Number 65 and Treadmills

So I made it onto the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile Run waiting list...at spot number 65. While I am still positive, this deep spot has left me with a little doubt. Originally I was hoping I would be somewhere in the top 25, at least in the top 38 which is the number of the last wait list entrant that got to run the race last year. No such luck but that is okay. One cool thing is that the MMT 100 race board instituted this year is a full refund policy through January 29, so maybe that will incent some entrants to remove their name sooner so those on the waiting list have a better idea of their status. Either way, I plan on training like I am going to run it and either end up running it or be in real good shape to pace Jamie at Western States and for the 20th running of the Vermont 100. As long as I am still healthy and running and all my family is healthy, what and where I run is of little importance.

As for my training, last week was really good in that I broke the treadmill barrier and ran on the machine. Each winter it takes some work to convince myself the treadmill is a necessity and the snowstorm last week did just that. I am lucky enough to have a nice treadmill in my basement that gets a lot more use than the typical home treadmill that serves as a drying rack. I do enjoy the consistency of the treadmill which allows me to run intervals and other workouts without much guessing. Also, it keeps me close to home so I can help with the kids if Kelly needs me. I do admit it takes a certain type of runner that can happily run on the treadmill, and I count myself as that type of runner. Besides, there aren't many better ways to build mental fortitude for distance running than running three plus house in one spot. I do admit to having done a great number of 2-3+ hour treadmill runs and I am not ashamed to say so!

One thing that does help pass the time on the treadmill for me and which motivates me is a great flick to watch. I typically choose those movies that Kelly prefers not to watch. For me that means either Zombie or sci-fi/fantasy flicks. Last week I watched, for the second time, Night Watch which is a Russian movie in the vain of The Matrix. Check it out. Night Watch is the first installment of a trilogy (like The Matrix), the second of which is entitled Day Watch. All you sci-fi/fantasy geeks would be served well by checking these movies out. Enjoy.

Two Time Loser

(Jamie After his successful lottery)
I am a two-time loser, and not in the Western States 100 good way. Saturday I was not one of the 360 or so fortunate ones chosen in the Western States 100 lottery. My chances were 16% and luck was not on my side. My buddy Jamie (pictured left) was one of the lucky ones. In fact, he was one of the first 20 drawn. Unbelievable. I am of mixed opinion as to how I feel. On the one hand, I am really disappointed because running Western States is on my running life list. And one never knows what time will bring in the way of health, fitness, and life. On the other hand, I am really okay with what happened. This will allow me to take the experience of a couple more 100-milers into the WS 100 when I am finally drawn. This will go a long way in getting me the coveted silver buckle. Also this saves me quite a bit of money. Good thing. Now I am a first time WS100 loser. One more failed lottery drawing in 2008 will guarantee me an entry into the 2010 running. That is as long as the two time loser rule remains in effect. The way the number of entries is rising big changes are inevitable in the entry system of the WS100.

Now missing out on the WS100 lottery Saturday made me a one-time loser. Why have I labeled myself as a two-time loser? Well, during our lottery party Saturday I had convinced other one-time loser, James Demer (pictured right), to run the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 with me. After some coaxing and browbeating, he agreed. Fast forward to today. The MMT 100 registration opened today and filled up in an hour! That's right, one hour. If you happened to be working today at 10 Am and maybe in a meeting until 11:30, you would have missed getting in...so I am not on the MMT 100 list. James Demer is on the list and I feel terrible that I let my friend and running buddy down. When I went to register at lunch and saw the race was full, my stomach dropped. I still can't believe it. So I am a two-time loser. While the Ultra Gods shined on Jamie this week (Jamie's phrase), they took a poop on me. All is not lost though. There is a waiting list and I mailed in my application for that process today. Last year those on the waiting list faired well, so I feel pretty good. I am going to train as if I am running the MMT 100 and be in really great shape for the 20th Anniversary of the Vermont 100. So this week starts my 100 mile training. Since we have been socked in by a pretty good snowfall yesterday, I hit the treadmill. More on that tomorrow.

(On a separate note, while perusing the Vermont 100 website, I noticed they have posted split time results for the 2007 race. Pretty cool.)

The Countdown is on!

The lottery drawing is nigh. 1 hour and 20 minutes and counting. Guests will be arriving shortly to welcome either good news either for ourselves or the other lucky souls who get to run the Western States in June. To be chosen would be great; to not be chosen would be okay as well. Either way my 100-mile race plans for 2008 will be set. More later.