Location:Rivière La Joyeuse,St.-Palais,France
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Pi UTSJ final day
Despite a night of torrential rain, things markedly improved in time for this morning's leisurely start. Here's the pre-race briefing, with maps being diligently consulted:
Pi UTSJ final day
The picture says it all - made it to St Jean despite blisters, hills, wild dogs and electric fences. Very proud of Claire's ultra tenacity.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Pi UTSJ day 4
The first two hours were spent by the runners in pouring rain and fog, but things slowly improved. We find ourselves in the charming town of Navarrenx, being entertained by small school kids. Claire is tired but still running well.
This shot is from the aid station table - note wine and sausage:
Tomorrow is the final 60km stage - the victory lap if you will. Tonight will be spent drinking with the mayor, eating another delicious meal, and treating Claire's fresh crop of blisters.
This shot is from the aid station table - note wine and sausage:
Tomorrow is the final 60km stage - the victory lap if you will. Tonight will be spent drinking with the mayor, eating another delicious meal, and treating Claire's fresh crop of blisters.
Location:Avenue d'Orthez,Navarrenx,France
Monday, April 29, 2013
Pi UTSJ day 3
A third day of great weather, a relatively flat course, and "only" 60km made for a good day. The Pyrenees were not sighted due to plenty of cloud, but the ancient churches and chapels along the route are sublime and made up for it:
The day started with the awkward addition of an English Setter to the group. The homeless hound rushed frantically around for the first two hours, before he could be foisted off on an unsuspecting group of pilgrims. Until he was dispatched, passing motorists swerved and tutted their disapproval.
Claire is over three-fifths done, and running very strongly. 120km to go.
The day started with the awkward addition of an English Setter to the group. The homeless hound rushed frantically around for the first two hours, before he could be foisted off on an unsuspecting group of pilgrims. Until he was dispatched, passing motorists swerved and tutted their disapproval.
Claire is over three-fifths done, and running very strongly. 120km to go.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Pi UTSJ day 2
I am waiting at Nogaro's bullring (yes, there are bullrings still in Gascony) for Claire to complete another 10-hour running day. She's doing brilliantly so far - good pace, happy disposition, calm under pressure when thing go inevitably wrong.
The trail is easy to follow 99% of the time, but the other 1% can completely throw you psychologically when you're tired and hungry. So far, she's only been lost a couple of times, and not for too long, thankfully.
Race director and friend Patrick Bonnot puts on a great race with an outstanding team of volunteers. As always, they are much appreciated.
Off soon for an evening of Floc and good French food (which certainly beats running) before retiring to a hard gym floor (which is marginally less comfortable than running).
The trail is easy to follow 99% of the time, but the other 1% can completely throw you psychologically when you're tired and hungry. So far, she's only been lost a couple of times, and not for too long, thankfully.
Race director and friend Patrick Bonnot puts on a great race with an outstanding team of volunteers. As always, they are much appreciated.
Off soon for an evening of Floc and good French food (which certainly beats running) before retiring to a hard gym floor (which is marginally less comfortable than running).
Location:Nogaro, France
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Pi UTSJ day 1
Now there's a satisfied finish line smile!
A combination of flat canals, steep hills, beautiful villages and mud made for a challenging first day, completed without problems in 10 hours.
Tomorrow Claire runs 64km to the bullring in Nogaro, Gascony; my objective is to retest the local fortified wine Floc.
A combination of flat canals, steep hills, beautiful villages and mud made for a challenging first day, completed without problems in 10 hours.
Tomorrow Claire runs 64km to the bullring in Nogaro, Gascony; my objective is to retest the local fortified wine Floc.
Pi UTSJ day 1
Claire is underway, running along the canal out of Moissac towards the splendid La Romieu. The weather is cool and - for the moment at least - dry. Perfect conditions for now.
The first 15km today is flat and straight, which is a nice warm-up for hillier times ahead. This is the longest stage - 68km (41 miles). One hour in, we have a long way to go, but we're still all smiles.
The first 15km today is flat and straight, which is a nice warm-up for hillier times ahead. This is the longest stage - 68km (41 miles). One hour in, we have a long way to go, but we're still all smiles.
Friday, April 26, 2013
"Pi" Ultra Trace St Jacques
Claire starts her 5-day race to St Jean Pied de Port tomorrow - a leisurely two hundred miles! As her domestique, I get to carry the suitcases, drive the rental car, and enjoy some wonderful French countryside without breaking a sweat. The weather is warm today, but cooler, more suitable running weather is on its way. Some rain is predicted too, I fear.
Monday, January 07, 2013
Announcing Napoleon Ultra 2013...
