Friday night was a big blur of seeing everyone, meeting some new people, and being a little nervous for my first 50. I was in luck, my two best friends come down to NC to help crew for me. It really would make a difference during the race.
The start of the race came way too soon. One minute we were laughing and joking, the next the gun went off. I started off walking and was quickly passed by many people. I walked a good portion of the first 3 miles, out to the airport spur, although my legs really wanted to run. After the 3 mile point, I started running the flats and downhill, saving the walking for the uphill. I made my way through the muggy morning and found myself at Aid Station 2. They were whipping up some wonderful PBJs and I had half a sandwich. I got out quickly and was moving well. Towards mile 9, I met up with two guys, one who was running his first 50. I quickly fell into pace with them and we continued our first loop.
I had discovered around mile 10 that my socks were getting holes in them and knew I needed to change them before I got a blister. As we came into mile 11 area, I saw a lot of friendly faces Meri, Down and Durty Slug, Ethel, Keith, John, Rob, and Carl to name a few. Down and Durty Slug told me that I was moving faster than I had thought, which was good, so I slowed it a bit. I came into the cabin area and my crew cheered me along. I yelled to them that I needed socks and the blister guards. I made my way up to the timing station, stopped into the aid station. I quickly made my way back to the cabin to change the socks and do some pre-blister care. I could feel a hot spot on my heel from the hole, so I wanted to take care of it as soon as possible. That done, I had some coke, got lots of encouragement from my friends and I was off!
I started out on loop two and caught up with the guys and we made out way out on the airport spur. I might mention that we didn’t even make it through our first loop before we were lapped by some of the leaders? It was really motivating and nice to get to see those frontrunners. We continued on a run the downhill and some of the flats, but call slope when it goes a little uphill. The loop was filled with good conversations and we made it to the aid station where I had some more PBJ, some bagels with cream cheese and some snickers.
The rest of the loop was uneventful and I felt pretty good coming into the start finish. I had a cheeseburger, went to the cabin and had some coke, and some encouragement. The girls were wonderful and had news that Down and Durty Slug was running well and looked strong. I started out on loop 3 and was moving at a good clip. The rain started during this loop, but it was warm and a light drizzle, so I didn’t grab my rain gear yet. The guys caught up to me on the airport spur and before I knew it, we were at aid Station 2. I had some more bagel, another burger, and some dew. Then off into uncharted water for me, more miles than my longest run was on the horizon. Much laughter and a good pace later, I was back at the start/finish, having a hot dog, getting a picture with Tiney Broken Hiney slug (Andrea) and then to the cabin. I changed my socks again, new shoes, and got on some night garb. Out for Loop 4
I caught up to Down and Durty Slug while he was coming out of the airport spur. He was moving fairly well, and seemed to be in good spirits. My group was slow going, but we were moving. Around mile 44 my mental wheels started to come off. I really felt like quitting and was thinking that the aid station had chairs I could sit in. I was having some serious motivation issues, which the guys tried to talk me out of. I was just exhausted and mentally shot. Every step took an iron will and I had to constantly fight the urge to stop and fall over.
During this time we come upon Down and Durty Slug, who was moving slow and was very hurt. He let us know he was dropping due to calf/it band issues at the aid station and for us to keep going. I expressed my total dislike of my situation at the time and pressed on. The sight of the aid station was somewhat of a boost, but the pizza and mountain dew was the real treat. The pizza was magic and a few minutes after wolfing it down I felt revitalized. We were still moving slow, but the end was near. At one of the water points, I stepped off to the side to water the plants. I felt something stinging on both of ankles, but figured it was mosquitoes and kept moving.
Before I knew it we were at the last water stop. I was so excited, I couldn’t believe I was really going to finish. I had several Kitkats and peanut butter cups and up the hill we went. We finally made it to the 11 mile marker and I was ready for the finish. The last 1.5 miles seemed to drag on forever and I was never happier than seeing the gate to turn into the final .5 mile stretch. I reached that point and started moving faster, the end was in sight. I told the guys I’d see them at the top and went through the deep mud. I mustered up everything I had and made a dash to the top of the hill. There were cheers, hugs, and it felt good. Scratch that, it felt great. I finished in 17:20 and some seconds. While it wasn’t the fastest time, I thought it was close enough to a crazy horse that I can still keep my Pokey slug name.
Oh and the “stinging” on my legs? Fire Ants, that’s right, got lit up by the fire ants.
Pokey Slug
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Dawgs / Slugs Crossbreeding ???
...say it ain't so; thanks to John Straub for the Umstead update; still awaiting Queen Pokey's comments; happy days, hitman.
Just a quick note to congratulate everyone who was down at Umstead, whether they finished the hundred, finished the fifty, just started the race and decided to call it a day early, or were just there to pace and support the rest of us fools running around in the rain…
There were several people down there with ties to Delaware (TrailDawgs and Team Slug – but with Delaware being so small there appears to be some cross-breeding going on…) that I want to point out:
Carl Camp – another 100 mile finish for one of the toughest runners you will meet. Even hypothermic (from what it looked like to me…) he just kept going and going and going, this guy is a machine…
Pete McLaughlin – His first 100 miler! As Stumpy pointed out, an inspirational movie could be made about him, and to see his family down there supporting him through the entire thing was great. He was even able to scope out a potential son-in-law for 50 miles (talk about a way to get your girlfriends, uh, I mean, “friends”, Dad to like you – that is dedication), maybe this can be elaborated in the blog too! Pete was one of the first people I ran with in Delaware at the Phunt Run in 2006 and it was great to see him finish!
Pokey Slug (a.k.a Ann Thrax) – A great first 50 mile finish! Battling all the way, but was able to enlist a couple of helpers to try and Crazy Horse the finish…
Down and Durty Slug – A solid 50 mile finish just, even with still having a tan line from the cast on his leg…
King Buckeye Slug – A quick 50 mile jaunt to sandwich between two 100’s – Mohican will be fine!
Scott Hodukavich - cheering, pacing and supporting everyone of us down there – Now that you have had a taste of the madness which one are you doing this year???
Also, I had a great pacer from NC:
Banker Boy – thanks for pacing me the last two laps and keeping the adrenaline going!
As for my run, the planets must have aligned and it was just a good day, with great people. I have been able to learn from everyone I run with and apply these lessons on every run I do . Specifically I want to thank Sniper for his advice on how to run Umstead – thanks again Dave.
And for anyone who is interested in running South of the Canal (I know a bunch of you will be at BRR 50 on Sat…) this weekend – there are two opportunities:
1. Saturday - Appoquinimink River Association 5K trail run at St. Andrews – registration and info at: ARA 5K Registration - Active or Appoquinimink River Association
2. Sunday – FREE Marked 5K or ~20K Townsend run from my house (mostly road…) BBQ following the run…
See you on the trails soon,
John Straub
Just a quick note to congratulate everyone who was down at Umstead, whether they finished the hundred, finished the fifty, just started the race and decided to call it a day early, or were just there to pace and support the rest of us fools running around in the rain…
There were several people down there with ties to Delaware (TrailDawgs and Team Slug – but with Delaware being so small there appears to be some cross-breeding going on…) that I want to point out:
Carl Camp – another 100 mile finish for one of the toughest runners you will meet. Even hypothermic (from what it looked like to me…) he just kept going and going and going, this guy is a machine…
Pete McLaughlin – His first 100 miler! As Stumpy pointed out, an inspirational movie could be made about him, and to see his family down there supporting him through the entire thing was great. He was even able to scope out a potential son-in-law for 50 miles (talk about a way to get your girlfriends, uh, I mean, “friends”, Dad to like you – that is dedication), maybe this can be elaborated in the blog too! Pete was one of the first people I ran with in Delaware at the Phunt Run in 2006 and it was great to see him finish!
