Conference 7.286::sports_90

    Go at it, Sid.
    
    Hawk

    You mean Leadville, Colorado ?  As in the quaint old mining town 
    hard between Hoosier Pass and Independence Pass?  The one of Amax
    Mining Company fame?  
    
    I did some serious drinking there oncet.  They steal have that old
    time stand-up saloon on Main Street there?  Probly the wildest bar
    I ever drank in.  Just substitute construction workers for cowboys
    and you git the idea.
    
    MrT

>
>    You mean Leadville, Colorado ?  As in the quaint old mining town 
>    hard between Hoosier Pass and Independence Pass?  The one of Amax
>    Mining Company fame?  
>    
>    I did some serious drinking there oncet.  They steal have that old
>    time stand-up saloon on Main Street there?  Probly the wildest bar
>    I ever drank in.  Just substitute construction workers for cowboys
>    and you git the idea.
>    
>    MrT


That's the same place...  They have the distinction of having
the Main St with the highest elevation in the country, at over 10,000 ft.

One helluva race there also....

FrankWa

    Yup.  Same Leadville.  When the Climax mine shut down operations, the
    town took a severe economic beating.  The economy is severely
    depressed.  You can pick up a nice, old, three bedroom Victorian for
    under 30K.  It's mighty tempting.
    
    The Leadville Trail 100 (I guess its official name is the Bud Light
    Leadville Trail 100) brings a lot of dough into the town and the
    townspeople give the race a lot of support.  From the 17th through the
    20th, the entire town is one big party.
    
    Burro racing is also really big in Leadville and is a very difficult,
    demanding sport.  Not one I'm ready to try my hand at.
    
    I'm still really swamped with work but will be entering race
    information, albeit slowly, over the coming days and weeks.
    
    Sid

    The first leg of the race 13.5 miles, from the corner of 6th and
    Harrison in Leadville (elevation 10,152') to the May Queen Campground
    on the western shore of Turquoise Lake.

    The race starts on Saturday, August 18, at 4:00 a.m.  Naturally, it's
    dark, so you have to carry flashlights for the first leg.  The first
    mile is west on 6th Street (paved), which has nothing resembling flat
    ground.  Turn left on McWethy Drive for .1 miles and then right onto a
    dirt road, "The Boulevard".  When Gail and I went over this road, it
    was incredibly muddy and sloppy for the first mile.  The next mile and
    half, the slop is joined by baseball to basketball sized rocks and some
    rather long hills.  It then turns north at the railroad tracks and is
    very rocky and rutted.  A little less than a mile later, you come to
    the Turquoise Lake road (paved).  Going over the muddy (I pray it will
    be dry on race day) rocky road will be lots of fun using flashlights. 
    There may be early dropouts because of injury.  In past years, all of
    this piece of the race was paved (alternate route).

    Turn west on the paved road for about a half mile (flat) to the 3-way
    junction opposite Sugar Loafin' Campground and then pick up another
    dirt road, the middle fork, still heading west and still flat.  After
    about mile on this good surface, turn right under the power lines and
    ascend the very steep, rutted, and rocky "access road" (I find it hard
    to believe any vehicle could go up that road, but I'm not an off-road
    4-wheeler type, so I could be wrong) to the dam at the southwest edge
    of Turquoise Lake.  Cross the paved road and pick up the Turquoise Lake
    Trail.

    The TL trail goes north and then turns west.  It is pretty good trail
    for the first few miles, one person wide, slightly rolling, with good
    footing.  The next several miles, all the rest of the way to the May
    Queen Campground, the trail narrows, gets very rocky, swampy in places,
    with many small stream crossings, and no flats.  It gets hilly, with
    some pretty good dropoffs to the lake.  This will be very slow
    and treacherous in the dark.

    Check in with the Leadville Raiders at the May Queen Aid Station.

    The second leg of the race is from the May Queen Campground to Outward
    Bound at the Leadville National Fish Hatchery, 10.0 miles.

    Turn right out of May Queen Campground onto the paved road and go a
    couple hundred yards to the hairpin curve.  Turn left, cross a small
    stream, continuing on a trail which in turn crosses a wooden bridge
    over a larger stream.  Turn right immediately after the bridge and go
    on until you reach metal rails standing up in the jeep road, at which
    time you turn left on the Main Range Trail.  The trail is very rocky
    and narrow but relatively easy to negotiate.  There is almost always a
    good place for each footfall.  Concentration is necessary.

    After about 2.5 miles on the trail, emerge onto Hagerman Pass Road, a
    good quality (for running) dirt road.  Turn right and run about a mile
    to where a jeep road turns sharply off to the left.  Run along this
    road as it snakes its way up to Sugarloaf Pass (11,400').

    Continue on the jeep road for several hundred yards beyond the Pass,
    making a right turn on the road that leads you down the power line
    right-of-way to the County Road.  It is very deeply rutted with lots of
    loose gravel and is quite steep.  The descent is two to three
    (knee-wrenching) miles to the County Road (paved).  Turn right on the
    paved road and proceed about two miles to the Fish Hatchery/Outward
    Bound Aid Station.  This aid station is in the garage of a private home
    just off the paved road. 

    This is the first medical check point and is 23.5 miles into the race. 
    It is operated by the Colorado Outward Bound and medical volunteers.

    The third leg covers the most boring portion of the course, 7.0 miles
    from Outward Bound to Half Moon Campground.  There is about 1.5 miles
    of paved road followed by 5.5 miles of nasty dirt road.  The first 4
    miles is fairly flat, though gently rising.  The last three miles is
    rolling but rising.

    The Half Moon Campground Aid Station is provided by the Lake County
    Search and Rescue and the Ski Cooper Volunteer Ski Patrol.  It is at
    the 30.5 mile point of the run.

    The fourth leg is from Half Moon to Twin Lakes, 9.0 miles.  Head west
    from the Half Moon Aid Station for about 1.5 miles on the same rolling
    dirt road until you reach the Colorado Trail trailhead.  Turn south on
    the Colorado Trail and begin the ascent.  The first mile or so rises
    sharply and then levels off nicely.  The next five to six miles are
    gently rolling on good trail, through beautiful country on the eastern
    flank of Mt. Elbert, passing several high mountain lakes.  The
    elevation on the this portion of the trail ranges between 10,000' and
    10,600'.

    This section of the course is the most difficult to follow, due to the
    number of intersecting trails and jeep roads.  The trail is marked for
    the race but you need to be really careful.  Taking a wrong turn and
    adding miles to the run is a real drag.

    You then tranfer onto a jeep road and descend steeply to the town of
    Twin Lakes (elevation 9200', the lowest point on the course) on
    Colorado 82 (for you Coloradoans, this is the road to Independence
    Pass).  The first building on the left as you arrive in Twin Lakes in
    an early day school house.  The second building on the left is the Twin
    Lakes Firehouse and the location of the fourth aid station and second
    medical check.

    The mileage at this point 39.5 miles.  The aid station is staffed by
    Ski Cooper.

    The fifth leg is from Twin Lakes (9200') to the ghost town of Winfield
    (10,200').  The only hitch is, you get to go over Hope Pass (12,600')
    along the way.  This is the leg that separates the sheep from the
    goats.

