Backcountry Runner » Interviews

Anna Frost – Pre Hardrock Interview

Mouth of the South — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 09:11:51 +0000

This weekend Anna Frost takes on the one race that many Kiwi’s would love to attempt, The Hardrock100. Anna was lucky enough to be drawn from the lottery with just 1 ticket, but has been there a number of times to crew and pace. Here are a few of her thoughts going into it.

You’ve spent a lot of time this year and in previous years in Silverton and the San Juans. How cool is the place?
It is incredibly cool! The mountains are just huge…you can see the whole wide world from up there. They are brutal and beautiful…tough rocky scrambles to stunning wild flowers and animals. The mountains remind me how grateful I am to be able to move through them, to respect how precious life and the environment is, to appreciate every step we take.

Surprisingly (to me) you are tapering, what have you been up to? Is it driving you nuts?
Yes it is driving me nuts because I want to be exploring the mountains, but I have done a big block of training and was feeling the need to rest up! I have hung out with the Durango mechanics while they fix the porcupine eaten wires under my van, I have been learning to play the piano, making jewellery, eating AND sleeping.

What is the one thing you’ve done that has given you confidence?
Being on the course helps a lot to visualise and get familiar with the course. It definitely helps with acclimatisation and I feel I am pretty good with that now. Because of the snow we haven’t been able to see the entire course but I just keep my fingers crossed that i remember where to go!

Who is crewing you. i.e. Who gets to lecture you when it gets a bit tough?
Gavin McKenzie is taking me from Ouray – Telluride. I crewed/ran with him on his successful Nolans finish last year.

Eric Skaggs is taking me from Telluride - KT. He is a fellow Salomon running buddie and incredible mountain runner.

Ron Braselton is bringing me home from KT. Awesome running buddy from Durango.

I heard a rumour that you’ve finally entered the Kepler Challenge. How much will I beat you by?

I have entered…and definitely waiting to see how I recover from HR and Nolans attempt before I commit totally to that race. But if I am there Bixley…game on!

(edit: sounds to me like Frosty is sandbagging already)

BCR — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 01:45:28 +0000

We catch up with Vajin Armstrong ahead of this weekends World Mountain Running Association Long Distance World Championships in Zermatt, Switzerland.

Thanks for your time Vajin, can you please tell us a little bit about this event?

Each year the WMRA puts on two World Championships, the short course event which is normally around 12km, and the Long Course race. The long course needs to be between 40-45km and needs to climb around 2000m. They normally incorporate it in with a successful established event which this year is the Zermatt Marathon. Zermatt, being the home of the Matterhorn, is one of the great mountain towns in the world. There are no cars, plenty of gondolas, cable cars and trains to take you wherever you want to go plus some of the most beautiful single track that you could imagine. The race has around 2500 participants, so it’s a big event, and starts down the valley from Zermatt in a town called St Nicholas. From here it runs up to Zermatt, which is 21km away, while climbing only 500m over this distance. This is on a mixture of road, dirt road and a few km of single track. Once we leave Zermatt the real climbing begins, the second half has around 1500m of climbing with 350m of that coming in the last 3km. That last steep section is the crux of the race, if you can run that well you will pick up a lot of people who started out too quickly.

How have you been preparing for this race?

I have already been in Switzerland for a month and have already done three Mountain races to help get me ready. Preparation is really key to running well in any of these big European races. You need to get used to the length and steepness of the climbs as well as spending some time acclimatising to the altitude and to the heat. This race requires the ability to run fast over the first half and then the strength endurance to climb well over the second half. I have been running some shorter steeper mountain races to improve my climbing speed and to give me more confidence on long steep climbs. The first race I did was only 9.5km but it climbed 1419m, that is some solid vertical. The big difference with these races, compared to the longer races I normally do, is that you are trying to run everything and to run it as hard as possible. Each week I have also been doing a couple of hill workouts, one being short hill repeats of between 1-3mins and the other being long repeats of between 7-10mins. I am definitely feeling strong in my climbing and am looking forward to really testing myself on Saturday. Beyond that I am also hoping that it will lead to some improvements when I move back up to the Ultras.

