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On March 27, 2012, True failed to return after heading out for a run in the [[Gila Wilderness]], part of the [[Gila National Forest]] in southwestern New Mexico. He departed from the Wilderness Lodge in [[Gila, New Mexico|Gila]] saying he was going for a 12 mile (19&nbsp;km) run. A subsequent [[mountain rescue]] effort involved three aircraft and at least nine [[search and rescue]] teams in off-road vehicles and on horseback, looking across {{convert|200,000|acre}} of high desert.<ref name="Stainburn">{{Harvtxt|Stainburn|2012}}</ref><ref name="Camera">{{citation |url= http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_20300894/body-ultrarunner-micah-true-58-found-new-mexico |title= Body of ultrarunner Micah True, 58, found in New Mexico wilderness |date=April 1, 2012 |work=[[Denver Post]] |agency= [[Camera (newspaper)|The Daily Camera]] |accessdate= April 1, 2012 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/66efwwliv |archivedate= April 3, 2012 |deadurl= no}}</ref> He was found dead with his legs dangling in a stream, around 4 p.m., on March 31, 2012.<ref name="Bryan"/><ref name="Wulfhorst">{{Harvtxt|Wulfhorst|2012}}</ref> The local sheriff said there were "no obvious signs of trauma".<ref name="Taylor">{{Harvtxt|Taylor|2012}}</ref> His remains were removed by horseback, and because of difficult terrain and remote location, the recovery was not completed until April 1.<ref name="Byars"/><ref name="Christie"/><ref name="Wulfhorst"/><ref name="Stainburn"/> They were sent for an autopsy by the [[Coroner|Office of the Medical Investigator]].<ref name="Bryan"/>
On March 27, 2012, True failed to return after heading out for a run in the [[Gila Wilderness]], part of the [[Gila National Forest]] in southwestern New Mexico. He departed from the Wilderness Lodge in [[Gila, New Mexico|Gila]] saying he was going for a 12 mile (19&nbsp;km) run. A subsequent [[mountain rescue]] effort involved three aircraft and at least nine [[search and rescue]] teams in off-road vehicles and on horseback, looking across {{convert|200,000|acre}} of high desert.<ref name="Stainburn">{{Harvtxt|Stainburn|2012}}</ref><ref name="Camera">{{citation |url= http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_20300894/body-ultrarunner-micah-true-58-found-new-mexico |title= Body of ultrarunner Micah True, 58, found in New Mexico wilderness |date=April 1, 2012 |work=[[Denver Post]] |agency= [[Camera (newspaper)|The Daily Camera]] |accessdate= April 1, 2012 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/66efwwliv |archivedate= April 3, 2012 |deadurl= no}}</ref> He was found dead with his legs dangling in a stream, around 4 p.m., on March 31, 2012.<ref name="Bryan"/><ref name="Wulfhorst">{{Harvtxt|Wulfhorst|2012}}</ref> The local sheriff said there were "no obvious signs of trauma".<ref name="Taylor">{{Harvtxt|Taylor|2012}}</ref> His remains were removed by horseback, and because of difficult terrain and remote location, the recovery was not completed until April 1.<ref name="Byars"/><ref name="Christie"/><ref name="Wulfhorst"/><ref name="Stainburn"/> They were sent for an autopsy by the [[Coroner|Office of the Medical Investigator]].<ref name="Bryan"/>


Many searchers, including world class ultra-runners such as [[Scott Jurek]], Kyle Skaggs, and many athletes and friends who had participated in the 51 mile Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon, along with some athletes and friends who hadn't participated in that race, and other people who were neither athletes or friends and who hadn't participated in that race, traveled to the remote wilderness, to assist with the rescue effort.<ref name="VanHoven">{{Harvtxt|Van Hoven|2012}}</ref>
Many searchers, including world class ultra-runners such as [[Scott Jurek]], Kyle Skaggs, Micah's Partner, Maria Luisa Walton,and many athletes and friends who had participated in the 51 mile Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon, along with some athletes and friends who hadn't participated in that race, and other people who were neither athletes or friends and who hadn't participated in that race, traveled to the remote wilderness, to assist with the rescue effort.<ref name="VanHoven">{{Harvtxt|Van Hoven|2012}}</ref>


