Ok, yesterday, I was all out of sorts, I found out this cat from Temple Terrace, a 23-year-old former USF Cross Country runner, Ryan Thomas, Thomas Ryan, I'm not sure, but he has two first names, Anyway RT/TR, I found out that he is running Western States, and I was a little hacked. I was hacked because I don't remember him getting in via the lottery.
So, I started thinking that he must have gotten in via special exception. They do that for really good runners. So, I looked up his running results, and there is nothing special there, at least not for long distance. Yes he was third Floridian at the Hops Marathon this year, but his time, while good wasn't special, 2:41. Shoot, Jon Docs could run that in a good year. I knew he ran Vermont Last year, but again, his time was good, at 21:04, but not special, heck I've run faster, and finished higher up the ladder, and the only special exception I ever got was.... none. But as I looked at Ryan's results, I noticed that he finished in the exact same time as Bill Thomas, age 50 - 59. I don't know, but I bet Ryan ran the whole way with his dad or uncle. That's special. Go Ryan, whether you got in via lottery or special exception, you Rock!
So, I can be the second person from Florida this year at Western States, works for me!
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2 entry fees into WS100 - $500
2 plane tickets to Lake Tahoe - $900
Gu, gear, and shoes for 2 - $350
1 lap through Placer High Stadium with dad - PRICELSSS
Not getting too nostalgic cause you still gotta run 3 more hunerts in 2 months - MORE PRICELESSER
Well Said, well spoken, well put!
Be cool.
AM
Story's good. professoracg's comment, also good. Not often you get the phrase "pricelesser". Hey, you didn't do that just 'cause it looked like your tag, didja?
I'm having a difficult time believing that a guy like you would allow yourself to get unbalanced over another Florida kid running WS. What's up with that?
I still don't get the special exception thing. But that is coming from a nonrunners point-of-view.
It's his dad - lives in WA.
And, while 21:?? may not be special for Vermont, how many 20-somethings could have/did run 100 miles in 21:?? When I was 22 years old, I'm not sure I could have done any thing for 21 hours straight - certainly not anything physical. Unless Mardi Gras counts.
BTW, he's a nice guy. Not at all cocky as one might think.
Ok, here's the scoop.
I have 2 top finishes in 100's. I am the last Floridian to win the Western States Silver Buckle, and they won't even look at me for a special entry. I had to wait 3 years to get into WS. Now this dude that's 22 years old gets in for what? I don't know. THAT WAS MY ORIGINAL THOUGHT.
Now, here's what a little research has me thinking.
1- I think I just missed his name in the lottery. His time, while good isn't good enough to get him in to States. A young person running that time does not impress me. It's great, anyone running 100 miles or a marathon does impress me, but 21 doesn't mean anymore than 30 to me.
2- I love this Ryan Thomas. No matter how he got in, I hope he wins the race, I really do! He ran 100 miles with his pop! NOW THAT IS A HELLUVA NICE GUY!
And you were running how far when you were 22 years old?
Being a first hand observer of the exercise habits and fitness levels of 20-somethings (it ain't pretty - and these are kids that are "in the field" ), a 22 year old running WS impresses the helloutuv me. Most 20-somethings wouldn't even think of DRIVING that far unless they were assured there was a good party at the end of that 100 miles!
Say, what about some props for Pop? 50-59 yr age group at 21 hours? Hell, if he's at the top end of the scale, would could be talkin' 'bout a darn near sextigenarian turning in a pretty awesome time ...
I don't even want to drive that far? Hmmm. Didn't we decide that was "jogger" talk?
...and I like your bringing Kasey Kasem to the Nader/Faulk family (though Kasey's obviously trying to get out of the family with his face lift).
Sorry, a 22-Year Old running that far and for that long still doesn't impress me. I'm with Chaser, top props for pops! But give it up for a guy that's willing to do that with pop. The time, is inconsequential. He did it, that impresses me. But if he can do it, it should be fast. This dude is 24 years my junior and you want me to be impressed with a time I beat at age 45? Nope, his body is young, he should be able to run fast.
No, I didn't run 100 Miles at 22. I ran, but after other things :-)
Oh crap. If that's your thought, then I'll never attempt a 100-miler and let you know about it. I mean, I will most likely be one of the last ones out there, regardless of my age. I'm younger than all of you and I'm not anywhere close to being fast. So does that mean that when I cross my first 50-mile finish line that I should be less proud than those of you who finish before me?
No, No, No, Star! Running 1 mile is special. Running 100 is certainly special. My point is, ARG! 21 hours is no more special than 30 Hours. I am proud of RT for running 100 miles. I don't care about his time. He is special, but not because of his time.
Anyway, I'm already proud of you and I always will be. If you run 9 hours or 14 in your 15, you are still special.
Andy, Andy, Andy:
Remember two years ago when we first met and I inquired into what your time/placement goals were for racing?
You said you always try to do "your" personal best; and that you don't concern yourself with other runners' times. Your personal best has always been outstanding. Don't get distracted!
What are you trying to say, here, Andy, that you're better than everyone else. That's not very inclusive.
I thought I knew you better than that.
Sheesh. See what you've started??
:-)
Sniff, Sniff. I only wanted to say, at first I was jealous of this guy, getting in without having to wait three years and all. And him being young. But now I think he's cool and I want him to win. I am being, sniff, sniff, misuninterperated.
I guess, I'll, sniff, sniff, drop and give myself 20, but I've got this one withered arm and all.
Give Jimmy Swigert here some room. Can't you see the poor man is upset?
... and with a gammyed leg!
If it's true that age is only in your head, then that'd make you around 16 or so Andy. Chin up kiddo....according to your theory, 16 year olds are faster than 22 year olds. You'll kick his old @$$ at WS!
You know, I really don't care if I kick anybody's @ss 'cept old Father Time. But I'll do my best to run young! Darn I'm in a good mood!
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