Big Kid Kamping

For the 3rd time since 2005, a group of Montana distance runners got together for a weekend of running, story telling, imbibing, and hiking.  Following on the heels of Camp Waterloo (2005) and Camp Vermillion (2008) the Helena crew (led by Pat Judge and Jeff Thomas) hosted Camp Vigilante. 

Starting Friday night, we met at the end of York Road east of Helena in the Big Belt Mountains; and, took over 3 camp sites in Vigilante Campground.  Present for the full weekend were Pat Judge, Jeff Thomas, Lila Thomas (solidly representing the female side), Alan King, Evan Eck, Thomas Jodoin, Ray Hunt and Josh Panasuk (representing the kiddie crew).  For day campers, we had Chris Colberg (Saturday and Sunday morning runs) and Jesse Zentz (Sunday morning run).  On Friday night we were even blessed with a visit by Peter Dan Sullivan.  [However, his visit was made less stellar due to the fact that he arrived sans any home brew :-(  ]

Friday started with a nice 6-mile run up the Trout Creek Trail (which takes off right from the campground).  Pat, Thomas and Josh got out ahead of the rest of the crew (with Ray tagging along on his mountain bike).  Tony, Jeff and Evan got up a bit later in the afternoon.  We then waited for Alan, who was about an hour behind the rest of the crew.......................Funny Story:  Alan calls me up en route to Helena.  We meet up in Townsend and we're going to follow each other up to the camp (since neither of us had been there before, we figured that there was safety in numbers!).  As we meet in Townsend, he realizes that he left all of his clothes at home.  Running clothes, underwear, shoes, socks.  All he has is what he's wearing in the car.  So - he had to make a side trip into Helena to visit Target and Famous Footwear.  [Sorry to throw you under the bus Al; but, figured Dave Coppock would be happy to hear of another Billings runner that had a challenging road trip.]

Then, it was on to some dinner, a few brews and swapping of stories.  Oh yeah - and the seeting of the Big Honkin' Tent.  Jeff Thomas once again brought out his old World War II surplus, canvas, wall tent.  It's a monster.  But, it's great to have when you want a bit of protection from the sun or rain.

Saturday morning is when the real fun started.  Things didn't start too early; but, by 9:00 a.m. Ray had divided up the runners into four two-man teams for an interval relay workout.  The campgound had a nice 550 meter +- loop around the perimeter.  The first 200 meters were dowhnill t flat, then 200 or so of moderate uphill, with a nice final 150 or so of downhill.  But, given the relay and format and the competitive nature of the group assembled there was only one possible outcome of the workout - as quoted by Clubber Lang in Rocky III..................................................PAIN.

So, here were the teams.  Team Teeny Bopper = Evan Eck and Josh Panasuk.  Team Vigilante = Chris Colberg and Pat Judge.  Team Trail Kings = Alan King and Jeff Thomas.  Team Birdmen = Thomas Joidon and Tony Banovich.  Pretty quickly the relays turned into two "races" in one.  The Teeny Boppers and the Viginlantes were in a tight battle right from the start.  They were quite evenly matched and ran neck to neck all the way.  In the end, the experience of Colberg and Judge won out on the final leg of their cat and mouse game.  The other two teams were more of a tortoise and hare sort of affair.  Big Bird Joidon went out hard against Jeff The Mountain Goat Thomas and built a bit of a lead.  Then, Tony The Muddy Buzzard Banovich tried unsuccessfully to hold off Alan The King.  And, that's how it went for the 6 laps of the relay.  In then end, Alan blew by Tony in the last 200 of the last leg and easily secured the 3rd place finish.

After a bit of a cool-down, the runners were treated to a breakfast of Omelette's In A Bag by Lila Thomas.

Mixin' Up Some Bags O'Omelettes

Next up was some Montana Cup business.  With 4 of the 7 Regions/Cities represented (Butte, Helena, Billings and Kalispell), we had a quorum.  So, we took the opportunity to review the status of the event, talk about the 2011 event (to be held in Great Falls) and visit about any tweaks that could make the race even better.

