Return

We Conways made it back to Anchorage on Saturday. On top of the journey being nothing short of incredible, I was somewhat surprised that not only am I not burned out on running, but I couldn't get back into the mountains soon enough. Joey and I took advantage of my jet lag by going for a leisurely stroll up near point to catch the sunrise. West Tanaina, tempting us, in the background.



Harlow and I are incredibly lucky to have the fitness, the means, a like-minded partner, and the support to take on an endeavor like the trans alpine run. But we are even more privileged to be able to share in similar experiences right here in our backyard.

Transalpine 2011 in 8 minutes

The organizers of the TAR did an outrageously good job with just about everything.  One of the things they invested a ton of time into was video footage.  Check out this clip that wraps the 2011 race up with a nice bow.  There is no way to capture the essence in 8 minutes but this does a pretty damn good job.  I couldn't spot Team Chugach in there - maybe you can.  I suspect we were too fast to be caught on camera!



Stage 8 - In the Books!

Posted by Harlow

Distance: 30.20km/18.76miles
Ascent: 1807m/5928ft
Descent: 1882m/6174ft


I didn’t allow myself to think about finishing the Transalpine until I saw the sign saying 2k to go. At that point the sun was directly overhead and we were pounding down a gradual descent on a paved bike path through apple orchards.

It had been a tough day for me. Everyone else seemed to have an extra gear for the final stage and I kept lagging on the long climb that started the stage. Patrick had the decency to slow up and fall in behind me. He kept telling me little lies like “this is a good pace for me too.”

We did eventually crest the summit and then it was a good 15k of steep descending to the finish of the 2011 Transalpine. On the descent I clumsily caught my toe on a rock while cruising through technical terrain and went down hard on both hands. It was a lucky fall, because if my hands hadn’t come out in front of me, it would have been my head that took the brunt of it. Nevertheless I was cursing myself for the lapse in concentration. A broken bone would have been a discouraging way to end this thing after coming so far.

I redoubled my focus and fell in behind Patricknas he shifted into road gear and we hammered out the narrow winding roads down to the valley. Then all that was left was the orchards and the 90 degree heat. After 170 miles and some 55,000 feet of climbing that 2k felt like eternity. Slowly but surely though, we hit the outskirts of town, then we could hear cheering spectators, then as we rounded the corner, there was the finish line. The cheers along the sides of the tiny Italian cobblestone street propelled us the last 50 meters.

Then we were done!

Really done. No stage tomorrow. Medal around the neck, beer in hand.

Patrick and I worked hard to prepare for this adventure. In the end it was everything we hoped for an more. We were humbled and inspired by the quality of the competition and stoked to meet so many cool people - runners and non runners alike - from various corners of the world. We passed through breathtaking country on every stage. And we competed well - finishing 19th overall and 12th in the “Men Under 40” category. There were some 320 teams to start this event and approximately 250 finished. I tip my sweaty, muddy, bloody Skinny Raven cap to them all!

There is much to be thankful for. My surgically repaired knee held out spectacularly despite all the technical downhill stuff. We had tons of great support from Patrick’s wife Heidi and his girls Grace and Roses and from my Dad and Sarah. I don’t know how we could have done this without them. I'm thankful to my wife Gina for lettting me do this and pulling double duty for me at home. I miss you Gina, Eli and Rowan!

I’m thankful not to be preparing for another stage tomorrow. I’m thankful not to suck down another gu or drink electrolyte drinks for a while.

And I’m thankful that Patrick and I have become better friends for this. The Transalpine has the potential to test a friendship. We both ebbed through highs and lows through the eight stages and we both had our moments of frustration and exhaustion. But I always felt like Patrick had my back when I needed support - and I hope vice versa.

Later, we’ll share some impressions and pictures from this grand adventure. Right now it is time to have a nice cold beer!

