Grindstone was tentatively postponed by a week and then completely cancelled due to Government partial shut-down and the need of "non-essential" Federal Forest Service worker supervise an event permitted by said service (even though the event wasn't on National Park's land).
The good news (there have to be good news, right?) were:
a) Clark Zeland and David Horton graciously rolled ALL our (who wanted) entries (with no additional fees!) into year 2014. I responded with a "YES!"
b) Sophie Spiedel offered to crew and potentially (if I want to) pace me (however many miles) as next year that weekend (so far) is open for her (unlike this year), so I might get spoiled for the first time in years
c) David Horton emailed me an application invitation to Hellgate 100km race in December prior posting it online - I felt extra-special - as a counseling effort. Well, that, and I promised him to come since 2004. So, I am in for sure, check went out a week ago.
The not-so-good news are:
a) there is no more Hardrock 100 lottery qualifiers this year
b) I did email the board seeing if there is any consideration for the situation (never hurts to ask, right?) and got a (very quick) response that no, it ain't any different than fire or weather conditions and race shut down. It is fair, so I have no grouchy feelings
c) no (even remote) possibility to get into Hardrock 100 for 2014 means my willingness (and ability) to train for it in TX is twinging down. Now, since I will make to to G-stone (and thus a qualifier) in 2014, I could apply for 2015 lottery, but, first of, I may just get tired of being hopeful (1 in, 6 misses, and 1 totally out - this year), secondly, 2015 will run same direction as I already did it, and I'd like to go "backwards" for a "full Monty", and the crowd is changing rather fast in every race (while I don't mind it as much in the new races I visit, in the "old timers" I have too many memories and keep having expectations and being disappointed).
Bottom line is, life goes on, and we shall see.
On a good note of no Hardrock (again, gotta be a silver lining!) it means I free''d up 2 weeks of my summer that Larry and I can spend doing some more backpacking trips! A.k.a. Grand Tetons we did past July, or Tahoe lake we did in 2009...so, we better get thinking! And I can also "participate" in other races I want to see without a pressure to perform - what I am truly looking forward to - what also means my next season might be what I keep promising myself, just an easy "stay in shape and run as you're pleased" (I still love to travel to races). My schedule for the first few months is on the side bar, and I already registered for everything up to April. Summer is open for fun ideas.
On a funky note, after my friend Steve Moore ran Mogollon Monster 100 at the end of September (on Zane Grey 50M course in AZ, my all-time favorite 50), I was going to go there next year myself, but with Grindstone set on October 3rd, that is not happening.
I am toying with ideas of re-do on Tahoe Rim 100, Cascade Crest 100 and AC100 (but AC100 is already full, so no go there) - my 3 DNF's I'd like to avenge (NOT race, just finish). One I don't care for (in terms of DNF or race itself) is Leadville 100, but it's personal, so whatever. So, example could be us backpack in 3-days Wonderland trail, then me doing CC100?
I was also invited to come visit (with Larry, of course) Canada and run Squamish 50 with Linda and Gary Robbins (and visit Leslie in Banff?), so that's a possibility too (that 2 weeks vacation? sounds like a perfect plan).
Anyway, Ozark is close, training is lazy (my body refuses to do it when it was promised to be done mid-September, it is much smarter than me). I am anticipating a lot of pain - and a lot of fun too:) I know, we're a weird crowd.
I turned 44 yesterday. I love my age. I would never go back to 30's (and forget 20s!). I have good friends, good life, and best husband who supports me and understands me. Here is to another blessed year - year I will make the way I'd like it to be.
The good news (there have to be good news, right?) were:
a) Clark Zeland and David Horton graciously rolled ALL our (who wanted) entries (with no additional fees!) into year 2014. I responded with a "YES!"
b) Sophie Spiedel offered to crew and potentially (if I want to) pace me (however many miles) as next year that weekend (so far) is open for her (unlike this year), so I might get spoiled for the first time in years
c) David Horton emailed me an application invitation to Hellgate 100km race in December prior posting it online - I felt extra-special - as a counseling effort. Well, that, and I promised him to come since 2004. So, I am in for sure, check went out a week ago.
The not-so-good news are:
a) there is no more Hardrock 100 lottery qualifiers this year
b) I did email the board seeing if there is any consideration for the situation (never hurts to ask, right?) and got a (very quick) response that no, it ain't any different than fire or weather conditions and race shut down. It is fair, so I have no grouchy feelings
c) no (even remote) possibility to get into Hardrock 100 for 2014 means my willingness (and ability) to train for it in TX is twinging down. Now, since I will make to to G-stone (and thus a qualifier) in 2014, I could apply for 2015 lottery, but, first of, I may just get tired of being hopeful (1 in, 6 misses, and 1 totally out - this year), secondly, 2015 will run same direction as I already did it, and I'd like to go "backwards" for a "full Monty", and the crowd is changing rather fast in every race (while I don't mind it as much in the new races I visit, in the "old timers" I have too many memories and keep having expectations and being disappointed).
