Ultra Fiord Patagonia 2016 - A Bad Plan B

An interview with ultra runner Augusto Gamero on Ultra Fiord Patagonia 2016

 

Augusto Gamero is a Canadian runner from the Ottawa region, member of the Pearl Izumi Run Team and a personal friend. Experienced, strong and fit, he takes on several ultra challenges each year and does consistently very well. For having shared many runs and events with him, I know he's a responsible adventure runner, aware of the risks and challenges our sport presents and I know he prepares accordingly. He is also of Honduran descent, well-traveled and a native Spanish speaker.

After I learned about the disappearance and tragic death of our friend Arturo Rueda at the Ultra Fiord Patagonia this year, I wanted to sit down and ask Augusto how he navigated the event, how he felt about the situation and what had actually happened, from his perspective. Here's the result of our conversation.

Q. You wanted us to have this conversation.

A. Yes. I’ve had time to revisit the event and everything that has happened, and I want to tell the story of Ultra Fiord 2016 from my point of view. I want this story to sift through the filter of polished marketing and empty public statements so that my fellow runners get a real sense of what happened, for the sake of truth and accountability.

Q. So tell me how it all started.

A. I attended the Trails In Motion film festival with beautiful movies of awesome races and that really got me inspired. I wanted to find an adventure of my own, one that would mix travel and racing. My friend Maude and I started looking around for an event and found the Ultra Fiord Patagonia, with its gorgeous videos, its promise of adventure and its awe-inspiring mountain setting. It seemed to be everything I was looking for.

Q. Did you research the event? How did you get your information?

A. I quickly realized this was a young race and that the previous year had significant issues with logistics and coordination. However, it seemed the organization had made amends and implemented substantial corrective measures. One important thing to understand is that NIGSA, the race promoter, excels at marketing. They have a very slick-looking web site, high-quality images and videos and they make everything look highly-organized and professional. When I read their material, it became obvious that this would be a difficult, challenging course with extreme weather and I knew to expect a semi-autonomous environment because of the mandatory gear list and the seemingly rigorous application process, where you had to describe your experience as an ultra-runner before gaining entry.

It was also made very clear that manned aid stations with basic food and water would be available along the course, as well as medical support and runner tracking through electronic chips. The whole registration and follow-up process gave me the feeling that Ultra Fiord was a challenging race, designed for seasoned ultra runners and held by a high-tiered organization.

Q. So you journeyed down to Chile and got to the race site. What was it like?

A. It was quite messy from the start. The most apparent sign of that was the absence of your typical race headquarters; things were all over the place. There was a spot for drop bags, another for race packets and yet another for the ceremony. NIGSA changed some of the locations last-minute, too, and it got really confusing for the runners.

Q. Was there a briefing?

A. The “pre-race briefing” was unnecessarily long and pompous, and NIGSA boasted that there were runners from all over the world, yet provided very poor English translation with conferences and official speeches in Spanish only and about 30% of the race briefing being translated. You could see there were runners present who had no clue what was going on.

This is when we were informed of the course changes due to severe weather conditions to allow the race to go on. NIGSA published an edited map and informed runners on how the course would be affected. Some of the fjords would be missed because of the changes. We were told the weather would be pretty bad with high winds and low temperatures, including snow. The course changes were obviously last-minute, but I feel that we, as ultra runners, have to be ready for such things to happen and I think at this point, everybody seemed to appreciate that the event was still taking place.

Q. What was the “vibe” like, at this point?

A. There was a lot of confusion and frustration. A lot of runners did not understand much of what went on because of the poor translation and everyone was trying to figure out the vital information while the program went on with a Spanish-only conference on mountain climbing. I think it’s fair to say that the runners would have much preferred some clear, upfront information on the weather, the course and how support would be affected rather than sitting confused while some guy talked about a topic totally unrelated to the race’s scope and environment.

Q. How did you feel?

A. I was there for the experience and determined to do the race. I felt confident about my gear and my preparation; I had my own food and my overall experience to count on. I was bugged by some pre-race aspects of the organization, but I was determined to run and finish my 70K endeavour. I won’t deny I was nervous because of the environment and the weather; I knew some of the conditions, like the wind and cold, were worrisome. I didn't know how my body and mental would be affected, but I saw it as a challenge.

