Aliza Lapierre ready to race the Western States 100

PHOTO: Aliza Lapierre is prepping for a return to the Western States 100

With a tight crew of friends and family there to support her, runner Aliza Lapierre will take on one of the most grueling endurance races in the country, the Western States 100, just a few months after undergoing surgery on her left foot. Third-place finisher at last year’s WS 100, Aliza had to train fairly quickly for this one, carefully listening to her body along the way.

Through heartfelt perseverance and dedication, Lapierre will be ready to give it her all on June 29. The Williston, Vermont-based athlete shares thoughts with us on her recovery, support network, and how she prepares for the world’s oldest and most prestigious 100-mile trail race.

What did you have surgery for?

AL: I had surgery to remove a sesamoid bone in my left foot that had a stress fracture and was decaying. I had run on the injured bone for several months, thinking it was just a sore spot. I then tried to mend in a walking boot, but after six weeks the little bone hadn’t made any progress in healing. At the end of February I had surgery, and every day things got a little better, the scar got smaller, my foot became less sensitive, the pain dissipated, and my toe realigned. 

How do you feel going into the WS 100? What are your hopes for this one?

AL: I have never trained so quickly for such a key race. It was risky to go from off the couch to 50 to 80 miles a week, but I really worked to pay attention to what my body was telling me it could and couldn’t handle. 

My hopes for the race are first and foremost to finish and in doing so take care of myself.  I need to continue to respect my body and if something comes up as a red flag I need to recognize/accept that it isn’t my day. More specifically, if I have a good day I am aiming for top 10 to earn a spot back next year. 

Are your family and husband going to support you again this year?

AL: It seems that Western States is becoming a family tradition for my mother, stepfather, my husband George and myself. My stepfather is my crew chief as he has a great attention to detail. My mother is in charge of swapping out my packs/bottles, cooling me off if needed, and pacing some sections heading into aid stations. In previous years my husband’s role has been to be my husband: to support me, listen to me complain and then send me on my way as he looks over me. This year he will be doing that, but he will also be pacing me for a portion. I am really looking forward to running with him; he is a mountain biker at heart, but his pace, running style and humor will be beneficial to me. I will also have the Salomon team manager Adam Chase pacing me; I just hope his energy is contagious. 

To prepare, do you still do CrossFit and train with Bryon Powell?

AL: CrossFit has found a permanent place in my off-season and early-season training. The coaches at Champlain Valley CrossFit worked extremely hard when I was injured to keep me in shape. It really helps strengthen my core and has helped redefine what I think I am capable of.  

I am fortunate that Bryon Powell of irunfar.com is still coaching me. I really trust his scheduling and value his opinion. He also does a great job of quelling my worries. 

This year I have done a lot of training by myself, which has been a major change from past years.  I’ve worked hard to rediscover the drive inside myself, but still do enjoy running with others. I am not sure which works best – having a training partner or going solo – but I have learned a lot through each. 

How do you mentally prepare for a race like the WS 100?

AL: The mental piece of racing is pretty important to me. For Western States I do a nutrition plan and pace chart. I also have learned more about that course than any other. I read other runners’ race reports to learn from their successes and mistakes and also look over my own. I will be nervous no matter what I do, but I try to find the right balance of information and confidence. 

What other endurance races are you doing this season?

AL: To be honest I am not sure; I have a lot I would like to do. This season I am trying to listen to my body and improve my abilities at the 50-mile distance. Other races on my radar are the Leadville 100, Vermont 50, and The North Face Championship in California. Each race is special in its own way and each has a journey leading up and following. 

Which Julbo’s do you use while racing and why do you like them?

AL: I am going to be racing in the Treks again this year. I wore them last year and was very pleased. The photochromic lenses adjust to the conditions and I like that I can adjust the temple pieces so the glasses fit well no matter what hat or visor I have on. I think they make me look fast, too.

Is there anything you want to add?

AL: I would like to wish everyone luck at this year’s race, embrace the highs and lows, as each is a gift. Also a big shout-out to my Julbo teammates who will be out there with me on course: Ian Sharman, Dave Mackey, Cassie Scallon, and Mike Wolfe – you all are amazing and I hope to see you in Auburn.

Men's Journal Gear Lab Approves of the Julbo Wave

The Julbo Wave gets the nod from the Men's Journal Gear Lab.
"Best For Water Sports - Out on the water, anything from a quick turn of the head to an errant paddle can send shades sinking. Even without their bobber strap, these gasketed shades float. Their polarized photochromic lenses provide clear views."

Click here for a downloadable PDF version: Julbo Wave in Men's Journal

Graham Zimmerman and Mark Allen Make First Ascent on Mt. Laurence

Expert climbers Graham Zimmerman Mark Allen just returned from Talkeenta, Alaska after making the first ascent of the Northeast Buttress (V AI4, M7, A1, 4,650') of Mt Laurence (10,042'), off the Southwest fork of the Lacuna Glacier. Graham and Mark got the idea to climb the East face of Mt. Laurence while making the first ascent of Voyager Peak (12,213 ft) in 2011.