Vajin at the 2013 Zerrmatt Marathon.

What will the quality of the field be like?

This race is going to be stacked. With it being a World Championship and with it being here in Europe it was always going to get a great field. This race is well known for offering great prize money so has always attracted a lot of top runners, this year though is something else. The Kenyans are fielding a full team of five men, as are the French, Germans, Swiss, Czechs, the Americans and plenty more besides, in all there 22 nations taking part. A lot of these guys have really fast road backgrounds so the pace will definitely be on from the start. With it looking like being a hot day and with it finishing it 2500m I am hoping that there will be some carnage and I will be able to move through the field in the second half.

What are your goals for the race?

I have done this race before, placing 7th in 2013. I would love to be back inside the top 10 this year but it is very hard to say what sort of performance will be required for that. I think it is so important coming into a big event to have a goal that is under your control. I cannot know or predict how fast the other athletes will run but I can focus on having my best performance possible. The big goal for me then will be to improve on my time from 2013, I have my splits from that years race and I feel that I could definitely go a bit quicker.

What are your plans for the rest of the European Summer?

This is the end of my “short distance” season and from now I am moving back up to the Ultra distance races. Next week I am heading over to Iceland for the Laugavegur Ultra, which is 56km, and then from there I am back to Switzerland for the Swiss Alpine Marathon in Davos, which is actually 78km. I am then planning on a big block of training in Liviigno, Italy as I prepare for the big one which is Ultra Trail Mt Blanc. 168km and nearly 10,000 of climbing requires some equally serious preparation so I will be doing all I can to get ready for that. UTMB is my last race for the season and by then I will be looking forward to heading back home.

Vajin Armstrong pre TNF100

BCR — Fri, 15 May 2015 07:52:12 +0000

Tomorrow Vajin Armstrong will toe the line in his 3rd appearance at The North Face 100km in the Blue Mountains in Australia. Vajin has placed 2nd in both his previous runs in Australia’s premier 100km race and we had a quick catch up with with Vajin to get this thoughts on tomorrows race-

Vajin at the 2012 TNF100

Already a pretty good summer- you have had PR’s at Tarawera, as well as in half and full marathons- what are the expectations for Saturday?

The goal is always to try and push the envelope and see how close you can get to the edge without falling over. Having said that you want to run smart and of course you want to enjoy the experience as much as possible. So hopefully I will flirt with disaster, laughing all the way, while still managing to hold it together enough to record a result I can be proud of.

How has training been- changing it up between 100km, marathon and back to 100km? What challenges, or advantages does this offer?

I enjoy the variety it offers being able to switch it up between the trails and the road between the mountains and the flat. At the end of the day I am a runner and I enjoy the sensation and experiences I gain from running whether on the roads, the track or the trail. As ultras become increasingly competitive I feel that it’s more important than ever to keep working on my speed. It also keeps me mentally fresh and inspired and always gives me new goals to aspire towards.

Pretty stacked field- who do you expect to be leading the charge on Saturday morning?

It’s a pretty interesting line up with a few familiar faces plus some of the top Asians heading down for it. I expect a couple of people to go out hard which tends to drag the rest of the field along with them. It’s going to be a fast race and it just depends on who gets their effort right and who can close it out over the last 30km.

And your race tactics?

Run smart, stay relaxed and then when it’s time to race just relax a little bit more. Real speed comes from smoothness and relaxation.

Post TNF100- what do you have planned for the rest of the year?

Early June I will be heading off to Europe for a full season of racing with some short mountain races a few mountain Marathons and a couple of Ultras. The big one for me will be UTMB at the end of August. Last time I was there I had a couple of broken ribs so this year I am hoping for some smoother sailing. We have a good crew of New Zealanders heading over for it so it should be a fun time in Chamonix.

