Life Time Fitness - Leadville Race Series

Leadville Trail Marathon Top Female Finisher: Kerrie Bruxvoort
Lives in: Broomfield, CO
Specialty: Climbing
Key to success: Consistency

Is this your first time doing the Leadville Trail Marathon? Did it meet your expectations?
 
This was my first Leadville race experience. I hadn't even been to Leadville since college, and that was to visit the Silver Dollar Saloon, certainly not to run a marathon! I was really excited to run in such a beautiful and historic part of Colorado. Leadville certainly didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the gorgeous panoramic views, challenging terrain and thin, fresh mountain air.
 
What was your favorite part about the race or about the course? What was the most difficult?
 
Early in the race, after climbing for a few miles, I had the opportunity to turn and check out the view behind me. I was stunned by the amazing views of Mt. Massive, Mt. Elbert and Turquoise Lake. It was breathtaking, and I felt really lucky to be out there.
 
The most difficult part of the race was definitely the climb up Mosquito Pass. It was dry and dusty and there were a lot of runners on the trail. I regretted not grabbing my handheld bottle for the climb. It was a long, slow, seemingly endless trip for me. I was very happy to reach the aid station at the top and turn around for the much more enjoyable descent.

What inspires you out on the trail?
 
Just being out on the trails in Colorado inspires me and excites me. Every time I hit the trails, I feel so happy and so lucky to live in such a beautiful place with such great energy.
 
How do you stay motivated when the race is at its toughest? Do you have a running mantra?
 
When I hit a rough patch during a race I tell myself that it will pass. I remind myself that I'll feel better soon. I try to crack a smile, keep a positive attitude and think about what will help me through. Is there an aid station coming up? Will this ridiculous hill end soon? Do I need food or hydration? Can I draw strength from the beautiful scenery? I also try to think about how lucky I am to be out there and the hard work I've put in to get to that point in the race. That keeps me motivated to push through hard times and finish strong. My running mantra is definitely "Dig deep and have fun.”

Any lessons learned for next year?
 
I didn't know much about the course this year, except that it would be tough with lots of climbing, which I enjoy. After having run the race, I know I'll be better prepared next year for the Mosquito Pass climb and I'll definitely use my handheld water bottle between aid stations. 

What's next? Any big events coming up?

Funny you ask! With my Leadville Trail Marathon win came an opportunity to register for the Leadville Trail 100. While I was up on the podium accepting my award, amid chanting from the audience, I accepted the entry token from Ken Chlouber and I'll be participating the Leadville Trail 100 this August. I'm excited for the challenge and I'm looking forward to experiencing more of Leadville! I'll also be running the Speedgoat 50k in Utah, July 28th.
 
What advice would you give your fellow runners who would like to improve their time?
 
I think the most important element of success in running is having a true passion for it. Running brings me joy, which often makes hard work seem more like play. Time definitely flies when you're having fun.
 
When it comes to specific training advice, I recommend running as much as possible on hilly trails and challenging terrain. Doing that has definitely made me stronger, faster, more agile and more versatile when it comes to my racing ability. I like to include a nice long road run in my weekly mileage, but there's just nothing that compares to hitting the trails!

Leadville Trail Marathon Top Male Finisher: J. Marshall Thomson
Lives in: Crested Butte, CO
Specialty: Plus-two-hour events with significant climbing
Key to success: Positivity

Is this your first time doing the Leadville Trail Marathon? Did it meet your expectations?

This was my second time running the Leadville Trail Marathon. I ran it last year as my first-ever marathon. It definitely met my expectations. The Leadville Race Series is run so well, everything from the registration to aid stations to the after-party. I do wish that the awards could have been earlier. I had to work that night and could not stick around all day.

What was your favorite part about the race or about the course? What was the most difficult?

My favorite part of the course was the spectators. It felt so amazing to have so many people cheering me on. The aid station at the base of Mosquito Pass was packed and to have that many people cheering was pretty cool. The most difficult part of the race is was navigating through all of the other racers on mosquito pass.

What or who inspires you out on the trail?

My inspiration is my best friend Karl Pfister. Karl passed unexpectedly on September 1, 2010. Every step and breath I take is in his memory and honor. I was talking to Karl throughout the entire race and when the pain begins he gives me the motivation and boost to keep pushing.

How do you stay motivated when the race is at its toughest? Do you have a running mantra?

I stay motivated because I do not want to let Karl down. He loved being a part of winning and his smile keeps me going. I don't really have a mantra, just one foot in front of the other.

Any lessons learned for next year?

Go faster on the climbs. They don't last forever.

What's next? Any big events coming up?

Not super sure. I would like to have a good race at the Pikes Peak Marathon.

What advice would you give your fellow runners who would like to improve their time?

Stay strong mentally. You are your biggest weakness. Stay positive and keep smiling and results will come naturally.
 
Leadville Heavy Half Top Female Finisher: JoAnna Masloski
Lives in: Highlands Ranch, CO
Specialty: Running uphill
Key to success: Craves the challenge of racing

Is this your first time doing the Leadville Heavy Half? Did it meet your expectations?