Q. Let’s get to race day.

A. The logistics issues started with the 6:00 AM shuttle to the starting line, where we were told there would be a delay to allow the 50K runners a head start in order to avoid aid station traffic. The 70K runners were left shivering outside to wait a full hour for their later start, in biting 38-degree weather. I was fu*%#ing cold! There were no follow-ups and I was surprised that there was absolutely no check for the mandatory gear at any point.

When they finally let us start, I went out at a comfortable pace and focused on my race strategy. I had about 30K-worth of food and hydration and knew to take it easy on the hard climbs. I arrived to the first aid station and asked about the drop bags. The volunteer I asked had no idea so I thought it’d be in the following aid station. That was about 12K in the race so I was confident to find my drop bag at the next aid station. As the race went on, and went through aid stations, it became apparent that I was not going to have access to my drop bag, where I had most of my food.

Q. What did the aid stations look like?

A. Very minimal. Semi-closed tents, the first of which had very basic stuff like water and some food. The 2^nd and 3^rd had nothing, and the only “food” I came across was a guy offering some cookies outside of the aid station area. I started getting pretty nervous.

Q. Were the other runners coping well at that point?
A. Yes. I think everyone was prepared to be autonomous, at least for the first several kilometres. But I wasn’t paying too much attention to other runners, at least not during the first 30 kilometers or so.

Q. When did it start to really go wrong?

A. By the time I reached the 3^rd aid station, around the 30K mark, I needed my drop bag to get my gear and my food. There were no bags anywhere. When I asked the volunteers, they didn’t even know what a drop bag was, and I got pretty rattled because I knew I couldn’t finish my run on a couple of cookies. I couldn’t get reliable information on distances in-between aid stations either, as no one seemed to know. I realized the organization was failing and that I couldn’t rely on anything at that point, so I rationed everything I had, slowed down and prepared to stretch very thin on my last 40K. At least there would be water from the rivers, and anyway I’d already seen the aid stations fill barrels in the same way because there was no filtered water available anywhere. Aid station volunteers even told runners to use the river water themselves.

Q. Wasn’t there any tracking? Was there medical staff?

A. All the race material said there would be chip timing and tracking as well as medical support, and it was confirmed at the briefing. I am positive that there were no medical personnel anywhere on the 70K course or in the aid stations, and the only tracking I saw was people writing down some of the runners’ bib numbers on papers. Although volunteers systematically scanned our chips at every point, we were told the chips had not worked because of the bad weather and that they were useless. Being a Canadian runner living in Ottawa, I have run in every possible wintry weather condition before and knew that chips couldn’t just “freeze” in weather close to freezing point.

Q. Could you just have dropped out of the race and be safe?

A. I could’ve stopped at an aid station, but I remembered the 70K course description said it was one of the wildest sections and there was no car access. I figured I’d only quit as a last resort, such as if I’d gotten injured, and even then I knew I would’ve been stuck there waiting in the cold for a long time. I also knew that if I slowed down to a hike and took a conservative approach, I would manage. At that point, I was angry and frustrated and just wanted to be done but the trails and views were of incomparable beauty, so that kept me distracted for a while.

Q. So how bad were the conditions?

A. It was really cold, windy and snowy. Many of the 50K runners I passed were “hangry” and tired, and I met some runners who had very little experience and were completely out of food, which made me question the whole “selection process” I’d gone through to get my entry into the race. Everyone I talked to knew that they would fare better by finishing the race than by dropping out.

However, you have to understand that I was running more at the front, where everyone seemed to have the proper equipment. I knew the back of the line was probably a different story and it worried me to think about people not getting their drop bags and running out of food. But at that point, I had only one thing in mind; get it done. By the time I hit the 50K mark, I picked up the pace because I had no intention to finish past daylight.

Q. Was it easy to get lost? How was the marking?

A. Probably the only thing that was well done. It would’ve been really hard for someone to get lost. There was a combination of posts and flags with constant visual contact, probably one of the best course markings I’ve seen. I even got sidetracked once and knew right away I wasn't going in the right direction because I didn't see any markings, so I turned and got right back on the course.

Q. So you finished?

A. Yes. I was tired, starving and pretty frustrated. When I got to the finish, we had been promised food and there was nothing else than a cereal bar I didn’t want to eat. I hadn’t brought any money and was very lucky that one of my friends could at least buy me a coke. I finished in about 9:20, and quickly changed into warmer clothing (yes!, my drop bag for the finish line was at least there) and jumped on the boat because my friend told me he didn’t know when the next one would be after that. I was later told that runners who came in past the 10-hour mark had to wait for hours for the boat and got back to town at about 2:00 in the morning.

