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The Speedgoat 50K course is melting fast!

Published by Speedgoat Karl on June 30, 2008 in Appalachian Trail and Speedgoat 50K. 1 Comment

26 days till post-time for the toughest 50K on earth!….maybe not, but it sounds good!

This mornings run took me to the summit of Snowbird to scope out the Speedgoat 50k. It looks like a butt-slide is likely in Little Cloud Bowl for the final descent! It’ll bring back those childhood memories of you’re favorite sled run! I’m working on logistics now and soon we’ll have a map so you can salivate over the course.

We plan to have the $100 bill at the top for the first man and women who make the 4500′ climb to the peak first….but you gotta finish to collect….no sandbaggers here!

Entries Close on the 15th, so if you’re gonna run, send it in now to reserve a spot in the field, and some pizza and beer* at the finish line.

For those who don’t know, directly after the Speedgoat 50K, I’ll be heading out for the run of my life with the Appalachian Assault beginning August 5th on the Summit of Mt. Kathadin in Maine. For more details, whereskarl.com will be the command center for the entire AT run, check out my training, the GPS, the podcasts, the U-Tube videos, and all the other cool stuff we’re gonna do while everyone watches me suffer for 2174 miles.

* Beer must be purchased by runners, I can’t legally buy it for you…damn disclaimers!

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4th of July Sale at Backcountry.com

Published by admin on June 27, 2008 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Check out the sweet sale at Backcountry.com!

Published by Speedgoat Karl on June 26, 2008 in Race Updates. 22 Comments

Mother Nature “Strikes” again!

Sitting here in No. Tahoe, it’s safe to say, it’s a smoker here, and wildfires suck, but life goes on. What will we do now? we’ll go running somewhere else. Perhaps the fire gods are telling me something…..to focus on the AT only.

It’s a shame all those $300 entry fees can’t be at least partially returned, but it’s understandable, that’s the way it works. I’ll go for a smoker run tomorrow to emigrant pass…just because.

We have to feel for the committee, nothing is harder than telling 400 runners we can’t run. Maybe we should all head to Silverton and run Hardrock bandit style, a day early.

Or….everyone enters the speedgoat 50k on July 26th to celebrate cheryl’s (my wife) birthday. I’ll have another beer now, it’s ok……OUCH!

The Western Track Meet is on the Horizon…finally!

Published by Speedgoat Karl on June 23, 2008 in Race Updates. 23 Comments

And the odds are:

Mens Race:

Anton Krupicka 8-5. We all know he’s the man to beat. The heat will be his toughest competitor.

Hal Koerner 5-2. Last year’s winner knows he can run under 16 now, if he has injury issues, he’ll be rested and ready to rip one.

Erik Skaden 4-1. A few bridesmaids finishes, last year ran 16:34, has been running strong, if he peaks now, it may even be his turn to win. A podium finish for sure.

John Olsen 4-1. Ran a fast one at Rio Del Lago, and is ready and fit for this one.

Lon Freeman 5-1. He was close last year, this year should be no different…not to mention the experience factor.

Mike Wardian 6-1. Mike’s two wins at the “no headphones” 50k and 100k, shows he’s the fastest one in the field, has run under 16 for 100 miles.

Brian Morrison 6-1. His DQ finish a few years ago has probably made him quite hungry to have a good run. It would be great to see him return and run up front.

Speedgoat Karl 7-1. Took the lucky number 7 position, I have no issues now and feel good, but the real focus is on the AT after the track meet. If I’m in it, I’ll be going for it, if I’m not, I’m gonna have a fun run!

Jorge Pacheco 8-1. Jorge is always in it early, if he can survive the early pace into Robinson Flat, and feel fresh there, my guess is he’ll have good run.

Josh Brimhall 9-1. Josh ran 16:48 at San Diego a few years ago, that’s enough to tell me he makes the list.

Todd Braje 9-1. Wondering if he peaked too early. Probably not, he’s got the speed to be up front, we’ll see where he ends up.

Graham Cooper 10-1. I think he’s been running well lately, his odds should probably be better, being a previous winner, but this field is tough.

Zach Miller 12-1. Zach would have been further up this list without arthroscopy on his knee, but at least he’s here. Top 10 would get him back next year, if he holds up well, he could be much further up this list.

Andy Jones-Wilkins 13-1. AJW is the sentimental favorite, and looking to go under Twiet’s master record (17:17)….and probably will, but there’s a few masters ahead of him on this crazy list.

