Thanks for the words. Zach was hurting pretty hard the last 7-8 miles (according to him), just not enough for me to catch him. You never know these days. It’s getting to the point that you can’t let anyone out of your sight.

Jim,

That’s great you have such a good rapport with park service. I realize that as an RD, you have to weigh multiple options and contingencies in order to make everyone happy. It’s a thankless job in many respects. However, I think there’s a market out there for a more individualized race entry fee. Some (myself included), would gladly pay more for late entry, or in some instances pay less for not getting a shirt/schwag bag. Obviously, this is more work for RD’s to keep track of, but since we’re theorizing here….

Guess he’s been working hard this winter. That’s an impressive time at a well-established race, as by the way is your time, which would have been a winning time more times than not in years past.

No comment on the races-selling-out thing. I think everyone is frustrated at having to commit to races so far in advance. Not quite sure what the best solution might be though.