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TCC 2012 Results
TCC General Results 2012 : Route of Fire (TCC Videos
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Jean Pommier
Cupertino, CA USA
International IT executive
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2008
Podium: 2nd place, Men's Division
Also competed as member of Team California
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts:
A passionate runner, French and living in California since 1998,
married and father of three boys. Jean juggles his running ultras with
work, family and meticulously maintaining his running blog http://fartherfaster.blogspot.com
He wrote two articles about TCC 2008, one for UltraMarathon Magazine
and one for Ultrafondue, a French counterpart. Jean’s favorite new
ultra recipe:
“The Pura Vida Cocktail: Mix 130 miles of running through the Costa
Rican jungle, 7 stages, a handful of micro-climates, breathtaking
views, top quality food, ultra running camaraderie, a pinch of
competition, outstanding logistics, rustic but non-dry camping. Shake
for 6 days and you will get a memorable Coastal Challenge cocktail. No
counter indication!”
Read more of his article in the April issue of Ultrarunner.
David James
is also an Ambassador for TCC. You can read more about our
ambassadors or contact them here: http://thecoastalblog.com/tcc-ambassadors/
Westchester, NY USA
Country Club Manager
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2008
Podium: 2nd place, Men's Division
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2006 Top 10
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts:
David had said he was taking it easy in 2008, that he was there just
there to enjoy himself and not be competitive. We believed him until we
spied him more than half way into Stage 2, the longest stage of the
week, well ahead of the pack and just ahead of Javier Montero.
the local favored to win.
So it was very interesting to watch his journey unfold on course. It
was reported that some days he waited on or yelled back to Javier at
route junctions because Javier had demonstrated a tendency to miss
route markings and get lost. There were other occasions he stopped to
assist another front runner, Jean Pommier, across some challenging
water crossings. Was Dave actually planning to run a 6 day race at a
competitive pace while just being a kind of good Samaritan fixer or
beacon of good sportsmanship ? We thought about it and wonder if it ran
a bit deeper and perhaps even darker. We wondered if, in the end, he
was simply doing it to keep things even more competitive and
exciting....like a cat toying with it’s intended kill. Maybe not.
Dave’s more of a dog person to be sure. Our theory may need more hard
evidence.
Nicola MacLeod
Edinburgh, Scotland
Doctor
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2008
Podium: 1st place, Women's Division
Also competed as member of Team UK
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts:
Nic moved from sailing and running around the hills to do some
adventure racing with friends at uni. She’s into the long races which
involve a journey and was introduced to international competition in
the 2001 Southern Traverse. She’s had plenty of fun in Newfoundland,
America, Europe, Africa, UK and NZ on the multi-sport scene.
Greg Hardesty
is also an Ambassador for TCC. You can read more about our
ambassadors or contact them here: http://thecoastalblog.com/tcc-ambassadors/
Journalist/Runner Extraordinaire
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2008
Also competed as member of Team California
Steve Bremner
Manitou Springs, CO USA
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2008 Top 10
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2008 Top 10
Also competed as member of Team Costa Rica
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007
Podium: 2nd place, Men's Division
Kurt is one of our toughest competitors. He severely sprained his ankle
on stage 1 in 2008 (it was loud enough for the runner ahead to hear it
and think he stepped on a branch) He iced it when he could and went on
to run the entire Expedition Course and still placed in the Top 10.
TOUGH !
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2008 Top 10
Also competed as member of Team Costa Rica
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007
Connie Lutkevich
Deluth, MN USA
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2008
Podium: 2nd place, Women's Division
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts:
Connie had the added psychological benefit (or perhaps challenge) of
running each stage and then being “Mom” again when her husband Steve
and two young children came to spend time with her at camp each day.
Brigid Weifenburg
Avid Runner and Mother
Frieberg, Germany
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2008
Kristi Battalini
is also an Ambassador for TCC. You can read more about our
ambassadors or contact them here: http://thecoastalblog.com/tcc-ambassadors/
Chicago, IL USA
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2008
Podium: 3rd place
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2008
Podium: 1st place
Also competed as member of Team California
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2008
Adventure: Route of Fire 2007
Tim Meyer
is also an Ambassador for TCC.
Phoenix, AZ USA
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2008
Podium: 2nd place
Steve Hodges
Boise, Idaho USA
Engineer
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2008
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts:
Two of my favorite friends and training buddies are Jen Garretson and
Nic Stover. I have wanted to sign up for the Coastal Challenge ever
since they returned in 2005. I have read her amazing story of their
pain and misery from your web site several times and I still want to do
it!
I began running with the Boise Hash House Harriers (A Drinking Club
with a Running Problem) in 1992. I must have liked it - In the last 15
years, I've completed 40+ marathons, 5 Ironman Triathlons, and lots of
shorter races.
