Mondo Slam Check-in with Adam Hewey
1) Next up for you is the Yakima Skyline Rim 50k this Sunday. You’ve done the race several times now…is it still daunting? James mentioned fewer aid-stations. How does that effect your strategy?
I have done every running of the Yakima 50k. Each year it is daunting, and each year I look forward to it. The climbs are brutal and the scenery is amazing. My understanding is there will be two aid stations this year; one you hit twice so technically three refueling stops. I will rely on bringing my own calories and use the stations for water.
2) What shoes and pack will you be using? Any certain foods?
I will run Yakima in the Scott Kinabalu [pictured above at Chuckanut 50k]. Perfect shoe for this race. Nimble, light and grippy. Hopefully I won’t find out if they are snake resistant. I am testing out the Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek pack to see how it performs. I will be fueling on my homemade “dookie wads,” a combination of dates, nut butter, chocolate and potato chips. I will also carry some Fuel 100 Electro bites, as I really like the real food aspect of that product. I most likely will also haul around a chocolate croissant in case my day needs extra deliciousness.
3) All of your early season running has been to build up for your “Mondo Slam”. Can you explain what that is for folks who don’t know. How do you think prep has gone? Has anyone ever done it?
The Mondo Slam is only for people who get too lucky in the lottery system–getting pulled for the three biggest races of the year–and are stupid enough to do all three. Western States 100 mile June 28th; Hardrock 100 July 11th; UTMB (Ultra Trail Mont Blanc in France/Italy/Switzerland) August 29th. In theory I only need to train for the first race then maintain as best I can for the rest of the summer. Training is going great, putting in between 70-80 miles per week of hills. I’ll need to start bundling up on these nice days to begin heat training for Western.
I’ve been looking, and I can not find anyone who has done the Mondo Slam. I’m sure someone has but I can’t find them. Nick Clark was going to in 2011 but didn’t. Other WS/HR doublers like Krissy and AJW stopped there. I’m willing to bet some less known runners have done all three. I’ll keep searching…
4) Maybe you should trademark that term and create a “Grand Slam” spin off, charging people to enter the Mondo Slam. Could be a big money maker!
Anyone who gets into the Mondo Slam can send me a check for $180 and I will make them a trophy worth at least $40 if they finish all three events. As for myself, I’m too cheap to send me $180.
5) Which of the 3 are you most looking forward to? Which are you most concerned about?
I’ve been trying to get into Western States for 5 years, so that is my “A” race. I really want to shoot for the coveted top ten placement there as it ensures a spot for the next year. Hardrock is 12 days later… at 11,000 ft altitude. That is going to be ugly. I have 48 hours to finish so I think I will take it as a catered fast hike. UTMB is going to be a Euro-adventure. My family and I are really excited to travel, explore and experience France and the Alps. I will take this race as it comes. If I’m feeling good, I will race hard; if not I will take it as a training race to come back and compete hard. It will be pretty cool sporting the Team 7Hills race shirt in an international race and, No, I will not be wearing white spandex and a Buff.
6) You were in the shop the other day and we noticed that their are 4 pictures of you up…has all the Team 7hills attention gone to your head yet? I mean, are you a changed man–or still the same old Hewey?!?
Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful. I’m still just a little old man from the city who happens to run for the best trail running shoe store in the country.
7) So for sponsored Team 7hills runners, there’s $100 bonus for a top 5 finish at all of James’ RainShadow Running events. If you are in 6th with a few miles to go, do you think the hundo can give you a kick in the pants?
6th? Really? 6th? Hold on while I look up Ultrasignup.com and check old results for Yakima Skyline 50k, oh! Here we go. 1st, 1st and 3rd. I will use that hundo to bribe Glenn Tachiyama to blow up yet another great photo of me to put up in the shop.
Thanks Phil for the interview, the shoes, the shop, the chance to be part of this great running community and for the demo pack; I promise to try to keep the chocolate stains to a minimum.
– Adam Hewey Team 7hills.
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