AAA Running Team

Ran at Croom today and the only criteria was, you had to be an Andre.

Andrew Barrett, Andrea Risi, Andrew Mathews.

It was fun

Jon was there too, but since he doesn't even have an A (it's ok Jon, I lost my S in California) he had to go it alone.

Last longish run before Vermont, that's our focus now. It aint Arkansas, but I've done ok there, 23:09, 22:59, 21:27, and felt great and had a great time last year too.

Double Digits.... Again!

Slam this! Well, at least I'm back under 100 days again. The countdown is at 99. That's less than five trips through my fingers and toes (it's more if I use fingers and toenails!)

.................... Agent 99, She's Smokin'!...............
I went and sent in my Arkansas Application today, just to make it re-official.

There's this one cat, Bruce, who responded to the St. Pete Times article, so artfully written by Terry Tomalin, that said, "Hey dude, sorry, but if you aint doing Western States, then you aint Slammin."

I respect from where the dude comes, but I disagree. Western States doesn't make the grandslam, the Slam committee does. No, it isn't the same grandslam, I believe it's a harder version. I'm not saying Arkansas is harder than WS, but running Arkansas after running Wasatch is certainly harder than running WS on fresh legs.

Also, it should be noted that this isn't the first time the committee has had to substitute races. The slam used to consist of Old Dominion, WS, Leadville and Wastach. This left 6 weeks between the 1st and 2nd races, and 7 weeks between the 2nd and 3rd, much much easier! Later, the committee let racers choose between OD and Vermont. About 10 years ago, the committee switched to Vermont and no longer counts OD.

So, do I feel this Slam doesn't count? Heckfire no! It counts sure as shootin'! It's harder, it's got the seal of approval, and (now this is important) IT'S PAID FOR!!!!

Here's hoping you guys have the extra 28 days in ya, I'm sure hoping I do!

Song of the Week #44, Save the Date!

Sorry, it's all I've got for you today! The library is rationing my computer time these days.

Been There, Done.... Nothing!

We've all heard it; "Been there, done that!"

As for me, I've been there, but I haven't done Jack!

In case you haven't noticed my counter, ticker, wall scratchings, have gone from a low of 70, back up to 101 days left in the Slam.

No, I didn't get added time for bad behavior, it was someone else's fault (isn't it always) I SWEAR! I was at the race (been there) it didn't happen (done nothing, good argument against tapering right there), so that added a race on the back end (30 more days in the slam for good behavior!)

How does this effect my Slam chances? I have no idea. On one hand Arkansas is easier than W States (weather not withstanding), but on the other hand, I can't imagine doing a race after Wasatch (that sucker looks harder than Dick Cheney's arteries!)

But, as we've stated in this town many times before, if they had to tack one on the back end, I'm glad it is Arkansas, a course I know and at which do well. Well, I guess that's why they call it the Slam, there is no easy time. Stay tuned.

The Legend of Roger

If you're ever on the Tahoe Rim Trail and you're running low on water, look for a hiker named Roger.

Roger, I won't call him old, but I well say he has so many wrinkles that he screws his hat on his head. How much age does he have on him, we'll get to that.

The Chaser and I were were running on the TRT, doing a sporty 27-miler that Chase thoroughly researched, "Yeah, says here that there is a lake about 11 miles into it, we can refill there."

So, off we went, me, with bravado, foregoing the ride to the trailhead, "Naw, it's only 5-miles we can run there." (don't ever forgo the ride to the trailhead, especially if the run is uphill on a busy road!) We were enjoying some beautiful views:

















But as we were two hours in, we still hadn't found our lake, when we happened on Roger, whom we had met the day before while we were hiking with our lovely companions, Ali and Kristyn (they were available due to the cancellation of some race they were supposed to help crew.)

Anyway, we asked Roger where we could find this lake. "Just Round the corner." says Roger. "But you're not planning on drinking out of Deadman's Lake, are ye?"

Us, "Er, well, er, a..."

"Hey fellas, how about I loan you my filter, and you fill them bottles and leave the filter on the trail. Might save you a bad case of the green-apple-two-step."

"Gee thanks, a, er, a, a, sir."

The old-timer said, "Shoot my father was sir, just call me Roger!"

"Well, thanks Roger!" we replied as he shook our hands in his vise-like grip.

We refilled, and by the time we were finished Roger had snuck up on us and were gave him back his filter (which I'm not sure wasn't a spittin' image of the Jarvic 7.) They I had to ask, "Roger, what are you doing out here all alone, I mean you're not a young man?"

"Well, See that big old lake down there, Lake Tahoe?"

"Yessir."

"I'm walking all the way around it on this here trail. It's 168 miles, and I'm carrying everything I need right here on my back."

"Gee Roger, that's gotta be 40 pounds, and 168 miles is a long way."

"Actually it's more like 50 pounds, and I'll be finishing my journey, tomorrow or the next day. And with doubling back and all, it's been more like 200 miles."

"Wow Roger! If you don't mind me asking, how old are you anyway?"

"I was 87 on my last birthday."

87! If I can still chew at 87 I'll be happy! And Roger, he's hiking solo on Mountain trail and living off the land. And he can still take the time to help a couple of idiots from the city figure out that you don't want to drink stagnate water without filtering it first!

Funny thing is though, when we got back to town and were waiting for our ride back, we asked a couple of locals about Roger, and they couldn't remember any old-timer that lived around there. Until one old fella in the back said, "my dad was named Roger and used to hike that trail all the time, until he died 25 years ago, at age 87. Dad caught dysentery, up at Deadman's Lake and died on the mountain. We've heard for years from city-folk like yourselves claiming to have been helped out by Roger. But it's just legend........ isn't it?"

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