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2008 Top 10
Also competed as member of Team UK
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts:
“I’m a geologist currently living and working in Nicaragua. With plenty
of years running experience, mostly on the roads, and usually with a
day off after a race - it will be interesting to see how I hold-up over
a week on trails. My best qualifying experiences for the Coastal
Challenge would be (1) participation in a multi-day relay between
Bristol (UK) and Paris (France), but that was eighteen years ago, (2) a
solitary attempt at fell running where I learnt that speed over the
roads does not automatically translate to speed over the moors, and (3)
a couple of ultra-marathons after each of which I did not run for a
week. However, living in Nicaragua at least I shall not have to worry
about acclimatization or jet-lag.”
Stuart Wasilowski
is also an Ambassador for TCC.
Charlotte, NC USA.
College Administrator
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2008
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts:
Have competed/participated in a number of sprint and expedition
adventure races over the past 5 years including Primal Quest, in
addition to 10K runs, two marathons, an avid biker (road/mtn) and enjoy
whitewater kayaking, scuba and hiking/running. My running days are
numbered so figured I try to finish one long run, before I turn 50! Am
looking forward to the suffering. My goal is to finish.
Rachel Tufunga
Berkeley, CA USA
Adventure: Route of Fire 2008
Also competed as member of Team California
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts:
"The "Coastal Challenge" is something I've always wanted to do since I
first read about it in a running magazine a couple years ago. The crazy
thing is, I've never signed myself up for a running race, no marathon
or even local 5K. You probably just took a gasp of breath or rolled
your eyes, but I've worked in the fitness industry (Personal Trainer/
Group-X Instructor) for 20 years now and played competitive sports for
15 years. The thought of proving myself against the clock or other
folks just didn't appeal to me, especially with running. My preference
is to run alone in the woods or for hours wrapping myself around my
favorite dirt track. Running is like a prayer for me. I know that
sounds kind of corny but running connects me to "the source" like
nothing else. So, five minutes after midnight on my 44th birthday I
signed myself up for "the Coastal Challenge".
Rachel and her husband Simi are now part of TCC legend. They were “adopted” by a small dog in the town of La Fortuna, where the race began. The dog shadowed Rachel over vast sections of the course and spent languid days with Simi while waiting for Rachel at the finish line. By the end of 6 days Simi and “Tica” as they named their new addition were inseparable and they went on to actually legally adopt her and bring her back to the states. Just another heartwarming moment courtesy of TCC.
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2008
Also competed as member of Team Austria
Stephanie Curran
is also an Ambassador for TCC. You can read more about our
ambassadors or contact them here: http://thecoastalblog.com/tcc-ambassadors/
Litchfield MN USA
Avid Runner and Mother
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2008
Geneviève Leclerc
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Police Officer
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2008
Also competed as member of Team Quebec en Rose
Charlie Engle
Greensboro, NC, USA
Television Producer
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2005
Podium: 3rd place, Men's Division
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts: Too voluminous for this little blurb. Just Google him!
Ieva Eglite
Riga, Latvia
Business woman
Adventure: Route of Fire 2007
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2006
Zane Berzina
Riga, Latvia
Business woman
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2006
Expedition: TCC 2006
Beverly Abbs
Red Bluff, CO USA
Environmental Scientist
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007
Podium: 1st place, Women's Division
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2005
Podium: 1st place, Women's Division
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts:
There are several levels of motivation for me to do events like this.
On a purely selfish level, I like to test myself and my limits and
events like this seem to be the ultimate test of what I can do
physically. These races are an incredible way to see parts of the
world, or your own backyard, that many people never see. The trails
used for most ultramarathons take runners through spectacular terrain
and open up vistas not seen from any road. I doubt that I would ever
have gone to Costa Rica, were it not for the draw of an event like the
Coastal Challenge, likewise, I wouldn’t have found myself in Borneo
without the Eco-Challenge.
Bev’s sign off -
"...It
doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I
want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls
away. I want to know if you can be alone with yourself, and if you
truly like the company you keep in the empty moments."
-Oriah, Mountain Dreamer/Indian Elder
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2006
Podium: 1st place, Men’s Division
Ann Hall
Solana Beach, CA, USA
Athlete
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2005
Podium: 3rd place, Women's Division
Claire Johnson
London, UK
Roadshow/Event/Conference Coordinator
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2006
Podium: 1st place, Women's Division
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts:
Life’s too short, and you have to try everything once.
Dot Helling
is also an Ambassador for TCC. You can read more about our
ambassadors or contact them here: http://thecoastalblog.com/tcc-ambassadors/
Montpellier, VT USA
Attorney
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2005
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts:
“This event is incredible. The scenery, the weather, the people, the
challenge. I would tell a newcomer to take their time and enjoy the
event, not just be there to run it and compete, while taking care of
themselves so it's truly enjoyable. I would tell a newcomer not to be
closed off to the big picture experience of being in Costa Rica, to
take in the culture, and enjoy the people joining you in the
undertaking. It may be hard but it will be unforgettable. Note that I
personally love hot weather. If someone comes who is not good in the
heat, that might be a difficult factor to overcome, especially this
year in the volcano region.