Bottom line is, life goes on, and we shall see.
On a good note of no Hardrock (again, gotta be a silver lining!) it means I free''d up 2 weeks of my summer that Larry and I can spend doing some more backpacking trips! A.k.a. Grand Tetons we did past July, or Tahoe lake we did in 2009...so, we better get thinking! And I can also "participate" in other races I want to see without a pressure to perform - what I am truly looking forward to - what also means my next season might be what I keep promising myself, just an easy "stay in shape and run as you're pleased" (I still love to travel to races). My schedule for the first few months is on the side bar, and I already registered for everything up to April. Summer is open for fun ideas.
On a funky note, after my friend Steve Moore ran Mogollon Monster 100 at the end of September (on Zane Grey 50M course in AZ, my all-time favorite 50), I was going to go there next year myself, but with Grindstone set on October 3rd, that is not happening.
I am toying with ideas of re-do on Tahoe Rim 100, Cascade Crest 100 and AC100 (but AC100 is already full, so no go there) - my 3 DNF's I'd like to avenge (NOT race, just finish). One I don't care for (in terms of DNF or race itself) is Leadville 100, but it's personal, so whatever. So, example could be us backpack in 3-days Wonderland trail, then me doing CC100?
I was also invited to come visit (with Larry, of course) Canada and run Squamish 50 with Linda and Gary Robbins (and visit Leslie in Banff?), so that's a possibility too (that 2 weeks vacation? sounds like a perfect plan).
Anyway, Ozark is close, training is lazy (my body refuses to do it when it was promised to be done mid-September, it is much smarter than me). I am anticipating a lot of pain - and a lot of fun too:) I know, we're a weird crowd.
I turned 44 yesterday. I love my age. I would never go back to 30's (and forget 20s!). I have good friends, good life, and best husband who supports me and understands me. Here is to another blessed year - year I will make the way I'd like it to be.
12 comments:
Just a head's up: a couple of people I know may be asking you to coach them in the next day or two. Both are decent people (even though I know them).
Argh. I am very sorry about Grindstone. You were not the only runner needing it as their HR qualifier.
I mailed my Hellgate app this morning, so I will see what Horton sez, I may see you on the trails in December!
Happy Birthday!
Bummer about Hardrock, but everything happens for a reason ;-)
Olga, why don't you put your hat in the ringer for the Grand Slam? HR 100 is, of course, every S&M ultra runners dream event (me included) but, frankly, there are so many other worthy races out there now that HR 100 might be, well, overrated? OK, I get the challenge. But aren't they all challenging? Flatter course = faster times? I'm thinking of signing up for it but I'm not sure it would be the first choice. I'm thinking WS 100 and if I get in, let the slam begin! Sorry about the cancelation of Grindstone. Keep it real!
Because I did that in 2005! I DNF'ed Leadville, but ran WS, VT and Wasatch, then pick SD to wrap 4. So, first of, I made an attempt, secondly, as I said, I don't like to repeat (WS 3 times!, don't like VT or LT, but am interested in Wasatch), and lastly, I have no luck and will never get into WS (see trying for HR). Last, but most important, it's not that I don't want to challenge faster times (I actually don't, common, I've been in it a bit too long!), is that I believe you only train and race well if a race you picked means something! Slam means nothing to me at this point of my life. It did, now it doesn't.
I know, right? :)
Thanks! Looking forward seeing who it is:)
Yes, hope you get to come to Hellgate!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Best wishes for a great year!
I'm with you! The 40's have been my best decade so far. Had lots of fun in my 20's but I wouldn't want them back. Love how you always end up looking on the positive side. I'm sure you'll have a great race (as in enjoy the experience) at Ozark. I can relate a little bit...my mind, body and training were focused on Mountain Lakes. Excited about Javelina, but it's just not the same and the training motivation hasn't been quite there. Fortunately I didn't have a lot of time to train anyway.
Happy belated birthday! You have a great attitude about what must have been very disappointing.
Great attitude Olga! Everything happens for a reason, so they say. Something positive you didn't expect will come of all of this. I am glad you had a great birthday, we are both 44! It is my lucky number, so that luck goes for both of us :)
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