In November 2013, we will race from Moscow to Paris again – but this time 112 miles (181km) in the state of Tennessee. We will meet in Memphis, home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland and the famous Beale Street blues, on Friday November 15. The next morning we make our way 40 miles east to the start in Moscow, Tennessee and run three daily stages of 35, 40 and 37 miles (56km, 65km and 60km), before finishing under another replica Eiffel Tower, this time in Paris, Tennessee on Monday November 18.
Who's in?! Click here for more information.
Who's in?! Click here for more information.
Friday, December 07, 2012
Napoleon Ultra - final results
100% completed the 230-mile, 7-day stage race. Outstanding efforts from all runners, whose average age was 55. Jenni and Christian showed great class, consistency and experience to lead the field.
Successfully completing her first stage run was the youngest runner Rachel Wasilewski; her previous longest week's running was only 70 miles! Klaus Neumann will go on to run the Dallas Marathon this Sunday. Everyone else will be relaxing and recovering.
Jenni de Groot (NL) 40hr07min
Christian Marti (CH) 44hr18min
Romain Valle (FR) 48hr36min
Dominique Chaillou (FR) 49hr45min
Klaus Neumann (DE) 50hr26min
Claire Secker (US) 51hr49min
Rachel Wasilewski (US) 53hr14min
Xavier Servel (FR) 56hr59min
Gérard Denis (FR) 57hr25min
It has been a privilege and a pleasure to get the whole group from Moscow to Paris (Texas). Huge thanks to the volunteers - Nicole, Klaus-Dieter, Anneke, Ursula, and my fantastic son Rob.
Successfully completing her first stage run was the youngest runner Rachel Wasilewski; her previous longest week's running was only 70 miles! Klaus Neumann will go on to run the Dallas Marathon this Sunday. Everyone else will be relaxing and recovering.
Jenni de Groot (NL) 40hr07min
Christian Marti (CH) 44hr18min
Romain Valle (FR) 48hr36min
Dominique Chaillou (FR) 49hr45min
Klaus Neumann (DE) 50hr26min
Claire Secker (US) 51hr49min
Rachel Wasilewski (US) 53hr14min
Xavier Servel (FR) 56hr59min
Gérard Denis (FR) 57hr25min
It has been a privilege and a pleasure to get the whole group from Moscow to Paris (Texas). Huge thanks to the volunteers - Nicole, Klaus-Dieter, Anneke, Ursula, and my fantastic son Rob.
Location:Paris, Texas
Napoleon Ultra - last day
Before the start:
...and the Emperor and Emporess pass some time before running:
...and the Emperor and Emporess pass some time before running:
Napoleon Ultra - final day!
Yesterday's 42 mile stage was long and difficult for some of the runners...but everyone got it done! The weather was close to perfect, the road had a good shoulder, and the traffic wasn't too heavy. The finish was in the surprisingly beautiful main square of Sulphur Springs, now decorated dramatically for Christmas.
100% finishing in Paris today was our goal. Barring unforeseen problems, we will successfully achieve that rare ultra stage running goal.
100% finishing in Paris today was our goal. Barring unforeseen problems, we will successfully achieve that rare ultra stage running goal.
Thursday, December 06, 2012
Napoleon Ultra - day 6
Our race leaders Jenni (NL) and Christian (CH) at the start this morning, preparing to take on our longest stage of 43.2 miles (69.5km) to Sulphur Springs:
150 miles completed over the last five days. Tomorrow's final stage of 38.3 miles (62km) into Paris is almost in sight for all nine very tough runners!
150 miles completed over the last five days. Tomorrow's final stage of 38.3 miles (62km) into Paris is almost in sight for all nine very tough runners!
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Napoleon Ultra - latest photos
Jenni with her roadside "trophy":
Ursula finishing:
Romain and Christian finishing:
Klaus' non-matching shoes and socks (don't try this at home, kids!):
Chauffeur service to our Mill Creek park cabins:
Ursula finishing:
Romain and Christian finishing:
Klaus' non-matching shoes and socks (don't try this at home, kids!):
Chauffeur service to our Mill Creek park cabins:
Napoleon Ultra - day 5 results
Five days done, and still 100% have survived! Cumulative times thus far:
Jenni de Groot (NL) 26:18.45
Christian Marti (CH) 29:33.33
Romain Valle (FR) 30:22.10
Dominique Chaillou (FR) 31:49.18
Klaus Neumann (DE) 31:52.13
Rachel Wasilewski (US) 31:55.05
Claire Secker (US) 33:18.02
Xavier Servel (FR) 36:41.57
Gérard Denis (FR) 37:08.39
Jenni de Groot (NL) 26:18.45
Christian Marti (CH) 29:33.33
Romain Valle (FR) 30:22.10
Dominique Chaillou (FR) 31:49.18
Klaus Neumann (DE) 31:52.13
Rachel Wasilewski (US) 31:55.05
Claire Secker (US) 33:18.02
Xavier Servel (FR) 36:41.57
Gérard Denis (FR) 37:08.39
Napoleon Ultra - day 5 finish line
Like the sign says..."Leisure at its Finest"!