Graham and Mark's line up the East face of Mt. Laurence.

Graham and Mark describe the trip as a mix of an adventurous approach, exploratory alpinism, challenging climbs and according to mark Mark his “favorite Alaskan adventure thus far into the range.”

After flying into the Ramparts between the Lacuna and Kahiltna Glaciers, the duo took a two-day approach up the Lacuna to the Southwest fork – about 14 km. Graham and Mark believe they’re the first two humans to visit the area with the goal of climbing the Southwest fork.

Mark Allen climbing on the NE Buttress of Mt. Laurence. (Photo: Graham Zimmerman)

The only known record of a Laurence peak ascent came from pilot Paul Roderick who flew Austrian climber Thomas Budendorf to the Yetna Glacier in 1997. Thomas is said to have ascended the Southwest ridge of the peak solo. Graham and Mark refer to the group of peaks that run south from the Fin – Laurence Peak, Voyager Peak (12,213 ft, FA 2011 Zimmerman-Allen), The Bats Ears (11,044 ft, FA 2008 Wilkinson-Turgeon-Gilmore) and another unclimbed peak (10,020 ft) – as the “Fin Group”.

After two unsuccessful attempts to reach Laurence peak by way of the East Buttress due to blank overhanging walls and dangerous climbing conditions, Graham and Mark took a different approach on the Northeast Buttress. Difficult mixed sections, demanding stretches of steep ice and snow climbing, and a steep snow arête made the trek up the North ridge no simple task. Continuing on to a second bivy, they found impressive views of the Alaska Range including Foraker, Denali, Hunter, and Russell.

Graham Zimmerman at the NE Buttress of Mt. Laurence (Photo: Mark Allen)

With the summit in sight, a cold windstorm rolled in forcing the climbers to wait it out for three hours in a small tent. When dawn broke, Graham and Mark made the final 70-degree pitch to the summit.

It seems that the summit of Laurence had not formerly been ground-truthed and we were able to take care of this with our GPS and altimeter, and we found the summit to be 10,042 ft, said Graham.

The descent included repelling down a series of couloirs on the southern margin of the East face followed by a steep snow climb down another 2,000 ft to the glacier.

The route took Graham and Mark a total of 67 hours: 59 hours up and eight hours down.

Graham and Mark would like to thank their sponsors Julbo, Outdoor Research, Sterling Ropes, Second Ascent, Boreal, Petzl CiloGear, La Sportiva and Black Diamond.

Krissy Moehl and the Run Around the Roof of Africa

In October 2012, professional ultrarunner, female champion of the 100-mile Ultra Trail Mt. Fuji 2013, and Julbo athlete, Krissy Moehl, embarked on an ultrarun that was like nothing she’d ever done. Invited by mountain guide, ultrarunner, and Tanzanian native, Simon Mtuy, Krissy travel to Tanzania for the “Run Around the Roof of Africa” – an eight-day, 161-mile stage run around Mount Kilimanjaro. Filmmaker Andrew King documented the journey in a film called “Mountain of Greatness.”

Krissy and Simon present a screening of "Mountain of Greatness" in Boulder, Colo.

Krissy running past villagers in Tanzania.

The crew runs over uneven trails on the south side of Kilimanjaro.

Simon and Krissy pump up the crowd at their Boulder screening.

Unlike other ultras, the goal of this run wasn’t time or distance. The goal was to experience the sites, sounds, and culture along the way. “It wasn’t about how fast you run the course but what you soak in along the way,” said Krissy. “It was the most connected I’ve felt to anything I’ve done.”

Living and training near Kilimanjaro his entire life, Simon had a lifelong dream of creating a stage race that went around the mountain, not to the summit and back. Wanting to expose others to the beauty and culture Tanzania offers, Simon spent four years mapping and planning the course.

Krissy and the crew started from Simon’s cottage averaging 20 miles per day for eight days. They passed about 35 villages along the way where they created relationships, stopped to talk with villagers, experience their culture, and share stories. “It was nice to unplug for eight days and instead live in the present,” says Krissy.

Large elevation gains, uneven trails, changing climates, and technical terrain made for a difficult run. “You have to be flexible and roll with what comes at you because you don’t know what’s coming next,” says Krissy. ”You have to get after whatever the day brings.”

Deforestation has become a big issue in the Tanzania as nearly 90 percent of the villages use firewood for fuel. “People continue to take and take instead of giving back,” Simon said. To combat the issue, Simon and other runners partake in a ceremonial tree planting exercise every time they leave for multiday runs. Simon encourages visitors and villagers to plant as many trees as possible. So of course, before Krissy, Simon, and the rest of the crew took off to run around the roof of Africa, they planted a few trees near Simon’s cottage.