True is survived by brothers Stephen and David Hickman, and sister Suzanne Dean.<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="FOX">{{citation |url= http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/03/31/officials-expand-search-for-missing-colorado-ultrarunner-in-new-mexico/?test=latestnews |title= Officials expand search for missing Colorado ultrarunner in New Mexico |publisher=[[Fox News]] |agency= Associated Press |date= March 31, 2012 |accessdate=March 31, 2012 |archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/66edHqbIi |archivedate= April 3, 2012 |deadurl= no}}</ref>
True is survived by brothers Stephen and David Hickman,sister Suzanne Dean, and Partner, Maria Luisa Walton.<ref name="NYT"/><ref name="FOX">{{citation |url= http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/03/31/officials-expand-search-for-missing-colorado-ultrarunner-in-new-mexico/?test=latestnews |title= Officials expand search for missing Colorado ultrarunner in New Mexico |publisher=[[Fox News]] |agency= Associated Press |date= March 31, 2012 |accessdate=March 31, 2012 |archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/66edHqbIi |archivedate= April 3, 2012 |deadurl= no}}</ref>


A simple memorial gathering was held at [[Colorado Chautauqua]] in Boulder on April 6. True's friends ran up [[Flagstaff Mountain, Boulder, Colorado|Flagstaff Mountain]] and assembled on the Chautauqua park lawn to swap stories and remembrances of him.<ref name="memorial">{{Harvtxt|Byars|2012b}}</ref><ref name="ICTMN">{{cite news |url=http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/06/micah-trues-death-may-have-ripple-effect-for-raramuri-indians-106860 |title=Micah True's Death May Have Ripple Effect for Rarámuri Indians |author=ICTMN Staff |publisher=Indian Country Today Media Network|date=April 6, 2012 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/66qJtm079 |archivedate= April 3, 2012 |deadurl= no}}</ref>
A simple memorial gathering was held at [[Colorado Chautauqua]] in Boulder on April 6. Walton, and True's friends ran up [[Flagstaff Mountain, Boulder, Colorado|Flagstaff Mountain]] and assembled on the Chautauqua park lawn to swap stories and remembrances of him.<ref name="memorial">{{Harvtxt|Byars|2012b}}</ref><ref name="ICTMN">{{cite news |url=http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/06/micah-trues-death-may-have-ripple-effect-for-raramuri-indians-106860 |title=Micah True's Death May Have Ripple Effect for Rarámuri Indians |author=ICTMN Staff |publisher=Indian Country Today Media Network|date=April 6, 2012 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/66qJtm079 |archivedate= April 3, 2012 |deadurl= no}}</ref>


An [[autopsy]] was inconclusive with respect to the actual [[cause of death]], revealing, however, that True was suffering from idiopathic [[cardiomyopathy]], which had caused the left [[Ventricle (heart)|ventricle]] of his heart to become enlarged. The autopsy report of the Office of the Medical Investigator of New Mexico noted that "[t]he decedent did not have a regular physician and no medical records particularly [[electrocardiogram]]s or [[blood pressure]] readings were available for review" and "[t]he best determination is that of unclassified cardiomyopathy which resulted in a [[cardiac dysrhythmia]] during exertion." <ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/apnewsbreak-autopsy-points-to-heart-disease-as-cause-of-death-for-ultra-runner-micah-true/2012/05/08/gIQA3YbABU_story.html</ref><ref>{{Harvtxt|Bryan|2012c}}</ref>
An [[autopsy]] was inconclusive with respect to the actual [[cause of death]], revealing, however, that True was suffering from idiopathic [[cardiomyopathy]], which had caused the left [[Ventricle (heart)|ventricle]] of his heart to become enlarged. The autopsy report of the Office of the Medical Investigator of New Mexico noted that "[t]he decedent did not have a regular physician and no medical records particularly [[electrocardiogram]]s or [[blood pressure]] readings were available for review" and "[t]he best determination is that of unclassified cardiomyopathy which resulted in a [[cardiac dysrhythmia]] during exertion." <ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/apnewsbreak-autopsy-points-to-heart-disease-as-cause-of-death-for-ultra-runner-micah-true/2012/05/08/gIQA3YbABU_story.html</ref><ref>{{Harvtxt|Bryan|2012c}}</ref>