Becky Nixon pre TNF100

BCR — Wed, 13 May 2015 03:11:37 +0000

Becky Nixon will line up at this Saturdays TNF100 in Australia’s Blue Mountains as an unknown to most outside of New Zealand, but with an 18hr15min win at the 2014 Naseby 100mile and a win at inaugural Ultra Easy 100km in January, she is establishing her self as one of the leading lady’s in the NZ ultra-running scene. Especially over tough, demanding course like the one she will face on Saturday. We had a quick catch up with the British native, who now calls Queenstown home, to see how things are looking for her run at TNF100.

Becky wining the Ultra Easy 100km in January.

After a great start to the year, smoking the Ultra Easy, what have you been up to Becky?

- after the big easy ultra I had a few weeks off running and strength training and spent a bit of time back in the pool and heaps of yoga. Then pretty much just focusing on TNF.

How has your TNF100 prep gone? What focused work outs have you been doing?

-prep I think has gone good, had a few hiccups with a old injury but after some therapy all seems to be good. I’ve spent some time in the gym strength training, and high intensity plyometrics workouts. I have been running 2 to 3 times a week, a long mountainous run with hiking thrown in, a smaller run with stair repeats chucked in for a mini heart attack lol and then a easy recovery runs. I’v been doing good recovery spins on the bike a day after a big run heaps and heaps of yoga also.

This is your first TNF100? Have you been to the Blue Mountains before?

- yes I’ve been to the blue mountains before, when I lived in Sydney 7 years ago, but pretty much just went to the viewing point to see the 3 sisters, jumped back in the car and left, (wasn’t really fit back then, too much partying!).

This must be the most competitive ultra you have run? Certainly a step up from Naseby or the Ultra Easy!

-yes this will be the most competitive ultra I have done! Scary and exciting at the same time…. be good to see how I stack up against these hardouts, its gonna be inspiring to see some of these top women race!

What are your expectations/time goals going in?

-hmm time and goals? I have no clue what time ill be looking at, if we go by the Big Easy then I guess 14hrs… but to be honest I don’t wanna worry too much on my time I just wanna finish strong and finish feeling satisfied that I gave it everything, and enjoy it at the same time, if that’s possible? (I will probably crawl over the finishing in a world of pain lol) Goal is to stay focused, not get caught up in the fast pace at the start, be consistent and have some fun with my bloody awesome support crew! No expectations.

Post TNF- what do you have coming up?

- post TNF, rest recover, eat a shit load of chocolate, get that out my system…lol. then back into training for the Swiss Iron Trail in August, and my awesome mission of crewing at UTMB ;o)

Jo Johansen pre Buffalo Ultra

BCR — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 01:50:59 +0000

Jo Johnasen is fired up and ready to go for the Buffalo Ultra this Saturday! In the last 13 months Jo has gone from unknown, to winning the Tarawera Ultra, dropping out of the TNF100, then a less than idea run at the 2015 TuM. But she is back and on the up- a solid run at the Hillary shows she is training smart and ready to run hard. We can’t want to see her take on the Buffalo and caught up with her below.

Before we get to the Buffalo, how has your summer of running/racing gone?

Summer has been very average, very up & down. Started good with Kepler and Hutt River, then a poor performance at TUM and an ok result at The Hilliary.

Where does the Buffalo fit into your summer and with the other races you have (or have not) done?

Buffalo is the second race I’m doing as part of the Oceania Skyrunning series.

jo on her way to winning the 2014 Hillary Ultra.

My approach and training has done a 360 turn. My training has been chopped in half, so I’m doing way less then usual and I am not turning up to the start line knackered & over-trained. Less is best and listening to the right people.

What has you more nervous- the 4500+M of vert over 75km at Buffalo, or the Snakes?

Definitely the snakes- probably run holding a stick just in case one leaps at me or is curled up in the middle of the track.

What are you looking forward to most at the Buffalo Stampede?