And tonight's dinner option:
And tonight's dinner option:
Napoleon Ultra - day 5 underway
All nine runners plus stage runner Ursula left Athens this morning. Some aches and pains after 124 miles of running over the last four days...but today is short (26.4 miles), cool so far (64F / 18C), and the road has a wide, safe shoulder. It is Rt.19 all the way to Canton - getting lost will be tough.
We have set up aid station #1 in Meredith. The sign behind Nicole is significant - the French runners gorged themselves on Black Angus steaks in Athens last night!
We have set up aid station #1 in Meredith. The sign behind Nicole is significant - the French runners gorged themselves on Black Angus steaks in Athens last night!
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Napoleon Ultra - day 4 results
The day worked out well, despite some heat, narrow roads and traffic. Midway through, we had a welcome visit from Austin American Statesman journalist Pam LeBlanc.
Cumulative times thus far:
Jenni de Groot (NL) 21:47.10
Christian Marti (CH) 24:33.03
Romain Valle (FR) 25:21.40
Rachel Wasilewski (US) 25:37.35
Klaus Neumann (DE) 26:22.49
Dominique Chaillou (FR) 26:28.48
Claire Secker (US) 27:42.07
Xavier Servel (FR) 30:24.27
Gérard Denis (FR) 30:51.09
Jenni looks set to become our new Joséphine; Christian has mounted a strong challenge to become a latterday Napoléon.
Cumulative times thus far:
Jenni de Groot (NL) 21:47.10
Christian Marti (CH) 24:33.03
Romain Valle (FR) 25:21.40
Rachel Wasilewski (US) 25:37.35
Klaus Neumann (DE) 26:22.49
Dominique Chaillou (FR) 26:28.48
Claire Secker (US) 27:42.07
Xavier Servel (FR) 30:24.27
Gérard Denis (FR) 30:51.09
Jenni looks set to become our new Joséphine; Christian has mounted a strong challenge to become a latterday Napoléon.
Location:Athens, Texas
Napoleon Ultra - first blood
Claire managed to trip and fall this afternoon, but like the trooper she is kept on to the finish:
The last two weary warriors are now a mile from the finish. Some aches and pains (and blood!) today, but we stand at 100% still in the race after halfway. (Only 1/7th of Napoleon's army made it halfway, to Moscow, in 1812.)
The last two weary warriors are now a mile from the finish. Some aches and pains (and blood!) today, but we stand at 100% still in the race after halfway. (Only 1/7th of Napoleon's army made it halfway, to Moscow, in 1812.)
Napoleon Ultra - Day 4 underway
37 miles ahead today. (Who knew? It's only 37 miles between Palestine and Athens!) The P'tite Armée is tired this morning but happy I think to be nearly halfway.
Maybe Napoleon would have had less problems had fluorescent clothing been invented?
Maybe Napoleon would have had less problems had fluorescent clothing been invented?
Monday, December 03, 2012
Napoleon Ultra results - after Day 3
Jenni continues to run strongly and consistently. A battle royal for second place is developing between Romain, Rachel and Christian. Dominique and Klaus are running well, Claire is recovering from stomach issues, and Xavier and Gérard are getting the job done for France!
Jenni de Groot (NL) 15:12.17
Romain Valle (FR) 17:16.40
Rachel Wasilewski (US) 17:20.36
Christian Marti (CH) 17:24.43
Dominique Chaillou (FR) 18:23.48
Klaus Neumann (DE) 18:37.45
Claire Secker (US) 19:25.08
Xavier Servel (FR) 21:02.00
Gérard Denis (FR) 21:28.42
Four days to go - three longer stages and one shorter one (only 26.4 miles on Wednesday). Athens tomorrow, then Canton.
Jenni de Groot (NL) 15:12.17
Romain Valle (FR) 17:16.40
Rachel Wasilewski (US) 17:20.36
Christian Marti (CH) 17:24.43
Dominique Chaillou (FR) 18:23.48
Klaus Neumann (DE) 18:37.45
Claire Secker (US) 19:25.08
Xavier Servel (FR) 21:02.00
Gérard Denis (FR) 21:28.42
Four days to go - three longer stages and one shorter one (only 26.4 miles on Wednesday). Athens tomorrow, then Canton.
Napoleon Ultra - Day 3 underway
Nicole Denis and I await the runners at checkpoint 1, just north of Crockett, Texas. Everyone is in good spirits, and surviving the journey so far.
Tonight we will sleep in the very topically named Palestine, 34 miles from Crockett. This morning is cloudy and pleasant if a little humid, but temperatures will rise again later.
Tonight we will sleep in the very topically named Palestine, 34 miles from Crockett. This morning is cloudy and pleasant if a little humid, but temperatures will rise again later.
Sunday, December 02, 2012
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