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Adam Chase
Boulder, Colorado
Running Experience:
Guru
Why should we pick you to go to the North Pole?:
I don't want to sound cocky with checking 'guru' above, but I hope that I offer a balance between experience, athletic accomplishments, and media savviness to bring a lot to your readers and, hopefully, to even draw attention to the site. I had this application almost completed and accidentally hit the 'back' button and it was all deleted, so please excuse any brevity this go-around.
"I grew up racing in Colorado and Vermont, in both winter and mountain athletic endeavors and that has conditioned me pretty well, other than suffering hypothermia on the fifth day of the Raid World Championships in Argentina, due to chest-high creek crossings in a storm with sleep and food deprivation and a bit of exhaustion." | Offer some evidence that you can complete a marathon in harsh, sub-zero conditions at the North Pole:
I'm sending my race resume with some pictures, as requested, and I think that the number of winter races, be they snowshoe, adventure, winter triathlons, ski (Nordic and Alpine), and ultramarathons and marathons should speak for themselves. I'm scheduled to run a three-day 100-mile race in the NW Territories in mid-March -- the Rock and Ice Ultra -- and that too will help prepare me for the North Pole's conditions.
Tell us about your cold-weather race experience:
As discussed above, my race resume should explain. I grew up racing in Colorado and Vermont, in both winter and mountain athletic endeavors and that has conditioned me pretty well, other than suffering hypothermia on the fifth day of the Raid World Championships in Argentina, due to chest-high creek crossings in a storm with sleep and food deprivation and a bit of exhaustion.
Tell us about your marathon experience, including times, results, etc.:
PR of 2:39 at Marine Corps with an average time at Boston of 2:42 in the four times I've raced there. More than 100 runs of a marathon or longer, mostly on mountain trails all over the US and in many other countries as well.
What do you expect your North Pole Marathon time to be?:
4:30
Can you write well? Explain:
I'm the co-author of the 'Ultimate Guide to Trail Running' and have served as the Trail Editor for Running Times for the last seven years, when I was an editor for Trail Runner Magazine before that. I'm the Gear Editor for Active Cities and am a regular contributor to Rocky Mountain Sports and other publications, both on-line (such as for Teva's web site, when it is up and running) because I'm Teva's 'Trail Ambassador') and in print. See resume.
Tell us about your media experience:
I've been on TV, radio, in print media, modeled for clothing and shoe companies and for many magazines and newspapers and have done at least 50 race clinics and in-store presentations, speak regularly to public audience, for both for athletic events and in the capacity as a tax lawyer, my other life. See resume.
Websites:
http://tevablogs.blogspot.com/
www.runningtimes.com
www.activecities.com
www.greatoutdoors.com/published/camp/howtobuy/theartoflayering/index.html
www.greatoutdoors.com/published/running/howtobuy/choosingtherighttrailshoe/
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Karen Righthand says:
Adam is more than qualified for this assignment he would be my competitor of choice. He has managed our snowshoe racing team for many years and races blizard or bluebird. He is smart, mature and experienced enough to handle pretty much anything mother nature can cook up and he'd be my first choice of partners to venture out with. Not only is he an accomplished athlete and outdoor adventurer he is always up for a challenge and maintains his pleasant demeanor always. I say it's a short life, best spend it with nice people!
Mike Heaston says:
Adam is the best ambassador of running that I have known in my 24 yrs of Special Event Management (Event Marketing Group LLC). Not only is he always pleasant to be around, he makes sure to assist event directors in their publicity both before and after an event as well as acting as a "host" to other participants. He never has a "hand out" and is always willing to give back. You couldn't pick a better participant for your event.
Greg Hexum says:
You will not find a more qualified, better representative than Adam Chase. Not only does he have the physical tools to complete this run and live to tell about it, he also possesses the written communication skill to capture the essence of the experience. On foot, with snowshoe, in kayak, aboard mountain bike (or all of them in one race)---you pick the form of extreme endurance sport and Adam Chase has conquered it---and then written about for some of sports most significant publications. You will find no other man like him.
