Run It Fast®

Day 5 action at The Vol State 500K saw Rhoda Smoker come from 12 miles back at the 96-hour check in to become the First Female to The Rock for 2018. Rhoda got to The Rock in 4 days 12 hours 5 minutes 35 seconds which is the 3rd fastest time in VS500K history for a woman.

She was on a pretty regimented sleep schedule that had her sleeping during the nights and getting up early in the mornings to run throughout the entire day until early evening where she would then bunker down again. It worked well as it kept her miles really strong/fast, and got her the rest she needed.

Smoker passed RIF #404 Andrea Kooiman around mile 290 to take the lead. Andrea went on to finish strong, just a couple hours behind Rhoda, with a time of 4 days 14 hours 40 minutes 59 seconds which is the 4th fastest female finish in race history. Congrats to Andrea on an amazing performance and to her crew of Jill Williams and David Pharr (guest day 1 cameo by Marylou Corino and day 5 Sonja Beck).

Regina Sooey who leap frogged for the lead and with the top two finishing women throughout the first 4 days faded on day 5 but still managed to secure third place female with at me of

Two unscrewed men Brian Trinkle and Alan Abbs had a sprint finish to The Rock with Brian barely edging out Alan to take second place with a time of 4:19:59:23. Alan finished just 17 seconds back of Brian.

Overall Top Finishers – tracker
1. Grant Maughan – 3:22:02:59 – 314 Miles – KING OF THE ROAD
2. Rhoda Smoker – 4:12:05:35 – 314 Miles – First Female to The Rock (3rd fastest female time ever)
3. Andrea Kooiman – 4:14:40:59 – 314 Miles (4th fastest female time ever)
4. Brian Trinkle – 4:19:59:23 – 314 Miles
5. Alan Abbs – 4:19:59:40 – 314 Miles
6. Regina Sooey – 4:20:27:54 – 314 Miles
7. Rich Flint – 5:00:19:35 – 314 Miles
8. Douglas Long – 5:01:17:13 – 314 Miles
9. J.T. Hardy – 5:01:19:13 – 314 Miles

108 Hour Check-In for Run It Fast @ LAVS 500K
Andrea Casella Kooiman – 307
Cathy Downes – 231
Lisa Van Wolde – 223
Steven Smith – 223
Seth Crowe – 223
Chris Clemens – 204
Juli Aistars – 196
Cary Long – 196
Sherry Meador – 194
Kendra Fields Schoffstall – 185
David Nichols – 179
David Oglesby – 179
Sal Bill Coll – 179
Sharon Carver – 164
Beth Ann Russell Hosick – 164

Day 4 – Vol State 500K – Run It Fast Members Update (2018)
Day 3 – Vol State 500K – Run It Fast Members Update (2018)
Day 2 – Vol State 500K – Run It Fast Members Update (2018)
Day 1 – Vol State 500K – Run It Fast Members Update (2018)

There is a new King of the Road at The Last Annual Vol State 500K. Australia’s Grant Maughan took over the reign after finishing in under four days with a time of 3 days 22 hours 2 minutes and 59 seconds. It’s the 6th fastest time in the race’s history. Congrats and all hail the new King Dingofish. (full story on King Dingofish)

Overall Top 3 Men – tracker
1. Grant Maughan – 3:22:02:59 – 314 Miles – KING OF THE ROAD
2. Alan Abbs – 264 miles (uncrewed)
3. Brian Trinkle – 264 miles (uncrewed)

On the women’s side the top three women continue to stay all over each other with some minor leap frogging throughout the day and night. First place female and second place overall currently is Andrea Kooiman with 274 miles at the 96 hour check in. She is seven miles ahead of Regina Sooey (267 miles), and Rhoda Smoker (262 miles) is very close in 3rd currently.

Overall Top 3 Women – tracker
1. Andrea Kooiman – 274 miles (63 miles last 24 hours)
2. Regina Sooey – 267 miles (54 miles last 24 hours)
3. Rhoda Smoker – 262 miles (66 miles last 24 hours)

Of the 21 Run It Fast Members who started the race 15 remain on their mission to The Rock.

The top women from RIF remaining are Andrea (274 miles), Cathy Downes (212 miles), and Lisa Van Wolde (200 miles).

On the men’s side for RIF Steven Smith (200 miles), Seth Crowe (191 miles), and Chris Clemens (179 miles) have the highest tallies through 4 days.

96 Hour (4-Day) Check-In Run It Fast @ Vol State 500K – tracker

We lost both of The Diane’s to the road as Diane Durden and Vol State legend Diane Taylor exited the race. Sad to see the D’s call it.

