Q&A with Western States 100 winner Anita Ortiz
Denver Trail Running Examiner
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Still sore from an incredible win at her 100 mile race debut, Eagle, CO resident Anita Ortiz was kind enough to answer a few questions about her race and trail running in general. The 45 year old finished the Western States 100 in 18:24:17, over an hour ahead of second place.
Examiner: When did you start trail running and why?
I started running when I was in 2nd grade. I wanted to get home from school before the Brady Bunch started on TV. School ended at 3:00ish and Brady Bunch started at 3:30---I had to fly out the school door and haul butt to make it every day. Pretty soon it became a game and I liked to see how much quicker I could get home.
Examiner: You have been very successful at the shorter trail distances so what made you decide to do the Western States 100?
I like the challenge of the unknown--that was the reason to try new longer distances. I also like to see just how much you can accomplish with your body. There is a knife edge between super fit and destruction. I like to walk that knife edge. Sometimes the results are good sometime not--that is the fun.
Examiner: How did your training change in prep for the race (mileage, nutrition etc)?
I did consistent 100-120 mile weeks. My biggest week was 157 miles. I really was not training for Western States until May (because I was not planning on running it until May.) --I actually qualified for Western in a May race. I thought, what the heck...entry into Western is tough to get...don't let this one pass you by. But I had trained hard for the May race (Miwok 100K--62 miles) and really the training from that was good for Western. Nutrition: I am not too concerned about my nutrition. I just try to eat a balance of food. Lots of steak though. I love really bloody steak.
Examiner: How does it feel to go out and win your first 100 mile race?
AMAZING. Never would have predicted it. I just wanted to make it without injury and feeling like I was prepared.
Examiner: What is next for you? Another 100 miler?
For sure---but not this summer. Next summer I'll do Western again and maybe Leadville. This summer is already scheduled with 50 milers and shorter races. I also have the TransRockies to get ready for (in August). Plus I am pacing a friend in her 100 miler. Pacers don't get enough credit. And I have discovered how selfless they are. It'll be good for me to give that to someone else. Kind of a payback!
Examiner: What are your three favorite trails in Colorado to run?
1) any trail in the San Juan Mountains 2) Cougar Ridge out of Minturn, CO 3) Berry Picker, Vail Mountain
Examiner: What advice do you have for those who are just started trail running?
Stop and look around!
Examiner: What keeps you motivated while running and/or what motivates you to get out the door?
I love the sights and the smells of the trail.
Examiner: What are your top 5 pieces of advice to someone trying their first ultra race?
1) know what you can eat and drink and practice it 2) Have an eating/drinking plan (how much of what, when) set up before the race 3) Eat and drink early even if you don't think you need it. 4) never breathe hard in the early miles 5) Love your crew and they will love you back
Examiner: Anything you want to add?
Maybe that my success was due in a large part to my my crew and pacers. One of my crew/pacers was a dietician, Katie Mazzia. She was so great keeping my calorie and electrolyte intake correct. She mapped out every 30 minutes for me--what to eat and how much of it. The success of the race is feeling good. That requires training and fueling. I did the training and she made sure I was fueled for maximum success. I am always telling people: "Everyone needs a Katie." I COULD NOT HAVE WON WESTERN WITHOUT KATIE'S EXPERTISE.
Denver Trail Running Examiner
Courtney Johnson moved to Colorado in 1999, with her husband AJ, to escape the Midwest weather and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer. On a...
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