tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post2867924264889414553..comments2024-02-29T02:06:59.726-09:00Comments on Fumbling Towards Endurance: UTMB in the US?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-53238573628689937842011-01-09T01:00:47.908-09:002011-01-09T01:00:47.908-09:00Geoff
I agree with much of what Martin said. I ha...Geoff<br /><br />I agree with much of what Martin said. I have visited Chamonix for most of the last 20 years to walk, run, climb and bike. I know the place well.<br /><br />Your own posts about UTMB pinpointed that the real excitement was generated by the people.<br /><br />Mark Twight said some things about Cham that seem relevant in this context:<br /><br />"In Chamonix men achieve great things and the Nietzschean ethic of surpassing one's previous best efforts plays out every day. As with all sites of geographic power, people make the pilgrimage to measure themselves against this place and its people. Some commune with the mountain god and find their true selves among the ice and stone."<br /><br />"While athletes from other regions are content to progress soberly, Chamonix's climbers and skiers redefine human limitations almost daily....The topography and social structure of Chamonix virtually ensure that any visiting climber comes away with greater skills. being surrounded by great talent inspires you to surpass yourself."<br /><br />Having experienced the atmosphere of these races for myself as watcher and participant, I have little doubt that the local population "gets" the event better than anyone else on the planet.<br /><br />I can think of 5 local people I know who are not ultra runners who have taken on the challenge of one of the races and completed them. So it is clear that as well as the resident athletes, the locals take up the challenge of the events themselves. And that must cause a drip-down effect where a decent proportion of the local community understands what the runners are doing, why they are dong it and what they are going through on race day.<br /><br />That's the key to it for me; the locals understanding what is going and on and, feeling such a part of the event, they turn out in numbers to give their support to people they have never met who they know are trying something special.<br /><br />If you can replicate that atmosphere in the US, more power to you. I'll certainly make the trip from England.<br /><br />MorganMorgan Williamsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-62241348601390860202011-01-06T10:55:52.139-09:002011-01-06T10:55:52.139-09:00The only 'mountain town' that I have visit...The only 'mountain town' that I have visited with the passion, toughness an populace(300,000 people) to cheer on a race like y'all are describing is Anchorage, AK. The two ultras in Alaska, Ressurection and Crow pass are very remote. More accessible trail events such as the tour of Anchorage ski race, Iditarod, and mt. marathon draw big crowds. My vote would be for a more accesible trail race in anchorage. Best part, in the summer, no headlamps required...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-20292693409822879352011-01-05T09:52:06.083-09:002011-01-05T09:52:06.083-09:00To echo a few Telluride woudl be the premier place...To echo a few Telluride woudl be the premier place for a US UTMB. if mart of the goal of the event is numbers and hype, then all it takes is companies to throw down and make it happen, and the people and popular support will follow. <br />Just up the road in Silverton, the Red Bull Divide and Conquer used to occur. This was a team event combining 4 extreme sports, and the hype was pretty high I thought. <br />Adventure racing is a good comparison here. Mark Burnett created reality TV from the Eco Challenge adventure races, which he bailed on to make millions from Survivor. All is takes is saavy marketing.<br />As far as permitting, the Primal Quest adventure race occured in telluride for several years, which was far more impactful and with complicated permitting than any 100 mile run woudl ever be. <br />Geoff, put on this race!Dave Mackeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13582815873942037665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-78248109290210199982011-01-04T23:32:02.332-09:002011-01-04T23:32:02.332-09:00I think that a lot of the comments concerning diff...I think that a lot of the comments concerning differences in culture between Europe and the States are very valid but the one most important thing that is missing in the States in order for there to be a UTMB equivalent is the place itself.<br />You can only really understand what the Mont Blanc region is if you spend a fair amount of time there - I don't even think Geoff has spent enough time to understand it completely. <br />Try to imagine having a mountain range - something almost as big as Mt. Mckinley in extent but just a little bit lower 4810m instead of just over 6000m where some of the greatest European mountaineering successes have taken place. On one side you have Aspen (Chamonix), on the other Jacksons Hole(Courmayeur). Add to this the tourist pulling capacity of Yosemite national park, Moab (I put that for MTB fans), and the Grand Canyon with all of the beautiful scenery and breath taking panoramas - something like a huge Disneyland for outdoor adventure but with much better food.