84 Hour Check-In RIF @ Vol State 500K – 7:30Pm/July 15, 2018
Andrea Casella Kooiman – 234
Cathy Downes – 179
Lisa Van Wolde – 179
Steven Smith – 179
Seth Crowe – 179
Juli Aistars – 164
Chris Clemens – 163
Cary Long – 161
David Nichols – 144
Sherry Meador – 144
Kendra Fields Schoffstall – 144
David Oglesby – 138
Sal Bill Coll – 132
Sharon Carver – 131
Beth Ann Russell Hosick – 125
Diane Durden – DNF 111
Diane Taylor – 104

Day 3 – Vol State 500K – Run It Fast Members Update (2018)
Day 2 – Vol State 500K – Run It Fast Members Update (2018)
Day 1 – Vol State 500K – Run It Fast Members Update (2018)

[images: submitted by runners and Simon Bonnick]

Day 3 of The Last Annual Vol State has come to a close with Run IT Fast members continuing to be relentless and driven towards The Rock. We did lose Rachael Howard at mile 102 in Darden.

At the top of the race Grant Maughan continues to pull away and is now at mile 239 at 72 hours. Second place currently is held by Regina Sooey at 213 miles, followed by RIF’s Andrea Kooiman at 211 miles as those two women along with Rhoda Smoker, currently at 196 continue to put down nearly identical miles daily and have been basically tied at ever evening check-in.

Kooiman last night battled wild dogs, coyotes, her shadow, and at one point picked up a wild kitten and put in her pack for several miles before having her super-crew Jill Williams returning it back to where she had picked it up.

The Top unscrewed runner remains race veteran Alan Abbs who is at 198 miles.

Overall Top 3 Men
1. Grant Maughan – 239 miles
2. Alan Abbs – 198 miles (uncrewed)
3. Brian Trinkle – 194 miles (uncrewed)

Overall Top 3 Women
1. Regina Sooey – 213 miles
2. Andrea Kooiman – 211 miles
3. Rhoda Smoker – 196 miles

72 Hour RIF @ LAVS UPDATE (tracker):
Andrea Casella Kooiman – 211
Cathy Downes – 164
Lisa Van Wolde – 158
Steven Smith – 158
Seth Crowe – 145
Juli Aistars – 142
Chris Clemens – 136
Cary Long – 136
Sherry Meador – 130
Kendra Fields Schoffstall – 123
Sharon Carver – 121
Sal Bill Coll – 113
David Oglesby – 113
Beth Ann Russell Hosick – 109
Diane Durden – 96
Diane Taylor – 92

The Diane’s continue to push this field forward from behind and are ahead of the cut-off pace.

Cary Long, who has been battling severe chaffing to his coin purse has resorted to placing Maxi-Pads on them and he swears it’s been the cure-all of all cure-alls. He swears by them now.

“I saw an armadillo get squished by a car that had to choose between the two of us. Blood and leprosy squirting everywhere”

“We, along with about 20 other runners, unofficially adopted a black lab as a companion running dog. Of course, he almost got us killed as he ran into the road, and a trailer truck swerved to miss it and nearly took us out instead!!”

Keep this group in your thoughts as they continue to battle the elements, wildlife, former wildlife, and their own demons to push on towards The Rock.

Day 2 – Vol State 500K – Run It Fast Members Update (2018)
Day 1 – Vol State 500K – Run It Fast Members Update (2018)

Day 2 is always brutal at the Vol State 500K. The excitement and adrenaline is gone, the sun is hotter and brighter, and the miles are slower….and slower…and slower. It even had a shocker as 3x King of the Road RIF Greg Armstrong dropped from the race at mile 113 just past Parsons, TN. This left the Australian Grant Maughan with the lead and at the end of day 2 (48 Hours) Grant had accumulated 162 miles.

On the women’s side there was a change overnight as Regina Sooey, who was 1 mile behind of Andrea Kooiman, at the 36 hour check in, took over the lead at the 48 hour check in with 159 miles. Amazing performance so far as she seems to be getting stronger and is second overall to Grant just by 3 miles.

Kooiman had a strong second day as well putting down 63 miles and currently resides at 154 miles for 3rd overall/2nd female.

Other notable mentions are Cathy Downs who put down a very strong 50 miles on day 2 and is currently at 117 miles and is 5th female. Steven Smith continues to use his VS experience to move up the leaderboard as does former King Juli Aistars.