After being fed and getting rehydrated, the crew headed off for the next adventure - a 12-mile hike (round trip) to Hanging Valley.  It was pretty hot out; and, some of the crew had dogs that weren't handling the heat too well.  So, the puppy mill headed back after getting in about two miles.  Meanwhile, Pat, Tony, Alan and Josh did some hard hiking with the goal of getting back in time for 6:30 p.m. dinner.  It was some tough hiking; but, in the end it was all worth it.  The last quarter of a mile was through a narrow canyon bordered by towering cliffs of the Madison Limestone Formation.  And, then - the trail abruptly ends at a fenced area that keeps you from stepping off a several hundred foot cliff.  The view (which just happened to look down into the end of the Trout Creek trail taht we ran on Friday night) was spectacular. 

The View down into the Trout Creek drainage from the end of the the Hanging Valley trail

Alan King, Josh Panasuk, The Muddy Buzzard and Pat Judge at Hanging Valley

Running a bit short on time, we really had to hump it back to camp.  On some tired legs, we ended up jogging in the last 2 miles to try to make it in time for dinner.  Which, was not to be missed.  Nikki and Eric Eck - Evan's parent's - volunteered to drive up from Helena and bring us a fantastic dinner of Chicken Parmesan, Twice Baked Potato's and Fresh Fruit Salad.  Add a Sam Adam's Boston Lager and it was the ideal refueling meal at the end of a long day.

Then, it was on to some videos.  Ray had a bit of footage from Wulfman.  Pat had a nice vid from the 2008 Cup.  Then we got to see a great 5,000 with Pre, Shorter and George Young from the 1971 AAU Meet, the 1971 Dream Mile at the Penn Relays with Marty Liquori and Jim Ryun, and a quirky video about ultra runner Anthony Krupickza (sorry if I hammered the spelling of his name there).  By then, the beers made us all a bit sleepy - puls we heard the trail calling for Sunday's run on the Refigerator Canyon trail and into the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness.

It was a 30-minute drive from camp to trailhead - where we met up with Jesse Zentz (Billings Native, UM Alum, current sports writer at the Helena Independent record).  Off we went at 10:30, already about 80 degrees out, heading up Refrigerator Canyon and into the Gates of The Mountains Wilderness.  The trail featured plenty of  climb going out - which meant cranking down the pace when coming back in.  It was a bit hot out; but, it was a great final run for camp.

Slot through the rocks on the lower part of Refigerator Canyon

How many people ever get to see wilderness areas?

And we got to run several miles into it!!!!

But, camp wasn't quite done yet.  We had to do some refueling - and York Burgers and drafts of Cold Smoke Scotch Ale were the perfect recipe.  Then - the super secret manly challenge.  So secret that Pat Judge wouldn't share the details; and, turns out he ended up being the only one with the necessary tools for jumpinf off the York Bridge and into the Missouri River.  So, even without towels and water shoes, 5 of the campers were up to the challenge.  Pat, Tony, Thomas, Alan and Evan all made the stupendous "Leap of Death".



Big Bird (left) and The Muddy Buzzard (right) take flight off the York Bridge

And the, it was time to break down camp and head back home and the real world.  But, what a great way to spend a weekend.  Hanging out with some pals, runs on great trails, stories and laughter.  What more could you want.

My recommendation is that when you get the chance for this type of camp/gathering/fellowship/ect. - take advantage of it.  These types of opportunities make for great memories and great friendships.  Good times indeed.

See you on the roads, tracks and trails

The Muddy Buzzard

Life Is Good

Had a chance to visit with Peter Dan Sullivan last night.  One of the topics was the age old questions - how are things going.  The primary focus of our discusison was with regards to my cardiac issues and it's affect on my running.  But, we also got to talking about life in general.  And, after thinking some more about our converation - I'd have to say that things are going all right.

