The Ultra Experience

Here's to the adventures of my life which are usually ultra marathon trail running or fly fishing but may include other trips, experiences, thoughts, opinions, or pretty much whatever I want. As co-founder of Altra Footwear my life and adventures seemingly revolve more around developing and promoting the best footwear in the world...and I love it!

Friday, May 27, 2016

Racing Spring 2016- Antelope, Boston, & WhistleDick

Remember when blogs were all the rage?!  Well now my reports end up as a couple pictures and a short post.  Sad really as I used to post details that were important in framing my experience in the ultra world.  I've learned a lot over the years and documenting those experiences has been helpful in looking back.  Not just fun memories but important documentation of learned experience through racing.  Although these aren't as detailed, I'm still documenting...

2016 however is all about 1 race, Hardrock 100.  Having spent 7 years qualifying and putting into the race, I'm in and ready to tackle the most challenging event of my life!  Here are my Spring 2016 races, all of which building to Hardrock- Antelope Island 25k, Boston Marathon Double, WhistleDick 13, & Ecotrail Oslo 45k (coming later).

Antelope Island 25k
Having run this shorter race last year and having such a fun time, I returned.  These shorter races are fun as you can really cruise.  Ultra's are all the rage but I can see myself doing more of these shorter races.  This year my only goal was to try and go under 2 hours.  Last year I ran 2:03.47 and felt like I was in better shape this year.  I definitely started a little faster and felt good.  I moved well and was really enjoying myself.  Aid stations were quick as I only took a 12 ounce bottle.  Using only 2 gels and a couple salt tabs the race went very well.  The last 4 miles I tried to pick up the pace but couldn't quite move as fast as I wanted.  I finished in 2:00.37 and in 3rd place. Strava Segment.  Happy with my effort and plan although wishing I could have moved a little quicker in the finishing miles to break the 2 hour barrier.  Fun start to the year!
Credit: Lori Burlison
Boston Marathon Double
This is my 4th time running Boston twice.  Having thrown my back out in early April (lots of problems in that arena...) I went in sensitively.  Ended up having some great people join me including Ian Sharman, Nicole, Keila, Stephan, and Alison Memmott.  Despite some early heat and late headwind, I ran out in my usual 4 hours flat.  I LOVE it!  Every year its amazing.  The way back was my hardest yet.  The lack of training and my back problems led to my slowest and most painful return trip.  I made it through just fine however with a slower yet still respectable time of 3:56.44



Sunday, January 3, 2016

Top 12 fish of 2015

2015 was the best year of fishing I ever had!  I felt dialed all year and seemed to hit every hatch, river, and lake perfectly.  Here's to the top 10 fish of the year along with a few of my favorite videos thrown in.  4 years ago I couldn't have even fathomed how good this years fishing was.  2016 will probably have a few more running days but I'm sure I'll have a few good days on the water too!
#12- Smile for the camera!
#11- Nothing says "I love you" like a 23 inch male Brown Trout!

#10-- Picture doesn't do it justice, this 21.5 inch Cutt was caught while stalking with a small dry fly.  Perfection.
#9-- Green Drake hatch...enough said.
#8--  This 22 inch Brown was caught bouncing this streamer against a log.  When it saw my streamer it came up out of the depths and snatched that thing up in full view.
#7-- Fattest Rainbow trout I ever caught.  I couldn't stop laughing
#6-- Pays to fish through a rainstorm!  Thats when the BIG fish come out and feed!
#5-- And I named it Pigbow!
#4-- Best fish with the absolutely worst picture.  Yes its 25 inches and yes I caught it sight nymphing!  Wish the picture was decent or it might be #2.
#3-- Thickest Brown Trout I've every caught.  24 inches of pure joy!
#2-- This hog leapt out of the water four times and and fought bigger then the image indicates.  Amazing 23.5 inch Brown Trout that changed my life...
#1-- Largest trout I've ever caught.  27 inch Rainbow!  Should have measured the girth...this thing was amazing...and caught sight nymphing.  I mean wow!!