Please send ALL POSITIVE VIBES Far West....

....as Catra and friends challenge H.U.R.T. (See link on TSI front page.) Here in the East planning has already begun for the 2007 RBC50K; now just 258 days away! The trail is currently under construction, and while the sleek, wooden handrails have failed to materialize; flattest foot freddie was down at da' guvner's house yesterday for a hoedown (beer and wings). Seems the guv agreed to allow TSI to erect a large butter carving of old john clark hisself out at the trailhead. So we're bringing in world-renowned dairy creamer Nikolov Aemilius, of Sofia, Bulgaria to begin the job. Chief Slug has agreed to trade two cases of Pete's Wicked Ale, and a half-dozen t-shirts for the butter. Which is all fine and dandy, 'cept this year da' hitmans chili will have to go. Rather we're bringing in about 15,000 ears of corn. That should satisfy demand. Of course all rules are subject to change! Hope all da' slugs, and all friends, all over the world are enjoying this beautiful saturday morning. happiest of days, mister clean.

Congrats to TSI's 2007 Fattest Butt Finishers!

Another Fat Butt in da' books old friends. Congrats to all who toed the line this morning in the Central Flats of Delaware. An unseasonably warm 73 degrees challenged the runners, and all responded with incredible efforts. A.J. Johnson of NJ, Jason Cooper of TN, and Ryan Carter of DC shared the win in 4:42:05. Top female in her ultra-debut was Katie Ka of PA. Crazy Horse went to Jason Mattis of PA in 7:11:46. A full report will be posted to www.teamslug.com in the next two days. happy trails, flatfoot freddie.

fattest butt eve...my favorite night of the year :)

from our fearless race director, the most-pokey slug, "hey, the guidedogs are ready and the blind squirrels are on their worst behavior, ready for tomorrow; see all in the a.m." and from the national weather service (and, i'm not making this up), "highs in the lower 70's." bring da' sunscreen, it's gonna get hott. finally, good news from ms katy and hubby. day do expect to be's here. happy days, flattest foot freddie.

I know it's 268 days away; but.....

...da' King Slug has been named FIRST OFFICIAL ENTRANT into the 2007 Russell B. Cheney 50K non-event here in the Central Plains of Delaware. Dat's right...one mister rob powell has chosen to preside over the Great State of Ohio, and all its Slugs. Congrats, bro. The Final Countdown is on for 2007 Fattest Butt....everyone take a deep breath :) happy days, da' hitman.

Happy New Year Slugs!!!

sluggos and future sluggos! the year is off to a great start here in the first state. sixty-five degrees and pouring rain most of the day. received a note today from eugene bruckert of illinois. he is the 22nd, and probably final victim into the 2007 fat butt field. to get in now will require a personal note from big bertha, and as bad as she's missing john clark; it ain't likely she'll write you one. final preparations are nearing completion; official tsi slug-shirts are in for all first-time sluggos, and official 2007 finisher's awards for current slugs will be picked up by wednesday. the course is receiving it's final comb-down, with bright orange markers and glow lights planted approximately every twelve yards. handrails are expected to be installed by friday afternoon --- barring any foul weather. we've never lost anyone yet, but in 1996 wrongway charlie became disoriented and ran all the way back to the maryland line. not this year! this year we will have a perfect non-event. fresh pondwater is being boiled, and two week old bread is being bargained for down at the local food shelter. remember, ya go over seven hours; you receive EXTRA CREDIT. see ya on saturday!

Ho Ho Ho; Merry Christmas, One and All !!!

