Taming the Tuckerman: 10 Years Chasing Winter!

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals"
Henry David Thoreau

The grandeur surrounding Tuckerman Ravine is certainly no secret and is considered a right of passage for every advanced skier and rider in the Northeast.  It's the quintessential stepping stone into the world of high alpine (above treeline) skiing.

Photo from Mount Washington Avalanche Center

Friends of Tuckerman Ravine is a non-profit organization raising funds to promote the preservation and protection of fragile alpine environments on Mount Washington, NH. They were instrumental in building the foot bridge that connects the lower parking areas keeping people off the roads. Volunteer crews perform trail maintenance all while making improvements and repairs to avalanche boards.  They introduced a potable water supply at Hermit Lake shelter, communications system for the forest service, resupply first aid caches in the ravine, replaced the floors at Hermit Lake Shelter (HoJo's) and currently working on a project to replace the decking. They are truly dedicated to keeping recreational opportunities in the outdoors accessible and safe for the "enjoyment and benefit of all."

One of their biggest events is the most unique multisport racing experiences in New England.  The Tuckerman Inferno is the ultimate alternative to the customary approach to skiing the bowl. Nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire both solo elite and sport team relay competitors begin a multisport journey which I refer to as "Chasing Winter" through the Mt Washington Valley.  Leading off with an 8.3 mile run over Glen Ledge, 6 mile downriver paddle on the Saco River, 17 mile road bike to Pinkham Notch with 1700 feet elevation gain, 3 mile hike on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail with 2000 feet elevation gain and a climb/ski on Left Gully in Tuckerman's Ravine. There are few multisport events that can compete on this scale in the Northeast.

Waters Teammates in Tuckerman Ravine for the 2006 Inferno, Mt Washington, New Hampshire 

View of northern flanks of Left Gully and the Chute

There are countless lines and three separate occasions have experienced near perfect conditions above the expansive head-wall lined up over The Lip, Chute Variation and Right Gully. Variable terrain and conditions on 45 degree slopes in all directions is not for the faint of heart. Catch the bowl in sunshine on bluebird day with low winds, when the firm, frozen snow-pack turns and beneath you lay smooth tracks in scratchy, loose corn which will be recognized from that moment forward as one of the finest runs in your life.  

Boot packing the GS course on Hillmans 2014 Inferno

Justin Deary and I have been members of the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine for 12 years!  What started as a small group of three turned into an annual corporate event for a growing number of outdoor enthusiasts at Waters Corporation in Milford, MA. Our enthusiastic band of colleagues have been committed to putting teams together in the event for 10 years. It is difficult to describe the sense of corporate pride we all share. Countless personal victories, measurable at any level of the competition the Tuckerman Inferno has been one of the most significant team building affairs I have ever been involved.

Group at Hermit Lake (HoJo's deck) 2012 Inferno

The last time I soloed in the event was Spring 2005 with some better training resulted in 11th in a field of 19 in 5 hrs 45 minute and that did include an ascent and ski down Left Gully.  A true completion of the entire Tuckerman Inferno which in recent years has been extremely difficult to put the race back in the ravine, conditions dependent. I do recall that the race was hard but it will never be as hard as 2003 as a rookie to multisport it took me 7 hours to complete the course in 17th last place. I could barely hike back out to Pinkham.

Coming back to the Tuckerman Inferno as a soloist for the first time in 10 long years was not going to be an easy task. Falling back on experience racing both relay and a long successful stretch in the Dynamic Duo division with multisport teammate Dave Mingori would be sufficient.  In 2014, I teamed up with 10 year soloist Justin Deary, that last year the Dynamic Duo division was offered. We won the division and were fifth overall! The secret was always finding teammates to compliment your skill sets.

Wild WATERS Teammate Dave Mingori 2006 Inferno

Wild WATERS Teammate Justin Deary 2014 Inferno

Stress fractures and problematic knee tendinitis kept me from running for more almost 8 years. A cortisone shot over Thanksgiving 2014 would send me back to the treadmill for 4 months of base building in preparation. Keeping workouts controlled on the treadmill to preserve the knee as long as I can with minimal impact.  The Tuckerman Inferno would be my first time running on road over 8 miles distance. I just had to get through the run and the rest of the race would fall into place.

My little "Tart" at the starting line to the 2015 Tuckerman Inferno!
(Photo Credit John Heden)

Run. It was the beginning of a HARD race day. I still faintly remembered how difficult leading off with the 8.3 mile road run would either make or break me. Waters Corporation entered three teams into the Inferno this year. My sister Elaine and her husband brought along an additional two teams. I certainly would not be alone, racing alongside countless family, friends and colleagues. Trying to pace myself with Chef Mike form Waters.  He was looking to break one hour which would have been my top end on the best day. I had him in my sights all the way over Glen Ledge but he turned on some serious afterburners on the down stretch and I had to lay off the speedy pace. I might have gone out too hard with thoughts of breaking 60 minutes. Turns out I cam across the Thorne Pond gate in 61 minutes and was not far off my target.  Transitioned into paddling gear early.  Finished the opening leg 16th out of the Tuckerman Solo Elites and 31 of 80 teams.

