Bothered by Bald Guys. Pestered by Pink-Headed People. 'Wasn't sure exactly how to call this?
Anyway, 2 bald guys have been ganging-up on me and I'm really not sure what to do about it? Paul Cubbon and Jason Eads, if you're looking for names.
My first thought was to ignore them. This has actually bought me some time, but has not resolved the underlying issue. You see, they want me to run 100-miles with them.
I'm strongly tempted to blow them off, but they do raise a couple of good points:
- I am already registered for the STORMY 50-mile run on Saturday 8 August. "It would be easy to get up a day earlier and run the 100-miler, cause you were going to get up, anyways", goes the argument
- this is the 10th anniversary of STORMY. Given that I have participated in all 9 previous races, it would be good to complete the 10th with a bit of pizzaz
- one of the bald guys, Paul, is the only other person on the planet to have run STORMY for 9 years in a row. He signed up for the 100-miler. It follows that so should I.
- the other bald guy, Jason, has also signed-up for the 100-miler. He's coming all of the way from Florida to run in this scenic, challenging, well-run race that happens to be in my back yard. Since it's worth it to him to come all of this way to blow his brains out in my back yard, it follows that I would be a stupid, backwater hick for not taking advantage of the opportunity, as well
- based on fairly recent data, the bald guys and I appear to have similar training and ability. It follows that, if they are going to take the plunge, so should I.
- we have all trained together and enjoy each others' company. It follows that this would be more like a party than an endurance challenge. (I take as a foregone conclusion that they want to hold hands and skip for all 160-kilometers)
- in past years, all STORMY 100-mile finishers have received a honking big bottle of Howe Sound Brewing's craft ale. For free. It follows that, as someone who values craft ales as much as a good deal, it is a no-brainer that I should run 100-miles with them to get a free beer
- 100-mile finishers used to get a belt buckle. Given that my pants fell off for several hours at the Fat Dog 100 last weekend, I need a belt buckle.
- my entire family, and even some extended family, will be volunteering at the race. They would be happy to see me miserable and retching for 24-30 hours rather than less than 1/2 of that.
- the statute of limitation applies to 100-milers. No honest person can call themselves a "100-miler" unless they have run said distance at least once during the past 6 years. Hummm... Has it been that long?
- I am healthy. Therefore, I should be able to run a 100-miler at the drop of a hat
I will debate each point, in turn. If you have any thoughts, please share because I have to make my mind up soon!
Comments
Good game Jackson...
Re-rack???
In all seriousness - great job at STORMY. You did quite a number on that thing considering you haven't trained! Hope you and the family enjoyed your extended camping weekend!
One shirt = 100 miles
Just checking if I got the deal I heard last week correct, if I run Stormy 100 in a Hawaiian shirt, Ean will also show up Saturday in his Hawaiian shirt and run the whole 100 miles.
Not wanting to run in my black Tommy Bahamas shirt pruchased years ago, I found this one at a local discount store over the weekend and even put in a few test miles bagging HOL & STR on Sunday.
Jason, Paul, it looks like Ean will be keeping us company over the long haul this weekend.
Wooo Hooo!!!
Looking forward to it, Rick!!!
Oh, DON'T TELL ME....
You let a bunch of bald dudes talk you in to running 100 miles this weekend? I like your style and all (especially since it's STORMY's 10th anniversary), but that's just ludicrous!
Good on you Ean, just don't leave me in your dust!
Did another last night to taunt you
Involved Johnny Walker Blue Label, a couple of quaichs and 3 baggermeisters. Your name and reputation were referenced. See you in a few days...
I'm used to being slandered...
since I began hanging out with the likes of you!
bald is beautiful.....(BB)
and aids with natural body cooling on hot race days.......and aids aerodynamics for faster running......and ...did I say, is beautiful....and beautiful people are happy people....and get lots of attention, from both genders......well.....
if you want to join the the BBs then I suggest you shave your head or at least get a good #1 clip (I can do that for you, too!).....and then join the esteemed band of brothers on the 100 mile jaunt in the woods.
Looking forward to meeting you and running with you, Jason: aka "one of the beautiful people."
Now, Ean....remember, race rules apply to you, too.....you cannot just turn up on Sat and start with us....you need to change you entry formally with Wendy before the race day.....behave, won't you! No naked snow angels at STORMY....dust angels, maybe.....
seeya out there.
cheers
PAUL
Just got a buzz
OK, out of empathy for my bald and/or greying compadres, I got my hair cut. Happy?
haircut?
that's my usual MO - haircut weekend before a big race. So is your's a precursor to doing the hundo? That would make us happy.
Before a race...
I shave my legs.
Looking forward to running with you too, Paul!
I'll bring a fresh razor so I'm living up to my reputation...
Your reputation is already shot...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ctHN3Qf1dw
YOU SON OF A B+*&H!
I did that video in good faith with you, Man! Holy cow - the gauntlet has been dropped!!!!!!!!!!!