Revision as of 17:41, 1 June 2012

Micah True
Personal information
Birth nameMichael Randall Hickman
NicknameCaballo Blanco
NationalityAmerican
Bornc. 1954
Diedc. March 27, 2012(2012-03-27) (aged 58)
Gila Wilderness, New Mexico, USA
Websitewww.caballoblanco.com
Sport
Sport
Events

Micah True (c. 1954 – March 2012[1]), born Michael Randall Hickman and also known as "Caballo Blanco", was an American ultrarunner from Boulder, Colorado, who gained fame as a central character in Christopher McDougall's best selling book [A] Born to Run.[3][4]

True's inclusion in the book garnered him some attention in ultrarunning circles, and some readers credited him as their inspiration for taking up the sport.[1][5][6][7][8]

Life

Micah True was the son of a World War II Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant and grew up in various nationally located Marine Corps bases.[9]

True attended Humboldt State University where he studied Eastern religions and Native American history.[9] To finance his studies, he began prizefighting in informal boxing bouts, sometimes taking dives, using the name "Gypsy Cowboy."[10] Between 1974 and 1982, True was a professional middleweight boxer, fighting under the name Mike "True" Hickman. His career record was 9 wins (KO 2), 11 losses (KO 9), and 0 draws.[11][12]

Running

While living in Boulder, True worked part time as a self-employed furniture mover, but by then his passion had become distance running.[12] For almost 20 years, he spent winters training in Mexico and Central America, averaging 170 miles (270 km) per week.[13][14] He would return to Boulder, Colorado, during the summers to work odd jobs for enough money to live on the rest of the year.[10] He was featured in a 2006 article in Men's Health which elucidates many of the lessons he internalized from the Tarahumara people (a.k.a. Rarámuri).[15][16] True stated his best advice to fellow runners was: "Run easy, light, smoooooth, happy ... and run free! Ándale!"[17]

Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon

True was the founder[18] and race director of the annual Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon,[17][19] which has its start and finish in the town square of Urique, Chihuahua, Mexico. The race covers an estimated 50 miles (80 km) of single track trail and dirt road.[1][17][20] The first Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon was held on March 23, 2003[21] The 2012 event took place on March 12 and was the largest ever with hundreds of participants. Most were local Tarahumara, known for their running endurance, both as a general means of travel and while participating in ceremonial, team-based, long distance running events, most famously the Rarajipari, or ball game. In addition to prize money for the top ten finishers, the event awards seed corn vouchers to all runners who complete the distance.

Due to his pivotal role in the organization and production of the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon, upon True's demise, the continuation of the event was placed in doubt.[8] Nevertheless, there are those who hope to continue it, although its projected form is unknown.[22] Soon after True's death, a charitable foundation was formed as part of an effort to keep the Copper Canyon race going.[18]

Death

On March 27, 2012, True failed to return after heading out for a run in the Gila Wilderness, part of the Gila National Forest in southwestern New Mexico. He departed from the Wilderness Lodge in Gila saying he was going for a 12 mile (19 km) run. A subsequent mountain rescue effort involved three aircraft and at least nine search and rescue teams in off-road vehicles and on horseback, looking across 200,000 acres (81,000 ha) of high desert.[23][24] He was found dead with his legs dangling in a stream, around 4 p.m., on March 31, 2012.[8][25] The local sheriff said there were "no obvious signs of trauma".[26] His remains were removed by horseback, and because of difficult terrain and remote location, the recovery was not completed until April 1.[1][6][25][23] They were sent for an autopsy by the Office of the Medical Investigator.[8]

Many searchers, including world class ultra-runners such as Scott Jurek, Kyle Skaggs, Micah's Partner, Maria Luisa Walton,and many athletes and friends who had participated in the 51 mile Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon, along with some athletes and friends who hadn't participated in that race, and other people who were neither athletes or friends and who hadn't participated in that race, traveled to the remote wilderness, to assist with the rescue effort.[27]