<br />The Mont Blanc range is then surrounded by tens of other beautiful little villages between the three countries of France, Italy and Switzerland which the UTMB course crosses and these villages are all linked across the various mountain passes by century old footpaths which were not only used in the past but are still used by mountain trekkers, ski tourers etc. The UTMB track (Haute Route Mont Blanc) existed before the race did - it was and is utilised by thousands of people who walk all or part of the route every year, stopping to sleep and eat in the various mountain huts or villages along the route. <br />The majority of peple who live in these larger or smaller villages live partly or completely off tourism - they embrace the opportunity to welcome 5,000 competitors (2,200 UTMB, 1,800 CCC, 1,200 TDS) plus their families, friends to their region. The UTMB utilises 1,650 volunteers who give their time and efforts in exchange for meals, transport and some North Face gear. On top of this you have just normal people in the villages cheering you as you go through or who provide improvised water stops - small children who offer you cups of water and how can you refuse to take a cup of water from a small six year old. <br />When you walk through the streets of Chamonicx for a week before the race the excitement and expectancy is palpable in the air. You can't ignore it even if you wish to - every shop, restaurant or bar displays advertising or shop windows connected to the event - huge banners and flags stretch across the streets. <br />Anyone who has run down the last kilometer into the church square of Chamonix with hundreds and hundreds of people applauding and cheering as if you are a genuine champion, music blasting from the loud speakers (usually Vangelis) will never forget the experience. <br /><br />And as someone mentioned earlier all of this is just a few hours away from a large part of the European population - Paris is 5 hours by train or one hour by plane. London is 7 hours by train or two hours by plane. Milan and Turin are just two hours by car. Geneva is an hour by car. <br /><br />I don't know the States that well but I really don't think that it could be possible to organise a UTMB like event.<br />Good luck anyway Geoff.Martinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-33370209453789143672011-01-04T20:20:12.324-09:002011-01-04T20:20:12.324-09:00I'm going to be honest here and most of you wo...I'm going to be honest here and most of you won't like it. A UTMB type race is never ever going to work here in the states. Running may be the center of our universe but most people outside the running community could care less about the sport, especially ultras or trail running. The recognition that marathons are now popular is really irrelevant. They are popular because you and your office mates can walk it with your grandmother while drinking your big gulp and listening to loud local cover bands every mile for 6 hours and feel like you actually accomplished something. That crowd isn't interested in how Ryan or Meb did in the very same race and they certainly won't be interested in watching dirtbag trail runners come through some rinky dink town. Just because we think what we do is important doesn't mean everyone else does.JEAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-47294131761193871352011-01-03T18:44:10.931-09:002011-01-03T18:44:10.931-09:00I think the permit issue will be the most limiting...I think the permit issue will be the most limiting factor. In terms of course geography, there is tremendous potential for ultras in the Adirondacks and White Mountains in the Northeast. There are very few trail races in either region. The one trail race in the Adirondacks has 150 or so spots, and fills up in a few hours. Lake Placid would be great base for a large U.S. ultra, but the governing agencies do not support large events on the trails. It's possible that a large financial incentive might change this, but even if the governing agencies were interested, the locals might not be interested in a large event on trails.<br /><br />At least in the Northeast, the people that put the most effort into protecting good trails seem to value solitude and wilderness preservation much more than large sporting events.<br /><br />For a U.S. race, the quickest way to start the development of something similar to UTMB would seem to be through North Face. Why doesn't the San Fran race finish and start in downtown Sausalito?Ben Nephewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04819864580010023523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-60879223182763742932011-01-03T18:25:08.424-09:002011-01-03T18:25:08.424-09:00Great idea Geoff and I think it is definately a po...Great idea Geoff and I think it is definately a possibility. Colorado, Vermont, California, Washington/Vancouver area. Plenty of other areas it could work. <br /><br />I'm an optimist at heart so I'm hesitant to believe just because our base culture and population is "lazy" and "fat" (because it is) that something like this can't take off. It can happen. Not everyone is fat and lazy in America or there wouldn't be such an explosion in the number of ultra races in the US the last then years. People will come if it's done with a passion that I'm sure you all other ultra guys and girls will put in. 296,000,000 people. You only really need a few thousand of those. <br /><br />Go for it.<br /><br />JeremyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03171077090207178168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-79169896430204127402011-01-03T13:51:24.269-09:002011-01-03T13:51:24.269-09:00Geoff,