Here's been my first half of the year:

In March, my son got married to a fantastic young girl.

In mid May, he graduated with a B.S. in Antropology and was accepted into the Doctoral studies program in Human Genetics at the University of Chicago.

In late May, our daughter graduated as co-Salutatorian of Plains High School and will attend Montana State University to study biosciences.

This spring, I coached the Plains H.S. track team - which included a double state champion, and 3 other athletes who brought home all-state honors.

I was cleared to return to full training.  And, while my physiological issues aren't completely resolved, I have begun the long slow process of getting back to racing fitness after 9 months of limited training.

On this past Thursday, I was part of a suprise party to celebrate my parent's 60th wedding anniversary.

On Saturday night, I was able to celebrate the wedding of my good friend (we've known each other 33 years this fall) Jeff Thomas to a wonderful woman.

In a few weeks I'll celebrate my 26th anniversary to the love of my life - Erin.

And, at the end of the month, I'll spend a long weekend with some of my favorite running pals at a semi-regular group get together.

Through it all, I have a job that I enjoy at a company that does great work with great people.

So, yeah - I'd say that things are pretty good.

And, while the next half of the year approaches and life carries on......................I'll see you on the roads, tracks and trails.

The Muddy Buzzard

The Wulf Was Howlin' Today

WOW!!!! That pretty much sums up the results from the 4^th Annual Wulfman’s CDT-14K Trail Race.  The race takes place on the Continental Divide Trail between Homestake and Pipestone Passes east of Butte, Montana.  Named in honor of John “The Wulfman” Wulf, the Godfather of Butte’s Piss & Moan Runners, the race is held each year on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice, the anniversary of The Wulfman’s final group run.

Run in opposite directions every other year, this year saw the race in the northbound direction between Pipestone and Homestake.  Although not considered a technical trail, the course makes up for it with a combination of climbs and altitude.  With a starting elevation of 1935 meters, the course rises almost 400 meters in a steady climb over the first 5.5 kilometers.  That leads to a series of ups and downs over the last 8.5 kilometers; but, with a net downhill to the finish at 1905 meters.

However, being a single track trail all the way – the race start has to be adjusted to accommodate the 214-person field.  Based on predicted times and consideration by the race director (Ray Hunt), the runners are seeded to go out on the course in 10-second intervals.  With the faster runner’s going out first, this allows all of the runner’s great access to the trail with very little needs for passing or other potential conflicts.

The 2009 running of this route was held in a cold, steady rain that made for some miserable racing conditions.  Not so this year.  Although a bit breezy in places – race day was cool and dry.  And, in spite of the massive amounts of snow through the winter and the rain this spring – the course was mostly dry and fast.  Just a couple of notoriously swampy spots held any mud.  And, none of those were bad enough to have a negative impact on the race.

The result – a spate of fast times with a rash of course records.  As with the race preview, we’ll start with the women’s event.  The race at the front of the pack fell together much like predicted.  Sarah Graves of Ballantine started the race 40 seconds ahead of co-favorite Michele Bazzanella of Butte.  Bazz got several glimpses of Sarah on some of the switchbacks on the course.  And, she gradually closed the gap ever so slightly throughout the race.  But, in the end, Sarah prevailed by a mere 23 seconds – 68:30 to 68:53.

It was a great race between the two.  Michele came into the race as defending champion; and, has proven herself over the last couple of years as a trail racing specialist.  Sarah made a great transition from the roads.  Having run 2:46:20 (and missing the Olympic Trials Marathon qualifying standard by a mere 20 seconds) at this year’s Eugene Marathon – she clearly has some wheels.  In the end, Sarah’s speed was just too much for Michelle’s trail acumen.