Pokey Slug (a.k.a Ann Thrax) – A great first 50 mile finish! Battling all the way, but was able to enlist a couple of helpers to try and Crazy Horse the finish…
Down and Durty Slug – A solid 50 mile finish just, even with still having a tan line from the cast on his leg…
King Buckeye Slug – A quick 50 mile jaunt to sandwich between two 100’s – Mohican will be fine!
Scott Hodukavich - cheering, pacing and supporting everyone of us down there – Now that you have had a taste of the madness which one are you doing this year???
Also, I had a great pacer from NC:
Banker Boy – thanks for pacing me the last two laps and keeping the adrenaline going!
As for my run, the planets must have aligned and it was just a good day, with great people. I have been able to learn from everyone I run with and apply these lessons on every run I do . Specifically I want to thank Sniper for his advice on how to run Umstead – thanks again Dave.
And for anyone who is interested in running South of the Canal (I know a bunch of you will be at BRR 50 on Sat…) this weekend – there are two opportunities:
1. Saturday - Appoquinimink River Association 5K trail run at St. Andrews – registration and info at: ARA 5K Registration - Active or Appoquinimink River Association
2. Sunday – FREE Marked 5K or ~20K Townsend run from my house (mostly road…) BBQ following the run…
See you on the trails soon,
John Straub
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Pokey finishes fifty @ Umstead.
Just received a phone call from Pokey.
She finished the 50 in a sweet 17+
I am so VERY PROUD of her;
what an incredible accomplishment...
No doubt, more details / pics are coming.
Huggs from da' Sluggs,
hitman.
She finished the 50 in a sweet 17+
I am so VERY PROUD of her;
what an incredible accomplishment...
No doubt, more details / pics are coming.
Huggs from da' Sluggs,
hitman.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Team Slug E-Mail Change
Sluggs and Sluggettes;
Please be advised that the Team Slug e-mail address has been changed. I'm not gonna post it on here; because, it appears the "bots" found it when it was posted on the TSI Website; and filled my inbox with all kinds of gobbledygook. However, most of y'all remember what it was, it had been the same for nearly ten years...The "only change" is take the "One" out! Hope the spring is going well for all.
Happy Days,
John.
Please be advised that the Team Slug e-mail address has been changed. I'm not gonna post it on here; because, it appears the "bots" found it when it was posted on the TSI Website; and filled my inbox with all kinds of gobbledygook. However, most of y'all remember what it was, it had been the same for nearly ten years...The "only change" is take the "One" out! Hope the spring is going well for all.
Happy Days,
John.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Congrats to Sistah "Poke"
Dear Bro "Da,"
Hoping that all is well with you in the flats of central Delmarva.
I am well, although disappointed that travel overseas caused me to miss
both the Geo Washington's Birthday Marathon and the Seneca Greenway
Marathon/50K. I am especially chagrined by the latter, since I was not
there to run with Sistah "Poke" and congratulate her coming over the
finish line.
I have since tried my best to redeem myself by completing the Lower
Potomac Marathon, paying my penance by running a good part of the
distance with a head-wind as stiff as the drinks quaffed by some of our
fellow bros and sistahs in Slugdom. Whether that suffering will carry
any weight with Poke, I cannot say.
Since I do not have her email address (and don't know whether she will
even communicate with her bro for not being there at Seneca Greenway),
please pass along my Sluggish congratulations and promise that - one of
these days - we'll actually COMPLETE the same race. Regrets and
congrats (to Poke) and regards to you both, Bro "Sir SC"
Hoping that all is well with you in the flats of central Delmarva.
I am well, although disappointed that travel overseas caused me to miss
both the Geo Washington's Birthday Marathon and the Seneca Greenway
Marathon/50K. I am especially chagrined by the latter, since I was not
there to run with Sistah "Poke" and congratulate her coming over the
finish line.
I have since tried my best to redeem myself by completing the Lower
Potomac Marathon, paying my penance by running a good part of the
distance with a head-wind as stiff as the drinks quaffed by some of our
fellow bros and sistahs in Slugdom. Whether that suffering will carry
any weight with Poke, I cannot say.
Since I do not have her email address (and don't know whether she will
even communicate with her bro for not being there at Seneca Greenway),
please pass along my Sluggish congratulations and promise that - one of
these days - we'll actually COMPLETE the same race. Regrets and
congrats (to Poke) and regards to you both, Bro "Sir SC"
Monday, March 03, 2008
Seneca Creek Greenway Trail Marathon/50K
ALL-SLUGS
Hope all is well with you. had a great time at the race and tried to crazy horse the marathon, but had some stiff competition. It was like racing Eugene "Bring it" or Miguel "last one standing" Gomez. It was a fight, but in the end I just wasn't able to hang on. So I had a beer and some ribs and called it a night. It was a great race, highly recommend it for all. Plus it had some mud and you know how much I love mud!
Pokey.
Friday night I made my way over to Montgomery County Maryland to settle in for my first time running this event. I used to live in this area and would run on parts of this trail sometimes. It was a different time in my life then and I can't believe I was back running form where I used to live, to about where I used to work. 4 years does change a lot of things.
5:35 am comes way too soon and I get my gear on and prepare to drive to the finish area and meet up with Down and Durty Slug, aka Durt, so we can ride the bus to the start together. The temp isn’t too bad, but the wind is fierce. I was glad I had plenty of layers on. We are dropped off to registration and the start line and get our numbers. While in line I her someone Yell “turtle” which is one of my many monikers. It is KC from Kickrunners who recognized me from an incident at JFK involving a certain “knighted” slug and pictures of said slug’s, ahem, cheeks. I then saw the NJ Lawyer clan who made quite a Splash at TSI Fattest Butt who were in great spirits.
Line up for the start came and off we went. D&D slug hung with me for a bit, but true to Wrong Way Charlie’s teachings, I quickly found my way to the back of the pack. I ran with KC for a bit and finally was left to my own slug devices at the back of the pack. I found my slogging pace and quickly found myself oozing through mud and such. The trail was quite pretty and I enjoyed my time on the trail. After a few miles, I started to catch up to some other runners, one being the Lovely Miss C from Colorado, two weeks after her Tokyo Marathon finish. I started to run and chat with her, enjoying these moments that only seems to happen on the trails. Those fun times with new friends who have wonderful tales and great insight.
As we headed over one of the road crossings, we came upon a runner who had an unfortunate run-in with a deer. She was a bit bloodied from the encounter and was talking to a volunteer. I offered my firefighter experience to check her out and suggested she have her shoulder checked out and hand cleaned up at a Local ER. Deer are very powerful and she had a lot of shoulder pain. Once they were getting her on her way, I left out onto the trail, searching for the Lovely Miss C. We made it to the 11 mile marker and I had the most wonderful Girl Scout cookies and refilled my water. I took off a bit ahead of Miss C, but she was not far behind me. There was a time when we came out of the woods and the wind picked up, giving me quite a chill. It slowed me down considerably and Miss C caught up to me. We were making okay time, but as we made our way to the 15 mile marker, we started to hear the trail sweep behind us. I picked the pace up a bit and made it to the 15 mile marker with about 2 minutes to spare.
Miles 14 and 15 are always a low point for in any race for me. I tend to question my sanity and desire for finishing at this point. I have found that some Coca cola and m&ms seem to cure this mental block and I push through. I found both at the 15 mile marker and took off, in hopes of a finish.
