Hey Gang! AMAZING!! Team Merrell/Akali’s Denise McHale place 3rd OVERALL at the 100km Canadian Death Race August 17.  Believe it or not, women were 2nd and 3rd in this trail ultramarathon in Canada, which boasts a worldwide reputation as one of the toughest trail races on earth. Here’s her recap of the race and a few photos. Yeah, Denise!! Xo Robyn

Survival of the Death Race!

I’m just home and pleased to say I not only survived the Great Canadian Death Race on the weekend, but managed a 3rd place overall and a pretty respectable finishing time. My hat goes off to Rockstars, Hal Hoerner and Ellie Greenwood for both breaking the previous male and female records and finishing 1st/2nd respectably. Impressive running – holy cow! Hal, I can say I never actually saw (how depressing is that), but I did have the pleasure of running with Ellie and chatting for a wee bit the first 50km or so. We started at a pretty comfy, respectable pace for the first 2 legs – the time flew by and I really enjoyed that part of the course. Leg 2 had a lot of climbing and some very step technical downhills, which is my favorite kind of running. I kept Ellie just in sight and came into the end of Leg 2 a minute or 2 behind her. I left the TA first and she quickly caught up to me and passed me. I realized then, that I needed to let her go or I was going to pay for it later. I think this was a wise decision as this course is tough and early on in leg 3, I started to feel the heat getting to me, and was having a difficult time eating, and energy stores were waning considerably. I continued to putt along on leg 3, which seemed to go on forever! I struggled a wee bit through the end of leg 3, refueled at the aid station and was happy my excellent support crew had located some trekking poles for me for the climb up Mt. Hamel. (Thanks Greg and Phil!).

The climb up Hamel took approx 1.5 hours or so. Part way up,  I met up with a solo racer from the US, who shared some water with me and we chatted back and forth for awhile. At one of the CP’s on the way up, one of the volunteers told me that Ellie was approx 15 minutes or so ahead of me. It was a good check to know that I was still in the race, and I reminded myself to stay focused as I’ve learned through experience, that anything can happen during these races.

When I reach the top of Mt. Hamel, I took a few seconds to look around and noticed what a spectacular view it was. The sky was clean and sunny and there was an amazing 360 degree view. People often ask me, why I do these types of events. One would think that with the amount of time, I’ve spent racing over the years and the hours upon hours of introspective time out there, I’d have a brilliant answer…, but  I’m not sure there is one…the summit of a mountain is part of it, the reward of looking back down and seeing how far you’ve traveled…, but I also think for me, there is something primal that I am drawn to about getting back to the basics of life and working through completing a physically demanding task. It may hurt to varying degree’s while you are doing it, but I know the reward and sense of accomplishment in the end, will far outweigh the temporary sweat and tears which are just part of the process.

After a quick reward of admiring the view, I brought myself back to the reality of the task at hand and the fact that the end was still 50km away, but was happy with the fact that the longest climb was complete. I ran the out and back to retrieve my prayer flag and on the way back, I saw Simon Donato on his way out to the prayer flag station. We exchanged a couple brief words of encouragement to each other and I noticed he looked very strong. I had actually thought he was ahead of me at that point, so was a little motivator to pick up the pace as I knew he’d be chasing me down!

My new friend stopped to refill his camel back as I made my way down Mt. Hamel and he eventually caught up and passed me. We continued to run back and forth chatting periodically for another couple of hours. Eventually after a very long down hill, we made it to the ambler loop aid station where our drop bags were. As I was coming in I saw Ellie heading out, and she looked like she was on a mission. I asked the volunteer how long the loop was and he indicated it was about 5km. I knew at that point she was likely close to 30 minutes ahead of me, and would be tough to catch her now as time was running out, but again reminded myself to stay positive. I had been having a difficult time eating for several hours at that point and was happy to retrieve my drop bag and to be able to chug some liquid calories. Nothing else in the bag was appealing, but I choked down part of a banana and some coke. I took off got the loop and at this point had caught a relay runner for Leg 4. He was just ahead of me, as I looked up, I saw a black bear run across the road. He didn’t seem to be interested in us, and I am very used to running in bear country, but always nice to have someone else around when there is a bear sighing. We traded some electrolyte tabs for some water, as he said he had been having some cramping and ran together chatting for a wee bit. Finished the loop and wished I had put another Boost in my drop bag, as was still not able to eat, but pushed on for the remaining 10km or so to the end of leg 4, which was a long gradual downhill run on the road.