When I did the TCC its first year, I was just starting to run again
after a serious ankle fracture/displacement and was thrilled just to be
able to complete it all. This time my goal is to really run it.”
These were Dot’s thoughts leading up to TCC 2007. She proceeded to
crack 2-3 ribs on the very first day after taking a spill down a steep
descent. Not realizing the extent of her injuries until she had x-rays
at home, she went on to complete the entire Expedition Course. Amazing
competitor. More amazing person.
Doone Watson
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2006
Philosophy/Background/Random Facts:
Best and worst race experiences? Running in China and listening to
thousands of Chinese chanting “Canada, Canada” as I ran by was the
best, the worst was in an adventure race in Canada which I was doing
solo and had to quit – the first time I hadn’t been able to finish an
event
What motivates you to continue? My dog is the best motivator in the world – she is always keen on a run and makes me feel guilty if I don’t take her out. The combination of cold, dark, lousy footing and early mornings are my biggest struggle – at least 5 months of each year living in Alberta!
"Doesn't really matter what happens - it will be an incredible experience. I have run races in China, Saudi, the Barbados and Jamaica as well as Canada and the US but nothing has been as seductive as this race."
Kari Borka
Applegate, CA USA
Race Director
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2007
Podium: 2nd place
Irene Hale
is also an Ambassador for TCC. You can read more about our
ambassadors or contact them here: http://thecoastalblog.com/tcc-ambassadors/
New Jersey
Avid Runner, Mother of 3, Fitness Instructor
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007
I compete for pure pleasure. I love to train and I want to see where I
can take my body and mind. Running for me allows me to leave the every
day stuff behind. I am fearful and excited about what lies ahead in
this race. i can't wait to meet everyone and I tell people you can do
an ultramarathon as long as you take your ego out of it and let your
heart lead you.
I compete every year in our local 5 mile race . The spring lake 5 with
10,000 people and I was 1st spring lake resident in 2005. did a grand
prix summer series and came 3rd overall female in points, came second
in a 50k here in NJ, and qualified twice for Boston.
I just had my third child when I was searching for yoga retreats in
Costa Rica and I saw the Coastal Challenge. That was three years ago
and I said "yeah right, that's crazy" and today I say "Can't Wait!".
You can read Irene’s account of preparing for and participating in TCC 2007 here.
Meghan Hicks
Yellowstone Park, WY USA
Emergency Services for Yellowstone National Park
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007
Podium: 3rd place, Women's Division
Philosophy/Background:
Favorite Training Locale: I love the Yellowstone River Trail. It traces
the edge of the infamous Yellowstone River through the northern part of
Yellowstone National Park. The trail is technical enough that you must
concentrate on foot placement, but smooth enough that you can run with
good speed. There's nothing like listening to the churning river water
and watching the late afternoon sun light up the river's canyon as you
run.
Check
out Meghan’s blog/daily race report. It’s a good read and written from
the perspective of a real competitive and gracious spirit. www.running-blogs.com/meghan/archives/2007/02/
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007 Top 10
Philosophy/Background:
“My training consists of a mix of running and snowshoeing on
snow/ice-covered roads and trails around the valley and in the
foothills of the Teton Mountains. It's usually dark and below freezing
so I hope the adjustment to the tropics goes ok when I arrive in Costa
Rica for TCC in February.”
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007
Mark Matyazic
is also an Ambassador for TCC. You can read more about our
ambassadors or contact them here: http://thecoastalblog.com/tcc-ambassadors/
Irvine, CA USA
Nutritional Product Sales
Adventure: Route of Fire 2007
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2005
Podium: 3rd place, Men's Division
Philosophy/Background:
When do you struggle most during a race/training and what motivates you
to continue? Something inside telling me not to quit, knowing that
I’ve been through worse and I lived and I’ll get through this as well.
Do you have any unusual training/racing rituals? Yes and they are
secret.
Javier Marina Gomez
Blanes, (Costa Brava near Barcelona), Spain
Pastry Chef
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007 Top 10
Philosophy:
My motivations are to live!! Adventure, Travel, and sport, all together
!! About finishing The Coastal Challenge ” Sixth and final day and I
complete the 18 km. The stage was by the beach, rocks, and waves.
Spectacular. All the work was done, and now I enjoy so much the stage,
and ends with a very good flavor of mouth. The Coastal challenge
already has finalized. She has been very hard but very rewarding, and
very diverse. Wind, heat, rain, mud, rios, cascades, valleys, volcanos,
beaches... a very good experience. I hope to arrive soon at home to put
together some photos and relive the spectacular thing that has been.