I must take the time to note the signs advertising Peeps everywhere. At first I thought maybe someone was hiding peeps in the woods where one could “hunt” and find them. I started to get a little mad at the fact there were no peeps hiding from me. It was when I finally saw a sign with “Peep Show 2 miles” did I realize it was going to be an Aid station with peeps. I was stoked, to say the least. With some Coke already on board, the thought of peeps was energizing. I quickly found my way up the hill next to field, then down towards the peep station. There they were, those mythical beasts of sugary perfection, I gave a pat to the stuffed “Peep” on my way into the station. I called out my number and they said good going Amanda…. It was great to hear someone cheering me on. I was even more excited by the two peeps ,one purple and one green, they handed to me, neatly impaled on a stick. This was no marshmallow fluff on my shoe (long story), but real, slightly stale, peeps on a stick. I was in heaven. I had a Pb&J, two peeps (marshmallow goodness), and some more coke. I filled up my water bottle, sucked down some lava salts and went on my merry way.
I took some time to walk off the peeps and channel my inner slug. Miss C caught up with me (that woman is a POWER walker) and we stayed together for a few. She was told we were about a 10K from the finish. I knew I could make that in the time allotted, so I bid her farewell, since she walked faster than I did and I was running faster than her at that point. I quickly made my way to the last stop, where I had my water bottle topped off and some pretzels. I then told the volunteers I loved them when they told me 3 miles to the finish and I really meant it. I totally did love them. I made my way down to the second big water crossing and managed to only get one “turtle” foot wet. I then made my way up these huge steps that made my quads feel like they were being ripped off and up and up a hill.
About this time I realized just how important all the weight training I have been doing is. All the squats, plyometrics, box jumps, bosu, and wobble board work. I pushed myself up the hills with more speed that I would normally have at this point and when I hit the flats, I was moving fast. I made it off the trail and to the road where I made my way to the finish. Walking up the road on my way to the Finish was none other than the Boyfriend, his Uncle and D&D slug. I tossed my mittens to the Boyfriend with an “I didn’t pee on them” (long story) and D&D slug took off down to the finish with me. He had a good finish in the 50K and got some quality time in for Umstead. I finished the Marathon in 7:47(my last 10K was a 1:20 which is a good trail 10K for me after 25 or so miles), certainly not the faster time in all of history, but it was a great training run for me. Plus, I got to run with an amazing lady for a good portion of the race, which is worth more than any PR in my slug opinion.
Hope all is well with you. had a great time at the race and tried to crazy horse the marathon, but had some stiff competition. It was like racing Eugene "Bring it" or Miguel "last one standing" Gomez. It was a fight, but in the end I just wasn't able to hang on. So I had a beer and some ribs and called it a night. It was a great race, highly recommend it for all. Plus it had some mud and you know how much I love mud!
Pokey.
Friday night I made my way over to Montgomery County Maryland to settle in for my first time running this event. I used to live in this area and would run on parts of this trail sometimes. It was a different time in my life then and I can't believe I was back running form where I used to live, to about where I used to work. 4 years does change a lot of things.
5:35 am comes way too soon and I get my gear on and prepare to drive to the finish area and meet up with Down and Durty Slug, aka Durt, so we can ride the bus to the start together. The temp isn’t too bad, but the wind is fierce. I was glad I had plenty of layers on. We are dropped off to registration and the start line and get our numbers. While in line I her someone Yell “turtle” which is one of my many monikers. It is KC from Kickrunners who recognized me from an incident at JFK involving a certain “knighted” slug and pictures of said slug’s, ahem, cheeks. I then saw the NJ Lawyer clan who made quite a Splash at TSI Fattest Butt who were in great spirits.
Line up for the start came and off we went. D&D slug hung with me for a bit, but true to Wrong Way Charlie’s teachings, I quickly found my way to the back of the pack. I ran with KC for a bit and finally was left to my own slug devices at the back of the pack. I found my slogging pace and quickly found myself oozing through mud and such. The trail was quite pretty and I enjoyed my time on the trail. After a few miles, I started to catch up to some other runners, one being the Lovely Miss C from Colorado, two weeks after her Tokyo Marathon finish. I started to run and chat with her, enjoying these moments that only seems to happen on the trails. Those fun times with new friends who have wonderful tales and great insight.
As we headed over one of the road crossings, we came upon a runner who had an unfortunate run-in with a deer. She was a bit bloodied from the encounter and was talking to a volunteer. I offered my firefighter experience to check her out and suggested she have her shoulder checked out and hand cleaned up at a Local ER. Deer are very powerful and she had a lot of shoulder pain. Once they were getting her on her way, I left out onto the trail, searching for the Lovely Miss C. We made it to the 11 mile marker and I had the most wonderful Girl Scout cookies and refilled my water. I took off a bit ahead of Miss C, but she was not far behind me. There was a time when we came out of the woods and the wind picked up, giving me quite a chill. It slowed me down considerably and Miss C caught up to me. We were making okay time, but as we made our way to the 15 mile marker, we started to hear the trail sweep behind us. I picked the pace up a bit and made it to the 15 mile marker with about 2 minutes to spare.
Miles 14 and 15 are always a low point for in any race for me. I tend to question my sanity and desire for finishing at this point. I have found that some Coca cola and m&ms seem to cure this mental block and I push through. I found both at the 15 mile marker and took off, in hopes of a finish.
I must take the time to note the signs advertising Peeps everywhere. At first I thought maybe someone was hiding peeps in the woods where one could “hunt” and find them. I started to get a little mad at the fact there were no peeps hiding from me. It was when I finally saw a sign with “Peep Show 2 miles” did I realize it was going to be an Aid station with peeps. I was stoked, to say the least. With some Coke already on board, the thought of peeps was energizing. I quickly found my way up the hill next to field, then down towards the peep station. There they were, those mythical beasts of sugary perfection, I gave a pat to the stuffed “Peep” on my way into the station. I called out my number and they said good going Amanda…. It was great to hear someone cheering me on. I was even more excited by the two peeps ,one purple and one green, they handed to me, neatly impaled on a stick. This was no marshmallow fluff on my shoe (long story), but real, slightly stale, peeps on a stick. I was in heaven. I had a Pb&J, two peeps (marshmallow goodness), and some more coke. I filled up my water bottle, sucked down some lava salts and went on my merry way.
I took some time to walk off the peeps and channel my inner slug. Miss C caught up with me (that woman is a POWER walker) and we stayed together for a few. She was told we were about a 10K from the finish. I knew I could make that in the time allotted, so I bid her farewell, since she walked faster than I did and I was running faster than her at that point. I quickly made my way to the last stop, where I had my water bottle topped off and some pretzels. I then told the volunteers I loved them when they told me 3 miles to the finish and I really meant it. I totally did love them. I made my way down to the second big water crossing and managed to only get one “turtle” foot wet. I then made my way up these huge steps that made my quads feel like they were being ripped off and up and up a hill.
About this time I realized just how important all the weight training I have been doing is. All the squats, plyometrics, box jumps, bosu, and wobble board work. I pushed myself up the hills with more speed that I would normally have at this point and when I hit the flats, I was moving fast. I made it off the trail and to the road where I made my way to the finish. Walking up the road on my way to the Finish was none other than the Boyfriend, his Uncle and D&D slug. I tossed my mittens to the Boyfriend with an “I didn’t pee on them” (long story) and D&D slug took off down to the finish with me. He had a good finish in the 50K and got some quality time in for Umstead. I finished the Marathon in 7:47(my last 10K was a 1:20 which is a good trail 10K for me after 25 or so miles), certainly not the faster time in all of history, but it was a great training run for me. Plus, I got to run with an amazing lady for a good portion of the race, which is worth more than any PR in my slug opinion.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Jimmy Buffett for President '08
Team Slug has Officially thrown it's Inconsequential Support behind the Jimmy Buffett for President '08 campaign. This has delayed da'hitman's return to the Eastest Coast, as he is currently in Parrothead Political Training in Key Largo. Upon his return, he will assume a leadership position in Mr.Buffett's 1st State effort. Sending huggs to all da'Slugs, flatfoot freddie...
