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Meet the Ukrainian-Canadian ultrarunner who is winning everything

Ihor Verys is running for the views, the trail friends and to raise awareness: "the podium is just a bonus"

Ihor Verys, winner of Fat Dog 2022

Chilliwack, B.C.-based Ihor Verys has won every ultra he’s started. He took first place at last week’s Fat Dog 120, a gruelling ultratrail race considered one of the hardest in the world. Verys began his ultrarunning career with the challenging Finlayson Arm 100K in 2021, and has been savouring every moment since.

 
 
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A post shared by Ihor Verys (@ihorverys)

The athlete moved to Canada from Ukraine as a student, and now lives with his girlfriend (and crew chief) Trinity and his dog Luna. We caught up with him to talk about training, racing, and the cause closest to his heart.

You’ve had a remarkable breakout season. What’s your mindset like going into each race?

I don’t really feel much pressure going into the race, and I never put emphasis on winning. I race to celebrate fitness, test my limits, explore new trails, see new views and make new friends. The podium is just a bonus.

Ihor Verys and friends at Fat Dog 120
Photo courtesy of Ihor Verys

What would a typical training day/week look like for you?

Where I live, you have to drive to find flat running. Once I step out of my house, it’s either up or down, which I really love. Even the shortest run would get me 500 to 600m vert, on average. I usually run five days a week, and leave the other two for core and strength. On weekdays I run after work locally for one or two hours.

Ihor Verys training in Chilliwack
Photo: Instagram/ihorverys

Weekends are for long mountain adventures with friends. I strive to have a minimum of 3,000m vert a week, which is easily attainable in our area. In peak weeks, that number doubles. Weekly distance doesn’t really matter to me, but it always tags along while chasing vert. Having said that, I’ve never had 100-mile weeks (other than race weeks). My Strava account is open to everyone, and you are more than welcome to spy on me!

Ihor Verys running in Chilliwack 2022
Photo: Instagram/ihorverys

What do you use for fuel?

At the beginning of the year, I changed my diet to low carb/high fat, and this type of metabolism works exceptionally well for me. Being fat-adapted helps me not to overload my stomach during the race. I still eat while racing, but not as much, and it would be mostly in the form of quick sugars, like pop, gels etc. In fact, racing is the only time when I consume mostly sugars.

Fat Dog 120 is a pretty gruelling race to tackle and win. What was the best part of the race?

Running the last kilometre around the lake, while seeing the finish line and thinking of all those hours spent on this beautiful course, crossing the line and hugging my pacer, crew, RD and race officials were my favourite moments.

Ihor Verys on podium at Fat Dog 120 2022
Photo courtesy of Ihor Verys

What part did you find most challenging?

Fat Dog is known for its endless ascents/descents, remote trails, long distances between aid stations and, of course, an additional marathon on top of 100 miles. At the end of the day, it’s a 126-plus-miler.

Ihor Verys Fat Dog 2022
Photo courtesy of Ihor Verys

What’s up next? 

Big’s Backyard World Championships is my next goal. I’m very honoured to be on Team Canada, and I’ll do my best to deliver the best result needed for my team. “One more loop” is the only right strategy and mindset to use in the backyard format, and that’s the one I’m going to apply in October.

Any advice for runners hoping to tackle Fat Dog in the future?

I’d suggest training for long climbs and descents. They aren’t extremely steep or technical, but they seemed endless. Also, make sure you focus on core and upper body. Vests with mandatory gear are extremely heavy and they don’t get any lighter after over 20 hours of running. Of course, it’s all mental at the end.

Ihor Verys Fat Dog 2022
Photo courtesy of Ihor Verys

Train your mind and believe in yourself. Two years ago, I thought only superhumans could complete Fat Dog. Last weekend I realized that all Fat Doggers are simple humans just like myself who truly believe in themselves.

Bucket-list races?

I wish I could run all of them, but one lifetime wouldn’t be enough. I’d love to do Hardrock, Western States, Leadville, HURT and many other iconic races.

Ihor Verys Fat Dog 2022
Photo courtesy of Ihor Verys

You’ve spoken before about the brave people of Ukraine being an inspiration to you. Is there anything you wanted to share about that?

It’s been seven years since I moved to Canada. Indeed, the brave people of Ukraine keep inspiring me. And I’ll keep reminding Canadians about what’s happening in Ukraine. My voice is very small in this community, but it’s still a voice.

Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine isn’t over, and Ukrainians still need help from the entire world. This is the least that I can do. Please keep supporting Ukraine as much as you can.

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