I reach the final CP to see my support crew and tried to get in a few more calories for the final push to the finish. As I left the CP, the trail started to climb again and went deeper into the forest. I caught up with a relay runner and exchanged a few words and continued to climb. I continued up and up for 45 minutes or so. I realized at one point that I hadn’t remembered seeing any flagging for awhile, but also didn’t remember passing any side trails. I took note of my watch and continued up for another 5 minutes or so until I came to an intersection. The trail continued on straight, or I could turn left of right. I went down both directions on the trail for a minute or two each way and didn’t see any flagging. I started to feel a sense of panic, in that surely this close to the finish, I hadn’t made a stupid mistake and missed following the flagging. The trail had been marked brilliantly up to this point, so seemed strange to not have any markings at a major trail junction. I figured by this point if I was going the right direction and hadn’t missed a turn, the girl that I passed on the way up should be fairly close behind. I yelled down the trail several times and listened to the empty void and the echoing of my own voice. I yelled a few more times and eventually heard a response back. As it turned out, the girls name was also Denise, and I asked her if she had seen flagging recently. She indicated that she hadn’t but had done this section of the race last year and was pretty sure we were to go straight through the intersection. We continued on together and eventually she pointed out some white buttons on the trees. She said these were trail markers and that they glow in the dark, so was sure we were on the correct trail. (They do in fact glow in the dark, and are fantastic markers when it is dark, as I’d see in an hour or so). We ran together for a bit and eventually came to the river crossing. I felt a huge sense of relief, knowing I had lost some time, but hadn’t totally blown it and wasn’t going to be wandering around in the dark all night.

We paid the Grim Reaper our token to cross the river and hopped on board for the short river crossing. I got my headlamp out and ready to go, as dusk was just approaching and figure I might as well get ready so I didn’t have to stop in it bit to sort it out. I thanked the driver for the ride and Denise and I continued up the next hill and I soon lost her. I carried on for awhile and tried to take in a gel and some fluids, and instantly felt nauseous. I began to throw up the little bit that was left in my system, and then started to dry heave. It was very strange, I’ve never thrown up in a race before and as quickly as it came on, it passed and I felt some better and started running again. I was a bit afraid to eat and drink after that, and knew I only had 11-12 km to go, so figured I should be fine to make it to the end without anymore fluid or calories. It seemed like night all of a sudden arrived and I turned on my headlamp, which does an amazing job lighting up the trails. I hit the 5km sign to go at 14hr:30 minutes exactly, and I thought I should easily be able to bring it in under 15 hours if I kicked it down. It’s amazing what the “kicking it down” pace is at that point, but it felt like I was going fast even though I was definitely not breaking any speed records! I could see the lights of town and could hear music, and turned the corner to see the very welcome sight of the finish line. I crossed the line at 14 hrs: 56 mins:24 seconds. Greg was there waiting for me with hugs and a smile and I knew it was all worth it once again.

Woo hooo for Merrell/Akali’s Carter Johnson!! Here’s a quick recap and article about his recent win at the Wave Chaser Series. Xo robyn

From Carter:

Here is a cool article on the race last weekend. This was the Final Summer Down wind race for the Wavechaser series. All the players from the North and South west coast were here.  I was able to pull out very early on with a strong lead despite the jet lag and exhaustion from the Avon Descent the week before.    It was a good thing too as I was totally crushed towards the end. Still Managed to squeak on by for the overall win by just 10 seconds. It was a very exciting race.

http://www.waterhound.com/wavechasers-downwinder-fort-baker-to-berkeley-august-15th.html

Hey Gang! This just in from Carter Johnson, the most winning endurance paddler in the US for the past 3 years (solo record holder for the Texas Water Safari, Missouri River 340, Yukon River Quest, Yukon 1000, and the Guinness 24 Hour flat water record) AND most importantly, a member of the Merrell/Akali Ambassador Team!:

“Won the Wavechaser Summer Series (finally) yesterday. All of the top US surfski guys from the west coast, north, and south were there. Of course, I was in full Team Merrell/Akali kit. Photos soon. Still sorting through my Avon Descent race pics from Australia last week. ”

Tough life, right? ;). Yeah, Carter J! Makin’ us proud!!

Xo Robyn

WOW!!!!! Team Merrell/Akali’s Denise McHale KILLED it in the Death Race!!! 125 kilometers of vertical trail running joy. Owwwww. She placed 3rd OVERALL in a field of 260 people. Unbelievable. Can’t wait to see the pix! Will send along as soon as I get ‘em. Xoxo Robyn

Just to let you know - I survived the Death race! Was a tough one,  with 17,000 feet of elevation change over the 125km. I finished in 14hr:56 mins to place 2nd female /3rd overall…was a chicks day out there for sure! The girl who beat me is a running machine, holy cow! Her name is ellie greenwood, a scottish girl, living in alberta - if only she would have stayed home! Overall I am pleased, I think I ran a smart race and did my own thing after having to let her go at 50k or so. Small finishing rate with 26 finishing out of the 260 or so that started. My excellent support crew snapped a few pics, so will send through as well as a little blurb on the experience by the end of the week.