One Particular Harbour
I know I don't get there often enough
But God knows I surely try
It's a magic kind of medicine
That no doctor could prescribe
But there's this one particular harbour
So far but yet so near
Where I see the days as they fade away
And finally disappear
But now I think about the good times
Down in the Caribbean sunshine
In my younger days I was so bad
Laughin' about all the fun we had
Most mysterious calling harbour
So far but yet so near
I can see the day when my hair's full gray
And I finally disappear
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Congrats Mister Crisman :)
Slugs,
Below note from Mark Crisman, who finished his 100th marathon/ultra in Austin last Sunday.
Congrats Mark! It's been a BLAST getting to know you.
Happy Days,
Hitman.
All-
In the grand scheme of things what I'm about to share
with you pales in comparison with what truely is
important in our world today such as the gift of life,
family and friends.
I, like many of you, have relied on my love of running
to deal with the stresses that life challenges each of
us with. I've witnessed absolutely incredible mental
and physical feats by individuals who from at first
glance seem nothing but ordinary but in reality
possess unbelievable inner fortitude, drive and desire
that the common man will never achieve.
Last Sunday, I completed the Austin Marathon which was
my 100th marathon or longer. This was only possible
due in large part to my good fortune to be associated
with most of you. Your encouragement over the years
was the catalyst that enabled me to reach this
personnel goal.
I want to thank my wife Nikki and my daughter Calley
for understanding my sickness (running) and supporting
me even when I can hardly walk and limped around for
days like 90-year man after every run. Of course, it's
understood that I receive no sympathy for my
self-inflected injuries.
Dann, thanks for constantly pushing me past my own
perceived limitations and providing miles of good
conversation and friendship.
Phil and Stacy, thanks for promoting our sport and
giving so much for so little in return and always
having cold Coors readily available at the end of a
brutal run.
Chong-Pin, thanks for exposing me to the Korean
culture and sharing many miles of running. I can
never fully repay you for your hospitality.
Team Slug (da hit man), thanks for making running fun!
I wear the Team Slug truckers hat with pride! I will
return to the Delaware coast one day.
Paul and Tony, thanks for kicking me in the ass when
running just wasn't doing it for me.
Jared, thanks for sharing my 100th and walking up the
damn hill at the 25 mile mark. I look forward to a
flatter, faster Houston course next year.
Thanks to all and look forward to sharing the road and
trail with you soon,
Mark
Below note from Mark Crisman, who finished his 100th marathon/ultra in Austin last Sunday.
Congrats Mark! It's been a BLAST getting to know you.
Happy Days,
Hitman.
All-
In the grand scheme of things what I'm about to share
with you pales in comparison with what truely is
important in our world today such as the gift of life,
family and friends.
I, like many of you, have relied on my love of running
to deal with the stresses that life challenges each of
us with. I've witnessed absolutely incredible mental
and physical feats by individuals who from at first
glance seem nothing but ordinary but in reality
possess unbelievable inner fortitude, drive and desire
that the common man will never achieve.
Last Sunday, I completed the Austin Marathon which was
my 100th marathon or longer. This was only possible
due in large part to my good fortune to be associated
with most of you. Your encouragement over the years
was the catalyst that enabled me to reach this
personnel goal.
I want to thank my wife Nikki and my daughter Calley
for understanding my sickness (running) and supporting
me even when I can hardly walk and limped around for
days like 90-year man after every run. Of course, it's
understood that I receive no sympathy for my
self-inflected injuries.
Dann, thanks for constantly pushing me past my own
perceived limitations and providing miles of good
conversation and friendship.
Phil and Stacy, thanks for promoting our sport and
giving so much for so little in return and always
having cold Coors readily available at the end of a
brutal run.
Chong-Pin, thanks for exposing me to the Korean
culture and sharing many miles of running. I can
never fully repay you for your hospitality.
Team Slug (da hit man), thanks for making running fun!
I wear the Team Slug truckers hat with pride! I will
return to the Delaware coast one day.
Paul and Tony, thanks for kicking me in the ass when
running just wasn't doing it for me.
Jared, thanks for sharing my 100th and walking up the
damn hill at the 25 mile mark. I look forward to a
flatter, faster Houston course next year.
Thanks to all and look forward to sharing the road and
trail with you soon,
Mark
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Congrats to Alisa Springman...
...of Mercersburg, PA; who won the 2007 RBC50K. She has been accepted into the 2008 Badwater Challenge.
Good Luck from all the Slugs.
Full list of entrants at: http://www.badwater.com/2008web/2008roster.html
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Crazy Horse Ale being replaced???
Yes, the rumours are true! This is good stuff...with limes...
happy days from key west,
flatfoot freddie
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Somebody call the Guv-ner of Florida...
...because when da'hitman and i; end up in the same state, for any amount of tyme, nothing good can happen. it'll be a miracle if i don't up in the brig before the end of the month; especially with runnin' man ratcheting up the rhetoric concerning the resurgence of the boggy bayou stomp. there be alli-gators down here, and da'hitman AND runnin' man don't seem to understand that antagonizing alli-gators by slogging through their swamp is NOT a good idea.
anyway; jimmy buffet's taking the edge off, and 'dem grapefruits looking good, and tasting mighty fine fer breakfast, with a tad of rum soaked in. hope all in slug-land are keeping warm tonight.
keepin' da'hitman outta trouble, flattest foot freddie
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Asteroids, and The Planet Earth...
From the AP Wire Services:
The largest asteroid in more than 20-years missed earth early Tuesday
morning.
The asteroid, dubbed TU24, is two-thousand-feet wide and passed 334-thousand
miles from Earth a little after 3 o'clock in the morning. The city-block-sized asteroid
moving at a speed of 6 miles every second has 60 times as much energy as the
largest hydrogen bomb during the cold war. The next one that is expected to
pass as close or closer than TU24 will not occur until 2027 according to
scientists.
Tonight I was out in the cool evening air. It was very dark, and as I slogged along the sky kept drawing my attention. It seemed more expansive tonight, more incredibly, inconceivably huge. Tonight running in the dark, i felt small, and helpless, and lonely. And I thought about this huge rock that just came hurtling by our little planet. And I started thinking about life, and time. You see there is a rock coming, the size of a city block, at six miles a second; that is going to hit our fragile Planet Earth. Life as we know it will change forever. This is a fact. The only question is whether or not we'll be here when it happens.
And so when I get to thinking about these things and looking at the sky, I start to consider actions I've taken in my life, and how I've treated my family and friends. I've made mistakes, and I'm sorry for them. Further, I know that I don't tell them often enough that I care about them, and love them.
So tonight my friends, I want to share how much I appreciate the kindness that each of you have shared with me over so many years. Life, and time is precious. Please, please, take care of yourself, your family and friends. Make sure they know how much you care about them. In the end, nothing else will matter.
Happy Days,
john.
The largest asteroid in more than 20-years missed earth early Tuesday
morning.
The asteroid, dubbed TU24, is two-thousand-feet wide and passed 334-thousand
miles from Earth a little after 3 o'clock in the morning. The city-block-sized asteroid
moving at a speed of 6 miles every second has 60 times as much energy as the
largest hydrogen bomb during the cold war. The next one that is expected to
pass as close or closer than TU24 will not occur until 2027 according to
scientists.
