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2010 NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up

For the fourth consecutive year, I had the honor to compete as an invited athlete in one of the most exhilarating athletic competitions in the world with some of the most diverse and well-trained athletes in the field. The 33rd annual NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up is one of the world’s premier tower races up a total of 1,576 steps to the Observatory deck on the 86th floor. The event is an invitation-only world class race attracting top athletes from 19 states and 17 different countries. I started in the Elite wave (runners seeded 1-99) and finished 61st among a field of 294 runners with a time of 14:46, a new PR.

Thomas Dold, 25, of Germany won his fifth consecutive NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up today, tying Al Waquie of the United States (1983–87) and Paul Crake of Australia (1999–2003) for most victories in the 33-year history of this race up 86 flights (1,576 steps) to the observation deck of New York’s tallest building. Melissa Moon, 40, of New Zealand won the women’s race in her debut.

In addition to the excitement of competing in the race, I had the opportunity to meet several very intriguing athletes from all around the world. Some really cool people that I met included Elaine, Trevor, Tim (aka “The Barefoot Runner”), the Germans and Patel. Elaine is an American endurance athlete who will be competing in the Comrades Marathon in South Africa and then three days later climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Trevor Folgering is a Canadian who’s a fitness professional, former pro body builder and also the current director of the Canadian Stair Climbing Association. Trevor hopes to implement an elite level stair climbing circuit throughout Canada that would attract extreme athletes from around the world.  Tim Bourassa aka “The Barefoot Runner” is dedicated to the ancient concept of barefoot running and is also an internationally known endurance sports blogger. Patel Devang is only 20 and ran an astonishing 14:26 in his first Empire State Building Run-Up. I also want to thank my friend Mark Saxon, for being my VIP guest to this event and photographer.

Thanks again to all of my sponsors, teammates, fans, friends and family for your loyal support. Your encouragement and support goes a long way!

2010 NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up Preview

In less than a week week, the 33rd annual NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up will kick off in exciting New York, NY! The world class invitation only race will test the limits of some 315 competitors from 19 states and 17 countries as we race up 86 flights—1,576 steps—to the outdoor observation deck of the world’s most famous office building and the tallest building in New York City. This marks the 4th consecutive year that I've been selected to compete as an Elite athlete in such a prestigious event. Once again, this year’s Run-Up attracted a record number of applicants from all over the world and I'll have the opportunity to compete with some of the most diverse and well-trained athletes in the field.
 
Defending champion Thomas Dold of Germany looks to join only two other five-time winners when he headlines the field at the 33rd annual NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up on Tuesday, 2 February.
 
Dold, 25, who has won the last four Run-Ups, would equal Australian great Paul Crake (1999–2003) and Al Waquie of the United States (1983–87) for most victories in this signature race on the NYRR calendar.
 
Crake - 9:33 - and Andrea Mayr of Austria - 11:23 - are the men's and women's course record holders.
 
Dold, who graduated in 2009 from his college in Stuttgart, Germany, is a standout in the sport of professional tower climbing, with a lengthy list of victories around the globe, his own website, and several sponsors. Since December, he has commuted to Frankfurt twice weekly to train at the Main Tower, a skyscraper that is 200 metres tall (52 floors and nearly 1,000 stairs).
 
Cindy Moll-Harris, 41, of Indianapolis, will once again aim for her fifth title. Moll-Harris is the only woman to have won the race four times (1998, 2000, 2001, and 2003).
 
Ginette Bedard, 76, of Howard Beach, NY, and Piero Dettin, 72, of Venice, Italy, are the oldest female and male participants entered in the race. On the other end of the age spectrum, 24-year-old Kacie Lauren Fischer of Shell Beach, CA, and 18-year-old Anthony John Scimone of Lakeland, FL, are the youngest competitors.
A total of 288 runners finished the 2009 invitational race, the second-most behind the 2008 event’s 308 finishers.
 
For more information, contact New York Road Runners (NYRR) or The Empire State Building.
 
For those of you in the New York City metro area, come join us post race for a healthy meal at my sponsor, Nature’s Grill Café, located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Nature’s Grill Café is a juice bar health conscious kitchen serving health foods of the highest quality ingredients.

2009 XTERRA Trail Running World Championship

For the 2nd consecutive year, I had the extraordinary opportunity to compete in the XTERRA Trail Running World Championship held at Kualoa Ranch in Oahu, Hawaii. This year’s event brought together a world-class field of 1,100 runners from 35 states and nine countries participating in the 5k, 10k and 21k World Championship races, which were a benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Hawaii. The 21k course was extremely challenging, but also very beautiful as it featured several pristine views out into the Pacific Ocean and surrounding Ka’a'awa Valley. The most brutal part of the course was that it featured 3,000 feet of elevation gain and many extremely steep ascents. The terrain was vast, from dirt roads, grass fields, technical muddy single track trails and even through the dense rain forest of Hakipu`u Valley at Kualoa Ranch.

As compared to the 2008 race, the conditions this year were much more difficult. On race morning, it was very hot and the sun was out in full. Despite the course being slightly shortened, it also proved to be more difficult with the addition of several long and steep climbs.

