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Run on the Sly 2002 - e-mail feedback
I know I have a feedback card to fill out...but wanted to tell you. This was
my 1st 50K and I had a great time. The aid Station workers were the BEST I
have had at any run I have ever done. They made it so easy. I ended up 3rd
in my division and was stunned. So thank you so much for the emails...and
the Aid Station workers that were so helpful!!
its about 9pm and i just want to say i had the most absolutely fabulous time today at the run. i e-mailed you sometime last week regarding my doubts and abilities about being able to do the 30k because of my lack of trail running experience but that i had been training with bobbi little and you said 'do the 30k' and i did...and it was just the best thing in the world. it was 'fun' and 'nice' and i want to say 'easy' but i fear that might offend some. when i finished i almost felt cheated that i didnt do the 50k. i drove back to sacramento wondering where my 'run' was...it was the best time in the world and your crew people at the stops were great and sweet and kind...it made it so easy...thank you both for this first time experience that makes me want to come back again...very fabulous...i am still so hyped up and adreniline rushed over it...bobbi went home to nap and me...i am so wired over how great it was...what a 'newbie'. thank you and have a wonderful year...
I DID have a blast! Being out there with all the able-bodied ultrarunners and ultravolunteers was the greatest time I've had in quite some time. The ROTS is such a nice down-home event, it's like a big family. I don't know if I can adequately express the feeling of coming back to the finish line, and finding the whole place so alive, with people, dogs, music, food, and even a Harley parked on the grass. Now that's a party! It felt real good to be a part of that. Barry, I appreciated your poise and hard work dealing with the events of a fine production. I especially enjoyed spending time with Lucinda: she is so pleasant to be around.
It was nice seeing many old friends, and meeting new ones. Driving home to whatever I had thought important, I spent the drive thinking how nice it would be to just stay another day. I wish I had! I wish I'd stayed and helped put the whole event to rest. I'll just have to wait for next year.
Meanwhile, I hope your car gets diagnosed and fixed. And I hope to see you soon!
Thanks for everything!
Your Run on the Sly was a great
race!
Darkness fell soon after the last runner came in.
Thank you again. Twenty-five runners came my
way for sports massage. It was a real pleasure.
Looking forward to next year. Have a great fall.
Thank you for the continued opportunity to be a
part of a great race!
Hello, my name is Keli Niemi, and I wanted to send you a thank you for putting on a great race! I had a great time and cannot wait to be back next year, especially with more single track. The aid stations and the people working them were all great! I loved the course, it was the first time I have done the 30k, and love the beautiful course! Hats off to you for putting on a great race!
As always, I had a great time at the run yesterday.
My cold really slowed me down and proved my theory incorrect. I thought that I could kill a cold by running 50k --- well the cold nearly killed me. I slept 11 hours last night after I took a 90 minutes nap after the race. Now I still have a cold --- and a sore body. Next year, I will train --- famous last words.
A couple of very, very, very picky suggestions: Rock salt at the water tank aid station? All the other stations had table salt and it is much easier on the stomach.
Gatorade only --- any chance of
cytomax or something similar?
Showers --- women's shower is not used much while the guys wait in line. Any
way to have a bigger guys shower with multiple shower heads. (Just wait, next
year I will want hot water!)
Regarding the 50k, from the aid station pass the dam, the turns were confusing
for the first time runner --- even though the trail was marked. White flour
arrows on the ground would of helped.
Don't change:
Friendly people and always willing
to help.
Showers at the finish - even if the guys have to wait. The bench and carpet
outside the shower was a great addition!
BBQ - drinks - music at the finish.
We need more single track trail (and you are working on it) but we still need
some road to start in order to spread out the runners.
Excellent goodie bag - especially the drilite (?) shirt.
Try to keep the trail from the dam to the water tank. There are park bathrooms
and running water along the way (and many of the slower runners used them.)
In summary, I think that Sly is my favorite run. It's friendly, low key, scenic,
excellent aid stations, mountain trails, mostly shade so even if is hot you
are not in the sun, many choices of runs, bbq, showers, and t-shirts/sweatshirts
colors that I will wear in public.
Dear Ultra Folks;
Yesterday I did the Run On The Sly. What a wonderful, beautiful experience.
