Ultra Bar Fight

After a few indepth and deeper posts, I thought it'd be nice to return to a funny topic. What ultrarunners would you want on your side during a bar fight? It's a completely random, and completely stupid topic, but that's why I chose it.

First off, here are some folks I wouldn't pick. Ultrarunning tends to lend itself to a more peaceful and thoughtful group of athletes, and thus many of the top runners would more than likely try to talk things out during a bar fight rather than actually throw punches. Also, long distance runners tend to be on the skinny, less muscular side, which also mitigates the intimidation factor.

I wouldn't want on my side:

Tony Krupicka- his rail thin 150 lb frame can fly up mountains, but I doubt they can throw down in a bar fight. Tony is also quite philisophical, and would reason out all the theories how man has evolved beyond the need for physical combat. Plus, he looks more like Tom Hanks from Castaway, than a fighter.

Scott Jurek- Scott might be 6'2" and 170 lbs, but he's just too peaceful and meditative to hurt a fly. That's what we love about him, but I don't think I'd want him backing me up in a dark alley.

Kilian Jornet- 5'7", 120lbs. Nuff said. He could outrun any bar thug on the planet, but a Vo2 max of 92 doesn't translate into punching power.

Hal Koerner- Hal has actually gotten fairly lean and ripped the last couple of years. He's also bigger than you'd think at 6'0" 170 lbs. Though he's packed on some muscle, he's still far too laid back and nice to want to get involved in something as silly as a fight. He'd rather sip a beer and watch.

Matt Carpenter- The king of high altitude can outrun anyone in the world to the top of Pike's Peak, but if Pike's Peak had a bar, his 120 lb frame wouldn't stand a chance. Too bad you can't punch with your lungs, or else Matt would be a beast.

I could probably list hundreds of other runners who I wouldn't want on my side in a bar fight, but then again they are runners. When will they ever need to fight? Again, most ultrarunners would rather enjoy the pristine outdoors, than go to a bar and brawl it out.

That brings me to who I'd want ON my side in a bar fight. Note, being on this list does not mean I think these runners are violent, or enjoy fighting. They are merely folks I think could throw down if they had to. I'm pretty sure most are just liked the runners described above and are quite happy with never having to fight. Ever.

David Goggins- No doubt that this Navy Seal is as badass as they get. The former powerlifter is now a chiseled 6'1" 195lbs. I would not want to mess with this man among men. Hammer of Thor, behold Mr. Goggins.

Mike Morton- Don't let his small 5'4" frame fool you. Army Master Sergeant Morton is a Green Beret and former Navy diver. Pain is his pleasure, and his long military tenure puts him up with Goggins as possibly the toughest humans in ultrarunning, and on earth.

Alex Barth- An east coast speedster, this guy looks like he could rip the doors off a tank. He's also a skilled Tae Kwon Do black belt.

Doug Berlin- Known mostly to DC area runners, this 6'6" 230 bohemoth is the owner of three Gold's Gym franchises. From the looks of it, he works out at all three.

Aron Ralston- few people know that Aron is an ultramarathoner, and has completed the Leadville 100. Aside from that, anyone who can survive 127 hours in Blue John Canyon, break their arm, then proceed to cut it off, is a tough S.O.B. in any book.

Jenn Shelton- She may be tiny, but this wild child would do some damage. She's never turned down a challenge, and she's got the spunky personality to boot. Jenn's holding it down for the ladies.

(Credit:Luis Escobar)

Michael Dunlop: Known better in the Lynchburg area. Mike won the Mountain Masochist bench press contest with 39 reps of 135 lbs AFTER running 54 miles. At 6'8" 250 lbs, Dunlop is hard to miss.

The Moments

"It is always surprising how small a part of life is taken up by meaningful moments. Most often they are over before they start, although they cast a light on the future and make the people who originated them unforgettable."
-Anna and the King

My great grandmother, simply called Nanny, was 90 years old the last time I saw her some 20 years ago. In fact, I can still remember our first encounter when I was a small child visiting Long Island, New York many years passed. Nanny lived in a small, yet spotless and cozy room in the lower level of my grandparents house. The only thing I recall was a portrait of Jesus hanging on the wall and a set of rosary beads neatly set on her desk top. The back of Nanny's her hands were soft, yet aged liked a fine sheet of paper. Paper is an appropriate analogy given that her hands alone reflected the stories of a life well lived. Nanny's eyes also told a story of living through two world wars, a great depression, and the witnessing of several generations of children come and gone. Her voice was a little shaky, but no doubt from the many stories shared. 90 years of life, and yet just a small stitch in the fabric of time.

