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..."

Thanks

What with our eminent departure for Europe, my thoughts turn to all those that have helped make our Transalpine adventure possible.  I know Patrick feels the same and wrote a similar entry the other day. 

I've got to send out a  few "shout outs" of my own though:

My wife Gina doesn't give me the rah rah cheerleading kind of support that some spouses may.  She  doesn't always understand my motives and laughs about how I look in my compression tights.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  What Gina does understand though, is that this was one of those things that was important enough for me that she was 100% behind making it happen.

Gina grinded through the last semester of nursing school and started a new career  and was a loving mother to our two boys while I've been spending way too much time heading out the door in my compression tights. I look forward to regaining a balance in life.  I know Gina really looks forward to that.   Maybe next year Patrick and I can support Gina and Heidi in a grand adventure.  Maybe the TAR?!

A shout out to my sons Eli and Rowan.  "Are you going running again, Dad?" was a popular question I don't plan to hear for a while once I'm back.  The boys have also inflated my ego in ways only your own children can, asking questions like "Are you really running across four countries?"

A shout out to my Dad.  He called me about a year ago and said, "You really need to do this, it's a once in a lifetime experience.  I'll write you a check to help out with the expenses.  Just consider it your birthday and Christmas present for the next few years."

Thank you Dad. 

And thanks Dad and Sarah (Dad's wife) for joining Team Chugach and making the trip over with us.  Along with Patrick's wife Heidi and girls Grace and Rose, we have a great support  crew!

A shout out to the local running community.  There is no tighter-knit group of runners anywhere on the planet.  We compete hard against each other and cheer even harder for each other.  Thanks especially to Daniel, Jerry, Najeeby, Brent and the rest of the folks at Skinny Raven who really got behind us in this adventure.

A shout out to Louis Mass, owner of Elite Sports Performance.  Great guy, great program.  I wouldn't have been able to work my injured knee into shape without all the blood, sweat and tears he (and Chad and Billy) extracted.  And thanks to Dr. John Lapkass and John Polonowski for the skilled operation and maintenance. 

A shout out to Salomon USA for providing us with great gear.  We're grateful for the support and look forward to promoting the brand.

A shout out to all the friends, family and coworkers who have taken the time to wish us well.

Look forward to sharing the adventure!

Thanks.