    When you leave the Twin Lakes Aid Station, go one block, turn right,
    and run straight ahead to Highway 82.  Run west on the shoulder of the
    highway for 1 block.  Cross the pavement and head in a westerly
    direction, following the power lines which roughly parallel the
    pavement, until you come to a jeep trail.  Turn left and head south to
    the river.  There are several small water crossings before reaching the
    river crossing.

    Lake Creek is only about twenty yards across but it is very swift and
    very cold with a rocky bottom.  There is no bridge.  Last week, it was
    crotch high but it should be down to knee high by race day (I hope).  I
    will be carrying an old pair of shoes with me from Twin Lakes to change
    into for the stream crossing.  Then leave the old shoes on the south
    side of the stream to use on the way back.  Many runners just plow on
    through in their regular running shoes and continue in wet shoes. 
    Because of my tendency to blister, that would be disastrous for me.

    After crossing Lake Creek, continue on the jeep road until you come to
    the trail intersection with the metal "NO VEHICLE" sign.  This soon
    turns into trail.  About a mile and half past the sign, the trail
    forks.  The right fork goes to Big Willis Gulch.  Take the left fork
    and climb to the summit of 12,600' Hope Pass, the 45 mile point on the
    course.

    There is a limited aid station at timberline on the north side of the
    pass, manned by a few very hardy volunteers.

    Take in the truly breathtaking view of the Collegiate Peaks to the
    south (Harvard, Belford, Oxford, Missouri, Yale, Huron, and many
    others) and take the plunge down to Clear Creek Road.  This trail down
    the south side of Hope Pass is very steep, descending 2500' in 2.5
    miles on very narrow, slippery (loose stones) trail.  It eats knees and
    feet.

    Turn right on Clear Creek Road (good dirt road) and go two miles up the
    road to the ghost town of Winfield.  Turn left through the town, across
    a bridge, and then another left turn into a campground and the
    Turnaround Aid Station, operated by the Leadville Lion's Club.

    That's 50 miles down and 50 to go.  It is also the third medical check
    point.

    We now pause to enter some general information about the race taken
    from the race packet.  This might serve to help interested parties
    better understand the logistics of the run.  The rest of this reply,
    and much of the following replies, is taken directly, without
    permission, from the race packet.
    
    ====================================================================
    
                       AMERICA'S HIGHEST 100 MILER
    
                      Leadville Bud Light Trail 100
    
                        "The Race Across the Sky"
    
    The Leadville Bud Light Trail 100 was established in 1983 as a
    testimony to the spirit, drive and determination of the ultra-athlete. 
    Those who compete in this grueling run must display singular courage in
    conquering the obstacles of altitude, distance, severe weather and
    rugged mountain terrain.
    
    The Leadville Bud Light Trail 100 is a race not only for the elite
    athlete, but for anyone with the desire to test themselves against
    the ultimate challenge.
    
    Founded at a time of severe depression in the local mining industry,
    the Leadville Bud Light Trail 100 is dedicated to the citizens of
    Leadville.  Throughout their history, they have endured the "booms and
    busts" of mining with pride and independence.
    
                            SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
    
    Thursday, August 16
    Time: 5:00 p.m.
    Location:  6th St. Gym
               124 E. 6th St.
    Event:  Carbo Loading Dinner - Courtesy of Race Management
            Racer check-in and packet pick-up.  Open to all racers, crews,
            volunteers, press, and special guests.
    
    Friday, August 17
    Time: 7:00 - 11:00 a.m.
    Location:  6th St. Gym
    Event:  MANDATORY Medical Check-in
            Identification required for check-in.  You will have you pulse, 
            blood pressure, and weight taken.  At this time, you are
            required to inform medical staff of any medications or special 
            medical conditions.  This information will be noted on a
            medical wristband and placed on your wrist.  You must wear the 
            wristband for the entire race.  From our experience it is best
            to weigh in before you eat or drink anything.  Try to wear the
            type of clothing and shoes that you plan to wear during the
            race.
    
    Friday, August 17
    Time:  11:00 a.m.
    Location:  6th St. Gym
    Event:  MANDATORY Final Briefing
            Up-to-date conditions, any changes in race rules or procedures,
            and last minute instructions will be given out.  All entrants,
            pacers, and representative from each crew are required to
            attend.
    
    Friday, August 17
    Time:  3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
    Location:  Lake County Courthouse
               505 Harrison Avenue
    Event:  Supply Bag Drop
            All aid stations, with the exception of Hope Pass, are Supply
            Bag Drops.  Supply bags must be double thick plastic bags.  No
            paper bags will be allowed.  If you place any liquids in your
            bags, make sure they are in leak proof containers.  Your name,
            race number and the name of the aid station must be on the 
            outside in large letters.  We would prefer you use wide white
            tape on the bag and then write on it in black felt tip marker.
            Don't forget that, except for Winfield, you will be passing 
            through every aid station twice.  Some racers may prefer having
            a bag for the outbound trip, and a separate bag for the return
            trip.  If this is the case, please mark appropriately.  All
            supply bags will be returned at the Awards Ceremony.
    
    Saturday, August 18
    Time:  3:00 - 3:45 a.m.
    Location:  Starting Line
               Corner of West 6th and Harrison Avenue
    Event:  Racer check-in
            You must check in by 3:45 or will be considered a no-show and
            that information will be relayed to all aid stations.
    
    Saturday, August 18
    Time:  4:00 a.m.
    Location:  Starting Line
    Event:  THE START!!!
    
    Sunday, August 19
    Time:  5:00 a.m.
    Event:  Cut-off time for runners who will be awarded gold and silver
            belt buckles (The Under 25 Hour Runners).
    
    Sunday, August 19
    Time:  10:00 a.m.
    Event:  Cut-off time for all runners.  Runners finishing in under 30
            hours will receive silver belt buckles.  All finishers will
            receive a certificate, finisher shirt, and a Commemorative
            Leadville Trail 100 Medallion.  Age group awards will be three
            deep in all age categories.
    
    Sunday, August 19
    Time:  12:00 noon
    Location:  6th St. Gym
    Event:  Awards Ceremony - All awards will be presented at this time.

                    GENERAL RACE RULES AND INFORMATION

    Race management apologizes for this more elaborate set of rules than
    has previously been needed.  Our success, thanks to you, is not without
    minor negatives, primarily due to increased numbers.

    1.   Numbers must be worn on the front and outside of whatever clothes
         you are wearing.  If we can't see your number, we can't score you
         in and out of aid stations.  It is the responsibility of
         individual runners to make sure that your number has been noted
         and you have been checked in and out of the aid station.

    2.   Absolutely no littering!  This is especially important from Sugar
         Loaf down into the Fish Hatchery as this is private property and
         we don't want to jeopardize our right to use this property.