Cary Long, despite his comedy show tapings of death, continues to impress with actual numbers as he is at 107 miles. The Double D(iane)’s keep pushing the field forward from behind with 70/71 miles. If Seth Crowe would have had a few more dimes for Sandy he might be a bit further down the road as well. However, without Sandy he’s put down an impressive 105 miles.

David Nichols is at a cool 102 miles as well after some Armour from RIF Kevin Gerteisen, who after DNFing has remained on the course to help and crew other runners. Bravo!

The Double Diane’s (D’s) Diane Taylor and Diane Durden continue to push the field from behind with 71 and 70 miles.

Sadly we lost Tom Orr to the Meat Wagon this morning. That leaves 18 of the 21 RIF members who started the race in contention for The Rock.

Run It Fast Members @ LAVS
48 Hour Totals (miles) – tracker
Andrea Casella Kooiman – 154 (3rd overall/2nd female)
Cathy Downes – 117 (5th female)
Steven Smith – 113
Lisa Van Wolde – 113
Juli Aistars – 107
Cary Long – 107
Seth Crowe – 105
Rachael Anderson – 102
David Nichols – 102
Chris Clemens – 99
Sherry Meador – 92
Kendra Fields Schoffstall – 92
Sharon Carver – 82
Beth Ann Russell Hosick – 82
David Oglesby – 82
James Tom Orr – DNF 82
Sal Bill Coll – 77
Diane Durden – 71
Diane Taylor – 70
DNF’s: Kevin Gerteisen 57, Greg Armstrong 113, Tom Orr 82

The road is long and hard…cleansing and rewarding. Great work by everyone that remains on the long road to The Rock.

Day 1 – Vol State 500K – Run It Fast Members Update (2018)

The brutal heat and humidity of The Last Annual Vol State 500K introduced all 114 starters to the crawl of this historic race on Thursday morning.

Our Run It Fast – Club had 21 members of the 114 that boarded the ferry to start the race including former ‘King of the Road’ winners Greg Armstrong (3x) and Juli Aistars.

After three wins crewed, Greg is running unscrewed this year and took off with the lead right off the bat. He had 66 miles at the 12 hour check in and added another 37 miles before the 24 hour check-in. He currently leads Australian badass Grant Maughan, who summited Mt. Everest a handful of weeks ago. Grant is just 4 miles back of Greg’s 103 miles.

On the women’s side Pennsylvania native Rhoda Smoker led most of the day with Andrea Kooiman less than 5 miles behind. At the 12 hour check in Rhoda was at 54 miles with Kooiman just 2 miles back. Smoker went down for sleep in McKenzie as Andrea pushed throughout the night to mile 92 in Lexington by the 24 hour check in. She is currently the female leader and 1 mile ahead of the second place female Regina Sooey.

So at 24 hours both the men and women’s race was currently led by Run It Fast members. The rest of the RIF members had a strong day as well as documented below. Last year’s runner-up Kevin Gerteisen, battling what is being reported as kidney stones, had to drop from the race at mile 57.

24 Hour RIF LAVS Update (tracking link)
Greg Armstrong – 103 (first overall)
Andrea Casella Kooiman – 92 (first female)
Lisa Van Wolde – 75
Steven Smith – 71
Chris Clemens – 67
Cathy Downes – 67
Rachael Anderson – 65
Juli Aistars – 62
Cary Long – 62
Sherry Meador – 57
Kevin Gerteisen – DNF 57 (possible kidney stones)
Sharon Carver – 56
David Nichols – 56
Kendra Fields Schoffstall – 56
Seth Crowe – 54
Sal Bill Coll – 50
Diane Durden – 48
Beth Ann Russell Hosick – 41
David Oglesby – 40
James Tom Orr – 40
Diane Taylor – 40

All members still in the race are well ahead of the minimum miles needed pace.

Day two is usually the hardest for all Vol Staters as the reality of the distance remaining sets in, the adrenaline is gone, and you feel the pain from your head to your blistered toes with every step.

Many RIF members from the area showed up on the course to encourage everyone including Dallas Smith, JR Reynolds, Danny Crossett, Jennifer Hall, Eryn Tyner, Josh Tyner, Leigh Carr, and others.

Best of luck to all 21 RIF members and all the runners still remaining on the course.

Almost half way through the year and we have a few that are starting to pull ahead. With race season in full swing it’s still anyone’s to win so it will be fun to see what happens over the next few months. May brought in 2,321.2 miles for the month and a total of 10,513.65 for 2018. This update is through the end of May. There is still time to get in on the fun, just enter all your race miles for April on to be included in the next update. If you forgot to enter your race miles we will include them in the next update. Looking for races to enter? Be sure to check out the Run It Fast – Club Race Discounts in the Facebook group.