Q. When did you learn that a runner had gone missing and died?

A. There was not any info on the race course or at the finish, not even rumours. There were some postings on social media the next day, so we asked around when we went to town and heard stories here and there, but people were confused. They said one runner went missing and died and that the family of other runners were looking for information on their running relatives they knew were on the mountain but were unaccounted for. I only found out for sure at the awards ceremony the day after, when race director Stjepan Pavicic held a minute of silence to honor Arturo. He then went on emphasizing how gear and preparedness were critical in such conditions and mentioned the probable cause of Arturo’s death, although unconfirmed, was hypothermia.

It didn’t take long for very angry runners to blame the director, the race and the whole organization for their negligence and to say that if proper logistical and medical support had been there, he wouldn’t have died. One runner made it clear that the race organization had not even called the police or search and rescue because she, in fact, had been the one to inform them first. There was a lot of mixed emotions among the crowd, and I heard many very sarcastic comments about the RD’s attitude and the explanations provided.

Q. How do you feel the race organization handled the situation?

A. I still don't have all the facts and the real sequence of events. I know for sure the organization didn't inform the police. There was even talk that the police didn't authorize the race because of safety and emergency access issues. It took 3 days to bring back the body and other missing runners to town. The organization justified Arturo's death by hypothermia, but where was the promised support? Where were the first response teams? Where was the verification of mandatory gear? Not to mention anybody with a trained eye would have seen Arturo was confused coming in through one of the most critical aid stations on top of the mountain and would have pulled him out of the race.

As runners, we bear the responsibility for our security and for bringing the gear and sufficient supplies for the environment, but I also think what was promised by the organization should’ve been delivered. I payed to have fun and to get minimal services from the event, and I ended up getting no service and having my safety and security endangered, along with all the other runners.

It's still hard to comment on what happened to Arturo, part of the responsibility is on every runner to monitor their health and make sure they're not pushing themselves over their limits or just being stubborn, but as the same time the organization has the responsibility of basic safety and logistics and my sense was that basic minimal support lacked throughout the race.

Q. What do you think should happen now?

A. There should at least be a thorough investigation into what actually happened out on the course and into the responsibility of the race organizers. On top of that, there are many recommendations I would make :

• Have a single race headquarters in Puerto Natales, to avoid unnecessary confusion;
  
• If this is an international event as claimed, all the information needs to be available in English as well during briefing activities, both pre- and post-race;
• All runners understand that weather in Patagonia can swing drastically. But if the race is going to be held anyway using alternate routes, make sure plan A and plan B are equally sound and safe;
• If the race organization knows about Patagonia, they are supposed to be equipped and ready to deliver their service no matter what the current conditions are;
•  It is inexcusable that the chip system failed, and if it did, it is negligence to let runners out on the course untracked;
• Any aid station must have a captain with the authority to pull runners out of the race if they are putting themselves in danger.

Q. Would you recommend the race to anyone?

A. No. It seems the same mistakes that were made in the first year were repeated, with deadly consequences. If anything, the problems got even worse. In my opinion, if you’re going to have an ultra adventure in Chilean Patagonia without any logistical support, don’t pay money just to get a nice t-shirt and a buff…

FlintLand wishes to offer our most sincere condolences to the family of Arturo Héctor Martínez Rueda, a fellow ultra runner, a Copper Canyons Mas Loco and a friend. May you run free forever. Gracias para la amistad, y descanse en paz, hermano.

Interview - Sodium Intake in Endurance Sports

Some weeks ago, I had a discussion with my friend and running brother Augusto Gamero about our mutual habits of salt and electrolyte intake while ultra running. This turned into a detailed interview he conducted with Jonathan Toker, inventor of Saltstick caps, that I am happy to relay to you today.

********

An article by Augusto Gamero

Augusto and I at the Limberlost Challenge Ultra, 2012

Sports nutrition is a very delicate subject. What you eat can be just as personal as your preference for boxers or briefs. And nutritional needs differ from individual to individual. What works for me may not work for you; what works for the elite athlete may not work for the average runner and so on.