Chef Mike leading my way through the 8.3 grueling miles lay ahead!

Off to the races with a bright and early start from Storyland!

Top Secret! Half the cost of Power Bar Performance Energy Blends.

Finishing up the run with some Beech Nut Fruities.  Keep the fires burning bright!

Paddle. The Saco river section on the Tuckerman Inferno is merely a speed bump to the better conditioned triathletes. It threads together two of the primary cardiovascular legs of the event just long enough that your legs go cold. This is probably the most grueling variable.  Letting the legs go dormant for 50 minutes along its almost 6 mile length. Its my bread and butter of the competition.

Kayaks of all kinds hug the shoreline of the Saco River.

This section of the Saco is Class I whitewater with some long stretches of slack and meandering quick water between drops. There are two lengthy technical rocks gardens requiring multiple moves, negotiating your way through a boulder strewn path.  Another half dozen or so shorter drops, several of which catch the unsuspecting boater by surprise. One right at the beginning through a narrow, pushy channel and don't let your guard down for the double drop about 1/3 mile above the takeout.

Typical carnage on the Saco River during the Inferno!(Photo Credit John Heden)

For the second time in 10 years river levels at an absolute minimum with the snow pack still locked up in the higher elevations. It was a bone yard out there. Paddling super fast in shallow technical water and trying to stay deep. I must of scraped a dozen rocks and almost pinned broadside once was just brutal on my boat.  White Mountain Swiftwater Rescue sends out a team of whitewater professionals to maintain safety in the more problematic areas of the course.  They do a great job noting the majority of the river hazards.  Several markers along the course can be seen with plenty of advance warning alerting the paddler where NOT to paddle.

Making a strong effort downriver I noticed in the distance two paddlers in Wildwater boats about two miles from the finish .  None other than Elaine and husband Jeff.  That excitement drove me harder and ever closer to them entered double drop battling Jeff broadside through the rapid. Much to his surprise, I challenged his line with confidence and his big effort, valiantly defended my attack.  Still searching for the deep water line to pass Jeff I made my biggest error of the competition that day and completely beached my kayak into the shallows.  Forcing me to get out of the cockpit and walk across the gravel bar.

Some crucial mistakes cost me and settled for 2nd place finish in the paddle of 80 ~29 seconds outside of 1'st overall on the Saco. Moving into 15th position overall coming out of the water. Not bad for someone who just ran 8.3 grueling miles.

Look at all the rocks. It was a scratchy, bony mess out there.  My poor boat was screaming at me.
(Photo Credit Wiseguy Creative)

Bike. It was the start of a HARD bike leg. Coming out of the water and into transition with Astrid, Noelle and even my sister Elaine came over to have both a little pow wow..... Transitions can also be a big party.  I have a tendency to get carried away.  Lots of hugs and kisses, photo shoot opportunities! Getting back to business....  Biking into a continuous 20mph head wind up some 1700 vertical rise over 17 miles is just brutal! It started out fine.  No cramps and turning the pedals over satisfactory.  I just could not find the power to deliver a solid pace. I could not overcome the relentless elevation gains combined with the badgering headwinds. The running leg certainly zapped my pedaling power. The ride turned into more a tempo cycle and there were no cramps. I had to sit back and crank out the miles and prepared myself for the upcoming hike.

Coasting after plunging some 40mph down Glen Ledge Rd.
(Photo Credit Wiseguy Creative)

Hike. It was a HARD race day. Hiking a pack of skis is just HEAVY...  Skinning, touring skis was the most excellent choice this day. With the river low, typically leans to snow pack conditions being great.  Thus the epic struggle between seasons. Getting passed by three soloists all on Randonee equipment.  Snow pack was top to bottom.  Somewhat soft at the bottom but every gain in elevation, beginning to firm up. Taking all the weight off your back and getting some glide has a huge advantage over packing in your gear the old fashioned way.  Took me 60 minutes to get off the bike and onto my skis at the top of the Sherburne ski trail.  Which by all accounts was still steady and par for the course that day.

Even the Good Wife Astrid mentioned to me, "there were a lot of people skinning up the trail, you "should" think about getting those."  I was astonished but I am practical. Getting a setup like that for one race? I know enough people with AT setups it would not be a problem to ski tour at least one weekend every year.  Right Astrid!


Ski.  This year once again did not feature a race leg in the ravine. Always conditions dependent, we have lucked out with some quality descents down Hillmans and skiing out the John Sherburne Ski Trail is quite fantastic.  In many ways, bombing down the Sherbie is much harder than skiing  Left Gully. Skiing at 30-mph downhill after negotiating a 30 mile race course is just plain old insane and I barely survived another Tuckerman Inferno. This was the second best personal result of the day for me placing 6th of the 31 soloists.

