HURT100

Just Plain Success!!

A Big CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Jeff Huff and Bob Murphy for finishing the Plain 100 in a time of 34:42. More details will be coming. This makes Jeff two-for-two at Plain as he was one of only two finishers last year. Tim Stroh won the race with a time of 26:59. This is a new course record and Tim's third Plain victory. Conditions were such that there were 7 finishers, also a record.

The photos (Thanks to Leon Draxler for these pictures) show Jeff and Bob before the race looking nice and fresh and after the race...well, looking like they ran a hundred miles! Click on each to enlarge it.

Bob came ever so close last year and this year Bob has accomplished something no other runner has done, he finished the HURT 100, the Hardrock 100, and the Plain 100 all in the same year. These three 100 mile runs are three of the toughest. Great Job Guys! We look forward to hearing more.

Good Luck to Jeff & Bob at the Plain 100

Jeff Huff and Bob Murphy will be running in the Plain 100 this weekend in Washington state. Jeff finished the race in second place last year (one of only two finishers) and Bob came ever so close. With a year of experience under their belts, we are all hoping for positive results. Only 11 individuals have ever finished this event.

Plain is not your typical 100 mile race. It is basically a 100-mile unsupported, adventure run. For this race, you carry all of your food and get your water out of streams. A drop bag is available at about the 50 mile mark. They will be making good use of their Ultimate Direction hydration packs at this race.

Click here to read more about Plain. If you are interested, there are also a couple of race reports from last year's Plain 100 you can read by scrolling down the left side of the HURT site.

Good luck guys! We look forward to hearing about your adventure!!

Link to Article on Beverley Anderson-Abbs Vermont Run

Here's a link to an article on Vermont 100 Women's winner Beverley Anderson-Abbs. She also was the women's winner at this year's HURT 100. Vermont was her second of two races as she attempts to complete the Slam. Read about it all here.

Badwater 135--Updated

The Badwater 135 started this morning. Unfortunately the web site seems to be overloaded and I have not been able to get any updates. Here's the link: http://www.badwater.com/2006web/index.html

From this you should be able to get to the live update area. I don't think anyone from Hawaii is running the race or even crewing this year, however several past HURT participants were listed as starters. 2005 winner Scott Jurek is returning and hoping to break 24 hours. Hopefully the site will work later today. The main site is http://www.badwater.com/

So if you think it is HOT lately where you live, think about how HOT it is for these runners in Death Valley!!

A report on the Vermont 100.

Lets get the fundamentals out of the way first; this was my first attempt at 100, and I dropped out at 55 miles. However, aside from not finishing, it was a great event and well worth coming back for. The course is described as hilly, but I would call that an understatement - these are small mountains and you are constantly going up - or even worse on the quads -  down. I don't believe there is any flat land in this part of Vermont !

The trail sections were very soggy & muddy due to extremely wet spring and heavy rain two days before the race. The mud was well churned by the couple of dozen horses that run the same course concurrently with the foot face. By miles 2 we were ankle deep in mud and it was a recurring theme as we ran up and down stream-beds, through ponded rainwater, etc. Weather was probably around 90, but the humidity was very high, making for a very muggy day..mitigated most of the afternoon by overcast, which turned into light rain showers by late afternoon. Aid stations (30 of them) were good and major ones had pretty much anything you could wish for in terms of food, drink, or first aid.

The course is stunningly scenic; beautiful farms & pastures, mountain vistas, countless streams and brooks, covered bridges, shady country lanes. The setting couldn't be more beautiful, and the nearby town of Woodstock Vt, where most folks stayed who weren't camping in the meadow where the race starts/finishes, is quintessential New England. Picture perfect,

Some highlights: The Dunkin Donuts coffee and pastry before the 4 AM start was a really nice and a much appreciated touch. The aid stations were great, especially notable was "Margarita Ville" - and yes, there were real margaritas to be had (and fresh grilled hamburgers). Winner was Dean Karnazes,who came in around 16:23 or so. As I had already gone back to the finish line by then, I saw him come in..looked like he had just finished a jog around Kapiolani Park ..incredible athlete. Second place was a woman runner, didn't catch her name - apparently the only time in memory that a woman finished second.

As for me, I had no problems with hydration or energy, simply ran the downs too fast in the first 30 miles and had completely blown my quads by mile 40, at which point I was struggling to get down the hills and didn't have much left for the flats either. By the time I got to 55, I had been on the course 14 hours (6 PM) and I didn't think trying to walk the last 45 miles thru the night , in the mud, and maybe still not making the 30 hour cut-off was worth the pain.

However, I learned the course and a lot that will help me on the next attempt. 