    3.   Do not cut switchbacks.  You must follow the trail as it has
         been marked.

    4.   No vehicle pacing.  No bicycle pacing.

    5.   No aid allowed from a moving vehicle.  Crew must be outside the
         vehicle when assisting a runner.

    6.   You may not stash supplies along the course.

    7.   No vehicle shall follow a runner, assisting with headlights.

    8.   Any runner dropping out shall immediately surrender his wristband
         and notify aid station personnel.

    9.   In case of a tie, runners will be placed by sex, then age, then
         heavier weight.

    10.  Any runner accepting a ride for any reason is deemed out of the
         race and may not reenter.

    11.  No domestic animals or pets on the race course at anytime.  Pets
         of crew must be leashed.

    12.  Cut-off times are non negotiable.

    13.  All runners will abide by the directions of the medical personnel.

    14.  Where necessary to run on roads, please do so facing oncoming
         traffic.

    15.  Violations of any rule will be grounds for disqualification.  Race
         Management reserves the right to bar any runner from competing in
         this or future Leadville Bud Light Trail 100 Races.

                     SPECIAL CREW AND PACER INSTRUCTIONS

    1.  Pacers will be given a number corresponding with that of their
        racer.  You must wear that number at all times and notify aid
        station personnel that you are the pacer.  Pacers will be
        required to sign a waiver and will be required to follow the
        same set of rules as the racer.  Pacer waivers may be signed at
        the pre-race meeting or any aid station.  Pacers under 18 must
        have signed permission from parent or legal guardian.

    2.  Crews will be given a crew sticker with the racer's number.
        This must be posted in/on the crew vehicle at all times.

    3.  Crews are not allowed to park anywhere other than is posted and
        allowed by race management.

    4.  Crews must follow all posted speed limits and traffic signs.

    5.  No littering.  In the past, our biggest littering problem came
        from crews.

    6.  All animals must be leashed at all times.

    7.  If your runner drops from the race, double check to make sure he
        has followed proper procedures.  This means he must have
        surrendered his medical wristband to race personnel.

    8.  Runners will be held responsible for any rule violations of 
        their crew.

                                TRAIL MARKING

    The trail will be marked with fluorescent pink and black stripe ribbon. 
    The dirt roads and trail sections to the end of Turquoise Lake on the
    outbound run and Twin Lakes all the way to the finish will also be
    marked with glow sticks for night running.  We are presently
    experimenting with several other illuminating and night reflective
    devices.  Final decisions will be given at the final briefing.  There
    may be white lime used on some sections.


                                SUPPORT CREWS

    We strongly suggest you bring someone to crew for you during the race. 
    There is a crew map and direction sheet included in the race packet. 
    Please check in and out of all aid stations before you have your crew
    take care of your needs.  It is your responsibility as a runner to make
    sure that race officials time you in and out of all aid stations.  Your
    race packet also includes a crew sticker with your race number on it. 
    This must be displayed on the crew vehicle at all times.  Your crew is
    your personal responsibility.  If your crew disregards parking
    instructions, race rules or directions or requests from race officials,
    you could be disqualified from the race.  Our biggest complaint from
    volunteers in past races has been crews who disregard course officials
    and are rude.  Please make certain that your crew isn't the one they
    complain about.  We ask that your crews drive slowly and obey all
    posted warnings.  There will be a Lake County Sheriff's Officer
    patrolling road sections.  Included in the race packet is a separate
    set of rules for crews.

                      WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS

    The average elevation of the race is over 10,000 feet above sea level. 
    The temperatures during the day may range from mid 30's to the high
    70's.  With the high elevation there is less natural protection from
    the sun.  Please us sun block and wear some type of brimmed hat. 
    Sunglasses are also recommended.  

    Bugs can be very bad, so you should use some type of insect repellent. 
    Bears and mountain lions have been seen on and near the course, but
    have not shown any taste for the runners and hikers that use the area. 
    Poisonous snakes are almost non existent in this part of the country.

    Stay on the marked trail at all times.  There should be no snow on the
    course at the time of the race, but there might be some falling from
    the sky.  Leaving Twin Lakes or Winfield for the trip over Hope Pass
    withoout taking rain gear and/or warm clothing could be life
    threatening.  Nighttime temperatures may drop below freezing.  Plan for
    cold weather and possibly rain, hail, wind, and/or snow.  Parts of the
    course are very rocky and there will be some muddy sections on the
    trail.  

    The altitude in the Leadville race will be the greatest obstacle of the
    runner who is from a lower elevation.  If you try going out at the same
    pace that you run at the other 100 mile races in the US, you may
    encounter problems very early in the race.  If at all possible, the
    medical staff recommends that you arrive in Leadville at least the week
    before the race.

                                CUT-OFF TIMES

    CHECKPOINT          MILEAGE     ELAPSED TIME            CLOCK TIME
    ----------          -------     ------------            ----------

    May Queen CG         13.5       3 Hours 15 Minutes       7:15 a.m.
    Fish Hatchery/OB     23.5       6 Hours                 10:00 a.m.
    Halfmoon CG          30.5       8 Hours                 12:00 noon
    Twin Lakes           39.5      10 Hours 30 Minutes       2:30 p.m.
    Winfield             50.0      14 Hours                  6:00 p.m.
    Twin Lakes           60.5      17 Hours 45 Minutes       9:45 p.m.
    Halfmoon CG          69.5      20 Hours 45 Minutes      12:45 a.m.
    Fish Hatchery/OB     76.5      23 Hours                  3:00 a.m.
    May Queen CG         86.5      26 Hours 30 Minutes       6:30 a.m.
    Leadville/Finish    100.0      30 Hours                 10:00 a.m.

    Cut-off times are absolute.  Remember, you must check out of the aid
    station before the cut-off.  You may still rest with your crew or
    whatever you like, as long as you have checked out.


                           DROPPING OUT OF THE RACE

    While we don't even like to consider it, some of you will be dropping
    out of the race.  If you do drop out of the race at an aid station, you
    must surrender your medical wristband to a race official and tell them
    you are dropping out.  If you are pulled from the race, the procedure
    is the same.  If you drop out between aid stations, and get into a car
    or other transporation, you must report to the next aid station or the
    finish line and give them your name and wristband and inform them you
    have dropped out.  If you are unable to continue on any portion of the
    course, stay on the marked course and inform other runnrs that you are
    in need of aid.  If no other runners pass you, we will know you are in
    trouble when you do not make the next aid station, and we will send
    help to you.  Stay on the trail!  Under no circumstances should you 
    leave the race without first surrendering your wristband.  Failure to
    follow this procedure could result in exclusion from subsequent LT 100
    races.

                      MEDICAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Medical Committee of the Leadville Bud Light Trail 100 is concerned
    with your safety during the race and wish to inform you of the race's
    conditions so that you may better prepare yourself for this run.  The
    terrain and altitude, while creating  a beautiful backdrop for the
    race, make for some very difficult trail running.  The rocky uneven
    trails, particularly when combined with darkness and fatigue, make
    falls and sprains more likely to occur.  Make sure you have an adequate
    flashlight for usage prior to dawn Saturday morning, as well as for
    Saturday night.  It is recommended that you have a flashlight that
    throws a wide, rather than narrow, beam for this will lessen eye
    fatigue.  Also, make sure you have spare batteries.  If the weather is
    cool, expect less life from your batteries.  Spare bulbs are also
    important.  Not finishing the race solely due to problems with a
    flashlight would be a bitter pill to swallow.

