| Q: |
I don't want to run, but I'd like to help. What might I do? |
| A: |
You're a hero! If you can make the time, we can find you something to do as part of the event crew. Some thoughts at crew tasks. |
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| Q: |
It's the weekend. Responsibility or work of any ilk does not appeal to me any more than having a root canal would. Is there any other reason why I would want to participate in this event? |
| A: |
Sure. The whole objective of the day is get to the potluck party. You can always start there. |
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| Q: |
If I decide to run, what should I bring? |
| A: |
Whatever you'd normally wear for a run of the distance you select to run given the conditions of the day. You can expect winter conditions! Don't forget to print out the run route directions, directions to the start and to bring a bathing suit if you plan to use the hot tub or sauna at the Ron Andrews rec center |
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| Q: |
Are there aid stations? Can I have a beer en route? |
| A: |
We recommend you come prepared to run without external aid. There may be aid stations, but only if your family and friends step forward and offer to organize them. (See aid.) Since this is an 'unofficial' event, there are no rules as to what you may or may not eat or drink en route. Best to bring 'special needs' in a plastic bag with your name on it just in case there are aid stations. =;-) |
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| Q: |
What can I win? |
| A: |
Nothin. Fastest man and woman TO FINISH THE COURSE get bragging rights. All participants and times go up on the web for posterity sake. |
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| Q: |
I've never done a trail run before. Is this a good place to start? |
| A: |
Probably not. Theses routes were designed for the seasoned trail runner. If you are determined to participate and don't have the recommended background, we suggest you do one loop with a buddy this year, and come back to do the whole enchilada next year. |
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| Q: |
How tough is the course? |
| A: |
Tough question to answer! How far are you running? How fast? How well are you trained?
The long course has been carefully crafted to challenge the elite ultrarunner. We recommend you have a few 50 km trail runs under your belt before you try to tackle the ultra (2 loop) distance.
A single, 26K loop also requires more than dexterity with the remote control. It's not as far, but it's still 26 km of tough, North Shore trails. We recommend you can run a marathon in under 4 hours and that you have some experience running trails. |
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| Q: |
Do I really need to print off the course instructions and bring them with me? |
| A: |
Yes. Without the detailed instructions or an intimate familiarity with the route, you're almost certain to get lost |
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| Q: |
This event is free, but for Club Fat Ass members only. How do I get into the club? |
| A: |
There is no hazing ceremony like the Hash House Harriers! Runners, walkers, hikers, triathletes, adventure racers, mountain bikers and anyone else interested in having fun in the great outdoors is welcome and can register online for a nominal fee. |
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| Q: |
Can I wait until the last minute and join at the start? |
| A: |
Yes, but we prefer you don't. Last minute registration makes it very difficult to organize and coordinate the event. Besides, we only take day-of-event registrants on run day which means you'll have to spend another $35 if you want the cool Club Fat Ass t-shirt. |
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| Q: |
It's a free world. What's to stop me from just running the course. |
| A: |
Nothing...in fact, we encourage you to run the course often in training! We prefer that you do not 'bandit' the course on event day, however. If you insist, please don't take any of the aid intended for members. You will not get recognition in the results or be eligible for any draw prizes and you'll have to wear a black patch over one eye at the potluck. Furthermore, you won't be allowed into future events until you come clean with past membership dues. |
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| Q: |
What if I get lost? |
| A: |
You shouldn't get lost, but bring a cell phone, just in case or ask a mountain biker |
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| Q: |
Do I get credit for any time I spend off-course? |
| A: |
Are you kidding? If you do find an obvious mistake in the course directions, point it out to Mike or Melissa at the potluck party for a free beer! |
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| Q: |
Couldn't you mark the course like just about every other running race I've ever been in? It's a pain to pause and read instructions. |
| A: |
Our aim is to be different than every other running race you've ever been in! We don't want to put chalk/flour on the ground, hang surveyor tape in the trees, paint rocks, put up signs or glow sticks or do anything that might leave a trace of the race. Besides, it slows down the faster runners. |
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| Q: |
What is the 'Rule of the Trail'? |
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If you pack it in, you can pack it out. (That means don't you dare litter!) Leave nothing but your footprints on the trail. We strongly encourage you to pick up any trash you find along the trail and to present it to Mike or Melissa at the potluck. There may be a recognition award for the person who packs out more than they packed in. |
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| Q: |
What if I have to heed the call of nature. |
| A: |
There are washrooms at the start/finish of the loop, and outhouses at the LSCR loop. Please see course description for details. |
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| Q: |
What should I bring on run day? |
| A: |
Whatever you figure you will need given the weather, the route you propose to run, your physical fitness on the day and your plans for after the run. Some thoughts are on the event agenda. |
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| Q: |
I am supposed to be self-sufficient because there is no aid provided. Can I get a friend to come out and give me food and drink along the route? |
| A: |
Absolutely! In fact, it would be nice if your friend were to help everyone. Please have your friends and family members contact us at Mike and Melissa's Run and we will do all we can to insure that they have fun, as well. |
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| Q: |
Can I bring my friends and family to the potluck party even if they didn't run or volunteer? Do they have to be Club Fat Ass members? |
| A: |
Friends and family are absolutely welcome and no, they do not have to be Club Fat Ass members. Please be sure to specify how many guests you will bring with you on your registration form. |
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| Q: |
Are there any trophies, prizes or other hardware or freebies? |
| A: |
If you assume there's no aid, no course marking, no t-shirt, no enthusiastic spectators and no prizes or freebies of any sort, you might be pleasantly surprised. Best you plan to show up at the potluck party! |
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| Q: |
How accurate is the course marking? |
| A: |
We've measured the courses several times with a mountain bike. We are confident the distances marked on the directions are reasonably accurate. |
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| Q: |
When will the 'official' results be available? |
| A: |
We hope to have the results up on the results page of our website within 24 hours of the finisher party. We will also distribute the results to major local and national ultrarunning communities. |
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