Stage 7

Posted by Patrick

It was a beautiful day that started with views of the sun rising on the 4000 meter Orter peak to the south (photo). The stage started with a run through Mals, complete with passage through the interior of the local school. It continued with a 15k gradually inclining (1500') approach to the steepest climbing we've had throughout the race. Though the previous six days have sapped most of my motivation and enthusiasm, Harlow and I both felt pretty strong and started a little quicker and further up the pack than we normally do. More of the same on the climb, which was about 6k and 1200 meters ascent (second photo from about the halfway point). By far the highlight of the day was the last 2k of the climb, which was grueling. We were approaching 10,000' so not moving very quickly, but climbing through a beautiful amphitheatre complete with a small band consisting of a tuba and percussion, playing When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Amazing Grace, etc. At the top of the pass, it seemed many of the race organizers were there to cheer the competitors. Nowhere during the event has the crowd, and in turn the race participants, been more spirited. Huge peaks on either side. Beautiful views down into the valley and over to the larger peaks to our south. Then a long hard descent to Schlanders, where temps were starting to climb into the 80s (third photo). Just a monstrous descent, dodging cows and trying not to get distracted by views of mountains, castles, and a valley full of orchards below.

We may have finished a bit higher than normal today. Maybe not. It was a great day and was capped by crossing the line with one of our favorite teams and closest competitors, a couple of great guys from Salzburg.

The days have definitely taken their toll, physically and psychologically. But standing at the finish line and watching teams roll in for an hour or so yesterday was a lesson for me. With one more day to go, Harlow and I have fared far better than a large number of our competitors. Teams ahead of and behind us continue to drop out. Others are nursing injuries and suffering to complete each stage. Our suffering has been entirely self induced. If all goes well tomorrow, Harlow will be describing that we finished this incredible journey in one piece and surrounded by some very talented athletes.

It's been a blast. Thanks to Heidi, Grace, Rose, Pete, Sarah, Gina, Eli, Rowan, Salomon US, and Skinny Raven whose name is known worldwide as one of the greatest running stores on the planet. Also thanks for all the great comments. We've had very limited internet access but have read them all and appreciate the support. This is an event unlike any I've every participated in. Do it.

Stage 6: Engadin Scuol (SUI) - Mals (ITA)

Distance: 37.02km/23miles
Ascent: 1332m/4370ft
Descent: 1474m/4385ft

Course Profile

Today's stage took us over a small pass and into Northern Italy.

Patrick and I both rolled out of bed feeling good. The relatively easy time trial yesterday gave us a chance to recover a little bit and rest the quads afterall the long descents we'd done the first four stages.

The stage started off with a 5k gradual downhill on a paved bike path. After about 2k I realized I'd been fooling myself thinking that my legs were fresh. I felt waves of lactic acid course through the legs and was laboring through a relatively easy pace. When we turned off the pavement and started what would be about a relentless 20k grinder of a climb, I wasn't feeling any better. It didn't help my psyche when we passed a guy from one of the Scottish teams that had been near the front of the pack doubled over on the side of the trail retching. It was looking like it was going to be a long day for Team Chugach.

But you learn things about yourself after six days in the Alps. After a couple k's of doubt and frustration, I realized that my legs were turning over just fine and we were reeling in a slew of familiar teams.

Dealing with fatigue. Big part of this race. Several teams that had been running ahead of us the first several days came back to us today and they didn't look good. At the same time, several other teams that had been playing it conservatively showed up in our running group. Smart running.

Today's stage was the tamest yet with regard to climbing. No big passes, just the long grinder. Very much like the Lost Lake race on steroids with a 5k on paved bike path on each side. The pass itself was spectacular. The trail is an old cattle trail that was blown out of the side of the mountain with dynamite. Several tunnels and exposed trails too narrow to pass on. Awesome!

Patrick has really come into his own during this race. Every day he seems to get a little stronger and more confident in his ability to compete in an event like this. Along with this comes his competitive spirits. We've been firm about staying in our comfort zone though and not getting passed our threshold. We have 2 tough stages left (a climb up to 10,000 feet tomorrow) and both of us know it wouldn't take much to blow up.

We've found our place consistently in the top 20 overall and around the top10 for the "Men's under 40". Got to keep focused on good health and good spirits and we'll let the standings take care of themselves.

Stage 5: Engadin Scuol (SUI) "Hillclimb"

Bergsprint

Today was the much anticipated "rest day", which was about a 6k hillclimb on the ski slopes of scuol. The route took us about halfway back up yesterday's final descent. The format was very similar to a bike race time trial. Teams started in 20 second intervals in reverse order of overall ranking. The timing was also different in that teams are scored based on combined time, which means that we were not required to run together.

It was a blast. The course started in the center of the village and ascended through staircases and cobblestone streets. Then onto the ski slopes. The highlight of the day (excepting the gondola ride down the hill) was the crowds cheering and singing along the sides of the trail. For someone who's never competed in Europe this was pretty invigorating.

