North Coast 24 Hour Run Happy Feet Update

Now that the dust has settled and our Drymax athletes had a chance to rest we are now hearing how their feet felt after this last weekend's 24 Hour National Championships in Cleveland Ohio:

Jill Perry's Feet Immediately After 24 Hours Of Running

From Jill Perry, 2009 24 Hour Women's National Champion, "Look Ma! No Blisters! Thank you so much Bob, for your support, for the socks. I'll have to say, I openly advertised how my feet were doing great and many of the 24 hour participants wanted to know what I wore! In an event like this, running round and round on some hard asphalt...it makes it very important to have good coverage for the feet. And another true test...once again, no blisters! Thank you so much! I know your socks made my feet happy and made a difference in my race. "

Dan Rose 24 Hour National Team Member

From Dan Rose, 3rd Overall Newest Member of the 2010 USA National 24 Hour Team, "As always, my Drymax Max Pros kept me blister and hot-spot free for all 139 miles. Didn't think of my feet once during the race. Thanks for helping me make the National Team!!"

Debra Horn on her way to a 12 hour USA Record

From Debra Horn 3rd Woman new age group 12 Hour National Record Holder, "A special THANKS to my socks sponsor, DryMax socks. I only changed my DryMax socks once during the race and had no problems with blisters."

Congratulations to all who participated in the event. We were very honored to be involved as the sock sponsor of the event and on the feet of so many of those who competed.

photos provided by Jill Perry, Dan Rose & Debra Horn

Jill Perry USA 24 Hour National Champion!

Congratulations to Drymax athlete Jill Perry for her spectacular National Championship performance at the North Coast 24 Hour Run taking place on the banks of Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio. Jill was able to complete an amazing 136.01325 miles in 23 hours, 56 minutes, 06.05 seconds.

Jill battled with Ultra Legend Connie Gardner for most of the race pulling away in the later stages of the race. The dominating victory qualifies Jill to be the on the US National 24 Hour Team. Her eventual margin of victory was over 4.5 miles over 2nd place Anna Piskorska. Jill finished an impressive 5th overall.

Other great performances by Drymax athletes include a 3rd place by Debra Horn completing 128.80725 miles and winning her age division. Debra was able to reach 72.96 miles in 12 hours setting a new American Record for her age division (50-54).

Another fabulous result belonged to Dan Rose who finished 3rd overall with 138.71550 missing out on a 2nd by 37.5 seconds behind another ultra legend John Geesler. Dan's story is even more impressive because it wasn't too long ago that he was battling cancer today he is an elite ultrarunner who just reached his longtime goal of making the US National 24 Hour Team. Great job Dan!

It was a wonderful weekend for all involved and we were very excited to be represented at the event by some wonderful athletes. We were also very proud to be the sock sponsor for the race.

Lisa Bliss' Blister Free Spartathlon Redemption

Lisa Bliss Immediately After Running 153 Miles

Drymax is very fortunate to have some of the elite of the elite ultrarunners competing in Drymax socks but the very first elite ultra runner to trust us with their feet is Lisa Bliss. The 2007 Badwater champion continually faced blister issues for many years. A friend gave her some Drymax socks to try and she became an immediate convert and has been competing in Drymax ever since.

Lisa has continually given us constructive feedback on our socks offering unique perspective from not only her athletic but her medical background during her wear testing that has only served to provide newer and better generations of Drymax socks.

This last week Lisa returned to the 153 Mile Spartathlon race in Greece for some redemption. Due to a chronic ankle injury Lisa was unable to complete the race in 2008. This year Lisa was able to not only complete the race but take 3rd woman and 1st overall American in a time of 32 hours 23 minutes.

I just received the following note from Lisa along with attached photos regarding how her feet felt after completing the race:

Hi Bob,

As you've seen, I placed 3rd woman overall at the Spartathlon! I am so happy with my race.

Drymax performed superbly as usual. I changed my socks just once and that was at the base of the mountain at 100 miles where I put on an ankle brace. Since I was already taking off my shoes, I decided to change socks too. A quick glance at my feet at that moment filled me with joy as they looked perfect, like I hadn't even run a mile.

So, despite the 153 mile distance, heat, and 30 miles of torrential rain to the finish that soaked me to the bone, I had not ONE SINGLE BLISTER! Not even a hot spot! I am so pleased with Drymax and how well they performed.

Every runner that kisses the foot of King Leonidas at the finish line is personally escorted to the medical tent where doctors and nurses evaluate you to make sure you are ok. They take off your shoes and wash your feet in a basin of cool water. They were amazed that my feet looked so good!

Thank you for making ultrarunning simpler for me, as I have only to focus on my running. The relief of not having to worry about blisters is liberating.

Here are some pictures. The foot picture in the medical tent where you can see my face is from Glenn Tachiyama, and the other two, which were taken back at the hotel, are from Tim Englund.

All the best

Lisa Bliss

photos provided by Lisa Bliss

Jamie Donaldson Named USATF Athlete Of The Week

Congratulations to Drymax athlete and team captain Jamie Donaldson for being named USATF Athlete of the Week!