Leading the women is RIF #644 Ila Brandli with 869.4 points. Second place, RIF #404 Andrea Kooiman with 418.2 points. Coming in third place is RIF #410 Marylou Corino with 347.2 points.

Leading the men is RIF #762 Clint Burleson with 1225.7 points. Second place, RIF #638 Ken Fattmann with 701.9 points. Coming in third place is RIF #190 John Kent Leighton with 630.81 points.

Here are the standings through May: 

Extreme Racer Top Ten Leaderboard

1. Clint Burleson – 1225.7 points (RIF #762)
2. Ila Brandli – 869.4 points (RIF #644)
3. Ken Fattmann – 701.9 points (RIF #638)
4. John Kent Leighton – 630.81 points (RIF #190)
5. Joshua Holmes – 454.9 points (RIF #521)
6. Andrea Kooiman – 418.2 points (RIF #404)
7. George Southgate – 413.52 points (RIF #279)
8. Shane Tucker – 404 points (RIF #337)
9. Denis McCarthy – 369.4 points (RIF #263)
10. Andrew Glaze – 360.4 points (RIF #658)

Extreme Racer Women’s Leaderboard

1. Ila Brandli – 869.4  points (RIF #644)
2. Andrea Kooiman – 418.2 points (RIF #404)
3. Marylou Corino – 347.2 points (RIF #410)
4. Tiffani Glass – 270.7 points (RIF #328)
5. Pat Cagle – 258.2 points (RIF #707)
6. Kit Brazier – 197.4 points (RIF #548)
7. Lisa Maddox – 178.2 points (RIF #751)
8. Audrena Liu – 152.4 points (RIF #463)
9. Emily Lyons – 152 points (RIF #774)
10. Jill Williams – 137.2 points (RIF #521)
11. Christy Bowers – 132.8 points (RIF #60)
12. Cathie Johnson – 131 points (RIF #507)
13. Christy Brewer – 124.55 points (RIF #766)
14. Robin Brunet – 99.86 points (RIF #564)
15. Marj Mitchell – 65.7 points (RIF #4)
16. Raciel Diaz – 62 points (RIF #709)
17. Lisa Maher – 62 points (RIF #783)
18. Michelle Talbott – 57.2 points (RIF #527)
19. Alicja Grace – 44.1 points (RIF #705)
20. Juleann Roberts – 25.46 points (RIF #623)

Extreme Racer Men’s Leaderboard

1. Clint Burleson – 1225.7 points (RIF #762)
2. Ken Fattmann – 701.9 points (RIF #638)
3. John Kent Leighton – 630.81 points (RIF #190)
4. Joshua Holmes – 454.9 points (RIF #521)
5. George Southgate – 413.52 points (RIF #279)
6. Shane Tucker – 404 points (RIF #337)
7. Denis McCarthy – 369.4 points (RIF #263)
8. Andrew Glaze – 360.4 points (RIF #658)
9. Michael SK Mortensen – 337.8 points (RIF #553)
10. Aaron DeBord – 314.45 points (RIF #723)
11. Rich Peers – 262 points (RIF #591)
12. Randy Brinkley – 180.8 points (RIF #761)
13. Seth Crowe – 177.7 points (RIF #541)
14. Scott Kufferath – 169.1 points (RIF #680)
15. Troy Johnson – 157.2 points (RIF #506)
16. Jeremy Reed – 120.1 points (RIF #642)
17. Darrell Richardson – 119.7 points (RIF #625)
18. Jared Matsunaga – 117.2 points (RIF #665)
19. David Essary – 88.2 points (RIF #475)
20. Charles Roberts – 44.36 points (RIF #622)
21. Randy Marks – 43.4 points (RIF #743)
22. Reist Mummau – 26.2 points (RIF #756)
23. Michael Dasalla – 9.3 points (RIF #411)

“Like the marathon, life can sometimes be difficult, challenging and present obstacles, however if you believe in your dreams and never ever give up, things will turn out for the best.” -Meb Keflezighi, U.S. Olympic marathoner

[Extreme Racer points are awarded per each racing mile completed. Example: marathon = 26.2 points, half marathon 13.1 points, etc.]