    Physiologically, it takes about three weeks for your body to completely
    acclimate to altitude.  Exercising at high altitude without prior
    acclimatization may predispose you to exhaustion.  Relative humidity
    can be as low as 5% - 10%.  Because of the high, dry environment, water
    loss occurs more rapidly through your respiratory cycle and dehydration
    is more likely to occur.  Drink plenty of liquids at the aid stations
    and make sure you carry liquids on the trails.  Don't wait to drink
    until you feel thirsty.  You should be drinking enough liquid so you
    are urinating frequently and your urine is very light colored.  High
    altitude pulmonary edema can occur -- we will be checking your lungs
    for congestion during the race.

    The temperature can vary from the high 70's in the daytime to the high
    20's during the night.  Typically, an August day starts with sunshine
    and ends with afternoon showers.  Colorado high country weather is
    notorious as a quick change artist.  During the race it could rain,
    hail, or even snow!  Lightning can be hazardous above timberline. 
    Carry wind/rain protection with you at all times -- especially on any
    portion which travels above timberline.  Hypothermia can occur easily
    with a combination of decreasing temperature, wind, and precipitation. 
    The confusion which occurs with hypothermia can be deadly.  In the
    past, runners have benefited from having spare cold weather gear in
    their drop bags, particularly at Twin Lakes and Winfield.

    The following items are strongly suggested:

      1.  Polypropylene long underwear - tops and bottoms or lycra tights
          or bodysuits.

      2.  Windbreaker (with hood) and wind pants.

      3.  Polypro or wool socks

      4.  Wool hat or gloves

      5.  Changes of socks, shoes, and dry clothing

      6.  Changes of batteries and bulbs for your flashlight at Winfield,
          Twin Lakes, Halfmoon and Fish Hatchery.

    It is extremely important that you inform medical personnel of any
    limiting medical problems and current medications before beginning the
    race.  This should be done at the pre-race medical check-in.

    Medical care and evaluation will be provided for you at the designated
    medical stations, along with the addition of a small team on Hope Pass. 
    Search and Rescue will be available if a runner becomes lost and/or
    unaccounted for.  We are not equipped to provide medical care between
    stations, although we will do our best to help you.  Stay on the trail
    if you become injured or ill.  Fish Hatchery, Twin Lakes, and Winfield
    will be medical aid stations.  At these points, you will have pulse,
    blood pressure and weight taken.  If you drop more than 7% of your body
    weight, you may be pulled from the race.  If you are between 3% - 5%
    down, you may be retained and asked to drink and eat to bring your
    weight back up.  The medical staff at all aid stations has the
    authority to give the runner the right to continue on to the next aid
    station.  Their decision is final.  Please cooperate with them, as they
    will be asking you questions to evaluate your mental status and
    physical well-being.

A day in Hell.

Gawd, I'm tired from just reading it.....

Best of luck to you!

'Saw

    Un-freakin'-lunaticing-believable!
    
    Best of luck, Sid.  I hope that your wife don't beat you too badly! :-)
    
    By the way, do you (two) have a crew working with you?
    
    Hawk

    
    > Best of luck, Sid.  I hope that your wife don't beat you too badly! :-)
    
    Actually, Hawk, I hope she does!  She was pretty demoralized last year
    dropping out after 70.  She's in fantastic condition right now and I'd
    really like to see her run a really strong race.  If she runs well,
    there's no way in hell I can come close to her.
    
    I'm trying to stave of pessimism for my chances.  Ever since the 100K
    in early July, I've been suffering with pretty bad patellar tendinitis
    in both knees and plantar fasciitis in my right foot.  I had to strike
    a deal with my orthopedic surgeon where he'll help me through the run
    (three times a week at the physical therapist's for ultrasound
    treatments and ice packs, 1000 mg. of naprosyn, an anti-inflammatory,
    every day for the next month, new racing orthotics to ease the pain of
    the plantar fasciitis, etc.) in exchange for my agreeing to stop
    running after Leadville until I'm completely healed.
    
    My performance at Leadville will really depend on how badly my knees
    react and what level of pain I'm able to endure.  I'm sure I can cope
    with the plantar fasciitis, though it's no fun.  If I have to drop from
    the race, I'll have an excuse.  But I don't want an excuse; I want to
    finish.
    
    > By the way, do you (two) have a crew working with you?
    
    Yes, we each have crew.  A co-worker in my group will be crewing for me
    and one of Gail's fellow students will be crewing for her.  We have
    several pacers lined up as well for various portions of the return
    trip.  Perhaps a word about crew and pacers is in order.
    
    It is possible to run this race without crew or pacers.  Many people
    do, simply because it is difficult/expensive to bring people with you
    from far away.  Runners come from all over the country and there are
    always several from Europe and Australia.  These runners rely on drop
    bags and grit.  Given the choice, I know of no runner who prefers
    soloing to having crew.
    
    The job of crewing is a difficult, tiring task.  It means staying awake
    for the entire race, driving from access point to access point, setting
    up and breaking down at each point, contending with the congestion of
    having hundreds of other crews trying to do the same thing at the same
    time, and having to contend with the abrasiveness of the runner when
    he/she arrives.  Even the most even-tempered of people get a bit edgy
    after 12-30 hours on the trails.  Ever coached a woman through
    childbirth?  During a race, the crew tends to gets similar treatment;
    appreciation is shown afterwards.
    
    Pacing.  An odd term, really, since pacers don't really set a pace. 
    The real purpose behind allowing, and having, pacers is safety.  All
    runners are allowed to have someone (the pacer) accompany them for the
    final 50 miles.  The pacer's job is to keep the runner company, talk to
    them, keep them on trail, make sure they're not doing anything stupid
    (like the guy who filled his pockets with rocks before coming to a
    medical check point so he wouldn't be pulled for excessive weight
    loss), keep them awake (runners have fallen asleep (!) while running
    and fallen off the trail), and go for help if the runner becomes
    incapacitated.  The runner always sets the pace.  The pacer gently
    prods the runner if he thinks he's going slower than he could or should
    or suggests slowing down if he thinks the runner is going to burn out.
    
    Having an experienced pacer with you can make the difference between
    dropping out and finishing.  Also, the pacer helps carry some of your
    gear, like clothing for inclement weather.  The pacer also constantly
    reminds you to drink, eat, and drink.
    
    BTW, any of you folks here in Colorado who are doing nothing that
    weekend might consider going up to Leadville.  This may sound crazy,
    but it's actually a pretty decent spectator sport.  And if you want to
    volunteer to crew (or pace), there are lots of folks from out of state
    who could use the help.  Bill's Sport Shop in Leadville, 225 Harrison
    Ave., (719) 486-0739, is the coordinating center for runners without
    pacers or crews.
    
    Sid

    re: naprosyn
    
    Potent stuff, especially 1000 mg's!  I had a pinched nerve in my lower
    back for the longest time that even my chiropractor couldn't correct. 
    Finally went to my MD who prescribed 200 mg's 3x daily, and within a
    week, I felt normal again.  Gotta be very careful with xxxxsyn, though. 
    20-20, I believe did a segment recently on the side-effects of this
    drug.  Apparantly, it's brutal on the stomach lining if not taken with
    food to buffer it or another medication to prevent stomach lining
    deterioration.......
    
