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.

Monday, July 23, 2007

Short post

Well, since I am feeling increadibly guilty of my long posts, having become aware of it after reading Rob's Epic 24 summits post, I'll cut it short - and I've got no time anyway.

A glance at a weekend:

Vermont 100 picks:
Andy J-W, Glen Redpath, Jim Kerby, Greg Loomis, Todd Walker. Dona Utakis, Laura Bleakley, Ronda Sundermeier, Julie Berg. A few more friends I'll be watching: Andy Kumeda with Slam progression and Jamie Anderson for the first 100. Plus NE homies:)
Tahoe Rim Trail 100 picks:
Jasper Halekas, Jeff Riley, Sean Meissner, Eric Clifton. Sue Johnston, Kim Gimenez, Kathy D'Onofrio, Molly Zurn. Plus folks for 50M and 50k (in 50k I almost don't doubt Michelle Barton to come out a winner). Scott Dunlap is running his first 100M.


VT100 results: Andy won (ha!) with Jim next. Greg Loomis had problems and was further back under 24. Todd placed 4th. Both Dona and Laura dropped (went out fast?), and shame on me, I don't know the names of first 3 ladies (Mary Churchill, Lori Lebel, Elizabeth Carrion - especially shame as the winner is on Montrail team), but Ronda was 4th in 21:36! Julie Berg seems to be battling the 24 and finished in 24:40. Andy Kumeda squeeked under 24 by 3 minutes!! Jamie finished first 100 in 22 and change! OK, these are my personal congrats to:)

TRT100 results: none official posted yet, but Jasper broke his own record and ran in 18:16. Molly Zurn won over Kim Gimenez. Where is Sue? Kathy had stomach trouble and was found by bike patrol at mile 65. Ouch! Scott Dunlap was on pace for 23:30, but fell and did a damage to his knee at mile 94, after what hobbled to the finish in 25:13. More to follow once I hear it.

Badwater in progress!!! Follow here. Akos Konya went through 17 miles in 2:11!! There was a mistake on David Goggins leading in 1:27 - scared the socks out of me (I mean, too fast, impossible for BW). These were my predictions from some time ago:
Men:
1. Valmir Nunes 25: 07:32
2.Akos Konya 25:31:20
3.Anton Millar 26:26:45
4. Dean Karnazes 27:05:0
5. Charlie Engle 28:36:10
Women:
1. Tracy Thomas 30:56:30
2. Anne Langstaff 31:25:00
3. Jamie Donaldson 32:35:00
4. Lisa Bliss 34:06:25 (go, Lisa!)
5. Lisa Smith-Batchen 36:15:00 (just because she'll double the course and needs to save herself)
I'll add on updates on my friends and front runners as it goes.
P.s. Of course somehow I missed Jorje Pacheco on the lsit of runners, so I can't officially add him up to the circle outlined (the rules of the BW prediction game) - but he is the one I wish the most best to amongst men.

The week is going crazy, lots of work, need to put miles till Friday, staffed goodie bags yesterday with Stephen, shopping for PCT race Friday and going to set up camps/aid stations/markings...oh, yeah, a hair appointment today and massage Wed. Breathe!

12 comments:

Ben, aka BadBen said...

Olga,

Yes, take some time to breathe.
I know how busy & stressful the week leading up to a race is. I'm looking forward to meeting you in person.

Happy trails,
Bad Ben

Jessica DeLine said...

Wow - thanks for the updates on the races. I didn't know some of that stuff. Also - Michelle had an off day. She was 5th woman in the 50K.

seagull junker said...

jeff finished 22:38, 8th or 9th. was in just survival mode from mile 15 on. yes i said mile 15. Sean was leading during parts of the race. dropped at mile 75. phil shaw was third i think. mark gilligan was second in 19:15ish.
kathy d'onofrio was leading for a bit. no word on the finish there.

a call into the engraver after finished got you a buckle with name time and maybe even place on it.

not as cold as last year. lots of wind at times up high. not too warm. 80ish.

seagull junker said...

jeff finished 22:38, 8th or 9th. was in just survival mode from mile 15 on. yes i said mile 15. Sean was leading during parts of the race. dropped at mile 75. phil shaw was third i think. mark gilligan was second in 19:15ish.
kathy d'onofrio was leading for a bit. no word on the finish there.

a call into the engraver after finished got you a buckle with name time and maybe even place on it.

not as cold as last year. lots of wind at times up high. not too warm. 80ish.

Unknown said...

I need a massage and a hair appointment as well:)I wish I could be at the race.

Jamie Anderson said...

Thanks for the congrats Olga! Much appreciated, and thanks also for serving as a great role model for ultrarunning.

Sarah said...

You have a busy week! Enjoy your massage. : )

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

I have seen shorter posts:-) but for you, yes a short post-lol

WOW, Co- race Director u have a busy week, if u want I can fly in and help ya :-)

Did U die ur hair Montrail blue?! come on do it :-)

Journey to a Centum said...

Olga,

Thanks for the predictions! Now just breath in, breath out. Breath in, breath out. Repeat as required.

We are looking forward to helping out this weekend. All will be well.

I've been accused of staging the photos of Rob since I'm so smily and he's so stricken with pain. Rob and I would never think of such a deceptive and diabolical scheme.

Eric

Backofpack said...

One thing at a time Olga. Just keep moving forward - toward the weekend! See you there!

Gabe said...

Good luck to you in a stressful week. I hope your race goes smoothly.

Andy said...

Hey Olga...shouldn't you be getting ready for your big race this weekend, instead of blogging? :-) Wish I could be there...that race will always be special to me, since it was my first 50 miler. Best of luck.