today was supposed to be more of yesterday. yesterday was the day that a lot of newbies thought was hot but the veterans understood was not… . today got hot for real. . the temperature wasnt so bad by itself only in the mid to upper 90s. but with the humidity the heat index went well up over 100 in the shade. we dont even like to think about what the heat index was in Read more…
after a night of riotous revelry on the road the innocent faces are no more. everyone who saw the sun rise from the road this morning is now a veteran. there is still a lot of seasoning to be applied, but the reality of life on the open road is no longer a mystery…. . it is hard. much harder than what they imagined. it is dirty much dirtier than the way they pictured it Read more…
day 1 is the window for us in the race management. . up until we get the runners on the ferry it feels like the pressure is on. memories of the year the bus company missed the pickup date. the year the bus broke down. the year the motel didnt have the runners’ rooms cleaned… . need i go on? . the runners have always been great about the issues that have come up. sometimes Read more…
“At least I’m not dizzy and nauseous.” “A light pack is important, But for gods sake don’t cut weight by eliminating your water!”
it was quite an inspiring sight to see the largest vol state starting field ever stream off the ferry and head for hickman. the first couple of miles was an adventure, as landslides in the old downtown forced a last minute re-route up the pig alley steps and arrival at the courthouse from the opposite direction as usual… . the race staff (and at least one drafted spectator) manned the turns to keep everyone headed Read more…
the theme of the day… . butterflies . 80 virgins are tossing and turning, sleepless in what might turn out to be the last bed they sleep in for days. 50 veterans are not resting any easier. but those who have made the journey to the rock are staring into the darkness facing known fears. . the newbies only know they are facing an immense challenge the reality is still shrouded by inexperience. . the Read more…
HOTS UPDATE HOUR 240.we are smoldering like last night’s campfire..there are only 8 hotties still on course,and after the insanity of last night and this morningit is quiet here on the rock..there is plenty if time for these last survivors to make it home,but nothing is guaranteed.they face the same merciless hills as all who went before them..my laptop is like the race staff.running on the last dregs of batteryand badly in need of recharging….but Read more…
HOTS UPDATE 216 HOURS the pace quickens.9 days are done,a day and a half remains.31 runners have stood on the rock35 are trying to get there!.this amounts to a finisher per hour….we hope!.there is a virtual train of runners on the home stretch between the clarion and the rock..at the back all but 8 runners have summited sewanee,and are headed onward..last night was a wild one,with a lot of runners going thru the crack at Read more…