We started out quite warm and it was supposed to reach a temperature of over
100 for the day. Thank heaven it never happened. The 50K was its usual beautiful
stretch of all trail - some jeep roads some single track trail. The search
and rescue people were just absolutely splendid and kept encouraging me every
inch of the way. Yes, I was last and they were with me all the way.
I was doing just great up to the first two aid stations but after that it
became somewhat of a struggle. The left leg swelled up twice and went down
again. The stomach stayed ok till the 22-mile point and then just absolutely
caved in on me. At the 22 mile aid station the leg swelled again and this
time it would not go back down. I was seven and a half hours into it by that
time but was also very aware that the last 9 miles were not in the cards then.
I dropped.
After thoughts are that I am very pleased with my performance and very aware
of what has to be done now. I think that I can now enter a training regime
that will get me back onto the 6 hour 30 minute finish for a 50K. I proved
to myself that the leg can, if trained properly, withstand a strenuous 50K.
I also proved to myself that exercise is just wonderful for someone with IBS.
I woke today with my stomach and body feeling a little sore but better then
I have felt in months. The leg is not as sore as I thought it would be and
it is not swollen. The state of my mind is even better. I almost feel erotic.
And all of this from not finishing a 50K!!!
My sincere thanks to Linda and John Fisher who would have allowed me to finish
if I wanted. Above all the those wonderful search and rescue people who left
all decisions to me and I think were a little disappointed that I had decided
to drop.
I wanted to thank you in person
yesterday but in talking to old friends that
I hadn't seen in years and the elation of running fast on that course. I
didn't realize that I had forgot to say thanks until after we had left.
Thank you for allowing me to use
Madys' number. I had a great time. I really
enjoyed the course. Without it I would not have attempted it.
I don't know whose fault it was
about the mix-up in directions but I would
like to apologize for my actions I understand that they are all volunteers
and are trying their best to make the race enjoyable for everyone. I know
that the responsibility for knowing the course rests ultimately with me. I
feel like I acted a little inappropriately.
If you could pass along my apologies
to the crew of the Overlook aid station
I would gratefully appreciate it.
Thank you again and I plan on returning next year.
Thanks for all the dedicated time
and effort to organize a great run.
We had a lot of fun!
What a fabulous event this is!
A fair but demanding course, with lots
of big hills, beautiful pine forests, outstanding volunteers and
excellent aid. The post-race party had the same down-home feel that
some of us old-timers remember fondly from the long-defunct Cal 50 and
Cow Mountain events. Alas, by the time I struggled in, most of the 50K
runners (and many of the 50 milers) had already departed. . . ;-(
The only negative was the weather:
it got seriously hot by the
afternoon - well into the 90s. For those of us who are used to the
cold summer San Francisco fog, it was brutal. The less said about my
personal effort, the better. Suffice to say I wilted badly the last 20
miles and ran a PW 10:47. . . but still had a great time out there.
Minor personal milestone: it was my 126th ultra and combined with 74
marathons makes the 200th time I've run a marathon or further in a
race.
Congratulations to RDs Barry and
Lucinda Fisher for a flawlessly staged
event. (four events actually, there was a 7-miler, a 30K, a 50K and a
50 miler) I'm quite certain it was otherwise, but they made it look
easy! Four stars.
On behalf of the 400 runners (and SAR) ... THANKS for putting on this
event. Even though I don't know all that you do to pull it off, I have a
better idea than most of the runners do as to how much work goes on to
make such an event happen. I'm glad that I was able to help (and sorry
that we couldn't help on Monday) and will "probably" help out again
in
2003, unless I'm in running form once again.
I do promise to send you a list
of my suggestions (all constructive) and
a list of tasks for the "finish line manager" for Lucinda's review.
Dallas and I had a great time and look forward to seeing both of you again!
