Julbo sponsors top adventure-race team Tecnu Extreme

Julbo is now outfitting elite adventure-race team Tecnu Extreme.

Tecnu Extreme finished the 2011 season as the top adventure racing team in the United States. Their Results page is peppered with first’s and second’s, including an impressive 12th place (out of 80 teams) at the AR World Championships in Tasmani, Australia last November.

What exactly is adventure racing, anyway? From the footage, it looks like teams of four spending a lot of time outside getting dirty. They have to be renaissance athletes and know how to do a little bit of everything, from rappelling to kayaking.

Also called expedition racing, adventure racing combines two or more endurance disciplines, including orienteering/navigation, cross-country running, mountain biking, paddling, and climbing/rope skills. An expedition event can span ten days or more; competitors must choose if or when to rest.

Right now Team Tecnu is competing in the Costa Rica Adventure Race (part of the Adventure Race World Series) from April 21 to April 28. Check out http://www.arworldseries.com/races/costarica.html for some quick stats on the event. Buena suerte, Team Tecnu!

Watch team members Kyle Peter and Marco Amselem in action as they train for the Costa Rican event http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUBOQ5QNk0E&feature=youtu.be by doing a mere two-hour paddle, one-hour CrossFit session, three-hour bike ride, and two-hour run. Whew! I would need training for the training.

Additional source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventure_racing

Go Team Julbo! Three Julbo ultra-runners prepare for the upcoming Western States 100

On June 23-24, three Julbo athletes will take on the Western States Endurance Run, a.k.a. the Western States 100 or WS 100: Ian Sharman, Michael Wolfe and Aliza Lapierre. This year marks the 39th year for this classic ultra-trail event and one of the most challenging, no doubt.

Staged along the Western States Trail, the WS 100 starts at Squaw Valley, California, and ends in Auburn, California, for a total of 100 hard-earned miles. Runners are vertically challenged right off the bat, climbing 2,550 feet in the first 4½ miles to the top of Emigrant Pass. From there, they follow the original trails used by the gold and silver miners of the 1850’s, climbing another 15,540 feet and descending 22,970 feet before reaching Auburn. Whew!

Here is more description from the WS 100 web site:
“Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the trail, the Western States Endurance Run differs substantially from other organized runs. Adequate mental and physical preparation are of utmost importance to each runner, for the mountains, although beautiful, are relentless in their challenge and unforgiving to the ill-prepared.”

We asked Julbo runners how they prepare for such a test, and what their hopes are for this go-around.

Ian Sharman, 31, of Bend, Oregon (originally from the U.K.)
How did you do in last year’s WS 100?
10th in 16:40 which wasn’t what I wanted, but it was a tough day out there and I came into the event over-raced, so I will hopefully fix that for 2012.

What are your goals for this year’s?
To finish higher up than last year and as well as possible. The minimum I want is to finish is in the light, which means around sub-16:15.

How are you preparing?
Plenty of long runs and races around 50K to 50 miles with as much climbing as I can. But not forgetting the speed work since this is one of the flatter, faster 100-mile courses (it's all relative!) globally.

What is special about this race?
I love the fact it attracts such a top-quality field from all over the world. It’s a fun social event as well since it gathers together a lot of friends, both old and new, in one place to compete, as well as to enjoy time on the trails together.

Which Julbo glasses will you be wearing?
Probably the Ultra earlier on when it’s not the brightest sunshine, then the Dust because they have slightly darker lenses to help deal with blinding Californian summer sunshine, and I love the bright blue look and the comfy fit.

How can we follow you?
The easiest way during the race is via Twitter (@sharmanian), plus I'll blog about it at
http://sharmanian.blogspot.com/ before and after.

Michael Wolfe, 34, of Missoula, Montana
How did you do in last year’s WS 100?
2nd overall, 15:38.

What are your goals for this year’s?
Podium finish.

How are you preparing?
Run. Run. Run.

What is special about this race?
The history makes this race special. My favorite part about it is the high level of competition.

Which Julbo glasses will you be wearing?
The Trail with photochromatic lenses!

How can we follow you?
Twitter @mwolfepaw!

Aliza Lapierre, 31, of Williston, Vermont
How did you do in last year’s WS 100?
I experienced some major bumps in my race last year, although with the help of my crew and pacers, I somehow kept myself moving forward. I ended up crossing the finish line in 18:45, in the place of 6th female.

What are your goals for this year’s?
Crossing the finish line and knowing that I have left it all out on the course would be ideal. Having experienced some unforeseen circumstances last year, I would love to perform at the level that I know I am capable. In other words, if I go out and execute my race, I will have fulfilled my goals.

How are you preparing?
Preparing for this year’s WS started once I crossed the finish line of last year’s race. With the guidance of my coach Bryon Powell, I have been training since January for this season and have incorporated in CrossFit to help with mental and physical strength/stamina.

What is special about this race?
The history of this race has a lot of significance for me and makes it more special: the very trails we run were first braved by Gordy Ainsleigh and that alone is inspiring. Also, the level of competition that will toe the line makes it intriguing to me. The competition will be even fiercer this year than last, which is difficult to fathom, but I believe that will push competitors to levels they did not know existed.

Which Julbo glasses will you be wearing?
If I had to predict I would say I will be donning my Julbo Trek’s (white) for the race. I am a huge fan of the Zebra lens, ventilation and flexible side pieces. There is no doubt that these glasses would perform from sunup to sundown.

How can we follow you?
You can follow my season via my blog at www.alapierre3.blogspot.com and also through the Salomon website at www.salomonrunning.com/us/blog.html. On race day you can track me and other racers live through the Western States website. Be sure to also follow my training partner and Julbo’s very own CEO Nick Yardley, as he also toes the line at this year’s Western States.

