras crossed my mind many times especially since I wasn’t enjoying the experience.  I can’t say I have a great answer, for me it’s not about pushing through adversity or finding my limits.  What this race did do for me was build confidence leading into other ultra races.  Knowing that I had Squamish 50 mile in 5 weeks didn’t seem very intimidating knowing that I could push myself for 14 hours straight.

Snowbowl 15k - August

Running this race was a game time decision and I’m so glad I did.  Runners Edge does a great job supporting the local trail running community and I wanted to support their inaugural event at Snowbowl ski area just 20 minutes from town.  It is always amazing to see the high quality competition that shows up to a local Missoula trail race.

At the start line with some strong local talent. Photo: Mom

As we charged up the dirt roads to the top of the mountain, Jason Delaney and Mike Wolfe pulled away out of sight.  After 45 minutes of slowly grinding uphill I crested the ridge and hopped on the single track descending back down to the base of the ski hill.  The next 4.5 miles would prove to be the most fun running of the year.  A gradually descending trail and a knee that felt healthy allowed me to fly down the trail without caution.  I literally had a smile on my face the whole way down enjoying the windy single track.  I crossed the line in 2^nd place, but more importantly I felt rejuvenated with running.  That decent reminded me why I run.  Flying freely down the trail through the forest is one of my greatest pleasures in life and one that has eluded me since my injury.  I left this race with a renewed joy for running and excitement for the upcoming 50 miler two weeks away.

Squamish 50 mile - August

Heading into 2015, Squamish was the one race I knew for sure that I wanted to run.  The photos I’d seen of the course showed lush rain forest and technical trails that just called to me.  I knew it would be an environment that I rarely get to run in and was excited to toe the line with a competitive field of US and Canadian runners.  The timing of this race was ideal allowing me to leave the smoke laden air of Missoula behind. 

As had been a welcome theme to my 2015 races, I was racing with a friend from Missoula, this time Mike Foote.  Mike and I spent the first couple hours running a relaxed pace with a lead group of four other runners.  We were letting out cheers of excitement as we made our way into the lush winding single track that surrounds Squamish.  The lead group steadily pulled away from me and I played leap frog with a few runners behind me throughout the rest of the day.

High fiven Smurfs and Dragons with Mike Foote on a not so glamorous section of the course. Photo: Bryan McCurdy

The kick in the but I needed was jogging into the last aid station with seven miles to go, I heard the volunteers cheering for “the first female” as I turned to see Cassie Scallion right behind me.  I quickly put down some watermelon and orange slices and left the aid station with revitalized energy and motivation to run hard to the finish.  I held my position and crossed the finish line in 6^th place giving race director Gary Robbins a high five.  It was great to see Gary out on the course throughout the first half of the race cheering on the runners and getting a firsthand account of how his race was playing out.  He puts on a top notch event with a great base of volunteers and unbelievably thorough course marking that never left me wondering if I was on course.

Sections like this boardwalk through the ferns are a true gem of the Squamish 50 course. Photo: Bryan McCurdy

Recap

Overall 2015 has been a year where my stoke for running has burned a little less bright.  I think having a slight, yet nagging injury throughout the year has had something to do with it.  That being said, I am extremely grateful to my family and Hoka for providing me the opportunity to travel to far off places to run.  After all, it is my hobby and what I love to do.  I’m glad that they get to join me on some of these journey’s and look forward to the day of when I’m running with my daughter Autumn.  Now after a month of very little running I can feel the stoke for hitting the trails burning brighter as the temperature dips, the colors change, and fall rolls around.  

Website: wolfjeremy.com and schlarbwolf.com
Instagram: @jeremywolfrun
Twitter: @jeremywolfrun

More stunning scenery from the Eiger Ultra Trail 101k.

MTC Weekly News: 9/28/15

September 28, 2015, 8:09 am

≫ Next: MTC Trail Work Event-October 10th

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Catching up on a few newsworthy events and performances from the world of Montana trail running:

MTC Trail Work Volunteers atop the Reservation Divide

MTC Trail Work: 9 Volunteers gathered Saturday for a trip up to the Reservation Divide Trail to do some maintenance in the Lolo National Forest. The spectacular setting made for an enjoyable morning in the mountains for all involved. Because of remote location, our day meant a lot of running and little heavy lifting. The trail has been completely blocked by deadfall for over a decade, but it's in great shape now. In fact, it would make an ideal spot for a weekend adventure run, since it can be accessed from various spurs from the Nine Mile Valley and traverses near the crest of the ridge line. The biggest threat to a trail of this type falling into disrepair is lack of use. So grab a map and find your adventure.

Lots of views like this on the Reservation Divide

IMTUF 100 (Idaho Mountain Trail Ultra Festival): On September 20th, Missoula's Tod Bachman took the win at this challenging 100 near McCall, Idaho in 23:21. This is the second win for a Missoula runner at this 4-year old event. Seth Swanson won it back in 2012. What makes Tod's performance especially impressive is that he volunteered for our challenging trail work day less than a week later. Well done Tod!

Bear 100: A handful of Montana runners made the trek down to run in this Utah classic this weekend. Steve Liechty of Victor ran tough among a deep field to take 5th overall! Former Missoulian John Fitzgerald also earned a top-ten spot finishing 8th. James Pyke from Bozeman and Matt Ellwein of Helena also recorded 100 mile finishes. Finally, a performance of note came from Missoula's JB Yonce who finished around the 28 hour mark, despite temperatures in excess of 90-degrees for portions of the run. At 68-year old, JB was The Bear's oldest finisher, but even more amazing is that he finished the Big Horn 100 in June. Well done JB, Steve, John, James, and Matt! Full results here.

Yellowstone Rendezvous Run: On Sunday hundreds of trail runners gathered in West Yellowstone for a fast race on the Rendezvous Ski Trails over several distances. Get the full results here.

Disco Dash 20K: Held at Discovery Ski Area on Sunday, this race follows ski and mountain bike trails over a big loop on varied terrain. We'll update when we get the results.

Group Runs: Due to scheduling difficulties among some of our more dedicated group runners, we're moving the Mountain Monday group run to another day. This week, we'll try for our traditional Thursday at noon time slot. We'll still meet at the trout statues on the north side of the Clark Fork below Higgins Bridge. We'll run up Sentinel. It's hard, but we try to keep it at a conversational pace for most people. It usually takes about an hour and a half to cover 8.5 miles. So if you have the time come run the whole thing, great! But if not, consider coming for some of the run.