LOLZLetter 87 | How Brandon Successfully Directed an Ultra Race in August
Plus an Addaday Biozoom Massage Gun Giveaway
First, hopefully you’re enjoying your long weekend and the unoffical end to summer.
Recently I had the privilege of talking to several race directors who either hosted races or turned their race into a virtual experience. Originally, I thought I would make a single newsletter, but since there was so much great information, I didn't want anything left out.
Living in two of the hardest-hit states (New Jersey and now California) races don't seem to be coming back to me anytime soon, but it's fun to see race directors putting together well thought out and safer races.
If you missed it last week, I talked to Tes. Tes directs "The Race". The Race is a half marathon & 5K weekend event supporting black-owned businesses, charities, and neighborhoods.
This week I'm interviewing friend and race director Brandon Wood who puts on an ultra race in Alaska. 2020 was actually the FIRST year Brandon directed the race (along with his cousin). They agreed to take over the race back in February, right before the craziness of COVID really took off.
Brandon is an accomplished ultra runner himself. He started running in 2010 and lost 100 pounds. Since then, he has completed over 30 marathons and 11 100 milers. He lives in Anchorage, AK with his wife and 2 kids. In March of 2019, he ran the Susitna 100, which looks like the coldest and most intense race I've ever seen.
So Let's Talk to Brandon about the Resurrection Pass Ultras
The Resurrection Pass Ultras took place on August 7-8th. While extremely different from a typical road race, the Resurrection Pass Ultra was a successful event and kept runners healthy and safe as well as volunteers.
Race Sizes:
16 runners for the 100
36 for the 50
2 race directors
6 volunteers
Did you allow spectators?
Yes, but we asked racers to limit the number of spectators to one (basically, whoever was dropping you off / picking you up). Most racers followed this, although a few did not and had several people with them. Overall we were able to keep our crowds small.
What steps did you take to keep racers safe?
The Resurrection Pass Ultra has always been a relatively small, low-key race. The main trail is 38 miles point-to-point, with no easy options for aid stations along the way, so there have always been just 2 aid stations for the 100, and 1 for the 50. Normally, racers could also drop bags and/or have crew meet them at aid stations.
This year, we changed those stations to checkpoints with no aid, no drop bags, and no crew allowed. There were just volunteers there with a clipboard to check you in and send you on your way. This made the race completely self-supported. We also split the start of the 50 miler into 2 waves, so there were fewer than 20 racers at each race start. Racers were asked not to linger/congregate in the finishing area.
Did you Require negative COVID tests?
We required negative COVID tests for anyone who had traveled from out of state.
When did participants wear masks?
We did not require mask usage for participants, but it was highly encouraged at the race start, and we had masks and hand sanitizer available. Most racers wore a mask at the race start / check in.
How did you handle water stops?
No water stops this year. There are plenty of creek crossings on the course, so the availability of water was not a concern. Though we did encourage racers to filter or treat the water.
When do you think races will return to normal? Do you think they ever will?
I do think that races will return to at least mostly normal. Although, that will probably be a year away. I'm hopeful that by next summer races will be back to something approaching "normal".
Has the new form of racing changed how you will plan and go about future races when the pandemic is over?
It's definitely made me rethink some things, especially how food and drinks are handled at aid stations. I'm not a fan of all the packaging waste, but I think that single-serve food packages may be the way to go, instead of communal bowls of M&Ms, pretzels, etc.
Thank you Brandon for your time! If you're interested in the Resurrection Pass Ultra you can learn more here.
What is Keeping Me Entertained This Week?
Product Review: Four Sigmatic Coffee Review Mushroom coffee?
Blog Post: Trail Running Shoes vs Road Shoes
Shoe Review: Asics MetaRacer Is this my favorite carbon plated shoe? Maybe.
Podcast: ALI ON THE RUN SHOW EPISODE 275: ROLANDA BELL, ELITE RUNNER
Podcast: Rambling Runner Interview with Margi Johnson. Margi is a personal friend and doctor in New Jersey. She treated COVID patients and also came down with COVID herself. Plus learn how Margi was a part of the "Operation Babylift" and left Vietnam behind as a baby. One of my favorite episodes Matt has done.
Article: A Change Of Course For The Race Industry
A Giveaway:
We haven't had a giveaway in the newsletter for a little while! This week, my friends at Addaday have agreed to give away an updated Biozoom massage gun to newsletter subscribers ($200 value!). The new and improved version of Addaday’s popular BioZoom features Bluetooth® technology. You can connect it to the Addaday app, which guides you through therapies.
I have the previous version and the two things I appreciate most with the Biozoom is: it's quiet and a good value. Working in run specialty, I've tried dozens of massage guns and this is by far the quietest and just the best value. It has the same effect as some of the massage guns that are $400+ (and no I wouldn't just say that).
To enter share the newsletter and enter your email to their mailing list here.
Both will be verified.
I don't have the latest Biozoom Massage Gun, but I do use my first edition most days. You can read a review here plus there is a 15% off discount code on nonsale items.
As always, thank you to everyone who reads, shares, and subscribing. Subscribing and sharing are what helps the newsletter grow so I appreciate all that do that.
Stay healthy and safe.
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Requiring Negative COVID tests for travelers from out of state is probably the key to most of this. Can't say I would run a race just yet because then I feel like I would endanger my own patients on the flip side. I haven't even dined outside yet to limit all possible routes of disease transmission from myself to a patient. Great read!