Ellen Miller says:
Adam is THE MAN for the job, plain and simple. Not only is he a talented and superb running, adventure race, snowshoe competitor, he dedicates much of his time to the world of running and the healthy evolution of our sport. Co author of The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running, President of American Trail Running Association, gear and shoe guru, just to name a few of his involvements. Adam always wears a smile and sports a positive and uplifting attitude! It would be difficult to top Adam as the competitor of choice for this event.
Chris Hillyer says:
In a world of hundreds of so called experts, Adam seems to have a unique blend of technical knowledge, firsthand experience and unwavering determination. Although he claims to have a side career as an attorney, Adam seems to be blessed with more hours than the rest of us. Adam is ridiculously productive and quite possibly the Jack-of-all-trades, master of all. He is a natural leader, energetic and charasmatic in situations where no one else could be.
Although I live in Santa Barbara and have an entirely different definition of cold, I absolutely reccommend him as the perfect candidate to run 26.2 miles at the top of the planet... live to write about it... and show the world how much fun there is to be had outside of the comfort zone.
risingtide22 says:
Having known Adam for 4 decades, I can attest that he will only enhance your event and shed a positive light on the race. If you have any doubts after reading his list of diverse and immense accomplishments, his personality will win you over as soon as you meet him.
Vicki Hunter says:
I cannot think of a person better suited for this race. I have known Adam for almost 20 years and we have run together often. Not only is he a great athlete, but he has a great attitude ALWAYS! The conditions never bother him; he is always prepared to have fun, be competitive, and enjoy the event no matter what. Adam's experience in running, adventure racing and other competitive events make it clear the race will not be a problem. His role as ambassador for trail running and running, in general, make him the obvious choice for the winner of this contest.
Darran Wells says:
I've been a professional mountaineering instructor for 7 years. Competed in 7 international expedition adventure races. Appeared in 8 competitive endurance events on internationally broadcasted television both solo and in teams. During most team events, I spent long sections of races towing my teammates on bike or on foot when they were struggling to keep up the team's pace.
When I raced on Adam's team, ARgear.com, in Ecochallenge in 2002 on New Zealand's South Island, I was completely spent from trying to keep pace with him (and Darcy Africa) by the end of day 1. Adam took my pack and then towed me through the night over several snowy mountain passes near Mount Aspiring. Of the 25 teammates I've raced in multi-day endurance races along side over the years, Adam is the only who ever towed me.
I can count on my fingers the few people in the world who might keep up with Adam in an event like distance running at the North Pole--They are professional endurance athletes, and none are on your list.
Adam's writing ability and charisma are just icing on the cake. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Nancy Hobbs says:
How could you not pick such an ambassador as my coauthor (Ultimate Guide to Trail Running) and president of the American Trail Running Association? Adam is a true advocate for our sport, knowledgeable about our sport, an engaging writer, a team player, more than supportive to all participants in events, positive attitude, smart, professional, and fun to travel with and be around.
Heidi says:
Adam is a natural adventure seeker and inspires other to come along and join him. You can see his love for being active by the ease at which he trains. For some people, an active lifestyle is a part of who they are; you can tell Adam embraces every bit of the joy it brings. I couldn't think of anyone else who would more appreciate a north pole adventure and spread the thrill it brings!
Iona MacKenzie says:
Adam's talents as a writer and athlete are well-known to many people.
However, one of his greatest gifts is his ability to make other athletes around him feel like their accomplishments are every bit as impressive as his. The people in Adam's vast circle of friendship range from newbies to elite athletes - no matter where one falls in line here, Adam is always keeping tabs on everyone's race schedule and results, offering encouragement and support.
Because of this, racing and training with Adam is 100% FUN. His presence elevates the mood and spirit of any event.
Lou Dzierzak says:
Adam's resume and posts from previous supporters certainly vouch for his running capabilities. As editor of Cross Country Skier, I've worked with Adam on a number of stories. He prepares his stories as carefully and thoroughly as he does for a wilderness marathon. When some writers submit gear guides, the copy is basically de-spinned press releases. Adam's submissions read as if he has lived, breathed and slept with the gear for months before putting the first word to paper. Or in today's e-world, to the blinking document cursor. Adam would bring a perspective to the North Pole marathon that will draw readers in and fill your email inbox with "how do I enter this next year" requests.