I am looking forward to the most is experiencing Buffalo National Park and being in Australian nature. Also enjoying the trails with good friends again. I cant wait, its gonna be an epic weekend in a new place.

Your post (or pre for that matter) beer choice at the bright Brewery?

Blowhard Pale Ale sounds good.

Do you have any idea how big a “schooner” is?

No idea what a schooner actually is.

Post Buffalo Stampede what other races do you have on the calendar for the year? Do you plan on running any of the other Oceania Skyrunning Series races?

Mt Difficulty , Barneys Bluff or Hounslow classic, UD Sky Rock n Run. I plan to do as many sky races as the body can handle. Probably a few shorter races like Xterra series thrown in between.

Matt Bixley Pre Buffalo Stampede Ultra

BCR — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:31:07 +0000

Regulars to BCR will be well familiar with the weeman Matt Matt Bixley. This weekend Matt will line up in all 3 races at the Buffalo Stampede- here is his Pre Buffalo Stampede interview.

Matt enjoying the Snakless Tararua Ranges.

Before we get to the Buffalo, how has your summer of running/racing gone?
Originally it was all geared towards the Slam at Buffalo, then along came the Barkley Marathons. Naturally I failed

Where does the Buffalo fit into your summer and with the other races you have (or have not) done?
Now that I have failed in Tennessee, I’d like to thing I can turn up at Buffalo and get some redemption on my missery climbing Warners Wall last year. However her royal highness is now too busy actually helping to run the show for me to give him a beating.

How has your approach and build up in training been compared to other races?
My approach to the summer was to have fun, and most importantly for me, remain injury free. I’ve achieved those goals.

Will this be your first Skyrunning race?
No, I run Buffalo Stampede last year and also the forerunner to this years Mt Difficulty Ascent.

What has you more nervous- the 4500+M of vert over 75km at Buffalo, or the Snakes?
Snakes, always the snakes. Apparently there was a black snake on the road between Buckland and Warners when I went past last year and I never saw it.

What are you looking forward to most at the Buffalo Stampede?
Seeing my wife after 3 weeks away, followed by the beer at the Brewery and then that little kid (Blake I think) who makes good coffee at Velo.

Your post (or pre for that matter) beer choice at the bright Brewery?
Whatever it is that people are bribing me for Barkley Info provide.

Do you have any idea how big a “schooner” is?
A schooner is a ship. End of story. But perhaps that is where the term boat racing came from.

Post Buffalo Stampede what other races do you have on the calendar for the year? Do you plan on running any of the other Oceania Skyrunning Series races?
I’ll line up for Mt Difficuly and the Oxford Races, I think I would be in trouble if I tried to get over to Aussie for anything else.

Marty Lukes Pre Buffalo Interview

BCR — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 07:12:06 +0000

Today we chat with Christchurch’s Marty Lukes ahead of the Buffalo Stampede Ultra, that takes place on the 11th April in Bright, Victoria.

While many in Straya (and Johnny-come-latelies in NZ for that matter) might not be familiar with Marty Lukes, the guy is kind of a big deal. A 100km best of 6hr46min, a 4hr48min Kepler , as well as Northburn and Naseby 100mile course records to his name, the Honey Badger is really pretty badass.

Well below Marty plays off his fitness for the Buffalo, there are a few pretty impressive work outs he has dropped leading into Buffalo that makes one things he might ruffle a few feathers and hurt a few feelings.

Marty atop of Christchurch’s Sugar Loaf.

Before we get to the Buffalo, how has your summer of running/racing gone?

After a year of an Earthquake rebuild home and then being flooded out from our temporary rental accommodation it was a relief to get 2014 over. It took a while to work off the Christmas and New Year excess and learn how to run let alone train again. It’s heartening to be thoroughly enjoying reconnecting with people and trails around Canterbury. The Ultimate Direction Mt Oxford Odyssey was a way to knock off rust in January and feel more confident with training and racing heading into the rest of 2015.

Where does the Buffalo fit into your summer and with the other races you have (or have not) done?

