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Run on the Sly 2003 - Summary Report on 2003 emails

 

Thanks...Barry, Lucinda and everyone else... that was a great weekend.

I heard nothing but good thing about this run and it was all true...

See you next year...

Barry,

I appreciate all the hard work that I know is required to put on this event, well-stocked aid stations, etc.

The new course was great.  One of these days, I’ll figure out how to stay on course (I was one of the ones who did the extra 8 mile loop on the 50k). Those things happen. One way to avoid it, is to create an out and back course on pavement … don’t want that. Charting a great course takes some risks. I’m sincerely appreciative that folks like you are willing to do what it takes to organize these events.  

Don’t change a thing for next year.  I recently did Headlands 50k and Skyline 50k … both are wonderful courses, but I think ROTS is perhaps better.

See you next year.

Hi Barry, first thing I want to say is "Great Race"!  You did a great job,

great course and, "did we luck out or what with the weather"?  The single

track was very nice although I think it slowed everyone down a bit. 

Certainly was challenging and slowed me down.

Hi Barry,

Barry,

Hi Barry,

Barry & Lucinda,

You two put on a top drawer race!  Many thanks to you and the all wonderful volunteers, from the Search and Rescue folks, to the Harriers and Fleet Feet, on down to the giggling girls at the finish line.  You all made the day wonderful.

Look forward to next year,

Thanks again for a great event on Sunday.  Even though I experienced stomach problems for the first time in 4-5 years (which I’m actually pleased that I was able to work through) I thought the day was otherwise close to perfect.  I really liked the new course and thought was a BIG step up.  I look forward to running it again next year.  And as always you and your support group did an outstanding job of presenting this high class, low key event that we’ve all become accustomed to for ROTS.  Thank you for that!

Hi Barry,

First of all, I'd like to say thank you very much for organizing the

fantastic race. I enjoyed a lot, and I really would like to come back

to this race next year again!

Hi Barry-

Thanks for a great run on Sunday.  That was my first 50-miler and I loved it

(even the hail!).  Very pretty and well marked course.  All the help at the

aid stations was great.  I was looking at the results, and you had asked about

any possible errors.  When I came in, I was with two younger guys, but in the

results list I saw only one male next to my time (9:53:03).  So I wasn't sure

if the other  man's time didn't get recorded correctly.  I suppose he'll let

you know if he was excluded. 

Barry,

            I just knew this was going to be a tougher course than last year but who's

complaining?? Once again you and your crew pulled off a great event. A big hat off

to those brave souls working the last aid station, four miles out. They were standing

out in the pouring hail taking care of us. They even said we're sorry about the

weather, which i replied there nothing you can do about. Hope to see you at AR or

States.

Dear Barry,

Thank you for your personal assistance in registering and starting me in my first 50k. 

Special thanks again also to "Missi S&R" and "Hangs Benedict" who stretched and massaged me at the last aid station.  Their special efforts allowed me to finish the last four miles running.

You might want to double asterisk my results with the note that I started one half hour late due to a one hour late wakeup call.

I look forward to my first 50m next year.  I should probably train for this ultra...and bring my own alarm clock.

I shall also encourage other RRCA Bay Area club members to participate.  My narrative for MITcrc Update, our club newsletter, is appended for your use. 

For fun, fitness, and finishing,

MIT Community Running Club (MITcrc)

_______________________________________________________________

THANK YOU BARRY AND LUCINDA

The August 31 Run on the Sly in El Dorado National Forest was my first ultra.  Starting at 4,000 feet, the course began with an uphill climb and seemed always up; we climbed boulders, crossed streams, and enjoyed stately Ponderosa pines.  We also toured all four seasons: we started in Autumn rain, experienced Summer heat, cooled to fresh Spring breezes, and finished in Winter pea size hail.  Aid stations were feasts stocked with energy fluids and bars, assorted fruits, peanuts, M&Ms, Oreos, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches,...  Signs encouraged us on.  The other runners and volunteers were enthusiastic and encouraging.  Helen Klein, the legendary 80 year old runner with a USTAF Ultra Grand Prix named after her, ran with me for a while; two volunteers at the last aid station stretched and massaged me so I could finish the last four miles running.  I finished totally sweat saturated and dirty from the shorts down.  At post race festivities I full body sponged, pigged on two turkey burgers and one hamburger, and then collapsed for a soothing massage.  Special thanks to Barry Fisher, race director, for his personal encouragement and assistance.  In the spirit of the run:

Hot and tired?