Tonight I was out in the cool evening air. It was very dark, and as I slogged along the sky kept drawing my attention. It seemed more expansive tonight, more incredibly, inconceivably huge. Tonight running in the dark, i felt small, and helpless, and lonely. And I thought about this huge rock that just came hurtling by our little planet. And I started thinking about life, and time. You see there is a rock coming, the size of a city block, at six miles a second; that is going to hit our fragile Planet Earth. Life as we know it will change forever. This is a fact. The only question is whether or not we'll be here when it happens.
And so when I get to thinking about these things and looking at the sky, I start to consider actions I've taken in my life, and how I've treated my family and friends. I've made mistakes, and I'm sorry for them. Further, I know that I don't tell them often enough that I care about them, and love them.
So tonight my friends, I want to share how much I appreciate the kindness that each of you have shared with me over so many years. Life, and time is precious. Please, please, take care of yourself, your family and friends. Make sure they know how much you care about them. In the end, nothing else will matter.
Happy Days,
john.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Wise Pokey Say,
" As with anything Team Slug, everything for us is a nonevent and as far as Ranger Rick is Concerned, we were never there."
Booty Rumble; Shake it, but don't Break it???
Okay guys here's what I came up with for the Booty Rumble nonevent in June:
Shake it, But don't Break it, it took 9 months to make it!
TSI presents the 2008 Booty Rumble 25K/50K Saturday June 21st, 2008
Team Slug is proud to offer a nonevent in the Delaware Heat in June. That's Right on June 21st, TSI is going to make history by bringing the Big, the Wide, the Flat, the Teenie, the Tiny, and Even the Broken Hineys to the first state for a Booty Rumble. For those desiring a fast trail run without going the full Ultra distance we offer the 25K and for those desiring a challenge and a crack at owning a world famous black slug shirt we will also have a 50K. Entry is limited to 15 or less. Remember this is a nonevent, Ranger Rick needn't know all the details. Cost is nothing for both 25K or 50K, although is you want a Rumble T-shirt and/or a teamslug shirt you'll need 10 US dollars a piece. Designs for the Rumble T-shirt will be made public sometime in the future, after consultation with Rumpshaker Slug to make sure we accurately capturing shaking it and having a good day. The course used is the same as RBC and Fattest Butt.
--
Pokey Slug...
e-mail threats to...
jtkrizzo@att.net
Shake it, But don't Break it, it took 9 months to make it!
TSI presents the 2008 Booty Rumble 25K/50K Saturday June 21st, 2008
Team Slug is proud to offer a nonevent in the Delaware Heat in June. That's Right on June 21st, TSI is going to make history by bringing the Big, the Wide, the Flat, the Teenie, the Tiny, and Even the Broken Hineys to the first state for a Booty Rumble. For those desiring a fast trail run without going the full Ultra distance we offer the 25K and for those desiring a challenge and a crack at owning a world famous black slug shirt we will also have a 50K. Entry is limited to 15 or less. Remember this is a nonevent, Ranger Rick needn't know all the details. Cost is nothing for both 25K or 50K, although is you want a Rumble T-shirt and/or a teamslug shirt you'll need 10 US dollars a piece. Designs for the Rumble T-shirt will be made public sometime in the future, after consultation with Rumpshaker Slug to make sure we accurately capturing shaking it and having a good day. The course used is the same as RBC and Fattest Butt.
--
Pokey Slug...
e-mail threats to...
jtkrizzo@att.net
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Congrats to All R.R. finishers!!!
And looking down the list,
2008 Rocky Raccoon Finishers
, I see da'slugs were well represented. Congrats to each of you, there's no doubt that finishing the hundred is an incredible athletic, and emotional, accomplishment. I don't want to go through all the names, as many of the slugs stay undercover (until the beer gets here), and i don't want to miss anyone.
Special congrats must go out to TSI Exec Board member King Slug, who reports,
When I started my last 40 miles I was nauseated. In fact, I was in Oh-No land. I made it 66 miles and was not able to keep anything down. I was a bit panicked but I just said that a 24-hour finish was not going to happen today. I pulled to the side and into the woods where no one could see me. I lay down and took a nap. I guess I slept about 25 min., I got up, and threw up for my 5th time and only had dry heaves from there out. I know this is strange and sick. Imagine being the guy or gal that heard this in the woods late at night. Blahhh Blahhh Blahhhh!
p.s. Perverse, Unsubstantiated Rumours are that The King Slug borrowed Catra's sunglasses in da' middle of da'nite... It's good being King.
Hope all are well in Slug-Land,
happy days from key west,
flattest foot freddie
, I see da'slugs were well represented. Congrats to each of you, there's no doubt that finishing the hundred is an incredible athletic, and emotional, accomplishment. I don't want to go through all the names, as many of the slugs stay undercover (until the beer gets here), and i don't want to miss anyone.
Special congrats must go out to TSI Exec Board member King Slug, who reports,
When I started my last 40 miles I was nauseated. In fact, I was in Oh-No land. I made it 66 miles and was not able to keep anything down. I was a bit panicked but I just said that a 24-hour finish was not going to happen today. I pulled to the side and into the woods where no one could see me. I lay down and took a nap. I guess I slept about 25 min., I got up, and threw up for my 5th time and only had dry heaves from there out. I know this is strange and sick. Imagine being the guy or gal that heard this in the woods late at night. Blahhh Blahhh Blahhhh!
p.s. Perverse, Unsubstantiated Rumours are that The King Slug borrowed Catra's sunglasses in da' middle of da'nite... It's good being King.
Hope all are well in Slug-Land,
happy days from key west,
flattest foot freddie
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Permits, Parks, and Ranger Rick.
For the Sluggos without access to the ultralist. Kind of long, but I believe all will appreciate it. Hey, enjoy the Super Bowl; and have some hot wings for me.
This being Superbowl weekend and I've just recovered from a visit to Costco where everyone seemed to be shopping for eats for tomorrow's game and since I've been fascinated in the past here on the list by correspondence having to do with Barkley and park closures, I thought it would be timely to share the following correspondence. I did label it NUC so I suppose not too many people will read it, but it's funny.
Jennifer Aviles
Tucson
The Dam
This is an actual letter sent to a man named Ryan DeVries regarding a pond on his property. It was sent by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Quality, State of Pennsylvania. This guy's response is hilarious, but read the State's letter before you get to the response letter.
Dear Mr. DeVries:
It has come to the attention of the Department of Environmental Quality that there has been recent unauthorized activity on the above referenced parcel of property. You have been certified as the legal landowner and/or contractor who did the following unauthorized activity: Construction and maintenance of two wood debris dams across the outlet stream of Spring Pond
A permit must be issued prior to the start of this type of activity. A review of the Department's files shows that no permits have been issued. Therefore, the Department has determined that this activity is in violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the
Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Pennsylvania Compiled Laws, annotated.
The Department has been informed that one or both of the dams partially failed during a recent rain event, causing debris and flooding at downstream locations. We find that dams of this nature are inherently hazardous and cannot be permitted.
The Department t herefore orders you to cease and desist all activities at this location, and to restore the stream to a free-flow condition by removing all wood and brush forming the dams from the stream channel. All restoration work shall be completed no later than January 31, 2006.
Please notify this office when the restoration has been completed so that a follow-up site inspection may be scheduled by our staff. Failure to comply with this request or any further u nauthorized activity on the site may result in this case being referred for elevated enforcement action.. We anticipate and would appreciate your full cooperation in this matter. Please feel free to contact me at this office if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
David L. Price, District Representative and Water Management Division.
