HydraPak athlete, Reid Burrows has spent the better half of a year training for one of Colorado's most infamous trail races, the Leadville 100. We met up with Reid to learn about his journey and preparation for race day. From moving to high altitudes to intense training regimens, he shares his experience and strategies for getting to the finish line.
What drew you to the Leadville 100 and how did you start preparing for this iconic race?
As a Canadian ultra-marathon athlete, the Leadville 100 and Western States 100 were always in my sights. These races stood out among the many renowned ultra-marathons in the United States. From the start of my ultra-running journey, I dreamed of competing in these iconic events. In fact, when I applied for my visa to train and compete in the U.S., I specifically mentioned my ambition to not only participate in but also win the Leadville 100 and Western States 100 events.
Tell us about your 2023 Leadville experience? How did running the 100 impact you?
I remember it like it was yesterday, and it's kept me focused for almost a year. It was a surreal experience. I took a lot of risks including taking over the lead after the Outward Bound at mile 23.5. During the miles I spent leading the race, I was overcome with emotion. I remember it like it was yesterday, and it’s kept me focused on the dream for almost a year at the time I am writing this.
As I continued on in the race, my day didn’t end as well as I would have hoped. I slowly faded off the podium as we ascended the south side of Hope Pass, the highest point of the 100. When I got back to Outward Bound, where I had taken over the lead a few hours earlier, at mile 76.9, I was trying to salvage what I had left in me. I was still in fourth overall, but the long, hot day at 10,000' was catching up to me. This is where I picked up my best friend, a fellow Canadian, who paced and pushed me to the finish line.
Despite the negative thoughts and persistent stomach issues that plagued me throughout the last 23 miles. I was able to cross the finish line in 8th place overall, a massive accomplishment for me in my career as a pro athlete. The 2024 Leadville 100 is just around the corner, what steps have you taken to prepare for this year's race?
After the 2023 race, I went down to Austin Rattler 50k to earn a spot back into the Leadville 100 with a golden coin, finishing second overall. This set up my entire season around this one goal - winning the 2024 Leadville 100. Last year, I moved to Colorado to specifically prepare myself for Leadville. I was living at 7,000’ (2,200m) in Salida. This was a very good step for me in gaining familiarity around the mountains, and training at altitude.
How did moving to high altitude and living in Leadville impact your training?
This year, I’m leaving no stone unturned. I now live in the city of Leadville, at 10,000', which means the race course is now in my own backyard. I’m focusing on spending as much time as I can at the high point of the 100. So this means climbing a lot of 14000’ mountains including doing my workouts that high, and less quality on the dirt roads around town.
How much of a role has hydration and nutrition played in your training and preparation for race day?
At 10,000’ it’s very important to stay on top of hydration and nutrition since your body is working so much harder. I've worked to develop a hydration and fueling plan for both training and race day - creating customized fueling concentrates specific to the needs of my body and the additional electrolyte requirements that come from running at altitude. HydraPak's collection of running flasks and handhelds have become critical pieces equipment that I use during just about every activity.
What HydraPak products do you plan to use during the race?
On race day, I will have 10+ SkyFlask Speed 500ml and 10+ Insulated SkyFlask Speed 500ml prepped and ready with my crew and in my drop bags, so that I have options on race day if the temperature is abnormally hot or cold. I'm planning to carry a SkyFlask in each hand, one filled with water and the other with my favorite nutrition concoction. I sometimes will fill up the SoftFlask 150ml with 100% pure maple syrup, a very special treat for a Canadian like myself.
Race day is just around the corner. How are you feeling?
I’m really not sure if I’m going to win the race this year but I do feel like I’ve put myself in the best position to podium with all the time, energy and investment I have put into my Leadville journey. Approaching my season with this much intentionality leaves me feeling a level of satisfaction regardless of the outcome. I think there is a lot of freedom in that. I’m going to leave it all out there on August 17th, 2024, starting at 4am MST, and I truly believe that I’m ready to win this thing.
We are cheering for you Reid! Our team can't wait to support and cheer you on come August 17th. Follow of Reid's journey @reidburrows.
