The product reviewed on this post is a Trail Running jacket developed by Gore Tex featuring the AIR VANTAGE technology.
“WL GORE & Associates, leader in breathable waterproof membranes for 25 years, has developed this principle to develop an air chamber construction fully integrated in the garments.An integrated valve on the collar allows the runner to inflate or deflate the jacket depending his/her insulation needs. It’s really easy: the more air you put in the warmer you feel. If you are too warm, you just have to let the air out by means of a little button, similar to the sleeping pads.
The Gore Tex membrane air chamber system is built on a way the air can circulate like in a labyrinth, allowing the jacket to remain breathable as the outer fabric being chosen for its breathability property.”
AIR VANTAGE System First being developed for winter sports and casual clothes, Gore Running Wear is taking over this AIR VANTAGE concept to apply it on a Trail Running oriented jacket. I got the chance to try out this jacket during the TransRockies Run and... it works !!! In addition to its slim fit which allows a lot of movement, the air insulation system is very efficient and I truly appreciated having such a warm jacket for the early frozen mornings and cilly nights around the campfire.
"Good things come in little package" I didn't see any best way to illustrate my last comment than with this expression considering how few space this jacket actualy takes.
Please let us know your comments if you have anything to add on that one.
Cheers,
The Goat
Dear Reader,
We had a hard time to get internet connection, so my apologizes for the late posting.
Discussing with Bryon - yeah we don't only run together, we also share a lot! - I simply found out that he was doing an amazing job with his posts and there is no reason for me any more to post news in english as I simply can't do better !
So for the english version, please refer directly to his blog.
Additionally, you'll get the chance to check out at the great pictures he's taking during the race.
Enjoy the reading,
The Goat
This morning we had a 30 minutes ride with some school buses - which is kinda cool for a French man! - to get to the start of this second stage, another short stage. With about 14k with a steep climb up to more than 4000m and then a long descent down to Twin Lakes, this was actually the shortest stage of the all race and the leaders cleared it in less than 1h30. The weather was really good and despite the altitude, everyone was wearing shorts and T-shirts. As we all know that the weather in the mountains can get bad in no time and I was glad that we all had to carry with us mandatory gear (Rain jacket and pants, hat, gloves and a one survival blanket for the team) as I certainly didn't want to experience again the tragedy that happened at the Zugspitz Extrem Berglauf.
As expected, team Saab Salomon hold the win thanks to a very skilled downhill section. Team Nike with Eric Skaggs finished second getting first to the top of the pass but not being able to follow up with the Salomon flying brits on the downhill ! Team Running Times (Adam Chase et Michelle Barton) have also run a good stage taking the second place clearing the stage in a bit more than 2h.
Team Wings Of Glory:
We did well ! Bryon was setting a nice and steady pace all the way up, fast enough to catch up with few teams and slow enough to get us to the top fresh for the downhill. We surely took the best out this 6k technical downhill, hell yeah! The last 3ks were almost flat and crossing over creeks, that was definitely a more enjoyable stage than the first one.
Open Men
Open Women
Co ed
80+ women
80+ men
More infos on:
GORE TEX TransRockie Run 2008
Bryon's blog
In French : Kairn
The Goat
Dear Reader,
Here are fresh comment about stage 1:
This was even flatter than expected and quite a lot of road portions but this will be the only stage so now it's done and behind,thank God !
This stage was quite rewarding for the Salomon squad as Team Salomon (R. PADILLA and S. GALL) won and Team Saab Salomon (Andy and Tom) hold the third position - both in Men catagory - even though this flat stage wasn't definitely Andy's and Tom's speciality so we can espect some even better results for the coming stages as they shall be more elevation gain and loss.
The Salomon upport crew is doing hell of a job providing the runners with a massive tent, sits and foods between the time we cleared the stage and have dinner. The atmosphere is just like last year, and it feels good to have this kind of nice chats with all kind of runners from the beginner to the most experienced one. You find yourself discussing the race with a guy and you find out he qualified for the Olympics... amazing !
Team Wings Of Glory:
I have to say... I didn't change much from last year, I once again screwed up that very first stage !