– Christine Rasmussen

Julbo in the Media: The Dust

Bicycling Magazine features the Julbo Dust in the 2012 Buyers' Guide.

To read more, click here.

Outdoor Sports Guide recommends keeping your vision clear with the snug-fitting Julbo Dust.

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Runner's World puts the Julbo Dust to the test on the sweatiest of outings.

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Julbo USA Profiles Team Athlete Dane Rauschenberg – Motivated Marathon Man

Motivational speaker and athlete Dane Rauschenberg gets a kick out of exploring his limits: in 2006, he ran a marathon every weekend to “push himself past the unknown,” all while raising $44,000 for L’Arche International, an organization that works closely with people with intellectual disabilities. Dane got faster as the year went on: his fastest marathon was his 42nd race in Niagara Falls, Canada with a time of 2:59.

Now a full-time speaker and author, Dane still finds time for limit-pushing, no-holds-barred adventures: on April 8 he completed a 7-day, 350-mile run up the Oregon coast, with stops along the way to speak with high school students about nutrition, exercise, and chasing dreams. Read on to find out more about the 35-year-old from Salt Lake City:

What prompted your marathon project in 2006?
As with all of my running endeavors I want to see what I can do when I push myself past the known. I had only run 6 marathons in my life when I decided to do the 52 adventure, so that was way out of my comfort zone. I find that is where the best ideas and adventures lie.

Why did you get into motivational speaking?
Speaking to people about what I have done and hoping to inspire others to chase their own dreams came quite naturally, as I have always wanted others to push beyond what they think is possible. It was just a natural extension of what I was already doing.

Who has been an influence on you – runner or otherwise?
I am constantly influenced by people I meet in all walks of life. Some are elite athletes, some are the local guy I have met who is just doing what needs to be done to be the father/husband he needs to be. Most fall in between. I love seeing people try to reach for what they want and not allowing the fact that it may not be possible to get in the way.


How many total marathons have you run? How many ultras have you run?
I have run 138 marathons with 6 more on the schedule for this year. I have run far fewer ultras but have enjoyed the ones I have done. I have put together some events like my solo running of the 202-mile American Odyssey Relay in 2010 and this recent 350-miler http://pacificcoast350.blogspot.com/ to see if I could continue to push the envelope.

What big races do you have upcoming this summer?
I am really looking forward to getting more into triathlons and I have the Ironman Boise 70.3 and the Vikingman on the docket this summer. With a swimming background, it is all about healing up from the 350-miler and getting my butt on the bike.

Which Julbos do you like to wear while competing and training and why?
It depends on the event and the discipline. are the pair I enjoy wearing the most when I run but other models with slightly larger frames (like the Ultra or Trail) are worn when I am cycling or need a wide field of vision in trail running. Even in pouring-down rain or light sunlight I keep my Julbos on to protect from debris or other potential eye hazards.

Check out Dane’s blog also, See Dane Run http://danerunsalot.blogspot.com/.

– By Christine Rasmussen

Julbo in the Media: Spring has Sprung

Trendy Mom Reviews toddler tests the durable, non-toxic Julbo kid's Bubble.

To read more, click here.

Triathlete Magazine says the Julbo Dust is secure yet comfortable and great for athletes who want a sportier more versatile style in their Buyer's Guide.

Trail Runner Nation puts the Julbo Reflex/Instinct to the test and becomes a full-frame, full coverage favorite.

To read more, click here.

Urban Climber Magazine features the Julbo Zulu in the 2012 Gear Guide.

Get your spring skiing on with these versatile Julbo mountain models

Be careful in the backcountry!

Spring skiing is in full swing, which means it’s time for tailgate tanning sessions and corn harvesting. It’s also when the sun seems to be the most intense and the glare off of the snow seems to have kryptonite-like powers: one glance without eye protection and your eye muscles veer toward anaphylactic shock.

For ultimate protection in these harsh conditions, check out these Julbo models from the Mountain Line:

The classic Explorer works great for ski touring in high-altitude environments. Available with the super-dark Spectron 4 lenses or the anti-fog photochromatic Camel lenses. The removable high-wrap shells provide maximum coverage when you need it, and the adjustable retainer strap keeps them taut when skiing – so if you eat it on the slush, the Explorer will not be one of the items in the garage sale.

Sporting her Julbo Explorers, Christine takes the skins off her splitboard.

 

The coverage on the stylish Montebianco is incredible: no light seeps in at all with these curved, wide frames. With removable side shields, this model is versatile enough to go straight from touring to the sundeck of your local bar. There is also a women’s version, the Monterosa, for those with smaller faces.

If you do head out for some spring touring, be careful with decision-making – don’t fall victim to the misconception that spring snowpack is safer. In my home base of Colorado, the snowpack is as dangerous as ever; evaluate the snow as you go, and abort the mission if you’re out there later than planned and the wet-slide danger is mounting.

Last weekend, I took a companion-rescue workshop given by Silverton Avalanche School, as part of the first annual Silverton Splitfest, during which splitboarders from Wyoming, Idaho, New Mexico, and other parts of Colorado converged in Silverton to check out new gear and tour in the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

The payoff.

 

The very next day after our workshop, one of the largest wet slides I’ve ever seen pictures of claimed a skier’s life in those very mountains (someone not part of the Splitfest but from a different party). He was the 7th avalanche victim in Colorado this season (sincere condolences to his friends and family).

Please educate yourself but remember, learning rescue protocol or safer travel techniques does not trump terrain selection or timing. They are all factors in a very important equation.

– Christine Rasmussen