Ripping the tastiest most difficult screaming lines ever!
(Photo Credit Wiseguy Creative)

Looking into the next turn.....Legs screaming at me!
(Photo Credit Wiseguy Creative)

30mph down the Sherbie.  What was I thinking!
(Photo Credit Wiseguy Creative)

I finished 10th place of 30 Tuckerman with a total time of 4 hours 14 minutes and 25th overall of 80. Comparatively, this was my best performance of any previous two solo attempts. Finishing 3 hours behind first place in 2003 and a much improved 90 minutes behind the winner in 2005. Falling back on the years of experience certainly helped advance my results as I was only 33 minutes behind the winning podium times in 2015.

Race Organizers are "Miracle Workers" when setting the GS Course on Left Gully!
Photo from Friends of Tuckerman Ravine

GS Course on Hillmans Highway during 2014 Tuckerman Inferno
(Photo Credit John Heden)

The Tuckerman forces the soloist to transition between 5 disciplines over the ~35 mile course and thus increases chances for error. Despite being more trained and prepared the 2015 Tuckerman Inferno certainly felt more difficult than ever before.  I do not think its ever going to be an easy race and surely rattles your body in ways you cannot imagine.

Hanging on super tight to the best support person ever! 

Do not forget to remind your support person how much you love them!

Noelle sporting some cool gear she gets right in the middle of post race festivities!
(Photo Credit John Heden)

We challenge ourselves balancing both mind and body in tests of endurance and skill. Extremely pleased breaking 7:30 pace on my first official road run in 8 years! Despite some costly errors on the Saco I am thrilled having just laid it on the line performing exceptionally well in the two most technical disciplines, downriver paddling and skiing the tight and twisted, bumped up Sherbie.  Approaching the top the ski leg in the Inferno is a wild card of variables. Stoked surviving that absolute bomb down the Sherbie. 2.4 miles in 5 mins 54 seconds!

Smiles like this are contagious and win us over each year!

A shout-out to my dear friend and colleague at Waters Corporation. Justin Deary kept the fires burning bright for years, generating lots of corporate interest and keeping in fine shape to continue his insanely long run as a 10-time solo Tuckerman!  His hard work reflects how easy it was me to transition, keeping the event a reality here at Waters.

Keeping up in good competition with Justin's pearly whites!

I look forward to keeping strong ties with the Friends of Tuckerman in hopes to continue participation in the Tuckerman Inferno.  My goal is to keep our participation at a three team commitment.  We keep coming back for more torture, misery, agony and all the glory that comes with competing and what we have truly become when achieving our goals in our effervescent attempt at 'Taming the Tuckerman.'

Waters teams have compiled some incredible results over the years. Multiple winning Dynamic Duos, ladies team finishing in top three on multiple occasions, fastest individual times in both running and paddling, fastest women hikers and climb/ski legs and several 5 person mixed teams finish in the top ten overall. Here is a look back at some photo highlights through years of chasing winter and racing the Inferno. The camaraderie alone keeps bringing me back year after year.

Work Hard, Train Hard, Play Harder
Mark

Founding Father of the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine - Legendary Al Risch!
(Photo Credit John Heden)

Kicking off the season with 2015 Berkshire Highlands Pentathlon!

The "Highlands" of Western Massachusetts will come alive on Saturday March 28, 2015!

The last few seasons a multisport event came to reality in the small town of Charlemont, MA nestled in the picturesque Deerfield River Valley.  The Berkshire Highlands Pentathlon even in its infancy is becoming an annual gathering of outdoor enthusiasts, some getting together for the first time since the fall paddling and biking season ended. Many are sharing in their final après ski from what became one of the finest seasons in Southern New England. Well established businesses in outdoor recreation exist in Charlemont adding a strong sense of pride and volunteerism making this event totally possible.

Deerfield River Valley

Off-season training requires unrelenting commitment and preparation; base building, intervals and strength training for early spring multisport.  Finding ways to get outdoors cycling, paddling and running in the New England winter also proves difficult; snow, ice, frigid temperatures and wind chill, including shorter days. Elements of cross training, cross country and alpine skiing are great ways to rid yourself of the boredom spending countless hours indoors.  For many seasons it was training all the way up until the Tuckerman Inferno in mid-April and that was a gratifying way to keep in shape and keep you REAL honest in the off-season.  Berkshire Highlands Pentathlon answers the call, adding a similar race, positioned earlier in spring and parallels its "big brother" Tuckerman Inferno in many ways.

A lively group of  safety boaters  representing the strong sense of community and pride in the Deerfield River Valley.

Last year was my renaissance and look forward to building on that in 2015.  Having expanded my training plan to include treadmill running in addition to trails I will be getting back on the road for the first time in over 7 years.  This is a game changer and has opened up some more solo entries in multisport racing.  I am going to miss competing as a duo in these events with past teammates but I am ready to take on new challenges including going head to head with many of my old teamattes. Mike and John... It's Game On!

"Tam o Shanter" Team Wild WATERS First Place division and third overall 2 hours 52 minutes!
Teammatte Chef Mike did not have time to stick around for the short celebration on the podium.  