This is my 2nd time running it. The first time I ran it was the first time I ever ran a trail race. Because I have run many since then I was happy to go back and remember what I thought that first time: I was stunned. This time I was ready and understood the challenges so I could face them more upright than I was able to last time.

What was your favorite thing about the event?

My favorite part of the race was coming down Mosquito Pass. There were tons of people coming up and it was so fun to cheer and high five and give encouragement, and they were all giving it back. Such a great showing of the running community. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

What or who inspires you out on the trail?

My sighs of stress relief drive some people crazy before my trail races but I am in my element, loving the fresh air, the opportunity for the challenge ahead and the option to run as slow or fast as I want. I am inspired by every person who toes the line of a trail race. They know what they want out of life and are willing to go get it. I am inspired by the extreme challenge and that the runners bond together to get it done. And, wow, the volunteers... is there one that isn't more passionate than I am?

How do you stay motivated when the race is at its toughest?

Staying motivated isn't really a problem for me. I am passionate about the daily steps, putting one foot in front of the other. I race because it is going to be tough and I want the challenge. The hardest part is waiting for that to start.

What lessons did you learn for next year?

I need to try my hand at the Marathon.

What's next? Any big events coming up?

Nothing planned at this point but I usually don't have a plan. I race when the timing works out with my job, my 23-month-old, my husband, and when I need a break from the "real world."

What advice can you offer your fellow runners? 

Be consistent, enjoy the freedom of the opportunity and trust that your body can get through much more than your mind is telling it. Overall, if you're not having fun don't do it.

And run, run, run! (Unless your body is telling you not to.) Consistency is the key. Utilize races like this one to train for other races. It's a lot more fun that way. Don't feel bad if you have to walk. Just walk as fast as you can and use the time to relax and recoup for the next big push up the mountain!


Leadville Silver Rush 50 Top Female Finisher: Maeve McGovern
Lives in: Stowe, VT
Specialty: Endurance and downhills
Key to success: Staying positive

Was this your first time racing the Silver Rush 50? What did you think of the course?

This was my first time racing the Silver Rush. I loved the course, especially the long downhill to the halfway point and then coming back up. The views were unbelievable. Leadville is beautiful.
 
Tell us a little about your running and racing background. What are your strengths?

I Nordic ski, plus run cross country and outdoor track for Colby College in Maine. I have been running since I was little, but didn't really specialize until college. I ran my first marathon in high school when I was on a school trip in Greece, and have been in love with distance running ever since. I guess I usually run 5Ks (XC) and 10Ks (outdoor), but I've now run four marathons and a 50, and that's what I see myself doing after college. As for my strengths, after my endurance, which is a given in a 50, I'd say the downhills are definitely where I make up time.
 
How do you stay motivated when a race is at its toughest?

I love to run and be outside, and that is my main motivation on the trail. When it starts feeling hard, I just try to stay positive and enjoy the views.
 
What's next? Headed for the LT100?

I'm not headed to the 100. I'm actually currently on my junior year abroad in Svalbard, Norway, but good luck to everyone running it!
 
Any advice for fellow runners looking to improve their time?

I guess I'd say to try to find a routine or a strategy that works for you and stick with it. I found that walking the steep uphills and running hard on the downhills worked for me. Also, when I was heading back up to Iowa Amphitheater on the way back, someone suggested we walk for 100 yards then run for 100 yards, which I found got me through what was the toughest part of the race for me.
 

Leadville Silver Rush 50 Top Male Finisher: Michael Aish
Lives in: Arvada, CO
Specialty: Running uphill
Key to success: Likes to push his limits

You're a two-time Olympian in the 5,000- and 10,000-meter events. Why did you decide to do a 50-miler? Did you have your sights set on the 100?
      
The 50 was a last minute decision. I was planning on running the 100 and felt that I needed to get out and run some kind of ultra race beforehand. My plan going in was to watch and learn from the other runners and not really worry about place. But in the end I got a little impatient.

What did you think of the course? Any favorite sections in particular?
  
The course was fun. I love running up, am not so fond of coming down, and I really had no idea where I was going, so I was happy to just tick along and enjoy the day.

Are you headed for the LT100 next? How are you preparing for that challenge? What are your goals for that race?

I am running the 100. Things have been going fine, I guess. I fit in as much running as I can between work and life. I've only been running five days a week, but I try and make the days I can get out count. One way I've found I can make things work well is by saving a bit of gas and running to work (I live 30 miles from where I work). It's no trail but it's not that bad. My first goal for the 100 is to finish. From there I'll take what I can get.

How do you stay motivated when a race is at its toughest? What or who inspires you out on the trail?

I have no idea what I'm going to do when that part of the race hits me. I'm so new to [ultra running] that I'm just playing it by ear. I love running in the hills because it's always a test and it's never easy. I'm not the kind of guy that runs to "feel at one with nature." I like to run hard and see just how much I can take. 

What is your training looking like right now? Are you primarily hitting the trails, or do you mix in some pavement, as well?

Truth is I didn't get a run in today. I was working all day and by the time I started to finish up it was after 8pm. Because I really haven't done as much training as I would have liked, I'm going to keep at it until the week before the race. I've been told that the LT100 is a "running" 100-mile race, so I've been mixing things up a bit with a little faster stuff on the roads. We'll see if it pays off in the end.