Women
Going into the weekend only Jo Johansen had a realistic chance of knocking Beth Cardelli of the top of the ladder. Ill health curtailed that and with one Race left in the series, Beth Cardelli is a thoroughly deserving winner of the series, She won Hillary, placed 2nd at Buffalo, fronted up at Mt Difficulty for a race and conditions that do not suit her and completely dominated Hounslow. I got to spend some time talking to her husband Brian on Saturday afternoon and he is rightly proud of her achievements this year. Trained and raced smart and not overdone things. Her Houslow report can be read here Hounslow Report 

Although on the surface Beth has dominated the series, there appears to be more depth around than previously. Injury, other commitments and just bad luck have kept some others away from the top of the table. Focussing on 3 races is probably enough to win the series if you’re good enough (see mens)

Men
WOW – going into the race it looked like Grant Guise and John Winsbury were the front runners to take the series based on form and likelihood of entering the last two races. That has been thrown out the window and going into the last race of the series, there NINE names who could win overall with 4 or 5 having a genuine shot.

Here is how the table currently looks, technically Chris Morrissey, Eric Holt and Blake Hose (all on 300 points) could also win, as could Andrew Tuckey (450) but he is in Wales.

Everything else I write from now is just informed guess work. At Sky Rock ‘n’ Run there are 400, 300, 225, 169, and 127 points available for the top 5. Anything below that is likely to be irrelevant.

So who is showing up?
Ben Duffus (pencil him in for 400 points), Grant Guise (course designer), Martin Lukes (he should, it’s his backyard), John Winsbury indicated earlier in the year he’d be toeing the line.

Could front but I doubt it.
David Byrne is here in a few days for his honeymoon (congrats to you and Emma) and then back for the Kepler, so I doubt he’ll show. Tom Brazier knows what the table looks like and would be fantastic if he came over. Scott Hawker - retired (his words).

The no idea but could mess things up category.
Danny Garrett - gone off the local radar in the last few months, probably can’t win the series, but if he lines up he will have a huge bearing on how it plays out. This course will suit him.
Vajin Armstrong - loves a good hit out two weeks prior to the Kepler.

edit: I had something else written that gave the run down on who needed to do what to win, but the Ginger one vetoed that, sandbagging.

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.

Paul and his hand picked tutors have a simple philosophy to support students to find, explore and develop their own unique photographic voice, yet keep inspired. A progressive and contemporary range of topics are offered for the beginner, through to the professional, and everyone in between such as photographers wanting to turn their passion into their business.

For October, Paul’s offering 10% off all workshops that include trail running at three locations – Rangitoto Auckland, The Hillary Track and Redwoods Rotorua.

To get involved with the new approach to sports photography workshops and learning, visit http://shop.paulpetch.co.nz/  If you have any questions, Paul’s contact is 0210 336 047

photo- John O’Malley- jomphoto.com

So where to begin with this post…..

For a while now, over 2 years or so, closer to 3, I have been thinking, toying with the idea, of a specialized trail running shop. I kept this to myself for quite a while, it was an idea that never got any further than my mind when I was out doing a long run- that place that I more often than not dream up many an idea.

Then a few months ago, after my hand was some what forced and I needed to find a new direction, I started to think a little more seriously about opening a trail running shop- a place that specialised in gear for trail, ultra and mountain adventures.  I mentioned the idea to Jane who was as enthusiastic about it as I was and so we began to put plans into motion to turn it into a reality. As we set out in setting up the store with Paul, I knew I wanted it to be more than just an on-line store- I wanted to offer more than products to the NZ trail/mountain running community and the BCR blog was rolled out- another idea that had been kicking around in my head for a while.

In many ways it is really hard to know what the reaction to the little BCR blog has been and I have no idea what will come of the shop aspect of the BCR web site. What I do know (which is not a lot) is if you don’t let one of those ideas you have kicking around in your head out every now and again you will never know. I hate “what ifs”, I probably hate them more than anything. I am about to find out and that is really exciting.

Check it out- shop.backcountryrunner.co.nz  and use the code “Shop BCR” in your shopping cart to get 15% off in our little “opening sale”.

Dougan racing to 3rd at Rifugio Scarpa, Frassene, Agordino, ITALY.
photo credit: Aron Lazzaro

BCR- Dougan you must be pretty excited about the upcoming WMRC after missing out last year with injury

DB-Yeah definitely, it has been a long 12 months to get back to this stage so I’m really looking forward to making my international debut.

BCR- How has you build up been going? What have you been up to since your 2nd place finish on Mt Campbell?

DB-The build up has been ok, had a couple of set backs but nothing major. Been working on the long climbs we will encounter over there so have been pretty happy with that part of my training. Been trying to get up the mountain as much as I can, but it is a bit difficuilt this time of year with the weather and work. Looking forward to better weather so we can get up there more frequently.

BCR- I read that you had been in touch with Jono, have you been getting a bit of advice leading into the WMRC?

DB-Yes been getting a few tips for one of the greats! He is the team manager over there so it will be great to pick his brain and see why he is so good, and maybe implement a few more of his ideas into my training.

BCR- You recent success has seen you secure some sponsorship with Salomon Running?

DB-Yes early days yet, but I will be running in their shoes at the world champs. They have some great gear and some awesome runners who support it. They are a massive brand in Europe and they are growing here too as trail running starts to take off.

BCR- Will you be spending a bit of extra time in Europe, exploring, racing?

DB-Jono has lined up a pre race about a week before world champs. Unfortunately I won’t be able to spend much more time over there this year as I have to get back to work, but I’m over there for about 2 weeks which I am really looking forward to, will be a great experience.

BCR- You are likely not looking past the WMRC yet, but I have to ask- the Mt Taranaki Ascent record- do you think you will give that another crack after getting so close last time?

DB- most definately, it bugs me everytime I see the mountain! Next time I will do a few practise runs to get my lines right and I should be in better shape so hopefully will get it. Might even have a crack at the decend too depending on how the body is holding up, since it will be an up and down year for the mountain champs.

More info- BCR WMRC intro here and 28th World Mountain Running Championship

Thanks for visiting us at The Backcountry Runner. We are new (obviously, this is our first post) but have big ideas of what we want to bring to the trail, mountain and ultra running community of New Zealand. There are some great websites/blogs around covering the racing scene, but they are not New Zealand focused, great content and news, but not about what’s going on in NZ. There are also some great race focused NZ based websites around, they cover a variety of great sports, but lack the off road running focus that our sport deserves! Thanks to Paul Petch  for the killer website and logo design!

Hopefully as this web site develops over time we can provide (maybe with your help) the coverage and focus that trail, mountain and ultra running deserves in New Zealand. New Zealand is after all, as we all know, the best place for this kind of running!

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