Here is some media that hopefully lives up to the hype of this simply outstanding and unique multisport event in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Welcome Spring as we collectively prepare to kickoff the 2015 racing season together!

Work Hard, Train Hard, Play Harder.......

Mark

Sometimes "Accidents Happen" and sometimes they don't!

The North Country Endurance Challenge became a reality over Memorial Day relaxing and enjoying the beginnings of summer on Cape Cod. Spending a weekend with fellow racing buddies goes without saying, we talk about past events and always look for that next event to compete. 

My friend John and I found ourselves in the perfect racing opportunity. With babies on the way and limited training time we decided to join forces with our outstanding support team of Astrid and Crystal, the most wonderful good wives club.  We would team up in the North Country Endurance Challenge on Saturday, September 6, 2014.

Calm waters broken up by the lead pack of paddlers on First Connecticut Lake in Pittsburgh, NH

(Photo by Dave Koenig)

Team "Accidents Happen" in our first competition together!

In the year of the baby, we formed a relay team and fittingly named it "Accidents Happen"  because we are constantly one training day or event away from another injury on the mends, though the pun was too good to pass up.

Travelling greater distances to compete is becoming a reoccurring theme for me this season.  This event took us as far north as the headwaters of the Connecticut River, a stones throw from the Canadian border.  One challenge would be not having trained on the same terrain or course we would be competing.

Would John and I be trained up enough? I was coming off some extended rest and relaxation following the Are Extreme Challenge in Sweden.  John and I would both be spending relentless weekends preparing our homes for the arrival of incoming infant babies.  The Stork's were well on their way to deliver our packages.

The race is organized by Untamed New England whom puts together a pro class adventure race that attracts international teams. Unlike the multi-day adventure race, the North Country Endurance Challenge is a a single day multisport event attracting local sponsored athletes and weekend warriors alike. It is offered as a "Premier Course" estimated completion of 10-12 hours covering a distance of  approximately 66 miles.  The race features 9 separate legs in "off road" disciplines of paddling, trail running and cross country mountain biking. Divisions of both relay teams and solo are both available. Those wanting to tackle a bit less miles but still face a formidable challenge could compete in the short course of ~31 miles trail running and mountain biking with the exception of paddling. 

"Red sky at morning, sailors take warning; Red sky at night, sailors' delight."

John and I entered as a relay team in the premier course and split legs evenly. I consider us to be primarily paddlers in which we both compete in varied degrees of events both on flatwater and Wildwater, which is downriver racing in whitewater. Typically, in multisport relay, a team would often be made up of the better paddlers, better trail runners and better cyclists all combining said efforts to deliver the strongest team performance. The biggest decisions were negotiating whom would race in which leg. We are equally comparable in paddling skill sets and cycling strengths. John was by far stronger runner and has a higher degree of endurance where I mostly train in the interval zone at shorter distances. This made the ultimate decisions easy. I would do the shorter paddling and cycling legs with John challenging himself across the longer paddle, cycling legs and majority of trail running in the valleys.

This was definitely no accident! Our support team was meant to be!

We decided to race one kayak between us and chose John's Wave Exceed. Having spent less than 10 minutes in this racing kayak ever before and never in an event, meant I could very well dump this boat during the race, especially if waters were rough.

They key to paddling most racing designs is momentum, neutral to slightly forward body position and maintain steady rhythm. Entry into the boat is far greater challenge. Once the boat gets sufficient hull speed, stability increases significantly. Keeping the body weight stable over midship near the beam to achieve the boats designed waterline is the sweet spot where you will find both balance and performance. Lastly, reminding myself to focus on commanding a steady stroke. Over paddling might catch a paddle with a late release in the water  but that is a common mistake when adrenaline takes control of the mind and body.

Ultimately what decides the outcome of the race happens in the form of support.  Relying on the support team is one of the most important variables. Without a support team capable of route finding their way to multiple transition sites and locales in an unknown area of northern New England could decide the race.

Our racing buddy Josh Flanagan from Cohasset, MA made the long trip up to 'North Country' and would be racing the solo division.  He certainly has both the skills and endurance to challenge the best competitors on the field that day. The North Country Endurance Challenge has an option to hire local natives as a support team. This is becoming increasingly popular in multisport and Josh took advantage. Knowing that he was in good hands Josh was certainly ready to bring it!

John showing off his team skills

Josh Flanagan with his Epic V12 Surf Ski down to the shoreline

Starting Line 2014 North Country Endurance Challenge

(Photo by Jo M. Wood)

Le Mans style start of the 2014 North Country Endurance Challenge!
(Photo by Jo M. Wood)

The weather conditions were absolutely were stunning.  Cool, crisp morning, that feeling of early autumn season was upon us. First Connecticut Lake was glass.  Perfect conditions for my first time racing the Wave Exceed. The forecast called for thunderstorms and heavy rains moving into the area in the afternoon hours. Would the weather hold off or would conditions take a turn for the worse? With our first concern put at ease.  Now was the pressure of executing!

