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.