Following on from Episode 31, Running An Ultra, which featured Mike Siudy, co-Race Director of the Manitou's Revenge ultramarathon in the Catskill Mountains, this episode features a round-table discussion with five people who have all themselves completed at least one Manitou's Revenge, and were all involved in this year's event either as competitors or volunteers. Joining host Tony Fletcher are Sheryl Wheeler, one of the great trail runners in the East but as unpretentious as they come, Max Gruner, Alanna Moss and Benno Rawlinson.
The discussion attempts to answer such questions as: What the hell is the attraction of a 54-mile course that has about 16,000ft of elevation? Why do we come back for more? What attributes do you need to take on an ultra-trail events? Is it true good walkers do as well as good runners? How important are poles? Headlamps? What about footwear? What do you do for sustenance when you start at 5am and need to stay fueled for up to 24 hours? And most important of all, who was the Yeti on this year's Manitou's course?
More seriously though - or perhaps not - the idea behind this discussion is to share some of the camaraderie found in what is perceived as a solitary sport, and hopefully attract others to compete in similar events - or just to find their own challenge, and see it through.
Links for this episode:
Cat's Tail Trail Marathon website
Benno Rawlinson web site
Ultra Stories podcast with Sheryl Wheeler
Run To The Hills with Beth Pascall
I'll Have Another podcast with Lindsay Hein
The Running Public podcast on Big Mountain Races: some excellent advice on pre-race routines and nourishment.
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