Mark Matyazic says:
Adam lives for this kind of stuff, whether 50 below or 100 above, 6 miles or 600 miles, throw somethin' in front of him and he'll deal with it.
I ran with Adam during last years The Coastal Challenge and he kept an insanely upbeat/positive attitude through sun and mud and spiders and snakes, actually helping to motivate me and and the few other runners in our vicinity.
Adam is also supremely knowledeable about every facet of adventure racing, from shoes (and how to tie them), to diet, strategy the most obscure piece of equipment.
Adam is a no brainer for this type of event!!
Mark Matyazic
Tsalina Phang says:
Hi, I'm from Sydney Australia and had the honour of racing with Adam in a Teva adventure race. Adam dragged me and my teammate to the podium (literally, with a tow rope), to 2nd in the mixed, something we had ever achieved before that! While we are no way close to the pro-athlete that he is, he was there enjoying the race with us, laughing with us and being an awesome teammate.
Adam is fun, enthusiastic, encouraging, excellent attitude, witty reporter, great sportsman, excellent ambassador and with a resume of running achievements so long my legs grow weary thinking about it. He definitely lives life to the fullest and enjoys it to the max (maybe that's why he looks so young!). I think he is the perfect candidate to run and report on this marathon as he is truely inspirational - both when people meet him and when they read his race reports.
Anonymous says:
IF your gonna have a race in the north pole...Adam Chase should be there!
You will get more than just an athlete running the race....Enthusiasm for the sport, motivating for fellow competitors and just a great "being" to be around....
Watch out ..he may just win the race !!
Vytenis Benetis says:
Greetings. I will be short. Adam was my adventure team captain. He always led by example. Inspired with his contagious enthusiasm. He is a person one always looks up to!
BTW, I would not be suprised if chosen to this adventure, he would bring only his shorts and some light jacket. After all, - he almost seem to LOVE the cold :-)
Colleen Cooke says:
Consistently energetic, amazing athletic ability, and a wonderful positive outlook! And as he says he "lacks surface area" so he thrives in the cold! Adam offers nothing but positive energy and a happy perspective on life and challenges. And his writing abilitites will always entertain with fun, candor, and metaphors. I simply cannot imagine this race taking place without Adam involved! They seem a perfect match!!!
Christian Harig, Ph D says:
No question: Adam is the right man to run the North Pole Marathon. I've known him for almost 10 years and his experience - both in cold weather and in running - is impressive, not to say stunning.
He can do it, and he’ll enjoy it!
Christian Harig, Herzo (Germany)
Christian Mayer, Feldkirchen (Germany) says:
There's no doubt about Adam doin', finishing and leaving his mark on the North Pole Marathon! Knowing him for a few years and running parts of the GoreTex Transalpine Run (D, CH, A, I) and Les Templier Race (FR) with him makes me feel pretty strong about his enthusiasm, endurance, mental strength and experience!!!
Scott Fliegelman says:
Please, please, please do NOT send Adam Chase to the North Pole for this race! We need him far too much here in Colorado, and are simply too selfish to let you have him for this frivolous little scamper of yours. Whether he is teaching newbies how to enjoy snowshoeing as much as he does, kicking all our butts in 24 Hour races, cheering on every last racer at the Downtown Boulder Race Series, or writing articulate and humorous missives that motivate and educate the endurance sports enthusiast, Adam should henceforth be limited to the state of Colorado for all future adventures.
Therefore, I whole heartedly appreciate you having the wisdom to leave Adam behind whenever it is you head north, and I'm sure that you will find a representative whose running community is less needy and pathetically dependent on his or her complete and undivided attention. Thank you!
Joelle Vaught says:
Adam, in my mind, would be the obvious pick for this event. His talents in both adventure running and writing are the perfect combination. I have raced with and against Adam in numerous adventure races and he is positive and motivated no matter the environment or the circumstances. Adam is a lot of fun to be around and his articles are always a delight to read. I'm sure after reading Adam's write-up on the event, everyone will be headed to the North Pole next year!
