Gear Box: Tech4o Accelerator Pro Plus Watch

Every new year brings a host of new resolutions. For many, that includes getting into better shape and generally living a more healthier life. If you've made that one of your goals for 2012, then you're going to want to take a look at the new Accelerator Pro Plus watch from Tech4o, as it just might be the best training partner you've ever had.

As you would expect from any good training watch, the Accelerator Pro Plus offers countdown timers, a 50 lap chronograph, alarms, and more. It is waterproof down to 100 meters and it even tells time – in two timezones no less! But Tech4o managed to pack in some other great features that you don't find on a lot of other time pieces of this type, especially in this price range.

Using its built in accelerometer, the watch can accurately measure your pace and distance, which is fantastic for tracking performance over time. It also keeps track of total exercise and moving times, calories burned, personal best speeds and distances covered, and much more. And when paired with the included heart rate monitor, which fastens comfortably around your chest, it can measure your pulse throughout your workout and provides critical data regarding performance and recovery. The Accelerator Pro Plus even allows you to customize your personal profile to provide visual and audible alerts throughout your run, which can help you stay on pace and alert you when your heart rate moves into the red zone.

All of that data can be extremely helpful for runners looking to increase their speed and distances over time or simply increase their overall fitness. But the Accelerator Pro Plus as another trick up its sleeve in the form of PC-Link, which allows the watch and heart rate monitor to wirelessly upload the data to your computer. The PC-Link software, which is rather basic, yet still quite functional, stores your running logs and allows you to chart your progress over time. It also displays heart rate charts, tracking your minimum and maximum pulse and giving you an average heart rate for your individual runs. It is an excellent addition to the package, which can be a very useful tool for beginner and experienced runners alike. Sadly though, the software is only available for Windows PC's (Win 98/XP/ME/Vista/Win7), keeping Mac users from fully tapping the watch's abilities.

I was impressed with how easy this watch is to use. Similar time pieces can be a bit cryptic in their interfaces, but after just a couple of runs,  I found that I was using the Accelerator Pro without thinking twice. That's a major plus for runners who just want to hit the trail and not have to fiddle with their technology while focused on their run. I also found this watch very comfortable to wear, even when not working out. The face isn't overly large and it isn't heavy either. Considering I pretty much wear a watch of sometime at all times, I appreciate both of those features.

Now for the best part of all. Tech4o managed to bring this fully-functional training watch to the market at a price that is difficult to argue with. The MSRP on the Accelerator Pro Plus is just $129.99, including the heart rate monitor and wireless PC-Pod for connecting to your laptop. That's a great deal, and I've paid similar prices in the past for watches with the half the functionality.

If you're looking for a great new training tool, then look no further. The Accelerator Pro Plus will give you everything you need in one great, affordable package. Now's the perfect time to grab one as well and start using it to realize all those New Year's Resolutions you've made.

Summer Issue of Trail Run Magazine Now Available

The Summer Edition of the fabulous Trail Run Magazine is now available for your downloading and reading pleasure. Summer Edition you ask? Why yes, it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, and this great e-zine focuses on the trail running scene in Australia and New Zealand, although it has plenty to offer trail runners everywhere.

Readers will find all kinds of interesting content in the latest issue, including excellent gear suggestions and reviews, profiles of great trail options, and an awesome interview with legendary mountain runner Sjors Corporaal, who seemingly burst onto the New Zealand running scene, and has dominated some of the tougher races there. The mag also takes a look at some of the toughest races down under and the latest trends in trail running shoes, including the popular barefoot craze.

As usual, the Trail Run is filled with great photos to accompany the excellent articles, and it can now be purchased in a high quality "mook" format. A mook falls somewhere between a magazine and a book, for those who prefer reading offline.

If you like the look and content in Trail Run, than stay tuned for more big things from the team who is delivering this great magazine. I've heard through the grapevine they would like to turn their attention to our other favorite outdoor sports, like climbing and paddling as well. If Trail Run is any indication of what their other projects will be like, I'm excited to see what they bring to the table.

Gear For Winter Running

Last week we received some tips on gear for winter cycling courtesy of Gizmodo and today we have a similar list, this time for runners, from our friends over at Wend. If you're like me, and you absolutely hate to run indoors, than this nifty little gear guide will come in handy for getting ready for the long cold months ahead.