Nutrition research has flooded sports magazines and social media over the past few years, spurring the manufacturing of sports nutrition products on the market and making it increasingly difficult to dissociate what we are told “we need” versus our bodies’ actual demands and needs. As I evolved from fun run enthusiast to ultra-marathoner, coaching advice, personal experience, and nutritional information in sports magazines and social media have collectively raised my self-awareness about proper nutrition and its critical role in achieving peak athletic performance. While I am careful with what I put into my body, there is still much to be learned about the interesting, evolving and well debated topic of sports nutrition.

Take salt intake as an example. Up until fairly recently, I was liberally dumping the good stuff on my eggs and enjoyed the satisfactory crunch of the salty snack – chips, pretzles, crackers, you name it! After all, haven’t you earned the right to snack after a grueling morning on the trails? And if you’re simultaneously replenishing low salt levels, aren’t you killing two birds with one stone? The answer to this question is no. Turns out foods like chips only replenish low iodine levels and are poor sources of other necessary salts like magnesium, potassium and electrolytes and athletes need to replenish these as well. I found this out the hard way this past July.

For those of you who have run in the 56k Limberlost Challenge, you know how hot and humid this race can be. After crossing the finish line, I spent almost an hour in the medical tent being treated for severe cramping and although I was in pain, I was happily eating Pretzels. I needed salt – so I was told by the medical team. I knew I had not managed to drink enough fluids and electrolytes. Yet even the pretzels didn’t work their magic and recovery took longer than anticipated.

I also knew that this experience could not be repeated during my next (and bigger) challenge: The TransRockies Run. A 6-day solo run through the Rockies in Colorado, 120 miles with 20,000 ft of elevation gain. Thus, I packed enough electrolytes for 6 days. I used none. Luckily, our race kits included a bottle of saltstick caps. After taking a quick look at its ingredients (very simple, I thought), I decided to give them a try and to take one per hour during the race. Even through brutally hot and dry conditions and demanding terrain, I had no sign of cramping during the 6-day run.

Jonathan Toker, founder of Saltstick caps

Jonathan Toker, the developer of those salt capsules, was also racing at the TransRockies. In fact, he was the overall winner of the 6-day run. Jonathan received a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from The Scripps Research Institute in 2001, worked in the biotech industry for 5 years, and raced in the professional ranks as a triathlete and runner for 5 years. Following a short presentation Jonathan provided on salt intake and SaltStick products, I approached him to ask him a couple of simple questions including his interest to participate in an interview to respond to questions related to salt intake. I reached out to a few people, ranging from experienced runners and triathletes to people that, although not engaged in “extreme” physical activities, pursue an active lifestyle and expressed an interest in the topic.

Q1) When people refer to “salt” intake, does it comprise a mix of different “salts”, such as potassium and magnesium, or is it only limited to sodium chloride (table salt)?

[Jonathan] - That's really two questions. First, in general, when people refer to salt, they are usually talking about sodium chloride (table salt), the most common source of sodium in our diets. However, for athletes, it's critical not to overlook the importance of other crucial electrolytes (salts) that are involved with proper muscle and body function, in particular potassium, magnesium and calcium. The second part of the question is really the difference between sodium chloride and sodium, in terms of target intake measurement, it's important to clarify with your coach or doctor if the suggested amount (usually in mg) refers to elemental sodium or a casual reference to table salt. Table salt is comprised about 40% by weight sodium. All product labels are supposed to indicate elemental sodium content.


Q2) When would you recommend to start taking salt capsules in an endurance event? Is there any correlation with distance, effort, time and level of training?

[Jonathan] - As a general guideline, athletes should consume 200-600 mg sodium each hour during any land-based activity (bike/run) for the duration of the activity. In hot conditions, extreme humidity, or for larger athletes, a higher intake may be appropriate. It is strongly recommended to test your planned electrolyte protocol in training several times before race day. It should be stressed that every athlete sweats differently, reacts to heat and humidity differently, and reacts to the stress of a race or training differently. What this means to the athlete in particular is the importance of testing one's electrolyte replacement strategy in training, prior to race day. Listening to your body prior to and during an event is also key, so you can adapt your electrolyte plan accordingly. Being flexible and keeping your plan simple will give you the best chance of success.


Q3) Is age, weight and sex a factor in the frequency and amount of salt intake in endurance sports?