Now i realize that y'er Sluggo's and probably weren't too good this year; which means Santa may have left ya' coal, instead of a new pair of Brooks Beasts. Any-who relax, and repent; try harder in 2007. And, what better way to start than another Fat Butt. We currently have 21 confirmed entrants, but if ya just feelin' that ya need that black shirt, shoot us a request for entry; no doubt not all of the confirmed entrants will be sobered up by January 6th. In all sincerity; i have received confirmation that da'hitman hisself will be present for fattest butt. no word yet on john d. clark. keep yer fingers crossed. finally, for me-self, the tsi executive board, AND all sluggos everywhere; THANKS for the beautiful memories, and loving friendships. SLUGS ROCK! happy days, flatfoot freddie.

fattest butt gets plumper by da' week!

ok, dr. hitman turned up; seems he ordered one of d'ose on-line clergy certificates, and he's been down in tallahassee marryin' drunkard college students at $25 a pop to pay for seventy-five cases of new orleans' finest voodoo blackened lager. and, you can be sure he's up to no good with that much swamp juice. but, he did promise to be here in january; and, the tsi 2007 fattest butt registration continues with the next four official entrants confirmed; jason mattis, phillip hesser, rich kruse, and miguel gomez. welcome one and all. the field continues to shape up nicely, and slug trinkets have been "officially ordered." soon we will add more names to the lifetime slug list, and friends, if you are still running; you may continue to avoid the wrath of the the famous black slug-shirt; but, sooner or later, if ya don't quit; you'll be joining us in the slug kingdom. hey, it ain't so bad being slow! from the warm and sunny eastern seaboard, flattest foot freddie.

Smith/Laundry smoke da' SC Fat Ass!!!

Congrats to the latest two 2007 fattest butt entrants, and potential Lifetime Slugs; Chuck Donaway and Mark Kuo. Also, congrats to Brother Claude and the Runners From Hell for the highly successful SC Fat Ass 50K held this past Sunday in Lancaster, SC. Claude reports nine finishers with first male and female finishing in a dead heat. Stuart Smith and Susan Landry of Pennsylvania finished together in 4:33:35. What a great run, and no doubt a great time down south yesterday. Hope each of ya have your Christmas shopping done! Itsa comin'. The fattest butt is also creeping closer and closer, and surely; da hitman will be here. Race day mis-information will be posted the week between the holidays. happy days, flatfoot freddie.

freeze warning in florida tonight!

ok...that's not why i'm writing, but if you're anywhere from gainesville, north; ya better bring in the plants tonight. next three victims, errr, participants; for the 2007 team slug fattest butt 50k in january are; matthew hernberger, derek hills (returning for more funn), and ravi gooneratne. race director for this non-event will be amanda bundek. we're now just over a month out, and very excited about this run. new handrails are currently being installed, along with some heated astro-turf. remember, guide dogs are allowed at all slug events; and extra credit is provided for those who take longer than seven hours to finish. a couple of days after christmas i'll send out a detailed rules sheet. of course, it'll be mostly empty. for all you folks up north tonight; i wish you warm tidings of great joy. from keyest west, da' flattest foot freddie....

too much bloggin...but the good news keeps comin'

ok, friends; we've had three more entrants confirmed for fattest butt in the past 24 hrs. and, they are each highly honorable and kind slugs, and a few of the people that i like best in the whole world. are you all sitting down??? yes, james and rebecca have confirmed that they will return in january for the fattest butt!!! d'oldest of d'old sluggos. the originals, the birthday track runners, yee-haw, da' all- nighter, and his childbride, my favorite sluggette; will be here, again. and, they will be joined by delaware ultrarunner #1 (and a slug-in-good-standing), making his second consecutive fatt butt start, mr. db. so now it's gettin serious; if ya see da' hitman, tells him to get on home...we gotta start marking the course by christmas....happy days, flatfoot freddie...

ellie hamilton in !!!!

i've called da' hitman and he said go head and let da' ellie monster in; do i don't know her/him.
any-who; field is shapin up way too good, and da slugs will be roollllin in jan.
sendin all peace and da'love; happiest of days, flattest foot freddie....

fear and loathing in dover, delaware!!!

"Greetings Team Slug, my name is Chris Palazzi from New York state, via IRAQ, and i will be joining you in the Fattest Butt on January 6th. I hail from NY and this will be my first 50k race. Do you have any idea of the elevation gain?"
ed; brother chris the great of new york, and an iraqi veteran; my friend, you will be welcome no matter what shoes you are wearing. don't worry about the elevation or the distance. we WILL get you to the finish line; don't expect it to be pretty!
SLUGS; brother dave has entered! let's keep it under 10!
hitman due back on december 30th.....happy days, flatfoot freddie!