Personally, I like the Wend gear guide better than the Gizmodo one because if focuses on the most important aspect of cold weather activities, namely staying warm. At the heart of that is excellent clothing that breathes well, is warm enough to withstand the cold temps, but doesn't leave you sweating your butt off. It is a fine line to walk, but most cold weather runners learn what works and wasn't doesn't and adjust their apparel accordingly.

Amongst the gear that Wend recommends is the Salomon XT Wings 2 trail running shoes, which they like for keeping your feet warm and dry, even in the snow. They also give a nod to the Montane Lite Speed Jacket, which is wind and water proof, and designed for cold weather exercise. The gang at Wend also likes running tights from Pearl Izumi for keeping you warm on the road or trail too.

There are more items on the list which will either help to keep you warm in the weeks ahead or would make a very welcome gift for the runner on your list. Everything from gloves to stocking caps and gaiters are listed, making it a snap to prep for the winter.

More of Outside's Favorite Blogs

Last week I shared links to Outside Magazine's picks for their favorite Gear, Bike, Environmental, and Adventure blogs, the latter of which I was fortunate enough to earn a spot on. Since then, the editors at Outside Online have also posted their top picks for their favorite climbing, running, and fitness blogs as well.

Making the list of the top climbing blogs on the Internet were sites such as Climberism and PlanetMountain, both of which I enjoy reading regularly. But Outside's top pick in this category is one that I whole heartedly agree with, as Climbing Narc is always a great read to keep up with what is happening in the climbing scene.

The top 10 running blogs is filled with plenty of great options as well, and if you're not already a runner, reading these sites will probably motivate you to start. I've always been partial to iRunFar and enjoy reading Peak Performance as well, as both offer plenty of inspiration for my own running. The top blog on this list is Science of Sport, which is a new one to add to my daily web activities.

Finally, we have the top 10 fitness blogs, which includes Runblogger, which is curiously listed here and not under the running blogs, and Sweat Science, which is always a good read when you're looking for the latest news and analysis on fitness trends. The New York Times Well Blog tops the list in this category thanks to its excellent writing, breadth of topics, and practical advice.

Between all of these lists, you should find at least a few new bookmarks to add to your browser of choice. There really are some excellent blogs listed amongst the 70 websites that Outside has recommended across all of these lists. They'll definitely keep you informed on what ever topic they focus on.

British Ultrarunner Sets New EBC to Kathmandu Speed Record

British ultrarunner Lizzie Hawker has set a new speed record from Everest to Kathmandu, by running from Base Camp to the capitol of Nepal in just under three days. Hawker started the run last week and finished the 320km (199 mile) route on Friday.

Officially, Hawker's time was recorded as 2 days, 23 hours, 25 minutes, which shaved a bit of time off her previous record, which was set back in 2007, when she made the same run in 3 days, 2 hours, 39 minutes. Her latest time includes an unexpected stop over in the village of Bupsa, where Hawker spent 8 hours waiting out the rain. At that point she thought her chances of breaking the record were slim, but she managed to get back on the trail and make up the time.

Perhaps even more impressive, Lizzie, who is amongst the top ultrarunners in the world, completed the run without sleep and while suffering from what is described as a chest infection, which she contracted while on the Everest Sky Race. My guess is that she had a bad case of the Khumub Cough, which I can tell you from my own experience is quite nasty. I don't envy her on that run.

Considering the trek from EBC to Lukla takes about four days by itself, this is super-impressive. Most of us then board a plane and fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla, but Lizzie kept on running, finishing up the whole journey in under three days. Amazing.

Thanks to Outside Online for the tip on this one!

Trail Run Magazine Issue #2 Available Online

Way back in July I posted a story about a new online e-zine called Trail Run Magazine that was being put together by some friends of mine in Australia. At the time, I thought the content was fantastic and that the magazine was off to a great start, and judging from some comments that I heard, a number of you thought so as well. Now, the second issue of the magazine is out, and delivers even more great content.

Granted, Trail Run has a definite slant towards running in Oz and New Zealand, but that said, there are plenty of good articles for trail runners and adventurers everywhere. For example, the second issue has shoe reviews, as well as gear previews, that will be popular with runners of all types. The magazine's athlete profiles are also interesting to read, and their regular columns for improving performance and shaking off injuries are welcome as well. I particularly took note of the article on ankle injuries, as I've been suffering with one for a month now, and it has severely hampered my running.