Bob Dewitz

Tahoe Rim Trail Starts Saturday (7/14)

The Tahoe Rim Trail races start on Saturday morning with the 100 mile race starting at 5:00 a.m. and the 50 mile and 50K races starting at 6:00 a.m. This is the first year for the 100 mile race. I am not sure this race will provide updates throughout the race. Click here to go to the TRT site.

Hawaii has several runners in the 100-mile race including Mike Garcia, Patricia Carroll, Filiesha LeRand, Stephanie Jenkins, and Jeff Huff. Joel Jenkins is running in the 50-mile race. Erol Ackdoe of Maui is also participating in the TRT 100.

There are lots of other past HURT 100 runners including Rod Bien, Jamie Gifford, Catra Corbett, Fred Davis, Davey Crockett.

Good luck to all the runners!!

Vermont 100 Starts Saturday (7/15)

The Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run starts Saturday morning at 4:00 a.m. EST. I am not sure if this race has a way to track runners while the race is going on. The weather is predicted to be very hot and humid for the race. Click here for a link to the race site. Vermont has a 30-hour time limit.

Hawaii is represented by at least one runner at this race, Bob Dewitz, who is attempting his first 100 mile race. Bob has trained hard for this race and I expect him to have a good race. For example, on one weekend Bob did a 50 mile run on Saturday and another 20 miles on Sunday. Good luck Bob! Sounds like the weather will perfect for someone who has trained in Hawaii.

Hardrock 100 Starts Today (Friday-7/14)

The Hardrock 100 starts today in Silverton, Colorado. Former Hawaii resident and HURT runner, Bob Murphy will be giving the race his best shot. The race starts at 6:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time and there is a 48 hour time limit. Click this link for race updates: http://www.hardrock100.com/index.asp Click Hardrock for more general info on the race.

Bob's bib number is 156. He has Don and Cheryl with him to crew and pace him. This race has been won the last three years by 2006 HURT 100 winner Karl Meltzer. There are several other past HURT participants competing at Hardrock including Peter Bakwin who is reportedly attempting a double Hardrock, completing his first 100 miles at about the time the official race begins. Good luck to Bob and all the other runners!!

Western States 2006

What a race!  This was my first time at Western States and my first long run since cancer.  So both milestones in one venue.  I saw so many HURT runners and friends in Squaw Valley, and they were all so interested in my recovery.  That was so cool.  I headed to WS to pace my best friend Erik on his second 100 miler.  His first saw some issues around mile 75, so he trained smarter for this race.

The temperature was already climbing and planned to be over 110 in the valleys.  We went over his game plan carefully, pace at every aid station and where I would pick him up. Of course every plan needs to be flexible, and I worked on options.  I felt strong so I was ready to be his handler with his wife all day from 3am to whenever, and then pace from whenever to the finish.  Our original plan was to pick him up at Rucky Chucky Far, mile 78, and bring him in.

Primal Quest Adventure Race

The Primal Quest Adventure Race is back after a one-year hiatus. The race is taking place in and around the canyonlands of Utah. Just like the WS 100, (there is even a reference to this on the PQ site, click here) temperatures are hot and this is expected to take a heavy toll on the 89, 4-person coed teams participating. The usual suspects, I mean participants, are right up there in the front. Ultra runner Dave Mackey is on Team Spyder and they are currently in second place. Click here for the leaderboard. Look around the site as there is all kinds of information here.

Western States 100 is Saturday, Link for Live Results

The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Race starts tomorrow morning. In an article from the Redding Searchlight, it talks about the top women's runners, including some past HURT participants. Click here to read it.

Temperatures are supposed to be brutally hot in the canyons this year, possibly over a 100-degrees.

You can follow the race through real time updates at www.ws100.com/webcast/home.html

I don't think we have any Hawaii runners this year (lots of HURT friends though) however, Paul Sibley is up there pacing a friend. Good luck to all the runners!! Stay cool and run smart!!

Running a 100 Miler in Canada

Running a 100 Miler at 64 in Canada (long version)