Meaningful moments are hard to come by these days, yet they often define and shape who we are as people, and also the threads that intertwine the myriad of human relationships we experience. It is no coincidence that the greatest experiences a person can have on earth are centered around the celebrations of life, and the duplicity within the loss and gain of it. There's always a harmony. A balance. But, such is the case with all things. We are born, we die, we love, and we hate. We are all things that fall in between the distant poles of the latter. It's what makes us....well, us. Life, and it's meaningful moments are like priceless works of art. Their limited duration and terms of borrowed use are what derive the value. How many more sunrises will you see? How many more times will you lie on your back and gaze upon the clouds? Imagine a white Christmas with family, a child with sparklers on the fourth of July, or celebrating a baby's first steps. How many of anything do we truly have left? We frequently perceive life as an inexhaustible well of moments. But, it is not.

I was born in the port city of Busan, South Korea. Nobody knew what the future held. My sister was born several years later. Her first cries echoed in the hospital corridors, thus beginning a story that we could try to predict, but would never really know until it was lived out. Lived out in a series of meaningful moments. Mere seconds after her birth my sister was embraced in the adoring arms of my mother and father, both beeming as they ushered her arrival into this life. Hand in hand, this was their first dance. It was a moment where time stood still just for a second, because this particular place in history belonged to my family.

The years go by, and like winds sweeping over a desolate sandy beach, they take their share of dreams and hopes. Life doesn't go as planned, loved ones depart, but, like the rolling tides, the years also give something back.

Flashforward 28 years and 2 months. My little sister is now adorned in all white as she is about to walk down the aisle to meet her future husband. She is radiant only like a bride can be, or like a newborn person. Though the setting is a little different, it is a mirror image to her birth, but this time her it is her second life that she is about to embark on. Instead of receiving her, my parents are about to give her away in marriage. My father's hand is a little older, and his hair a bit grayer, but he holds my sisters hand again for the first time, and my mother looks on with the same adoration as 28 years before. The sun shines through the chapel stained glass, and it is truly one of the most beautiful moments I have, or will ever experience. We always knew this day would come, but when the day arrives you still find yourself saying "Is this day really here?" The moment takes your breath away because you've pictured it a thousand times in your mind, and yet no amount of imagination can prepare you for the real thing. When my sister walked the aisle, I saw all of our moments together. I saw my little curly haired sister running through the fields, playing piano, getting her license, and graduating from college. While everyone else saw one moment, my family witnessed them all.

...and yet, even the monumental nature of my sister's wedding ceremony was merely a one hour moment in our lives. Ask a person who, like my great grandmother, has lived say 70, 90, or even over 100 years. Even the oldest people on earth have lives that were most impacted by single events that lasted shortest amount of time. A birth, a death, an illness, a car crash, a wedding, a promotion, a family. One moment you are giving a best man toast, and the next you are making a funeral speach. From split seconds to decades, it is the accumilation of these individual moments that make up this thing called life. Moments reflect the past and cast a light on the future. We are all meaningful moments waiting to happen.

Let the father and daughter dance. In this moment.

The Future of Course Records

Last year I wrote about the most impressive US ultramarathon course records, and now I think we may see all of them fall in the next several years. In fact, I believe by 2017, if not sooner, all the major course records will be broken.

In today's ultra scene we are seeing more and more fast marathon runners crossing over to the ultra world. Most of this is due to their desire for a change of scenery, a new challenge, but also because running a 2:12 marathon will no longer win you marathons. However, when most fast marathoners "figure out" out how to adapt to the ultramrathon distance, it would seem likely that all the hallowed records will fall. Afterall, a sub 2:20 marathoner won't win any marathons these days, but they likely have more than enough speed to win ultras, and win the money and endorsements that could come with it.

Fast marathon times obviously don't always correlate to ultramarathon success, and is even less likely to promote success at extremely technical ultras, like the Massanutten Trails 100. To some degree, the best long distance technical specialists, like Karl Meltzer, should continue to dominate races of extreme geographic nature (Hardrock etc.). Case in point, Timothy Olson, in ideal conditions, destroyed the course record at Western States, and he's by far not the fastest guy to run. However, grinding for 100 miles requires a different skill set than raw speed. Thus, I believe most 100 mile course records are likely very safe from the super fast marathoners, but for 100k and shorter, records will drop like they are hot. That doesn't mean 100 mile course records won't continue to fall, I think they will, but by the increasing number of elite ultrarunners competing, and not due to the marathon speedsters.

