Even though it hasn't worked out too well for me in the past, I always love this week on the ultrarunning calendar. ...and it's not just because it marks the time for the biggest $$$ race in the sport at the NorthFace 50 Mile Championship in San Francisco. Sure, that race for the $10,000 first prize is fun to follow, and yes, I even earned an free entry via a sponsor's exemption from my Mohican 100 finish...but the reality is I'm smart enough to know all those guys can run faster than I can sneeze, so I'm better off saving my travel time and money and just watching the race from the east coast.
That race aside, the reason why I'm always most excited about this week is it's when the lottery season really starts to pick up for 2011 races. Tomorrow (Dec 1) marks the opening of the Massanutten 100 lottery, and with this most likely being my focus race for the Spring, I'm hoping I can sneak my way into the starting field. My return to MMT has been delayed for a couple years, and I'm anxious to get back out there in great shape to avenge my stupid DNF caused by a ridiculous fall on what was decidedly "non-MMT" type terrain. I mean really, the course has all those miles of rocks and roots to avoid, and I ended up slipping on what was basically a patch of wet grass. So stupid!
A couple days later on Dec. 4, the Western States 100 lottery drawing takes place out in California. Sure, I have almost no chance of getting into this race, but with three entries in the ol' hat this year, (I've applied and lost the past two years) I think that gives me something like an 8% chance of being drawn...which is better than some!
Should a miracle occur and my name actually be selected for WS100, the big question I'll have to think about is: Do I make this The Year I run the Grand Slam? Odds of me getting back into WS100 another year will be just as slim, so I'll have to take a loooong look at the calendar for the other three races (Vermont, Leadville, Wasatch) to see if I can swing it in what could be my only chance to actually "race" the Slam in top form. There are really only two "Bucket List" events left for me in the ultra world, and along with the Spartahlon, the Slam is on that list. Here's hoping the ping-pong balls bounce the right way on Saturday!
Fingers crossed for a little lottery luck to all of you who have your names in the various hats right now too!
10 comments:
Here's to hoping you get in to what you want to run. I'm keeping my name out of all the lottery hats this year, so I won't be disappointed if I don't get in. I've got enough to look forward to as it is!
I'm pretty sure welcoming baby #2 tops your list, Brad! No silly race can compare to that!
Hopefully you get in to one of those!
I saw you put in for HR also - the odds for that are a bit better. Something like 20% I think. Just pack an extra lung!
Nick,
I'll be relying heavily on you for some HR info should I get my name called there. You pretty much nailed it your first time around, so must have trained perfectly. Then again, all the training in the world probably won't do my sea-level lungs much good unless I sleep in an altitude tent for a few months. I wonder where I can pick one of those up? Hmmm....
Good luck!!! Keep us posted as you find out!
Good luck on the lottery today! Didn't I get robbed of a chance to pace you at Massanutten? I hope I get a second try at that too.
Dan,
Good luck in both lotteries!!!
Tristan ran the numbers today, you and I both have a 14% chance of being because of being rejected last year. It's a combinatorics problem:-).
Alternatively, by 2016 assuming the number of entrants remains constant you should get in. Again statistics are our friends here...
Thanks, Tammy! This is a lesson for everyone: Always have a couple math PhDs among your running friends!
Thanks, Tammy! This is a lesson for everyone: Always have a couple math PhDs among your running friends!
Good luck Dan, I'll send a little good karma your way. For you the slam is in order if WS is a go :))
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