Race season is in full swing with the miles really adding up! April brought in 2,424.25 miles for the month and a total of 7,928.15 for 2018. This update is through the end of April. There is still time to get in on the fun, just enter all your race miles for March on to be included in the next update. The top few are all really close. If you forgot to enter your race miles we will include them in the next update. Looking for races to enter? Be sure to check out the Run It Fast – Club Race Discounts in the Facebook group.

Leading the women is RIF #644 Ila Brandli  with 550.2 points. Second place, RIF #404 Andrea Kooiman with 359.6 points. Coming in third place is RIF #410 Marylou Corino with 307.2 points.

Leading the men is RIF #762 Clint Burleson with 823.1 points. Second place, RIF #638 Ken Fattmann with 584 points. Coming in third place is RIF #190 John Kent Leighton with 535.11 points.  

Here are the standings through April:

Extreme Racer Top Ten Leaderboard

1. Clint Burleson – 823.1 points (RIF #762)
2. Ken Fattmann – 584 points (RIF #638)
3. Ila Brandli – 550.2 points (RIF #644)
4. John Kent Leighton – 535.11 points (RIF #190)
5. Joshua Holmes – 387.5 points (RIF #1)
6. Andrew Glaze – 360.4 points (RIF #658)
7. Andrea Kooiman – 359.6 points (RIF #404)
8. Shane Tucker – 355.1 points (RIF #337)
9. George Southgate – 328.42 points (RIF #279)
10. Marylou Corino – 307.2 points (RIF #410)

Extreme Racer Women’s Leaderboard

1. Ila Brandli – 550.2  points (RIF #644)
2. Andrea Kooiman – 359.6 points (RIF #404)
3. Marylou Corino – 307.2 points (RIF #410)
4. Tiffani Glass – 210.2 points (RIF #328)
5. Pat Cagle – 205.8 points (RIF #707)
6. Lisa Maddox – 178.2 points (RIF #751)
7. Kit Brazier – 152.4 points (RIF #548)
8. Emily Lyons – 152 points (RIF #774)
9. Christy Bowers – 112.7 points (RIF #60)
10. Jill Williams – 111 points (RIF #521)
11. Robin Brunet – 99.86 points (RIF #564)
12. Christy Brewer – 65.25 points (RIF #766)
13. Raciel Diaz – 62 points (RIF #709)
14. Michelle Talbott – 57.2 points (RIF #527)
15. Marj Mitchell – 52.4 points (RIF #4)
16. Alicja Grace – 44.1 points (RIF #705)
17. Juleann Roberts – 22.36 points (RIF #623)

Extreme Racer Men’s Leaderboard

1. Clint Burleson – 823.1 points (RIF #762)
2. Ken Fattmann – 584 points (RIF #638)
3. John Kent Leighton – 535.11 points (RIF #190)
4. Joshua Holmes – 387.5 points (RIF #1)
5. Andrew Glaze – 360.4 points (RIF #658)
6. Shane Tucker – 355.1 points (RIF #337)
7. George Southgate – 328.42 points (RIF #279)
8. Aaron DeBord – 293.25 points (RIF #723)
9. Rich Peers – 262 points (RIF #591)
10. Michael SK Mortensen – 239.2 points (RIF #553)
11. Randy Brinkley – 141.5 points (RIF #761)
12. Jeremy Reed – 120.1 points (RIF #642)
13. Jared Matsunaga – 117.2 points (RIF #665)
14. Denis McCarthy – 114.4 points (RIF #263)
15. Seth Crowe – 106.2 points (RIF #541)
16. Scott Kufferath – 94 points (RIF #680)
17. David Essary – 88.2 points (RIF #475)
18. Darrell Richardson -78.7 points (RIF #625)
19. Charles Roberts – 41.26 points (RIF #622)
20. Randy Marks – 27.9 points (RIF #743)
21. Reist Mummau – 26.2 points (RIF #756)

”If it felt good, you didn’t push hard enough. It’s supposed to hurt like hell.” ― Dean Karnazes, RIF #360

[Extreme Racer points are awarded per each racing mile completed. Example: marathon = 26.2 points, half marathon 13.1 points, etc.]

7 MILES
Marylou Corino’s HURT 100 Redemption

7 miles- a run I can often do in the morning before work or even squeeze in during my one hour lunch break.  I fell 7 miles short of finishing the HURT 100 back in Jan 2017.  That was my first DNF (did not finish).   I took not finishing it quite personally. I have finished everything I had started up until that point and couldn’t leave this unfinished. I am just not wired that way.