[Jonathan] - Studies have shown, including PlosOne – Age-Related Decrements in Heat Dissipation during Physical Activity Occur as Early as the Age of 40 that older individuals tend to sweat less and have a more difficult time to release body heat. The general suggestion is to increase fluid consumption and reduce the amount of time spent in hot or sunny conditions. Addition of electrolytes to fluid consumption will ensure that your body is provided with sufficient electrolyte replenishment under those conditions. Decrements in whole-body heat loss capacity were apparent as early as the age of 40 and declined with advancing age. The study concludes that not only should older adults be cautious of the risks associated with performing physical activity when ambient air temperature rises, but middle-aged adults should also be aware that they could be more prone to heat-related illness compared to young individuals.

Women tend to be lighter than men and lose electrolytes as a reduced rate, and so it may be appropriate for women to strive for a lower intake of electrolytes. Similarity, heavier individuals are likely to lose a greater amount of electrolytes. However, as mentioned already, every athlete sweats differently, reacts to heat and humidity differently, and reacts to the stress of a race or training differently, regardless of gender, fitness and age.


Q4) Is there a simple approach to estimate adequate salt intake in an endurance event, based on weight, age and sex?

[Jonathan] - To determine your sweat rate, there are various methods listed online that basically have you measure your weight loss during an activity that will then equal your sweat loss. (For example, Runners World – Know thy sweat rate) Determination of electrolyte loss in sweat requires more scientific testing since the concentration of electrolytes in sweat varies between people. Heavy sweaters tend to find themselves covered in white salt if they wear darker clothing, and the sweat will taste very salty, stinging eyes, etc… Lighter sweaters tend not to notice any salt loss and overall sweat rates tend to be low, keeping clothing dry. . It is strongly recommended to test your planned electrolyte protocol in training several times before race day, such that you will have your loss and intake parameters dialed in experimentally.


Q5) Would you recommend salt intake after engaging in a demanding physical activity such as 2 hours or more of trail running,? If so, why is it important to take salt capsules after a demanding training or race?

[Jonathan] - Maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance during hard training or racing can be nearly impossible, and proper post-workout recovery is facilitated by ingesting fluid with electrolytes. This can take the form of a balanced electrolyte supplement along with carbohydrates and protein. A simple strategy to ensure adequate electrolyte replenishment is to take 200-400 mg sodium (1-2 SaltStick Caps) after a hard workout or race. Excess electrolyte ingestion will simply be excreted in the urine.


Q6) Would you recommend salt intake before starting an endurance event?
[Jonathan] - During the days leading up to your event, maintain your weight with adequate hydration with sufficient electrolyte content. The water bottle that follows athletes around to the race expo, etc... should be filled with fluid and electrolytes. This can take the form of a sports drink or water and 1 SaltStick Cap per 1-2 water bottles, either as a capsule or dissolved in water. A word of caution goes to consuming unnecessary and empty calories in the form of sugars. When in doubt, read the nutrition information on the product in question. For races or training over about 4 hours, take 200-400 mg sodium (1-2 SaltStick Caps) the night before your event, and about 200 mg (one capsule) with breakfast before your event. The goal is to start your day with your electrolyte levels at 100% of normal.


Q7) How does a supplement measure compare to eating anything salty during an endurance event?

[Jonathan] - Sodium is sodium, and our bodies don't know the difference as to where it comes from. One challenge of eating salty foods is the strong taste, especially that can accompany the higher levels of sodium necessary for proper replenishment. A more significant consideration is that salty foods usually contain only sodium in significant amounts, meaning that other electrolytes (potassium, magnesium and calcium) will decrease and not be replenished. Using a well-balanced electrolyte source is your best bet for regular intake, and this can be supplemented by foods you enjoy or crave during an event. The longer the event, the more the lack of other electrolytes can interfere with performance.


Q8) Is it a good idea to throw a “salt bomb” in our tummies every hour or so instead of trying to spread the intake evenly through normal food?

[Jonathan] - Based on personal experience and that of other athletes, it is strongly suggested to spread out the intake of electrolytes regularly over time. Especially during racing when our digestive system is already under stress, it is generally not a good idea to consume more than about 400 mg of sodium in one bolus. That being said, it is not necessary to micro-dose salt into our stomachs like an intravenous drip, unless that strategy appears to work for you personally.


Q9) In your knowledge, is there any correlation between gastro-intestinal (GI) issues and salt/electrolyte intake?