Dan Sawyer says:
Being a Boulder native, I have known Adam my whole life, and have seen the passion (obsession?) that Adam brings to the sport. Passion that goes beyond just competing (and winning a lot!), but then his desire to tell the story of the experience. He has written countless articles that take the reader through the race, and his literary skills bring real life to the event. Although I personally would never attempt such and event, racing in the North Pole has to be one of the most physically challenging contests possible. Of all the athletes I know, in the fittest town in the United States, Adam is the ONLY one I can think of that would not only be capable, but would bring a physical prowess to the event that is matched by only a handful of people in the world. He has proven this through his long history of successful competition in "extreme" events. Events that he has documented that, if ever combined into one, will one day become a great book for all those interested in a lifetime of athletic accomplishments, and what the human body is capable of. The North Pole is one of the last bastions of wilderness left, and I applaud the idea of sending Adam there to bring back the story of why we should preserve it.
Anonymous says:
I can't think of a more appropriate candidate to tackle the North Pole Marathon: an uber-accomplished endurance athlete, a great writer, a media poster boy, and the nicest guy on the face of the planet. If selected to visit Santa, Adam won't dissapoint. He deserves it.
Lori Lee says:
This one is a no-brainer. There is no part of this endeavor that requires a skill Adam not only possesses, but is expert at. His satchel is filled with experience, expertise, and a great attitude to boot. He's top notch in everything he does.
Ali says:
Adam is indeed a trail running guru, no doubt about it. From writing books and articles to leading local trail runs to competing as a top level athlete to being a Teva's Trail ambassador, Adam's enthusiasm for running and competition is contagious! I've had the opportunity to race both with Adam and against him, all the while feeling like he was in full support and encouraging my efforts. Adam will stick it out through thick and thin in order to reach the finish line with a smile and positive attitude. I realize that you have a tough decision to make in who will be selected to go to the North Pole Marathon, I can undoubtedly say that Adam would be an not let you down with his competitive edge, easy-going personality, and constant support and encouragement to everyone involved!
Sue says:
Bob,
You have the grit and humor to do it!
Edward Rivera says:
Adam introduced me to snow shoe racing when I lived in Boulder about ten years ago and he would a fantastic competitor in this race. I still remember how shocked/proud I was when Adam finished second on a twenty plus mile snow shoe race at one of the highest elevations in Colorado. The guy who won was the organizer of the event and it was Adam's first time racing in snow shoes! He's a great guy and would be an asset to this amazing event.
Michael Johnson says:
Adam finishes what he starts, excels at what he does, is a great writer and lives to run.
If I had to choose an athlete that I knew would complete a marathon to the North Pole, I would choose Adam. If I had to choose an outdoor athlete to write a great article, I would choose Adam. If I had to choose an outdoor athlete to do a commercial, I would choose Adam.
I have raced with Adam in several Adventure Races, including Eco-Challenge New Zealand (Team ARGear.com) that took us through the Southern Alps. Adam always leads with speed and strength, yet is a great team player. When I race with Adam, I know I have a teammate that I can count on.
Adam seems to know everyone in the active outdoors community and with his combination of skills and charm, would make a great ambassador for the marathon to the North Pole.
Kerry Barnholt says:
As one can see from Adam's previous recommendations and his resume, he definitely has the skill set required to excel in a race such as this - he is an amazing altlete who has proven himself in many extreme conditions and his is a talented journalist. But, the main reasons I would choose Adam over other competitors are his "glass half-full" approach to life. Adam always has a positive attitude and will make the best of any situation. You can count on him to have a smile on his face and be chatting, encouraging, and laughing with everyone he encounters along the way.
Kelly Trotter says:
I'm not sure any more confirmation is needed for this candidate. I will tell you that as the Athlete Relations Manager for Go Fast Sports & Beverage Co., Adam is one of the top endurance racers we have in our program. He lives the extreme lifestyle in his running (what we look for in a Go Fast Athlete) and never ceases to amaze me with the challenges he continually chooses to conquer.
