There have been a lot of discussions here as we prepare to head off into the unknown…In particular, concern has grown over seeming plans to send for crews as soon as the maps are released. Yes, crews. Even tho people have been genuine road angels in the past, invoking them as soon as the map is released, so they can drive all night and be waiting for you when you come out of the bayous Read more…
just think.one week from today we will be on those buses!already you will know what compass direction it is to the start.part of me hates that we wont get to exactly follow the course in reverse.but there are just 3 or 4 sections that buses cant do.(these are no problem on foot, trust me!)you will get to go a long, long way on the course.and the distance will still boggle them mind when you think Read more…
want to know how you know it is almost time?.i just sent the email asking who wants to eat the fabulous pre-race meal….and who wants the veterinarian meal..ok. they will both be good.but the real meal has had my mouth watering in anticipation for months!!.why am i posting this?because some of those mails are going to hit spam folders,and some people never check their spam folder.i am only going to order the specified number of Read more…
Seeing all the discussion about training, heat acclimation, etc; I will pass along some information about drops that might (or might not) be useful to the virgins coming to their first run of this nature..The single factor most effecting the finish rate at the Vol State is the temperature during the first two days.If we start the race in moderate temperatures (mind you , that means “only” hot as hell) the finish rate will probably Read more…
Just to point out that my chiggers were the result of an “innocent” mistake. Carl cut some branches to prevent them scraping a hole in our canopy tent. Somehow those branches ended up in the kindling pile, i wonder how? One night while i was cutting up kindling in the dark i chopped up several of those branches before thinking; “Hey, these are green!” I turned my flashlight on them and knew i was doomed. Read more…
just over 6 hours to go. everyone is in except diane, richard, and terrie. . feeling good about diane. all three of then were together at the blue bridge but she pulled away, and now we believe her to be on castle rock road. slowly and painfully approaching the gate to castle rock ranch. feeling good about diane making it. . richard had moved out behind her and was at the start of the climb Read more…
sorry for the spotty updates here down the stretch. we have been pretty busy up on the rock and the electronics operate on limited charge. only during the infrequent gaps long enough to come down off the rock can i make decent posts. . the 10th day has begun. for the band of merrymakers toiling in oprah’s shadow it is time to fish or cut bait. they have a great day to start the final, Read more…
and so we begin day 9. the staff is happy (in relative terms) having gotten a 2 hour nap after the last day 8 finisher. heading into the last 48 hours doesnt hurt either. us and the runners, we can smell the barn. . matt burke gets the award so far for the most tragic mis-estimation of his final push. starting in manchester at 2300 wednesday night he ran all the rest of wednesday night Read more…