Last year that were cramps, this year I was feeling sick and had some digesting problems. Bryon did an awesome job to keep me motivated and leveling up my moral and... taking pictures of me struggeling ! I ended up literally throwing up on the finish line, sick ! So this wasn't the best stage at all for us... but we are hoping to do better in the mountain, feeling more familiar on this playground.
I have sore legs but motivation is here and I am eager to start tomorrow, as you can see on (link to STAGE 2) this short stage will has a insane steep ascent and then about 7k of downhill which is definitely going to be good for us. SO I'll just get a good night os sleep and be ready for Stage 2 !
To thoses who are on Facebook, I created an open group caled "Gore Tex TransRockies Run" - how original is that! - so everyone can join and upload their pictures and impressions, personnal feelings about the race for those who would be interested in doing it next year.
The aim of this group is definitely to allow people to keep the spirit and mementum going even after the race despite the fact that we will be all spread out back to our homes.
Here are the podium of all the categories for Stage 1:
Open Men:
Video to come.
Open Women:
Co ed:
80+ women:
80+ men:
Sorry about the missing video but the connection is not that good and it takes too long, I'm tired and feel like I have to go to bed.
The Goat.
More Pictures:
 |
| Gore Tex TransRocki |
More info on: GORE TEX TransRockie Run 2008
In french : Kairn
Dear Reader,
Today, D-1 before race starts.
Adam, Bryon and I have just left Boulder this morning. We have picked up the rest of the Salomon guys on the way and the 9 of us headed to Buena Vista Team Saab Salomon, the two teams Salomon, team Wings Of Glory (ourselves) and Adam from Team Running Times as Michelle his team partner was already there. Even though I have a decent trail running level, I definitely feel like a kid around all these world class athletes !
Once there we definitely got the chance to taste this palatable atmosphere that comes out of the Trail Running community.
All the runners gathered with people from the organization for 
the registration paperwork and later on for the briefing truly kicked off this week of running.
It was really good to get to talk to all the Salomon folks and see how they’ve been since the last competition (i.e Jon Brown, a freaking fast adventure racer from Team Salomon Crestedbutte).
Many people from last year came back - which is a good sign - and the spirit has remained the same and we already know that this will once again be a great living experience.
Tonight we had a nice BBQ after the briefing but guess what, the rain started and in no time it was literally pissing buckets… Good for Gore Tex though !
Afterwards we went to the camp where all the tents had been set up and finally went to the hotel where we media people were lucky enough to stay ;-).
All right, time to pack all the stuff for tomorrow and get some sleep.
Talk to you tomorrow
The Goat
Dear Reader,
According to plans, I'll be running the Gore Tex TransRockies Run 2008 that will kick off on monday 25th.
Winner of the 2007 edition in mixt category, Adam Chase who put me in contact with both my partners of last year and this year, kindly invited Bryon and I to stay over at his place the week before the race.
Let me think about it for a sec': spend a week with Adam and his professional tri athletes housemates, get to know my team mate and discuss strategy while running in the mountains or staying home on my own...
Well I was on the plain on the 18th of August direction Denver and staying since then in Boulder, Colorado.
I didn't wait for the jet lag to be completely over and went for two runs with Bryon already. Such a great feeling to get back to mother Nature, with its mountains technical trails but also the lack of air that reminded me in not time that I was higher than used to be and definitely should NOT get too excited !
So after those runs, some mexican food, discussion about blogging and running I am glad to tell you that Bryon and I get along very well and are already eager to run hard !
Stay tuned for the next update and in the meantime, Jog on !
The Goat
Dear Runner,
As one of the lucky participant of the second edition of the Gore Tex TransRockies. I will be covering the race withing Trail Running French magazines. Therefore I will have to opportunity to have access to the Internet during the race and post some news about the stage, weather, ranking and runners impression.
Please do not hesitate to contact me or add comments to my posts if you want to get news from friends or family during the race. I can not promize I'll be able to send news from everyone but I'll do y best to transmit your messages.
Stay tuned,
The Goat
From Buena Vista to Clear Creek
Comments:
This very first day will be fast, smoking fast... Less that 22k which means that the first runners will cross the finish line in less that 1h45 considering the small elevation gain added to the fact that we won't have to carry any backpack - the mandatory equipment will be required from stage 2.