Trail Run Magazine continues the high quality that was set down with the first issue, and I continue to be impressed with how beautiful it looks. The images are fantastic and the writing is top notch as well. It is clear that this is a labor of love by people who live and breathe trail running and have a passion for sharing with their readers. Give it a glance and I think you'll find that you enjoy it as much as I do.

Gear Box: New Balance 360 Degree Running Jacket

With the summer now long over, and cooler weather settling in, runners are digging deep into their closet to pull out their warmer gear. A recent cool front has brought some much needed, and appreciated, fall weather to my neighborhood, which has made longer runs much more bearable and served as a perfect testing ground for a new running jacket from New Balance.

The 360 Degree Jacket was designed to remove any excuses for not going for a run due to inclement weather. It is both wind and water resistant, helping to keep you warm and dry while on the move, but it is also lightweight and breathable, which goes a long way to extending your comfort even further. New Balance has conveniently included heat vents along the front and back of the jacket as well and an internal mp3 pocket was greatly appreciated, as I rarely hit the road without my iPod.

With its semi-fitted cut, the 360 Degree Jacket fits nicely without impeding movement, two things that always look for in my active wear. Drawcords along the waist allow you to adjust the fit further and an inner lining, that stretches down the sleeves, provide a nice buffering layer between your body and the outer layer of the jacket when you start to sweat. Zippered pockets help to keep important items, such as keys or a wallet, safe, and one of those pockets even includes a ribbon to record your emergency contact information, heaven forbid you should ever need it.

Put to the test in the real world, I found this jacket to be comfortable and performed well in a variety of weather conditions, just as advertised. I was a bit on the warm side however, even in the semi-cool weather that I tested it in. To be fair, I do tend to heat up easily when working out, and if your core temperature doesn't run as high, or you live in a place where there truly is cool weather, you'll be more than happy with the performance of the 360 Degree.

If performance in bad weather were the only thing this jacket had to offer, you'd still think it was a fantastic addition to your running wardrobe, but it turns out it has another trick up its sleeve. When designing the 360 Degree Jacket, New Balance incorporated a new version of the Scotchlite fabrics from 3M. Scotchlite was created to be highly reflective and this latest version is thin, lightweight, and designed for performance gear. It also happens to make that gear HIGHLY visible in low light conditions. In fact, the New Balance 360 Degree Jacket gets its name from the fact that the wearer can be seen from all angles, even while running in the dark.

The addition of the Scotchlite really does make a massive difference in visibility, extending the distance that you can be seen my several hundred meters. This feature of the jacket is also greatly appreciated in the fall, as not only are the days becoming cooler, but they're getting shorter as well. I won't speak for you, but before too long, I know I'll be running in the dark every night.

Taken as a complete package, this is one fantastic jacket for runners. It'll keep you warm and dry, without overheating, and provides great visibility in low light situations. If you're a dedicated runner, I think you'll appreciate all the little touches that went into making the 360 Degree Jacket. New Balance's legacy in the running world is well on display here. (MSRP: $89.99)

100-Year Old Man Completes Marathon, What's Your Excuse?

This past weekend, 100-year old Fauja Singh completed the Toronto Marathon and ran into the record books in the process. Singh, who didn't take up running until he was 89, is the oldest person to officially complete a marathon, which is 26.2 mile (42.1 km) in length.

Singh wasn't exactly setting any speed records, but then again, that's not what this story is all about. It took him about 8 hours, 25 minutes to cover the course, which brought him in dead last, but accomplished his goal of finishing in under nine hours. Event organizers were picking up barricades and banners even as he approached the finish line.

This was Singh's 8th marathon and he doesn't seem ready to quit yet. He hopes to be a part of the Olympic torch relay for the 2012 London Games next year as well.

Pretty inspiring stuff. I hope I'm still running when I hit a century old. Fauja shoots a lot of holes in the excuse that "I'm too old" to start running/exercising. You're never too old to get outside and hit the road.