Not sure how we finished in the standings, but there wasn't much to be gained and plenty to lose by going big.

Closed out the day with a fabulous afternoon with Petra, Fletch, and Leena.

Harlow, enjoying some sun:

Distance: 6.19km/3.84miles
Ascent: 936m/3070ft
Descent: 0

Course Profile

Scenes from the Scene (so far)

Posted by Harlow

Pictures say more than words.  Here are a few from the scene while we are not out in the mountains.  Thanks for all the great shots, Dad!

Scoul, Switzerland

Senior Master leaders.  These guys are 100+ years old between them and can still hammer!

For 20 Euros, Jordi will work magic.  It's all platonic for sure, Gina.

Salomons, compression tights, cobblestones and trekking poles = European.

After the 53k Stage 2. Not sure this is what they intended when they built it.

We all just call them "the Girls". And most of us are getting "Girled".

Patrick's wife Heidi at the start of Stage 1. Every stage starts off with "Highway to Hell".

Our friend David from the Barcelona team.  They load up for every stage on rice and salted ham. 

Finishing ALWAYS feels good! 

Patrick's toe. The biggest injury problem so far.

Patrick gets a hug from daughter Grace of the Team Chugach support crew.

A lot of teams do the bungie chord.  This is a tough Kiwi mixed team.

Speaking bad Spanish.

Runner's camp.  Glad we're not staying here!

Runner's camp.

Effort.

The Conway Crew waiting for a sign of Team Chugach.

Stage 4: Galtür (AUT) – Engadin Scuol (SUI)

Distance: 39.92km/24.79miles
Ascent: 2339m/7673ft
Descent: 2734m/8969ft

Course Profile

Posted by Harlow

Today was a great day.

A Spanish team that we leap-frogged with all day said it well. We had all stopped along a ridge at about 7,000 feet elevation at the same time to drain our bladders and one of the guys said "thees ees the best toilet in the world!".   And he meant it  in the best sense.

After yesterday's rain, we were wishing for sun again - already forgetting how brutal the heat of the first day was. Well, today, up in the High Country it was the perfect temperature under blue-bird skies as we passed through some of the most beautiful country on this earth.

A good thing for the scenery too, because the course was gruelling. We had three burley climbs and about 9,000 feet of descending. After running a marathon-plus effort for three straight days already, the thighs are talking a little bit.

But like I said, it was a great day. We enjoyed the scenery and raced well. I was feeling some fatigue today, but Patrick, the "Bounce-Back Kid", was strong and full of energy. He pulled us up all the hard climbs.

We even beat the first women team today. They have established quite a reputation at this event both for their phenomenol talent (they were 11th overall the last time I checked) and for their beauty. Of course if my wife Gina teamed up with Patrick's wife, that would be the most show-stoppingly gorgeous team to have entered this race, but until then, these two take the prize.

We descended about 3,000 feet into Scuol, Switzerland. It's a gorgeous cobblestone village tucked in with the Alps gaping on all sides. Tomorrow is a team time trial up the side of the ski resort in town. We are looking forward to an uphill only that should take less than an hour. The last three stages will be hard, so we'll appreciate a short day!

Stage 3: Soaked

Posted by Patrick

It's been pouring rain for about 24 hours, since right after we finished yesterday. Harlow and joked during the first stage that we'd take a driving rain over that heat anyday. (The) God(s) must have been listening, because it was downright nasty all day today. After showing up at the starting line two hours early, not realizing that the start had been postponed, we finally got off at 9 am and ran the 'alternate route' for the third stage. Rather than ascend to elevation and stay there for the day, we left Schruns and headed up the valley, ascending gradually for the first 30k. Then descending to Galtur over the last 10k. Going into it I was thinking it would be easier, ignoring my statement from the other day that there are no easy stages. Smart. There were a number of challenges today that didn't show up on course profile - a two mile long wet, slippery boulder field being one of them.

After yesterday we both felt fairly strong, not only knowing that we had the 50k behind us, but that we ran it conservatively and survived fairly unscathed. So we started the day a little ahead of the crowd we ran with yesterday. You could tell too. Only a little further back in the field people don't hesitate to stop for pictures or slow down to enjoy a conversation. Moving up in the pack we noticed that most teams are really there to race. Pretty much maintained that position throughout the day. Overall, the day went well, aside from being cold and wet the whole time. We covered the course in something like 4:40 which felt pretty good if not a little quick.