David Munk - Salomon North America says:
Adam encompasses everything my team looks for in an ambassador. His energy always carries an upbeat spin which is easily contagious and he always seems to deliver more than he promises. Very much an asset to any team.
Eric Bindner says:
From what I read, you are looking for the all-round person who is competitive, can handle extremely adverse conditions, is a great ambassador for running and adventure racing, and someone who has the talent to write and speak in public. Adam is your man for the job.
Long before I became a competitive runner, I would read articles or equipment reviews by Adam. I would see newspaper and magazine articles about him. When I began competing, I would often hear his name in conversations with other competitors, and of course, I would be trying to follow his dust trail as he left me behind. To add to his way of giving back to the running community, Adam can also be found manning aid stations, feeding and cheering on competitors.
You won't find a better person to fit the job.
Corey Ricci-Munn says:
First and foremost, Adam is tough as nails, both mentally and physically. He’s one guy I would hate to be next to on the starting line. In all seriousness though, he’s dedicated to leading one healthy adventuresome lifestyle. He’ll hit the moguls for 12 straight hours, race up killer mountains and inspires all those around him. He also writes for just about athletic/adventure in North America.
So can he handle the challenge? You bet, but I’d slap down $100 and say Adam breaks 4 hours. And of course he’ll be sportin’ some killer Craft apparel. Right Adam???
Cisco Quintero PhD says:
Adam is my hero and I cannot think of a person better suited for this race.
He is a very talented athlete with enormous experience racing different types of races in extreme conditions. Adam is also a very down to earth athlete always given back to the community by being the Trail Editor for Running Times, volunteering at local races, and conducting many race clinics.
Adam is an inspiration to all of us.
Peyman Razifard says:
I have known Adam Chase for a number of years now as an avid adventure racer, runner and triathlete. Adam has the toughness and experience to run ultra-marathons back to back in the north or south pole. He is also very funny and has a lot of media savvy which can be an asset to your race.
Stephen says:
Adam is your man. He is not afraid of hard work, and likes to have fun as well. You will get the whole package - runner, writer, entertainer (plus he might be able to give you some advice on your taxes!)
Jason Poole says:
If you have the privilege of knowing Adam, you know how qualified he is for this opportunity. I have raced with Adam for over seven years, and can vouch for his toughness, integrity and character. He’s an excellent teammate, an exceptional athlete, compelling writer and all around good guy.
Marc Harrison says:
I have known Adam for more than 20 years. I first met him in the Haverford College library.Adam was extolling the virtues of eating once a day ("why have your body spend the energy to digest more often than necessary?")to my girlfriend. (Adam, wre you hitting on her?) I subsequently watched him eat a peck of apples in a single sitting and to chronically ingest so many carrots that he glowed orange.
Despite Adam's culinary peccadillos and questionable knowledge of gastrointestinal physiology, he is a consummately professional athlete. We have mtn biked, run, biked, paddled, and swum together. Over the course of our long friendship, I have never seen Adam lose his cool or resiliency. I'll never forget how he rebounded from blowing chow after the World's Toughest Triathlon swim in FREEZING Lake Tahoe to have one of the fastest run splits of the day.
Adam writes beautifully and incisively. He would be an effective "voice" of your event, as well as a threat to win.
Liz Wilson says:
Adam is the man for the job/adventure! You couldn't pick a more well rounded runner, writer and running enthusiast/ambassador. Have fun! - Liz.
Ralf Szameitat (Germany) says:
...1st comment on 2007-01-19.
Today is 2007-01-22 and i will the 40th trying to add something new to the long, yet never ending list. Maybe you should extend the server capacity soon?!?
I got to know Adam about two years ago whilst driving him trough one of the wildest parts of France just to drop him off so he can run and follow the trials of the temple knights.
Would he have to compete in a car race i could not recomend him as he get´s sick very easy (at least when i am driving). Maybe this is the reason why he does all those crazy races all over the planet by FOOT.
Racing is one thing, but thinking outside the so called box is not an issue for Adam. I can not image, that there will be anybody else freezing his b.. off and writting about this like it would be a nice holiday on a tropical island.