As soon as I returned home, I was determined to go back in 2018 to finish it. Needless to say those 7 miles would fuel what would be my most intense year of training to date. In order to succeed the following year, I had to examine what didn’t work the year before.  I figured out three things:  a) I needed to move faster (especially at night). b) I needed to work on my hiking skills and c) I needed to stay fueled and hydrated properly during the race.

photo: Augusto Castro

I really wanted to find terrain that would mimic the race course as much as possible. Anyone who has done HURT knows that is not an easy task to replicate that twisted and grueling landscape.  The HURT 100 boasts 24,500 feet of climbing. It consists exclusively of technical, single track trail on surfaces that include (HUGE) roots, rocks and soil in a wide range of conditions from sun baked clay to mud of varying depth. Sudden hairpin turns and steep inclines of up to approximately two miles in length are a common occurrence. Very few sections of the course can be run with a consistent stride for more than several hundred yards at a time. There are a total of 20 stream crossings.

The Bruce Trail, here in Ontario, is filled with rocks and roots so I spent a lot of time on this trail getting my feet used to that type of terrain.  As a flatlander, I needed to improvise on trying to get some good climbing in. I spent hours doing hill repeats, climbing on the treadmill, stair climbing, and hill work on the elliptical. In addition, I was trying to make the legs even stronger through strength training. I spent morning, lunch hours, afternoons after work and at night getting the training in. Most days were double or triple workouts. I wasn’t even sure I was in the race yet.  (The lottery didn’t happen until August).

Simply put, from February to August I was training for a race I wasn’t even sure I was going to run. I woke up some mornings wanting to do nothing but sleep. But in the corner of my eye I could see the HURT 100 shirt from 2017 hanging in my closet (never worn) and that was enough for me to get up and out of bed. It’s important to ALWAYS remember why you are doing something so you continue to chase it.

I ran quite a few races in 2017 but I felt the following three would help immensely in getting me ready for the HURT 100. I signed up for the Cruel Jewel 100 (close to 110miles) , Barkley Fall Classic ( “50km”) and the Grindstone 100 In Virginia. All three were challenging in different ways. I spent 2 nights completing both hundreds and the BFC had its own unique climbs. I didn’t run any of them fast but with each race I was developing my mental strength and stamina which I knew I would need to complete the HURT 100.

Fast Forward to Saturday January 13, 2018. I was at the start line of my second attempt of the HURT 100. Dan, my husband, was right there by my side.  He has and continues to be my biggest fan and supporter.

As I was trying to soak in this second chance, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. So many hours of hard work and sacrifice brought me to this moment.  I knew there was nothing more I could have done. I had a great support system at the race and back home.  The race started and all those nerves went away.  I broke up the race in parts, just focusing on getting from one aid station to the next.  I finished the first loop in just under 5 hours and 20 minutes. I am not sure even now if that was too fast. All I knew was that I needed to be faster than last year. The course was just as beautiful and tough as I remembered it.

photo: Kalani Pascual

I had a quick bite to eat, changed socks, and started loop 2. It definitely got warmer and I seemed to be getting hungrier faster. I decided to eat every 45 minutes and eat large quantities of food at the aid stations because at HURT there is always a monster climb after every aid station. I got through loop 2 before dark and it was here where I took a few minutes to change clothes, devour a monster cheeseburger from Dan, and get ready for the night portion that would cover the jungle during loop 3.

Last year loop 3 was my race breaker. I lost so much time in the dark that I started loop 4 chasing cutoffs the rest of the race.   I made sure this year to have a good headlamp and flashlight and neither disappointed.  Navigating HURT during the day is hard but having to navigate it during the dark feels like you are running a completely different and more sinister race.  I finished loop 3,  1.5 hours faster than last year. This gave me a huge confidence booster although I wasn’t celebrating just yet.  I still had 40 miles to complete.  I was also very lucky to have shared some good miles with Joshua Holmes. We were never more than 15 minutes apart. I do believe without a doubt he helped push me through that third loop.

I was quite sleepy during loop 4 but needed to stay awake and focused on the trail to avoid a fall or injury. I never felt alone during the race. It always encouraging to see runners on the course and every aid station was lively and celebratory no matter the time.  I got to see Andrea Kooiman not only at the Nu’uanu aid station where she was volunteering but also at night when she paced Joshua. She had DNF’d and time out at mile 93 the year before I did. She returned last year to successfully finish the race. Our paths crossed many times and this always lifted my spirits.  I could often hear her from as far as 2 miles away. The ‘Nu’uanu Boom-Box’ as they called her on the trail.

Both Andrea and Joshua were a great source of support for me as I got ready during 2017 to attempt HURT the second time around. We bonded at several events including the Badwater Salton Sea where we were a 3 person team that had to stay together for all 81 miles.

