The competition is tough...and the challenge is big. The 2011 Conquer the Bear Series will wrap up next weekend with the running of Endure the Bear Trail Run. After three awesome events it's still too close to call the lead for this years overall meaning there's lots on the line when the gun goes off next Saturday. I'll break down the top podium contenders and give you my thoughts on who's gonna win... Remember. Endure the Bear is a 30 kilometer trail run on a VERY challenging course at serious altitude. This is no joke. No time is safe here. Have a good day and you could make up some big time on the field...a bad day could spell disaster. Here we go!
Conquer the Bear - Men
Ted Devito - 5hr08min - I've been running with Ted and he's been on top of it. He's got the power to climb the hills and the speed to break away, plus he has the mental advantage of holding a sizable lead over the rest of us. Being number one comes with pressure though...and thats not to be taken lightly. I think his game plan is going to be just to stay close to the rest of us, if somebody gets away from him his day could unravel.
Jesse Haynes - 5hr16min - Jesse has be killing it lately. I think he has raced 4 50k trail runs this year and either placed 2nd or won each of them. Being the "non-local" in the running I think he wants to come take the title off the mountain but not sure if he'll have the speed to make up 8 mins on Ted. I know he's gonna go for it though and expect hime to start fast and try to break the field early.
Matt Smith - 5hr32min - I'm a long way off the lead here but hopefully will be able to keep up with the two guys in front of me and stay on the overall podium. I know the course well and while I may not be able to make up much time I'd like to fight for the race win. I'm coming off a tough Ironman race though where my body took a decent beating. Recovery prior to this race will be key just to make the distance.
Ramon Escobar - 5hr59min - Ramon needs somebody to have a rough day if he wants to climb back up into the top three but in a race like this thats entirely possible. Not to mention this guy is extremely talented and has the balls to go for it. He's young though, and distance running is a tough game for the kiddies. I bet he stays consistent...goes out fast and fades hard.
How I see it playing out....I'm giving Jesse the race win. He's just been absolutley stellar in his recent race results and I think his need to make up time on Ted gives him the drive to finish first. But Ted's a fighter and I'm guessing he'll be within 5 minutes of the lead keeping the Overall Conquer the Bear Title with a "local." I'm going to push the first 5k and try to take home the FRS King of the Mountain and $50 in cash.
Conquer the Bear - Women
Heather Devito - 6hr04min - Heather is absolutely dominating the series, period. Not sure what else to say. She is fast. Maybe if she is nice she'll slow down a bit as to not make so many of the guys look bad. The real race is for 2nd/3rd place as Heather has this thing all but wrapped up.
Cathleen Calkins - 7hr18min - Cathleen has been super consistent all series and I don't see why this will be any different. She has a nice buffer on 3rd and 4th place but like I mentioned, it's a long race. She's an old pro when it comes to endurance but does she have the speed to hold off the charging girls behind her? This is going to be good to watch!
Rachael Ghrist - 7hr51min - (disclaimer: Rachael is my girlfriend!) Rachael wants 2nd place bad and has the speed to make up the time. She's been training on the course and knows when and where to go for it. She's in the same boat I am in. Having the big question of if she can fully recover from Ironman in time to dig deep and really go for it.
Angela Meyers - 8hr05min - Angela is competitive as hell and that plays a huge role when it comes down to a battle like this. I know she wants on that podium. The only question I have is if she enjoys trail running enough to really push hard out there. She has to run a solid race to climb back up to the top three and the ladies in front of her don't want to give an inch.
How I see it playing out....Heather walks away with the Race Win, Overall Series Win, and FRS King of the Mountain Award. Clean Sweep! and very impressive. In the battle for the podium I think Rachael puts down the hammer and makes up the time on Cathleen taking over 2nd. And while I'm going to give Angela a strong performance in the race I dont think it'll be enough to get back on the podium.
In the end though, this series only crowns 2 champions. One Man and One Women. They split the pot each taking home $500 in cash money. I'm giving the win to my good friends Ted and Heather Devito! Incredible athletes and great friends as well. It's fun to compete against people who push you to your limits and make you feel good about your effort...even if their's was much better!
Everybody who stepped up to take part in Conquer the Bear is a winner though as it's all fun and a great way to enjoy Big Bear...and life in general. Check out the overall standings going into the last event and then sign up for next year!
Disclaimer: Ted and Heather are my employers, and the proud parents of my favorite little girl in town. And even if they weren't, I must also follow Matt's predictions....Ted has the speed and strength to kill it out there. Not to mention Jesse has not been training at altitude (not that we know about anyway!). No doubt Heather will take the overall win. The excitement in the women's race lies with which ladies will join Heather on the podium. Congrats to all of the fabulous athletes who have put so much into the elite series this year!
ReplyDeleteM. Russell