    BTW, when I say "potent", I don't mean that it gives you a buzz.  What
    I mean is that it's like 10 advil in 1......
    
    Hawk

    Yeah, I am very aware of the "potency" and undesirable side effects of
    continued use of high dosages of NSAIDs (non-steroidal
    anti-inflammatory drugs).  Some people can't take them even short term
    because of stomach upset.  I don't have that problem.  The long term
    problem I don't worry about because I will be using them for a limited
    time, and only under doctor's orders.  I have discussed this very thing
    with the doctor, and he's cool.
    
    The people that suffer ulceration are almost always those with chronic
    inflammation problems (arthritis, for example) and take high dosages
    for years and years.
    
    I plan to be running ultras for many, many years to come.  I'm not
    going to jeopardize that through abuse of medications.  Of course, Gail
    thinks I shouldn't even try to start at Leadville, that I could lose my
    knees for good.  I also discussed that with the orthopedic surgeon, and
    he believes that I'm not likely to do permanent damage, so I'm going to
    go for it.
    
    Sid

    Well, folks, I leave the office Thursday at noon for my last visit to
    the physical therapist (we've been doing iontophoresis for the last
    several visits) and then on to Leadville that evening.
    
    Those of you that run races are probably familiar with the butterflies
    you feel in your stomach the morning of the race.  I've had them for
    over a week now.  I'm nowhere near where I wanted to by physically, but
    I do feel mentally prepared and that's well over 50% of what it takes.
    
    When I think of my knees and of the finishing stats (average
    finisher/starter ratio runs at about 1/2, with a much worse ratio for
    first-time 100-milers like myself) I get discouraged.  Somehow, though,
    I feel psyched enough that I believe I've got as good a shot at it as
    anybody.  We'll know in a few days.
    
    Gail and I met with our pacers last night to go over last minute
    details.  We met with our crew a few days ago.  I've just finished
    writing up my crew instructions.  I'll post them in the next reply.
    
    Less than three days, sixteen hours until the starting gun.
    
    Sid

                                   GENERAL
    
    1.  Don't let me drop out.  If I have the band on my wrist, don't let
        me get in the car.  Period.  Even if I beg, plead, or threaten.
        The only exception is if it is already past the cutoff time for
        the next aid station.
    
    2.  Record the time you arrive at each stop.  If you see Gail, record
        the time and place and ask her if she needs anything.
    
    3.  If my water bottles aren't empty, remind me that I have to keep
        drinking.  Check my fanny pack for empty Power Bar or Meal On The
        Go bar wrappers.  Replace any that have been eaten.  If none have
        been eaten, suggest that I do better next leg.
    
    4.  Water bottles:  two scoops of Performance, two ice cubes, and
        top off with water.
    
    5.  Check the fanny pack to see if I used the toilet paper and put
        in more if I have.
     
    6.  Ask me if I urinated.
    
    7.  Use the portable alarm clock.  Please, please be awake when
        I arrive at the car.
    
    8.  At all times, cooperate with race officials and be considerate
        of other runners and crew.
    
    9.  Always have two bags of crushed ice ready for my knees.
    

                                    FRIDAY
    
    Meet in Leadville at 137 E. Eighth St. to load the car.
    
                                   SATURDAY
    
    4:00 a.m. is the race start.  I'd like you to be there to make sure
    all is ready.  Once the race has started and Sixth St. is clear
    (after about fifteen minutes), drive to the Tabor Boat Ramp.  
    
    Tabor Boat Ramp
    
    I should get there between 5:30 and 6:00.  The drive only takes about
    twenty minutes and is all on paved road.  Have the chair, ice, and a
    fresh water bottle ready.  I may leave the flashlight behind, depending
    on how the visibility is then.  Unless the sky is perfectly clear,
    ask if I want to take the rain suit.  After I leave the Tabor Boat Ramp,
    drive to the May Queen Aid Station, parking on the paved road north of
    the turnoff into May Queen. 
    
    May Queen
    
    It should take me about an hour to get there from Tabor.  The cutoff
    time is 7:15.  Your drive is only five to ten minutes.  Again, chair,
    ice, and water bottle. If I still have the flashlight, I'll surely
    leave it behind there. Ask if I want to take the rain suit.  I won't
    need the flashlight again until Winfield but I'd like you to put in
    four fresh batteries so it's ready.  After I leave May Queen, drive to
    where the access road to the power lines emerges onto the paved road
    leading to the Fish Hatchery. 
    
    Road to Fish Hatchery
    
    It should take me 2 to 2.5 hours to get to the road. The aid station is
    about 1.5 miles past where you meet me and the cutoff time to the aid
    station is 10:00.  Your drive should be no more than a half hour.
    Chair, ice, and two water bottles.  Ask if I want to take the rain
    suit.  After I leave, drive to the point on Half Moon Road beyond which
    you are not allowed.  I may ask you to make an intermediate stop but
    won't plan on it.  The last several miles of this drive (which should
    take 20 to 30 minutes) is on dirt road.  Please drive the dirt road
    slowly, avoiding raising dust that would be a drag to the runners ahead
    of me. 
    
    Half Moon
    
    It should take me 1.5 to 2.0 hours to get to where you are parked on
    Half Moon Road.  Chair, ice, two water bottles, and one Naprosyn. The
    Half Moon aid station is a couple miles beyond where you're parked.
    Cutoff time at Half Moon aid station is 12:00 noon.  Suggest that I
    take the rain suit.  After I leave, drive to the town of Twin Lakes and
    try to get a reasonable place to park.  The drive could take an hour. I
    will take a good 2.5 hours. 
    
    Twin Lakes
    
    I assume you won't get a spot real near the actual aid station.
    Park where you can and come to the aid station to meet me when I
    come in.  I'll have to check in, go through the medical check, and
    check out, so there should be time to take care of any extras that
    may need doing.  If you are parked along the route, great.  After
    I check out, we'll go to the car.  If not, bring the chair, ice,
    and two water bottles to the aid station.  You should have plenty
    of time for this.  I will also need my water-crossing shoes.  I
    will need to take the rain suit regardless of what the weather looks
    like.  The cutoff time here is 2:30 p.m.  When I leave, drive up
    Clear Creek Road to the intersection of the road and the trail coming
    off of Hope Pass.  You can't park west of that intersection, so
    you may end up a fair way's away.  The drive could take up to an
    hour.  Clear Creek Road is a dirt road and pretty rough in places.
    Bring one water bottle to the trailhead.  It will take me at least
    3 hours to get to the trailhead, so you needn't hurry.
    
    Clear Creek Road
    
    When I come off the trail, I'll hand you my fanny pack and take the
    water bottle.  The aid station is another two miles up the road at
    Winfield.  Once I've given you my stuff, I'll head up the road. You
    then drive the two miles to Winfield (again, slowly and being
    considerate of the other runners) and meet me there. 
    