During the 4th loop (80 miles in) I saw my second sunrise and finished that loop leaving about 9 hours to complete the fifth and final one. I just needed to keep moving to get that buckle. This is where the extra ounce of mental toughness I developed during training and running harder trail races came in.  A pacer ran with me for about 14 or 15 miles and this made the time go by somewhat quickly.  As I left the Nu’uanu aid station at mile 93 (one last time and with time to spare!)  I felt overwhelmingly joyous. I was going to complete those 7 miles that I couldn’t complete last year.  Although it was still 7 difficult miles to finish the race, it felt like a victory lap of sorts. The past 12 months of hard work had paid off.

Coming into the HURT 100 start/finish area for the last time is a feeling I soon will not forget.  I lifted my hands up, rang the bell and kissed the sign in a time of 35:40:15. I had done it…all that hard work…redemption!

And as the sign says  “We wouldn’t want it to be easy.”  That’s good because I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Marylou Corino (RIF #411)
HURT 100 Mile Finisher
35:40:15
January 13-14, 2018

Join Run It Fast – The Club

July was quite a bit slower than June bringing in 1,485.23 miles with a total for the year at 17,208.52 miles so far for 2017. This update is through the end of June. Half way through the year and check out how close the top two are!  Below are the ones leading the charge currently and it’s still too close at the top to tell what will happen. If you forgot to enter your race miles you still can and we will include them in the next update. Don’t forget to update your points for August as soon as your races are finished. Looking for races to enter? Be sure to check out the Run It Fast – Club Race Discounts in the Facebook group.

Leading the women is RIF #644 Ila Brandli with 1254.8 points. Second place, RIF #450 Patricia Klein with 901.3 points. Coming in third place is RIF #404 Andrea Kooiman with 743.2 points.

Leading the men is RIF #263 Denis McCarthy with 1200.6 points. Second place, RIF #638 Ken Fattmann with 1063.2 points. Coming in third place is RIF #279 George Southgate with 997.5 points.  

Here are the standings through July:

Extreme Racer Top Ten Leaderboard

1. Ila Brandli – 1254.8 points (RIF #644)
2. Denis McCarthy – 1200.6  points (RIF #263)
3. Ken Fattmann – 1063.2 points (RIF #638)
4. George Southgate – 997.5 points (RIF #279)
5. Patricia Klein – 901.3 points (RIF #450)
6. Joshua Holmes – 778.1 points (RIF #1)
7. Andrea Kooiman – 743.2 points (RIF #404)
8. Karen Vollan – 736.2 points (RIF #525)
9. Teal Clark – 623.3 points (RIF #473)
10. Shane Tucker – 580.2 points (RIF #337)

Extreme Racer Women’s Leaderboard

1. Ila Brandli – 1254.8 points (RIF #644)
2. Patricia Klein – 901.3 points (RIF #450)
3. Andrea Kooiman – 743.2 points (RIF #404)
4. Karen Vollan – 736.2 points (RIF #525)
5. Teal Clark – 623.3 points (RIF #473)
6. Marylou Corino – 566 points (RIF #410)
7. Cheryl Bryll – 413.3 points (RIF #432)
8. Greta Reed – 396.6 points (RIF #643)
9. Tiffani Glass – 308.2 points (RIF #328)
10. Robin Brunet – 276.46 points (RIF #564)
11. Diane Bolton – 259.2 points (RIF #159)
12. Kit Brazier – 240.2 points (RIF #548)
13. Christy Bowers – 193.3 points (RIF #60)
14. Audrena Liu – 169.1 points (RIF #463)
15. Taleighda Crowe – 120.4 points (RIF #628)
16. Jill Williams – 115.7 points (RIF #521)
17. Aimee Shilling – 101 points (RIF #418)
18. Marj Mitchell – 93 points (RIF #4)
19. Candice Graciano – 59.6 points (RIF #545)
20. Juleann Roberts – 52.16 points (RIF #623)
21. Michelle Talbott – 37.5 points (RIF #527)
22. Sue Peterson – 24.8 points (RIF #648)
23. Leslie Harwell – 16.2 points (RIF #417)