You might want to find a way to chat with M...Geoff,<br />You might want to find a way to chat with Michael Aisner. He's the guy who headed up the launch and tremendous growth of the Coors Classic bike stage race in Colorado in the 80s. He got this thing huge, got good TV coverage, big name sponsors, and a ton of spectators out on the course...all at a time when bike racing in the US was about as popular as ultra running is today. He's an interesting guy, has good connections, and may have some ideas. He lives in Boulder. Let me know if you want more detailed contact info.<br />Seems to me like a Boulder/Denver/C Springs area race would have some potential to achieve what you are looking for...Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02939668138316539454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-76511985093656544112011-01-03T11:05:21.721-09:002011-01-03T11:05:21.721-09:00Slightly different sport, ski mountaineering's...Slightly different sport, ski mountaineering's equivalent of the UTMB, the Pierra Menta( which Killian won last year) is in the backcountry and remote locations, and there are still thousands of people on the course. In fact, the biggest peak in the four day course takes several hours to climb in the winer and there are almost 2,000 spectators there. Image 2,000 people on Hopes Pass as an equivalent. As others have said, it's just a different culture.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-74129558731289377212011-01-03T10:38:07.268-09:002011-01-03T10:38:07.268-09:00Geoff at al: The Burning River 100 in Cleveland pa...Geoff at al: The Burning River 100 in Cleveland passes through several towns. It hosted the USATF 100-mile national championship in 2010 and will again in 2011. It is very accessible to the spectator and passes through several municipalities, ending in downtown Cuyahogoa Falls. Very well directed with excellent volunteers and a strong local ultrarunning community to back it up. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of crowd support though huge potential is there due to the accessibility of the race. I think creating a UTMB-type race in America would require peripheral events such as festivals with, unfortunately, lots of food and alcohol to entice people who would watch the runners come through. I think it has to come from gassroots versus a huge sponsor swooping in and making the race all about their own company. That would turn people off. Success would come from grassroots.<br /><br />I see potential UTMB-type possibilities in Vermont. I'm still too new to Colorado to really have a feel for how a UTMB-type race would fare here. What's it like at Trans Rockies--lots of people come to watch or not? Probably not.<br /><br />Geoff: I hope to meet you eventually. I live in Denver and get to Boulder every so often for runs up Green, SoBo and Bear.<br /><br />www.nolimitsever.blogspot.com<br /><br />WyattWyatt Hornsbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14224514798393011001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-32557560979909720722011-01-03T07:41:47.672-09:002011-01-03T07:41:47.672-09:00How do the bike races do it? I'm not a cyclist...How do the bike races do it? I'm not a cyclist, but I get jazzed when the Tour of California comes anywhere near where I live. I drive there, have lunch, watch the guys whiz by, have a few beers, and enjoy myself. Each time I've done that there are thousands other non cyclists there.<br />So how'd they get the promotion? I understand they're riding through streets, but a large portion of that Tour is virtually inaccessible...just like an ultra.Eric@URPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09225677861906443935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-68352203797815104042011-01-03T07:39:56.419-09:002011-01-03T07:39:56.419-09:00I think that I have to come down mostly on the cul...I think that I have to come down mostly on the cultural difference side of the fence. As one who has been in and out of competitive cycling for the past 30+ years, I can see parallels. There have been many attempts over the years to create an American version of the Tour de France. While some high quality races have resulted (and usually disappeared after 5-7 years), there is nothing that comes close to the cultural commitment that Europeans show for their national tours. And this is despite the fact that competitive cycling has a much larger participatory base than ultra-running in the U.S.. Perhaps the models worth following are those of non-competitive events such as the RAGBRAI (over 10,000 participants per year and they still need a lottery), or a competitive event that caters to the recreational side of the race, such as the American Birkebeiner ski marathon (around 9000 participants).Erik F.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03082505951644312204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-10931674349982977792011-01-02T11:56:28.700-09:002011-01-02T11:56:28.700-09:00Very good point, Geoff.