Gear Box: Camelbak Marathoner Hydration Vest

It has been a very long, very hot summer in Texas. Today will actually be our 90th day of the year in which temperatures will top 100ºF/39ºC. While that record heat hasn't deterred me from my regularly scheduled runs, it has reminded me of the importance of staying hydrated while out in the sun and recently I've been using a new hydration vest from Camelbak to do just that. Yep! You read that right. Not a hydration pack, but a hydration vest.

The new Marathoner was designed from the ground up to be the perfect hydration solution for runners. It is lightweight, weighing in at just 12.7 ounces, made from breathable fabrics, and allows runners to carry plenty of water. The included hydration bladder stores up to 2 liters of water and two harness pockets on the front can support 24 ounce bottles. Those same pockets can also carry snacks or other items you want to keep close at hand while on the go. A second storage pocket is located on the back and is great for carrying keys or other small items.

The Marathoner's unique design is a lot more like a vest than a traditional hydration pack and when I first started using it, I was worried about how it would feel while on a longer run. Fortunately, it as easy to adjust the fit and after a mile or so, I barely remembered that I had it on. I was happy to find that once I had the narrow belts pulled tight, the vest stayed snugly in place, moving with me as I went about my run, even after I built up quite a sweat.

Another concern of mine was how much warmer I'd feel while using the vest in the summer heat, but once again, I was relieved to find that my fears were unfounded. What little fabric there is on the Marathoner is very thin and an air channel along the back helped to keep me as ventilated as possible, even when he mercury climbed into the triple digits. Wearing the vest was warmer than simply going shirtless of course, but it wasn't a dramatic difference and the quick access to water while on the move, more than made up for any slight discomfort. I also learned to add ice cubes to not only help keep the liquid cooler on longer runs, but it also helped to reduce the overall temperature of the vest as well.

Perfect for long distance training or trail runs, I predict the Marathoner will become a favorite piece of gear for runners upon its release. The bad news is, it won't be available until February, but with an MSRP of just $100, I think any runner will want to add it to their gear closet. It makes staying hydrated incredibly easy and that will not only help you run further, it'll help performance as well. Keep an eye out for this one. I highly recommend it.

Pole To Pole Run Update: Halfway There!

A little more than a year ago, I wrote about Australian ultrarunner Pat Farmer, who was planning the massive undertaking of actually running from the North Pole to the South Pole. Since then, I hadn't really heard much about the expedition, but it turns out that it launched on schedule this past spring and Farmer is continuing to make impressive progress.

Dubbed the Pole To Pole Run, and not to be confused with the Pole2Pole Expedition, Farmer set off from the North Pole last April and has been heading south ever since. Traveling across the arctic on foot, and sometimes kayaks, Farmer made his way to Quebec, Canada, then has continued across the eastern United States, down into Mexico, and through Central America, arriving in Panama this week. Thus far, he has covered approximately 12,500km (7767 miles) and is about to start the next phase.

After crossing the Panama Canal, Pat will now make a daring trek through the Darien Gap, a dangerous stretch of jungle that is home to drug runners, bandits, and insurgents. For this stage, which is roughly 250km (155 miles) in length, he, and his support team, will be escorted by armed guards to ensure their safety.

Once he's cleared that section, he'll continue into South America proper, where he'll keep running until he reaches Tierra del Fuego at the end of the continent. That will tack an additional 9693km (6022 miles) onto his journey. From there, it'll be on to the final stage, which will be a crossing of Antarctica beginning at the Ronnie Ice Shelf and ending at the South Pole, 900km (559 miles) later.

This is a truly epic expedition to say the least and it seems that Farmer could indeed accomplish his goal of running from one pole to another. However, if he's going to make the 2011 Antarctic season, he's really going to have to make good time on his way across South America. Most expeditions to the South Pole will get underway in November to allow plenty of time for the crossing of the Antarctic continent. If he misses that window, he may have to wait until next year to complete his run, or risk horrible weather conditions for his crossing.

Either way, it should be fun to follow along with his adventure. Below is a video that was posted to the Pole to Pole Run website a few days ago and gives you an idea of what kind of conditions Pat has been running in recently.

Top Ten Songs For Walking, Climbing, and Running

My good friends over at CheapTents.com put together a fun little blog post a few weeks back that is sure to create some discussion. The post, which can be found by clicking here, is their selection of the ten best songs for walking, climbing or running.