From USATF:

"INDIANAPOLIS - Jamie Donaldson (Littleton, Colo.) has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after setting an American record in the women's 200,000 meters over the weekend at the 28th Annual Ottawa International 24 Hour Self-Transcendence Race and Masters' 24 Hour Championship in Canada.

The fifth-place finisher at the 2008 24 Hr World Championships, Donaldson destroyed the 18-year old American record by completing 200,000m on the track in 21 hours 1 minute 28 seconds en route to running 214.487 km in 24 hours. The previous record of 21:08:47 was set by Sue Ellen Trapp in 1991. As the overall winner, Donaldson ended her 24 hour run in dominating fashion, as her next closest competitor, runner-up Andrew McLean of Ontario, ran 202.943 km.

Now in its eighth year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week."

Previous 2009 winners include elite athletes Tyson Gay, Anton Krupika among many others.

photo provided by Jamie & David Donaldson

Olga Varlamova Married In Drymax Socks!

We just received a wonderful note from our good friend and Drymax athlete Olga Varlamova with the above photo from her wedding on the trails to Larry King.

We would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to you both. We feel so privileged to be a very small part of their very special day. To see more about Olga and Larry's wedding check out her blog at: http://runmoretalkless.blogspot.com/

photo provided by Olga Varlamova

Jamie Donaldson Sets USA 200K Record In Ottawa

Update: Jamie did in fact break the 18 year old 200 kilometer American record previously held by Sue Ellen Trapp. Jamie's 200k time of 21 hours, 1 minute, 22 seconds surpassed the record by over 6 minutes. As soon as the proper paperwork is completed the record will be certified by USATF.

I just received word from Jamie Donaldson moments ago that she and her husband David just completed the Self-Transcendence 24-Hour Race in Ottawa, Canada. Jamie was able to complete 134 miles in 24 hours with a personal best of 100 miles in 16 hours 7 minutes. Jamie's time at the 200 kilometer mark appears to be a new American Track Record.

David was able to complete 75 miles in his comeback race, yes that is 59 miles gap so there will be a bet to be paid, see Jamie's blog for details. http://altitudeultrarunner.blogspot.com/

More details to follow about their adventure and their overall classification once Jamie and David have a bit of time to rest!

Great job Jamie and David!

Photo by David Donaldson

Lisa Bliss 3rd Woman 1st American At Spartathlon

Congratulations to Drymax athlete Lisa Bliss for her amazing result at the 2009 Spartathlon in Greece. Lisa completed the 246 km (153.85 miles) with a 3rd place women's finish behind two athletes from Japan with an impressive time of 32 hours 23 minutes 26 seconds. Her finish also gave her the title of the top overall American.

The Spartathlon is a legendary ultramarathon beginning in Athens and follows the route that Pheidippides covered to Sparta. Of the over 300 athletes to start the event only 132 made the 36 hour cutoff. Lisa was unable to complete the course last year and had some unfinished business to attend to in Greece for 2009. Job well done!

photo by Bob MacGillivray

Great Results Continue For Drymax Athletes

Over the past month or so Drymax athletes have continued their amazing form at some the toughest races on the planet.

Jamie Donaldson takes an amazing 2nd place at the Leadville 100 Trail Run. Her tremendous finish came just over a month after dominating the 2009 Badwater Ultramarathon. The finish of 21 hours 53 minutes solidified her stature as one of the most versitile and dominant ultra runners in the world. Going from what is considered to be the toughest road race to one of the toughest trail races in just 5 weeks with two great finishes is really unheard of! Jamie then went to the Grand Tetons 100 to pace Ashley Nordell to her record setting victory.

Jamie's good friend and fellow Drymax runner Meredith Terranova came off of a great Pacifica 50 to take 2nd at the Headlands 50 followed by 2nd in her class in the Transrockies that takes place over 6 days and 120 miles. About the race Meredith said, "It must be noted that 6 days and 120 miles of climbing and descending through dirt rocks and creeks and not ONE blister!! Thank you for the continued support from Drymax!"

Jill Perry just completed the Monster Marathon as part of her training for the Cleveland 24 hour and 50k in Gibralter. About the experience Jill said, " I did a race called the Monster Marathon which is the hardest marathon trail race on the east coast...running through creeks (almost look like rivers), very steep up and down hills, muddy, technical single tracks... I came in first female and 3rd overall. And...NO BLISTERS, even drenching my feet in lots of deep creeks...my feet felt awesome, another success for Drymax! Felt so good I went out and did another 10 miles that night. Thanks Drymax!"

Brian Krogmann took a hard fought 2nd place with a time of 19 hours 43 minutes 33 second at the Headlands Hundred after taking an unfortunate detour while leading the race. "Went with one pair again for HH and not a single blister even though there were some rocky sections along the course... All in all a great day to be out on the trails."


Drymax athlete Kelly Ridgway completed the Run On The Sly 50k looking to get one last run in before a toe surgery. She found herself winning the women's division and taking 7th overall with a time of 4 hours 57 minutes 12 seconds. About Drymax Kelly said, "I wore my Drymax socks and had no blisters or hot spots. I wore the new 'hyper thin running socks' and loved them every step of the way."

