Good Day Tony and fellow ACU members;

I am writing this in hopes you will feel challenged to do what is
best. I dont believe this is a silly discussion, quiet the opposite,
I know two ACU members who have given their time and effort to only
be made to feel as if they were not quailified or suitable for the
task at hand, without nameing names this troubles me. Going back a
few years before I joined there was a significant incident involving
ACU members at a World Cup event, I was not there and do not claim
to know much about what transpired but it is funny how the same
issues were once again brought forward.

I understand that most of the ACU members just want to run and
experience the challenge, that is my intention as well but there
comes a time when issues must be tabled and leadership challenged
for the good of the Association. This association allows for a team
to represent Canada at the World 100km Champ. as well as the
World 24hr. There are big changes coming up with the IAU that will
allow for more Canadian representation on the World Stage, 100mile
trail, 50 mile trail and a 50km road race are a high priority with
the IAU.
This association was founded in order for us to be able to represent
Canada at a world stage weather it be a competitive team or not!

So I become a member of the ACU, what does that do for me? I can do
all the ultra races I want without being a member, I can travel if I
like, I can say I am a Canadian when running! I can also wear a
Canadian uniform.
But I choose to be a member of the ACU, why! Because it is a
Canadian Association,it is a team of runners fast slow, big small
who have a common goal! It was founded by ultrarunners, ones who's
records still stand, and it allows for all of us ( ACU members ) the
opportunity to represent Canada on a legitimate card. This
association shows our seriousness to the ultra world, without it we
would not be albe to participate in an IAU event as Team Canada!
One last reason, this Association is Canada wide, representing all
of us. I have now lived in 5 provinces and do not favour any over
the others and believe that the ACU is the best way to represent all
of Canada!!

I believe that at some point we must become politicians or pro-
active members to keep the integrity alive. Nothing is for free and
things just dont happen.

The last vote said alot about how the ACU members feel. Peter had
every right to decide on his terms when he would put his name
forward. If other members thought he was not going to run for
president then maybe someone else would have stepped up.
If Ryan was the only name and he still got only 12 votes and there
were 50 undecided! What would that mean? Do you just declare a
winner with those results or do you sit back and think about what
the ACU members are saying.
Communiction in the ACU is a huge problem, it is slow and not very
informative when need be.

I know I dont stand alone with my thoughts!

Andrew McLean