So to sum it up
- he can run forever
- knows almost all kinds of sport inside out
- adds spice to every team and race
- is able to write stories like Shakespere
What do you want more (other than a pair of PUMA´S)??
Adam: Don´t blame it on me if you will be selected. You are still invited to come to Germany and spend the time eating some nice Swabian Spaetzle.
Theresa Daus-Weber says:
Adam's combination of athleticism, endurance sport mentality, writing finesse, and personal involvement is an asset to any event. He's a bankable published sports author. The North Pole Marathon will benefit by selecting Adam Chase.
Macy Allatt says:
Adam is probably one of the strongest athletes I've ever met and his undying energy and enthsiasm is contagious! I've worked with Adam in two capacities over the past 7 years--as an experienced outdoor writer and as the Atlas snowshoe racing team captain--and have always enjoyed his heartfelt passion for the sport of winter running. Adam is the perfect person for this unique opportunity and will surely give the event a unique edge!!
Jason Ornstein says:
After reading through all of these flattering comments, I am not certain what would compel a race director not to have Adam involved in this race. From my own experience, Adam has been a tremendous asset to our adventure racing series and has offered his expertise in making it the success that it has become. Adam's enthusiasm is infectious and his professional is second to none. Hard to imagine this race taking place without Adam Chase. Adam, eat a slushy for me! Cheers!
Jonathan Beverly says:
I have known Adam well for nearly a decade (a bit better than I wanted to after an all-night drive to Utah once). Adam is both a collegue and a friend. I can't think of a better person to go to the North Pole than Adam Chase. For one, he's been everywhere else. For another, no matter how remote, how cold, how gnarly the terrain, how deadly the fauna, how contentious the company, he will come back, even if you don't want him to (did I say that out loud?) Seriously, Adam has all the physical skills to not only survive but to have a good time in the event (he's strange that way), and the experience to be able to put it into perspective and come back with a great story (even if it does sometimes need a little editing). Oh, and he'll look great in event photos too. Adam! Chase! Adam Chase!
Marc Chalufour says:
I have to admit being a little surprised to hear that Adam was entering this contest -- after knowing Adam for more than half a decade, I was under the (apparently false) assumption that there wasn't a grueling race he hadn't completed, or a wild frontier he hadn't conquered.
Having worked with Adam, competed with him, and having spoken with him about his long and diverse career as an endurance athlete, I can truly say that there's nobody I know who would be as prepared for such an event, get more from the experience, and bring more to the event.
Marc
Natalie Murphy says:
Adam represents the perfect blend of an amazing athlete and inspiration for life and living. He trains hard and is dedicated to reach whatever goal that he sets. I am confident that his focus and love for the sport of running (or any sport for that matter), will allow him to succeed in the North Pole.
Dave Mackey says:
I did my first AR with Adam, and in the many subsequent years he has consistently shown professionalism, talent, and positivity in everything he does. He is also a great athlete and will run an excellent time at the Pole. His media savvy and connections are second to none (look at all the frickin comments in this section!).
He has done video before but I dont know if these videos should be made public.
Just kidding.
Melissa Coombes says:
I have raced with Adam many times and have always been impressed with his tenacity. He never wants to stop! He is a phenomenal runner and will shine at the North Pole Marathon. He is the best man for the adventure!
Brian Gunnarson says:
It is great to see all the comments from those who have raced "with" Adam - they sing his praises. Well...I am here to speak for those who have raced "against" Adam. I can tell you that while Adam is a fierce competitor, he is foremost an ambassador for adventure sports. His passion for outdoor pursuits - be it adventure racing, trail running or snowshoeing - is only equaled by his passion for the people around him. Clearly, he is supportive to his teammates but he is also willing to offer support and encouragement to those who compete with/against him. Adam would be an excellent choice to run the North Pole Marathon and I would enjoy hearing and reading about his adventure.
Jeannie Wall says:
I can't think of anyone more qualified for this race. Adam exudes more positive energy for this sport, its competitors, its growth, and its relevance to helping foster a strong sense of stewardship and connection to this planet, than any runner I've ever met.
Rebecca Burnett says:
Adam does for those who can't and always, always makes those who didn't feel like they did.
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