I am a spaniard ultrarunn...Very good point, Geoff. <br />I am a spaniard ultrarunner, living in the Guadarrama mountains by Madrid. Have run the ultras at Leadville, UTMB, Pyrenees, Canary Islands and Guadarrama mountains among others. <br /><br />Yes, UTMB is unique.:-) <br />Yes, it will be good for the USA to have its own version. <br />The way I see it, looking into the future, Leadville will step up to that role soon. (Somebody above did mention how exciting it already feels to get across Twin Lakes or Leadville) <br />Look at the Leadville bike race these days, and just give LT100 some more time to build up the trail run to UTMB runners volumes...you got it. <br />Just let old style races like WS for the "lucky few", go on their way as you mention.<br />We do have plenty of those 200-300 bibs races in Europe as well (Look up "Zegama-Aizkorri" or Maraton Alpino Madrileño") and it sure is good to have both sides. <br />But...will you support LT100 and its open field in 2011 or will you only run at WS with the lucky few? :-Dmayayohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07337738857188542230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-51197140808278010782011-01-02T10:14:52.007-09:002011-01-02T10:14:52.007-09:00as long as the economy stays bad, a race of the so...as long as the economy stays bad, a race of the sort you're describing will develop. It needs to start soon though, because Americans are wary of supporting new things when it comes to "home"...they like stuff with "history" i.e. "Serving you fried wings and football since 1973" ...see? that's "home." <br /><br />So, pick a race or spot this year. Assuming we stay depressed (economically) for at least 5 years, you'll have exactly what you want. It fits perfectly into the newly forming ethos in America of returning to simpler things, saving money and spending time in something that resembles an Ansel Adams painting and is thus "home." Plus most of your guys all have those crazy beards. What could be more of return to our "roots" than a bunch of bearded guys foraging through the bosom of our motherland? We're talking cocaine levels of nostalgia here. <br /><br />I'm telling you, maaaan, 5 years maximum. Hopefully, people don't get tired of the finger shoes...otherwise all bets are off. <br /><br />-PatrickPatrick Thurberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14936598386217706363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-14242303102197482642011-01-02T09:46:28.845-09:002011-01-02T09:46:28.845-09:00Great idea-
I think you use the Ironman as the tem...Great idea-<br />I think you use the Ironman as the template. Nobody did that years ago, you were "crazy" too just like the marathon before that.<br />TV and great storytelling really made that event explode. As much as I hate all the backstory on the telecast, it humanized the event to the masses.<br />Now everyone puts on an ironman or 1/2. I watched the 1st Wisconsin Ironman in Madison and people were there until the cut off cheering and crying, yes crying, watching people they didn't know finish.<br /><br />The Lake Tahoe area might be a good location. Close to a couple of big cities(airports), you could cross to Nevada and back, and maybe the ski areas could help with the national forest thing.<br />Finally, you need the magazines and TV(Versus?) to cover it.<br /><br />Lastly, some ultra people have to get off their high horses about everyone just wants to watch tv. Have you seen the numbers for marathon participation? There is an audience, you just have to reach out to them.<br /><br />I'd love to work on this too Geoff. Shoot me an email.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16111298419122957594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-86362964349597247332011-01-02T07:47:16.824-09:002011-01-02T07:47:16.824-09:00I've lived in Catalunya, Colorado, and Ireland...I've lived in Catalunya, Colorado, and Ireland. I'm not sure the demographics of Olot or Girona are all that different from Leadville and Vail. As such, I think such an event would be possible in the United States, but it's all about extensive promotion to non-ultrarunners, something ultramarathoners not named Karnazes aren't doing particularly well just yet. <br /><br />I think if you promoted something like this in Boulder and Nederland, told the people of Boulder and Nederland that the world's biggest ultra was coming to their hometown and properly promoted it, you could get people to support it. The Boulder Bolder gets tens of thousands of non-runners to line the streets every Memorial Day, a similar ultra event could do the same. It would take time and lots of hard work, but a