Apologies, a solicitation for opinions, and major congratulations and thanks

[Fred Ecks]

Hey Andrew, Brian, and Bobby,

Oops. I'd like to make it clear that my opinion is that when the RD is
the only finisher in an event, it's the RD's fault. You each
encountered various issues seemingly unrelated to the course and
instructions, but the fact that only I finished (with pretty good
knowledge of and experience on the course) speaks volumes. I sincerely
apologize for this outcome. Regardless, I hope you each enjoyed your
time in desperate lust after the fleeting Burrito. What a pretty day
and night we had, eh?

Bobby, how's your ankle? I have a tendon flareup now, probably related
to all the flat pavement we encountered in places. Mine is likely to
recover just fine without consequence. It sounded like your injury may
be worse. Are you okay?

Brian, I'm sorry you hamstring hated you. It was nice meeting Isabel;
thank you for getting the word out quickly about dropping -- it saved
Andy and Ann from concern for your well-being.

Andrew, in retrospect, you probably made a good decision to drop where
you did. As I climbed Butano, all I could think of was how tough that
would've been on you in your then-current state. That's a mother of a
climb in a very remote place.

All that said, here's my solicitation for your opinions: My feeling is
to skip writing up a report for _Ultrarunning_. Would y'all have any
opinions to the contrary?

*THANK YOU* for coming out to play! Regardless of finishing or not, we
all gave our best shot at a pretty darn tough run. That whole "no aid
stations" thang really makes a huge difference, and you all dealt with
it with aplomb.

Speaking of "no aid stations", that was total and complete horse-pucky.
Ann lugged the entire contents of a very well-stocked aid station in 1.5
miles uphill in the mud (took two trips!) to the Hiker's Hut, warmed the
place up, and assumed the CREW position (Cranky Runners, Endless
Waiting). It was so comfy that I stayed about an hour, significantly
slowing my finish time. Likewise, Andy got up crazy-early on a Sunday
morning after returning from the Sierra Nevadas yesterday to provide an
equally amazing aid station at the top of the final big climb up Jamison
Grade. And then on top of all that, each of the runner's crews helped
all of us with whatever we wanted. DAMN, that was cool! You all are
total rockstars!!!

Also, it was way sweet to have Vladimir and Roger run down from up on
Skyline to Half Moon Bay, meet Andrew and I, and run back up with us.
With their cheery company, that climb seemed to take about 5 minutes.
:-) Oooh, and they stashed water for us up there, too!

I've attached photos of the start and finish to this email message.
Check out how clean we all were at the start, and how totally disgusting
I was at the finish. Ahhh, what a fine way to spend the weekend. :-)

Thanks again, Burrito Denizens!!!

- Fred
(415) 425-0805

[brian myers]

Hey Fred, Awsome job.  That is a great course (I hope to see it all in April).  Thanks to Ann and Andy who I didn't meet for helping out some crazy folks idea of a good time :)  The write up is up to you Fred.  In my opinion, if you do write it up I would like to see and be part of the next one if you make it back to the coast.  (I got an extra room about 2miles from the start.)  Have a great new year and soak your feet in some warm caribean water. Brian --- On Sun, 12/28/08, Fred Ecks <fr...@pobox.com> wrote:

[aha...@nwlink.com]

I'd like to add a shout out to Andrew - thanks for helping me carry stuff
back this morning (saving me a trip), and thanks for playing navigator down
to Big Basin. Lots easier to drive when you're not trying to keep an eye on
the map and the road signs at the same time.

The hiker's hut is a really neat space and the comfiest crew site I've ever
been at. I'd do that again.

Cheers,
-Ann

[Robert Oakes]

Hi Fred,

Congratulations!

The course was beautifully put together.  My own dumb luck for twisting my ankle less than two hours into it.

No fractures, just a bad sprain.  Should be off crutches by tomorrow and running again in a couple of weeks.

I am very thankful for all the course training and strategic planning that this run demanded.  

I learned and experienced a ton just in the preparation.

These distances are challenging - in a million different ways.  

But I am hooked, and can't wait for the next one.

The run you put together was a beautiful one.  

I will probably continue to run sections of it through the spring.

Take care and thanks again for the opportunity.

Bobby

--
Robert A. Oakes M.D.

[Robert Oakes]

PS.   

I wouldn't mind another shot at that course in a couple months.  Seems like I have a lot of the logistical preparation down.  Just need some good healing and some training time.  No rush, but would really to go for it again - unofficially - of course.

Would probably be safest to run this with another person.  Especially for the desolate areas.  Maybe others from this group would have the same thoughts.

If anyone is interested, please keep in touch.

Take care,

[brian myers]

Hey Bobby, I'm thinking Easter Weekend but let's keep in touch as things alsways change. Brian brian...@yahoo.com --- On Sun, 12/28/08, Robert Oakes <rao...@gmail.com> wrote:

From: Robert Oakes <rao...@gmail.com> Subject: [br100] Re: Apologies, a solicitation for opinions, and major congratulations and thanks To: br...@googlegroups.com