Dan Olmstead 13-1. Speedy on shorter distances, on a great day could even contend to win.

Glen Redpath 14-1. Has shown great prowess in the past, and could work his way up this list, if he hangs tough

Sean Meissner 14-1. Off and On, when he’s on he’s fast, when he’s off, he’s out. A hard call, would love to see Sean nail one at Western.

Neil Olsen 15-1. Another Master looking to crack the top 10.

Hiroki Ishikawa 15-1. It would be cool if Hiroki won, he’s already a national hero in Japan, he could be a hero in the US too.

Notables:

Mark Godale

Alan Abbs

Mike Wolfe

Chikara Omine

Jeann Pommier

Jeff Riley

Kevin Sullivan

Scott Wolfe

Jack Cooke

Jez Bragg

Tracy Moore

Women’s Race

Nikki Kimball 5-2. Even after just running 53 miles in Vermont, she’s the toughest one in the field, and just getting herself back into great shape. No rookie at this one.

Kami Semick 4-1. One of the few to beat Nikki, and with a good run could take the throne from Nikki.

Jenn Shelton 6-1. Another speedy one, but will she manage her fuel well? Eat your gel Jenn!

Beverly Abbs 7-1. Close but not quite fast enough to hang up front the whole distance.

Suzannah Beck 8-1. The fastest of the bunch at shorter distance, I believe a sub 2:40 marathon. But this ain’t no marathon. If she plays here cards right, she has the talent and speed to go close to Ann Trason’s record…but she’ll have to nail her first 100.

Devon Crosby-Helms 9-1. Just behind Suzannah, we’ll see what kind of 100 experience she brings to the table, she has the speed to stay up front.

Caren Spore 11-1. I hear she’s been running well and will look for her best time this year.

Jenny Capel 11-1. Not fast enough to compete for the win, but always a solid performer.

Francesca Conte 12-1. Sentimental favorite, great Hong Kong runner.

Notables:

Meghan Arbogast

Michelle Barton

Rena Schumann

Beth Vitalis

Suzie Lister

Sabrina Moran

Prudence L’Heureux

A few things to think about: Please correct me if I’m wrong.

The over 40 category is a race in itself, the record is 17:17…Tim Tweitmeyer.

Andy Jones-Wilkins

Speedgoat Karl

Jorge Pacheco

Neil Olsen

All these guys are over 40 and will be running for the masters record too!

CLICK THIS LINK TO WATCH THE RACE LIVE

www.ws100.com

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First….Bighorn!

Published by Speedgoat Karl on June 19, 2008 in Appalachian Trail, Race Updates and Speedgoat 50K. 22 Comments

This year the Bighorn 100 will be different, most of the Rocky Mountain region had tons of snow this year and the Bighorn Mountains were no exception. The turnaround at Porcupine is still under 3 feet of snow, nonetheless the course will be awesome as usual, and two new records will be set…..and may last forever, so the odds are:

Mens Race

Jeff Browning 4-1. Jeff’s best time is 20:23, only 12 minutes shy of the “soft” record I set last year, it’s a new course, so everyone is blind to start, Jeff knows this terrain well.

Ty Draney 5-1. Simply put it’s Ty’s turn, he should hang with Browning and see what happens late in the race.

Justin Angle 5-1. Very fit now, and ready to rip one, he’ll be out fast, the question is will he have the power to run to the end.

Paul Dewitt 6-1. The fastest for sure, but on this terrain, he’ll be chasing late.

Jamie Gifford 8-1. He’ll slip in there for a podium if the others have tough day.

Bradley Mongold 10-1. His name on the list read “Radley Mongold”, but if it is “Bradley” he’ll be right there. Strong performances early this year….he should get better odds, but a rookie on this course can be a tough one.

Roch Horton 15-1. One of these days Roch’s gonna win one, if he carries his banjo the whole way I’ll give him 3 hours of bonus minutes.

Davy Crockett 20-1. That’s right, Davy makes the list this week.

Womens Race

Prudence L’Heuruex 4-1. Although blind to the course, certainly the fastest out there, some strong performances this spring should propell her to the front when all said and done.

Honey Albrecht 9-1. The next choice if Prudence chooses to lose.

Olga Varlamova 10-1. She’s always wanted to make this odds list, she might slip in for a podium finish.

