Vermont 100M Endurance Race
Friday July 18^th – Check-in; Runner and Handler meetings
Saturday July 19^th (4:00 AM): Race starts
Sunday July 20^th (10:00 AM): Race ends
Monday July 21^st: “g’s” 55^th b-day!
Location: Silver Hill Meadow, Brownsville, VT
Web site: http://www.vermont100.com

Dear (potential) “g”-Team Support Member, 

            OK… so, what’s the deal?  First I’m in… then I’m not… and, now I’m back running the Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Race this July. So, what's this have to do with you? Well… I’m trying to put together a Handler/Pacer team to accompany me to the race. 

            In a nut shell, I’d like to have at least 4 runners accompany me to the race as Handler/Pacers. There are 30 aide stations, but only 10 are designated for Handlers (folks like you). I’m hoping to have (1) Handlers that can provide me with support at the 10 Handler Aide Stations and (2) 2 Pacers to run with me during the last 30 miles of the race. 

            I know 100 miles is a long way to run and there’s plenty of things that might crop up and prevent me from either beginning or completing the race. Having said this… here’s my commitment for running the VT100M: 

The Plan: 

1)      I sent in my $200 registration fee on 3/11/08 and have been register to run the VT100M; the race is limited to 300 runners. 

2)      I run about 45 miles Monday-Friday, and then 2 long runs on the weekend for a weekly total of 60-70 miles. 

3)      On 4/22/08 I ran my first 100K (62 miles) in CT. Although a faster time then I would expect on a trail course (like the VT100M), I ran the course in 12:55… just what I expected. 

4)      There’s always the possibility I might end my commitment to run the VT100M because of an injury or another unforeseen challenge… although, I’m not expecting either. 

5)      The VT100M has a 30 hr. time limit. There are 6 race cutoff times along the course. Each of these cutoff points are at Handler Aide Stations. 

6)      I understand I might not be able to finish the race. I’m OK with this. 

7)      During the last 30 miles of the race, I’m hoping for 2 runners to pace me from Aide Station to Aide Station, and then to the Finish Line. There are 3 Handler Aide Stations the last 30 miles where Pacers can join their runners:

a.       Aide Station #23 @ mile-77 (cutoff time: 3 AM) (11.6 Pacer miles)

b.      Aide Station #26 @ mile-88.6 (cutoff time 6:45 AM) (6.9 Pacer miles).

c.       Aide Station #28 @ mile-95.5 (2.3 Pacer miles).

d.      Aide Station #30 @ mile-100 End of Race/Finish line
(cutoff time 10:00 AM)

8)      I plan to finish the race between 28-29 hours. I figure the last 30 miles will include a fair amount of walking. I figure I’ll need a lot of encouragement…  

9)      After the race, I understand teams go immediately to bed and wake up later Sunday sometime.

Misc:

 1)      Lodging: The plan is to camp. I‘ve already received confirmation that we can camp at the race start/finish line. This is good. It will make a great home base for the race! The camp ground is available only from Friday morning until Monday after the race.

2)      Day time temperatures are typically 80-90 degrees. Camping will feel a little sticky!

3)      I would like to drive to the race in 2 cars early Friday morning (7/18) – the day before the race. After the race and a nap, I expect we’ll all head home later Sunday morning or afternoon.

4)      Handlers will actually drive about 120 miles during the race to support their runners.

5)      I have no idea what kind of shape I’ll be in after the race! I have no idea if I’ll get to the 70 mile marker to take advantage of my pacer’s efforts to support me to the finish line.

6)      Costs: I would expect to pick up the expense for food and drinks during the race. I’ve got tents and stuff. J

7)      Check out the web site for much more information

Although there are many details and challenges yet to be considered, I know I’m asking you for a huge commitment of your time. I’m expecting this to be a real adventure for all! I look forward to your thinking about this.

Gary