Wanted to thank you and your wife and all the volunteers for a great run on
Sunday at the 9th Annual Run on the SLY. I did the 30 K and my friend did
the 7.5, which she really enjoyed. The dreaded hill at the start really got
the old legs warmed up. She and I found this to be one of the best organized
runs we have done in the last several years. We have always done road 10Ks,
1/2 marathons and 5 Ks and in fact this was the first organized trail race/run
we have done. The volunteers at the aid stations were well organized, friendly
and had a sense of humor, especially at mile 12. The music (can't recall the
aid station) was a real treat. The course was well marked, except for one
spot were the 50 K/50 mi broke off from the 30K, at the bridge at the end
of Jenk Lake. A little confusing as you come down the hill, some of us went
almost across the wood bridge instead of turning right along the single track
to continue onto completion of the 30K (just before mile 12).
You mentioned that next year you would be changing the course, will it be more single track and at the same location? Is the 30K course open to mt biking? We appeared to be on private property (logging/fire roads) so just wondering.
Can you suggest any other trail run events like yours that we would enjoy this year or into 2003 or a web site we can go to?
Barry and Lucinda, in any event, we both appreciated the hard work and preparation. The food was excellent after the run, so hats off to the cooks!!
Lastly, are you planning on selling any of the unclaimed Dri-Release shirts?
Take care and see you next year!!
PS. I will write these same comments to your web site when you have it up
for 2002 Run Comments.
Thanks to both of you for a well run, highly organized event. I enjoyed the setting--heat and all--and could not think of a better way to spend my Sunday. You folks are not only talented (Lucinda anyway) but a credit to the running community. Thanks again!!! Barry--see you in LA--not!!!!
Just wanted to say thank you for an AWESOME race! That was my first 50 miler and it was truly everything I'd imagined and then some! The trails were incredible and the volunteers were fantastic - if possible, please pass on a special thanks to the folks at both Pete's Place and the Overlook. I thought I was going to pass out, but the kind people at these stations fixed me up and sent me on my way with a smile! :)
just a note to say "thanks!" for a wonderful race on Sunday. I must
say that it has been a long time since I ran so poorly and yet enjoyed
the run so much. The heat definitely got to me, my stomach got whirly
and I didn't eat near enough. But the course is very pretty, and
except for that really tough stretch between about 29-33, even when I
was suffering, I was enjoying the scenery. It helped (not!) that I had
friends at each and every aid station, most of whom were making fun of
me!! (of course, I am a very easy target).
And it was great to see Wayne Miles helping out - what a prince.
I am one of the few folks running
who have some idea of how much work
goes into putting together something as good as this. You guys made it
look easy, and I know it couldn't possibly have been.
Thanks again for all your great work! It's sincerely appreciated.
You two did an awesome job - great race! From the runner side, it appeared
>flawless. Everything I wanted was available at the aid stations and the
>signs were perfectly placed to prevent my attitude from flagging. The
>post-race bbq was the best ever. Loved the music and the food (even though
>my stomach was a little unsettled.)
>I enjoyed the course, in spite of the heat. Maybe you could work on that
>for next year...;-) I'll be interested to see how you change it.
>
>Hope you're somewhat recovered.
Thanks for everything at the ROTS
last weekend. I had a GREAT time, well not
not a great TIME, but I had FUN :-))) Everything was first class and please
pass
on my hearty thanks to all your great volunteers. Sorry I didn't get a chance
to
really thank you Sunday, but you seemed pretty busy. I'll be pacing/crewing
Catra
at RdL, so maybe I'll see you there????
And thank you for a wonderful race experience!! You and all the volunteers did a great job. I really enjoyed it, well except for the fact that I was running on a split sheath in my left shin...but hey, now I know I can go 50 miles injured and not do so bad--will be a great learning experience for Western States.
Hope to see you at another ultra soon.
It was nice to read the two postings of other people who ran the Run
on the Sly. Here I was thinking I was the only one who had troubles
out there!
This is the SECOND Ultra-event
I have run in, and this one was
significantly hard for me. The reason is simple... the first event, Way
Too Cool... was... well... cooler. The temperature actually didn't affect
me as much as it did others, however, for I have run a few 100 degree
days here in the San Joaquin valley... and the temperature was simply
"hot" for me... rather than anything "sweltering". The
thing that Sly
REALLY did to me, however, were the hills... ummm... I mean the
MOUNTAINS. Further... I kind of "went out of my training" for the
1 1/2
months leading up to the event because of a "heart scare" which
took
me out of serious running until I checked in with a cardiologist. (who
has given me a clean bill of health.) At any rate... my 7 hour "Way too
Cool" time became an 8 hour 11 minute Sly time... and that extra hour
really, truly humbled me.
