Aint Sayin' No More on W States

We got Screwed. Some worse than others, but we were all screwed. Some people didn't mind it, others were mad as hell.

Western States stole our money, plain and simple. They were required to use their little committee (same one that doesn't let the Anton in, even though he's the World's best ultra runner, even though they claim to allow runners that add something special to the race in) and call each of us about the conditions. Well, I'm still waiting for my call. Thank goodness I knew people who knew what was going on, I was one of the lucky ones. Several people showed up at packet pick up an had no idea the race was canceled. Yall, gas in CA is 4.74 a gallon, hotels in Squaw are not cheap. They let at least 100 people spend that money to get there. Like my buddy Alan from St. Pete, he found out at the race site, yet he had his contact phone with him.

See, I have Internet at home, the Tahoe Inn outside of Kings Beach, not so much. All of those fancy e-mails were a joy to read when I got BACK to FLA.

Yep that committee of the hole (I think you know which hole) should have each taken 25 names and started calling and had the guts to tell us what was shakin', instead of hiding behind a computer keyboard.

Will I run the race again, I don't know. Probably not, not unless the committee does more than what they currently planning for us. I'm thinking a free entry and an apology, I am not holding my breath.

Hey, Western States, drop and give me $280!

I'm Back, and I'm Still Slamin'!

Hey guys! I'll post wonderful pictures, horrendous rants, insightful thoughts and all that jazz when I get my computer back from School (The public library doesn't need to have a record or my thoughts on Greg on the boys at Western States!) but for now know:
1) I'm safe, un-incarcerated
2) Home
3) Still alive and kicking in the slam.
4) I'm overwhelmed by the good wishes and then condolences I received of and having to do with Western States! Starting this quest was the best emotional (and the worst financial) decision that I ever made! I love you all, inspiring, awesome, huge baby huge!!!!

Here's the letter from Stan and Steve of the Grand Slam committee telling me that I can still complete the Slam by running the Arkansas Traveller 100 on October 4 (do they know that that's my race! Come on Miami Ink, fire up the needles and get the ink mixed!):

Note that unlike Western States, they are able to offer refunds, even though they are on a shoestring budget! Steven and Stan, you rock!!!!

To: 2008 Grand Slam of Ultrarunning Entrants
From: Steve Baugh
First let me say that I know you are disappointed about the cancellation of Western
States. I share with you that disappointment. You’ve all made a great commitment
mentally, physically and financially toward completion of the Grand Slam.
Last night I was able to meet with the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning Committee. We had a
long and thoughtful discussion on what to do with this year’s Grand Slam Award. I feel
like we have come up with a good alternative for you as outlined below.

Option # 1. We will allow a full refund to any 2008 slammer who requests one by July
16th, 2008 (Just prior to the Vermont 100). After that date there will be no refunds and
we will assume you are planning to complete the slam. Refund requests should be in
writing by mail (Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, 796 South 980 East, Pleasant Grove, Utah
84062 or email (stevebaugh@uaiia.org) with an address where you would like the check
sent. We will not accept a rollover for Slam entry to 2009. We would rather refund and
start over next year. Anyone requesting a refund will no longer be eligible to receive the
2008 Grand Slam Award. Withdrawing from the Grand Slam will have no effect on your
status with the other three Grand Slam races. You will need to check with each of those
races individually should you desire to cancel your entries with them.

Option #2. We are pleased to offer an alternative run which would be the 4th leg of the
Grand Slam for 2008. The Arkansas Traveller 100 will be the official alternative for the
2008 slam. It will be held on Oct 4th & 5th, four weeks after the Wasatch Front 100. The
Arkansas Traveller is a quality 100-mile run with a rich tradition and history. 2008 will
be their 18th running. You can print off an entry form by going to www.runarkansas.com.
We are appreciative of Chrissy and Stan Ferguson, the AT 100 Race Directors, for their
willingness to allow any slammers to continue with their quest to complete the 2008
Grand Slam. They will also allow us to have time at their awards ceremony to recognize
successful Grand Slammers on their accomplishment.

This offer will be allowed only to the 37 runners who are currently entered into the Grand
Slam.

As with any decision such as this, not everyone will be happy. We’ve considered all
options and feel we have offered fair alternatives. Thanks for your patience and your
interest in the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning.
Sincerely,
Steve Baugh
Grand Slam Coordinator

So, How Am I Doin'?

So (sew) How (Steve Howe) Am (M) I (eye of Sauron) Do (Dew) ing (ing) ?

Lemme know with your comments.

Oh, yeah, you can check right here (I'm race #281, hey check on Squires too, I love that guy! #366): http://webcast.ws100.com/runnerquery.html

Oh Good luck us!!!! (oh, and thank you mystery, ghost writer, you rock!!!)

Song of the Week #42, I'm There!!!

I Love this song, I love this State (well the Northern Part anyway :) I do love Colorado, but when I visit Northern Cali, I do feel at home.

I obviously like this song, and I wish I had a video of Dave Alvin singing it, but this is the best I can come up with:


I'm there, I'll be running in less than 24 hours (and gosh, I hope for less than 24 hours, but I will take and be happy with any complete race less than 30 hours!)

er, if I forgot to ask, pray for me, I'll need it!

A Helluva Welcoe!

Check it out, first the Times, now around the corner from our "Hotel" (Chase makes some great arrangements after a 12-pack! But he swears it's safe!) in Tahoe City, CA.
I don't know for sure, but I'm betting the Sisters at the Convent rigged this little ditty for me. And look, a new strategy for winning, that's what I've to do the rest of the field to actually win, Knock 'em Dead!

See Star, it's a good thing I do bring that camera everywhere!

By the way, Star's the best! She gave me a little goody bag as a goody lucky go away, and I'll finish Western States powered on 100 Grand Bars and grit (have to supply the grit myself!)
Any way it's nice to feel welcoed in California!

Scales of Justice #172 Part 2

Which weighs more, a pound of Elephant poop, or a pound of feathers?

Er, times up! The pound of poop of course! Ok, they weigh the same (not, that' I'd want to be the guy that weighs them. Talk about your bad part time jobs!)

No weight loss this week, that's the first time in 11 weeks. It's a fair cop!

I could be hacked, but why? Hard to lose weight when you are tapering, I'm just glad I didn't gain any, could go the other way you know?

Something tells me I might just lose a pound or two this weekend, just maybe.....

Well, This week's AndyMan, weighs the same as last week's AndyMan, but I'd rather be this week's AndyMan. Why? Because this week's AndyMan got to maintain by running all of 4 miles, whoo who! And this week's AndyMan is off to California.... right..... NOW! See YA!

Oh, yeah, pray for me, please!

BTW, I'll have a ghost writer filling in for me while I'm gone, so you'll see a post or two, but I won't be able to check or respond until Monday 6/30, have fun with me or heck have fun at me, I don't care, I'll still love you (yes you!)

See One? No, C-2!

Just got word from Terry Tomalin, the best writer (besides Chase) that the St. Pete Times has ever had, and the word is Friday, C-2.

It aint the cover (gotta be Lance's fault, or I could have shaved,) but it's the inside cover. Man, I hope it's good!

Hey, wait, I'll be in California, and while I heart the SP Times, it aint the NY Times, so I'm guessing I won't be able to just snag a copy in Squaw Valley, so if you could pick up like 10 copies for me (Super D has to have one, the sister's have to have three, random people on the street have to have them, better make that 12 copies!)

Hurry guys, Knock Wood, there's a copy left!