Want to quit?

Get in gear.

Finish it!

I am heartily urging others to Run on the Sly next year.  Next year I hope to do my first 50m; I might train for this ultra. 

For fun, fitness, and finishing,

Dear Barry, Lucinda and Volunteers--

I was a first time trail runner this year at Sly.  I just wanted to let you know what  wonderful event it was.  Starting at the start, you gave great directions to the campground and race start.  Everything was so well organized.  The volunteers were great.  The course was good and, for me, challenging, but not impossible.  The t-shirts and prize caps were great.  I couldn't believe the aid stations--it was the first time I'd been in such an event--a far cry from the basics of marathoning.  The women's shower was necessary and well set up.  I had brought my own soap, but the changing area and bag of soap and shampoo was such a nice surprise.  I really felt cared for.  I also appreciated the generous race packets and the inclusion of Veggie and turkey burgers in the menu.  Also I like no awards ceremony--the volunteers were great at running down winners and giving them their stuff.  Also, I didn''t get her name, but one of the finish line volunteers noticed I was a little scraped up and came over to ask if I was OK, etc. I really appreciated that. 

I did get lost a couple of times and that's my fault I'm sure--but if you wanted to know where--I missed the turn as you approach the lake.  There is a sort of main looking trail and I guess that's not the one you take, but I couldn't see any other trail.  It did have a log that I thought might have been a block.  what can you do with people like me?  Maybe put up a sign that says"NO!" or "right turn ahead-- 50 feet".   Just a thought.  Another trail neophyte joined me in confusion.  That was a fairly major detour.  I also ran down to the boat ramp--as did a couple of other runners.  The white chalk mark was clearly visible as we returned, but was hard to see from the other direction.  The course had enough flags that at least realized I was lost pretty quickly.  The break off for the fifty K was really well signed--I appreciated the signs--also loved the Burma Shave numbers.  I thought the course was fair and I think navigation is part of the sport--so I don't know how much you want to cater to "babes in the woods".   Anyway I had a great time.  I thought this was the overall best event I've been in and I've been in a few.  Good work.  And Good Luck to the Search and Rescue.  Maybe I should give one of those dogs a chance to get my scent before I take off the next time.

Thanks.

I just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful event.  It was my first 50k and I had a great time.  I loved the course and the volunteers at the aid stations were wonderful.  Now I am hooked on these types of races and can't wait to sign up for the next one. 

Had a great time, found the course very runable and not too hazardous. Since I finished early enough, the rain wasn't a problem and was even a bit refreshing (at first). Since the weather was out of your control, I can't give you credit for the patches of shade we had most of the morning to keep things cooler than expected, but that certainly helped. The aid station volunteers were all very helpful and cheery (I'm glad I saw them before the rain! - but I'll bet they were as helpful during the rain).

I'll be back next year!

My three year old daughter has mastered her cutting skills with the help of the evaluation card enclosed in my race bag, so I'm dropping you a line with my comments.

Thanks for a wonderful experience at my first ultra!  I ran the 50k and was impressed with the organization, friendly volunteers and attention to detail that was so apparent.  Outside of not knowing the course; with the information available on the website, and pre-race comments I felt prepared.

The trail markings were clear, and of course the directional signs were very helpful.  The aid stations were great!  The volunteers were eager to help, encouraging and patient.  The variety of snacks covered everything a runner might need, in fact I was able to minimize what I carried because there was so much available on the course.

The only let down was no Gatorade at the finish... 

The efforts of all the volunteers are greatly appreciated! Thanks for a great race and I'll be back next year.

Barry,

Thanks for a great race.  The course was challenging

and difficult but fun.  Thanks to you and all the

volunteers.

Many of you will “definitely be back”

That’s great, we will welcome you!