Congrats all Slug-finishers at JFK

I'm not sure where da' hitman is; probably in deep florida with no shoes and semi-intoxicated, but he ain't here. Any-who, congrats to all the TSI finishers, and ALL finishers, at JFK yesterday. What a great group of folks. While TSI remains as unorganized today, as it was 17 years ago in Virginia Beach; it does remain a "state of mind" and a philosophy of not only finishing, but a philosophy of friendship. We appreciate every single one of you beautiful folks who have crossed our path. Now please, if anyone sees john; please send him back north. The Fattest Butt is now only 47 days away!!! happy days, flattest foot freddie....

happy veteran's day; one day late!

a special thanks to all the veterans out there. it is a privilege to have you all show up at the slug events, and not only participate; but become lifelong slugs. all here in key west is great! da' hitman is again missing, haven't seen him for nearly a month, but no doubt he'll be back for the parade next weekend. i got a nice note from taz, who will be hosting a south carolina fat ass on 12/10. there's a link on the slug, upcoming race page; if you're interested. also, we're just under two months until the team slug fattest butt in the first state. all else is quiet.... from the southernmost point in the united states of america.....flatfoot freddie

2007 Fattest Butt set for January 6th.

El Sluggos,
just a friendly reminder that the 17th annual Team Slug Fattest Butt non-event will be held on January 6th, 2007 here in Central Delaware. After the fiasco last year, i expect a lot of participation this year. i mean, you get to have a lot of fun for only ten bucks. also, the first entrant has been confirmed. One mister john straub will attend in an attempt to earn a slug shirt.
happy days, ff.

Russell B. Cheney tenative results.

Team Slug's 17th birthday non-event/fun run, The Russell B. Cheney 50K, was held yesterday here in central Delaware. We had 17 starters toe the line, and 16 of them finished. The weather was outstanding, almost too good, to run that far in. Russell and one of his L.A. Legger buddies, Charles Sayles, were on hand directly from California. We had ourselves a good old-fashioned footrace here on the top-secret Slug ultra-course. The winner was Mark Crisman of Maryland in 4:02:10 followed closely by Rob Powell of Ohio in 4:07:50; and the female winner was Brittany Klimowicz, currently a senior at the University of Delaware, in 4:34:23. A full story with full results will be posted to www.teamslug.com within three days. Hope everyone is having a great fall running season, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Russell B. Cheney 50K Information / Welcome Pack

friends, slugs (old and new);

1. The fall marathon season is now upon us, and final tune-ups are being made. Here in Slug-land we're also preparing to welcome mr. russell b. cheney back to the first state where he will be participating in this event in his honor. I've included the list of confirmed entrants; if their is anyone out there that i missed please contact me immediately. My disorganization is legendary.

2. First, welcome to this ultramarathon. This will be the sixteenth consecutive year that this run has been held on the last weekend of sept/first weekend of october. It has moved from it's original location in virginia, to florida, one year in korea, and now into the first state of delaware. Please keep in mind this is not an "official" event. We're a group of old and new friends getting together to carry on this birthday tradition of a long run. This year the honoree is one mister cheney. He will be gracing us with his presence, and be available for photos and autographs. Also, this is kind of like a fat-ass run; but not as well organized. It will consist of nine loops around a pond, with aid available at the start/finish area. The markings will be sporadic to none, and handrails will not be present. However, you are welcome to bring guidedogs if you would feel safer out there. TSI will provide the basics of purified pond water and stale bread. If you need any special provisions to finish, please bring them along. There is NO TIME LIMIT, however, we must be out of the park by dark. Should anyone require more time, we'll park outside the gate, and i will personally help ya finish (i promise). The fee is ten u.s. dollars, unless other arrangements have been made (angela), and will only be collected if you want one of our world-famous black t-shirts. We do, of course, have a money-back guarantee if you are dissatisfied for any reason.