Other than the people they met, landscapes they explored, and visions they shared, the most rewarding part for the crew was ending the eight-day journey by jumping in the giant waterfall pool near Simon’s village.

Plans for the second annual “Kilimanjaro State Run” are set for October 19-29, 2013. Plans are also in the works for a 100-mile run and possible hiking trips.

As for Krissy, she recently moved to Boulder, Colorado where she’ll explore and train in the area this summer. She’s also competing in the Squamish 50 Mile this August.

Click here for more info on the Kilimanjaro Stage.

Click here for more info on Krissy Moehl.

Watch "Mountain of Greatness" below.

Mountain of Greatness from D4 PRODUCTIONS | Andrew King on Vimeo.

Julbo mountain biker Erica Tingey holding strong on Pro Cross Country Tour

Julbo athlete Erica Tingey is killing it so far on the national Pro XCT (Pro Cross Country Tour), staying on track with her goal of being ranked Top 5 in the Tour. Since we last caught up with Erica a year ago, she’s changed cities, come back strong after a major crash, and helped her 4-year-old son graduate from a Strider bike to a pedal bike (future racer in the making?).

The Utah native was recently featured in Breathe Magazine in its “Women of Endurance” series and was named Female Mountain Bike Racer of the Year for 2011 and 2012 by Cycling Utah magazine. Erica updates us on her season so far and what it was like to get back in the saddle post-injury...

Why the move to Salt Lake City?

Erica Tingey: We’d been looking for an opportunity to move to Utah and my husband found a great work situation in Park City. We moved here at the beginning of winter, which was quite an adjustment from the mild climate in Las Vegas. With summer arriving, however, I am super excited to get out and ride some of my favorite trails – the mountain biking is second-to-none here! Since 2010 I’ve been spending my summers here in order to have easier access to racing and to babysitters. The move was a natural transition for our family since my husband and I both have family here and in Park City, where we’ll eventually move to from Salt Lake.

How is your season going so far?

ET: I am focusing on just cross country races and specifically the Pro XCT again this season. They expanded the tour to include nine races and we’ve completed four so far. My goal for 2013 was to be ranked Top 5 in the tour and right now I am in 5th place! I placed Top 10 at the first three and hit the podium in 5th place in Fontana, California – my first podium at a national race. Needless to say I was stoked!

The field at the Sea Otter Classic (the 4th race on the tour) was the largest women’s pro field I’d seen in my career, with an amazing front row of National and World Champions. I placed 16th overall and was the 8th American. After Sea Otter, the majority of the U.S. women as well as a couple of international racers headed to Prescott, Arizona for the Whiskey 50. The race is literally double in distance and time to what I’m used to racing, but I still had a very respectable result of 7th place. During the race, I spent almost 30 minutes climbing next to Georgia Gould (Silver Medalist at the Olympics and current U.S. National Champion)! 

The rest of the summer holds a lot of travel to complete the Pro XCT series, as well as National Championships and the World Cup in Quebec. The last few years I’ve finished off the season with one endurance event (Park City Point to Point) and will do so again this year. I’ve also enjoyed another training cycle to prepare for Iceman Cometh in Michigan in November the past couple of years, so that will most likely be on my calendar again, too.

What happened with your injury last season? 

ET: Right after I won the Utah State Championship, I traveled to Colorado Springs for a Pro XCT race. There was a crazy rain storm that turned the course to mud. I slipped and hit a rock with my rib cage, breaking a few ribs, puncturing and collapsing my lung. It was the most acute pain I’d ever experienced! As a result, I spent four days in the hospital. The recovery and lost fitness was also more than expected. I didn’t fully regain my fitness until Iceman Cometh five months later! It was really hard to sit on the sidelines for half the season, but it gave me drive to train harder, race smarter and enjoy every healthy day I get to rally on my bike! I’m completely healed; there were no lingering effects of the crash (other than lost fitness) after eight weeks. So now that I’ve had my one big crash I’m done – no more the rest of my career!

What else is new this season?

ET: Many of the Pro XCTs are considered Triple Crown Events this year. That means there are three races in a weekend: the main Cross Country event, Short Track and Super D. Short Track is exactly what its name implies: a short race on mountain bikes around a small course. Typically it lasts right around 20 minutes and laps are two to three minutes long. It is a very spectator-friendly race because you come around so many times and it's extremely intense and a lot of fun! Super D is downhill racing on cross country mountain bikes. There are no crazy jumps, but there are some pretty fast descents. They are usually raced on a time-trial format, one person at a time. The first time I tried it I came in 5th place and was hooked!  

How is your family? Do they get to travel with you to races?

