• A Fair ExchangeLike hundreds of other athletes, Devon Crosby-Helms (Seattle, WA) prepared single-mindedly through the spring in anticipation of toeing the line at the legendary Western States 100 Mile in late June.  However, just days before, Devon and the others stood stunned, wondering what they would do when it was announced that the numerous fires in Northern California had not only ruined the air quality, but come dangerously close to the race course, causing cancellation of the event.Luckily and thoughtfully, race directors of two equally beautiful and challenging events were able at the last minute to re-open entries to a limited number of athletes previously scheduled to compete at Western States.While a number of athletes chose the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Mile in Nevada, Devon found herself on her way to the
  Vermont 100.Devon made the best of her entry spot as she took the lead of the women’s race early and never relinquished it, finishing as first place female and 8^th place overall in a time of 18:31.34.

  Devon’s longest race distance prior to Vermont was 100Km, while her longest training run time-wise was just under 9 hours, but her preparation had provided her with the physical strength and endurance and the mental strength and confidence to be successful.  Devon put it all to good use when she combined her preparation with her fierce competitiveness for a win in one of the most prestigious 100 milers in the country.

• You Can’t Stop Leo

The Buckeye Trail 50K in Brecksville, Ohio, put on by Vertical Runner Running Shop proved a formidable challenge for Leo Lightner (Rocky River, OH) on Saturday, July 19.  Between temperatures at race start in the high 70’s which reached the 90’s at points in the race, and a rolling, hilly, trail course, Leo fought off cramps from just over half way and battled dehydration to finish in 152^nd place in 9:14:35.  At age 79, the next youngest finisher in the race was 17 years Leo’s junior.  Leo admitted not drinking or taking enough electrolytes early, which put him in a deficit.  When he realized and started taking fuel more often, he was able to rebound and make his way to the finish.

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