Now, reading their headline and included text, I thought these would be the best songs to get you motivated and keep you moving while you're outside, doing your favorite activity. It is actually more like a list of ten songs that are about walking, climbing, or running. So, without further ado, here are their selections for the best songs in this category:

1. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Diana Ross


2. River Deep Mountain High – Ike and Tina Turner


3. Move On Up – Curtis Mayfield


4. Rocky Mountain Way – Joe Walsh


5. Run to the Hills – Iron Maiden


6. Ramblin’ Man – Lemon Jelly


7. Walking In My Shoes – Depeche Mode


8. Walk of Life – Dire Straights


9. Step On – Happy Mondays


10. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and The Waves

So? What do you think? What did they miss? I'm thinking 500 Miles by the Proclaimers. What would you add?

World Run II Update: Heading North Through Peru

I was reminded earlier today by my friend Darrell Raubenheimer, who organizes the terrific Rhodes Run in South Africa, that I hadn't posted an update on Jesper Olsen and his World Run II in awhile. Turns out Darrell was right, I haven't written about Jesper in nearly a year and a half, and since that time, he's continued to make tremendous progress.

For those that don't remember, World Run II was the Danish ultrarunner's attempt to run more than 40,000km (24,855 miles), fully documenting and tracking his progress via GPS. The run began at the northernmost point in Finland and continued south across Europe, into Turkey and onto the Middle East, then into Africa, before finally running out of land in Cape Town. From there, Jesper jumped across the pond, and turned his way north at last, resuming his run in Punta Arenas, Chile. He has since made his way into Argentina, and now Peru, as he continues to make steady progress towards the top of South America. From there, he'll cross into Cuba, run the length of that island, then move on to the United States, where he'll travel from Miami to the tip of Nova Scotia, Canada, his eventual finish line.

Along the way, Jesper has been posting updates from the field and sharing information and photos on his progress. He is now into his 30th day in Peru, and while he has experienced stomach issues (something that plagued him throughout Africa as well), he continues to make steady progress. In his last dispatch, he was running near Nazca, Peru, home of the famous Nazca lines, where he mentioned he was hoping to find a good hotel where he could rest up for a few days, and let his stomach ailments pass.

When I've written about the World Run II in the past, I've always been in awe that anyone would undertake such a journey on foot. Of course, this isn't Olsen's first long distance run. As you might have guessed, he has the World Run I under his belt as well, during which he quite literally ran around the world, covering 26,232 km (16,300 miles) in the process. The sequel to that run is much longer of course, and, it seems, more demanding as well.

I'll try not to take so long between updates next time. Obviously Jesper still has a long way to go and will be experiencing some interesting things as he continues. Reaching Cuba should definitely be an interesting milestone. Oh, and for the record, he has so far run 27,346km (16,992 miles). I'm not sure my car has that many miles on it!

Long Distance Runner Going From LA To New York

Long distance runner Alex Bellini has set out on one heck of a run. A month ago, the Italian set out from Los Angeles on a road run that will take him more than 4900km (3045 miles) to New York. He hopes to run 70 stages, each 70km (43.5 miles) in length, to complete the run in just 70 days.

Alex is currently 32 days into the run and is making his way across Oklahoma. If you're at all aware of the current weather conditions here in the U.S., you know that at the moment that region is getting hit with a nasty heat wave that is causing temperatures to soar well over 100ºF/38ºC. As a result, it has been some very long, and hot, days out on the road. Read more about his progress on his official blog, which can be found by clicking here.

The entire project is sponsored by Jeep, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The company has been practically synonymous with adventure for much of that time, and they are backing Bellini as a sign of their continued support for adventurous lifestyles. The 70th anniversary is also what inspired Alex to run the 70 stages/70km/70 days itinerary.

I can't even imagine running these kinds of distances in the current heat we're experiencing. I live further South from where Alex is running, and I've been averaging about 4-5 miles per day recently and the heat has been taking it out of me in a very bad way. Putting in these kinds of miles, then doing it again the next day, and the next... Just brutal! Hopefully he stays on pace and hits his target on schedule. For now though, he's going to suffer.

Preview Trailer: Run To The East

Yesterday I was sent the link to this beautiful trailer for a documentary film entitled Run To The East. The movie documents three Native American high school students living in New Mexico who are using their running abilities as a means of improving their lives by earning a scholarship to college. The film will also explore the impact of running, which has been ingrained in Native American culture for centuries, on the lives of these young men and women, as they struggle to grow up in a challenging environment.