According to different goals and strategies, some will take this stage as a warm up run kick off nicely the Gore Tex TransRockies Run, while other will simply start the fight for the win...
For the followers, the main objective will be to stay focus and not get too excited
This will be about to try and keep up with the lead without burning out in the first stage...
I know what I am talking about, as this is exactly what happened to me last year during the first edition of the Gore Tex TransRockies Run, I got terrible cramps and crossed the finish line almost in a state of hypoglycaemia, just because of a pace to high for me… A pretty efficient way to get into the race condition that clearly reminded me that I was here not for 1, not for two but for 5 days! – 6 this year. Therefore, to be part of the ones who will be lucky enough to have this unique feeling of true accomplishment while crossing the finish line after 6 days of race, strategy with a bit of wisdom is recommended…
More info on: GORE TEX TransRockie Run 2008
In french : Kairn
The Goat
From Clear Creek to Twin Lakes (shuttle transfer Leadville) 
Comments :
760m in 3,2k… it's definitely getting interesting ! As a matter of fact, we will understand with this second stage what trail running is all about even though we will still miss the distance to have all the elements that make the Gore Tex TransRockies Run such a unique race.
Despite the elevation gain, with only 16k and almost fresh legs, this second stage should once again be fast. The slower pace uphill should be compensated by the fastest one downhill and enable the leaders to clear this stage in less than 1hour45 with good weather condition.
The altitude will also be a critical factor for those like me who are not lucky enough to live in the mountains and are not used to this lack of oxygen… But I guess this is the price to pay for running across the Rockies of Colorado over 9203 feet, and honestly this is still fairly cheap!
More info on: GORE TEX TransRockie Run 2008
In french : Kairn
The Goat
From Leadville to Camp Hale 
Comments:
Well now we are there, no kidding ! Even though the elevation gain is not that tremendous considering the distance we will have to run, compare to our French Alps, those 39K will for sure start to do some damage on our bodies, making some of us wonder what they are doing here !
We will have to be careful as this is most likely during the third day the runners can get injured:
1st Day : Effort
2nd Day : Overcompensating
3rd Day : TIREDNESS and potential injury if not careful !
On the other hand, long distance rhymes with more time spent on the trails... thus this stage will be the opportunity to fully enjoy the wonderful views and landscapes of the Rockies, Colorado.
More info on: GORE TEX TransRockie Run 2008
In french : Kairn
The Goat
From Camp Hale to Red Cliff
Comments:
At the starting line, we will be half the way in racing days and we'll have gone through 77km and 2070m elevation gain...not so much more that the Templier race
(70k and 3000m elevation gain) in three days, can't complain !
Back to a short distance stage with a profile quite similar to stage 2, but with a slower pace (?), considering the milage already ran and with legs getting heavier and heavier.
More info on: GORE TEX TransRockie Run 2008
In french : Kairn
The Goat
From Red Cliff to Vail 
Comments:
No doubts this is going to be the hardest stage of the entire Gore Tex TransRockies Run 08. It's basically the other way around one of the last year stages, and I can already tel you that this is wil be absolutely gorgeous!
Special announcement to the technical singl track lovers, you'll be about to reach the Nirvana between mile 9 and 13... hell yeah !
More info on: GORE TEX TransRockie Run 2008
In french : Kairn
The Goat
From Vail to Beaver Creek
Comments:
And here we are, getting used to a nice and steady daily run, to sharing good times with the runner's community that has become a great family and finally to coping with the altitude, it's already the last stage...
Last but not least, this final stage will have the highest elevation gain relatively to the ground distance ran. Hell yeah, the inclines will definitely bring some pain to our tired legs but don't worry 'cause at that stage, the pain will alreday be there anyway !
As obviously noticed the previous night, Vail offers splendid view and nice single tracks but wait for the last portion that will lead us down to the finish line in, it's gonna be LEGEN... wait for it... DARY !!!!
To tease you and definitely give you the will to get to the end, check out below the video I took from the Starting area (finishing this year):
More info on: GORE TEX TransRockie Run 2008
In french : Kairn
Be there !