Here is the actual response sent back by Mr. DeVries:
Dear Mr. Price,
Your certified letter dated 12/17/02 has been handed to me to respond to.
I am the legal landowner but not the Contractor at 2088 Dagget Lane, Trout Run, Pennsylvania.
A couple of beavers are in the (State unauthorized) process of constructing and maintaining two wood "debris" dams across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond. While I did not pay for, authorize, nor supervise their dam project, I think they would be highly offended that you call their skillful use of natures building materials "debris."
I would like to challenge your department to attempt to emulate their dam project any time and/or any place you choose. I believe I can safely state there is no way you could ever match their dam skills, their dam resourcefulness, their dam ingenuity, their dam persistence, their dam determination and/or their dam work ethic.
These are the beavers/contractors you are seeking. As to your request, I do not think the beavers are aware that they must first fill out a dam permit prior to the start of this type of dam activity.
My first dam question to you is:
(1) Are you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers, or
(2) do you require all beavers throughout this State to conform to
said dam request?
If you are not discriminating against these particular beavers, through the Freedom of Information Act, I request completed copies of all those other applicable beaver dam permits that have been issued.
(Perhaps we will see if there really is a dam violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Pennsylvania Compiled Laws, annotated.)
I have several concerns. My first concern is, aren't the beavers entitled to legal representation? The Spring Pond Beavers are financially destitute and are unable to pay for said representation -- so the State will have to provide them with a dam lawyer. The Department's dam concern that either one or both of the dams failed
during a recent rain event, causing flooding, is proof that this is a natural occurrence, which the Department is required to protect. In other words, we should leave the Spring Pond Beavers alone rather than harassing them and calling them dam names.
If you want the stream "restored" to a dam free-flow condition please contact the beavers -- but if you are going to arrest them, they obviously did not pay any attention to your dam letter, they being unable to read English.
In my humble opinion, the Spring Pond Beavers have a right to build their unauthorized dams as long as the sky is blue, the grass is green and water flows downstream. They have more dam rights than I do to live and enjoy Spring Pond. If the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection lives up to its name, it should protect the natural resources (Beavers) and the environment
(Beavers' Dams).
So, as far as the beavers and I are concerned, this dam case can be referred for more elevated enforcement action right now. Why wait until 1/31/2006? The Spring Pond Beavers may be under the dam ice then and there will be no way for you or your dam staff to contact/harass them.
In conclusion, I would like to bring to your attention to a real environmental quality, health, problem in the area. It is the bears! Bears are actually defecating in our woods. I definitely believe you should be persecuting the defecating bears and leave the beavers alone If you are going to investigate the beaver dam, watch your step! The bears are not careful where they dump!
Being unable to comply with your dam request, and being unable to contact you on your dam answering machine, I am sending this response toyour dam office.
This being Superbowl weekend and I've just recovered from a visit to Costco where everyone seemed to be shopping for eats for tomorrow's game and since I've been fascinated in the past here on the list by correspondence having to do with Barkley and park closures, I thought it would be timely to share the following correspondence. I did label it NUC so I suppose not too many people will read it, but it's funny.
Jennifer Aviles
Tucson
The Dam
This is an actual letter sent to a man named Ryan DeVries regarding a pond on his property. It was sent by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Quality, State of Pennsylvania. This guy's response is hilarious, but read the State's letter before you get to the response letter.
Dear Mr. DeVries:
It has come to the attention of the Department of Environmental Quality that there has been recent unauthorized activity on the above referenced parcel of property. You have been certified as the legal landowner and/or contractor who did the following unauthorized activity: Construction and maintenance of two wood debris dams across the outlet stream of Spring Pond
A permit must be issued prior to the start of this type of activity. A review of the Department's files shows that no permits have been issued. Therefore, the Department has determined that this activity is in violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the
Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Pennsylvania Compiled Laws, annotated.
The Department has been informed that one or both of the dams partially failed during a recent rain event, causing debris and flooding at downstream locations. We find that dams of this nature are inherently hazardous and cannot be permitted.
The Department t herefore orders you to cease and desist all activities at this location, and to restore the stream to a free-flow condition by removing all wood and brush forming the dams from the stream channel. All restoration work shall be completed no later than January 31, 2006.
Please notify this office when the restoration has been completed so that a follow-up site inspection may be scheduled by our staff. Failure to comply with this request or any further u nauthorized activity on the site may result in this case being referred for elevated enforcement action.. We anticipate and would appreciate your full cooperation in this matter. Please feel free to contact me at this office if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
David L. Price, District Representative and Water Management Division.
Here is the actual response sent back by Mr. DeVries:
Dear Mr. Price,
Your certified letter dated 12/17/02 has been handed to me to respond to.
I am the legal landowner but not the Contractor at 2088 Dagget Lane, Trout Run, Pennsylvania.
A couple of beavers are in the (State unauthorized) process of constructing and maintaining two wood "debris" dams across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond. While I did not pay for, authorize, nor supervise their dam project, I think they would be highly offended that you call their skillful use of natures building materials "debris."
I would like to challenge your department to attempt to emulate their dam project any time and/or any place you choose. I believe I can safely state there is no way you could ever match their dam skills, their dam resourcefulness, their dam ingenuity, their dam persistence, their dam determination and/or their dam work ethic.
These are the beavers/contractors you are seeking. As to your request, I do not think the beavers are aware that they must first fill out a dam permit prior to the start of this type of dam activity.
My first dam question to you is:
(1) Are you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers, or
(2) do you require all beavers throughout this State to conform to
said dam request?
If you are not discriminating against these particular beavers, through the Freedom of Information Act, I request completed copies of all those other applicable beaver dam permits that have been issued.
(Perhaps we will see if there really is a dam violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Pennsylvania Compiled Laws, annotated.)
I have several concerns. My first concern is, aren't the beavers entitled to legal representation? The Spring Pond Beavers are financially destitute and are unable to pay for said representation -- so the State will have to provide them with a dam lawyer. The Department's dam concern that either one or both of the dams failed
during a recent rain event, causing flooding, is proof that this is a natural occurrence, which the Department is required to protect. In other words, we should leave the Spring Pond Beavers alone rather than harassing them and calling them dam names.
If you want the stream "restored" to a dam free-flow condition please contact the beavers -- but if you are going to arrest them, they obviously did not pay any attention to your dam letter, they being unable to read English.
In my humble opinion, the Spring Pond Beavers have a right to build their unauthorized dams as long as the sky is blue, the grass is green and water flows downstream. They have more dam rights than I do to live and enjoy Spring Pond. If the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection lives up to its name, it should protect the natural resources (Beavers) and the environment
(Beavers' Dams).
So, as far as the beavers and I are concerned, this dam case can be referred for more elevated enforcement action right now. Why wait until 1/31/2006? The Spring Pond Beavers may be under the dam ice then and there will be no way for you or your dam staff to contact/harass them.
In conclusion, I would like to bring to your attention to a real environmental quality, health, problem in the area. It is the bears! Bears are actually defecating in our woods. I definitely believe you should be persecuting the defecating bears and leave the beavers alone If you are going to investigate the beaver dam, watch your step! The bears are not careful where they dump!
Being unable to comply with your dam request, and being unable to contact you on your dam answering machine, I am sending this response toyour dam office.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
2008 Crowder's Mt. set for 4/26...
...in Gastonia, North Carolina. Link to Race Application may be found at www.teamslug.com or on the Runner's From Hell homesite.
