Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon Updates
The 2016 Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon trip dates are May 15 to June 3, with the race on May 29 (the day Hillary and Tenzing summited Everest in 1953). American Trail Running Association (ATRA) members interested in participating in the trek and race will receive a 10 percent discount. There are approximately 50 spots remaining.
Essay contest winner Molly Mikita checked in with ATRA about her training and preparation for the 2016 trip to the event.
A few months ago, I ran my first 50K – Big Brad Ultras – The Pounder – in Pownal, Maine. It was an amazing experience, and was really the kickoff to my training for Nepal. I’m focusing on a few long runs, and mixing in more Nordic skiing and ski touring this winter. I’m also starting to train with our Masters Swim Club in my hometown of Breckenridge, Colorado, which is great cross training for the winter months.
We are also making small steps and progress with our fundraising (Molly has created a fundraising page at www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/runing-the-2016-everest-marathon-to-inspire-others-/110137). We were able to present Girls on the Run (GOTR), with our first check in November, which was about one quarter of what we hope to raise by the time we actually go to Nepal.
We caught up with Molly and had a few more questions for her.
ATRA: What did you learn from your first 50k?
Molly: Many things! Most importantly though, I learned where my training was lacking (back-to-back long runs), and what worked best for me as far as nutrition.
ATRA: What was the course like for the 50K in Maine?
Molly: It was a hilly double-loop course, with some technical rocky/rooty sections.
ATRA: How do you think it prepared you for your upcoming race in Nepal?
Molly: I approached this race differently than I normally do. I went out very slow and focused on keeping a steady, comfortable pace….since this distance and type of course were new to me. I will use this same approach in Nepal, and strive to run a smart race.
ATRA: What are the “unknowns” for you with the Nepal event?
Molly: The big unknowns for me are: what will the nutrition/food be like; how will I feel after spending two nights at base camp; and how will my body feel after spending the winter months training on snow. But it will be the most amazing thing I have ever done…and that will get me through to the finish!
ATRA: Any final thoughts?
Molly: I am very, very excited about the journey to Nepal, I know the next few months are going to fly by and it will be here before I know it. I’m again, just SO grateful to be given this opportunity, I have to pinch myself some days!
Follow Molly as she prepares for her trek and race in upcoming issues of Trail Times & Trail News.
Written by Andy Crisconi and Molly Mikita. This article originally appeared in ATRA’s Trail Times newsletter published in December 2015. The Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon is organized by ATRA corporate member One World Trekking.