PURE LIFE!
Check out 20 seconds of Javier’s you tube
clip. Talk about a runners high. It was the last day of the race along
a reef on the coast and looks like an MTV video made while on acid. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xRwSnzc2OA
Chuck Wilson
Palo Alto, CA USA
IT Engineer
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2007
Expedition, Finisher: TCC 2006
Expedition, Finisher: TCC 2005
Chuck is the first to point out the irony that we created the Adventure
Category and time cut offs due, in large part, to a conversation with
him. The next year he was one of the first to be removed from the
Expedition Course for failing to make the first cut off on Stage 2.
Life is funny that way. He still had a good run in the Adventure
Category.
Peter (Pedro) Spiller
St. Augustine, FL USA
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2007
Expedition: TCC 2006
Expedition, Finisher: TCC 2005
Philosophy/Background:
Peter could be found on course telling anyone who stopped long enough
to listen that he could proudly claim the coveted last place of those
who finished in 2005 and that he now planned to “fiercely defend his
title” in 2006 by not letting anybody fall behind me. Do you have any
unusual training/racing rituals? Besides running around with another
woman, you mean? What is your running/race/life philosophy? “Your
goals, minus your doubts equal your reality.”
Jay Norman
is also an Ambassador for TCC. You can read more about our
ambassadors or contact them here: http://thecoastalblog.com/tcc-ambassadors/
Irving, Texas USA
Businessman
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2008
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2007
Expedition: TCC 2006
Expedition: TCC 2005
Walt Esser
is also an Ambassador for TCC. You can read more about our
ambassadors or contact them here: http://thecoastalblog.com/tcc-ambassadors/
Cary NC USA
Finisher, Adventure: Route of Fire 2008
Expedition: TCC 2005
Philosophy/Background:
My running experience started in High School and continued through
College. I then spent 21 years in the Marine Corps as an Infantry
Officer. Needless to say I had the opportunity to participate in
running and forced marches with heavy equipment more often than I want
to acknowledge.
During the 80’s I competed primarily in triathlons and then in 1993 I
completed my first 40 mile ultra marathon. I have always looked for
the most challenging marathons and ultras. Some of the more difficult
marathons and ultra marathons I have completed since 1993 are: Pikes
Peak Marathon, Colorado (3), Breckenridge Marathon, Colorado (2), Mt
Masochist 50 miler, Virginia, The Umstead 100/50 Endurance Run (9)
North Carolina, the Leadville 100 mile Endurance Run Colorado, Western
States 100 Mile Endurance Run, California and the Wasatch Front 100
mile Endurance Run, Utah. I also ran triathlons, duathlons and
biathlons during this period. I ran the 2005 TCC and thoroughly
enjoyed the adventure despite some heat exhaustion problems. My goal
for this year is to finish each day within the cut off time.
Walt has the dubious distinction of being the only competitor we have
ever “lost”. In the Corcovado Rain Forest, on the next to last day,
Walt and one of the local Red Cross went “off the radar” until later
that night we established they had taken a wrong turn, circled back to
the ranger station that was a half way point for that stage, and
decided to spend the night. The next morning Walt was flown by Cessna
onto the small landing strip right next to our Final Finish Line
structure. Made that night very interesting to say the least.
Juan Carlos Zuniga
Costa Rica
Potato Farmer
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007
Podium: 1st place, Men's Division
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2006
Podium: 2nd place, Men's Division
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2005
Podium: 2nd place, Men's Division
The
first TCC was Juan Carlos first time on a boat. So after running all
day on Stage 3 we transferred everyone onto a car ferry. We had
originally hired a smaller vessel but it did not show up at the
rendezvous. Then we tried to tender people out of Montezuma by Zodiac
to an offshore ferry. 12 foot chop made it a hair raising for the
first group and they turned back. We opted for bringing everyone by a
magically last minute bus we arranged. We had to now head to the only
other scheduled terminal on this side of the Gulf of Nicoya.
It should have been a 6 hour passage. But high winds and really rough
chop cause even the very to pitch and sway for 11 hours before reaching
a place we could dock in Dominical. Some like Juan Carlos suffered
below decks while others slept topside, their clothes and various
articles either blowing off or rolling off the swaying deck.
After finally reaching the other side late the next morning we
attempted to tender people from the ferry to the pier by dingy but it
became clear this would have added many more hours to get 125 people
off the ship. So the Ferry’s captain smiled as he said things could go
more quickly but it would cost a $ 1000 “just to touch” the pier in an
unscheduled docking. Neither Juan Carlos nor the race organizers have
ever relied on ferry service again.
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2005 Top 10
Finisher, Expedition: Route of Fire 2007 Top 10
Mark Macy
Colorado USA
Attorney
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2005
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2005 Top 10
Finisher, Expedition: TCC 2005
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