It had become evident to Fast John and "g" that registering for the Wakely could be a problem. It seemed like the race might have a cap of 50 runners. In the previous 3 years, there were about 45 runners per race on a highly protected state hiking trail.

The Wakely Race Director (RD) arranged it's web site so registrants could only have access to the online registration form beginning Sunday, March 5th. It could then be downloaded, completed, and mailed-in. Barring insufficient running experience for a 50K, it was a first come first serve registration policy. It was also policy that last year's Wakely runners had first dibbs on those coveted and limited acceptance letters for the 2006 race.

No fear. "g" had discussed with Fast John their plan to ensure registration success. "We'll download the form on Sunday," figured "g", "and overnight it to the RD!" 

However, on Thursday night (preceding Sunday's registration), "g" opened an e-mail from the Wakely RD. It said:

Since you were cool enough to log onto our guest book to race in this year's Wakely, you, other guest-book logger-inners, and previous Wakely runners will have an opportunity to register for the race before anyone else. We will certainly sell out by Tuesday of next week because we've had a high turnout of returning runners. So, please do not delay. If you mail your application before Friday you'll have a GOOD chance of getting in. Click on the link below to down load the preregistration, registration form. Good luck!

This e-mail was immediately followed by a correction from the RD:

Did I say "a good chance" of getting in? Sorry, I should have said "a less than
25% chance of getting in". If everyone receiving this e-mail sends in their application,
75% of them will be put on the wait list. We only have a precious few spots
available for new registrants because of the huge number of returning runners.
So don't delay! (Bribes are accepted!) :-)

When "g" read these e-mail it was 11:30 PM on Thursday. How could he ever get their preregistration, registration forms to the RD by Friday? Clearly, this was not a time to panic. "Think", thought "g".

On Friday morning, "g" awoke early, completed his form, and printed out extra blank forms to FAX to Fast John first thing in the morning. He also left urgent messages about the last two e-mails from the RD on Fast John's cell phone and home answering machine at 0600 hours.

The kicker for getting accepted into the Wakely as a duo was the need to overnight both registration forms together, and provide an amusing reason for why you should get the nod to run the Wakely. For example, was there anything cool, strange or interesting about your running history that would attract the attention of the RD? By midday, the Boys had their preregistration, registration forms stapled together and at the Post Office. "g" was assured their package would reach the RD's home by 3:00 PM on Saturday. Cool. Everything was cool. They would get a jump on all the other early registrants... maybe. Not likely? They would soon find out.

Then... terror struck at the heart of "g's" running world on Saturday morning. Playing on the Wakely web site, and reviewing the note from the RD about his great fortune with being able to register early... he noticed... something he had missed in the RD's e-mail! In bold letters was the statement:

DON'T FORGET! WHEN YOU SEND IN YOUR PREREGISTRATION, REGISTRATION FORM, MAKE SURE YOU WRITE AT THE TOP OF THE FORM, "Guest Book Early Registration"!

"DAMN! "g" murmured to himself over and over in his head, "How could I have missed this detail! We're screwed!"

Getting a grip on his dilemma, "g" fired off an e-mail to the RD on Saturday morning explaining his innocent omission on their registration forms and pleaded for understanding. He received the following e-mail from the RD on Sunday morning:

Dear Gary,

Uh-oh... you lose.  Instant DQ.

Just kidding.  Good luck to you... I’m wondering if we'll fill up after today's mail just with returning runners.  It's getting close.  I guess that says something for the run, but it also has the risk of turning Wakely into one very exclusive event...Hell, someone practically has to die before a new runner can get in.  (Don't get any ideas.) 

I'll let you know your status when I get the applications. Thanks.

RD Jim

Having read this last e-mail from the RD created some relief for "g". It was now only a matter of time. He would have to wait with everyone else to learn the fate of his early registration. It was in the hands of the RD. Good thing they had overnight-ed their preregistration, registration forms. "g" felt proud of himself. He had become a quick thinker in a crisis. Then on Tuesday, the following e-mail arrived from the RD:

John & Gary,

 We received your applications for this year's event
[Damn, Wakely Dam Ultra Race - 32.6 miles].

Unfortunately, our rules state we cannot accept overnight packages
therefore our policy requires that you both be banned permanently from
all future Wakely events. 

But then we noticed John's artistic rendition of the
Adirondack Mts. scrawled across the top of his application and it warmed
our hearts.  Therefore, screw the rules, you're both IN.  To accept your
spots in this year's run kindly send in your payments.

BTW:  The overnight thing was a good move, you two are
numbers 49 & 50 on the list... you just made it.

(Only joking about the policy stuff, sorry!)

RD

Yahoo! The Boys were runnin' the Damn, Wakely Dam. "g's" dream was coming true. "I'm gonna be a Wakely Outlaw!"