Off to the races across First Connecticut Lake.

Taking a lead on the first 4 mile paddle leg is key to maintaining momentum but I had to play it safe.  I positioned the kayak on the shoreline far to the left of the majority of the competition and faster racing boats. Thus, lowering the risk of collision or having turbulent waters affect my stability in an unfamiliar boat off the start.  This gave me an opportunity to pick up some speed off the start and maintain some control.

Crystal Clear Waters!
(Photo by Jo M. Wood)

James Kovacs & Josh Flanagan setting the pace. The chase is on!

(Photo by Jo M. Wood)

Leading the charge and preparing for first transition to John!

Feeling burnt never felt better!

Coming into transition in first place off the opening leg was not my intended plan. There were faster boats on the course that day and I dropped in behind the lead boats off the start. Making a move about halfway into this paddling leg, the strong push was what was needed to hold the lead into transition. This would not have been the choice decision if solo or paddling both legs. I had the energy to expend and burnt myself on the water but John was doubling up over the next two legs running 3 miles into Lake Francis State Park and hop right into the kayak, traversing 5 miles across Lake Francis. I had plenty of time to recover.

Getting the boat over to the shore of Lake Francis for John

Lake Francis looking pristine....  Are you ready for it John!

John coming into transition finishing up the second leg strong

John putting James Kovacs in his sights.... 

Adventure racing formats often require teams to navigate between checkpoints. The multisport events I participate resemble that of an"off road" triathlon and do not require orienteering. In this case, racers will follow a preset course point to point. The entire course was impressively well marked, though you start second guessing yourself moving fast in unfamiliar, variable terrain and more concerned with not crashing. This could be a game changer especially during the mountain biking legs when speed takes over. Competitors could very well miss a marker at an important turn and be lost, off course. Paying attention to the markers on the course at all times is critical.

Surprised the heck out of  the team flying unexpectedly into transition

Waiting patiently: Who would exit first from 11 wilderness trail miles!

I was racing a Gary Fisher Cobia 29er for the first time and having little to no time to train on this bike. It was a rather interesting choice of equipment because it is on the heavy side compared to my only other go to option a 26" full suspension cross country bike.

The first cycling leg shortest of the four biking legs went through the Clarksville Highlands. A fitting warm-up on the new bike as it was primarily dirt road and rolling sets of hills. The bike turned out to be an excellent choice. The Cobia 29er very capable of maintaining momentum with every bit of energy I delivered.  The bike soaked up many of the smaller obstacles without loosing speed along the mostly double track roads. I cannot even begin to explain the incredible efficiency when hill climbing on this bike. This bike just chewed up the rolling hills saving much needed energy.

John was looking steadfast and had good energy 

Coming into transition I would surprise my team as they were not ready for me.  John quickly dropped what he was doing as I was hitting the checkpoint. We swapped the numbered bib and he was off on what would soon become labelled as the most difficult leg of the entire event.  Everyone would be challenged when race organizers changed the trail run from the Diamond Ponds to Coleman State Park from 7 miles to almost 11 mile distance....

There was general agreement among the competitors to continue on the course that had been changed. The results would seemingly tell the tale of a different story.  These were the kind of miles that come slowly, uneven, soft muddy landscape and turned out to be a long, grueling trudge through high grasses and wetlands. 

2014 Haglöfs Åre Extreme Challenge - Video Edit

Finally!!!!  It took me forever to get this edit out.  That is what happens when you have to image the laptop, incompatible video editor and have to convert all files to lesser format to edit.  Not too mention two corrupted projects, having to start from scratch a third time. Lots of patience and well, weekends spent preparing for a baby helped me forget about these silly video edit failures.

I used a ContourROAM2 mounted to my whitewater and bike helmet.  Yes, I wore a helmet during the mountain running leg.  How else would I have captured all that footage up and over Åreskutan! The support team  had the Cannon VIXIA HF R500 which was great to capture some third person shots coming in transition and at the finish line. 

Here is my 2014 Åre Extreme Challenge video..............Enjoy it as much as I did!

Work hard, train hard, play harder!

Mark

Competing in the Haglöfs Åre Extreme Challenge

"Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes." 

--The Buddha

No it's not a marathon, it's definitely not an Ironman and not a multi-day adventure race but this event draws the attention of those same athletes all over Scandinavia to test themselves in proficiency of paddling, mountain running and cross country mountain biking. I embrace these activities with passion recreationally but can I transition that same intensity, training and competing in the outdoors over to Sweden?

Working a little on the game face...........................On?

The HÅEC in 2014 was the 18th consecutive year this race has been running. It is based in the mountain resort town of Åre, Sweden which hosts many world class competitions and outdoor festivals. The Åre Extreme Challenge is nothing less than world class, taking the racer on an epic journey through some of the most varying back country landscape in the heart of Jämtland. There is an extraordinary amount of work that goes into executing a race covering 75km of back country terrain and well over 600 competitors. The event is so well organized from start to finish that I do not have one complaint or suggestion that could make it better.