Denise McHale

Superstar! Carter is on fire. Can’t wait til he breaks the Guinness 24 hour record next Summer! Xo r

6 races over the next 6 weekend.  This is getting wild.  So far 2 down and 2 wins for Team Merrrell/Akali.  Next is the Avon Decent in Australia.  1000’s of people will attend this attracting kayakers from all over the world.  It is down river (up to class 4 rapids in skinny long race boats) which is entirely new for me so if nothing else will be a great learning experience.

Race 1 report:  Wave Chaser 18 mile Down wind.
This is one of the primer surfski events in the Bay area attracting Surfski and OC1 paddlers from all over the USA.  This 18 mile course features some of the best surfing offered in California.  It starts at Oyster Point State Park just north of SFO and ends at the BIAC Aquatic center in Redwood city.  This year the winds were blowing and the top pack averaged nearly 10mph in our Surfski/kayaks as we rocketed down the “bumps” surfing nearly all the way to the finish line.

Race 2 Report: Wild Side Relay - 21 miles down wind
Attendance wise, this may actually be the king of downwind Surfski  races on the west coast. Located on the Columbia River Gorge  between Oregon and Washington, it is conveniently located so the elite athletes from the Seattle/Vancouver area as well as the SF bay area can attends.  With Views of the Mt Hood the entire race and winds no less than 35knots, it proved to be a very high adrenalin year.  The flow of the river against the wind creates perfect 6 to 8 foot breaking swells all up and down the river and the force of the wind can even drive you up hill.  One of the most amazing features of this race is the 100’s of kite boarders and wind surfers you need to wave thru as you navigate the Gorge.  The relay has 4 legs and is paddled by 2 individuals.  Dave Jensen and I had an epic race and were even able to take nearly 5 minutes off the course Record.

More photos on the way.

Bob Cook Memorial / Mt. Evans Hill Climb / Colorado Hill Climb State Championship, July 24, 2010

One of the benefits of living in Evergreen, Colorado is that the highest paved road in the United States is in our backyard.  Colorado Route 5 winds to the summit of Mt. Evans at 14,264′, and  there’s a road cycling race to the top.  It’s the Hill Climb State Championship, and I decided to give it a shot this year.

On the morning of July 24th, 6,700 vertical feet and 28 miles from the summit, racers warmed up against a cool breeze and overcast skies in Idaho Springs.  The weather looked grim, and I was expecting rain and cold at the top.  As my group, Category 3, ascended, however, temperatures rose and we broke into the sun just below Echo Lake at the halfway point.

From there, the racing heated up as we climbed above treeline, with a pack of five riders working together to catch one man who had broken away miles earlier.  We did finally catch him, and it was every man for himself rising up the final five miles of switchbacks from Summit Lake.  After losing contact after one surge, I regained myself and passed two riders to finish fourth in approximately 2:01.  The next man to finish was a 15-year-old sophomore from Cherry Creek High School who rides on the Garmin Transitions farm team…watch out for this guy in the future!

Racing the road bike uphill was a fun experience.  I was happy with the performance, and the dizziness due to an anaerobic effort above 14,000′ made for an interesting afternoon.

Hello Friends of Team Merrell/Akali and Team Project Athena!

Woo hooo! Team Merrell/Akali’s Carter Johnson, David Kelly and I swept the men’s and women’s solo divisions and the team division in the Yukon River Quest this weekend. What a thrill to see all those orange jerseys at the top of the podium. :). Made my little heart sing.

The boys were well ahead of me (David was in a 6 man boat with some very cool Texans, with Carter drafting behind in his solo kayak like a madman for 43 hours!) by the time I neared Dawson City, but although I finished in the wee hours of the morning on July 3 (1:43 am to be exact), it was still light outside! That was the main reason I had chosen the Yukon River Quest  (460 mile “Race to the Midnight Sun” from Whitehorse to Dawson) as my first major solo ultraendurance kayak race. Not a big fan of the dark. ;)  I hadn’t seen a soul in @20 hours when I arrived. Just me and the river. And I got caught in a CRAZY downpour in the final 12 hours, in which I couldn’t even see, with lightening everywhere, and the wind threatening to tip me over with every stroke.  I didn’t know if it was scarier to stop and freeze or to keep going. So I kept going. :). Then I was rewarded about 30 min later with the most gorgeous double rainbow I have ever seen over my shoulder when I looked back at the black clouds to see if they were following. With one end of the rainbow in the river, and the other end in the mountains. Wow. I had to float backwards and stare at it for a minute. So remote and beautiful. Most of the time I felt like this tiny little orange dot in a huge prehistoric landscape. That sense that this river (@1/2 mi wide at this point) was here for millions of years and would be here for a million more when I’m gone. And then a bald eagle launched off the cliff and circled my boat, screeching a warning that I was too close to it’s nest (or that it wanted me to surrender my Cheetos. Not sure). That was the highlight reel. :).

