If you're lucky enough to be in the mountains, you are lucky enough.

When something bad happens, you have three choices: let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

One more chance.

As I was making my way through the last 30 of Blackhills 100 and thought those thoughts I shared previously, the Hardrock 100 board had made a decision to change the lottery rules (as described briefly by AJW at irunfar.com. All great changes with improved chances of the field be more diverse.

Since Blackhills is not listed as a qualifier and I had decided to forgo Tahoe Rim Trail 100 and withdrew my registration, my only chance was my finish from 2009 at HR100. With new process this chance has been removed (over 3 years ago for 2013). A few folks had emailed some questions, including myself, a couple of which had been valid and looked at by the board (what really shows that this particular board cares for its runners). You know, when Scott Dunlap asked me at the finish line in South Dakota if there is any 100 I would have liked to repeat, without a second I responded: "Hardrock".

My wish to at least try for one more lottery had been granted with this email:

At this afternoon's pre-Hardrock Board of Directors meeting in Silverton, we voted to make an alteration to the service requirement and qualification changes which were announced a couple weeks ago for the 2013 running, based on feedback we received:

1. The time period for satisfying the service requirement was changed to 6/1/12-5/31/12 from 7/13/12-5/31/12. It was pointed out to us that our original time period created a dead space that excluded work performed at a number of popular ultras, including Western States and pre-Hardrock-start.


2. The implementation of removing the started-any-of-the-past-three-

Hardrocks qualifier and reducing the finished-any-of-the-past-five-Hardrocks to ...three-Hardrocks was pushed back from 2013 to 2014. It was pointed out to us that this created a situation where some runners would have to unexpectedly enter and finish a qualifying hundred before the end of November of this year to be eligible in 2013, and that many of our qualifiers are already full.

Blake Wood
, President, Hardrock Board of Directors

 
I guess I'll give another shot to Walk Hard.

This time no pacer and with the right set of mind.

Now I just need a prayer to get selected so I can retire with solid memories. And it doesn't change anything right now in life.

On another note, I am off to My Church for a weekend. I'll need it. Things are a bit messy in that region and require some thinking process:)



9 comments:

Anonymous said...

glad you get another go at Hardrock. That is one I have NO desire to do. I cannot imagine being out there for 2 nights. I am in awe that anyone can do this race.

Have a good visit with your son, friends, and the tall green trees.

Danni said...

Man, after San Juan it's hard to imagine HR. That said, maybe if I could spend a week acclimating I'd feel less nasueous and be able to move a little faster. If I do and finish Bear 100 I might throw my name in the lottery just cause.

Larry said...

Let's hope you have luck on your side in the lottery. You'll have two pluses on your side if you make it through--1)I won't be pacing you, 2)You'll have the best crewperson. ;)

Sarah said...

Those pictures look familiar. :-) Enjoy your weekend! And I hope the lottery gods look favorably upon you in the next Hardrock lottery.

Larry said...

If I could only do one race next year, it would be crewing you at HR. I know how much you want to run it again and seeing the tears well up in your eyes each time you talk about it portrays how much it would mean to you to be there again...

Carilyn said...

I'm so glad you get another shot! Yay! Can't wait to see how the lottery plays out. Have a great weekend - hope you get things worked out.

Thomas said...

Olga, my comment has nothing to do with your post.

Instead, I want to thank you for being such an inspirational runner all through these years. I got inspired by you at a time when I was struggling to complete a marathon and I was always in awe of your achievements.

I have finally finished my first long ultra race and it went incredibly well. I would never even have attempted anything remotely like that had it not been for you and the example you set. I have gotten so much out of ultra running, I can never thank you enough, but be assured that I will always be grateful.

Thank you
Thomas

P.S. Good luck with getting into Hardrock

Julia said...

Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Thomas Bussiere said...

Nice pics. Good luck.