Buffalo will be a springboard for 2 or 3 key events in 2015. I’m keen to get a good road marathon under my belt again; Christchurch for sentimental reasons as it is a return to our rebuilding city. Wellington as it is their 30^thanniversary. Running on the road is an excuse to get faster and this should pay off for a return to NZ’s outstanding 100 mile event down at Naseby. It is such a cool event! Fortunately it flies under the radar, so get there before everyone else does! I’m mustering up courage to run a road 100 mile late 2015; Around Taranaki may be on the cards.

How has your approach and build up in training been compared to other races?

I’ve had a very low key approach as I’ve wanted to train smart; low volume but some key sessions for strength. There has been an emphasis on hills though I haven’t hit the big mountains due to work, family and life commitments.

Will this be your first Skyrunning race?

Depends how Skyrunning is defined…

What has you more nervous- the 4545mD+ of vert over 75km at Buffalo, or the Snakes?

Does Oz have snakes….?!

What are you looking forward to most at the Buffalo Stampede?

The 74,999 m mark

Marty in the Port Hills above Christchurch.

Your post (or pre for that matter) beer choice at the Bright Brewery?

I’ll go for the tasting tray…

Do you have any idea how big a “schooner” is?

Bigger than my wife’s kayak.

A few folks are doing the “Grand Slam”- the Buffalo 26, 75 and 42km races over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Who are you more excited about seeing suffer up the “Big Walk” on Sunday- Matt Bixley or Dan Bleakman?

Hopefully neither if the Bright Brewery is open.

Post Buffalo Stampede what other races do you have on the calendar for the year? Do you plan on running any of the other Oceania Skyrunning Series races?

In addition to Christchurch and Naseby I’m really looking forward to a good Cross Country and Road season with the Sumner Running Club. I’ll need to find out more about the Oceania Skyrunning Series.

Remember- nothing can stop the Honey Badger when it is hungry….

Whitney Dagg Pre Buffalo Interview

BCR — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 20:47:03 +0000

Ahead of next months Oceania Skyrunning Championships, the Buffalo Stampede, we will be catching up with members of Team Ultimate Direction New Zealand. Team UD NZ have a strong team traveling to the small town of Bright, in the Victorian Alps, that will be overrun by Skyrunners between April 10th- 12th.

Today we chat with Whitney Dagg, who has had recent wins at the Shotover Moonlight Marathon and Northburn 1/2 Marathon, despite coming off a long injury layoff. Whitney, like the rest of Team UD, will be running the Buffalo Ultra- 75km and 4545 meters of vertical!

Before we get to the Buffalo, how has your summer of running/racing gone and where has the Buffalo fit into your summer and with the other races you have (or have not) done?

Whitney on her way to winning the Shotover Moonlight.

WD: My summer of running/racing has not gone to plan. I had surgery on my ITB back in June 2014 and I was expecting to be back to full training and racing this summer. Unfortunately my recovery has been a very long haul, and training has been very up and down. I have managed a few shorter mountain races this summer but Buffalo will be my first big race back post surgery. My knee is still slightly niggly, but I am hoping I will have a good run on the day. Fingers crossed!

How has your approach and build up in training been compared to other races?

WD:

I have been working with a new coach, Christophe Malarde, who has got me doing alot more shorter but harder sessions, rather than lots of long slow sessions. Because of my knee injury, I have been getting out on my Mountain Bike alot more for cross-training, while still working on my aerobic endurance.

Will this be your first Skyrunning race?

WD: Yes! Super excited and amped for my first Skyrunning race!

What has you more nervous- the 4545m of vertical over 75km at Buffalo, or the Snakes?

WD: This sounds abit silly, but probably the snakes. Uphill is actually the best type of running for my knee, so the more the better! And 4500m will be the most vert I have ever climbed, which will be a pretty cool achievement.

What are you looking forward to most at the Buffalo Stampede?