I have my sights set on Western
States (eventually)... and an 8 HOUR
50K is not going to get me there... so... it is now time to get much,
much more serious with my running!
Thanks for directing the Run on the Sly; I had a great time and I plan on
returning next year - God willing!
i was third place finisher and
my name is eric, not eru.
thanks for the good race the trail was well marked and I had a great time.
One observation-It did not seem to me that the aid stations had experienced
runners at them. I had to fill my bottle at every aid station I went to and
the soda was "somewhere" at the last aid station but I didn’t wait
to see if
they found it. The people were all nice , but they didn’t seem like
ultra/trail runner types who knew what to do.
I may be wrong in my assessment, but I just thought Id throw it out there.
Thanks again for the great day!!
HI
MY DAUGHTER AND I DID THIS RUN FOR THE FIRST TIME. I WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH
THE WAY IT WAS RUN, THE GENEROUS GOODY BAGS AND PRIZES. IT WAS ALSO SUCH A
FRIENDLY RACE. IT'S THE TIME OF YEAR WHEN I FACE ANOTHER BIRTHDAY, SO I FIND
IT A VERY SATISFYING AND FITING WAY TO CELEBRATE AGING. I PLAN TO DO IT EVERY
YEAR. THANKS SO MUCH FOR PROVIDING A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO RUN WITH CREATION.
THANKS AGAIN ON A JOB VERY WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We had a great day - thanks for putting on such a terrific race!
Thank you very much for the race.
I ran to pace my wife (Donna). It
was her first 50k. She just started running about 8 months ago so this
was a huge challenge for her. The aid stations and support were
fantastic and really gave her the fuel and motivation that she needed.
We both had a great time. What a fantastic group of people.
Just wanted to congratulate you
on a very well organized
race. What a pleasure it was to participate. I ran the
7.6 mile race and was pleasantly surprised to find not only individual mile
markers, but even humorous advise and potential hazard signs along the
trail. Next year if I do not participate I would love to volunteer in any
way I can.
Thanks again for doing a great job.
P.S. My party and I are anxiously
awaiting any photos that may have been
taken. Any word on their arrival?
Will they be on the Run on the Sly website or the photographers website?
I was concerned about the heat
at ROTS since I train in and around cool San
Francisco fog. The two days before the run, I ran in chilly 52-degree fog.
But even with 95-degree heat at ROTS, I was never in distress, probably
because I was moving so slowly. But also because much of the time we were
running under cover of towering Ponderosa Pines, and mostly because of the
superb aid stations! This is the first time I've seen back-of-the-packers
treated to watermelon and cantaloupe at every single aid station. (I've
worked enough aid stations to know what usually happens --how the front
pack moves through pretty quickly taking only a little, but then the
mid-pack consumes everything in sight and the fruit and Coke is many times
gone by the time the back-of-the-pack moves through.)
I pretty much walked 95% of ROTS
and still came in at 8:21. I started out
running, but my right hip and left knee were "pulling" so I just
tried to
power walk. I can't bear to be sidelined any longer with injuries and
didn't want to irritate anything starting to hurt. Considering my best
time at ROTS (when I felt great and ran most of the way) is 7:38 (but I
think it was actually 33 miles that year), I'm okay with 8:21. I was even
surprised with a 3rd place in my age group and have another coveted ROTS
hat. I think the Fast Fifty Babes didn't show up this year. I also really
appreciate the unique 5-year glass mug with my name engraved on it. Nice
touch! Run on the Sly is still a great way to spend Labor Day Weekend!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree with you about all the
aid stations at ROTS. My bottles were
filled before I knew it--like I was an elite runner going for a course
record instead of a "back of the packer". At the 19-mile aid station,
the
heat started to catch up with me. The volunteer said, "take your hat
off
and turn it over". I complied and he filled it full of ice. "Now
try that
and see how it feels," he said. Wow, I couldn't believe it--what a
difference! I loved the feeling of the cool water running down my face and
back of my neck. After that I asked my hat to be filled with ice at each
aid station. I think that's what kept me going.