Making a big jump in performance was Beth Schumate of Clancy.  Moving up two spots from her 2010 5^th place, Beth was just 37 seconds back of Bazz by the finish – after starting 90 seconds back.  That’s some big movement over the 14 Kilometers to get to the finish at 69:30.

The top 5 was rounded out by a couple of teenagers (but not strangers to the event).  Olivia Wood (16) of Anaconda moved up 3 spots with her 70:16; and, 18-year old Bekah Kirtley of Fromberg broke the 71 minute barrier with her 70:57.

The top 3 men finished in exactly the order in which they started.  Lynn Reynolds of Dillon and the U of M track and XC teams was out first.  But, Jimmy Grant of Missoula made a hard charge in the first 5 kilometers and was nipping at Lynn’s heels at the top of the switchbacks.  But, at that point, Lynn turned on the jets and blasted away from Jimmy for the win in 54:28.  Jimmy held on for a close second, just 35 seconds back in 55:03.  (Grant’s time of 55:03 bodes well for his projected attempt at a sub-2:30 marathon in 3 weeks at the Missoula Marathon.)

Both runners were under the old course record of 56:29 – set by Thomas “Big Bird” Jodoin in 2009 – and they were the first two runners to complete the course in under 56:00 (sub-4:00 per km).  The CR and the sub-56 prime normally would have earned Lynn a $150 cash prize bonus.  But, due to his collegiate eligibility and NCAA criteria, Lynn had to turn away the cash and settle for a round of applause and a hearty pat on the back.

Speaking of Big Bird, Thomas hung on for third in a fine time of 56:47 – just 18 seconds outside of his CR from 2 years ago.  He seemed to race well; but, Lynn and Jimmy were just too quick this day.  In 4^th was Big Bird’s Vigilante Track Club Teammate Hunter Nelson of Helena at 57:15.  And, rounding out the top 5 was 48-year old Scott Creel of Bozeman in 57:29 (more on Scott below).

All in all, 7 guys ran under 1:00; and, it took a sub-62:30 to crack the top 10.  A big, big jump in the level of racing at this great event.

The master’s races were based on two criteria.  There were the traditional age-group results.  But, the primary awards were based on age-graded criteria.  In this format, your time is adjusted based on your age – trying to equalize your time against those of the younger, under-40 crowd.

For the women’s master’s – the age group ace was Nicole Hunt.  Her 77:45 was a solid run (good enough for 9^th overall amongst the women).  What really makes it special is the fact that she is in the 2^nd trimester of pregnancy – with twins no less!?!?!!?  Holy $&!#  It just proves – a stud is a stud is a stud.  Rounding out the top 5 in the 40+ division was Elizabeth Chura of Gallatin Gateway in 82:53, Wendy Ferris Schoonen of Butte (who turned 40 on race day) in 86:04.5, Marnie Johnson of Belgrade in 86:04.6; and, Christine Evans of Bozeman in 86:37.

But, the age-graded awards were “owned” by ageless Debbie Magilke of Billings.  A fixture on the Montana running and racing scene for over 35 years, Debbie was the 8^th overall master in 88:41.  But, apply her age adjustment and she hit 65:58 – smashing the old age-graded record of 68:57 – and garnering her $75 in the process.

Following Debbie in the age-graded results were Sherry Vogel of Butte at 67:17, Elizabeth Chura of Gallatin Gateway in 69:47, Momma Hunt in 74:33; and, Marnie Johnson in 75:17.

The big fireworks for the master’s was definitely on the men’s side.  4 of the top 10 overall were of the over 40 ilk.  The top of the over 40 crowd was led by Scott Creel of Bozeman with an incredible 57:29.  Scott has been quiet on the racing scene the last couple of years.  But, with his impressive wins and course record at the Bridger Ridge Run, he established himself as one of the best trail runners in the state.  And, his February race at the Montana Men’s Master’s Mile showed he was back in the groove.