WD: Looking at the footage from last years race, it looked like a very cool atmosphere. Because I have had so much time off with my injury, I am basically super excited to be involved, and to race my first Skyrunning event. I’m looking forward to meeting new trail runners and having some good quality chat.

Your post (or pre for that matter) beer choice at the Bright Brewery?

WD: M.I.A.I.P.A, and post race of course!

Do you have any idea how big a “schooner” is?

WD: I’m pretty sure it’s less than a pint.

WD: Who is Dan Bleakamn??

Post Buffalo Stampede what other races do you have on the calendar for the year? Do you plan on running any of the other Oceania Skyrunning Series races?

WD: Depending on how my knee holds out, I do have a few races in mind for the rest of the year. I would like to do 3 more Skyrunning races, so that I can get a overall ranking in the series. I am hoping to get to the TNF 100 in May, the Mount Difficulty Ascent Marathon in June, Barney’s Bluff SkyMarathon in August, then Mt Oxford Sky Rock n Run in November.

More Buffalo Stampede and Skyrunning Australia/New Zealand info-

Buffalo Stampede Website and Facebook page.

Skyrunning Australia/New Zealand Website and Facebook page.

Michael Aish post Leadville 2014 Interview

BCR — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 21:38:07 +0000

In 2012 we posted this interview with Michael Aish before he ran his first 100mile race at Leadville. It was a big step up for the former Olympic track runner, who represented New Zealand at the Sydney and Athens games. That race did not go to plan and it would probably be fair to say that the next 3 100mile races Michael entered didn’t go to plan neither. But last weekend at Leadville 2014 Michael ran the race that many felt he was capable of. We caught up with Michael (our favorite New Zealander, turned American, Olympic Track star, turned marathoner, turned ultra runner) to see how Saturday played out and what he has changed over the last 2 years.

Michael leading race winner Rob Karr. Photo Matt Trappe www.trappephoto.com

• Leadville 2014- was this the best day you have had on the trails? It seems like you nailed it out there. Talk us through it if you can-

Things turned out well, but it was touch and go all day. I think I ran from mile 30 to 50 just a little to hard and I really paid for it on the way back down Hope Pass. My knees where finished and I was having trouble just trying to walk at that point. Rob Krarr came by me about then and put 30 minutes on me in the next 3 miles. I was finished and was just looking for a way out as people were passing me by. When I got to the next aid station I was still in a world of hurt, but for some reason I started to think that I could go on. I got a dry pair of shoes and headed back out. From then on I don’t really remember much. I remember getting in to a groove and getting myself back in to second place. Then I paid for that effort and got passed in to 3^rd about 10 miles later. From mile 82 to 87 I got on a rolling again and was back into 2^nd, and blew again and got pushed back in to 3^rd, and by the time I got to the last aid station, I was more than 5 minutes back from 2^nd and the race should have been over. At Mile 87 I picked up a new pacer and somehow pulled in 4 minutes on 2^nd place with 4 miles to go. From there it was just a matter of taking my time and getting the job done. I made the final pass with about two miles to go and never looked back.

• Your 3rd time lining up at Leadville- why do you keep returning?

Leadville is a magic place, and the race is very special. It has a very “local” feel and you really feel part of a family. If I had a choice to win any ultra in the world, I’d pick Leadville.

Michael climbing Hope Pass. Photo Matt Trappe www.trappephoto.com

• Last year you did around 18hr30 at LT100 and in June you were 6+hrs behind Rob Karr at Western States, but on Saturday you ran 16hr38 and were less that 30mins behind Rob! A 2hr PB and on Rob’s heals- what contributed to these improvements?

100% nutrition, this year has been about learning to keep the gas tank topped up as I go.

• Following up on the nutrition- What are you using and how much?

Nutrition has been a hard learning curve for me, you don’t really eat that much in a 5,000m track race….. I found out that I go through a lot of salt when I’m racing and with the help of the guys at Skratch Labs I’ve really been able to load up and keep things topped up along the way.