Looking back at the first three days, I'm definitely thrilled to have made it this far. Getting those stages behind us has not been easy, and watching teams finish a stage is all the evidence one needs to confirm how much of a challenge this event is. I'm also cautiously looking forward to the next several days. While I'm starting to really feel the effects of the miles, and the downhills, I've also been surprised at how we seemed to have found a pace that both Harlow and I can maintain comfortably. Every once in while we surge and it's immediately obvious how bad of an idea that is.

Harlow never ceases to amaze. He's always got a spring in his step. It's hard not to think I'm slowing him down, but his ability to settle into a pace and avoid needling at me to go faster is one of his qualities that made me want to partner with him.

Galtur is beautiful and the forecast for the next several days calls for good running weather. Cooler temps, some clouds.

Pics are from Pete as we approached Galtur. The other two guys are some dudes we met from Salzburg. As Harlow wrote, we are both very appreciative to our fellow competitors for making the effort to speak English with us. These guys were great to chat with a good part of the last 20k today.

Distance: 43.10km/26.78miles
Ascent: 2672m/8766ft
Descent: 1773m/5816ft

Course Profile - this isn't the course we ran. Check the TAR website- they may post the "alternative route" that we covered today

Stage 2: Kleinwalsertal (AUT) – Schruns (AUT)

Distance:  53.20km/33.05miles
Ascent:   2481m/8139ft
Descent:   2913m/9557ft

Course Profile

There are two sides to “stunning”. On the positive side, every corner we rounded on the stage from Hirschegg to Schruns provided some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. The downside is that “stunning” comes with a price.

Today’s leg included three major climbs totaling some 2400 meters and almost 3000m of descents. And at 53 kilometers, it’s the longest stage of the event.

That said, today was a big success. After our scare in the first stage with the heat, we made it our goal to finish the stage in good health and good spirits. We know we’ve got plenty of work ahead and it was critical to us both physically and mentally that we stay out of that red zone we found ourselves in during the first day. With that strategy, Patrick and I set a conservative but deliberate pace as we passed through and over jutting peaks and postcard-perfect villages. We realized after the big climbs today that , although they were burly, they are very similar to what we’re used to Alaska. It was hot again, but not stifling. We pounded fluids, gu, and gorged on the gourmet aid-station buffets and were encouraged at how well the K’s clicked off. We finished feeling tired but strong. A good omen.

One of the coolest aspects of the Transalpine is the international camaraderie. There are a bunch of teams traveling similar speeds to us that leap-frog depending on how they’re feeling and their strengths. After two stages, we’ve already got trail buddies from Lichtenstein, Austria, Germany, England, Scotland, Spain, Greece, Russia, etc. Big thanks to all of them for using their best English, as our foreign language skills are poor.

We’ve discovered since we’ve come here that being from Alaska comes with a price. As it turns out, Team Alaska is big talk around here still from last year. Brent Knight and Brandon Newbould kicked some serious ass last year when they finished 3^rd. Now that I’ve seen it and done some of it, I can tell you that what they did is truly impressive. When we mention we are from Alaska everyone says, “Oh, you guys must be very good.” Then they talk about the shaggy-haired bandana-wearing team that surprised everyone. Nothing like trying to follow that act!

After the race we chatted with the English team in second place overall at the moment. They said that as the Transalpine gets more popular, it’s attracting some serious international talent. This year, they say, is stacked. We’re pleased to have finished 12^th and 16^th the first two days in the Men’s category, but thinking about standing or time is way far from our mind. Patrick put it well when he said the most important things are to stay in good spirits and good health .

Tomorrow will be tough. The stage from Schruns to Galtur is not much shorter than today (43k) with more climbing (2700m). As I write, the weather has moved in and the rain is coming down in buckets. Stay tuned!

Heat

Distance:  27.2km/16.9miles
Ascent:  1806m/5925ft
Descent: 1496m/4908ft


Course profile

It's hard to believe we've actually started. Heidi, the kids, Harlow, James & Wendy and their kids all (got lost several times, then) arrived in Oberstdorf yesterday. Harlow and I checked in to the race and went to the pre-race supper/ceremony. It was pretty enjoyable, somewhat confusing since we didn't really understand much of what was said, but met some nice folks and enjoyed a delicious pasta dinner.