Extreme Racer Men’s Leaderboard

1. Denis McCarthy  –  1200.64 points (RIF #263)
2. Ken Fattmann  –  1063.2 points (RIF #638)
3. George Southgate  –  997.5 points (RIF #279)
4. Joshua Holmes  –  778.1 points (RIF #1)
5. Shane Tucker –  580.2 points (RIF #337)
6. Jeremy Reed  –  569.5 points (RIF #642)
7. Calix Fattmann  –  561.2 points (RIF #653)
8. John Kent Leighton –  545.9 points (RIF #190)
9. Seth Crowe –  445.1 points (RIF #541)
10. Steve Acciarito  –  400.7 points (RIF #607)
11. Michael SK Mortensen  –  305.5 points (RIF #553)
12. Mike Samuelson –  293.2 points (RIF #282)
13. Eric Hunziker –  258.6 points (RIF #660)
14. Jean Aponte –  247.2 points (RIF #659)
15. Chewey BK Lam –  191.3 points (RIF #679)
16. Aaron Braunstein  –  166.8 points (RIF #355)
17. Aaron Smith –  161.1 points (RIF #640)
18. Steven Smith  –  150 points (RIF #387)
19. Jared Matsunaga  –  137.2 points (RIF #665)
20. Stewart Crouch –  120.3 points (RIF #89)
21. Michael Dasalla –  96.9points (RIF #411)
22. Shane Beck  –  72.4 points (RIF #585)
23. Darrell Richardson  –  66.3 points (RIF #625)
24. Derek Tinnin  –  50 points (RIF #637)
25. Charles Roberts  –  41.96 points (RIF #622)
26. David Essary  –  6.2 points (RIF #475)

“You don’t have to be fast. But you’d better be fearless.” ~ Christopher McDougall

[Extreme Racer points are awarded per each racing mile completed. Example: marathon = 26.2 points, half marathon 13.1 points, etc.

It’s a new year and a new Extreme Racer Competition! January has started us off with 1,346.72 miles for the beginning of 2017. This update is through the end of January. Who will be our 2017 winner? Below are the ones leading the charge so far and it’s anyone’s to win. If you forgot to enter your race miles you still can and we will include them in the next update. Don’t forget to update your points for February as soon as your races are finished. Looking for races to enter? Be sure to check out the Run It Fast – Club Race Discounts in the Facebook group.

Leading the women is RIF #525 Karen Vollan with 257.4 points. Second place, RIF #432 Cheryl Bryll with 131 points. Coming in third place is RIF #404 Andrea Kooiman with 113.1 points.

Leading the men is RIF #263 Denis McCarthy with 157.2 points. Second place, RIF #638 Ken Fattmann  with 147.2 points. Coming in third place is RIF #279 George Southgate with 145.8 points..

Here are the standings through January:

Extreme Racer Top Ten Leaderboard

1. Karen Vollan – 257.4 points (RIF #525)
2. Denis McCarthy – 157.2 points (RIF #263)
3. Ken Fattmann – 147.2 points (RIF #638)
4. George Southgate – 145.8 points (RIF #279)
5. Cheryl Bryll – 131 points (RIF #432)
6. Andrea Kooiman – 113.1 points (RIF #404)
7. Teal Clark – 107.2 points (RIF #473)
8. Joshua Holmes – 50 points (RIF #1)
9. Shane Tucker – 44.1 points (RIF #337)
10. Tiffani Glass – 39 points (RIF #328)

Extreme Racer Women’s Leaderboard

1. Karen Vollan – 257.4 points (RIF #525)
2. Cheryl Bryll – 131 points (RIF #432)
3. Andrea Kooiman – 113.1 points (RIF #404)
4. Teal Clark – 107.2 points (RIF #473)
5. Tiffani Glass – 39 points (RIF #328)
6. Robin Brunet – 31 points (RIF #564)
7. Kit Brazier – 26.2 points (RIF #548)
8. Christy Bowers – 16.2 points (RIF #60)
9. Michelle Talbott – 8 points (RIF #527)
10. Juleann Roberts – 4.96 points (RIF #623)

Extreme Racer Men’s Leaderboard

1. Denis McCarthy – 157.2 points (RIF #263)
2. Ken Fattmann – 147.2 points (RIF #638)
3. George Southgate – 145.8 points (RIF #279)
4. Joshua Holmes – 50 points (RIF #1)
5. Shane Tucker – 44.1 points (RIF #337)
6. Aaron Braunstein – 26.2 points (RIF #355)
7. Darrell Richardson – 22.2 points (RIF #625)
8. Steve Acciarito – 15 points (RIF #607)
9. Charles Roberts – 4.96 points (RIF #622)

“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” ~T.S. Eliot

[Extreme Racer points are awarded per each racing mile completed. Example: marathon = 26.2 points, half marathon 13.1 points, etc.]