However, for all the non technical ultramarathons out there we are seeing the fast crossover marathoners finally starting to get the hang of ultras. Last weekend Sage Canaday, who I think is at the beginning of a dominant stretch of ultrarunning, took down Tony Krupicka's stout course record at White River. It was his first 50 miler, longest run ever, never saw the course before, and ran a ridiculous 6:16. Tony was in his peek, had Uli Steidl's splits, and ran the course twice before getting to his 6:25 time. Even in smaller events, like West Virginia's Capon Valley 50k, fast road guys are coming in to clean house. Andy Allstadt, a 2:22 marathoner, won Capon Valley with a time of 3:52 in his first ultra. He beat out the talented local ultra stud, my friend Brad Hinton, by 22 minutes, and he even got lost on the course. Imagine what he might do next year if he runs the same race? Previously, people thought sub 4 hours was blazing at Capon Valley, but clearly a Max King, or Sage Canaday could run sub 3:30.

The number of guys who can run in the 2:20's and lower is growing my leaps and bounds. Max King, Sage, Jordan McDougal, Khalib Wilkinson, Matt Woods, Michael Wardian...so on. Even the women are out there running 2:39, like Devon Crosby Helms, and 2:40's like Ellie Greenwood, Jenn Shelton, and Leah Thorvilson. Look out ultra world, course records are gonna get turned upside down. The last time super fast marathoners dedicated themselves to training for ultras we got Matt Carpenter, Uli Steidl, and Michael Wardian. Even Josh Cox got in a little ultra action with his 50k American Record.

So where do I predict course records will go in the next few years?

Western States- Sub 14:30, though the weather is a huge factor(snow and heat)

Hardrock- Sub 22:30. Eventually a high altitude runner, other than Kyle Skaggs, will figure this course out

Leadville- Sub 15:30. I think this will be the last CR to fall given Matt Carpenter was in his prime, and was virtually unbeatable at altitude when he set his CR of 15:45

Vermont: Sub 14 hours.

Umstead: sub 12:45.

Rocky Raccoon: sub 12:30, though Ian Sharman made this a beast to beat

American River: sub 5:20. Fast guy on a cool day could do it

Mountain Masochist: Sage could go sub 6:15 there

JFK 50: sub 5:30. Clifton's CR was like the 4 minute mile. Now people KNOW it can be broken

Badwater: sub 22 hours

Wasatch: sub 17:30

MMT: sub 17:30

Way Too Cool: sub 3:20

Caumsett Park 50k- sub 2:50

Big Bear Lake 12 Hour Trail Run

(Photo courtesy of Jason Griffith. Taken early in the day. Note the clean shirt)


July 21st, 2012. Bruceton Mills, WV

Flashback: I actually did this race back in 2008 and finished that year with 58.5 miles in 12:26.

Flash forward to 2012. This year it was a battle for 1st place all day between myself and another runner (Tom Rhine). The course is 6.5 mile loops of mostly hilly single track, and some technical trail. At 32.5 miles I trailed by 5 minutes, but I hit my only real low point of the day during my agonizingly slow 6th lap which put Tom's lead to over 20 minutes. My energy was super low, but after eating some beef jerky, the food of champions, I was back in the hunt. Tom continued to put a few minutes on me over the next couple loops, and then we ran the last two loops at nearly identical paces. In the end we tied for most distance, but Tom won the tie break by completing his miles faster. The next runners were well over an hour behind, so it really was a two man race for much of the event. However, to be fair, Rande Brown wasn't too far behind me and stopped with 8 laps so he could finish with his wife Kari who ran despite some knee issues. Rande just ran 22:11 at the MMT100, so no doubt he would have pushed me if he chose to keep running. All day I kept expecting Tom to come back to me, as long as I held a consistent pace, but he never slowed down. Props to him for proving me wrong.