The charitable recipient of this years HÅEC was Projekt Åredalen. This volunteer organization is doing some amazing work with the homeless people in Romania to give them a better life and for the children. Over $5,000 was donated from the proceeds generated by racer entry fees which is outstanding. The real winners truly are the families in Romania!

Perfect Race Day

I have never raced at these combined distances and on terrain I have not previously trained would be the two greatest challenges.  How to properly train and condition my body? What gear and equipment would be effective? Kayak? Bike? How would I hydrate and stay fueled? Would my knee hold up? These were all the questions I had coming into the event.

Everyone in Sweden was sick and I was just hoping it would not happen. It did and I caught a cold several days prior.  I shook off a slight fever three nights before the race.  Stuffy nose, sore throat and erratic cough followed. Add one more unexpected challenge and throw a bad nights sleep into the equation.

At 6:00am it was 11C/51F with sunny, blue skies. One more look outside... Ut Oh!  Oh No this can't be... all Swedish and Jämtland flags are pinned in the westerly wind.  Not good... we are paddling east. So much for perfection. This paddle is going to break me.

Several goals remained as I mentally and physically became aware of my capabilities in training:

1. Finish the race in the top 100.  I started out as racer #204.  I had my work cut out for me!
2. 7 hours total time on the course.  Execute my game plan!
3. Remain injury free. Recover gradually over several days following with no acute pain.

Multi-sport has a tendency to get gear intensive!

Enough fuel to keep the fires burning bright race day!

Downriver Paddling - 25 km

The agony and defeat of paddling in very difficult windy conditions in some of the fastest, and likewise unstable racing kayaks was the price many competitors paid. Many did not finish due to frequent swims, loosing boat and/or paddle either in the river rapids or in the lake section with constant headwind, facing consistent chop and unexpectedly getting assaulted by a breaking swell.

I had the pleasure of paddling a rather classy 5m Fiberglass sea kayak. Thanks to Astrid's brother Emil for securing that boat and paddle! Having spent several training sessions I was more than comfortable and ready for race day.  However, on race day it was jaw dropping to see how many of these modern multi-sport kayaks and surf skis I would be going up against.  This leads me to believe that there is no shortage of incredible paddlers here in Sweden. My wife once again reminded me its not the boat its the paddler in it!

Very limited warm-ups with five minutes to start time... typical me!

It was unusually calming as I sat there on the starting line not knowing a single person in the water. The expected race day nerves went away and there were no distractions. I was focused and determined to race against myself that day.  I did not have much time at all to think about it.... Before I knew it the horn sounded and I was immediately surrounded by a pack of surf skis challenging for position.  I was passed by at least 15 boaters within the first 5 minutes.

I latched onto every paddler that passed and drafted as long as I could hang on.  I finally settled into a pack, several groups scattered about nearby and I had locked into the top 25 in this heat. I was hanging onto position now and had to hang on strong to get into Indalsälven, the river portion to make my moves count!

Second heat with lead paddlers out in front.  Lightning fast off the start!

Indalsälven was awesome.  The first rapid was longest, about 6 long swooping turns in the river. I was concerned there would be many rocks and technical.  Not at all. This was wide, big water Class II with lots of wave trains, wide eddy lines trying to grab your bow and yank you off your line, several holes thrown in to keep you honest.

Immediately entered the river following alongside a surf ski.  He swam within seconds of entering the current.... I passed so many boaters I lost count and easily moved well into the top 10 of this heat of more than 65 boaters.  Most paddlers were taking sneak routes in the secondary currents where I chose the true path the entire way.  There was one point before the second rapid, smaller stretch perhaps 2 big turns in the river. A pack caught back up to me here and briefly passed on the sneak route.  I went wide right into the main flow and cut them all off putting a good distance.  The entire lot of them had to play catch up again.

There were two portages/lifts which turned out to be a key portion of the race not to mess up, trip up loose position.  The best you can do here is hold position.  This is also where I refueled using Cliff Bar Shot Block Energy Chews sucking down a package per portage.  I had a water bladder with 3 tablets in 50ozs water Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes Fizz in the kayak and routed the tube between the skirt and base layer to prevent chaffing.  This worked great and kept me hydrated in preparation for the mountain.

Crossing the first checkpoint in 76th overall place at 1:32:12.

I had positioned myself in the top 100 for the day.... "its not the boat its the paddler in it!"  Now I just have to hold steady and maintain position.  Something unexpected happened in the first portage which was approximately 150m distance but lost three spots due to a rudder that fell off the stern.

Passed by another three in the next 30 minute stretch of water. The next lengthy portage twice as long, the rudder fell off the stern again. Passed by another three paddlers. What I did not learn during training was that you have to pull up the rudder in order to secure it.  The rudder was always pulled up when transporting or carrying the boat during training.  I had a mental lapse in race mode and forgot to pull it up.  This cost me several spots having to stop and untangle the lines in order to freely insert back it back into the stern.

Paddlers chasing and gaining ground fast after a lengthy first section of rapids where I made my moves!