This looks like quite a film, with a great story to tell, and definitely something that will appeal to the runners out there.



Run to the East Trailer from Run to the East on Vimeo.

Belgian Runner Completes 365 Marathons in 365 Days!

Belgian runner Stefaan Engels has put himself into the record books by completing 365 marathons in 365 days, display not only unbelievable stamina but mental toughness as well. According to this story from the Toronto Sun, Engels actually completed 401 marathons in as many days, but 18 of them were on a hand bike, while the rest were on foot. The 365 in 365 mark is his record stretch on foot.

The 49-year old Engels says that he said out to accomplish the feat as a personal challenge for himself, just to see if it could be done. A year later, he now has a heck of a lot of milage under his belt. The quest actually began on January 1st of last year, when he ran his first 26.2 mile route. He went on like that for 17 more days before a foot injury forced him to take a break. Instead of stopping however, he reverted to the hand bike and used it to continue his workouts until his foot was healed and ready to hit the road once again.

After 36 days of covering the marathon distance, Engels told friends and family that he was starting over from scratch, as he wanted to complete the challenge on foot. Many thought he was crazy for going back to the start, but his perseverance and drive paid off, as he finished his 365th marathon in a row a few days back, burning through 20 pairs of running shoes in the process.

With the challenge now finished, Engels says he'll take some time off while he works on a book. He says he won't run again until March, and I'd have to say he's earned a much deserved break. Oh, and for those interested in challenging the new mark for consecutive marathons, consider this. The previous record holder was Japanese runner Akinori Kusuda, who finished 52 in a row back in 2009. Consider that record smashed.

80-Year Old Keeps On Running!

U.K. newspaper The Guardian ran a profile of runner Ajit Singh a few weeks back that should prove inspirational for runners of all ages and dispel the old myth that you may be too old to work out. The 80-year old Singh has been running since he was a child, going five miles to and from school each day. He stuck with the practice as he got older however, and even began competing in long distance runs after he turned 40. He would continue to compete for another 35 years!

Singh's running resume is pretty impressive. He's run the London Marathon 20 times and averaged roughly 2000 miles a year over the 35 years he was competing. That puts him at more than 70,000 miles for his lifetime, which is enough to circumnavigate the planet. Three times! At the age of 80, he still runs three times a week, covering about 5km each time.

The runner, who grew up in Punjab, India but now calls the U.K. home, is also part of a running group called the Sikhs in the City that was started about 10 years ago. The group is full of older runners, their founder is now 99, and when they recently competed in a relay race in Edinburgh, where their combined ages was 340 years.

Singh has this advice for those starting to run:

"Mental motivation is vital. You need to eat a simple diet in moderation, and you need to train regularly. Consistency is crucial. If you decide to start running, you need to stick at it. If you're patient, it will be extremely rewarding."

 Seems like great advice to me. This guy is kind of my hero. I hope when I reach his age I'm still running and covering as much territory. It is a great way to stay healthy and fit, although getting over the initial hurdle of getting started can be a bit daunting. Stick with it though, and you'll not only learn to love it, you'll find good health for many years.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy a new pair of running shoes. Again!

Thanks to Jorge Brake for sharing this cool story.

Atacama Extreme: Ray Will Challenge The Desert Alone

As I mentioned earlier in the week, the Atacama Extreme expedition is scheduled to get underway tomorrow and was to have feature Ray Zahab and partner Kevin Vallely running the length of the Atacama Desert in Chile, north to south. But a last minute change in plans now has Ray taking on the desert solo.

According to this story from ExWeb, Kevin was forced to pull out of the run after his father became sick just days before the team was to set off for Chile. ExWeb quotes an e-mail from Ray that says “I will now be running alone! Unfortunately Kev's dad has taken ill, and as an awesome son would, Kev is staying with his Dad. The absolute right decision. Family comes first.”

This now puts more stress on Ray, at least on a psychological level. Without a doubt, he is up to running the desert from a physical stand point, as he is an amazing endurance athlete. But spending days on end by yourself, running an average of 70km (43 miles) per day, through the driest place on Earth, will take its toll on a guy.