Today's stage was relatively short (27k) and mellow (1800m climbing). We started conservatively and settled into the middle of the pack, knowing what's coming in the next few. It was tremendously hot, temps were in the mid 80s but at times felt warmer than that. The slower start helped us find a pace that works for us, rather than getting caught up in the competition and kept us from overheating early.

Throughout the day Harlow and I took turns leading, mostly focusing on allowing the slower person at any given time set the pace. Harlow struggeled a little early on with breathing, either altitude or congestion induced. Then late in the day, I hit the wall on the last 1200' climb. I felt plenty strong enough, but we were baking in the sun, pouring sweat. I never really recovered from that climb and struggled over the last 5k. We finished the day in 3.5 hours, probably a little slower than we're capable of, but definitely at a pace that both of us felt was all we were really interested in running. No idea what place we came in, and neither of us are too concerned right now.

Not a bad day overall. The sights were amazing (see below) and the competitors are very friendly and encouraging. Todays stage was quite a wakeup call for us though. This is going to be intense. People keep saying this is the hardest course they've ever set. It's definitely going to be hard.

The temperature is supposed to come down tomorrow and they're calling for inclement weather later in the week. We will welcome both.

Harlow's over at the neighboring campsite having some Greek dude massage his feet. Don't worry Gina, he tells me it's strictly platonic.

Transalpine Countdown!

In a little more than 24 hours Patrick and I and 300 some other teams will be heading off into the Alps and this grand (or foolish) adventure. We spent the last few days acclimating in Wallhalben, a small and quaint hamlet south of Frankfurt Germany and the home of Patrick's brother James and his wife Wendy and children.  Wendy is a doctor at the U.S. Hospital near the Ramstein military base.   Super appreciative of their warm hospitality. Great spot to adjust to the 10 hour jet lag.   A few shots from the last couple of days... As it turns out, tons of Americans connected through the military live in this little town.  We got to meet a bunch of these families at a BBQ last night.   People from places like Florida, Ohio and Montana all living as neighbors on the other side of the planet.  We owe them all our gratitude for their service.  Patrick and I are both trying to kick colds. The timing is terrible, but as with all things in life, you deal with your situation and move forward.  Lots of fluids and vitamins and other various remedies recommended along the way. We shook out our gear one last time and spun our wheels a little bit on a beautiful old track along a creek that connects the villages that seem to be about every 5k in country that Patrick says reminds him of his old stomping grounds in Vermont.  Only difference is that it is entirely possible that a Roman soldier  rode the same trail  a couple thousands years previous. We're off today with the German Conways for Obersdorf and the race start.  Will meet up with my Dad and Sarah down there. Below is a preview of the race route and an overview of the course to get you primed!

With a distance of more than 273 km and 15,436 m of climb, the Gore-Tex Transalpine-Run 2011 offers the most challenging course that was ever run on the Western route from Oberstdorf to Latsch in Vinschgau. While the tried and tested stages between Galtür in the Paznauntal and Latsch were left untouched and highlights such as the Uina gorge or the Rappenscharte remain as the "roof of the course," stages two and three will demand everything of its participants. The second stage alone, with its distance of 53 km and 2,481 m of climb, is probably the toughest stage the Transalpine-Run has ever seen. The third stage won't be one bit less demanding, being physically challenging with 43 km of distance and 2,672 m of climb but also offering one of the most beautiful trails of the central Alps, the "Wormser Höhenweg." Wolfgang Pohl (Race Director): "With a distance of more than 273 km and 15,436 m of climb, the Gore-Tex Transalpine-Run 2011 offers the most challenging course that was ever run on the Western route from Oberstdorf to Latsch in Vinschgau. While the tried and tested stages between Galtür in the Paznauntal and Latsch were left untouched and highlights such as the Uina gorge or the Rappenscharte remain as the "roof of the course," stages two and three will demand everything of its participants. The second stage alone, with its distance of 53 km and 2,481 m of climb, is probably the toughest stage the Transalpine-Run has ever seen. The third stage won't be one bit less demanding, being physically challenging with 43 km of distance and 2,672 m of climb but also offering one of the most beautiful trails of the central Alps, the "Wormser Höhenweg." I think these facts alone are making clear that the Gore-Tex Transalpine-Run 2011 is going to write trail running history..."