A recent addition to the team is Andy Jones Wilkins who completed three races over an 8 week period including the Western States 100, Hardrock 100 and Leadville Hundred. AJW said, "I used Drymax socks for the first time this year at Hardrock after a podiatrist recommended them. I had terrible foot problems at Western States which really made preparation for Hardrock difficult. The Drymax Trail Running socks were outstanding. In a race in which your feet are pretty much wet from start to finish the Drymax socks successfully wicked away the water all day and night and allowed my already tender feet to survive intact. I was amazed with how the socks were so gentle on my feet and I am looking forward to using them at Leadville." During his Leadville 100 race AJW finished in 19 hours 49 minutes 42 seconds in an impressive 9th place, 1st master and with zero blisters.

Tim Englund just completed competing in the Trail du Mont Blanc with a wonderful result. Here is a brief report from Tim, " Wanted to let you know that I managed to finish the Ultra-Trail duMont Blanc - a 100+ mile race with 31,000 feet of climbing around MontBlanc in France, Italy and Switzerland(http://www.ultratrailmb.com/accueil.php) - in 30:31. This was goodenough for 86th place of 2,282 starters. Of course I wore Drymaxtrail socks the whole way (changing once). They performed perfectly!With all the climbing and descending, I worried I might get blisterson the back of my heel or on my forefoot. I'm happy to say that I did not!" Tim wore our new Lite Trailrunning socks for his epic adventure.

More Drymax Feedback:

Iris Cooper-Imhof: "The Drymax socks are amazing and the best socks I've ever used. I love them and all my crew member feel the same way." After Badwater and Dirty Girl 12 Hour Race.

Anthony Portera: "My feet are in amazing shape, thanks again to Drymax Socks. Not a single blister or hot spot from either event. That's 76.2 miles over two days on trails without a blister. I am still amazed by this, and am glad that I made the switch to Drymax last year." After completing both the Grand Teton 50 mile and marathon the following day.


Dan Rose: "I'll mention one more time what Drymax socks did for me. Here are a few facts: I ran 50 miles, in the rain, through streams and mud and I had ZERO blisters or hot spots. Amazing. " After completing the Cheat Mountain Moonshine Madness 50 mile race.

Hung Ng: "I had to trust in Drymax that even though there is foot movement, the sock provided a frictionless surface, and protecting me from blisters.That was the mental imagery that I had during the race... My Drymax socks held up well. Blisters were not an issue in this race. My feet never really got wet." After completing the Badwater 135 Mile Ultramarathon.

Adrian Belitu: "I am a big fan as I was loaned a couple pair by another runner at Badwater and just fell in love. Now, the Drymax socks have really been able to keep my foot dry and reduce the friction so I have not been getting the blisters I used to." After completing the 135 Mile Badwater Ultramarathon.

Rick Cheever: "The Max Pro Socks were amazing. I loved wearing them. I did not get a single blister or even a hot spot. I actually started the race with a hot spot due to walking around Vegas with sandals 2 days before the race. The hot spot did not get any worse, and I actually forgot all about it. My feet were wet from all the water and sweat but they still performed well and I never even wanted to change them." After his Badwater attempt.

Olga Varlamova: "I wore them at Hardrcok, changed once (just because, not out of need), and in 46 hrs of wet feet consistently not only had no blisters, but not even maceration! Now that is a sock I am in love with!"

Alisa Springman: "My feet were in great shape when I finished and I can't thank you enough for your support. " Immediately after finishing Badwater 135 Mile Ultramarathon. Her crew member Bobby Gil added, ".. I had a great time crewing for Alisa Springman. It was even nicer crewing for her since we had to deal with little to no blister problems!"

Dan Marinsik: "I just wanted to send my heart felt thanks. Blistering at Badwater has always been a bad problem for me. I must say I was a little nervous not taping for the first time however my feet came out of the race nearly perfect. Drymax socks are truly a great product!" Following his completion of the Badwater Ultramarathon.

Karl Meltzer: "I had NO BLISTERS Bob! My feet look better than when we started, and this is a course where feet are wet the entire time!"

Jamie Donaldson 2009 Badwater Victory Video

Rob Kapfer, from Jamie Donaldson's Badwater crew sent me a series of video clips that he took while crewing her to another dominating victory in this year's Badwater Ultramarathon. Here is what I came up when I edited them all together.

Jamie's stunning repeat victory solidies her as one of the true elite ultrarunners in the world.

Drymax Athlete Jamie Donaldson On Magazine Cover

We were very excited to hear that Drymax Athlete Jamie Donaldson is on the cover of the current issue of Colorado Runner Magazine. The honor was earned after her second dominant performance at the 2009 135 Mile Badwater Ultramarathon.

I was contacted by the staff at the magazine asking if we had any photos of Jamie's race. I frantically looked through the 1,400 photos I took at the event and found the photo I titled "Happy Jamie" which was taken a few miles before she reached Stovepipe Wells at about Mile 37 during this year's race.

We cannot say enough how proud and happy we are to be associated with Jamie. This is her first of many magazine covers as she continues to have another impressive competitive year. Congratulations Jamie!!!