[Jonathan] - GI issues can be caused by many issues. Electrolyte intake and balance is one aspect that can either disrupt or soothe a stomach. Personal experience and variability means that your own experimentation is going to be your best guide to success. In an effort to maintain homeostasis, our gut will either facilitate the absorption of water and electrolytes into the bloodstream or prevent absorption, leaving the stomach full. For example, in the case of low blood sodium, excess water in the stomach will likely be prevented from being absorbed as it would further dilute the blood. Excess water in the gut can cause GI distress. In order to resolve such an issue, consumption of a solid electrolyte capsule can be effective at increasing the electrolyte content of the fluid in the stomach without increasing the volume of the fluid, thereby inducing absorption of the fluid and emptying the stomach. A sodium source such as sodium citrate (as found in SaltStick Caps Plus) can further help soothe the stomach. Sodium citrate is the active ingredient formed when drinking Alka-Seltzer.


Q10) A recent (2014) article published in irunfar summarizes the results of research presented at the Medicine & Science in Ultra-Endurance Sports Conference earlier this year. One of the topics discussed at the conference and presented by the director of research at Western States Endurance Run, Dr. Marty Hoffman, called Sodium Supplementation, Drinking Strategies, and Weight concluded that if you are “craving salt, eat something salty” . The article further raises the issue of whether ultrarunners need to take salt tabs during a 100-mile race and to which it notes that “the short answer is no” and that, according to a study by Winger (2013), “sodium supplementation during an ultra has no significant effect on the blood level of sodium at the end of the race”. In your opinion, are there other factors that need to be considered in reading and supporting such conclusions?

[Jonathan] - One of the reasons that electrolyte studies remain so controversial and the matter of electrolyte supplementation still open to study is that studies have shown both an effect and no effect on various populations, depending on the study conditions and parameters. Blood (plasma) levels represent but one marker of sodium content in the body. It is so far not easy to determine the sodium content within the cells, which as any biologist will tell you, is where sodium exchange occurs (along with potassium). As such, it's quite likely that plasma sodium levels can be maintained at the expense of cellular sodium content. The body, by definition, has a limited sodium content. Analysis of the elemental content of the human body lists sodium at about 90g (per 70kg body weight), much of which is bound and unavailable. As such, it's pretty easy to see mathematically that loss of sodium by sweating over time, will have a dramatic impact on the sodium content in the body.

Another consideration is the difference between survival and performance: while you may survive without sodium supplementation, are you likely to perform your best?

As well, many of these researchers state something like “craving salt, eat something salty” while dismissing salt tablets or capsules. This is an inconsistent message. Bottom line is that athletes have found that consumption of electrolytes in some form, along with energy (calories) and water are fundamental to their success.


Q11) Is there any robust science around the significance of proper salt intake in endurance sports? And, could you provide readers with useful resources on the topic?

[Jonathan]

· Quantitative article about sodium and fluid intake and loss over time, and how the concentration of electrolytes can increase and decrease depending on fluid intake. It's simple math how people can drink too much to dilute plasma sodium, but equally easy to become dehydrated over time with reduced fluid intake. An apparent happy medium lies somewhere between. The article can be found here: http://www.slowtwitch.com/Training/General_Physiology/The_Math_of_salt_loss_1093.html

· J Athl Train. 2009 Mar-Apr; 44(2): 117–123. Sodium Replacement and Plasma Sodium Drop During Exercise in the Heat When Fluid Intake Matches Fluid Loss. Costas A Anastasiou, Stavros A Kavouras, Giannis Arnaoutis, Aristea Gioxari, Maria Kollia, Efthimia Botoula, and Labros S Sidossis, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2657026/

"Conclusions: The data suggest that sodium intake during prolonged exercise in the heat plays a significant role in preventing sodium losses that may lead to hyponatremia when fluid intake matches sweat losses."

· Sports Med. 2001;31(10):701-15. Fluid and electrolyte balance in ultra-endurance sport. Rehrer NJ.

· ASCM Guidelines "http://www.acsm.org/docs/publications/Roundtable%20on%20Hydration%20and%20Physical%20Activity.pdf "

· Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia http://cjasn.asnjournals.org/content/2/1/151.full

· Exercise associated hyponatraemia: quantitative analysis to understand the aetiology http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2492017/


My confession: I still love chips!

Happy Trails!

Augusto.