proper team of motivated individuals could get it done, I'm certain of it.Kieran McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11606919516884153997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-44417566636172822912011-01-02T06:36:11.427-09:002011-01-02T06:36:11.427-09:00Glenn: I'll take back the "stuck up"...Glenn: I'll take back the "stuck up" comment, that was a little harsh. :-) No bad intentions there. At the Speedgoat 50k, there were just as many folks watching as HR. It's a small race, and like many others, limited in entrants because of restrictions. If I had the resources to promote it like UTMB, I would be all for it. I've tried with Snowbird and local television, but for some reason they are more interested in high school football season. :-) Competing with that is pathetic.<br /><br />Would it be bad in Telluride if their were barriers with 1000 people lining the streets cheering runners? No, in my opinion, it would be cool. It would bring in business and $$$ to the town. Although Telluride doesn't really need the $$ that much, it's still a reason to hold the event. If Telluride can handle the Bluegrass Festival.......c'mon. We love the music, why can't we love the athletes too?<br /><br />Hone: Yah, they do smoke alot, I've noticed that too...but....they are outside doing stuff, not sitting on their asses. Big difference I think. <br /><br />Bipedy! In Europe what I like most is the fact that there are NO PACERS. I love that. I don't run with pacers, I think it's muling, even if the "mule" doesn't carry anything. I have no problem carrying extra stuff, in reality, the extra weight can be distributed very easily and is not a big deal if it's done right. In the US, the question always is: Who's pacing you? I pace myself. Can you pick up that wrapper for me? do you have an extra gel? Runners should take care of themselves. I agree 100% on that. We don't carry much stuff in the US because we don't have to. UTMB does require a little much, but that's the deal.<br /><br />Last year at UTMB many fans looked at my pack thinking I did not carry all the requirements. It was all there, just not in a single pack, it was at my disposal if I needed it. It was no big deal to carry that. The phone, however, is ridiculous. They should leave that one at home. <br /><br />UTMB certainly has a bigger budget to promote their race. If we do the numbers...at least 600,000 or more bucks get the race going. That's alot, it shouldn't be hard to promote a race with that much cash in hand. I won't ask why there is no prize money....that's another story. <br /><br />Vail is the only place in the US that could handle a good event like UTMB. No it's not central Europe, like Chamonix, but it's the best we have. Funny thing is, too many people would complain about it being too high of an altitude. Another story again. <br /><br />I'm done here...:-)Speedgoat Karlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06938342832238975059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-12266859663198842322011-01-02T06:01:08.071-09:002011-01-02T06:01:08.071-09:00UTMB is business, not only the race but is also co...UTMB is business, not only the race but is also cool event...this is good job for organizers. <br /><br />Check this, beautiful place & race: <br /><br />http://www.grandraidpyrenees.com/<br /><br />Happy NY from Croatia!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-89447870980153014902011-01-02T03:12:10.834-09:002011-01-02T03:12:10.834-09:00I Don't know if the US could have a race that...I Don't know if the US could have a race that resembles the UTMB or not, i guess you have the trails, but if you think about it Chamonix is the heart of the mountaineering and has a history aswell, its location is in central europe so its not such a burdon for Europeans to Travel to Chamonix and compete. As for the ultra culture I do think that trail running in France is quite popular but in the US there are alot o of 100milers so there is quite a respectable amount of ultra runners in the states with good performances...Agiofwshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08615745591578611829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-16928336941678457572011-01-01T23:25:18.275-09:002011-01-01T23:25:18.275-09:00As a french ultra-runner, I agree with most of wha...As a french ultra-runner, I agree with most of what was written on UTMB. From my own point of view, it is not so much a cultural thing, we also are viewed by non runner as crazy people. But in France we have good story teller. And the best story ever made in sport is the Tour de France, the biggest bike event in the world. Even with the biggest stadium in the world you will not be able to gather so many people on a race. It is so strong in France and Europe now, that for most people it is fun to go to see people on a race. UTMB tells the same story. It is also important to know that every village crossed by UTMB is implicated in the race organisation, so they are able to find a lot of volunteers in exchange of what they can communicate on the race to attract more tourists. Another thing, Volunteers are not paid, but organisation (via North Face