3. Incredibly, this is the largest field of starters we've ever had. Previously the record has been fifteen. Remember, however, it's not too late to drop out. In fact, you can drop out all the way up to the previous day; but please contact me if you come to your senses and decide not to show up. I assure you that i don't blame ya. My e-mail is: teamslug1@comcast.net ; or you can phone at (302)678-3325 at home and (302)399-6409 on my cell phone.

4. We will meet at Killen's Pond Park in the main parking area. It's easy to find on a map, approximately ten miles south of dover, delaware off route 13. Headed south from dover you'll make a left off of rt 13 at the sign marking killen's pond. drive approximately one mile and you will pass lake forest high school. the very next right will take you into the park. the gate opens at 0800 A.M, and it'll cost you a few bucks to get in. come all the way to the back past the water park. our small group should be easy to find. remember this is not an official event, and ranger rick has not been notified. we're just a small group of friends having an all-day picnic, and getting some exercise.

5. Finally, we'll be cooking some spaghetti the night before at my house in dover, probably around 630 PM. If you'd like to come by, and say hi, all will be welcome. The address is 240 beechwood avenue, off of alternate 113 (south state street.) again, i'd just appreciate a phone call a week or so ahead so we can have plenty of pasta. I love this time of year in the mid-atlantic, and the park will be beautiful. It's a very easy run, nearly all downhill, and i expect the temps to be in the mid-seventies. I look forward to seeing some of you all again, and look forward even more to meeting the new folks, and potential slugs.


Confirmed Starters Russell B. Cheney 50K on 9/30/06:
Brian Adams, DE
Don Baun, OH
Amanda Bundek, DE
Russell Cheney, CA
John Clark, PA
Mark Crisman, MD
John Hayward, MD
Angela Ivory, TN
Lawrence Macon, TX
Pete McLaughlin, DE
James Moore, VA
Rebecca Moore, VA
Steve Ozer, NY
Rob Powell, OH
Kendel Prescott, GA
Walt Prescott, GA
Richard Ryan, VA
Charles Sayles, CA
Mark Vukovich, VA
Juanita Wheatley, MD
Flatfoot Freddie, FL

another great training run today....

...deep in the central delawarean forests. pokey was in rare form and continues her climb towards that first ultra finish. weather here was fantastic, almost cool, this morning as we went well over twenty miles; her for the second consecutive saturday. also, checking in this week are several unfortunate souls registered for the rbc 50k+ ; now just forty some days away. i expect to get out all the race info by the first week of september. also, in the next week i'll be posting a list of confirmed victims, err, registrants. i'm looking forward to another fantastic team slug shindig. just like the old days; and we have some of the oldest of the old slugs confirmed. details coming.....

alive and kickin'

all is swell in slugland. rollin through the heat, etc. got a nice group lined up for the rbc 50k. it'll be a fine slugfest. most recently, mark vukovich of va beach has contacted me; and is likely to be attending. he's still a bit peeved over the new years day run; when he lost out on the crazy horse award to my favorite new york slug. but, mark, being an old-tyme slug is returning. and, this time he will accomplish the task, though he will be up against my favorite sluggette (of all time) ms rebecca. and, i'm sorry mark, but dead tie will go to rebecca. we're just too old of friends. also, james checked in and brought me to my senses. tsi cannot field an "official" team. that would go against all we stand for. we will be present; near the back; EARLY that morning. peace out old buddies; and i expect to get the rbc roster posted in the next couple of weeks. da' hitman

...the sixty day countdown is on...

to rbc50k here in our little state. and, we're ready. we've been enjoying some massive heat the past couple of weeks and today the temps in central delaware are supposed to reach the 100 degree range; and it feels like 200 with the humidity. anyway, we're thankful for the warmth of the sun; i'm certain this winter we'll be whining about something else. if you get a chance today click on the frontpage and look through dave bursler's badwater photos. they are inspiring and certain to make you want to get out there and move. today as always i wish you health and good running. see ya soon sluggos. john