I try my best to get as much real food down as I can along the way and between aid stations I use VFuel gels (they go down the best I’ve found). That kind of plan gets you most of the way, but when that point comes when nothing tastes good I start pounding the soda/soft drink. Between aid stations I try to stick to the plan with Skratch Labs sports drink and VFuel gels but this weekend when I got to the aid stations I would down a full can of what ever I could get my hands on. In the end I think it was the sugar that got me through those last few miles.

• This was the 5th 100mile race you lined up in- do you feel like you are getting the hang of them now? What are some of the biggest things you learnt from lining up the previous 4 times that helped you succeed at LT100 2014?

I’ve realized that the training is only about 25% of this ultra game. 25% is mental and about 50% is nutrition. I’m still making mistakes, but this year has been all about trying to get my nutrition down.

• How has your training developed since your first crack at Leadville- are you still doing big 250km weeks?

My training really hasn’t changed that much. I run 5 days a week, between 15-20 hours a week. When I was back home in March I got in a few 200 mile weeks (320km) weeks but I tend to keep things around 120-150 miles per week.

• You said during your first Leadville the slow pace was uncomfortable for you- do you still find the pace “slow” in 100mile races?

No, I’ve become confortable with the slower pace and I’ve learned to fast hike as well.

A massive smile after a massive result. 2nd place and 6th fastest LT100 time ever. Photo Matt Trappe www.trappephoto.com

• How is it being a full time runner again? How has it changed since the first time?

It was nice at the start of the year, and I had all these plans to train harder than ever before but life is different now and I have a lot of “other” things going on in my life. Working with Mizuno was a real blessing and I’m really thankful that I got the opportunity to focus on running again.

• We just posted a story on BCR about the multiple “world champs” in trail/ultra/mountain running. You have been to the Olympics and World Champs- which are actual world championships with the best. What is your take on races and series like UROC, Sky Running and the Ultra Trail World Tour?

The sport is growing fast and everyone is trying to make their race the “best”. I think that the faster these races hit the mainstream the better. Races offering prize money, travel and accommodation will be the next step and as the races grow and develop, the performances will only get better.

• You helped out with Mizuno Kazan- which to me looks like a great, “middle of the road” and sensible shoe. Have you tried the 2 big trends in shoes- barefoot “shoes” and the “clown” shoes?

I’m a real “shoe geek” at heart and this was a dream job. I was able to help mold the shoe in to what I wanted to run in; simple, with no crazy bells or whistles. This is a shoe that I would buy. It has everything I want out of a shoe and nothing more.

• Will we see you back in New Zealand for the Tarwera Ultra in 2015?

Tarwera is an amazing event and I’d love to get back for a little redemption. Right now my bank manger would say no, but you’ll have to ask Paul…..

If this interview has left you wanting more Aish, then have a listen to this interview on Elevation Trail.

Big thanks to Michael Aish for his time and to Matt Trappe for letting us use the amazing photos. Matt’s photos of Leadville and the recent Hardrock 100 are the best around! Check them out- www.trappephoto.com

Kiwis in Sky Running World Champs

BCR — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 09:41:39 +0000

The 2014 Sky Running World Championships take place this weekend in Chamonix, France. What New Zealand lacks in numbers in Chamonix, we certainly make up for in quality. Joining Europen based Salomon super star runners Anna Frost and Jono Wyatt in the Australia/New Zealand team are kiwis James Kuegler and Ruby Muir.

We caught up with Ruby and James ahead of this weekend races. Ruby will be doing the 80km Sky Ultra on Friday, while James tackles the Mount Blance Marathon on Sunday.

You have both had a bit of time out from major trail running races here in NZ over the summer- what have you guys been up too?

Ruby checking out the French Alps. Photo: Blake Hose

RM- Mainly rolling around on a foam roller, and an evil little ball. Going to work and feeling sorry for myself. Was recovering from a stress fracture and after that found my back was dysfunctional and it was a long journey back from there.