    Winfield
    
    It may take me a half hour to get to Winfield because I expect my knees
    to be really screaming at me for taking them down Hope Pass. Set up the
    chair and have ice ready.  Cutoff time for Winfield is 6:00 p.m.  It is
    a medical check point.  I'll pick up my first pacer there (Bruce).
    Once I've gotten through the medical and started out with the pacer,
    drive back to the trailhead (2 miles east) and meet me there with my
    fanny pack with two fresh bottles.  Make sure my flashlight (with fresh
    batteries) is in the fanny pack.  Then drive back to Twin Lakes. 
    
    Twin Lakes
    
    It will probably take me 3.5 to 4 hours to get back to Twin Lakes and
    it will probably be dark by the time I arrive.  The cutoff time is 9:45
    p.m.  I'll need two more bottles, ice, and another Naprosyn. Suggest
    that I put on something warmer and insist that I take my rain suit.
    I'll be changing pacers there (Tom).  Ask how the flashlight is holding
    out.  When I leave Twin Lakes (after the medical check), drive back to
    Half Moon Road. 
    
    Half Moon
    
    It will probably take me about 3 hours to get to where you are parked
    on Half Moon.  Cutoff time to Half Moon aid station is 12:45 a.m. I may
    take some time at that aid station and it will take a half hour to get
    from the aid station to you.  If I don't get to where you're parked by
    2:00, I've probably been pulled.  If that happens, my pacer will come
    out to get you and you'll be permitted to drive in to the aid station
    to pick me up.  Assume, of course, that I'll not be pulled.  Have the
    chair, ice, and two water bottles ready. Change the batteries in the
    flashlight when I arrive.  Suggest that I eat.  Tom may or not continue
    with me to Fish Hatchery.  If he doesn't, he'll ride with you. When I
    leave, drive to the Fish Hatchery/Outward Bound aid station.
    
    Fish Hatchery/Outward Bound
    
    It should take me 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the aid station.  Chair,
    ice, and two water bottles.  Cutoff time is 3:00 a.m.  Bruce should be
    there for taking me over Sugarloaf.  After I get through the medical
    check, drive to the trailhead under the power lines (with Bruce in the
    vehicle).  When I arrive, change the batteries in the flashlight. When
    I leave with Bruce, drive to May Queen. 
    
    May Queen
    
    This tends to be the most gruesome portion of the trail due to the
    cumulative effect of 80+ miles, 24 hours without sleep, steep trail,
    and high elevation.  It will take me at least 3 hours to get to May
    Queen.  Cutoff time is 6:30 a.m.  Have chair, ice, one water bottle,
    and Naprosyn.  If it's getting close to cutoff time, carry the chair
    and ice into the campground and to the aid station (you're not allowed
    to drive in) so I can check in and out before icing my knees.  I'll be
    leaving my fanny pack and carrying the water bottle in my hand from
    here on out.  I'm not sure if I'll have pacers for the rest of the run,
    though I think Steve may come with me to Tabor.  When I leave, drive to
    Tabor Boat Ramp. 
    
    Tabor Boat Ramp
    
    It should take me 1 to 1.5 hours to get to the boat ramp.  Chair,
    ice, and one bottle.  Perhaps Terza will take me the rest of the
    way in from here.  When I leave Tabor, drive to the 3-way junction
    opposite Sugar Loafin' Campground.  Chair, ice, and one bottle.
    When I leave, drive in to Leadville and look for me to crest that
    hill a quarter mile from the finish, hopefully before 9:55.  Once
    I cross that line, you're done, though I may need help getting back
    to the house on Eighth St.  Awards ceremony is at noon.

    Good luck
    
    On point #1 - I hope the Pacers have enough knowledge to recognize
    signs that you might be in serious trouble, and force you to drop
    out despite any pleas to the contrary.   The possibility of serious
    physical damage is very real in ultras.
    
    Again, good luck, hope you finish and feel okay doing it.
    
    JD

    Sid -
    
    Best of luck to you.  Sounds like you've thought it out well, just
    please, come back to tell us about it -- regardless of how you end up. 
    That's the most important part.  I'll be thinking of you :-)
    
    A&W

Sid --

Want your rain suit??? 8^)

Best of luck to you.  Just reading your instructions to the crew
necessitated them bringing me oxygen in my cube, and I felt the
strangest urge to lie down and sleep for days..

Be tough, be strong, give it all you got, and no matter how you
many miles you run you'll be able to tell the world you gave it
your best shot.

Vaya con Dios,
'Saw

    Good luck in your pursuit.  It's an incredibly ballsy move to enter a
    race like this one.  Take care of yourself and I hope that
    all goes well as planned.
     
    P.S. What role will your rainsuit play and what is the weather looking to be
    like for the day of the race?
    
    
    Sincerely,
    TomR

    re:  General rule #1 (don't let me drop out)
    
    My pacers are all runners and are all friends.  If I trip and open my
    head on a rock, they won't let me bleed to death waiting for the next
    cutoff time.  They are all familiar with elevation-related symptoms.  I
    have complete confidence in them.  The reason for that rule is that
    during this type of run, you tend to have a lot of ups and down
    mentally/emotionally.  There have been times where I would have dropped
    out at a long run if I had been near a road/aid station.  Fortunately,
    by the time I got to a place where I could drop, I had rebounded.  If I
    *choose* to drop out, I want them to do everything in their power to
    keep me going until the next upswing.  Pain is not considered a
    legitimate reason to drop.  We've discussed all this.
    
    re:  role of the rainsuit
    
    It's where I stash my 'shrooms ;-)
    
    Actually, the weather is incredibly unpredictable.  Normally, you
    expect a sunny morning, clouds building in the afternoon, and some
    afternoon and evening thundershowers, clearing at night.  Daytime temps
    are normally in the upper 60s/lower 70s at the lower elevations (9500'
    - 10500') and, of course, colder on the high passes.  Nighttime temps
    range from high 20s to mid 40s, depending on elevation.
    
    The problem is that storms blow in from the west, over the main range,
    and they appear with little or no warning.  Last year, Gail and I left
    Twin Lakes at sundown, headed for Half Moon.  There were stars in the
    sky and not a trace of a cloud.  We left carrying a single, cheap
    windbreaker.  A half hour after we left (all uphill) a light rain
    started.  It continued for the next three hours, with temps in the mid
    to upper 30s.  Gail wore the windbreaker but it wasn't enough.  By the
    time we reached Half Moon, she was hypothermic, shaking violently.  It
    was pretty scary.  We both bought full Goretex rainsuits for this year.
    
    The weather in Colorado the last several weeks has been very unsettled. 
    I haven't seen anything in the weather maps to indicate that that's
    going to change.  We could have "normal" weather and we could have
    atrocious weather.  We expect something in between but prepare for
    atrocious.
    
