Hardrock Competition: Stacked

Bumped into Scott Jurek (and JLu and a couple visiting them from Seattle) on my run up Green this morning. Chatted with him for a bit up on the summit, mostly about Hardrock and, of course, the use of trekking poles. I'll take seeing him as a sign for several things. Damn nice guy. I'm obviously putting an inordinate amount of time into thinking about Hardrock, which is a good thing.  I'm pretty laid back by nature, to a fault some would say.  I haven't always been like that.  In fact, I was short-tempered, ambitious, and downright fired up about most of life when I was in my twenties.  A series of blows that life launches seem to have beat me down to the point where I've become a cup of water in the ocean, not truly mixing and absorbing the molecules but going with the flow enough to not impact the natural current.  That's a whole series of posts that few would find interesting.  


So, with the [over] thinking of Hardrock, I've looked over the entrants' list and plucked out the folks whom I feel have potential.  See, with Hardrock, you can't extrapolate other race results and lay them over this race with any sort of accuracy.  Speed alone doesn't get it done.  Great climbing alone doesn't do it.  Toughness alone, nope.  It takes a special talent and drive to be successful here.  With that in mind, here are some of the folks I've picked and believe could have a good run (Karl's odds are the final say, in my opinion, so watch for those to be up at his site soon www.karlmeltzer.com):

Karl Meltzer (going for his 50th 100 miler and 6th Hardrock win)


Julien Chorier (Frenchman pointed out to me by Karl who says he's Kilian Journet "esque" [sic].  His site's title is "The Heart of the Trail"  Can't argue with that.)


Dakota Jones (fast and has been training in Silverton)


Joe Grant  (on a roll with wins this year in mountainous races and should be top 5)


Matt Hart (fast, hungry, and has been training in Silverton)

Jared Campbell (last year's winner - not screaming fast but with his experience and push of competition this year will likely run a PR)

Nick Clark  (interesting to see how recovered he is - should do well but I'm guessing fatigue and damage from WS will surface after a few hours - scott jaime pacing)

John Anderson (Fast but inconsistent, had course record at 2009 Collegiate Peaks 50 and hasn't done much since 13th at last year's Hardrock)

Duncan Callahan (Has a tendency, good or bad, to focus on Leadville and run lackluster at other races if not totally focused)

Nick Coury  (knows the course and has speed, nuff said)

Kevin Shilling (VERY strong mountain runner and consistent but Karl tells me he isn't 100% with a broken foot earlier this spring)

Nathan Yanko (quietly put together a couple of solid years with a recent 8:42 at Miwok 100k)

Pete Stevenson (not near level of clark/meltzer but is tough as nails and pretty quick and well-trained, plus he loves dogs and does a lot to help the less fortunate ones, so he's a hero in my book)

Ted Mahon (6th last year. Incredibly consistent -one of the best splits- at this race and could surprize with a great race)

Ryan Cooper (from Boulder.  methodical and strong on climbs and shows up to races 100% ready)

For the ladies:

Diana Finkel (almost won the whole enchilada last year and suffered kidney failure post race - 16 days in the hospital - for her effort.  Aside from Karl, she may know the course better than anyone)

Darcy Africa (if she learned from last year, could win)

Betsy Nye (consistent -6 time winner of Wasatch 100- and always smiling)


Hardrock has superior live race coverage on their site, so you'll be able to follow along from the comfort of home!