SkooshMagoo

Western States 100. The grand daddy of all hundreds. What is there to say? How about HOLY CRAP?!

I never thought I would make it into Western States on my first try. To be completely honest, I only put in this year for a better chance getting in next year.

Saturday, Laurie and I went to Gary Gribble’s for the Lawrence Trail Hawks 20% off day. I had actually not thought much about the lottery. At Gary’s we hung out, talked, I bought some new clothes and food, it was shaping up to be a great day. After the sale, we caravanned over to the river trails for a nice cool run around along the trail. At the start of the run Coleen made sure I had my phone with me so we could check the lottery results as they happened. I assured her that the lottery was not going to start until we finished our first loop.

After the run we made sure to check my phone, and saw that they hadn’t started the picks yet. Laurie, Renee, Mary-Ann, Angie and I decided to take off and get some breakfast. The rest of the Hawks went out for another half loop. While at breakfast I started getting anxious. I couldn’t put my phone down. I was clicking refresh every 30 seconds.

I saw that Greg Burger was accepted. Then after Greg, Lee Crane of Topeka was accepted. I kept waiting and watching for my name, Coleen’s name, anyone one else that I knew. Next, thing I get an email from a fellow runner who was congratulating me on getting into Western. I was shocked! Next I got an email from from UltraSignup.com. Soon I was getting text messages and hysterical phone calls!

I made it! I’m in Western States.

Now what? I need to train. I need to plan. I need to figure out crew, accommodations, travel arrangements, etc.

Well that’s that. Western States 2010 here I come.