Tim Hoopin writes:
"I'll bring charcoal and grilling utensils to tomorrow night's (8/23)
potluck. I'll also bring ketchup, mustard and some turkey burgers
(and buns)."

Feel free to bring other stuff to grill.

++++++++++
ssyed@... wrote:
Subject: TransRockies Race Partner Sought

"Running Partner Sought for TransRockies Race! September 16-21st

I am looking for a partner for the Inaugural TransRockies race, a
multi-day staged trail race in the Colorado Rockies.

September 16-21st, 2007. Six days. 125 miles.
Beaver Creek to Aspen, CO

Additional details on the race at: www.transrockies.com

I would love to make a new friend near my pace to train and compete
with. Solo entrants are not permitted; the event is limited to 150 teams.

2-3 days are ultra distance; all 6 days have significant elevation.

$1250 Registration fee includes all support, including transport of
gear, luggage, tent rental and set-up, breakfast and evening meal at
each stage, energy bars, energy drinks, fruit, during stages, access
to showers, etc. Yes, the entry fee is high, but for me it's worth it
to not have to coordinate logistics/crew on my own.

Ideal Race Partner:
Male or female, doesn't matter.
Strong running base (or solid running + alternate sport base)
As its rather late in the game, my ideal partner is presently
sustaining a minimum 35+ miles/week running + cross-training (or
higher running mileage with less cross training)

Pace: 9-10 min/mile on hilly trails; 7.5-8.5 min/mile on gentle
terrain. The race requires that you stay within two minutes of your
teammate at all times, so finding a partner similar to my pace is
essential. I recently finished my first 10K road race in 47:32 (it was
far from an "all out" effort).

Update: I recently discovered that at 10,000 ft, my pace is somewhat
slower than those posted above (imagine that!). With 6 days straight
of long mileage running up and down mountains, I will be averaging
more like 10-15 min/miles. I don't expect to be very competitive at
TransRockies, but I want to run the strongest race possible given my
ability. I want to be comfortable and happy throughout this ultimate
running vacation.

Dedication: You should serious about the TransRockies Race, and on
track to being the fittest you can possibly be by September. My
training currently consumes ~15-20 hours/week. Presently I run ~6-12
hrs/week, and fill the remaining hours with a mix of cycling, weights,
and yoga.

Age: within 10-15 years of me preferred (I'm 27). I don't mean to be
ageist, but I just think we'll get along better if you're between the
admittedly arbitrary ages of 12 and 42 ; )

A little more about me:
27, female, trail runner, road cyclist, backpacker, urban planner,
graduate student. I live in Berkeley, CA (I am arriving in Colorado 8
days before the race to acclimate at 9,000 feet before the race).

I've been running for 1.5 yrs, so I'm still in that puppy love stage.
I typically run one trail race/month, for the social aspect. I am on a
women's running team (an ambassador team for LUNA bar). 1/2 marathon
distance is my favorite so far. I like to challenge myself pace-wise.
I am a little obsessive about injury prevention, so I take care not to
overdo it. I started running to cross-train for cycling, but running
has become my primary sport as of late. I have never run farther than
20 miles, but I am deep into training (lots of back-to-back long runs
to simulate the race), and am very excited about TransRockies. I was
inspired to register for this event on a tramping holiday in New
Zealand. Most days on the trail I found myself thinking "this would be
so much more fun if I was running!"

I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please tell me a little bit
about you, your running experience, and running goals. You can write
me at: ssyed@...

Please be in touch soon, the race is so close.

Sarah"