(Photo courtesy of Jason Griffith. Dirty later in the race after a couple of spills)


Interesting note of integrity: Going into my 10th lap I trailed by 22 minutes, which was too big of a gap to overcome, so I told the time keepers that it was my final lap. Technically, within the rules, I was allowed to go out for an 11th lap because I had finished my 10th lap within the 12 hours. This would have put me at 71.5 miles to Tom's 65 for the win. Unlike most timed events, they let you keep going after time expires. Some runners were out there for 14 hours. Tom was in no shape to go out for an 11th loop, but in good faith stopped at 65 miles because he trusted I was not going back out (based on my word to the timekeepers). I could have very fairly won the race with an 11th lap, but it would have been pretty classless. I opted to maintain some character and settle for 2nd, knowing I could have literally stolen the win. What do yall think? A classy 2nd place, or a no holds barred win? To me, it wasn't worth being the "bad" guy in such a low key event with only 37 solo runners.

So far in 2012 things are holding steady. I think I am becoming a better long distance runner, since I'm not fast enough to hang with folks for 50k's and shorter events. In races over 50k in distance I have finished 5th, 4th, 2nd, and 2nd. Still searching for that elusive win in 2012.

Weather: 60's at the start. A few runners actually had on gloves and long sleeves. High temperature in the mid 70's, but very humid. Overcast. Ideal running conditions for July. A little muddy, but overall good trail conditions.

Splits:

26 miles- 4:12
32.5 miles- 5:17
52 miles- 9:11
58.5 miles- 10:33 (compared to 12:26 from '08)
65 miles- 11:49

Note: Funny, although an entirely different course and event altogether, these splits were almost exactly the same as my Old Dominion 100 splits. I guess if this had been another 100 mile race, I would have finished in about 20:30, which would have been the third 100 mile run in the 20:30 range this year. Thank goodness, it was "only" 65 miles ;-)

Old Dominion 100. Magic in the Moonlight

(Fort Valley, Virginia. Photo courtesy of Bobby Gill)

There are two races that truly define the heritage of 100 mile ultramarathons in the United States. One is California's famed Western States 100, and the other is the Old Dominion 100. The latter is a diamond in the rough, and I've been blessed to experience both. Over the last 39 years Western States has evolved from one man's challenge to conquer a horse trail by foot into a high tech, sponsor decorated, epic production. In nearly the opposite sense, the Old Dominion 100 has clung tightly to the vintage format that makes you feel like you are still racing in the 1980's. Both races are unique and invaluable to ultrarunning, and to run them is to understand the history of the sport we cherish. Race founder Pat Botts, and directors Ray and Wynne Waldron bring you a classic race, but can you survive 100 miles like ultrarunning's legends from the 1970's and 80's? That is the very challenge that brought 56 runners to the small town of Woodstock Virginia on June 2 ,2012. Welcome to the 34th running of the Old Dominion 100 Mile Cross Country run.

My Old Dominion 100 race entry was not mailed in time. Epic fail. Two days before the race I called the race staff to confirm I was not running. Much to my surprise, they said I was on the list, and I was cleared to go. A spur the moment 100 miler? I hadn't run over a 40 mile week since April, and now I had 48 hours to prep for 100 miles of running. Well, I didn't have any plans for the weekend and I love mountains and running. Sure, why not? I roll like that.




It's 4am on a cool, crisp June morning. You have 24 hours to run 100 miles. The night sky is bright, and the moon is nearly full. "Is there enough magic out there in the moonlight to make this dream come true?" Words spoken by Moonlight Graham's character in Field of Dreams. We pray, and then we go.

Today is all about embracing the experience of the run. No goals. Just be in the moment and enjoy it. It's better than sitting in my office with eyes glazed over by the glare of computer monitors and fluorescent lights. The early miles of the race contain the usual friendly banter when everyone's hopes and aspirations for the day are still alive and well. The fast guys dart off into the darkness, falling further into the distance, with their position only being given away by dimming flicker of the police escort vehicle lights.

I run up Woodstock mountain with West Virginia speedster Paul Davis, running his first 100, and we have a great time chatting to the top of the first climb of the day. The new day reveals itself as the sun transforms the navy blue sky into a blush horizon. The roads are fast, and the weather is about as pleasant as you could ask for. Though I run about the same in hot weather as I do cool weather, the mild temps were indeed welcome. I enjoyed the rolling roads and took note of the verdant surrounding landscapes of Fort Valley. I was mostly alone daydreaming, but was joined around mile 23ish by Matt Broaddus and Paul Jacobs, two fast guys from DC also running their first 100. Soon enough the guys were out of sight, and I mosied my way to Four Corners. 32.5 miles done, and a good bit slower than the last time I ran Old Dominion, despight the nice weather. No worries. I am having fun.