2^nd behind Scott was Pat Judge of Helena, himself pulling in a sub one hour run with his 59:28 and 7^th overall.  Mike Telling (Dillon) was 8^th overall and 3^rd Master with his 60:41.  Butte’s Jeff Braun was 4^th master in 62:29 – also breaking into the top 10 overall.  Rounding out the top 5 over 40 was Paul Koch of Colorado Springs (and an old friend of Judge’s) with his 65:37.

But, it was the age graded results where Scott really blew things out of the water.  The old age graded record was 56:13 by Kirk Keller.  And, on the southbound course last year, Ray Hunt ran what was considered a stratospheric 53:48 age-graded.  Scott reached into a whole new level of the atmosphere………………………at 48 (to be 49 in just a few day) Scott’s time adjust to and incredible 51:21.  This resulted in prize money of $75 for the age graded record and another $75 for the 56:00 age graded prime.

The top 5 age graded looked a lot like the overall 40+ results.  Judge (41) at 56:08, Braun (47) at 56:16 and Telling (42) in 56:51.  Kirk Keller (at 52, the old northbound age graded record holder) cracked the adjusted top 5 with his 57:32.  In all 8 guys found their way under 1 hour with age adjusted times.  Pretty nifty running for some old guys.

The race clearly hit some new levels of competition and popularity.  With several new records being set, the performances at all levels took on a whole new dimension.  And, the 240 available slots were filled by April 30^th – over a month earlier than 2010.  With great organization, a great trail, fantastic awards and a top-notch post race picnic – it’s no wonder that this is becoming a “must do” event on the Montana racing circuit.

The Wulfman would have been pleased to see all his people having such a great time out along the backbone of the continent.

A full complement of race results (cumulative, male, female, age group, age graded, etc.) can be found at http://www.buttespissandmoanrunners.com/Butte%20Races/CDT-14K/results.htm.  A good selection of race comments (and photos coming soon??) can be found on the Wulfman’s CDT 14K Trail Race Facebook page.  Make sure to check them out.

See you on the roads, tracks and trails

The Muddy Buzzard

Getting Ready To Worship The Wulf

Wulfman’s CDT-14K

2011 Race Preview

So, who’s going to rule the divide this year?  Can Big Bird regain the overall title again this year and defend his odd-year crown?  Will some new faces to the event master the route from Pipestone to Homestake?  Will Bazz’s trail acumen and altitude training overcome the road speed of Sarah the flatlander?  Can the old men make up ½ of the top ten finishers?

In an event that has become known for hot and exciting racing in its short, 4-year history – 2011 looks to continue the trend.  Both the men’s and women’s races have some intriguing story lines.  So, without further adieu, let’s get to the preview.

Starting with the women – we look to have a real contrast in styles in the potential front runners.  The favorite role would have to go to Michelle Bazzanella (Bazz), with long-time connections to Helena & Butte.  She’s the 2010 champ (Homestake to Pipestone route) and has finished no lower than 3^rd place in any of the first 3 editions of the race.  As the Muddy Buzzard’s #4 open women’s runner of the year, she’s a classic trail runner whose stride is perfect for the course ups and downs; and, she should have no problem with the altitude (varying between 6,360’ and 7,700’).  She’s already proven her trail mettle in 2011 with a solid 2^nd place female finish at the Don’t Fence Me In 12K in Helena.

In contrast to Bazz the mudder, you have Sarah Graves the roadie (and the Buzzard’s #2 open women’s runner of the year for 2010).  With a pedigree that includes a 2:47 marathon PR and participation in the elite field of the Boston Marathon, Sarah has put out some top level performances at all distances from the mile to the marathon.  While she mostly sticks to the roads, her win at the 2010 Montana Cup shows that she can also hammer on the trails.  But, can she overcome the altitude and Bazz’s familiarity with the course?  And, will these two push each other to a new course record (1:04:10 set by Nicole Hunt in 2009) (which could mean a $150 pay day for hitting the sub-65:00 premium time and the CR)?