RD Sam b. warns,
RFH/Team Slug reserves the right to refuse anyone who they don't like from running in this race. You know who you are. If you are offended by this application then you are too sensitive to run this course.. It will probably be cold, raining, snowing, or something and you will probably fall. People fall and are killed yearly at Crowders. Usually it is a drunk trying to fly like Superman off one of the cliffs. I release all of those involved in this race from liability. I have been informed not to complain about the hills.
I've known Sam for a long tyme; I'd take him at his word.
Happy Days, Hitman.
RD Sam b. warns,
RFH/Team Slug reserves the right to refuse anyone who they don't like from running in this race. You know who you are. If you are offended by this application then you are too sensitive to run this course.. It will probably be cold, raining, snowing, or something and you will probably fall. People fall and are killed yearly at Crowders. Usually it is a drunk trying to fly like Superman off one of the cliffs. I release all of those involved in this race from liability. I have been informed not to complain about the hills.
I've known Sam for a long tyme; I'd take him at his word.
Happy Days, Hitman.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Mr.Cantrell on "Why they quit."
Originally posted on the Ultralist, and republished here with permission of Mr. Cantrell. The Barkley is a special event, and for all who have been "out there" it holds an eerie, and dangerous attraction. happy days, john.
"with apologies to those few who have finished the barkley 100,
i dont really believe that it is the exclusive realm of the trail running gods.
as a matter of fact, the fastest 100 milers who have taken to the course
have seldom even finished a fun run.
on the other hand, some of the most successful barkley runners
have never made much of a splash anywhere else.
about the only credentials that seem to translate directly into barkley success
are multi-day trail "records".
people with fast thru-hikes on the AT, PCT, etc, have done quite well.
past & future winners of 100's like WS & Vt have had their difficulties.
for the experienced trail runner, Barkley is a different sort of animal.
the suicidal downhill speed that translates into fast times elsewhere is just
suicidal here.
the key abilities, instead, are a high tolerance for climbing and sleep
deprivation.
this one is more geared toward an ultrarunning vito antofuermo than a sugar ray
leonard.
(yeah, people are lining up to become human punching bags. go figure?)
unlike most ultras, the fast runners dont exactly run off and leave the slow
runners.
people who hike up to the fire tower to watch the runners pass thru the 12 mile
checkpoint
almost always comment on how close together everyone is.
"i thought they'd be all strung out, like other races. but everyone is really
close."
the leader at 20 miles is usually around 8 hours and the laggards around 10,
altho once a runner spirals into despair, with the attendant twenty rest breaks
a mile,
miles per hour turns into hours per mile, and the game is over.
why is this?
i think the answers are in the numbers.
when a highway has a 3% grade, they put up signs warning trucks.
when a highway has a 5% or greater grade, they have special speed limits,
and runaway truck ramps.
in 100 miles of barkley, 95 of those miles are on gradients of more than 5%.
87 miles are on gradients of more than 10%.
50 miles (fully half the race) are on gradients greater than 20%.
there are even 11 miles done on gradients over 30%.
some people love the thing, some hate it.
i think they will all agree, it is hell out there.
normal humans can only tolerate so much abuse.
no one can go fast, but as long as you keep going, you can only go so slow.
it isnt likely that you will exceed the time limit, until you have given up.
the nastiness of the 60 hour limit is that, while attainable,
it does not leave enough time for rest.
once you figure in the night-time slowdown,
there simply is no chance to dawdle anywhere, much less sleep.
and this is why people quit.
taking an endless hammering from the course,
the clock constantly nipping at their heels,
trying to adjust as the weather fluctuates wildly from hour to hour,
staying focused every second, so they wont get off course,
lonely, in pain, no chance to relax,
the relentless pressure, all day and all night, day after day,
sooner or later, something has to give.
99% of the time, it is the runner.
i can excuse people who want to try it once,
it sounds so cool and exciting.
but those who go back are very special people...
only in the short-bus sense of the word special.
because the reality is like being punched in the face for 2 and a half days."
laz
"with apologies to those few who have finished the barkley 100,
i dont really believe that it is the exclusive realm of the trail running gods.
as a matter of fact, the fastest 100 milers who have taken to the course
have seldom even finished a fun run.
on the other hand, some of the most successful barkley runners
have never made much of a splash anywhere else.
about the only credentials that seem to translate directly into barkley success
are multi-day trail "records".
people with fast thru-hikes on the AT, PCT, etc, have done quite well.
past & future winners of 100's like WS & Vt have had their difficulties.
for the experienced trail runner, Barkley is a different sort of animal.
the suicidal downhill speed that translates into fast times elsewhere is just
suicidal here.
the key abilities, instead, are a high tolerance for climbing and sleep
deprivation.
this one is more geared toward an ultrarunning vito antofuermo than a sugar ray
leonard.
(yeah, people are lining up to become human punching bags. go figure?)
unlike most ultras, the fast runners dont exactly run off and leave the slow
runners.
people who hike up to the fire tower to watch the runners pass thru the 12 mile
checkpoint
almost always comment on how close together everyone is.
"i thought they'd be all strung out, like other races. but everyone is really
close."
the leader at 20 miles is usually around 8 hours and the laggards around 10,
altho once a runner spirals into despair, with the attendant twenty rest breaks
a mile,
miles per hour turns into hours per mile, and the game is over.
why is this?
i think the answers are in the numbers.
when a highway has a 3% grade, they put up signs warning trucks.
when a highway has a 5% or greater grade, they have special speed limits,
and runaway truck ramps.
in 100 miles of barkley, 95 of those miles are on gradients of more than 5%.
87 miles are on gradients of more than 10%.
50 miles (fully half the race) are on gradients greater than 20%.
there are even 11 miles done on gradients over 30%.
some people love the thing, some hate it.
i think they will all agree, it is hell out there.
normal humans can only tolerate so much abuse.
no one can go fast, but as long as you keep going, you can only go so slow.
it isnt likely that you will exceed the time limit, until you have given up.
the nastiness of the 60 hour limit is that, while attainable,
it does not leave enough time for rest.
once you figure in the night-time slowdown,
there simply is no chance to dawdle anywhere, much less sleep.
and this is why people quit.
taking an endless hammering from the course,
the clock constantly nipping at their heels,
trying to adjust as the weather fluctuates wildly from hour to hour,
staying focused every second, so they wont get off course,
lonely, in pain, no chance to relax,
the relentless pressure, all day and all night, day after day,
sooner or later, something has to give.
99% of the time, it is the runner.
i can excuse people who want to try it once,
it sounds so cool and exciting.
but those who go back are very special people...
only in the short-bus sense of the word special.
because the reality is like being punched in the face for 2 and a half days."
laz
Monday, January 28, 2008
Wrong-Way Charlie sends greetings...
...and no, I am not making this up. All Slugs eventually come home, All of Them. and there is no better slug out there than Charlie. he says,
Hello 'hitman'?
Long thyme Know sea?
Sorry I missed the 18th annual fattest butt ... My black slug shirt has been in the ash bin of history for about ten years. Hope that you're doing well.
charlie wojcik
and in honor of charlie, we're reposting one of his greatest essays...
How to Finish Last Anywhere/Anytime
Are you considering running your first marathon or ultra and worried about coming in first, or even just beating another runner? Well, fast forward right past that, because it doesn’t have to happen. Not if you listen to me. This article will address the likelihood, however distant, that you will be last. This is an area in which I excel. I have had three or more last place finishes in each of the previous seven years. With the right training and preparation, or should I say the lack of such, you too can finish last. That is assuming you are not in direct competition with me. After all, I am the master.