Goodbye roads, hello trails. The technical 15.2 mile stretch through Duncan Hollow, Peach Orchard, and back down Crisman Road went by like a blur. 2 hours and 37 minutes after I left Four Points, I was back. Carter Wiecking heads up a top notch aid station, and if I'm going to see any aid station twice, it might as well be hers. One special beverage later I am off and running again. 50 miles done. Steep ATV trail, check. Puddly Peter's Mill trail, check. Now time to visit some old friends at Little Fort. Lee and Deb Pugh give me a warm reception, and I am just as happy to return the favor. I don't stay long, but Little Fort always feels like a mini homecoming for me.

93 miles go left and 65 miles go right. Right it is. More roads, a mudhole, and then a furnace. My safety runner isn't there, and I'm a little bummed for him. I don't need a safety runner, but it would have been nice to share the experience with a friend. Oops. But, alas a girl named Jamie wants to run with me. Game on! The climb up Sherman was slow, but to be expected with over 75 miles now on the legs. Climbing Veach Gap is another tough grunt, but the views of moon rising over the valley were incredible. Descending into Veach west I rolled my ankle twice and walked the remainder of the trail into the aid station. The ankle roll was the only actual pain I had all day, and it was gone within minutes. I thanked Jamie for helping pace and not only was she awesome company, but she and her family have an incredibly rich relationship with the Old Dominion 100. Her father is none other than the legendary Ed Foley. Ed is a 15 time Old Dominion buckler and former champion. Basically, he is to Old Dominion what Tim Twietmeyer is to Western States. Good stuff my friends, good stuff.

The remainder of the run was cool, calm, and serene. The stillness of the valley night and the golden lights of the town below serve as open arms for the prodigal sons and daughters returning from their weary ventures. We retrace the footsteps of the day before, almost as if to rewind back to a place of rest and recovery. Then, just like it started, the race is over.

Thank you to all the amazing volunteers and their tireless efforts. Volunteering isn't just a race day job, it's also the months before and after that they bust their butts so you can finish. Thanks to Matt Broaddus for the leapfrogging company and comradery for 60 miles. Thanks to the Broaddus/Jacobs crew for adopting me as a runner, and being cheerful faces for me and others at all the crew stops. Thanks to Ray, Wynne, and Pat. Runners, it's up to us to get this race back on the map and allow it to have the recognition it deserves.

In regards to my feelings for the Old Dominion 100, I'll finish with another Moonlight Graham quote.

"This is my most special place in all the world. Once a place touches you like that, the wind never blows so cold again."

Run like you stole something (metaphorically),

Mike Bailey

Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Preview and Odds

Drum roll please!

I proudly introduce to you the preview of the 2012 Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 miler, brought to you by the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club. Who's ready for unpredictable May weather, 16,200 feet of gnarley climbing, and over 100 miles of foot smashing rocks? Surely you will say "Massanutten Rocks!".

Without furthur adue, here are some folks to watch in the 2012 race. I will be updating runner info throughout the week, so stay tuned as more up to date news comes in. Though this list only highlights some of the faster runners in the field, remember that some of the most inspiring stories will come from the middle and back of the pack. Enjoy.


As always. Ladies first!

Eva Pastalkova- The reigning champ is back. Last year she took down Sue Johnston's stout course record with a time of 22:30. Now that she knows the course, she will be nearly unbeatable. Her mental strength is a huge asset, as long as she stays on course. I think she will lower the mark again. Prediction 22:09, new course record, and she finishes top 5 overall. The question is, how many guys will she chick, and could she be the first *FEMALE OVERALL WINNER of MMT*?

Sheryl Wheeler- The former champ is super tough, and she consistently finds a second gear during the late stages of MMT (usually after mile 75). She will pick her way towards the front of the race, and I think she'll duke it out with Cusick for 2nd. Prediction 26:12

Kathleen Cusick- I paced Kathleen last year, and I think she will be hungry for another top 3. I think she holds on for 2nd this year and edges out Wheeler with a time of 25:50

Frannie Conte- She's fast, but has never done particularly well on rocky trails. If she can gut it out, I think she could manage a finish in the 27 hour range. Predict 27:17




The Men's race: None of last year's top 3 are returning, but the field is still stacked. At least 5-6 guys are in a position for the win. We have a nice mix of fast young guys and "old" guys, east coasters, and west coasters. Three former champs are running. There will be a big cluster of folks betwwen 21:30 and 23 hours. Let the games begin!


