Exploring limits with a man and his canine companion: Get acquainted with Nova, the remarkable dog who completed an ultra marathon.
In a remarkable turn of events, ultra-runner Evan Birch, hailing from Calgary, embarked on an unprecedented journey with his dog Nova, a Hungarian Vizsla, in a 100-mile race last winter. Nova, a petite yet spirited 37lbs pooch, proved to be an exceptional trail companion, having accompanied Birch on runs ranging from 20k to 200 miles.
Birch, a seasoned runner and emergency responder who took up running as a stress-reliever, realized Nova's passion for running and the bond they shared during their training sessions. He admiringly referred to Nova as a "little rocket" on the trails.
Fueled by their shared enthusiasm, Birch contemplated the possibility of finding an ultra-marathon that would allow him to run alongside Nova. After some researchers, he discovered the Orcas Island 100 race in Washington, which seemed perfect given its mild winter temperatures, mossy single-track trail, and looped course with regular aid station check-ins.
Although Birch couldn't find any precedent for a dog participating in a competitive ultra-marathon, he was determined to give it a shot. With Nova being trained to keep pace on leash for 60k-100k weekly runs, he believed she might just be up for the challenge.
Preparing for the race, Birch and Nova trained diligently. Birch maintained a close eye on Nova to ensure her well-being and mitigate potential criticism. The race day strategy was to allow Nova increasing periods of rest at the aid station after each 25-mile lap.
Armed with harness, Musher's Wax on her paws, and a Suunto Peak watch around her neck, the duo began their endeavor. They completed the first 25-mile lap in six hours, following which Nova took an hour-long rest. Despite the challenging conditions and sluggish pace during the second overnight lap due to fog and mist, Nova showed no signs of fatigue. After 10 hours to complete the second lap, Nova slept for two hours, and Birch joined her for a two-hour rest.
Resuming their run, Birch and Nova managed to maintain a similar pace to their first lap. However, they fell short of completing the race due to delays overnight. Despite not completing the full 100 miles, both Birch and Nova emerged unscathed, with Nova suffering only minor wear on her paws.
This incredible journey between man and his four-legged running partner has been beautifully captured in a documentary set to release this spring. For more details, visit ultrabirch.com.
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In the spirit of their shared love for running and inspired by the Orcas Island 100 race, Birch decided to delve into sports-analysis, seeking ways to optimize their performance in ultra-marathons with Nova. As the documentary about their journey gains traction, sports enthusiasts can learn valuable insights about sports-analysis and training techniques for both human and canine athletes.
