2022 Western States Endurance Run Outlook

They are off! We are so stoked to see so many of our Athletes and Trailblazers toeing the line at the Western States Endurance Run this year. This is such an iconic, and challenging race. We asked our athletes and trailblazers some questions about their history with the race, the most anticipated part of the course, and what their fueling will look like. Continue reading to hear from these awesome athletes!

Kyle Curtin (9th place in 2021)

Durango, CO

What portion of the course are you most looking forward to? 
The Cal St section from Forrest Hills to the American River is a HOT mostly downhill section that I think is the crux of the race. (I heard they measured 106 degrees at the river!) Last year it's where I moved up into 12th place and really started the hunt to get into the top ten. Downhill single track is my favorite, so I hope to use this section to my advantage again this year.
 
Have you done Western States before?  If yes, is there anything you are doing differently this year compared to years past?
Last year was my first year racing after six years of trying to get in. The 2021 race was the 3rd hottest in history, so once we get the ten-day forecast, I'll have a better idea of how the heat will impact the race and how to plan for it this year. I am pretty happy with how I approached the race last year, so much of this year's plan is just to replicate the experience and try to have the best day I can out there. 
 
What does your Endurance Fuel lineup look like? Are you using Recovery Mix during the race if so, how and when?
I hope to drink about 300 calories/hr of Endurance Fuel throughout the duration of WSER, along with chugging some iced-down Recovery Mix at select aid stations. I'll start with non-caffeinated flavors like Lemon, Berry, and Mandarin, but switch to Cola and Tropical closer to the end of the course. So many of the aid stations are at the top of climbs, so once I can hear the aid station noise, I'll chug whatever is left in my bottle, and refill my bottle with endurance fuel powder so I just need to top off the bottles with water at the aid station and move on.

Tyler Green (2nd place in 2021)

Portland, OR

What portion of the course are you most looking forward to? 
I love the canyons. These are notoriously a hot, difficult 20 miles with steep descents followed by climbs back up. But I believe it's all about perspective, so I've learned to love and appreciate this stretch. On top of that, I find the descent into Eldorado Canyon is such a cruising stretch of trail and truly brings a smile to my face. 
 
Have you done Western States before? 
This will be my third time running Western States. Each time I'm on the course, whether training or racing, I find I'm deepening the connection I have to the trail and the history of the race. I can look left to right and great memories resurface. 
 
Is there anything you are doing differently this year compared to years past? 
Run faster! I'm really excited to take on this major challenge to improve upon my run from last year. And while last year serves as a very good foundation, I know there are a number of ways I can improve by improving my cooling and fueling strategies, as well as capitalizing on certain stretches of the trail where I know I can move more quickly. 
 
What does your Endurance Fuel lineup look like? 
I carry a Hydrapak handheld the entirety of the race, and it will always be filled with Tailwind. I like to mix the flavors to amuse my tastebuds while I race, but I've been really digging Raspberry and Matcha lately, so those will be my primary drinks of choice! 
 
Are you using Recovery Mix during the race if so, how and when?
I won't be racing with Recovery Mix because I haven't used it while running during any training runs. But, Recovery Mix is my trusty sidekick after each and every substantial run. It's so nice to have a quick, nutritious, and scientifically-back recovery fuel source that's so readily available. It's been an essential part of my preparations.

Kelly Hutchins (Trailblazer)

Paducah, KY

What portion of the course are you most looking forward to?
I suppose the finish is a given, so I reckon it would be the top of the escarpment, it’s all down from there!
 
Have you done Western States before? If yes, is there anything you are doing differently this year compared to years past?
I lined up in 2015, the fittest I’ve ever been, and made so many mistakes that eventually cost my race at 72 ish miles. It took months if not a year to mentally recover from that DNF. It took 7 more years, but I get another opportunity to line up this year. I’m older, wiser, and maybe not as physically fit, but definitely more mentally fit. 
 
What does your Endurance Fuel lineup look like? Are you using Recovery Mix during the race if so, how and when?
My plan is pretty much the same as it has been since I found Tailwind, 250-ish calories of Lemon Endurance Fuel, supplemented with fruit and maybe some coke while drinking straight water as often as I can. My stomach has always been my issue, but Tailwind has definitely made it better for longer. I don’t intend to use the recovery during, but that doesn’t mean I won’t, however definitely after!  I’m so excited and grateful to get another attempt.

Tom Rauen (Trailblazer)

Dubuque, IA

What portion of the course are you most looking forward to? 
I'm looking forward to Foresthill to Rucky Chucky. It's always a re-energizing part of the race when you get to pick up your pacer and have someone to enjoy the experience with. My pacer Matt Jasper loves bombing down hills, so this section was built for him to pace.
 
Have you done Western States before?
This is my first year running Western States after 6 years in the lottery. 
 
What does your Endurance Fuel lineup look like? Are you using Recovery Mix during the race if so, how and when?
My fuel plan is a mix of Naked mixed with either Raspberry, Lemon, or Mandarin throughout the first 62 miles, then switching to a caffeinated mix.
 
My stomach typically can't handle solid foods after a race, but my wife Amanda always makes sure I get a shaker of Recovery Mix after finishing to help start replenishing all the proteins and nutrients my muscles need for recovery.

Cecilia Flori 

Rome, ITA

What portion of the course are you most looking forward to? 
My favorite part of the course has always been the last 60 km since they are rolling and I like that. Admittedly I am normally quite tired at that point but I am running with my pacers so that makes it much more enjoyable.

Have you done Western States before? If yes, is there anything you are doing differently this year compared to years past?
I have run Western States twice. The first time went very well and I got 5th, the second time I was running with a ganglion cyst on my foot so it didn't go so well. I was in quite a lot of pain but, knowing it was only a ganglion cyst, I knew I was not making any damage so it was just a matter of getting it done, hehe it was hard though.

My training this year has been quite different since I wasn't sure I would be doing WSER so,  although it is my A race, I had other A races, one of which was the Italian 100km championship  I did on the 21st of May. After I ran the Italian championship I found out I got my request to work remotely from work approved, so now I am hoping that 5 weeks is enough time to recover. I guess I will find out :)

What does your Endurance Fuel lineup look like? Are you using Recovery Mix during the race if so, how and when?
For fueling, I will be using both liquid and solid nutrition. For the liquid nutrition, I will be using the Lemon Endurance Fuel, which always feels quite refreshing in the California heat.

As far as solid food I will be having gels for carbs, pieces of parmigiano for some proteins, and some peanut butter and honey sandwiches.

Good luck to all of the Tailwind runners and other racers out in Olympic Valley this weekend! We will be following along

All Tailwind Runners at WSER
 
Kyle Curtin - Durango, CO
Tyler Green - Portland, OR
Cecilia Flori - Rome, ITA
Sebastian Spehler - Masevaux, FRA
Kelly Hutchins*  - Paducah, KY
Aneta Zeppettella* - Centerville, OH
Tom Rauen* - Dubuque, IA

*Tailwind Trailblazer