ET: My family is doing well. My son, Kirkham, was on a Strider bike (two wheels and no pedals) for about a year and a half. He transitioned to a pedal bike in February with just one push – no training wheels. I’m a huge fan of those Strider-type balance bikes for kids. In literally less than an hour, Kirkham was pedaling a bike all by himself. 

My family doesn’t get the opportunity to travel with me very often. The logistics and expense of getting the three of us to and from an out-of-state race are prohibitive. They are, however, able to come and support me at the local events and at some of the events that are within driving distance. It’s always great to have them there, especially when I can hear them cheering for me.

Ultra runner and Julbo athlete Ian Sharman prepares for upcoming Grand Slam of Ultras

Ian Sharman: ultrarunner and Julbo USA athlete

Since 2005, Ian Sharman has run over 170 ultras and marathons in over 30 countries. Needless to say, the 32-year-old Northampton, U.K. native loves running, whether it’s multi-day races, road marathons or trail ultras. This summer he’s going for the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, started in 1986 to combine four of the oldest 100-milers in the country: the Western States, Vermont, Leadville and Wasatch Front ultras.

Also an ultra running coach, Sharman helps clients get further along the steep learning curve of the longer races. He does have hobbies outside of running, believe it or not: “I love traveling, so that fits in perfectly with racing in exotic locations,” says Ian. “I’ve raced in over 30 countries so far, and my list of places I want to see only seems to get longer.

“I also love most of the traditional sports back in the U.K. – soccer, cricket, rugby etc. I enjoy watching these even though I get less of a chance to play them anymore. I’m also partial to the odd beer or two, loving Belgian-style ales the most.”

Cheers to Ian’s Grand Slam attempt! Julbo USA wishes you the best of luck.

Julbo: What prompted you to do the Grand Slam of ultras?

Ian Sharman: There’s a long history of people taking on this challenge, usually with the main goal of finishing rather than caring too much about the time. Western States is incredibly hard to get into with a lottery that has very low odds. There are a few ways to qualify automatically, which I’ve been able to do for the past three years [Ian’s finished in the Top 10 the last three years], but I can’t guarantee I’ll keep getting a place, so I wanted to give the Grand Slam a shot now that I’ve become more familiar with Western States and have been doing 100-milers for a few years.

How many people have completed the Grand Slam?

IS: There are 266 finishers of the Grand Slam before the 2013 season, with around 30 people attempting it each year. However, the real appeal for me is to chase the record for the combined time, held by Neal Gorman from 2010: 74:54:16. That’s a tough target and means that all four races need to go well – with even one bad day, the record is off.

Which race do you think will be the most challenging and why?

IS: The last – Wasatch Front. It’s the toughest course with the most climbing and descending (around 26,000 feet each), plus I’ll already have run three 100-mile races in the previous two months so there could be injuries, tight muscles or fatigue at the least, which will make it even tougher. I’m trying not to think too much about that yet and take it one at a time because the entire summer put together is fairly overwhelming.

What is your favorite and least favorite thing about the upcoming Western States?

IS: I love the competitive atmosphere each year because this is the main event of the season for most people and we all want to bring our A games. There’s a real buzz about the event, both before and after, and many of us spend months anticipating race day.

My least favorite things are probably the final couple of downhills because by that point the quads, calves and almost every single leg muscle feels like it can’t take anymore. Last year I was grunting with the impact of each step because it hurt so much.

How do you prepare for these races?

IS: It’s important to get a lot of variety in my training so I can deal with all types of terrains and conditions. The key thing is to replicate race conditions in a lot of the training runs. For example, before Western States I’ll be summiting Mt Diablo as much as I can. It’s got a 4,000-foot climb in about eight miles with some extreme temperatures, so it’s great preparation for the canyons and heat of the trail to Auburn.

Which Julbo’s do you wear while racing and why?

IS: 99% of the time I use the blue Dust shades as I love the way they look, and I find the Zebra lenses work well on trails by switching the amount of light it lets in immediately when I run from sun to shade.

Tell us something else we don’t know about you.

IS: I moved to the U.S. to get married to my American wife, Amy, back in 2009 and now can’t imagine living anywhere other than the West Coast of the U.S. Both Oregon and California are very close to my heart.

The Julbo Glen University Session 2013 Video

This winter we selected two aspiring ski mountaineers to partake in the Julbo Glen University Session (JGUS). The two lucky winners – Tom Runcie of Crested Butte, Colo. and CJ Carter of Bozeman, Mont. – jetted to Julbo's homeland, Chamonix, France to climb and ski with none other than living legend and Julbo athlete, Glen Plake.

For seven days, Glen, Tom, CJ, and Julbo athlete, Samuel Anthamatten, explored the peaks, couloirs, and routes of the Chamonix Valley. Tom and CJ left the birthplace of extreme skiing with a new appreciation of its history and improved mountaineering skills.

Watch the JGUS teaser below and check back in September for the full length edit.