Milada Copeland 12-1. Wasatch Running Center’s #1 100 mile runner could slip into ta podium finish as well, she likes the Bighorn’s!

Next week I’ll do the Western States Track Meet Odds. I’ll have them on the board on Monday morning, it’ll give us a week to debate it. Just thinking about this list scares me. I think the men’s winner will be easy, after that we’ll all be guessing!

Continue to check out whereskarl.com for info on my Appalachian Trail Assault. The RV is wrapped up…. I’m all over that thing. I wonder what dad will feel like driving around with a picture of his son all over it?

The Speedgoat 50k has almost hit 100 runners, that’s 100 times someone gets to buttslide down Little Cloud Bowl at Snowbird…..with super tired legs, it’s gonna turn into a luge run by the time 25 slide down. Just another added feature to the toughest 50k in the US.

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Pacers or No Pacers…THAT is the question!

Published by Speedgoat Karl on June 11, 2008 in Race Updates. 60 Comments

In this age of Ultrarunning, pacers play a large roll in motivating and assisting runners to finish the brutal 100 mile race. Is this really necessary? In France, pacers are not allowed, and the RD’s even discourage having a crew. The US is the opposite, why is that? Are the Europeans more purists? Are we weak in saying we need a pacer?, or have we just grown up knowing they are always allowed, so we take advantage of it? Some on the other side of the pond cut a few corners, maybe here in the US our form of cutting corners is having a pacer/mule.

For the lead runners, pacers should not be allowed if one is running for the win. There is a distinct advantage to having a friend by your side when the going gets rough…even if the “pacer” is not carrying anything. A prime example would be during nighttime, the extra person with a light is muling….maybe not carrying, but the brighter trail means faster running. What is fair? For non-elite runners pacers are great to help those who just want to get er’ done.

It’s time to think about all the top runners at the WS track meet not having a pacer/mule, why not make it a fair fight. Crew only, pacers/mules stay on the wayside.

Just thought I would run this idea by all those elite runners heading to Squaw Valley on June 28. No babysitters for the whiners. I like the idea! Remember this is all in good fun!

Some great races this weekend, the big one in Vermont…the Pittsfield Peaks Challenge.

$2000 bucks to the sole winner, now that’s some prize money. I would be there in a heartbeat if the WS committee did not let me in. It’s on next year’s list!

Mens Race

Leigh Schmitt should lead the way amongst the men….he’ll get 5-2 odds as his local knowledge will take him to victory.

Courtney Guertin will follow as bridesmaid again….7-1

Tim Roy has a chance as a rookie to beat Courtney….8-1.

Both will have to look out for Nikki Kimball if they don’t want to get chicked!

Womens Race

Nikki Kimball won’t run away with the women’s title…she gets 3-1 if she races it before WS. She should race it, as the Western Buckle ain’t worth 2000 bucks, and she has plenty of those silly buckles.

Deb Livingston is her competition, and will be on her heels, but might come up short unless a stellar day awaits…she gets 7-1 with Nikki in the field.

Robin Holleran will follow in 3rd but quite a ways back.

Laurel Highlands 70 mile this weekend too!

Todd Walker will go for another great trail win….7-2 if he’s fresh after Massannutten

Sean Andrish will go out hard….5-1, and if he hangs on has a good chance to beat Todd.

Randy Miller gets the third position with 9-1…New at this distance, he’s shown awesome improvement over the past 4 months, and could slip in there and surprise everyone if he takes his coach’s advice! Good luck Randy! It’s only 70 miles.

Only a few days left to register for the Speedgoat 50k before the price goes up ten bucks! Check out the webpage here

Click the Goat Man for 15% off at Backcountry.com or use Coupon Code 2JV-1-QJE3H. Your discount will be applied once the cart is updated.

The Appalachian Assault is only two months away!

Published by Speedgoat Karl on June 2, 2008 in Appalachian Trail and Race Updates. 46 Comments

Preparation for the AT assault is coming together, the RV is in the house (outside of the house) and the Backcountry.com wrap is being designed.

Training wise: Yah, I’ve been running every day, the real training will be after the WS track meet, where I’ll go hiking alot instead of running, it’ll be nice to slow down once in a while.

The biggest concern is the tracking device from SPOT, it works well, but some details need to be improved for it to work the way we want it to. Our friends at SPOT and BC.com are working to provide the ultimate tracking tools to make this adventure not only fun for me, but fun for all to watch me suffer. I like to suffer! Check out our AT command center at whereskarl.com for some new video and info leading to the 2174 mile adventure.