sponsorship) pays the train ticket if needed, hotel, foods and reward them with some north face gears. It makes it easier to find all necessary people to organise this big event. <br /><br />I think all those element can be found in US too, but first somebody needs to tell a story about Ulra-running that non runner will be ready to believe in. <br /><br />One more thing on UTMB. A new rule has been edited for the 2011 races : the minimum equipment list is going to be heavier (they add, waterproof pants, warming long shirt,and the jacket should be 165g minimum). When I see you, guys, running in US with only one short and a bottle of water in your hand. I am asking myself what do you think to start a 100miles with at least 2kg of thing on your back not including water ????<br />This is a real difference between Ultra in Europe (lot of equipment and no pacer) and US (Pacer but no equipments).Bipedyhttp://www.ultrawayoflife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-1162125819079777052011-01-01T19:45:44.200-09:002011-01-01T19:45:44.200-09:00The problem I see is that Cham is central to all o...The problem I see is that Cham is central to all of Europe and in the states we don't have a spot like that with the population density to support the race. It's geography. Just looking at the map of Europe shows why it's the perfect set up. <br /><br />The people: Euros are way more accepting of risk. Americans, not so much. <br /><br />Only way I think it could happen in the U.S. is if you could get Google to sponsor it.Fairbankshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02146936963177981144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-14367650379645892972011-01-01T14:22:35.955-09:002011-01-01T14:22:35.955-09:00The UTMB race organizers and sponsors do an except...The UTMB race organizers and sponsors do an exceptional job publicizing the race around the different communities. It doesn’t hurt that half of Europe is on vacation in August or that the friends and family of 2,400 runners are there ready to party, too. But most important is that people have a connection to each other and to the sport of running that brings them together and creates a lot of energy. You won’t find that in the US to the same extent, the culture here is just different. <br /><br />As far as Hardrock goes, I think Karl’s comments are off-base about Telluride being stuck up and therefore doesn’t care to watch the race. Ultra’s just don’t attract huge amounts of spectators regardless of the location in the US. Are there 1,000’s of spectators at the Speedgoat 50K, which draws on a lot larger population base in the area?<br /><br />I wouldn’t want to see Hardrock become a big circus like UTMB, either. That’s not the vibe there and at a lot of other races. That being said, many established ultra’s, need some fresh air breathed in their organizations. By that, I mean bringing in some of the characteristics of UTMB and other international ultra’s and making their events more, for lack of a better word, fun and not just an act of enduring an endurance run. Major races aren't having any problem attracting entrants these days, but given a choice, I think most people would choose a UTMB-like event in the US.GMackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16201355449110568639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-3836109032714048862011-01-01T11:58:33.263-09:002011-01-01T11:58:33.263-09:00Everyone in Europe smokes. When I lived in Switzer...Everyone in Europe smokes. When I lived in Switzerland for 18 months that is the main thing I noticed...the other main thing was how much hotter the women were. Just saying.<br /><br />Nobody in America gives a crap about ultras. I have stopped telling people I meet what I do for fun and pretty much always wear Sambas because I am ashamed of my hobby. I want them to think I am skinny because I play soccer or basketball and not because I run a stupid amount of mileage in the mountains. Where is the remote??Honehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10305522904478032648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-75108059968798073972011-01-01T11:54:36.724-09:002011-01-01T11:54:36.724-09:00This comment has been removed by the author.Honehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10305522904478032648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-54382301299524480552011-01-01T11:29:28.173-09:002011-01-01T11:29:28.173-09:00When I tell a coworker, friend, relative that I...When I tell a coworker, friend, relative that I'm training for a 50M or 100M trail race, they think I'm crazy and wonder why I'd do such a thing. Even some runners don't understand this. They think if you go out and run a 5k, 10k or half marathon, then that should be enough. We are workaholics, status worrying people in this country. Run a mile, why would you want to do that?<br /><br />In Europe, the "mindset" is different. People care about things other then sitting on their arses, wondering when the next game is going to be on tv.<br /><br />Personally, I like the latter mindset :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03662322900559660512noreply@blogger.com