Nick Pedatella- Possibly the fastest guy in the field and trains at altitude. DNF'ed MMT in '09 and will look for redemption. Predict 20:45

Jack Pilla- won Vermont in 2010 at age 51 in 16:36. He could destroy the 50+ age record, and contend for the win. 21:55 cuz he doesn't do rocks often.

Dan Barger- He won MMT in 2010 (20:25), so he knows how to run the course fast. At age 46, it's almost hard to believe he has been running ultras for nearly 30 years. He started when he was 17. Predict 21:40

Adam Lint- One of the fastest 50k and 50 mile guys in the field, and lesser known to us East coasters. He's fast, but has the least 100 mile experience of the other guys. Does he like rocks? Predict 22:30

Sean Andrish- Sean's lost some speed, but he's got experience. He won MMT in 2004, and can still fight for a top 5 position. I hope he proves he can still bring it for 100 miles. Predict 23:45

Harland Peelle- Hasn't raced as much recently, but he's still fast and experienced. Both are needed at MMT. Predict 23:10

Keith Knipling- What would MMT be without Keith in the mix. He had an "off" year last year, but I think he will bounce back into the top 5 where he belongs. Predict 22:25.

Todd Walker- 2008 MMT champ is back. Should be gunning for a top 3. Tons of MMT experience. Predict 21:50

Jason Lantz- If he is rested he should go top 5. Just ran 6:33 at Bull Run Run. He will duke it out for a top 3. I think he may be the sleeper to win if he stays on trail. Can run 21:30.

James Blandford- He has gone sub 24 before at MMT and just threw down a 6:59 at Bull Run Run. He's in shape and I think he's due for a big finish. Predict 22:55 and a top 10

Adam Cassaday- Has finished 3rd and 5th at MMT, and I'd expect more of the same. He can break 22 hours. Predict 22:42

Mike Frazier- Mike trains A LOT on the Massanutten trails, and he's pretty fast. I think he's got 23:30 in him and a top 12.

Chris Askew- He's a bit under the radar coming from Oregon, but he's also broken 24 hours at some very tough 100's. He was 6th at the 2010 MMT (23:04), and I think he'll go sub 24 again. 22:55 and a top 7

Yosuke Murase- Might be one of the most improved VHTRC runners in the last year. He will surprise folks. I think he will run 23 hours and round out the top 10.

....Others to watch


Richard Cook- He tears up road 100's and won the inaugural Oil Creek 100 a few years ago, so he can perform on trails. I just don't know about the rocks. He could still go sub 24, but I will predict 25:30 for the road runner.

Dave Ploskonka- Dave goes out fast, and sometimes holds on, sometimes doesn't. He's owned the Beast of Burden series and run 16:19 for a road 100, but the trails are different. Could easily go faster than my prediction, but I'll say 25 hours flat.

Dante Simone- little known, but recently ran 16:56 at the NJ 100. Definitely worthy of note.

Ryan O'dell- speedster from NY. Could break 24, but I'm thinking 24:30.

James Brennan- My buddy has knocked out solid finishes at Rocky Raccoon and Vermont 100. If he's been prepping for the rocks he could do well, but I'm not sure it's been his focus. He's got the talent for sub 24, but are his legs conditioned for the rocks? Predict 25:45 and top 15.

Jim Harris- Mr consistency could see a top 10. I'd like to see Jim break 24 hours. The question is whether he will taper, or run 30 miles the day before MMT. Predict 25:25

Ryan Henry- broke 24 hours at MMT back in '07. Not sure if he's running much these days. I think he's still got sub 26 and top 15 in him. Predict 26:20

Andy Anderson- not a contender, but my old friend is 0 for 6 in 100 mile attempts. I am rooting like crazy for my buddy to get his first finish. Lucky number seven.

The Mike Morton Phenomena

(Mike Morton en route to a course record 13:11 at the 2012 Umstead 100. Photo courtesy of Runitfast.com)

Like any sport, ultrarunning has its legends and myths. Mike Morton is the modern day version of The Natural. He basically dominated ultras in the mid 1990's, even when he was just in his early 20's. I'd say 1990's east coast ultrarunning was highlighted by short shorts, guys like David Horton, Dennis Herr, Courtney Campbell, Eric Clifton, and of course Mike Morton. He won the Vermont 100, Old Dominion 100, Massanutten 100, and Mountain Masochist, but his capstone was setting the course record at the 1997 Western States 100. He ran a time of 15:40, bettering Tom Johnson's previous record by 14 minutes, and easily finishing ahead of Western States legend Tim Twietmeyer. Morton was also the first none California resident to win the fabled race.