The Goat
Dear Reader,
The first product I have chosen for the "equipment" category is the TIMEZONE Travel Kit developed by Gore Running Wear.
This kit is made of a tiny hand bag containing (Trail) Running apparel that you can adapt according to the weather conditions. Therefore, thanks to extra pieces inspired from arms and legs warmers in cyclism, the runner can have the right apparel for his run without having to carry his entire closed...
This kit is not rocket science but it size and and adjustable apparel pieces make this Travel Kit a very interesting tool for the runner traveler. We had to think about it and Gore Running Wear did it very well.
I haven't tried it so far but as soon as I have more, I'll let you know.
The Goat
Dear reader,
This category will allow us to share about the latest Trail Running apparel, footwear, gear and accessories, or simply the one we like and would like to tell people about.
I will write down some posts about products that to me deserve a highlight and which could be useful to other Trail Runners. Ideally, if you have heard about it, tried it or know where to get those, please do not hesitate to post additional comments.
You can also write to me to propose a product that you like and I'll collect as much info I have on it and make a new post out of it.
I am looking forward to hearing from you. In the meantime, jog on !
The Goat
« I cross the finish line, walk few meters and lay down on my back : Here I am, I went through it till the end, I said to myself, I did it.
Few seconds pass by, I try in vain to stand up, my legs can’t carry me any more. I realize that this is only thanks to my mental strength and the psychological help of my team mate Glen Redpath that I could achieve this final stage.
I look up to the sky and try to step back to think about what I have just accomplished.
Glen comes to me, smiles and pulls me up. I weakly stagger to reach a bench and sit there.
The runners arrive, in teams of two, some yell their joy, other hold their kids who came with drawings celebrating their parents’ effort and few even cry of happiness.
I try to step back and clear my mind but I can hardly think at the moment. One by one, all the stages of the race come to my mind, I picture myself running through the landscapes and having good times with the other runners and people of the organisation at the several camps but I also remember the doubts and the moments of physical pain I had to undergo at some points.
After few minutes, I hear my name, Glen comes and pick me up. We are gathered by the speaker for the podium.
Hands in hands, the six of us rise our arms in the air and I finally realize that at the age of 22, I have just finished 3rd of an international Trail Running race in Colorado, and that all those sacrifices and hours of training are finally paying off... what a reward. »
Aspen, 20th of September 2007, we are in the finishing area of the first edition of the GORE TEX TransRockies Run , a 5 days stage race of 167km race across the Rockies, Colorado.
The Goat
Dear Reader,
Here are few lines about myself, just to give you an idea of who is behind those posts.
I am French, born in 1985, and obviously passionate about running.
It all started with athletics when I was 9, I wanted to do pole vault. Well by the time I got the chance to try it I realized that I had better skills in endurance running than pole vault – considering my shape I could have only been the pole…
Got into competition and with years of training and support from friends and family, I went 4 times at the France Championship of Cross Country from 2000 to 2004.
But when I got my A level and went to ESSCA - a graduate business school in Angers, away from my team mates and coach I decided to focus on other activities. I simply kept running as a way to wash my mind off school and stay fit.
Now you must doubt about my passion for running when I give up with it so easily but at that time I didn’t realize myself how important running was for me… but it didn’t take long.
I managed to get an internship in product marketing at 
for one year on the footwear trail running range, especially on the development of the Wings and its S-Lab version. What an awesome experience I had working in Annecy with these passionate people. Not only have I shared with them priceless work knowledge in product development and communication but they also introduced me to Trail Running and Adventure Racing…
My first trail running race was La course des Templiers that I did together with my boss. The fact that I actually won in my category while my goal was to simply finish the race definitely got me started and that was it. This victory gave me the motivation to keep going and train specifically for Trail Running. I did many other races that season until the biggest one: the GORE TEX TransRockies Run , in 2007.
This is basically how I got into Trail Running, starting my quest for the steepest ways up and down to get the most fun out of it. From that time, Martin GAFFURI has been turned into The Goat by my running friends and colleagues from adidas .
That should give you a bit of information about me for now, and if you want to know more, I’ll be happy to chat with you.