We are now 26 days from the Western States Track Meet, and I’ll certainly do some odds for this one. But first, here’s a list of contenders I know of. If there are any others out there, please help me out and chime in with some comments on their qualifications.

Men: Alan Abbs, Todd Braje, Josh Brimhall, Graham Cooper, Lon Freemen, Mark Godale, Hiroki Ishikawa, Andy Jones-Wilkins, Hal Koerner, Anton Krupicka, Sean Meissner, Karl Meltzer, Zach Miller, Brian Morrison, Dan Olmstead, Neil Olsen, John Olsen, Jorge Pacheco, Glen Redpath, Kevin Sawchuck, Erik Skaden, Mike Wardian, Mike Wolfe, Chikara Omine, Scott Wolfe, Jean Pommier and Jeff Riley.

Women: Beverly Abbs, Meghan Arboghast, Michelle Barton, Annette Bednosky, Susannah Beck, Jenny Capel, Francesca Conte, Devon Crosby-Helms, Nikki Kimball, Kami Semick, Rena Schumann, Jenn Shelton, Caren Spore, Beth Vitalis, Suzie Lister, and newcomer Sabrina Moran.

Red lettering….the real contenders to win it,

Blue lettering….the darkhorses.

Black lettering….Some faster folks that might surprise someone

A good preliminary list to get things going!

Also this week, the San Diego 100 and the Squaw Peak 50 are happenin”. I’ll be at the Squaw Peak 50 running with my wife Cheryl in her first 50 mile attempt, she picked Squaw Peak cuz’ it’s an easy one…yah right!

The snow is starting to melt away at Snowbird, the Speedgoat 50K is filling up quickly now, so those interested in running the toughest 50k in the US, come join in the fun and get your arse kicked on some of the finest goat trails in Utah. Find the Application here.

Thanks to the Speedgoat 50k sponsors: Snowbird Ski Resort, Backcountry.com, LaSportiva, Nathan Human Propulsion Laboratories, First Endurance, Powerbar, Red Bull, NUUN, Moeben, Wasatch Running Center, Nordic Track, and Black Diamond.

We’re still needing volunteers for the race, so if you interested, grab you’re binoculars, and cowbells and come up to Snowbird for the Speedgoat Party on the Peak.

In a recent news flash….Scott Jurek will not give Kyle Skaggs a run for it at Hardrock. Let’s hope Scott is not injured, Seems HR may be another run-away victory for Mr. Skaggs….no pressure Kyle, run your own race!

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Red Bull Cola Launched this Weekend in Sin City

Published by Speedgoat Karl on May 27, 2008 in Appalachian Trail. 4 Comments

This weekend was a blast down in Vegas for some R & R, some flying, driving, and hanging out with the Red Bull Team. Base Jumping and Skydiving were some key highlights (among other things you can only see in Vegas) as Red Bull Launched it’s first new product in 20 years! Red Bull Cola!

And for those who don’t know….HARDROCK IS ON. It’s gonna be fast sliding down Grant Swamp Pass! and you’ll be on your ass on Virginius Pass too!

Backcountry.com has been putting together the pieces for the Appalachian Trail Assault. For weekly updates on how my training has been going, check whereskarl.com. I might even mention how many miles I actually run. Some more cool video should be out soon too.

This past weekend it snowed at the Bird, keeping the Speedgoat 50k course deeply buried under avalanche debris and 15″ of snow out in Paradise and Little Cloud Bowl. Let’s hope it starts melting soon!

Click the Topo Map for more info on the Speedgoat 50k

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Jemez and Massannutten….both races turn out to be burners!

Published by Speedgoat Karl on May 19, 2008 in Race Updates and Uncategorized. 12 Comments

At the Jemez 50

Kyle Skaggs once again showed us his speed, eclipsing his own course record by a scant minute and change, not to mention the course was about a mile longer than last year. 8:08 was the time. Another stellar performance with many more to come! I slipped in for second place only 1 minute per mile behind at 8:58. Local favorite and course designer Nate Mcdowell finished 3rd at 9:13.

Susan Brozik stayed out front all day running 11:30, Lori Cooper was just out of sight 13 minutes back at 11:43, Christina Sheehan ran third…evenly spaced out at 11:58.