Race Report - Ultra Marathon Caballo Blanco 2013

I believe in shamanism.

I believe our world is not only the sum of its physical parts; that there exists a spirit world in and around us. We are not solely amazing flesh machines, we are also animated by a spirit, an unseen force and a presence that defines not only ourselves but everything else in the universe.

I spent the last couple years discovering my body. But what started out as a pretty straightforward plan to improve my health and my physical fitness has transformed into an amazing journey of discovering the marvels of my capabilities and the ones of others. Helped and inspired by fellow adventurers from all shapes and types, I’ve experienced moments of indescribable grace at the very edge of complete exhaustion, mere instants from rebirthing with a renewed will and an energy that can only be explained by some unseen source, by something more than what the sum of my body cells can achieve. I embarked on the journey of mind over matter; I entered the spiritual realm of endurance running.

While I was exploring this new path, I also started experiencing the world in a different way. I started connecting with others in a manner that is as hard to understand as it is to describe. Moments of grace at the brink of unbearable fatigue and pain create an invisible, unbreakable bond between those who share them, something akin to instantly becoming soul brothers and sisters. I have the privilege of sharing such bonds with numerous extraordinary people, and they have made me richer than I could ever have imagined.

Last year, one of these bonds was broken. It was a powerful one, too, and its severance hurt me in ways I cannot put into words. I had just spent a little over a month with Micah, I was not even completely back, mentally, from the Canyons when I learned he was gone. It broke my soul.

In the following days, I went to see my Medicine Woman. At least that’s what I call her. The papers on her wall say “osteopath”, “chiropractor” and many other things, but I know who she is. As I entered her little office and started my treatment, she gave me the strangest of looks.

“Parts of your soul are missing.”

I broke down. Unable to speak, I tried to mumble an explanation of what had happened, but she stopped me. She didn’t need it. She treated my body, that day, but she also started treating my spirit. She explained, and demonstrated, that these connections I described not only exist, but last forever. She comforted me in showing complete understanding of what I was going through, and she guided me on a path to realizing that the only thing that matters in life is connection.

This connection, this strange bond that I first observed in my ultra running experiences, is what makes us true humans. And it has become for me an objective, a guide for living the rest of my life.

I traveled down to the Canyons in February, just like I did last year. Only this time, I had to deal with the fact that I would not stumble on my friend, catch up to what our lives had been since we were last together and go for a beautiful long run in the Barrancas.

I am grateful for the long days spent all alone, in silence, between running, sleeping, cooking and reflecting. I was lucky enough to have all the time needed to do these things over and over again until, slowly, they started to make sense once more. Until I could realize that I still had purpose here, that I was still connected, that the pain I had been feeling for a year now was gradually making way for some measure of peace, gratitude and a yearning to keep going forward.

I was not forgetting. I was processing.

When the tribe of Running People started gathering, I was elated to see familiar faces and new ones, but most of all to feel available and eager for new connections; to not be shut, wounded and afraid. I was free, present and open.

Days of running free, laughing, cooking, sharing and connecting led me to race day, between bouts of frantic work and magical moments only the Canyons can bring. And on that unique morning, before first light, I stood there once again, surrounded with love, friendship and community.

I didn’t hit the road alone. I carried with me two very special connections, two unexplainable bonds to share the adventure with. Two souls also in search of meaning. I had the strength, resolve and determination of a Tiger and the reach, depth and expanse of a Tree.

 The magic of the day unfolded and rewarded me with joy, passion and amazing feats of will. My joy was sharing about 6 miles of running with Jovian, a young Raramuri from the Los Alisos region, and seeing my friends Augusto, Donald and Olaf running free in the Canyons. My passion was witnessing Michael, Stephanie and Zac enter the world of ultra running with such elation. The amazing feats were those of exhausted runners keeping on, among which my friend Scott, but mostly Tom who literally broke through shackles of despair and defeat to rise up again and triumph over everything, including himself. What an incredible day to be alive.

Being reunited in the spirit of the Mas Locos, under the lead of Maria and Josue and the watchful eye of my friend the White Horse provided much needed energy, inspiration and hope. But this time around, it provided one more thing, one I had direly needed and sought since that fateful day, almost exactly a year ago.

It provided healing.

Running Trails In Gatineau

Olaf, Augusto, Eric and Flint tackled some pretty slippery, damp and awesome single track last weekend. Foul language ensued.