We have concluded the 3rd annual Buffalo Trace 7-Day Stage Race. We had quite a few starters, but many failed to get the minimum 5 miles per day on the trails. There were only 3 human finishers (2 canine companions also completed the 7-day event). Results can be found here. Pretty sad that I "won" the event with only 91 total miles. I completed 303 miles in the 2008 event! Tracy Thomas achieved 335 miles in 2009. While this year had extra restrictions (no running from 8am-5pm on work days), it still had rather low total mileage from the participants. I think it's time to call it quits for this event. No stage race in 2011...at least not organized by me. Rumor has it there may be a formal paid event next summer with a new RD. Another rumor says the former race director of the Clinton Lake ultra and the current "Riddle Run" director have been discussing a re-designed week-long event for 2011. Who knows? Who cares?
As I close the chapter on this year's event, I want to thank several people that made this year's week special. Gregg gave me great advice on adjusting and fastening my Golite Rush running pack. I didn't get any shoulder pains like I had in the Great Smoky Mountains. Janak and Jen get kudos for running (or walking) almost every single day barefoot. I suppose Chelsea and Ferris get the same "pats on the back" for going in their native bare paws. They motivated me to toss the shoes aside quite often during the week. Jeff deserves a big thank you (and half the champion prize money?) for getting me back on the trail the last day when I was willing to sit at home and DNF. Finally, my wife Sharon gets the biggest "thank you" for encouraging me to cut back total miles and simply enjoy running everyday...and spend more time with her and "the kids." Two of those gerbil "kids" got in a nasty fight right before the stage race began. After an emergency trip to the veterinarian (thanks Dr Ken!), both Preston and Burnley were cleaned up, on medications, and healing up nicely. Unfortunately, they now need to be kept separated. Fortunately, the third brother, Watford, didn't get into the scuffle.
Trivia of the day...can anyone figure out where the three gerbil names came from? Hint, their older uncle gerbil is named Bolton and their big cousin the degu is named Scunthorpe. All the names are related. If anyone reading this blog (besides Ian) can figure this out, I'll be very impressed. You'll probably earn yourself a free beer.
7 comments:
Just give me a beer anyway Chris LOL
Next time we meet, the first beer is on me!
Chris,
Bolton is an English Premier League football team. The rest play in the English League Championship (now that Burnley has been relegated)
Millwall rejoins the Championship. Go Lions!
Impressive Jim! I figured I'd get something along the lines of "Those are towns in England." Which would sort of be correct, but you are spot on! If we ever meet face to face, the first beer (or two) are on me! Where do you live?
Chris,
I ran Clinton Lake and McNaughton 50 mile this spring. At McNaughton, on my last loop I stopped and thanked you for "planting the seed" of running McNaughton as I didn't really think I was ready for something like that right after Clinton Lake.
I'll be at HOBO and Farmdale to complete the Slam later this fall, so if I see you at either, I'll take you up on that beer!!
Well done Jim. I _should_ be at Hobo and will be at Farmdale. Hope to see you soon. I'm a little disappointed you aren't from the London, England area! When you finish the Slam, I'll have a good 6-pack of English beer with me at Farmdale.
Chris,
Sorry to disappoint, born in Indiana and now live in Des Plaines. When I see you later maybe I'll excuse myself to use the "loo" instead of the Porta-John.
BTW, don't worry about my support of Millwall. My wife attended a Millwall game several years ago on a trip to England with her girlfriend. She had no idea of their fans reputation. Anyway, since then, I've always followed their progress.
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