The final stretch of paddling into the lake with the resort town of Are in the distance. I grabbed onto the first group that tried to pass, determined to lock horns with them right until the end.  The paddler in the Mazu surf ski #177 was right out in front with another group of 3 paddlers. The group ahead separated from us but I did not have enough to pursue.  Good thing! Their lead paddler flipped, swam and the group got hung up with his boat turning broadside into them. We moved passed no problem!

Paddling Åresjön.  Drafting #177 just ahead of me making our way to the beachhead  and final lift to transition. 

#177 was strong, efficient and I drafted him right until reaching the beachhead for that final lift into the kayak drop off zone and half kilometer jog to Åre Kyrka to meet up with Astrid and support team in transition. An efficient transition with Astrid doing everything she does best.  She had all my gear, sports drink and snacks ready and waiting for me.  The cheering Kristiansson family helped keep morale up too!

Leaving the transition I moved into 73rd place with a time of 2:30:17. 

Mountain Trail Running - 15 km

Åreskutan is the lone mountain rising 1420 meters coming in and out of view during most of the paddle leg. Its hard to miss and knowing that is where the course heading. Leaving the transition, running through Åre Centrum and the tunnel passing the Tott Hotel, up a steep flight of stairs by Tottliften and begin ascending Tottbacken to the pistes above.   The sustained wind kept things cool enough not to overheat so that was welcomed, now used to the advantage.

The vertical hits you quickly and you just had to commit yourself to the climb and mission to get to the top.  Pushing a solid pace I started picking people off one by one. The effort was harder than originally anticipated. The degree of these steeper ski slopes puts your calf's and Achilles under strain, stressing to the max which was of immediate concern and had to pull back the pace a little. Working my way above treeline, up and over this prolonged continuous ascent to Sadlen and the start of the next section.

Cresting onto a mountain plateau, the trail was varying between smooth slab and a well worn, defined path which made for a speedy pace. I would soon be entering the snow line keeping the false summit of Lillskutan to the right of the climber some 700m above the lake and approaching ever closer to the summit. The 300m vertical push to the summit was a boulder strewn scree path in which one racer passed me whom I latched onto as far up this final long climb as possible.

This entire climb from reaching the plateau is just the way I remember the highest mountains in New England.
I felt very much at home here on the Svenska Fjällen, especially when the snow flurries began to fall.

Moving and grooving across the plateau for final push over the summit.

Photo by Jakob Edholm

I crested the summit checkpoint in my highest position 69th place with a total time of 3:42:02.  

The trail system on the North side of Åreskutan is considerably more primitive. I started getting picked off on the decent.  I pursued and gave chase.  As you move faster route finding becomes more difficult.  Following people allowed me to concentrate more on the varying degree of terrain and trusting that my competition was on the correct path. A quite strong looking duo team passed me and they were just floating on rocks! It is very impressive to watch the competitors in the duo division sharing every leg of the adventure with a teammate and friend. 

On the route down Åreskutan my right knee would challenge my every movement.  Momentum is your friend but I must be careful as the impact will surely throw off placement of the knee. As pain creeps I back off the pace to reduce impact.  When it subsides I can pick it back up again.  Constant struggle but I persevered!

For most of the entire descent you could see the village of Huså by the lakeside in the distance. This is the next transition site and where I would reconnect with my support team. Moving across ridge lines, scurrying across soft, muddy tundra, galloping over boulder strewn paths and traversing a large snowfield, slipping and sliding with every other foothold across its length. This was the definition of freedom.

Dropping below treeline, navigating some sharp twists and turns in a meandering, raw and extremely muddy foot path and out onto snowmobile tracks then finally out onto a dirt road... I was passed by a group of 5 runner all pacing themselves evenly to each other. I latched onto them for a while and had to back off a little with my goal to maintain sight of them for as long as possible.

Running down the piste into the village of Huså!

Entering the transition area in Huså I heard a voice cry out to me, "Ahhh Mark! We have been waiting here for hours!"  That little voice echoed through my brain over and over was correct. My run over the mountain was 9.5 miles in 2:14 minutes.  I did not think that was too terribly slow :-)

Astrid was well prepared in the confines of the transition area.  Bike and gear, sports and energy snacks were all waiting for me. This should have been a quick transition but I was having too much fun taking photos with Astrid and hugging all the warmth out of her as my body started cooling.  Astrid's parents were an amazing support team with Alf taking photos and Christina on the video camera.

Leaving the transition loosing three spots and back in 73rd place with a time 4:48:56.

Cross Country Mountain Biking - 32 km

This leg is an element of execution that is very hard to train for.... when your already beat up and tired. Your body is on fumes and you better have executed a good nutrition and hydration plan or your going to commit your muscles to cramping and utter agony for some 32kms ahead.  Still within my goal of a 7 hour finish... Everything had to go right on the bike leg though....right???

Here is where I tell you things did not go as planned.  Not that it was terribly difficult or that I horribly bonked and could not turn the muscles over. The problem was just not knowing the course and that challenge smacked me right in the face over and over again.

