Whether it’s your first time in Leadville or you’ve run the infamous trails before, each year brings a brand-new 100-mile journey at 10,000-plus feet. 2015 is no different. To send you on your way, here are a few words of wisdom from those who have gone before (and who keep coming back for more).
“The LT100 is a tough race. Altitude, trails, weather, and Hope Pass — twice! The hardest thing for first-timers is to stay controlled during the first 40 miles of the race. Relatively speaking, the first 40 miles are flat, fast and very runnable. I would highly encourage all runners to scale back their pace substantially between the start line and Twin Lakes 40. I’ve seen so many folks destroy their legs running this ‘easy’ terrain too fast. You want to remain controlled through mile 40, then hit the double-crossing of Hope Pass, and then the race begins at Twin Lakes 60! You’ll want to have running legs for all that runnable terrain from mile 63 to 78. Beyond that advice? Just know it will hurt. A lot. Get your mind wrapped around that and you will succeed.”
—Duncan Callahan, two-time LT100 Run champion
“My one piece of advice would be to run your own race, take care of yourself with regards to nutrition/hydration and try to enjoy it!”
—Tina Lewis, 2013 LT100 Run female champion
“I have a simple mantra that I use for ultra events: ‘Stay dialed in. Stick to the task at hand. Put one foot in front of the other.’ It’s important to stay dialed into what you are doing and what you need to do in order to finish the race. Hydration and nutrition are super-critical to stay ahead of. Stay focused on your goals, and don’t worry about what others are doing. Be prepared for all types of weather conditions. Familiarize yourself with the course and spend time on the difficult parts. Mentally have the race whipped before you get out on it on race day. Whether running or biking, keep moving and don’t spend time at the aid stations. If you keep moving, you will usually work out any aches or pains that arise during the race…and they will arise.”
—Chris Lloyd, Leadman
“Embrace the pain. Know that it’s going to be there and have a plan for getting through it. Make sure you stop at some point and look around. It’s hard to comprehend how beautiful the scenery is. Be nice to your crew. For many, it’s harder on them than it is on us. And most important, have fun! You don’t want to regret missing out on the experience.”
—Mike Lamond, two-time Leadman
“No matter how bad you feel in any one moment, do NOT give up. The altitude and the course can wreak havoc on your body and the best race plans. There will be times when you will feel really, really bad, but I have experienced and witnessed amazing comebacks. Keep your head together and stay focused on the singular goal of moving forward. You CAN finish. And of course, don’t go out too fast. The race really starts when you get back to Twin Lakes at mile 60. Try to get back there feeling as good as you can, put on some fresh socks and shoes and then go get that buckle. I promise, it is worth it.”
—Emily Booth, two-time LT100 Run finisher
For more information about the LT100, or to register for other Leadville Race Series Events, visit www.leadvilleraceseries.com