The start was fast, very fast, as we quickly descended down a small hill and then hit the first series of climbs about 1200 meters into the race. I had a very strong start and felt great, until I hit the second hill. At this point, I began to have some cramping and stomach issues. Over the next couple of miles I worked through them and then got my rhythm back about six miles into the race.

The second half of the 21k World Championship race proved to be the most grueling, as were hit several steep climbs that eventually led to a single track trail through the rain forest. This has always been one of my favorite parts of this race since it offers everything that make’s XTERRA what it is, and showcases a breath taking view out into the Pacific Ocean! Just like last year, I was so tempted to stop for a while to appreciate the amazing views of the numerous small old volcanic islands that were clustered all over the coast of Oahu. After breaking out of the rain forest, runners are greeted by a long and steep decent, followed by a couple of miles of single track trails through fields, some small streams, forest and a downhill sprint to the finish.

Coming out of the woods, I put my kick in and came through with about the same time as in 2008. While it might not have been the finish that I was expecting, I was pleased despite my struggles throughout the early portion of the race.  I ended up finishing 67th overall and 4th out of 36 runners in the Men’s 30-34 Age Group. The field was definitely much more competitive than last year and the overall experience was amazing.

Angel and I spent about a week in Hawaii and were fortunate to experience many of Hawaii’s treasures. Prior to World Championships, we went snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and swam with three beautiful sea turtles and countless numbers of exotic fish, including a Puffer fish. Snorkeling in one of the most exotic reefs in the world was an exhilarating experience, despite having to swim through heavy current and maneuvering razor sharp coral.

In addition to spending a day at Hanauma Bay, we also walked and ran on Waikiki Beach and got to experience the massive 40-foot waves on the North Shore. This was the first time in years where the world famous “The Eddie” surfing tournament was held due to the change of ocean currents generating immense swells over a couple of days. The competition attracted the best surfers from around the globe. The waves were a truly spectacular thing to witness.

Special thanks to XTERRA for hosting another spectacular event and my sponsors, friends and family for all of your support through this amazing race season, XTERRA athlete Rachel Cieslewicz for not letting me give up early into World Championships when times were tough and all of my supporters and fans – If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am now.  Thank you PowerBar for all of the great nutrition products and the Gel Blasts have saved the day more than once this past season! Thanks SUGOI for making high quality competition gear; I loved the RSL Top that I used at Worlds. Thank you Deepak for your very professional and stellar athlete travel services. If anyone is ever looking for high quality and very reasonable travel to an exotic race location, make sure that you check out Premium Plus Sports. And thank you to my sports agent, Allen, at Platinum Sports Entertainment Group, Inc., for your diligent hard work in helping my athletic career excel.

2009 XTERRA Trail Running World Championship Preview

In less than a week, the 2nd annual XTERRA Trail Running World Championship will kick off in beautiful Oahu, Hawaii! The world class race will be held in the majestic Kaaawa Valley at Kualoa Ranch, located on the northeastern side of Oahu. There are over 3,000 feet of elevation gain as the course goes up several steep climbs throughout mountains, open fields and tropical rain forest. Last year, more than 800 runners from 32 states and eight countries participated in the 5, 10, and 21km events. I finished 33rd overall out of 358 runners and am seeking a top 10 finish this year. To add to the excitement, my girlfriend Angel King will also be competing in the World Championship race. This will be my 8th XTERRA event of the season that was highltighted by winning the title of 2009 XTERRA New England Trail Run Series Regional Champion.

Download the PDF

XTERRA Trail Running World Championship Preview:

This year's race will feature quite a few elite athletes such as Max King (2x XTERRA Trail Running National Champion and 2008 World Champion), Ben Bruce (Runner-up at XTERRA Trail Running National and World Championships), Heather Fur (Ironman World Champion), Cindy Anderson (2008 XTERRA Trail Running World Champion), Melanie McQuaid (3x XTERRA Triathlon World Champion), Richard Burgunder (2009 XTERRA New England Trail Run Series Regional Champion) and many more.

King is a three-time member of the Team USA World Cross Country team and both he and Bruce ran in the 3000 meter steeplechase at the Olympic Trials.

Registration and Packet Pick Up:

The event is open to everyone. Registration will be open until December 5th and all levels of runners are welcome to compete.

Online registration will close and mail-in entries must be received by Wednesday, December 2. Packet pickup and walk-up registration will take place on Saturday, December 5th from 10am to 6pm at the Waikiki Beach Walk. There will also be packet pickup on race day at Kualoa Ranch starting at 7am, sorry no race day registration will be available.

This year we are offering a discount for Active Duty Military. Valid ID must be shown at packet pickup.

The first 900 runners total from all races (5/10/21km) will receive a t-shirt

For more information, contact Emily McIlvaine at XTERRA/Team Unlimited.

XTERRA/TEAM Unlimited
720 Iwilei Road #290
Honolulu, HI 96817
P: (808)792-2611
F: (808)538-0314
emily@xterraplanet.com
www.xterraplanet.com

About the XTERRA Trail Run Series:

XTERRA is on a mission to produce the most recognizable, enjoyable, root slipping, mud hopping, tree ducking, river crossing, hill climbing, dirt on your shirt, sweat in your eye trail runs this side of Grandma’s house!

