By John Anderson- Rock/Creek Race Team/Grassroots Gear Team

The Zane Grey 50 miler takes place on the Highline Trail near Payson, AZ.  It has around 11,000 feet of climbing and the “trail” consists of downed trees, washed out gullies and tons of loose, ankle breaking rocks. While the race is billed as the toughest 50 miler in the US, I don’t know if it’s the most difficult, but it is certainly
one of the most technical courses with only a few steps of actual smooth trail.

I had run a few training runs of 40ish miles in the Fireblades but this was certainly a true test of the shoe over a long distance and technical terrain. “Worried that the stiff sole and light weight might pound my body over the course of 50 or 100 miles. My fears were alleviated as my legs and feet still felt nimble 7 hours into the race.”

Occupation: Medical Student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine

Tips:  Ultras are long.  You will have a rough stretch, and your success is dependent on how you react because it will eventually pass.  You have to train how you race–eat the same foods, run in the dark, run alone, run with a pacer, run through creeks, etc.  Embrace the places where both your body and mind go because they truly are unique and indescribable.

Tags: La Sportiva Fireblade

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