As exciting as the competition between these two could be – let’s not forget about some of the other runners.  Including Bazz, this year’s race includes 5 of the top-10 finishers from 2010.  Maurie McLaughlin of Butte finished 3^rd last year; and, has the benefit of being altitude trained and familiar with the course.  Beth Shumate of Clancy quietly shows up at trail runs around the state and consistently finishes near the front.  Can she improve on her 5^th place finish from 2010?  And, can all of these ladies hold off the charge from the younger crowd?  Bekah Kirtley (18) of Fromberg and Olivia Wood (16) of Anaconda finished 6^th and 7^th respectively last year.  Wood has the #12 all time performance on the N-S course and comes off a great season for the Copperhead XC & Track squads.  We also have a potential dark horse in Haley Chura of Atlanta.  Chura’s sister (Hannah) and mother (Elizabeth) of Gallatin Gateway were both top 15 finishers in the 2009 version of the N-S course.  Could they have given Haley some tips on the course and strategy??

And, let’s not forget about our “mature” ladies.  The over-40 race has some unique twists and turns of its own.  As the Buzzard’s 2010 Open Women’s Runner of the Year, Nicole Hunt would normally be a hands down favorite for the master’s title (if not the open title).  But, she’s currently in the second trimester of her 2^nd pregnancy; and, she’s slowed down just ever so slightly.  Will she still be able to place near the top of the master’s category even while running for three (that’s right – Nicole & Ray are expecting twins!!!!)?

Or, will the N-S course’s #1 Age-Graded master, Elizabeth Chura of Gallatin Gateway, pull out the win.  We also have Demaris Taylor of Helena returning – having placed 13^th overall in 2010.  And, let’s not forget Sherry Vogel of Butte.  Or, Billings’ own ageless wonder – Debbie Magilke.  The age-graded master’s placings should prove very interesting indeed.

The biggest fireworks of the day are likely to come at the front of the men’s race.  2010 champ and University of Montana steeplechaser is back to take a whack at the Pipestone to Homestake route.  Reynolds has got some young legs, which tend to be a help on the long downhill sections of the race.  And, his performances in the steeplechase show that he’s fit and fast.  Plus, the coordination and endurance that are necessary to run elite steeples tend to be a pretty big benefit on the trails.

Of course, he’ll have to contend with 2008 and 2009 Wulfman Champ and 2010 runner-up Thomas “Big Bird” Jodoin of Helena (the Buzzard’s 2010 #2 Male Runner of the Year).  Big Bird had a bit of an injury snafu at the AOH St. Pat’s Day Run in Anaconda in March.  But, as evidenced by his win at the Don’t Fence Me in 12K in mid-May, the hammy seems to be coming around and Thomas should be ready to go.  He’s also the most experienced on this course; and, should be ready to rock and roll.

The third leg of the Wulfman trifecta team is likely to be Jimmy “The General” Grant.  Much like Sarah Graves on the women’s side, Jimmy is known as more of a roadie.  But, he has been known to put a foot in the dirt on occasion.  On the road, he’s had a very solid last couple of years.  He was the Buzzard’s Male Runner of the Year in 2009 and # 3 in 2010.  Already this year he scored a big win with his 31:39 10K at the Missoula Riverbank Run.  And, he followed that up with a 38:24 12-K at Bloomsday to finish 32 overall (out of 50,000 +). 

But, wait – just like a TV infomercial – that’s not all.  Including Reynolds and Jodoin, 6 of the top 10 finishers from the 2010 Wulfman will return this year, and 10 of the top 15.  Plus, we have a new face in Christian Heck of Bozeman, 2008 3^rd-placer Dewey Peacock of Bozeman, trail ace Brian Wieck of Helena, 2008 4^th-placer Matt Edwards of Bozeman and youngster Josh Panasuk of Butte.