It was interesting to see the looks of pity that I received as I limped thru the door of the Toronto airport. "Poor crippled old man" was written all over their faces. Little did they know that this "poor crippled old man" had just completed a 100 mile run less than 20 hours before. They couldn't see the pride that consumed me for the grimaced look on my face, from carrying 2 big bags and pulling a big suitcase. But, believe me, the pride was there in full force. It had been my best 100 miler to date, with a PR of 28:00:11. It all started with the joy of running the first 12.5 mile loop with runners totally out-of-my-league, including my wonderful friend, "the ultimate super chick", Monica Scholz.  It was so much fun, as I felt great and was running easy through the cool, early morning, crossing bridges over streams that seemed larger than two years ago when I did the race. Recent heavy rains were probably the cause. The conditions were perfect ! I commented to one of the guys that I was running with that "I shouldn't be up here with you guys and I'm going to pay for it later". But I didn't care...it was just too much fun ! As the day heated-up, many of the local Canadian runners were complaining about the heat, which I felt was not a problem. It was nothing like what we experience in Hawaii. Running shirtless, I never felt overheated. The heat must have been real for many, as I'd never seen so many runners vomiting in a 100 miler. Following Monica's advice, to stay on the cool side,I continued run shirtless through most of the night, amid many comments of "aren't you cold?" One thing for sure, you really keep moving when you're freezing ! Brrrrr ! I had planned to put on my long-sleeve Patagonia HURT shirt at one point in the early morning, but due to my brain-dead condition, accidentally ran off without it. It was a very chilly loop. The Sulphur Springs Trail Races are big deal for the folks in and around the beautiful, small town of Ancaster.  There are lots of other races of different distances going on, with many volunteers, including friends and families. It's a trip to come back after finishing a loop to people cheering you on and with loud music (sometimes a band) playing. This particular 100 mile race was very different for me, as it was my first experience without my loyal pacer, Vernon Char. During the night I spent almost all the time alone, which I was surprised to find that I really enjoyed.  The sights, sounds and smells of the night are really something special to experience. The area has quite a number of deer and I also spotted a cute fox (sorry...animal type) and a squirrel. True to my prediction, there was a time that I paid dearly for going out way too fast on the first loop. Strangely enough, it came early, on the 3rd loop. The only stupid mistake I made, other than going out too fast, (and not putting a shirt on) was not cleaning rocks out of my shoes. My feet paid dearly. The course is very different from what we are used to in Hawaii, (especially the HURT 100 course). The roots and rocks that we are used to are replaced primarily with smooth dirt  that you can actually stand upright and run on. Imagine that ! It was special race for me, as generally all 100 milers are. As I was leaving Monica's, we hugged, and she whispered in my ear "I'm proud of you". Her words will remain special to me forever !             Don Fallis                            

Just Off To Run a 100 Miles

While many of us are getting ready for a nice three day weekend coming up with the Memorial Day Holiday, someone we all know is off  to run a 100 mile race!

I want to wish Don Fallis luck, success, strong legs, and best wishes as he heads out to Canada to run the Sulfur Springs 100 Mile Trail Race. Those of us who have talked with Don recently know he has been putting in some long miles in preparation for this race. What you may not know is that he decided to do this race just a few short weeks ago.

This race is in Monica Scholz's backyard so to speak and she talked Don into motivating himself to send in his application, make the travel plans, and get to the race. Don completed this race (with HURTpal Leon Draxler) back in 2004. We all look forward to hearing about the race.

Get Out and Run!, Aloha, Bob

Congratulations !

Aloha Athletes !

A large group of local HURT runners led by our very own Cheryl Loomis ventured to the Bay area and conquered the Miwok 100k. Congratulations to all, including Gil Loomis, Steve Dewald (who had sub-14 hour finishes), Cheryl, Rex Vlcek and Kat Tagaca (who finished her first 100k...yea Kat !) It was reported that they had a blast ! Some other HURT Runners, now living on the mainland, had some performances to make us proud. Congratulations to everyone !!

Click here to see the results!

Don

Good Luck to Miwok Runners

Many regular H.U.R.T. runners, friends, and past H.U.R.T. 100 participants are off later this week to San Francisco to participate in the Miwok 100K. For some it is their first ultra of this distance, for many others it is a great opportunity to qualify for Western States. The race is run on trails in the Marin Headlands area just over the Golden Gate bridge.

Looking at 2006 entrant's list, it looks like a fast race will be contended on both the men's and women's side.

Good Luck to all and stay out of the poison oak!

Aloha, Bob

HELP! Cincinnati Marathon Needs Hawaiian for Flying Pig

Please Help!!  Do you know anyone who might be interested in a free entry for the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon on Sunday, May 7th this year?  I am a volunteer for the marathon.  We have entrants from every state but yours.  We will give a free entry to anyone willing to do the full--it is worth $80.
Who can I contact/network with in your state to try to find somebody willing to party in Cincinnati in a few weekends?  (Free housing at my cool townhouse available).  I might even provide airport pick-up/drop-off.
Please let me know today! Runners World ranks it as one of the top 10 most fun marathons--its has a cool medal and famous goodie bag.
Please pass this on to your friends/network.  Thank you!
-John Cressey, 513-703-1854

HURT 100 Participant: David Goggins to run Badwater for Charity

Bob Murphy sent me a link to an article about H.U.R.T. 100 Finisher, David Goggins and his quest to run Badwater and to do it as a charity.