There is no steadfast rule to being last, and luck helps. To increase the odds of being last you must first visualize it in your mind. Believe it deeply and know it to be so. Prior to the race go around behind all the runners and look at the back of their heads. If it’s a track run, that’s all you should ever be seeing. If it’s a trail run, you’ll only see them once, and then their heads will slowly shrink, then quickly disappear. In a large group at the start line close your eyes, look skyward, spread your arms like an eagle, and begin chanting out loud. This will give you a lot of starting space and help to size up your competitors. Start slowly and ease off. This is an area where Slugs have a great advantage. They not only preach this philosophy, but they live and breathe it. Be in no rush out of the starting gate. If logistics allow, begin running in the wrong direction. As people yell for you to stop, just wave at them and smile. This most certainly will confuse the race workers and allow you to waste a bit more time.
Finally however you will be forced to start. Pick up the pace ever so slowly. Watch the cutoffs; they are there to give prima donna race directors a chance to discredit the truly slothful. Remember if you get pulled, you will be unable to finish last. This defeats your goal. Maintain constant glacier-like speed throughout the run. Avoid “jack rabbit” starts and screeching stops. Take a break at the aid station. Relax, have a cup of coffee and make faces at the other runners at they roll by. Remove shoes to check for foreign objects. Tiny rocks do bad things to tiny toes. Ask for some Vaseline, and request assistance in placing it on your most delicate parts. Consume mass quantities of fuel and liquid. Instead of grabbing two Oreos, pick up the entire package and gobble them down. Shovel them in and chew. Get that good full feeling going. Remember watering the flora and fauna with blown pretzel chunks and bile is sound ecological policy and earns you bogus points in the standings. Ask the other runners and aid workers lots of meaningless questions. After asking, refuse to listen to their answers. Start humming profusely. Absolutely confuse them with your wit.
Dehydration, boredom, and loneliness are the three biggest obstacles for the mental deficients drawn to running insane distances. Avoid running with friends. Even better, avoid having any friends. After all, you never know where one may appear. It will be hard not to resist picking up the pace during times of high spirits. If you feel good immediately stop running. Begin doing jumping jacks on one leg until you feel dizzy and sick. Then continue running. On the other hand, you will have no trouble going slowly when you feel lousy. And you will. Enjoy it, soak it in, and share your agony with anyone who will listen. Cry, moan, and howl out loud. The more noise you make, and attention you attract the better. On a track run, practice getting in the way of the real runners. If possible trip and fall over at least once an hour. That means in a 24-hour run you should trip at least 24 times. My personal record is 39 falls in 24 hours. Granted, it was raining. On a trail run, enjoy a hobby such as stopping to gaze at wildlife, or turning wayward turtles upside down. Don’t worry someone will put them back.
If someone tries to get behind you, immediately lay down on the ground. I don’t care if you’re at an aid station or not. Just lie down and begin sobbing. Do not move until that runner gets back in front of you. This is your race to lose, your time in the sun. Don’t let some other loser take what’s rightfully yours. Stand up, be proud, and finish last. In conclusion, and most importantly, please make note of the irrefutable physical fact that it takes the same amount of energy to run slowly as it does to run quickly. This is the law. The Running Law and thou shalt not break it. Do not be concerned with being barred from the event. There are thousands of events. It would take 200 years to get kicked out of all of them. You’ll never live that long.
In my next article, I will share helpful hints for failing in a 100 mile run. Those are going to take a lot more, or less, effort. Work hard on today’s lessons, worst of luck to you, and see you in the loser’s circle.
Charlie “Wrong Way” Wojick
Hello 'hitman'?
Long thyme Know sea?
Sorry I missed the 18th annual fattest butt ... My black slug shirt has been in the ash bin of history for about ten years. Hope that you're doing well.
charlie wojcik
and in honor of charlie, we're reposting one of his greatest essays...
How to Finish Last Anywhere/Anytime
Are you considering running your first marathon or ultra and worried about coming in first, or even just beating another runner? Well, fast forward right past that, because it doesn’t have to happen. Not if you listen to me. This article will address the likelihood, however distant, that you will be last. This is an area in which I excel. I have had three or more last place finishes in each of the previous seven years. With the right training and preparation, or should I say the lack of such, you too can finish last. That is assuming you are not in direct competition with me. After all, I am the master.
There is no steadfast rule to being last, and luck helps. To increase the odds of being last you must first visualize it in your mind. Believe it deeply and know it to be so. Prior to the race go around behind all the runners and look at the back of their heads. If it’s a track run, that’s all you should ever be seeing. If it’s a trail run, you’ll only see them once, and then their heads will slowly shrink, then quickly disappear. In a large group at the start line close your eyes, look skyward, spread your arms like an eagle, and begin chanting out loud. This will give you a lot of starting space and help to size up your competitors. Start slowly and ease off. This is an area where Slugs have a great advantage. They not only preach this philosophy, but they live and breathe it. Be in no rush out of the starting gate. If logistics allow, begin running in the wrong direction. As people yell for you to stop, just wave at them and smile. This most certainly will confuse the race workers and allow you to waste a bit more time.
Finally however you will be forced to start. Pick up the pace ever so slowly. Watch the cutoffs; they are there to give prima donna race directors a chance to discredit the truly slothful. Remember if you get pulled, you will be unable to finish last. This defeats your goal. Maintain constant glacier-like speed throughout the run. Avoid “jack rabbit” starts and screeching stops. Take a break at the aid station. Relax, have a cup of coffee and make faces at the other runners at they roll by. Remove shoes to check for foreign objects. Tiny rocks do bad things to tiny toes. Ask for some Vaseline, and request assistance in placing it on your most delicate parts. Consume mass quantities of fuel and liquid. Instead of grabbing two Oreos, pick up the entire package and gobble them down. Shovel them in and chew. Get that good full feeling going. Remember watering the flora and fauna with blown pretzel chunks and bile is sound ecological policy and earns you bogus points in the standings. Ask the other runners and aid workers lots of meaningless questions. After asking, refuse to listen to their answers. Start humming profusely. Absolutely confuse them with your wit.
Dehydration, boredom, and loneliness are the three biggest obstacles for the mental deficients drawn to running insane distances. Avoid running with friends. Even better, avoid having any friends. After all, you never know where one may appear. It will be hard not to resist picking up the pace during times of high spirits. If you feel good immediately stop running. Begin doing jumping jacks on one leg until you feel dizzy and sick. Then continue running. On the other hand, you will have no trouble going slowly when you feel lousy. And you will. Enjoy it, soak it in, and share your agony with anyone who will listen. Cry, moan, and howl out loud. The more noise you make, and attention you attract the better. On a track run, practice getting in the way of the real runners. If possible trip and fall over at least once an hour. That means in a 24-hour run you should trip at least 24 times. My personal record is 39 falls in 24 hours. Granted, it was raining. On a trail run, enjoy a hobby such as stopping to gaze at wildlife, or turning wayward turtles upside down. Don’t worry someone will put them back.
If someone tries to get behind you, immediately lay down on the ground. I don’t care if you’re at an aid station or not. Just lie down and begin sobbing. Do not move until that runner gets back in front of you. This is your race to lose, your time in the sun. Don’t let some other loser take what’s rightfully yours. Stand up, be proud, and finish last. In conclusion, and most importantly, please make note of the irrefutable physical fact that it takes the same amount of energy to run slowly as it does to run quickly. This is the law. The Running Law and thou shalt not break it. Do not be concerned with being barred from the event. There are thousands of events. It would take 200 years to get kicked out of all of them. You’ll never live that long.
In my next article, I will share helpful hints for failing in a 100 mile run. Those are going to take a lot more, or less, effort. Work hard on today’s lessons, worst of luck to you, and see you in the loser’s circle.
Charlie “Wrong Way” Wojick
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