Here are few more links with interviews or documents I published about trail running:
Interview at GORE TEX TransRockies Run 2007
Interview at GORE TEX TransRockies Run 2008
Article TransRockies Run 2008 - Esprit trail
Article TransRockies Run 2008 - Jogging International
Enjoy the reading and Jog on !
The Goat
Monday: Off.
Too busy at work to do anything.
Tuesday: Off.
I felt pretty tired and undergo a lack of sleep. I’ll try no to go out at all for a bit…
Wednesday: hill session: 40’ on the treadmills at 8km/h and 13%
I went through it well and didn’t feel so much pain. I trained with Ed, who will come with me at the German championship of mountain running this week end.
I also restarted to do some core workout, that I’ll try to keep going everyday.
Thursday: Fast trail run. 50’
I was running with Ed and a girl from UK, Felicity MILTON who’s aiming to go to the London Olympic Games in 2012… Even though Tail running isn’t her stuff, she was doing well on the trail loop and she was litteraly flying during the 15’ on the way there and the15’ on the way back while I was absolutely dying! That reminds me that I have to keep working on my raw speed.
Friday: Tempo run; 12k in 42’
I was on my own for the run and joined two guys from adidas… well I had a recovering jogg planned and ended up hammering on a tempo session ! When I said I had to work on my raw speed, I wasn’t actually thinking that early…
Week end: German championship of mountain running (see report in Race Report)
Monday: 50’ run, 10’ warm up - 30’ tempo run - 10’ cool down
My legs were feeling pretty heavy after this week end but I was on it and did it all right as we were running all together under a roasting summer sun...
Tuesday: hills session 40’ at 8km/h, 13% ascent
I went indoor on the treadmills with a friend. I have to admit that it’s good to have someone to bring a bit of a chat during these boring indoor sessions; well a chat as long as you are able to talk... I had good feelings with my legs but still not strong enough yet and my heart rate goes too high… I’ll keep training until I become a strong uphill runner. I should know my level when I’ll finish this mountain race on the 13th of July, which is my focus of the month. The friend who’s training with me will also do this race. We’ll be training specific uphill together until the end of the week end then cool down before the race.
Wednesday: Off.
Fancy a pool session at lunch time? Impossible Is Nothing. Simply run 30’ back and forth – a good way to recover from yesterday - and let’s have some fun ! I love my job…
Thursday: 50' on trails
No big deal, just keep the mileage going.
Friday: Off
Way too busy to go for a run, shit loads of stuff to go through before the week end but that's ok, I know we'll go back to Ehrwald for a training camp with Ed and Corky.
Week end: Training Camp in the mountains 
Now we're on it, back to the mountain and ready to train hard. The main objective of this week end is to get to the top of the highest mountain of Germany called Zugspitze taking the route that we will have to take next week end for the race: Zugspitze Extrem Berglauf.
We took off on friday right after work and set up the tent at the same place we did last week end, you don't get bored of such a place ! We woke up at 8.00am went down the creek, washed our faces and ready for the trekk. That was amazing, the weather was not as good as last week but still decent. We got to the first path pretty quick,went down and up to the border between Autria and Germany, then we got pretty excited on the flat but technical rocky single track.
We kept the pace up until we reached the bottom of the final ascent, 1k left but when it includes 400m elevation gain, this becomes a freaking wall !!! It was sometimes that steep that we had to hold on to cables! And then we reached the top in 3.50 hours for an ascent supposed to take 7... But such an effort was woth it and the supe and the beer we had at the top was quite the reward...
On sunday we decided to run the first half of the race up to the first path and see what it's like in term of effort and possible timing. We alternated walk and run depending on the ascent gradient and got there in one hour. As we didn't start from the main place of the village we assumed we could get to the first path in 1.15. At that point we realized who good the 2h03 race record was... let's see what happens next week end. Once again a very good training week end spend with good friends. Good times.
Monday: Off
Didn’t get the chance to go running, too busy at work as I went on business trip to Berlin to meet some badminton players so I can’t really complain… it’s not as if I had to stay in an office bothered by my tie !
