It was back in May that Boulder’s Timothy Olson returned to world-class form, winning the Ultra-Trail World Tour Penyagolosa Trails 115k in Spain. Since then, he’s been frequently travelling and it was just now that we were able to connect. For that UTWT win, we named Olson the “The Runner Box” Colorado Runner of the Month. He tells us about that race, and his return to fitness in the below Q&A.
Well first, let me say big congrats on the Penyagalosa Trails 115k win! That was your second Ultra-Trail World Tour race of the year, and at least your second trip to Europe already this year. How’d you come to be on the starting line in Spain, at a race I’d never heard of until this year?
Thank you, it was a good win and a great feeling to be running to my potential again. I also just heard of Penyagolosa right before I went on the trip. The race is going to be the Ultra Trail championship next year. They invited my family and I out to Castellón, Spain to help promote the race and community. When a race supports my family and I to enjoy an adventure together in a beautiful, new & scenic place, I’m all in. The race and everyone involved completely out did themselves to provide an amazing experience as well as a world-class race!
And so the race itself, I mistakenly assumed it was in the Spanish Pyrenees initially, but now know that it was closer to Valencia and a good distance away from the Pyrenees. Still, videos and photos make it look like a true mountain race. How’d the race play out, were you in front all day? I’d assumed that Didrik Hermansen would be the biggest competition, but don’t think he made the final results. Was he or any others with you until a late break?
Yes, it’s a solid mountain race. It’s a 115k race with 18,000ft of climbing so in typical euro fashion it was rocky, lots of climbing and fast technical descents. I had a great time and ran the race really smart as the first 50k doesn’t climb as much and then the two biggest climbs come right around 50k in. I started conservatively and ran the first 50k in the top 10 but then when the big climbed hurt others I pounced. I knew that last 50k or so as I ran a few training runs in that area, it definitely gave me an advantage to run smart, but just looking at the course profile that should have been apparent.
[Norway’s’] Didrik [Hermansen] ran quite fast, very early on, and I passed him around 85k in the race, I believe he dropped out at an aid station or two later. I ran with [Spain’s] Yeray [Duran] and the other runners until I made my move around 55k into the course. Didrik is a strong runner and was definitely my biggest competition. There were other strong runners including Yeray Duran who ended up 2nd and lots of tough Spanish runners going after the Spanish Ultra Cup.
You’ve dealt with a lot of injuries and issues the last several years and some of those races, it was tough for me and I’m sure others to see the result. Something like Michael Jordan unretiring and coming off the bench for the Washington Wizards. Coming back physically is one thing then, but I’m sure mentally some of those races the last few years wore on you too. How’d you cope, and then when it came to the race, what gave you the confidence to go to the lead at Penyagolosa?
Patience and perseverance was the key. My body was pretty broken down from lots of hard training and racing. After 2013 I definitely struggled. I was third at Transgrancanaria in 2014 then struggled from then on out. Basically OTS [over-training syndrome] but it effects each of us in certain ways. Personally I couldn’t run over 50k without my body shutting down; nauseousness followed by throwing up, heart rate jumps, cold sweats and other uncomfortable symptoms.
I believe the most important thing I did to recover was a consistent meditation practice. I had a meditation practice as soon as I started ultra running in 2010 but I’ve really focused on it more over the past 4-5 years. Meditation doesn’t erase your thoughts, feelings and emotions but the practice allows you to be more at ease with them as they arise which helps a ton with the highs and lows during a running event. Of course it was discouraging to not be running at my potential the last few years but after being more comfortable with my emotions, being patient with my body and compassionate to myself while I was struggling I could tell things were turning around.
Is it fair to say that you’re all the way back, or still another step to take? Do you have to train differently than you did five years ago?
I feel back but not at top form yet, with the support of my family and coach Jason Koop we’ve prioritized blocks of training and recovery. Leading up to a race I still do big runs and higher mileage but I really focus on time off and proper recovery now. A few years ago after a good race I’d feel so strong that I just wanted to go after the next challenge. Now I really take some time off after each longer event and make sure I’m recovering mentally and physically.
Non-running, you’re big on keeping a clean diet, I think. Spain has to be great for this, right? Do you find the food to be as good as the trails in Spain?
Most definitely, in both Gran Canaria earlier this year and in Castellón we are amazing. Mostly finding some local organic farms that had amazing produce. We ate a few times enjoying local dishes but definitely cooked a lot at home with fresh organic veggies. Our friends also invited us to their fiestas where we were able to enjoy music, good people and delicious food. You can’t enjoy good trails without fine food. We definitely connect with the local culture and try out new things. Tristan my son really enjoyed octopus.
Another non-running question, but you’re a dad to two and they both travel the world too. How awesome is this and what’s the biggest thing you hope they pick up from these experiences?
It’s the best thing ever, travel does have its challenges especially with little ones but they make every moment even richer and sharing these experiences together is priceless. I hope they pick up a love for the world, the earth, animals, flora and people. Yes we all our unique but finding those subtle connections in a huge world shows us how special each of us are. I hope they see all the good in the world and choose to be accepting of all people, cultures and religions. I hope seeing the world opens their minds and hearts to all the potential in the world.
Thanks Timothy, and good luck the rest of the year! You can read Timothy’s race report on his website, and follow him on twitter @timmyolson_run. Olson also raced in the Eiger Ultra Trail in Switzerland a week ago, finishing 15th.
“Leave the research to us, and we’ll leave the training to you,” says Runner Box. The Runner Box is a subscription-based service that delivers a “box” of runner-friendly goodies to you every other month, items like gels, bars, and other accessories hand-picked to add to your running. Many items are new to the market, and new items are expected with each box. A great service for yourself, the boxes also make great gifts and are often themed around holidays.
Previous “The Runner Box” Colorado Runners of the Month:
April 17 – Noah Droddy
February 17 – Courtney Dauwalter
January 17 – Becky Wade
December 16 – Zach Miller
November 16 – Sage Canaday
October 16 – Sarah Pizzo
September 16 – Clare Gallagher
July 16 – Addie Bracy
May 16 – Tabor Scholl
April 16 – Amanda Basham
February 16 – Alia Gray
November 15 – Ali Williams
October 15 – Neely Gracey
September 15 – Timmy Parr
August 15 – Andy Wacker
July 15 – Lanie Szuch
June 15 – Joe Gray
May 15 – Brittni Hutton
April 15 – Andy Rinne
March 15 – Justin Ricks
February 15 – Laura Thweatt