But the story within the story on the men’s side may very well be the shuffling of the old farts.  As it has been every year, the master’s field is looking to be deep and fast.  And, the sub-plot will be to see how many of the over 40 crowd can crack the overall top 10.  In 2008 and 2009, there were 2 masters in the top 10.  In 2010, there were 4 in the top 10 and 2 in the top 5.  Some of the best of Montana’s old men will be at the CDT-14K. 

41-year old Pat Judge of Helena is having a racing resurgence since turning 40.  His last 2 years have probably been amongst his best since Y2K.  The Muddy Buzzard’s #2 Master’s Runner of the Year, Pat will be running at the outside edge of his typical racing range.  And, he’s typically more of a road and track guy; but, solid performances at the Don’t Fence Me In 5-K and the Montana Cup show that Pat can also crank it up on the trails.

Mike Telling (42) of Dillon has a history of fast and furious racing at the Wulfman with overall placings of 2^nd, 7^th and 5^th.  History would show that when Mike toes the line, he’s ready to race.  And, that’s doubly so when he races along the backbone of the continent.  As the 2010 # 3 runner on the Buzzard’s Master’s list, Telling clearly has the pedigree.

Jeff Braun of Butte, at 47, has had an incredible last couple of years on the racing scene – at a wide variety of distances and surfaces – good enough to rank as the Buzzard’s #5 Master of the year in 2010.  Can Jeff continue his string of fast finishes?  Living and training in Butte, Jeff will have altitude training in his ditty bag – together with an intimate knowledge of the CDT.

Kirk Keller, 50, of Three Forks has the #1 over-40 Age-Graded performance at the CDT-14K.  After some injuries in 2010, will Kirk be ready to return to form in 2K11?  He’s been in the top 10 overall before – can he find that magic again.

But, the biggest factor in the master’s race could be the presence of Bozeman’s Scott Creel (48 – and just days away from B-day 49).  Scott has been on a bit of a racing hiatus in the last couple of years while he focused on his wildlife research, his kids, and some other outdoor pursuits.  But, he had a successful return to the track in February with his 3^rd place finish at the Montana Men’s Master’s Mile (M4) in 4:42.  And, as the course record holder at the Bridger Ridge Run, Scott’s trail racing prowess and pain threshold are legendary.  If Scott’s at the starting line, look for him to be ready to hammer.

So, lot’s of excitement is brewing as we approach the 4^th Annual Wulfman CDT-14K.  And, lots of questions will be answered on the morning of the 18^th.  But, a few things we can be pretty certain of.  The racing will be hot and fast, the race management will be exemplary, the post race festival will be trail running’s best social event of the spring, and each and every one or the competitors will get their money’s worth.

The Buzzard is circling the skies above Butte and just waiting for the time to swoop in and take part in the suffer fest along the divide.

See you on the roads, tracks and trails

The Muddy Buzzard

Breaking Ice & Breaking Wind

On a morning that lived up to the name of the race - the Ice Breaker Road Race took place last Sunday in Great Falls.

On the men's side, Ezkysas Sisay of Ethiopia took the win in a stellar time of 23:15.  Pulling in 2nd was Bernard Langat of Kenyan at 25:00.  But, the rest of the top 5 was comprised fully of Montanan's. 

Alan King picked up where he left off in 2010 - running 3rd in a speedy 26:02.

Alan King battles the snow at Ice Breaker



Next in was Pat Judge - hitting it big on both the open and master's scene.  His 27:20 was a most impressive time for an old guy :-)

And, it held off the charge of young buck Jesse Zentz's 27:21.  Jesse is a Billings West and UM grad.  For the last couple of years, he's been a sports writer in Boise.  He recently moved back to Montana and is writing sports for the Independent Record.  A nice welcome home race for Jesse.

Also cracking the top 10 was master's runner Jeff Braun with his 28:56.