Tuesday: Hill session. 20’ warm up, 10 times 1’ on a road very steep at the beginning and progressively getting flat with the last 30 meters around 6%, 20 minutes recovering jog back to the office.
I felt pretty good. I am starting to feel the effect of my hill sessions on the treadmills, thank God, these frustrating indoor session are finally paying off !
After work: 50 minutes run, nice and easy to try and recover a bit more from the hill session. My calves are quite hard still and I’m hoping better feeling waking tomorrow morning.
Wednesday: Off.
That was planned. Doing double yesterday, I knew that I could afford a day off then. Pretty enjoyable I have to say !
Thursday: easy 60’ trail run.
Still heavy from the hill session but my legs were feeling better though. No more pain in the calves.
Friday: Weekly track session. 3 times (3x3minutes) at 80” per 400 pace with one minute recovering, and 5 minutes between the 3 times).
Tough session but I wasn’t feeling too bad and went through it with not so much pain. We had the wind against us during half the track loop but it didn’t bother too much. We speeded up on the final one to reach 1k but I couldn’t follow the guys, legs too hard and I was pissed that I was getting burned between my legs because of this stupid “marathon running” shorts! Nothing compares trail running shorts, that’s for sure.
Week end : One day and a half in the mountains, 5hours trekking
What an awesome week end ! I went with three friends from adidas: Ed, Sam and Courtney in Ehrwald for a night in the tents and a long day of hiking on Sunday. It's located at the Austrian border close to the very famous ski resord Garmish Partenkirschen .
After a 20 minutes walk up, we definitely found the best spot to set the tents and took some time to step back an realize how good it feels to be surrounded by mountains. The pleasure reached its peak when we had our dinner with local cheese and dried meet with paté and red wine, palatable!
We had the visit of a baby fox that night, apparently french as he went strait on the most smelly and creamy cheese we had !
We woke up had a quick bath in the creek near by and were up for the walk.
That was “proper brilliant man”.
Monday: 45’ of indoor biking.
As I went for a run yesterday and I said to myself that I wouldn’t run twice in a row, then I was up to get on the bike, but ne real motivation I have to say; specially indoor.
But I am glad I did it and that was a nice and smooth kick off for my first week of regular training for 3 weeks.
Tuesday: 50’ on trails.
I was feeling like a million bucks, like seriously flying!! I think this due to being in the woods and finally get back to Mother Nature. But I am happy to realize that I was wise enough to slow myself down and not getting too excited. It’s amazing how an injury can make you think and pay more attention to yourselve and better listen to your body.
As most of us, I am addicted to my running and being injured is the worst thing that can happen to me. I experienced this once and that’s enough for this year!
Wednesday: Treadmills uphill session, 10’ warm up, 30’ uphill (7km/h, 12%), 10’ cool down.
I definitely don’t like these sessions as their remind me how much I miss the mountains but there is nothing like a nice and steady uphill session to remind you that even though you feel your in a good shape on flat runs, you’re worth ridiculously nothing when the gradient increases !
Thursday: track session 3 times (5’ on a dirt path around the track at 80” for 400 pace + 3x400m in 70” with 60” recovery between each)
This session has been planned today and I knew it would be tough as I did me uphill session yesterday… It’ was freaking hard, indeed…
My calf were hurting me pretty badly and I didn’t do the last 3x400 as I didn’t want to push myself too hard still having in mind my past injury.
I am still happy I went almost to the end.
Friday: Recovering run
Went for 50’ after work. I didn’t really enjoy it but I “had to” do it to get rid of this lactic acid stucked onto my legs…
Week end : off running. Party time and I went for a “dancing marathon” on Saturday night… pretty tough, especially when energy drink has been replaced by beer and fruits by “bradwurst” (local sausages) and “kartofelsalat” (cold potatoes salad).
Dear Outdoor addicted,
I am still developping this Blog to make it more efficient. It will be available very soon, thanks for your patience.
Please suscribe to the RSS flux to be the first to know about the coming topics :
- The mountain race "Zugspitz Extrem Berlgauf"
- The OutDoor Trade Show in Friedrichschafen
Looking forward to hearing from you.
In the meantime, jogg on !
Goat