    The most dangerous weather-related aspect is going over Hope Pass twice
    in the mid, then late afternoon.  The thunderstorms carry lots of hail
    (I don't know if you've ever been in a good hail storm but that shit
    hurts!) and lots of lightning.  You spend a good hour each way above
    tree line on the pass.  If a lightning storm hits, all you can do is
    lay low to the ground and hope you don't get nailed.  I've been caught
    above tree line before in these conditions and watched boulders get
    split by lightning, feeling the electricity move through my body.  It's
    exciting, but it's not fun.  I'll take boring, clear skies any day.
    
    re:  several previous
    
    Thanks for the good wishes.  I will enter a race report regardless of
    how well or poorly I do, though you shouldn't expect to see it right
    away.  I don't expect to be in the office on Monday or Tuesday.  It
    will probably be near the end of the week before I can take the time to
    do it.
    
    Sid

Sid --

Glad to hear that you got the 'shrooms I sent out to you.

One thing to be aware of though.  Sometimes on my paltry little 
runs (3.5 miles 8^)) if I'm on 'shrooms, I see these giant
orange bats, and humongous purple teradactyls.  DON'T be alarmed,
they're merely hallucinations.

I just don't want you to see stuff like that and figure you're
freakin' out on hyper-distance or whatever.

(If you see anything REALLY interesting, be sure and let me know.
It's great for the advertising!)

good luck, and give 'em hell!

'Saw

    Driving to Leadville on Thursday afternoon, we passed the intersection
    of U.S. 24 and Clear Creek Road.  To the west, over Hope Pass, the
    sky was black and menacing.  "Glad the race isn't today" we thought.
    
    It rained in Leadville Thursday evening.  Awoke Friday morning and
    went to the 6th St. Gym to be weighed in and get the medical
    wristbands.  I weighed in at 182.
    
    At 11:00 was the mandatory pre-race briefing.  Some rules changes
    had been made.  Most of the changes had to do with where crew vehicles
    could park.  The most significant change was that you could not
    leave shoes (or anything) at the river crossing.  For those prone
    to blistering, this came as a real blow.  Fortunately, they would
    allow crew to hike in to the river crossing ahead of the runner with
    dry shoes, wait for the runner to cross, then carry the wet shoes
    back out.
    
    Our crew arrived Friday afternoon.  We went over all the rule changes
    and arranged for Brad to cross the river ahead of Gail and me with
    dry shoes.  Brad and Steve (who drove down from Salt Lake City to
    crew) would be my crew.  Larry and Bob were to crew for Gail for
    the first 60 miles, after which Bob would take over as Gail's pacer.
    
    Our other pacers were in a cabin at Winfield.  Leanne and Karen
    would take Gail over Hope Pass and do the Half Moon to Fish Hatchery
    leg.  Bruce would take me over Hope and Sugarloaf and Tom would
    take me from Twin Lakes to Fish Hatchery.  We were all set.
    
    It rained all Friday afternoon and evening (snow at the higher
    elevations).  Gail and I had trouble falling asleep (too wired) and
    finally dozed off around 10:30.  We got up at 2:00 for a bowl of
    oatmeal.  Then we dressed, taped and Vaselined our feet, made all our
    final preparations, and went to the starting line at 3:30 to register. 
    
    The rain had stopped and the sky was filled with stars.  It looked
    like we would be lucky with the weather.  At 4:00, the starter's
    gun went off and 255 runners ran off into the night.
    
    The atmosphere was electric. People were *very* psyched.  War whoops
    pierced the night.  Conversation was spirited (at least it was in the
    middle to back of the pack; I have no idea what was happening at the
    front of the pack).  There was no moon.  By the time we left the dirt
    roads and got onto trail (after about 7 miles) the pack had spread
    sufficiently that there were no bottlenecks. 

    I reached the Tabor Boat Ramp (~8.5 miles) in about 1:30, where I left
    my fanny pack with the crew and went on with just a water bottle and
    flashlight.  I was just starting to feel a little nagging in my right
    knee.  An hour or so later (late dawn) I reached the first Aid Station
    at May Queen (13.5 miles).  After checking through the Aid Station (at
    the same time as Gail) we headed out onto the Turquoise Lake Road and
    up to the trail head, where our crews were waiting. 
    
    Gail grabbed her gear and blew right on through.  My knees were
    beginning to ache, so I stopped for about seven minutes to eat
    something and ice my knees.  The icing felt great and I hit the trail
    feeling very enthusiastic.  The climb to Hagerman Pass Road was quick
    and easy.  I ran the one mile along the dirt road at a pretty good
    clip, admiring the surrounding mountains and the deep, wide valley
    below. 
    
    I turned up the jeep road that leads to Sugarloaf Pass and slowed to a
    fast walk.  I ate a Meal On The Go bar as I walked.  It was hard
    getting it down, but it went and I was drinking well and felt
    well-hydrated.  I crested the pass and headed down the power lines.
    This was my first indication that things might not go as well as I had
    hoped.  My mind and body wanted to roar down the access road, by my
    knees simply wouldn't let me.  I finally reached the paved road,
    dropped my fanny pack with my waiting crew, grabbed a fresh water
    bottle, and ran the road to the next Aid Station at the Fish Hatchery.
    It was very hot and I hadn't been drinking well for last hour or so.
    The weigh-in at the Aid Station bore this out:  I had lost 3 pounds
    since the Friday morning weigh-in (and I had eaten like a pig all day
    Friday). 
    
    I was about one hour ahead of the cutoff time, which is good since I
    had to stop for more then ten minutes to give my now-aching knees a
    good icing.  It was hot and getting hotter.  I ran along the paved road
    and then the dirt road for another five miles or so until I reached my
    crew waiting at the tree line on Half Moon Road.  I had to stop to ice
    my knees again there and I was beginning to feel the effects of minor
    dehydration.  My stomach was a bit queasy and I was having a hard time
    eating or drinking.  After about five minutes of ice, I pushed on down
    Half Moon Road to the Aid Station at Half Moon Campground. 
    
    I reached the Aid Station more than an hour ahead of cutoff.  I tried
    to eat but couldn't get much of anything down.  I did manage to drink a
    fairly full cup of Exceed but my stomach didn't like it.  It didn't
    like plain water either.  As I headed up on the Mt. Elbert trail, I
    could feel myself compensating for my right knee, putting more pressure
    on my left leg. 
    
    This came back to haunt me as I ran along the beautiful rolling trail
    on the flanks of Mt. Elbert.  I should have been making up time on this
    section of trail but each short downhill section hurt more than the
    last.  In addition, I was barely able to swallow a mouthful of water at
    a time.  About six miles into this section of trail, I came down onto
    to my right leg and my knee gave way.  It moved laterally in a way that
    knees aren't meant to move and sent a very sharp pain across my leg. 
    
    This stopped me dead in my tracks.  I walked rather gingerly on it for
    about a minute and then broke back into a run.  It went again. A few
    minutes later it did it a third time.  Now I had reached the steep
    descent (about 1000' in 1.5 miles) into Twin Lakes.  I had been trying
    to keep pressure off of my right knee and was now paying for it with
    some very sharp pain in my left shin.  I was moving very slowly and
    feeling very discouraged.  I was convincing myself that Twin Lakes
    would be the end of the line. 
    