On the women's side - Evelyne Lagat of Kenya won in 27:28.  Next up was Rachel Brewer of Great Falls in 30:02.  She was followed by Nicole Hunt (who also took the master's crown) in 32:16.  4th and 5th place also broke the 33:00 barrier - Great Fallsians (what do folks in GF call themselves) Marilee Woyth and Sandy Thomas hit 32:43 and 32:48 respectively.

King wasn't done with the racing however.  On a whim, he decidedc to do his own personal trifecta and won the 3-mile in 15:27 and the Mile in 4:23.  Not a bad day for Mr. King.

See you on the roads, tracks and trails

The Muddy Buzzard

Beans and Walnuts

A few impressive performances by Montanan's on the big stage(s) last weekend.

First up was the track and field frenzy that is Mt. Sac.  Held each year in Walnut, CA - it is regularly one of the races that many of the top US runners use to kick off their outdoor track campaign.  Such was the case of the brother & sister steeplechase team of John and Lois Ricardi-Keller.  Both ran in the Elite divisions of the steeple - John placing 5th in 8:44.88 in the men's field; and, Lois hitting 10:12.85 in placing 7th on the women's side.

In the 1500, MSU's (and Laurel native) Patrick Casey ran 9th at 3:43.69 (the equivalent of about a 4:01 mile).  Included in the field were Chris Solinsky (the American Record holder at 10,000 meters) and Olympian Matt Tegenkamp.  9th place in this field was a stellar performance.

A couple of days later (Monday the 18th) was the Boston Marathon.  On a day of low temps and a strong, steady tailwind times were smoking fast.  With the men's winner at just over 2:03 and the women at slightly over 2:20, it was an incredibly fast day on this storied course. Included in those fast times were a few folks from the Big Sky state.

First in was a temporary Montana resident - Jacob Bradosky is currently a member of the Air Force who is stationed at Malmstrom Air Force base in Great Falls.  A past winner of the Marine Corps Marathon, Bradosky hit it big in Beantown - how about this for impressive - 2:21.11 and 25th overall (including a negative split racde of 70:56 and 70:15).

Next in was Gardiner native and MSU alum Josh Ricardi.  Running under 2:30 for the first time - he placed 65th overall and hit a super time of 2:27:48.  Great split of 73:41 and 74:07.

On the women's side, former MSU-Billings runner Lisa Minnehan of Billings hit 2:54 - placeing 57th in the women's field.

One of the performances of the day came from someone who isn't really a Montanan - but, she has a strong Montana connection.  So, figured I would give her some props anyway.  Many of you know Kelly Fulton of Billings.  Kelly is married to Elizabeth White (originally of Tacoma).  Elizabeth has a younger sister Caroline.  Caroline runs for the US Air Force.

Well, Caroline ripped it on Monday.  Running splits of 79:12/78:20, she hit a 2:37:32 to place 20th in the women's field.  That time was an auto qualifier for the Oly Marthon Trials in Houstone in January, 2012.  And, it currently has her sitting at position #9 on the US marathon lists.  Pretty damn impressive.

See you on the roads, tracks and trails.

The Muddy Buzzard

Run To Paradise

Here's a great opportunity to take in a trail race in the Buzzard's neck of the woods.  On Sundary, May 15th, The Eleven Miles To Paradise Trail Race will take place on the beautiful River Trail near and along the Clark Fork River between St. Regis and Paradise, Montana.

This is a great single track trail - rolling trail, lots of timber, a few open meadows, some great views of the Clark Fork River. 

It's a point to point race that will require shuttling.  But, the race organizers (Runner's Edge in Missoula) have an efficient shuttle plan all figured out.

The end of race activities will take place at Quinn's Hot Springs.  Good food, drink and soaking will be available.

Quinn's is also offering a good discount on lodging for folks wanting to stay the night before the event.

Race information can be found at http://www.runnersedgemt.com/events/eleven-miles-to-paradise-trail-race/

It's a race worth thinking aobut.

The Muddy Buzzard Buzzard