Still reliving the moments of our run through the Alps. Check out this great slide show on the TAR facebook page!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alaska-Sports-Hall-of-Fame/131955895994?ref=mf#!/media/set/?set=a.210849542308003.54090.132829716776653&type=3
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
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!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
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.”
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 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!
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!
Friday, September 9, 2011
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.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Stage 6: Engadin Scuol (SUI) - Mals (ITA)
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:
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:
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