    The last hundred yards into the Aid Station at Twin Lakes is a very
    steep, rocky pseudo-trail that drops you down to the Fire Station at
    the edge of town.  I had to use my hands to steady myself on the rocks
    to keep from falling.  I was not a happy camper.  When I got to the
    bottom of the hill, the doctor manning the Aid Station was waiting for
    me.  As I limped into the medical tent to be weighed, I explained to
    him about the patellar tendinitis, that it was a known, pre-existing
    condition, and that I may be alright after a good icing. I didn't
    mention the shins or the inability to eat or drink.  I hadn't urinated
    since about 15 miles into the run.  Twin Lakes is at 39.5 miles. 
    
    I tipped the scales at 176, six pounds down from the initial weigh-in.
    He was discussing me with the other medical personnel (they were
    considering pulling me) when I asked if I could go out to where my crew
    was waiting so I could get some ice on my knees.  He nodded. On my way
    out of the medical tent, I checked out of the Aid Station. My crew was
    a few hundred yards beyond the Aid Station and around a corner.  I was
    now only about a half hour ahead of the cutoff and spent nearly twenty
    minutes icing my knees and trying to drink. 
    
    Even after the icing, I ached.  It took me a good fifteen minutes to
    cover the mile leading to the river crossing.  Brad was there on the
    other side of the river, which was way down (fortunately), with dry
    socks and shoes.  I changed and then headed up the pass. When I stood
    up to take off, the race leader, Bill Clements, came flying toward the
    river (on his way back, of course).  He never broke stride as he hit
    the water and the others at the crossing just watched in awe.  He
    looked to be running at a six to seven minute pace and his feet looked
    like they were hardly making contact with the river.  Five minutes
    later, Jim O'Brien came flying by at breakneck speed. 
    
    The climb up Hope Pass was harder than anything I've ever done. My
    right knee and left shin ached with every step.  I couldn't swallow
    even a mouthful of water.  After climbing about 2000' feet, I did
    something I'd never done during a run before:  I sat down on a tree
    stump to rest.  I sat there for almost a minute, gathering strength.  I
    managed to swallow a mouthful of water but my stomach complained
    immediately.  After what seemed an eternity, I reached the Hope Pass
    Aid Station, about a half mile and 500' below the pass itself.  I was
    able to drink about a half cup of hot chocolate there.  Black clouds
    were all around and there was a lot of thunder. With the sun blocked,
    it was getting very cold (this aid station is at 12,000').  I put on my
    polypro top and rain jacket and pushed on toward the pass. 
    
    A few cold rain drops fell and then it opened up.  Hail.  It was only
    pea-sized but it came hard and fast at about a 45 degree angle. It was
    stinging my legs but I didn't really care.  My knee and shin hurt too
    much to think about anything else.  By the time I crested Hope Pass,
    there was two inches of hail on the trail.  I was really glad to make
    the top; I wasn't feeling all that great and I had taken way too long
    to get there. 
    
    The trail drops precipitously down the south side of the pass. My knee
    and shin were shot.  Every step was slow and agonizing and all I really
    wanted was to get down the mountain.  The hail stopped and trail
    cleared.  It took me two hours to make my way down the 2.5 miles of
    steep, rocky trail to Clear Creek Road.  Fortunately, I only fell once
    and didn't twist anything.  About a half mile from the bottom, I met
    Gail and her pacers on their way back up.  She had been having bad
    stomach problems as well and had spent an inordinately long time at the
    turnaround Aid Station at Winfield. 
    
    My pacer for going back over the pass was there as well and walked down
    to Clear Creek Road with me, carrying my fanny pack.  It had taken me
    so long to descend, that the cutoff time for Winfield had already
    passed.  The race was over for me.  When I reached the road, my crew
    was waiting.  They wanted to drive me the last 2.4 miles up the road to
    Winfield to the Aid Station to have my band cut, but I refused.  Having
    gone over Hope Pass, I had to finish the first 50 on my own power. 
    
    I arrived at Winfield an hour past the cutoff.  My medical band was
    removed and I iced my knee and shin for about twenty minutes. We then
    drove to Twin Lakes to see how Gail was doing.  It was raining hard.
    About a half hour after night had fallen, Gail and her two pacers
    arrived.  Gail's stomach had finally rebelled and she had thrown up
    twice.  She wasn't looking all that great but she changed out of her
    wet clothes and headed out into the night in the pouring rain with a
    fresh pacer, up the long climb on the Mt. Elbert trail. 
    
    We went into Leadville, where I had a quick shower and we all got some
    food.  Then we headed for the Half Moon Road, where we met up with her
    crew and began the long wait.  One by one, runners emerged. Race
    officials were at the point on the road beyond which crews are not
    allowed and were in radio contact with the Half Moon Aid Station.
    Every five or ten minutes, word would come from the aid station that a
    runner had dropped and the crew would be sent in to pick him/her up. 
    
    Time passed.  No word on Gail.  The cutoff at Half Moon is 12:45. At
    12:15, I asked the officials to check if Gail had arrived at the aid
    station yet.  She hadn't.  A few more runners emerged. More crews got
    the call to go in and pick up their runner.  At 12:45, Gail had still
    not arrived at the aid station.  In fact, she hadn't even come off the
    trail onto Half Moon Road, two miles above the aid station.  I was
    beginning to worry.  A half hour later, we got word that she had come
    down off the mountain.  For the second year in a row, the Leadville
    Trail 100 had ended for her after 70 miles. 
    
    We all went back into Leadville and began the post mortem that would
    last for days.  We gave it a run and we lost.  Next year will be
    different. 
    
    Sid    

    305 runners registered for this race.  255 started.  119 finished.  The
    top finishers were:
        
    Jim O'Brien			Monrovia, CA		17:55:57 !	M
    Dennis "Animal" Herr	Harrisonburg, VA	19:57:49	M
    Ann Trason			Oakland, CA		20:38:51 !	F
    Terry Crompton		Iowa City, IA		21:04:06	M
    Bill Finkbeiner		Rancho Cordova, CA	21:08:37	M
    Marcello Arguello		Leadville, CO		21:10:12	M
    Dale Garland		Durango, CO		21:22:35	M
    Bill Clements		Seattle, WA		21:27:04	M
    Thomas Winter		Sacramento, CA		21:54:44	M
    Gene Thibeault		Colfax, CA		21:54:44	M
    Randi Bromka		Aspen, CO		21:55:33	F

                              ! = Course record

   Hi Sid!

   Congratulations and condolences at the same time.

   With most races, it's:

   `When it is done, if `tis done, then `twere well it was done quickly.'

   These races (enduros would be more apt), just making the attempt is an
   act of courage, and finishing is winning.

   Congratulations on the attempt, and condolences that your body had
   other ideas ( I HATE when that happens, and it seems to happen more
   and more lately ).

   Keep us posted on these things. They're very interesting.
   Thanks
   Mike JN

    Sid -
    
    Thanks for the race report.  Sounds like you did the best you could,
    and that's all anyone should ask of themselves.  Hope you can give the
    knee a chance to recover now.  And congrats on even being willing to
    *try* this sort of thing - it's an accomplishment a lot of us will
    never have.
    
    A&W

    Wow, great story!  I can't believe that anybody could cover 100 miles
    so fast - hell, I probably haven't covered 100 miles in my LIFE, much
    less a day!
    
    ML