True is survived by brothers Stephen and David Hickman,sister Suzanne Dean, and Partner, Maria Luisa Walton.[20][28]

A simple memorial gathering was held at Colorado Chautauqua in Boulder on April 6. Walton, and True's friends ran up Flagstaff Mountain and assembled on the Chautauqua park lawn to swap stories and remembrances of him.[29][30]

An autopsy was inconclusive with respect to the actual cause of death, revealing, however, that True was suffering from idiopathic cardiomyopathy, which had caused the left ventricle of his heart to become enlarged. The autopsy report of the Office of the Medical Investigator of New Mexico noted that "[t]he decedent did not have a regular physician and no medical records particularly electrocardiograms or blood pressure readings were available for review" and "[t]he best determination is that of unclassified cardiomyopathy which resulted in a cardiac dysrhythmia during exertion." [31][32]

See also

Footnotes

  1. ^ The book was on the New York Times Best Seller List for more than four months, although book critic Dan Zak, writer of the Style section of the Washington Post thought it contained extraneous efforts to be "gonzo and overly clever".[2]

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d Byars (2012a)
  2. ^ Zak, Dan (June 21, 2009). "Running, the Natural Way". Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 3, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ "Body of runner Micah True, 'Caballo Blanco', found", The First Post, London, archived from the original on April 3, 2012, retrieved April 1, 2012 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Metzler (2010)
  5. ^ "Renowned runner Micah True's body found". USA Today. April 2, 2012. Archived from the original on April 3, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ a b Christie (2012)
  7. ^ "Micah True, a super athlete" (Video). The Age. Melbourne. April 3, 2012. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  8. ^ a b c d Bryan (2012a)
  9. ^ a b Shapiro (2012)
  10. ^ a b McDougall (2011) [page needed]
  11. ^ "Mike Hickman", BoxRec, retrieved April 6, 2012
  12. ^ a b Bearak (2012)
  13. ^ Brick (2000)
  14. ^ McDougall (2012a)
  15. ^ McDougall (2006)
  16. ^ Staff Reporter (April 2, 2012). "Caballo Blanco Dead: Micah True Found Beside a Stream, Fans Respond to Death of a Legend". International Business Times. Archived from the original on April 3, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ a b c Outside Online (March 31, 2010), "Born to Run: Caballo Blanco Interview", Outside, archived from the original (Video) on April 3, 2012, retrieved April 1, 2012 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ a b "Foundation formed to keep alive runner Micah True's ultra-marathon in Copper Canyon". Albuquerque, New Mexico: Washington Post. April 9, 2012. Archived from the original on April 10, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Castellanos (2012)
  20. ^ a b "Missing Ultramarathoner Found Dead in New Mexico". The New York Times. Reuters. April 1, 2012. p. SP10. Archived from the original on April 3, 2012. Retrieved April 3, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ True, Micah, Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon, retrieved 21 April 2012
  22. ^ Bryan (2012b)
  23. ^ a b Stainburn (2012)
  24. ^ "Body of ultrarunner Micah True, 58, found in New Mexico wilderness", Denver Post, The Daily Camera, April 1, 2012, archived from the original on April 3, 2012, retrieved April 1, 2012 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ a b Wulfhorst (2012)
  26. ^ Taylor (2012)
  27. ^ Van Hoven (2012)
  28. ^ Officials expand search for missing Colorado ultrarunner in New Mexico, Fox News, March 31, 2012, archived from the original on April 3, 2012, retrieved March 31, 2012 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ Byars (2012b)
  30. ^ ICTMN Staff (April 6, 2012). "Micah True's Death May Have Ripple Effect for Rarámuri Indians". Indian Country Today Media Network. Archived from the original on April 3, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/apnewsbreak-autopsy-points-to-heart-disease-as-cause-of-death-for-ultra-runner-micah-true/2012/05/08/gIQA3YbABU_story.html
  32. ^ Bryan (2012c)
  33. ^ Carbone, Nick (April 2, 2012). "Micah True: How Did an Experienced Ultramarathoner Go Off Course". Time. Archived from the original on April 3, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

References

External links

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