Full results: http://www.highaltitudeathletics.org/jmtr/results50mi2008.pdf

The closest race was in Virgina at Massannutten

Todd Walker looked over his shoulder all day, trying to find out how close Kieth Knipling really was. It had to be a stressful day for Mr. Walker. Kieth Knipling played the same role last year when I stayed out in front. Todd’s time was 20:58, Kieth finished at 21:07, and newcomer Adam Cassaday was hoping they both would have bonked, but ended up third at 21:37…great run for Adam!

Amy Sproston took home the win comfortably as expected at 26:08, almost three hours ahead of Laurel Valley at 29:04, and Ruth Ann Helfrick slipping under 30 hours at 29:35.

Full results: http://www.vhtrc.com/mmt/2008/results.htm

Time to check out whereskarl.com in a few days as I have some more video coming, more AT details, my recent updates on how training for the AT is going, and a few more great races, before the Western States Track Meet at Squaw Valley, California..

Off to Vegas this weekend for the Red Bull Cola Launch, I think I’ll do a little Heat Training, and go suffer at Red Rocks.

Click here for 15% off at Backcountry.com

The Massannutten 100 and the Jemez Mountains 50 Mile…

Published by Speedgoat Karl on May 14, 2008 in Race Updates. 14 Comments

Two great races this weekend!

The Massannutten 100.The rocks should prevail and will be up in the air this weekend as no male runner stands out to take the win. The women’s race should be handled by a local.

Men’s Odds

Todd Walker 4-1. Todd has all the experience he needs to run over this rocky nightmare. It’s his turn to take home the win. His best time: 19:13

Sean Andrish 9-5. Sean has more speed than everyone else but this course is not all about speed. It’s about levitating. He also boasts a sub-20hr time here.

Keith Knipling. 7-1. Scared the leader last year through 50 miles, and should scare the leaders again. It could be his day if it all comes together

Mike Mason 8-1. He’s a mystery man and knows the course well. Occasionally runs very fast times, and at this course, it could be his time

Serge Arbona 10-1. Rocks are not his specialty but runs fast nearly everywhere he races.

Tom Nielsen 12-1. Looking to bring back that old speed and perseverance, he still has it in him on a good day.

Women’s Race

Amy Sproston 2-1. If she is feeling recovered from her spring performances, she’ll take it easily, also a good technical runner.

Kerry Owens 7-1. Don’t think she’ll be close to Amy, but it’s a long race and experience plays a big part in this rockfest of a course.

I can’t find anyone else I know that will compete for the win….any help?

Follow the race online, race day at: http://www.vhtrc.com/mmt/update.htm

At the Jemez 50 mile, the field is stiff, and it’ll be fast!

Kyle Skaggs 7-2. He certainly is the man with the record, young fast legs, and no rookie on this course. While living at Altitude (9318′) he should have no problem running away with it.

Nate McDowell 5-1. His local knowledge will put him in the mix if he’s ready to run fast, and he should be.

Paul Dewitt 6-1. If he hangs early and has a good race, he’ll be in the mix, but has to keep his head in it too.

Speedgoat Karl 7-1. The three above me will have to have a bad day, as this run is a “training race” for me. I’m just going to cruise it and enjoy the new course.

Ryan Burch 11-1. He could surprise some of us, he’s got the speed, but I don’t know how his mountain skills are.

Larry O’neil 14-1. Likes to think he can hang with those top 4, but isn’t at his “peak” level now. Not to mention I think the last time he raced was in the “Dark Ages”.

Jason Halladay and Harry Harcrow at 17-1. Both quick, but not quick enough.

Rick Hessek, Ryan Cooper, Kirk Apt, and Roch Horton may even slip in for a top 10 finish.

Womens Race

Betsy Kalmeyer should run/hike away with it. Her Hardrock skills should prevail.

Help me out if there are any other women who could give Betsy a run for it.

Check out the Jemez website: www.highaltitudeathletics.org/jemezmts.htm

Click the Goat now for 15% off at Backcountry.com on almost everything they sell!

KarlMeltzer.com

The Speedgoat 50K course is melting fast!

4th of July Sale at Backcountry.com

The Western Track Meet is on the Horizon…finally!

First….Bighorn!

Pacers or No Pacers…THAT is the question!

The Appalachian Assault is only two months away!

Red Bull Cola Launched this Weekend in Sin City

Jemez and Massannutten….both races turn out to be burners!

The Massannutten 100 and the Jemez Mountains 50 Mile…

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