Author: Ultimate Direction

Hardrock. The name speaks volumes about this race. Tough, rugged, and remote, this race is a defining moment in the career of any ultra runner. Held annually in early July in the mountain town of Silverton, CO, world class athletes from around the globe and their crew can easily double the small town population of roughly 600 residents. The town starts shaping into an ultra…

UD athlete Scott Jurek continues his mission of breaking the FKT on the Appalachian Trail. Averaging over 50 miles per day, Scott is advancing ahead of record pace to the northern terminus of the AT at Mt. Katahdin in Maine. [caption id="attachment_2192" align="aligncenter" width="350"] Scott reaches the state of Connecticut.[/caption] Last week, Scott passed through Connecticut and Massachusetts. He passed over the highest point in…

Ultimate Direction has been catching up with our athletes over the past week, and after chasing after them for some incredible updates we are a bit out of breath. From the elevation, to the sheer endurance, to the speed, our athletes have been posting some big accomplishments that we are excited to share. -Scott Jurek has been on the 2,168 mile Appalachian Trail for the past 4+ weeks.…

[caption id="attachment_2144" align="aligncenter" width="469"] Justin Simoni, endurance athlete extraordinaire, conquering one of the many mountain passes on his Tour 14er.[/caption] UD Ambassador Justin Simoni, knows how to dream big.  Like, really big.  At a recent talk at Bent Gate Mountaineering in Golden, CO, Simoni (also known as The Long Ranger) shared with a wide-eyed crowd his story of conquering the Tour 14er last summer.  The…

If you haven't checked out the Another Mother Runner books they are worth a read. Dimity and Sarah are hilarious and their banter about running, being mothers and life in general will put a smile on your face. They are funny, down to earth, busy moms that fit in workouts where and when they can. Both ladies find time to write and tour the country going to…

Be one of only 300 people to get the UDXXX 30th Anniversary Handheld. Each handheld is numbered and unique making it truly a one of a kind. We used the excess Cuben Fiber Silnylon from our Signature Series packs for the pocket - which will fit most smart phones. We wanted to make something fun and unique to commemorate our time in the industry and my…

10 o'clock at night, standing alone on the bank of the Colorado River in full flood stage.  Can I swim across?  Theoretically, yes.  Emotionally, no.  I conducted an inventory of my emotional reserves and made a rational decision:  I’m not going.  I measured, and my cajones weren't big enough. This trip I had brought a Space Blanket, so wrapped myself up in that and slept…

I pushed through the Tamarisk thicket on my hands and knees, being careful to avoid puncturing my air mattress, then waded out up to my waist in the cold, brown, swirling water, my shoes sticking in the mucky bottom, and while wearing a backpack, tried to get on my yellow inflatable mattress. It was an awkward moment. Peter and I had discussed practicing the technique…

As the weather’s been heating up, so has the competition. The Ultimate Direction athletes have been hard at work though, taking home the gold and setting new FKTs! Wonder what your favorite athletes and ambassadors have been up to? Michele Yates Michele Yates conquered the competition at the Gorge 100k in Cascade Locks, Oregon, taking first place for women AND setting a new course record.…

[caption id="attachment_2030" align="alignright" width="194"] Travis Macy's Book- The Ultra Mindset[/caption] As if being a successful ultrarunner, adventure racer, cyclist, coach, and teacher weren’t enough, UD Ambassador Travis Macy recently added the title of “author” to his resume.  The Colorado native, most famously known for his Leadman win, has spent years competing as an elite athlete around the globe while still balancing responsibilities as a husband,…