JK- I devoted 2013 to my chiropractic studies, and CADENCE coaching, and put any ideas of competition on hold for twelve months. I graduated as a chiropractor at the end of 2013 and have spent the early part of 2014 building my fitness.

With this time out, this is a “come back” race of sorts- how are you feeling about our first big race back?

RM- I am really happy to be running again, especially in such a mind blowing place. To be honest I haven’t been able to do anywhere near the preparation I’d like, but I am thinking of it in a positive way; I am very fresh.

JK- It is great to be back training, and I am excited about getting to Chamonix and mixing it with the best that Europe has to offer.

How has the build up been? How have you prepared for such an under taking?

RM- I have been having to train a bit smarter then usual as I haven’t been able to put in anywhere near the milage I am used to. I have been doing a more conventional road runners training, keeping my easy days real easy. Racing some short fast Harrier races in the weekends and doing a fartleck and a hill rep or track session each week. I managed to get two longish runs in the mountains which were a good confidence booster. I think I am really only hitting around 100km a week tops as I am still quiet near the beginning of my journey back.

JK- My progression over the last three months has been exactly as I had hoped. I have, and continue to work hard on my technique, flexibility and mobility in order to keep my body functioning the way that I need it to. When I sat first discussed the plan with the CADENCE Coaching team, we identified that it was important to put myself into tactical situations due to my lack of racing in recent times. So, I have raced a lot (by my standards) generally on tired legs. I put the finishing touches on my preparation last week with a week staying and training out of Snowline Ski Club on Mt. Ruapehu.

You have both compete in championship events before (James Commonwealth Ultra, Ruby World Mt Running), but have either of you raced in France or a Sky Running Event before?

James racing the Commonwealth Ultra Champs in Wales.

RM- When I went to the Mountain Running Champs I also ran Drie Zinnen in the Dolomites in Italy. This is my first time in France and my first Sky Running race.

JK- This will be my first time racing in France, and my first Sky Running event

Ruby I know you are now in Chamonix- first impressions? James?

RM- Chamonix is awesome, a beautiful tourist town with lots if tempting french treats and expensive things to spend money on. everyone here looks fit. The mountains and trails are so close to town and good fun running. I am already certain the Kristian and I will be heading back here, hopefully in the not too distant future.

JK- I think I one of the last of the Australia/New Zealand team to arrive in Chamonix. I will be arriving in Chamonix on Thursday.

What are your expectations for the Sky Running World Champs?

RM- I don’t really know what to expect, sometimes I believe I will do quite well, others I am preparing myself for a schooling. I guess I will back myself to say I believe I have the potential to do well at these events, and even win them but I don’t know that this is the time. There are the top runners here with much more experience than me.

JK- It is hard to know what to expect from Sunday’s race. If nothing else it will give me a great benchmark to work from as my fitness and speed continue to develop over the coming months and years.

Post Sky Running World Champs- will you be doing any other races in Europe?

RM- I am heading home the monday after my race. I would love to but have work and more importantly a beloved at home. The original reason I signed up to this was I was given an extension until the end of June to get a 3 point race in for UTMB, and this was the last race in June. I am not sure about UTMB though, I don’t really have the money to come back again. More so I am pretty sure I can’t bring myself to leave KDay back home again, UTMB is on his birthday and it seems pretty cruel.

JK- After Chamonix, my partner and I are planning to follow the Tour de France. I don’t have any other races planned, though if an opportunity presents itself we shall see.

What do you have planned for the upcoming summer in NZ- where can we expect to see you race next and what are your major goals for 2015?

RM- If things go well my next plan is Kepler, going to give that record a shot. Beyond that I haven’t laid any plans. Running is a fickle mistress and I am not confident enough to plan that far ahead.

JK- I haven’t set any major goals beyond the Mont Blanc Marathon, though Total Sport’s new Coastal Challenge Series looks like it has my name written all over it. Also, A big thank you to CADENCE Coaching, Barefoot Inc, Total Sport & Out Wear NZ for their continued support.