A long overdue recap of the Midstate Massive 100 miler with Ryan Pelletier. This was his 2nd Hundred Miler within 4 weeks of each other. His first ever attempt / completion was at Pine Creek. We have been struggling technology wise with the recording and limits on attendees and lengths. I thought I found the perfect solution, but there were some issues and we got cut off near the end of the recording. I'm going to upload it the way it turned out - because hey, we are by no means perfect - so it seems fitting. I have a different solution I will try on the next recording "Episode #016 - the Hamster Wheel". Stay tuned

On Saturday - September 12, 2020 four local runners drove out to Wellsboro, PA to tackle the Pine Creek Challenge 100 miler. The four runners were: Padraig Mullens, Ryan Pelletier, Josh Milich, and Brian Tjersland. They made the trip themselves and they each ran the race without the help of any crews nor pacers. Turned out to be a great trip with Mullens winning the overall race with a time of 16:40:10. Pelletier finished his first 100 mile attempt with an impressive time of 21:21:27 giving him an 8th place overall finish. Milich crossed the line in 24th place at 26:00:06 and Tjersland came in 25th place at 26:00:07. This episode helps pain the picture for the rest of us that could not be there with them on this epic trip to a rare 100 mile trail race that wasn't taken down by Covid-19. Awesome day all around for these four incredible runners.

Course Description from Ultrasignup: It will be a scenic trail run along Pine Creek in northern Pennsylvania. The Pine Creek Rail Trail stretches 63 miles from Wellsboro Junction to Jersey Shore. It is repeatedly listed as one of the finest bike rides in the Northeast. We have set up an out and back course that uses 25 miles of the upper, “Canyon”, section. This section is through the Grand Canyon of the East, the Pine Creek Gorge. The Gorge stretches for 47 miles. It is nearly a mile wide and 1,450 feet deep at its deepest point. This section of Pine Creek is listed as a National Natural Landmark. 

Link to Race Results: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=74639

#sneakymilshake #zerointegrity #MACdonalds #sweetgasstation

During this crazy time of the Coronavirus pandemic, we get together to talk the effects on the running community. What races are cancelled, what will still be run this year. Thoughts on Virtual racing and what we are all doing to keep our Type-A personalities in check during it all.

IT'S HERE... after months of hounding, we were finally able to wrangle the four guys from the 500 mile journey into one room together. We had Josh, Brian, Donnie, and Jared held captive to recap some of the highs and lows of their epic journey from Bourne, MA to Arlington, VA on Veteran's Day 2019. This incredible "feet" brought so much awareness to Mission 22 and the many lives they strive to help on a daily basis. Myself and Ryan were there in the room tending to electronics and steering the train as the guys did broadcast LIVE on Facebook. I then saved a simple audio copy of their broadcast in order to put it out there on this podcast platform. Epic Adventure and a Life Changing event for many people, especially these four Rock Stars: Josh, Brian, Donnie, and Jared!

Also...be on the lookout for a bunch of great events these guys are organizing for the upcoming year to help raise awareness for Mission 22!

In Episode #011 we talk with the co-founders of DTR (Down to Run) Adre & Ludi Chaves who helped put Ultra Distance Trail Racing on the map in Florida. Andre, Ludi, and their dog Summit pretty much embody the Ultra Outdoors Lifestyle. They spend time in their home state of Florida as well as Colorado where they have a second home nestled in the mountains at 9,420 feet. They are always out in search of new adventures. They are both accomplished Ultra Runners, and love spending time with their friends on the trails.

I first met them when I entered the Dunes 100 for the first time. Their entire crew made everyone feel like family right away, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for how they live their lives and keep people actively engaged at the same time. It was my pleasure having them call in to be recorded, and I highly recommend you attend one of their events if you ever have the chance to do that.

Instagram: Andre (@ultragrasshopper), Ludi (@trail_chipmunk), DTR (@downtorun), Summit(@summit_trail_weim)

DTR ENdurance Challenge link:   https://www.downtorun.com/dunes-100-endurance-challenge/

Air BnB Colorado Cottage link:   https://bit.ly/2QNB7ZU

The JMTC Crew get the insight of this years' UTMB from Shaun Daylor who completed the race at the end of August which takes place in the Alps, and follows the route of the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. It has a distance of approximately 106 miles, and a total elevation gain of around 32,940 feet. It is widely regarded as one of the most difficult foot races in the world, and one of the largest with more than 2,500 starters. It is one race during a week-long festival based around Chamonix in France. The races have strict entry and qualification requirements attained by accumulating enough race points through qualifying trail races over the previous two-year period. Shaun finished the race with a time a 38:17:06 which put him in 528th Place Overall, and 212th Place in his Division.

Listen to Brian Tjersland and his entire crew as they recap the trip to PA for the 2019 running of the Eastern States 100 mile race on the weekend of August 10th. The Eastern States 100 is a 103 mile single loop trail ultra on 98% single-track/double-track. The course has an elevation gain of 20,000+ ft with a net elevation change of over 40,000+ ft. It is supported with 17 aid stations and challenges participants with a strict 36 hour cutoff. This race has a reputation as one of the toughest 100 milers in the country! Brian's crew/ pacers consisted of his wife Cindy, Ryan Powers, and Josh Milich. Here is the link to the races web site:  https://easternstates100.com/fullscreen/home/

Don't forget that Brian and Josh will soon be running 500 miles under the Mission22 organization to help end Veteran's Suicide. Read about them and donate to the cause at the following link: https://bit.ly/2vRd4y5

See Brian and Josh on Channel 12 News talking about their journey: https://bit.ly/2m7gWt2

On May 18, 2019 The Virginia Happy Trails Running Club hosted the 25th Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 mile race (MMT 100). Five of this year's  entrants were from the JMTC who set out to tackle the demanding, rocky trail set in the Massanutten Mountains of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The list included Kevin Mullen (going for his 5th consecutive finish), Brian Tjersland, John Correiro, Giles Gregory, and Mark Gauthier. Each of these runners had their own reason for attempting this race, with it being the first 100 mile race attempt for Mark Gauthier. The runners were well supported by many other members of the JMTC heading down to both Crew and Pace the runners. In the end, all five JMTC runners completed the race in what was described as a brutally hot and challenging course. Huge CONGRATS to these amazing competitors on their accomplishments.

 This podcast was an attempt to get the runners / pacers / crews involved in that race to recap this event for those of us who could not be there.

I also discovered the upper limits of recording a podcast from a mobile device platform during this recording. Thanks to all those that called in and dealt with the technical difficulties. Lessons learned, experienced gained!

Don't forget about Brian & Josh's 500 Miles to End Veteran Suicide Run in November. Help spread the word to raise money for MIssion 22. Copy and paste the informational link provided here:  https://bit.ly/2vRd4y5