... I already reminded him
... I already reminded him of the rules... let's avoid a repeat of 2009 when he started in a relay and kept on running...
Looks like
...AJ will have a tough time squirming out of this one, especially since he is the one who brought it to the public forum in the first place. Ean, don't make us lower this thread to trash talk to convince you!
Bring it on!
the trash talk, I mean
Given that the other half of
Given that the other half of the Action Jackson equation is already at Stormy on Saturday to crew, logic would dictate to use that time wisely ....and run 100 miles.
You didn't by chance...
just increase Ean's life insurance coverage did you? Make it look like an accident and the benefit doubles!
Worth more dead than alive
I rarely wonder why I don't get a lot of grief when I say, "Bye, honey. I'm just off for a little 24 hour peak-bagging expedition ..."
Not bald but...
...grey. So how about if a non-bald 100 mile entrant joins into the fray here? Instead of seeing you holding a beer and a camera part way through a run, I think you should hold off on the beer for another 10 or 12 hours and bump yourself up to the big event. We did run/walk through to the finish of last year's Stormy 50, so why not double down this year?
I need some redemption after pulling out at 100K +20K last weekend, who better to have along for the ride at Stormy to make sure I don't DNF again than a guy who helped that brave group of 100 milers at FatDog?
What else could you possibly have planned for Saturday while you wait for the 50mile start on Sunday? Bagging some peaks while everyone else is in Squamish?
Good points...
Let me address them in order:
Any other good reasons why I should even think about doing the 100?
PS Nice picture of you, me, Rod and Claudia holding hands, by the way
Keeping my hair
Bald or not, I'm on the side to get you to go for the long run, but I'm not about to shave anything except, hopefully, some time from previous Stormy100's.
Misery enjoys company so why shouldn't happy 100 milers enjoy some company too, put the beer on hold and come play outside Saturday.
Yes, there is the small matter of the old dudes age group in the BC Ultra series. Last year is history. Time for Bruce to update that BCUTS web page to 2010, I know I have one 10 pointer already. Better to beat me in the same race in case we tie, isn't it?
FatDog will now sit like a thorn in my butt until next year, particularily when I read in your blog that Cincinnati Ted caught up with you guys - I passed him after Nicomen Lake and still hadn't seen him by the time I walked off course for a car ride at Cayuse Flats. Normal running (or attempting) two 100's in two weeks? All relative isn't it, I haven't talked to anybody in days that thinks running 100 miles period is "normal". I'm sure the pain of seeing your rosey cheeks paled in comparison to the other pains they were feeling.
Hey Man...
Dear Mr. Action Jackson,
I'm pretty sure the only argument I made was about the beer, of which I will buy you anyway, even if you don't run at all. If you happen to be in the vicinity of Squamish on Sunday when I'm suffering and miserable, please stop by the STORMY course to dash a few steps with me to ensure I have, in fact, lost my mind. Dash is probably a gross exaggeration, but you get my point.
Sorry to correct you, but you're off by about 1,000 miles on where I'm coming from to run STORMY. While I am technically "in process" of moving to sunny Tampa, FL - I've only just started the deal and am well grounded here in St. Louis, MO for what is likely to be a few months or more.
It's no matter - I'm happy to see your smiling mug whether you're running or not. Besides, you aren't bald like Paul and I, so maybe you don't belong out there running with us anyhow ;-)
I like your points. Looks like Paul has been strong arming you pretty heavy duty like! I hope he's not too tired for the race next weekend after applying so much leverage. Good on you Paul! Ean dishes out enough S&*T that we should always feel welcome to give him a little back.
In all seriousness - I very much look forward to seeing everyone next weekend!
Jason
Healthy
Yeh, right. I ran KneeKnacker in 7 hours and have bagged a few peaks. That's not 100-mile training
Statute of Limitations
Dudes, there is no "statute of limitations" for running 100-milers. You do it and that's that. Can't take it away.
Booya!
Booya!
Family
I think they would be more entertained by seeing you guys than seeing me. They see me every day. Besides, it should only take a minute or 2 for me to eat everything at the aid station. Why wait 12 hours to see a repeat performance?
Holds Up the Pants
It was a joke. I took my pants off, they didn't fall off.
Free Beer
What can I say? I like the concept. But given the choice of running 100-miles to get a free beer or paying $5 for beer and not having to run at all, well...
Holding Hands
Love you guys, but we can always bond at the pub
Take the Plunge
I'm glad to hear you are in good shape. Fill your boots. I probably could run the whole enchilada, but I don't think I want to.
I'm a Hick and a Loser
Your point? I agree that it's a great race. I am going run the 50-mile. I don't have to do the 100-miler to prove anything. Besides, I like my toenails.
Paul Jumps Off a Cliff, So Should I
No. Paul jumps off a cliff. Paul can do whatever he wants. So can I.
I Need to Run the 100-Mile Event
No I don't. If I run the 50-miler, I can still say I have run 10/10 STORMYs.
I Could Run on Saturday
Yes, I could. I could also bag some peaks or fix my deck or just go to the beach.