More than 50 races across the U.S. comprise the XTERRA Trail Run Series and offer age group athletes the opportunity to become regional champions. We'll also crown National Champions in Bend, Oregon on September 13 and World Champions in Hawaii on December 6.

Along the way XTERRA Trail Runs give back to the community by involving not-for-profits as beneficiaries at our events.

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2009 USA 50 Mile National Championships

For the 2nd straight year I ventured to my old training grounds in Central, PA for the 2009 USA 50 Mile National Championships. The race takes place on fire roads (74% dirt, 26% paved) in Rothrock State Forest. Terrain includes uphill, level and downhill grades, with shaded and open segments and some overlook vistas. The course takes in Whipple Dam State Park, Alan Seeger Natural Area, Penn Roosevelt State Park, Colyer Lake and Bear Meadows Natural Area with a total elevation gain of 5,035 ft! This area is absolutely beautiful, especially in the fall and is literally an outdoors paradise.

Throughout the year while driving in between Pittsburgh, State College and NYC, I would make frequent stops at Tussey Mountain to run the first couple legs of the race. Since there’s also an extremely popular 50 Mile Relay held annually in conjunction with the ultramarathon, the race is broken down into stages. This year’s relay alone had close to 90 teams, which is a record number. However, the athletes competing in the ultramarathon (Championship and Tussey Mountainback) were slightly down this year to about 100.

Over the course of the year, I would train vigorously on the infamous leg one of the course that includes a very steep 3.2 mile switchback with an immediate elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. I would run anywhere from 2-3 repeats at a time at 5k pace and felt extremely confident about the first phase of the ultramarathon.On race morning, it was about 50 degrees and a heavy fog blanketed the mountains. Unlike last year, it was substantially warmer and ideal race conditions.

Immediately after the start, I jumped out with Todd Braje (represented Team USA at the 100K World Cup in June) of CA and Andrew Bartle (runs professionally for the US Marine Corps) of Johnstown, PA. I held a slight lead through the first mile and then pulled back with Andrew once Todd passed us. The three of us remained neck-to-neck until we ascended the mountain at mile 3.2 and then Todd took off on the long decent. Upon the final switchback, I looked back and realized that there was nobody in sight. The intense hill and mountain training paid off, but would I be able to hold this pace?

Over the next 17 miles and up until about mile marker 20, I held the 3rd spot overall and Andrew was less than a quarter of a mile in front of me.

Shortly after passing through Transition Zone/Aid Station #6, I started to develop some severe cramping in my calves. This would continue to be a problem for the next 10 miles and forced me to speed walk a lot during this time period. I figured it out to have been caused by the marathon flats that I wore, which likely didn’t offer enough cushion and support for someone of my size on a brutal course such as this one. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any electrolyte pills with me either and had to solely rely on the aid stations for support at this point.

Despite the cramping, I was able to come through the marathon split in a remarkable 3:29, more than 45 minutes faster than in 2008. A sub 3:30 split on this course is fantastic and a sub 7 hours finishing time was still feasible.

The final 10 miles of the race would prove to be agonizing, yet very enjoyable. After ascending the extremely steep and long hill that included over another 1,000 feet of elevation gain from mile 38 to 42, I regained my focus with anticipation of finishing strong. Passing through Transition Zone/Aid Station 10 is always a blessing because you will see many of the relay teams and even other ultra runners passing through there due to the out and back segment. I was extremely thrilled to see several of my friends and former PSU Triathlon teammates here, all whom offered immense support.

After passing through the aid station, there were only 4.2 miles between the finish and I. Heading up the small gradual uphill leading into the final leg, I paced off of my friend Brody who was running his final leg of the relay. For most of the final leg of the course, I tried to stick right with him and run as consistently as possible. With less than two miles to go, I realized that I was most likely going to PR by an astonishing hour or more compared to last year’s championship! I was so excited at this point that it was difficult to even focus on the race, but gradually started increasing my pace over the final mile.

Brody eventually pulled a head, but another relay runner and I paced each other and he helped me pick off an ultra runner in the final 800 meters. With the final turn and Tussey Mountain Ski Resort in sight, I picked it up and sprinted through the finish line in 7:46:17. This was a 62 minute PR on this course for me and good enough for 9th overall in the USA Championship. I earned my 2nd USATF medal in three attempts within the past 15 months.

2009 Time: 7:46:17

2008 Time: 8:48:26

A new PR by an astonishing 1 hour 2 minutes and 5 seconds!

2009 USATF Place: 9th

2008 USATF Place: 12th

On a side note: My time in this year’s race would have placed me 8th overall in 2008. The ultramarathon had about 100 finishers in the USATF and Tussey Mountainback combined. In 2008, the field was larger, but I would have placed slightly better.

Only one non USATF runner beat me, which was my old teammate from Penn State – Chris Woods. He has been training and living in Boulder, CO over the past several years and is an exceptional runner who did run for VT and PSU. Chris passed me with less than 8 miles to go, but I almost caught him in the final two miles.