THE STORY
The experience of conquering a 100 mile race can be both transcendent and agonizing. This Is Your Day follows three unique individuals in one of the most storied 100-mile races in the world, the 2015 Western States Endurance Run. A mother, a competitive age grouper, and an elite facing the pressures as a defending champion. But the athletes are only one piece of the puzzle. The other? Family, friends and the occasional good natured stranger. Those who volunteer to crew a Western States become a lifeline for their athlete. Water, nutrition, crucial words of encouragement, hugs when necessary, and an occasional a kick in the ass play equal parts. Triumph and defeat extend equally between the athlete and their crew. Our film brings to life the emotional highs and difficult lows of traversing 100 miles. This is a universal story about the power of the human body, the will of the mind, and the importance of the human connection.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
“In 2011, during a peak in my running, I entered and completed my first 100 mile trail race. Being an ultra runner is very much a lifestyle for me, regardless of when I am running or not. In fact, in 2012, I moved from my urban city loft to a cabin located at a major trailhead, deep in the woods. An ultra-running mecca if you will. With inspiration all around, I quickly found myself wanting to share with others the passion and mindfulness I have discovered while running long distances, not my personal experience, but the experiences I hope others can have. In many ways I think I am a better athlete when I have a camera in tow. Filming in remote and equally beautiful locations is all I can hope for. Today I am very proud to have filmed and directed This Is Your Day, to share the story of three unique ultra runners, how ultra running has shaped their lives, but also telling that story through what is most dear to each of them, their friends and families. “
-Myles Smythe
ROB KRAR
The sport of ultrarunning has taught Rob to embrace the cliché of never say never. He has found his calling in the 100-mile distance, winning the Western States, Leadville, and Run Rabbit Run 100-mile races in the span of 11-weeks during his 2014 season and repeated as champion at Western States in 2015. Rob calls his Grand Canyon double-crossing Fastest Known Time one of his proudest running achievements and being voted the 2013 and 2014 Ultra Runner of the Year one of his greatest honors. He credits his wife Christina for opening his eyes to the power of love, life, and balance. They call the high desert of Flagstaff, AZ, home where they share their lives with their two very fortunate feline friends.
FILM STARS
CAROLINE BOLLER
A relative newcomer to running and racing, Caroline ran her first ultra in December of 2013. She is a mother of two young boys and an attorney. Caroline is passionate about California singletrack, an avid wine drinker and a lover of fruits and vegetables. Originally from England, she holds dual British and American citizenship. Caroline is a member of the Nike Trail team, and is also sponsored by Tailwind Nutrition. She is the 2015 Montrail Ultra Cup Champion. The 2015 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Race marked her first try at the 100 mile distance.
KARL HOAGLAND
Karl Hoagland has been the Publisher of UltraRunning Magazine since June, 2013. Hoagland is a former investment banker and hotel entrepreneur, having worked at Goldman Sachs, Montgomery Securities and Larkspur Hotels & Restaurants after graduating from Brown University in 1987. Since running the Quad Dipsea in 2003 Hoagland has been obsessed with ultrarunning and everything about it, especially the community and new friendships he’s made. Karl especially likes to take on challenges and strive for improvement. Ultrarunning is the perfect platform for such endeavors, and his big goal is to encourage others and help the sport grow.
MYLES SMYTHE
Director - Director of Photography - Editor
With more than twenty years of experience behind the camera, Myles is part athlete and part stuntman, moving with a camera in rugged environments few would dare to follow. As an accomplished ultra runner, he has completed dozens of ultra races across the world. His deep pool of creativity is equally matched with a vast technical expertise in his craft. Today, Myles is the Director of Photography for Sierra Studio Films and is the owner of Michigan Bluff Photography. He currently resides along the Western States Trail.
FILMMAKERS
MIKE CLOWARD
Executive Producer
Mike Cloward has spent the last 25+ years working in a multitude of various media platforms. To say he has had a colorful life to date would be an understatement. After a slight shift in direction he has finally made his way to the fork in the road where he’s getting a chance to turn his energy towards making films.
SCREENING AND FESTIVALS
Want to book a showing for your town?
To book a showing of this film in your city or town contact: Robert Rhodes
MEDIA
CREDITS
Film Credits:
Director/Editor: Myles Smythe
Executive Producer: Mike Cloward
Cast: Caroline Boller, Karl Hoagland, Rob Krar
Music: Aaron Espinoza, Jason Lytle
Film production support provided by: The North Face; Flora Health; Nathan Sports; Tailwind Nutrition; Presidio Sports Management; Smartwool.
Director of Photography: Myles Smythe.
Additional Cinematography: Damian Gordon, Dan Fearing, Marcus Johannes.
Production Assistant - Heather Bird.
Presented by Sierra Studio Films.