Then at some point in the late 1990's Mike Morton was gone from the ultra scene almost as fast as he dominated it. Somewhere along the way he made an overseas comittment to the Navy, and then eventually the US Army. The early 2000's were a fairly tumultuous time politically and militaristically in the post 9/11 world. (In the very improbable case that Morton actually stumbles across this write up, thank you for your service to our country). Mike then started a family, and suffered some physical setbacks due to hip injuries. Here and there his name popped up at some smaller events, but for the most part Morton was out of the spotlight. Or so we thought.

Then, in 2010 a 39 year old Morton shows up to the rather low key Hinson Lake 24 hour run in Rockingham, North Carolina. He runs 153.89 miles in hot and humid conditions to win the event, and set a course record. One year later he comes back and betters the mark with a near American record of 163.9 miles. His 2010 Hinson Lake run is arguably the best US ultra performance most people, until now, have never heard about. This monumental run came on the heals of Scott Jurek setting the American 24 hour record by running 165.7 miles at the 2010 24 Hour World Championships in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France. Scott ran with other elites on a fast paved loop, in cool conditions. Mike Morton ran with 250 slower recreational runners on a sandy, hot, 1.52 mile loop. One could argue, and argue well, that Morton could contend for the US record if given the right race conditions. Hopefully, he gets the opportunity, and we get the chance to see it happen.

But, Morton's story is really just beginning for the second time. The 5'4" powerhouse, now 40 years old, is making headlines again for casually blazing 100 mile course records. Already in 2012 he has run 13:18 at the Long Haul 100 in Florida, and then raised the bar again by breaking Zach Gingerich's impressive Umstead 100 course record. Morton ran a 13:11, knocking 12 minutes off Gingerich's 13:23. His marathon split was 2:58, and he was dropping sub seven minute miles for nearly the first forty miles of the race. I can't imagine how Jim Sweeney and Mark Manz felt about running 14:14 and 14:16 (times that would easily win most years) and still finishing an hour behind the winner? Hands down, that just says that much more about where Mike Morton has taken his running career. Morton himself says that he is running less weekly miles, perhaps 70-100 per week, due to family and work. This really makes it even more impressive because, like most of us, he is a working professional and family man, yet still found a way to return to an elite level. I guess that is the mark of greatness, isn't it?

Speaking for myself, I know I am very excited to see Mike Morton back to dominating the sport he loves. For now, I know Morton is signed up for the 2012 Badwater 135 mile ultramarathon. In a previous post, I noted that Morton could be the man who takes down the course record. Well, I guess my wish came true. It will be interesting to see him run against a fairly solid field with former Badwater champ Zach Gingerich, Michael Arnstein, Phil McCarthy, and of course current defending champ Oswaldo Lopez. Mike has already shown he can cover the 135 mile distance, and his success in hot weather has shown he may fair well in Death Valley's 120-130 degree temps. I predict he will break Valmir Nunes' 22:51 course record, and may possibly break the 22 hour barrier. Beyond Badwater, Morton has stated an interest to race a couple times a year, and that he would love to go back to Western States. Let's hope they give some priority to the former champ and course record holder.

I think Morton is an example of what some other runners are already doing, and that is redefining their running and specializing at certain distances. With so many fast road guys and gals now entering the sport, and some of the older stars aging, more folks in their late 30's and 40's are turning to 100's and 24 hour events. Losing raw speed won't make you competitive in "shorter" ultras, but the gained mental experience and conditioning have made previous speedsters into incredible super long distance runners. Just look at Scott Jurek's transformation, and even Hal Koerner going for faster 100 mile races. Then you've got Phil McCarthy, Serge Arbona, David James, Jay Aldhous, Jack Pilla...and so on. Though it looks like Mike Morton is sticking to the longer stuff, him redefining his running is hopefully going to help redefine ultrarunning. Like a fine wine...you know the rest ;-)

Also, check out Wyatt Hornsby's interview with Mike Morton. Morton isn't much of a spotlight guy, so any access is a little hard to find.

http://nolimitsever.blogspot.com/2011/10/interview-with-mike-morton.html

(sorry, gotta copy and paste link. Other way didn't work)

Happy running,

Mike Bailey