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Aliza Lapierre is an ultra runner from Williston, VT and one of Outdoor Research’s Connectors. Aliza has been racing competitively since 2004 and has a record for sweeping up the competition. Recent accomplishments include setting a new course record and PR at the Stone Cat 50 Mile and a stellar second place finish in her 100 mile debut at the Vermont 100. Next up: tackling the epic TransRockies race in August with running partner Chad Denning.

We’ll be getting updates once they’ve completed this incredible race, so check back for more from Aliza and Chad. And good luck to the team!

Chad Keeping Warm

What is it about the long distance trail running that keeps you going back for more? What’s the driver?

The allure of long distance running is that it can test the limitations of both your mind and body. Exploring Mother Nature on foot can feel very empowering and running helps keep us in tune with ourselves. In all honesty running is rather addicting and has become a part of everyday life. While running for hours on end we experience highs and lows and everything in between. We always try to remember that like the high movements the darker times will pass too.

Testing our minds and bodies to see how far and how fast we can go keeps us motivated to continue training. You never know what you are capable of until you try. It also allows a time for reflecting on life in general. Its amazing how many complicated things can become so obvious and clear when you are on a good run.

What exactly is the TR?

The Transrockies Race is an amazing stage event involving over 140 miles and 6 segmented days of trail running. The race itself starts in Buena Vista, CO follows the Colorado Trail when it permits and eventually finishes in Beaver Creek, CO on Friday, August 27th. This type of race is very common over in Europe but has been slow to become a popular type of event in the US. The Transrockies event is the first real stage trail running event on American soil and it just happens to be across one of the most spectacular stretches of the rocky mountain region of Colorado. The Transrockies race goes above and beyond to ensure that this will indeed be a life changing experience. They make sure that athletes are treated to a very high class, well supported event supplying daily meals, setting up and taking down all sleeping arrangements (tents) daily. There is no other experience like it!

Transrockies

What is your goal for TR?

We have several goals for Transrockies ranging from pushing our limits along with the teams around us to sharing our passion and knowledge of trail running with others. This race provides an amazing opportunity to see Colorado through human powered adventure.

How did you connect with teammate Chad Denning?

Chad Denning and I met in 2004 while running the Vermont 50 endurance race. After that we continued to recognize one another at races and found that racing together was beneficial to both of us as we realized that when one of us was experiencing a low the other was usually hitting their stride.

Do you and Chad follow a certain rules or have a particular strategy? How is this event different from ones you’ve done before?

Over the years Chad and I haven’t had the best track record together in terms of listening to our bodies. Between the two of us and our adventures together we have had a broken femur, kidney failure, giardia, and of course we have also had a lot of smiles and happiness.

Because we have very different strengths and weaknesses we have been working to sync up our styles. When we do hit our stride together everything feels so effortless, although on the other hand when we are not aligned it feels like we are fighting ourselves and wasting energy.

Since TR is a partner race and we have to stay together it will be different than any race we have done together before. In the past during races we have both been comfortable leaving the other if necessary and in this race that is not an option. For the two of us communication, pacing and recovery will be key.

Chillin'

You mentioned some fear before the VT100. How do you get past this when setting out to reach a new goal or compete in a new event?

The idea that we will not be running as individuals, but rather as a team does provoke some anxiety within. In regular ultras we are solely responsible of our outcome. In Transrockies as individuals we don’t have as much control as it is shared between the two of us. In order to accomplish our individual and team goals we will have to depend on each other from start to finish. Fear and anxiety will continue to be present for me but reminding myself of the positive reasons I run helps me proceed. Once we toe the line my hours of worry disappear and something takes over.