Click here to read the full article in the Navy Compass.

Judy Carliccio takes 1st place Women's Victory

Judy Carluccio who recently moved from Hawaii to New Mexico was the 1st woman finisher and 6th place overall at the WEST TEXAS JACKRABBIT RALLY.

Congratulations Judy! This was a 28.5 mile or 46K run.

Here's a partial quote from what Race Director Mark Dorion wrote on his report to the Ultralist: "Men's winner Skaggs received the prestigious Clifton Cup (named in honor of legendary wild west trail runner Eric Clifton), women's winner Judy Carluccio received the Amalia Cup (named for a fast young cowgirl named Amalia Dorion), and the first over--55 silver Furtaw Cup was won by none other than Frozen Ed Furtaw himself.  We were also honored to have Olympian, former US 6-day record-holder and true gentleman Mike Allen drive down from the hills of Willcox, Arizona to take part."

Barkley Anyone?

Rumors abound, the date is unknown, finishing rates are ridiculously low, wimps and those with huge ego's need not apply. I've heard stories of grizzled, tough, ultra runners being brought to tears and crying for momma.

"THE BARKLEY WILL SQUASH YOU LIKE A BUG"

Still interested? Please consult with your pastor, insurance agent, and Big John before applying. Click here if you want to apply.

NYC Marathon Results

Hey I just checked the NYC web site and saw that there were 18 runners from Hawaii.

Leading the Hawaii runners was H.U.R.T. runner Harald Ebeling with a time of 3:17:29 for a 7:31 pace.

Our friend, Darin Mingo was the second Hawaii finisher with a time of 3:32:27 for a 8:05 pace.

Congratulations to these and all the Hawaii runners!!

More Plain Photos

I received a CD today from Jeff Huff that has more photographs from the recent Plain 100 run.

I uploaded the photo's into the existing Plain album (click here) Unfortunately, the order is all messed up. I apologize for that. However these photo's show some of the other competitors at the pre-race (you can see us all studying our maps and notes) briefing. There are also photo's of the two finishers as they cross the finish line.

Of course one finisher was our own Jeff Huff. Also some good shots of Bob Murphy and Jeff on the trails. They look cold too!! I thought maybe they were moving fast enough to not get cold like the rest of us. :-)

Aloha, Bob

2005 Plain 100 Report and Photos

H.U.R.T. runners Don Fallis, Bob Murphy, Jeff Huff, Cheryl Loomis, and Bob McAllaster along with HURTpal Leon Draxler recently participated in the Plain 100. Clicking here will take you to my (very long) report on this event.

It was cold, wet, and muddy and we had rain, snow, hail, and even a rainbow just to make us feel at home. Murphy and Jeff were two of only four runners to make it out on the second loop.

Congratulations go to Jeff for finishing this race and to Bob Murphy for coming so close to finishing. It's a tough race!

I think Jeff is working on his report and we will post it soon. Click here to see some photo's.

Aloha, Bob

Badwater: Monica and Don

As many of you know, Don Fallis has gone to Badwater as part of the team supporting and pacing Monica Scholz. (This is what overly modest Don called "another trip to the mainland.")

Live race coverage will be available by clicking here.

The Badwater race starts Monday (7/11) morning from Badwater in Death Valley and goes for 135 miles up to the Mount Whitney Portals. It is arguably one of the hardest ultra races due to the extreme heat challenges.

Hardrock 100 Link for Updates

The Hardrock 100 starts Friday morning at 6:00 a.m. (Mountain Time). Runners will be leaving Silverton, Colorado and have 48 hours to cover the 100 miles. More information can be found at the Hardrock 100 web site and by clicking here for live updates during the race. Several past H.U.R.T. 100 participants will be running the race.

Western States 100 Report by Bob Murphy

2005 WS100

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Ok, it wasn’t that dramatic, but I did have some super highs and some super lows. I felt really strong going up Emigrant Pass, but the ice took a lot of mental and physical energy to get through. I went down a couple of times and took a standing 8 once. I changed my style from slow and careful to reckless abandon. I didn’t want to go that fast, but I had better footing the quicker I moved on the ice. Going fast will take a toll later in the day. The highlight of the high country was when I lost my footing and slid down a steep hill without hitting the ground. I heard the guys behind me say, “wow, did you see that guy!” I wanted to turn around and taunt those wimps, but my heart was beating too fast.