All of this adds another dimension to what was already a very big challenge. Expect updates to begin as soon as tomorrow, as the run officially gets underway. It should be quite the adventure to follow.

impossible2Possible Team Prepares To Run Atacama Desert

Adventure endurance athletes Ray Zahab and Kevin Vallely are in the final stages of preparing for their next expedition, and will soon be setting out for one of the most extreme environments on the planet. The duo have already traveled on foot to the South Pole and set a speed record for crossing Lake Baikal in winter, but now have turned their attention away from frozen climes to take on a completely different challenge. Beginning next week, the impossible2Possible ambassadors will begin an 1100km (683 mile) run along the length of Chile's Atacama Desert.

The plan is for Ray and Kevin to arrive in Chile on Thursday, January 20th and begin the expedition the following day. They'll start in the northern region of desert and head south, taking a light and fast approach to the run, which will follow some of the same footpaths that ancient Inca messengers used centuries ago. They hope to average about 70km (43 miles) per day across the length of the journey, which is expected to wrap up in the first week of February.

Described as the driest place on the planet, the Atacama Desert sits in the rain shadow of the Andes Mountains and the Chilean Coastal Range. Those two mountain ranges act as walls, preventing storms from passing through and delivering moisture to the region. As a result, there are portions of the desert that have not seen any measurable amount of rain in recorded history.

As is usual with any i2P expedition, this will also be an educational experience. More than 16,000 students, in classrooms around the globe, have signed up to follow along and to learn  more about the environment that Ray and Kevin will be running through. The impossible2Possible mission has always been to educate and inspire through adventure, and they have been doing an excellent job in that department for several years now, sending teams to far flung places like Tunisia and the Amazon as well. This Atacama Extreme expedition seems poised to continue that legacy.

Good luck to both Kevin and Ray as they set out next week. Looks like it's going to be another grand adventure!

The Antarctic Ice Marathon and 100km Ultra Race

In my Antarctic update that I posted earlier today I briefly mentioned that the 2010 Antarctic Ice Marathon took place today way down south on the frozen continent. Reportedly there were 40 competitors from 19 different countries taking part in the event, which saw them running a full 26.2 miles near the Union Glacier base. In preparation for the run, large trucks smoothed out a course, and competitors ran two laps on that course, which was mostly made up of hard packed snow.

The official website for the race has posted the results with Bernardo Fonseca of Brazil claiming the overall win with a time of 4 hours, 20 minutes, 31 seconds. Marc de Keyser of Belgium was second in the men's category, four minutes back, and Steve Hibbs of the U.S. was third, 26 minutes off the pace. In the Women's group the win went to Clare Apps of the UK, with a time of 4 hours, 47 minutes and 37 seconds. Catherine Due of Denmark was second at 5:34:38 and American Sarah Oliphant was third, crossing the finish line with a time of 6:32:48.

The fun isn't over just yet however, as tomorrow will be the 100km (62.1 mile) Ultra-marathon, which has a smaller field of competitors who are willing to endure the Antarctic cold for hours on end, just to run an ultra on that continent. As the race website says, this opens up the opportunity for a "Seven Continents Club" of ultra-runners who have completed an epic race on every continent.

Seems like a great event for cold weather competitors. Not sure I'd like to go all the way down south just to run a marathon, let alone an ultra, but seems like as good an excuse as any to visit Antarctica. But really, I don't need an excuse. I just want to go. :)

The Greatest Adventure Hoaxes Of All Time

The Outside Blog has a great entry today that takes a look at the Top 5 Adventure Hoaxes of All Time. The entry was written by Erin Beresini, who says she was inspired by Christian Stangl's fake summit of K2 from earlier this year. While Christian did come clean on his own, the perpetrators of these fakes weren't so forthcoming.

The list includes the great Mountain McKinley hoax of 1906, during which Frederick Cook claimed he, and fellow climber Ed Barrill summitted the mountain for the first time. Also making the list was Rosie Ruiz's Boston Marathon win and Jennifer Figge's false claims of swimming across the Atlantic Ocean. Rounding out the list are Cesare Maestri's claims of climbing Cerro Torre in Patagonia and Donal Crowhurst's attempt to win a round the world sailing race back in in 1968 that ended in his own death.

To get the true gist of the stories, you'll have to read the full post, but my short summary above gives you the big picture. Is Outside missing any other big ones? What would you add to the list?