Mud..... More deep, sopping wet mud than I could have ever dreamed of on a bike course. It dragged the life out of me and I could not find a tempo.  Cramps started to root themselves in between all the stopping... one really deep in the inner left thigh... I had to back off slightly and tap the leg until the tremors subsided.

Looking at my watch as I trudged through swampy, muddy wetland and knowing in the first 30 minutes that there was no way I was going to break 7 hours.

Stream crossings..... many of those which are just obstacle ditches.... down and up the other side.  At least 7 were significant along the course of which 5 of them I had to walk out of.

Coming around this corner I could not believe I was still on the bike in all this mud!

Photo by Jakob Edholm

#177.....  Come to find out I put 10 minutes on the paddler in the Mazu surf ski coming over the summit and checking out of Huså.  He caught up and passed me about 75 minutes into the mountain bike!  I matched his speed for a short bit and noticed it was the surf ski dude! Had a short conversation and reminded him it was me in the sea kayak that was drafting him 4 hours ago.... hahahaha :-)

Nonetheless, this was a defining moment.  I could not let off the gas.  I was racing I had to push onward and not let anyone else catch me.

Climbing.....  Hills, hills, so many hills... so much climbing!  Never ending sets of slight to moderate and one helluva hill climb up to Björnen and held strong, for a long consistent push to the top. The worst hill yet to come....

Crossing the checkpoint before the hill climb up Björnen I was in 77th position with a time of 6:16:45.

Was I really only one position off the first checkpoint 4 hours earlier!!!!  This tells me one thing, even in the face of much mud, difficult ditches and helluva hills I was actually still racing my race.  I had held my position in the top 100 with roughly 12-13-km's remaining.  I have not lost anything at all!

Specialized Stumpjumper and brand spanking new Bontrager Mud X Tires in action!

Photo by Jakob Edholm

Getting my wind back.........  After the climb up Björnen, there was a flowy stretch of single track through a Birch Forest and gave me the chance to cool down from the previous long climb. It was so amazingly beautiful, something special happened here.  Here is where I got my first wind on the bike and found my tempo. So much so that I caught several bikers towards the end of a long muddy flat wetland.  I continued to turn it on.....  Passing more bikers on the next sets of small hills.  Another biker whipping on and off dirt roads in between a small village. Several bikers on another stretch of single track who foot downed on a moderate climb and could not recover.  Coming back down the other side picking up the pace again I downshifted with unexpected timing to catch another two on a 90 degree turn up a short steep gravel road that spat you into the outskirts of town and busting open some serious cadence.  Passing another two on the road I was quite literally on fire.

Coming upon the final hill climb, well over 1km to the top of the downhill course broke me.  I had to get off the bike and walked it 2/3 of the way.  So sad after all that effort getting my wind back to get passed by 9 competitors here.  In the back of my mind I went too hard, too soon and should have pulled back once I got onto the paved road.  I also knew that getting to the top, red lining would not help in the downhill tracks.

The downhill was classic awesomeness from Åre which is the top 10 in all of Europe for downhill biking. Trust me... This course had dozens of burmed up, banked turns as you switch backed your way down the mountain. It was a gritty roller coaster ride.  Passing another two bikers who went off course, I was on my game again and did not get passed the rest of the way.

Finish Line - Åre Centrum!

Crossing the line in 78th place for a 07:20:31 finish!

Photo by Jakob Edholm

Chatting it up with Johan #177 who finished 74th place 5 minutes ahead of me!

Someone is really excited!

When I think back to the decision to plan our time in Sweden around this race about 5 months ago, the training, planning and preparations, my personal commitment and all the time and energy invested.  It was truly most successful race I have ever competed from start to finish.  It was all about personal achievement, fueled by a passion for the outdoors.

To have the unconditional support of my sweet wife Astrid who kept reminding me to just let it ride and be myself out there. The entire Kristiansson Family came out race day and I cannot explain how lucky I am having been given this opportunity to share this little adventure with them. It was a great surprise to see them scattered around the transitions and on the race course.  Paddling downriver in a huge mass start, multiple portages, scrambling and running down a mountain then mountain bike back up, down and all the way around again.

Check out this support team!  Nils, Margareta, Christina and Alf....

Now questions shift in the other direction as I evaluate execution and performance.  The "would of, could of, should of" of racing and in hindsight. Should I have rented that Sisson Centrix multi-sport racing kayak? Could I spend less time in the transitions? Would a 29er have been a better choice of mountain bike?

I would not have done anything different.  My final goal was reached, walking away uninjured and free from any ongoing, lingering acute physical pains.  I had a complete recovery in three days time though I have not been able to push top end in the weeks following, as I was still pretty burnt out.

Last but certainly not least..........JAG ÄLSKAR DIG Astrid!

Perhaps now I can officially call myself a multi-sport athlete. It only took me 10 years to figure it out! Looking very forward to adding one more to the support team and I promise to be back in 2016 for the 20th anniversary!

Work Hard, Train Hard, Play Harder!

Mark