Western States Photos

Rex Vlcek took some great photo's of this past weekend's Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. Click here or scroll down the right side of the blog, under Photo Albums, to see a glimpse of what this race is all about.

If you want to meet a couple of the WS participants and hear first-hand about their experiences, come out to the Kaena Point, Firecracker 10-mile Race on Saturday morning and talk story with Bob Murphy and Jeff Huff. Of course, pacer and photographer Rex Vlcek and pacer Cheryl Loomis will also have their stories to tell as well.

Reminder: Western States 100 Webcast

Just a quick reminder: Don't forget to check out www.ws100.com this weekend to follow the progress of Hawaii runners, Jeff Huff (#215) and Bob Murphy (#304) at the Western States 100. Other H.U.R.T. friends running the race include Leon Draxler (144) and Monica Scholz (F7). This 100 mile race goes from Squaw Valley to Auburn, CA.

Here's the direct link to the web cast: http://www.ws100.com/webcast/home.html

If you look at the participant list (click here), many other past H.U.R.T. 100 participant's will also be running the race. It should be quite an interesting race this year with lots of snow towards the start due to the exceptionally wet winter and spring in the Sierra Nevada mountains and all of California for that matter.

Otherwise, see you out on the trails!

H.U.R.T. Runners at the Rock & Roll Marathon

Two other H.U.R.T. runners were MIA (missing in action) from this past weekend's Mango Madness race. Their where-abouts have now been confirmed.

Marian and Neal Yasuda were in San Diego running in the Rock and Roll Marathon. This is a big race with over 17,000 finishers.

Marian ran a 3:53 and Neal's time was 4:07. Great job!

Full results can be searched here.

Becky Gifford's First Ultra

Becky Gifford completed her first ultra recently, the McDonald Forest 50K. For those who don't know, Becky is the wife of Jamie, 2005 H.U.R.T. 100 mile winner.

Glenn Tachiyama took the following photo of Becky and Jamie. Congratulations to Becky on her accomplishment.

New link: ultraBlog.us

I placed a new link under Ultra Links on the right hand side of the blog for Sam Musleh's site: ultraBlog.us

He has also placed a link for our blog on his site. Currently there is a good race report on his site from this past weekend's Massanutten race writen by David Bursler.

Steve Dewald and other Hawaii Athletes at the Inaugural Arizona Ironman

The inaguaral Arizona Ironman triathlon was this past Saturday, (4/9/05) and H.U.R.T. members (past and present plus friends of H.U.R.T. members) did well.

Steve Dewald completed the race in 11:49.01. Showing his H.U.R.T. legs, Steve ran a 4:15.45 marathon to end the race. Wow! Congratualtions and way to go Steve!!

Other times:

• Collette Haney: 12:15.12
• Kelley Hupp: 12:21.42
• Wendy Minor: 14:35.48

Congratulations to all of these competitors. It sounds like the race was tough, with some strong winds, and a confusing end to the bike portion of the race. Almost 1800 athletes participated in this race held in Tempe, Arizona.

Not to Be Outdone, Pam Reed Will Attempt 300 Miles

Dean Karnezes has been getting all of the attention but Pam Reed isn't sitting still. She will attempt 300 miles on Easter weekend in the Tuscon area.

Pam was the overall Badwater winner in 2002 and 2003. In 2004, she placed second behind Dean Karnezes

Click here for the full article.

Race up Kilimanjaro!

Here is somethng cool, a race up Kilimanjaro: http://www.dailycamera.com/bdc/our_town/article/0,1713,BDC_2518_3553404,00.html

I came across this and know how some of you just love challenges and running up hills. This race is being organized by Pemba Sherpa, a member of Boulder's running group, Boulder Trail Runners. In July, 30 runners will participate in this event including H.U.R.T. runner Justin Snow. Runners hope to set a record speed ascent as they climb the 19,400 foot mountain.

The race is 42 miles, runners will climb 14,000 feet and the fastest are expected to finish in about 10 hours.

Some reasons to choose between running up Kilimanjaro and our own Run to the Sun up Haleakala; Run to the Sun starts at sea level, the flight to Maui will be a lot shorter and cheaper, Maui is a lot closer than Africa, Run to the Sun is considerably cheaper. The Kilimanjaro trip will set you back $1600, plus airfare to Africa.

Better get those applications in for Run to Sun. It is March 26th! Here's the link for more info: http://www.virr.com/run_2_sun.html

Western States and Snow Pack

For the runners headed to Western States this year--it looks like it could be a snow year. The following link http://www.dclundell.net/running/ws100-snow-conditions/ supplied by Don Charles Lundell shows that the snow pack is at 105% as of February 7th at Squaw Valley.

Good Training!!