The rest of the 51 hours and 43 minutes I was out there just focusing on moving as fast as I could, while managing drinking, eating, and all bodily pains/functions that needed addressing while inside the tiny cockpit of an Epic 18 sea kayak. And listening to books/music on my ipod. :). And wondering what the heck I had been thinking entering such a long silly race in a boat I had rented the day before (LUCKY it was perfect!) and on a course I had never seen. But I’m an adventure racer at heart, so “making it up as you go” is just par for the course.

Yadda yadda yadda, as I made my way through the course, passing boats one by one, I realized why I felt the need to do this race. Turns out I’m ok at paddling ridiculous distances after all (as I had hoped, but didn’t really know for sure). Even on training that mostly consisted of dry land paddling on a KayakPro ERG inside the fire station the last few months. I was the first chick by @ 8 hrs and the 3rd solo boat overall, out of 25-28 entries (And 9th out of all the boats–@80, including team boats).  I couldn’t believe it.  Carter was first solo, of course (and 2nd overall. He’s amazing),  and set a new course record, and David Kelly’s boat with the Texans was 1st overall. So a clean sweep for Team Merrell/Akali across all divisions!  How sweet is that?

Well, I might be hooked on a new sport, but we shall see. The jury is still out until I no longer have to bring my head to my hands to shampoo.  Hope you dig the photos. This was one epic adventure. Thanks for sending me all the good juju during the event. I heard from many of you and needed every bit of encouragement. I’m not afraid to tell you that I was pretty scared out there at times. Going solo in this race was definitely one of life’s little challenges/confidence builders.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo, r

Read more here: http://www.epickayaks.com/news/news/robyn-benincasa-and-team-merrellakali-sweep-the-yukon-river-quest?PHPSESSID=b696fb789776ea1a9c6655a9fe44a122

Woo hooo! I finished the Yukon River Quest at 1:43 am today. Still in the light up here! I hadn’t seen a soul in @20 hours when I arrived. Just me and the river. Got caught in a CRAZY downpour in the final 12 hours yesterday where I couldn’t even see, lightening everywhere, and the wind threatening to tip me over with every stroke. I didn’t know if it was scarier to stop and freeze or to keep going. So I kept going. :). Then I was rewarded about 30 min later with the most gorgeous double rainbow I have ever seen over my shoulder when I looked back at the black clouds to see if they were following. With one end of the rainbow in the river, and the other end in the mountains. Wow. I had to float backwards and stare at it for a minute. So remote and beautiful. Most of the time I felt like this tiny little orange dot in a huge prehistoric landscape. That sense that this river (@1/2 mi wide at this point) was here for millions of years and would be here for a million more when I’m gone. And then a bald eagle launched off the cliff and circled my boat, screeching a warning that I was too close to it’s nest (or that it wanted me to surrender my Cheetos. Not sure). That was the highlight reel. :). The rest of the 50 hours I was out there just focusing on moving as fast as I could, while managing drinking, eating, and all bodily pains/functions that needed addressing while inside the tiny cockpit of a boat. And listening to books/music on my ipod. :). And wondering what the heck I had been thinking entering such a long silly race in a boat I had rented the day before (LUCKY it was perfect!) and on a course I had never seen.

Yadda yadda yadda, as I made my way through the course, passing boats one by one, I realized why. Turns out I’m ok at it after all (As I had hoped, but didn’t really know for sure). Even on training that mostly consisted of dry land paddling on a machine inside the fire station that last coupla months. I was the first chick by @ 8 hrs and 3rd solo boat overall, out of 25-28 entries. And 9th out of all the boats (@80?), including 6 man teams and doubles. I couldn’t believe it. Carter was first solo (2nd overall. He’s amazing), of course, and set a new record, and david kelly was in the winning team boat (1st overall). So a clean sweep for Team Merrell/Akali! Crap. Hope I’m not hooked on a new sport. We shall see. The jury is still out until I no longer have to bring my head to my hands to shampoo. But it beats blistered/trench feet. :). Ok, back to the sleeping/eating. And party here in Dawson City tonight. YaaaAaaay. Love and mushy things to all. And thanks for all of your support. Whew. It was just nice to be racing again. :). Xoxo r

Hey Team Merrell/Akali Fans!

Our favorite Colorado Superboy is at it again! He took second place at the Teva Mountain Games this weekend….juuuuust ahead of Team Nike’s Mike Kloser. I love it when that happens. :).  Here’s his updated blog report:

www.followtravismacy.blogspot.com

Woo hoooo! Superstar. Xo robyn