Hi Andrew,

I thought you were "runner for love" (your email address).
Sounds like a lot of bitterness to me.

I think Tony and Ryan have done a good job explaining the details to the
decision leading up to
the president's appointment. Now we need to give the executive a chance to
perform. I thought Peter made some great strides as our president and I am
sure Ryan can offer a lot to the
volunteer position as well. We had no other volunteers for president up to
5 days left when Peter came in, I don't think there was any other reasonable
decision that could have been made.

I too was on the Canadian 100K team in 2002. I can tell you I didn't like
the fact I had no warm up Uniform for the Parade, the other members used
last years clothes and my running uniform looked more like a triathlon
uniform as the shirt ended just below the chest. Then we had to wear what
was given to us by Athletics Canada, which was usually what they could find
in their basement.
I welcome Nike's involvement if they can give the runners a proper uniform.

Ps I suspect I am not fast enough to make the team again but for the sake of
our team I hope they get proper uniforms.

Lets not be counter productive and lets support our executive. These
negative emails are not productive and don't help to get volunteers either
for these positions.

Thanks
Jim Morrison

Good Day Ryan;

I agree with your statements but you should not assume that you are
the only one out there with them. I have observed alot in the last 4
years with the ACU and have made each and every observation you
have. I am curious as to who the extra team manager is!
Once again the word politics comes up,and that we should worry about
running and leave the politics to the politicians. It is not that
easy, I hope you are feeling preasure because like yourself have
made a decision to make sure that the interest of the ACU is at
hand. You may not like it but that is what you should expect as an
appointed president! Your emails to Armand and the others were quiet
disrespectfull and unprofessional. I am sure the ACU members would
love to read them, and I am sure you have many on yourside! But this
issue goes beyond you and me and the agenda set forth. This is about
the ACU not "I".
As for the uniforms, they were not donated, my bill was 1050.00 and
that was my donation to the ACU and the Canadian team. Weather
Running Room was at all willing to sponsor is old news. I have not
seen a great deal of fellowship with that company and believe like
in all buisness it is about the bottom line! And as for Nike
sponsoring the team, my goal as a team member is not to look good
and run around in a track suit. It is great that you have Nike on
board. Anything for the good of the ACU.( I thought we looked great
and by the number of hats and t-shirts and fleece jackets we gave
away others thought so as well!

I will continue to pesist on every initiative you have and bring
forth, I am here for a long time or until my untimely death. So be
ready to be challenged!
With your statements you should not be surprised at me or anyone
elsewanting to make sure that the best interest is kept in mind.

Andrew McLean
----- Original Message -----
From: <ryne@...>
To: "Andrew McLean" <acmclean@...>; "acu"
<govandv@...>; "Andy Nicol" <andynicol@...>; "Armand
Leblanc" <sporteam@...>; <Barteaux.BB2@...>; "bill
acu" <bill.mcleod@...>;
<carla1arnold@...>; "Darren" <grinling@...>;
<gredpath@...>; "Jack Cook"
<cookadventure@...>; "LMcGrath" <lmcgrathn217@...>; "mich
acu ns" <michelgouin@...>; "micheldelar"
<micheldelaloire@...>; "peter" <acu@...>; "vic
acu" <vhickey@...>; "Wendy Montgommery"
<wendylmontgomery@...>; "tony martin"
<conquerthecanuck@...>
Cc: "acu" <govandv@...>; "acu1"
<"mailto:lesat100k"@hotmail.com>; "acu5"
<"mailto:michelgouin2001"@yahoo.ca>; "acu6"
<"mailto:monicascholz"@cogeco.net>; "ryne melcher"
<ryne@...>
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2005 7:56 PM
Subject: Re: Re: ACU


> Hi Andrew,
>
> While you make some good points I would also like to point out the
following to you.
>
> Look at things on the other end of the spectrum.  While last
election 50 people voted and a large portion of them were for Peter
consider the following; how many ultra runners are there in Canada? 
A lot more than than 50! 
>
> While yourself and a few others may not be thrilled about what has
transpired since Peter resigned but at the same time others weren't
thrilled, and refused to join the association, with the way things
were run while Peter was President.  I'm not saying that his work as
President was poor but just pointing out while you see things one
way, other Canadian ultra runners, saw things another way.  Maybe
they will see change and join the Association, maybe they won't,
time will tell.  But I think the foundation of the next executive,
be it myself or someone else, should be to grow the Association to
more members thereby getting a more accurate concensus of what
Canadian Ultra Runners really want. 
>
> To borrow a quote I came across recently, "its easy to criticize
but you better have plans in place to do a better job."  That being
said while I appreciate that Peter, Armand and Michel have been
doing this as volunteers, which by the way I am as well - I don't
even get free beer! - my position was in my view there was a lot of
potential growth in the ACU with a little time and effort, which not
everyone has. 
>
> If you feel so inclined and feel you can do, or know someone who
can do a better job increasing numbers in the Association,
increasing awareness of ultramarathons in Canada and gaining
sponsors for the National Team by all means put his/her name forward
and if I feel they can do a better job to represent Canada I will
appoint them myself!  But first consider what I have been able to
accomplish in 2 weeks, a uniform sponsor for the National Team from
Nike Canada.  While it was great to have some clothing donated from
Proudly Canadian I think you can agree that having a premier
techincal clothing company like Nike come on board will make the
team look professional and allow the team to do their last training
runs in team gear they can comfortably run in.  A cash sponsor to
help fund the team to cut down on personal costs to World's. 
Running product to members to make them feel like their membership
dollars are going farther.  Discount coupons to running retailers
with membership to he
>
> I see so much growth potential in the ACU and with some teamwork
and cooperation (and no politics) from runners across the country we
can take this Association to new heights.  Already in place is a
selection committee whose sole purpose will be to name the National
Teams each year.  A 2nd team manager is being sought out to help
Armand with the enormous task that he has of ensuring the team gets
safely and healthy to Worlds each year.  Should you agree with my
views and allow me to progress for the next 18 months I would like
you to be the Manitoba representative, Wendy Montgomery to British
Columbia representative and Jack Cook the Alberta representative. 
>
> So please consider what I have put forth.  Again, if you have
someone in mind who has the time and resources, please put their
name forward with their agenda and if I think its in the best
interest to help boost the ACU into the 100's of members, better
fund the National Teams and grow ultra running in Canada let me
know!  Sponsors are waiting by but I can't imagine them waiting to
finalize things for months on end so time really is of the essence
here.
>
> Happy trails,
> Ryne Melcher
> www.runeandjune.com
>> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>   ----- Original Message -----
>>   From: tony martin
>>   To: Andrew McLean ; Wendy Montgommery ; vic acu ; peter ;
micheldelar ; mich acu ns ; LMcGrath ; Jack Cook ;
gredpath@... ; Darren ; carla1arnold@... ; bill
acu ; Barteaux.BB2@... ; Armand Leblanc ; Andy Nicol ; acu
>>   Cc: ryne melcher
>>   Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2005 10:01 PM
>>   Subject: Re: ACU
>>
>>
>>   Andrew and copied e-mails,
>>
>>   I have Cc: Mr.Ryne Melcher to this e-mail as I feel it is only
respectful to have him evolved, as he ran a very clean leadership
race against Mr.Peter Barrett, and deserves the opportunity to be
involved in these discussions.
>>
>>   I have just gotten back from a week in the Ottawa Region,
helping Paula Burchat with a very successful Conquer The Canuck
Marathon Ultra Trail Weekend.
>>
>>   Only now, I have the time to respond to some of your questions
and concerns. Sorry for the delay.
>>
>>   First, let me thank you for raising your concerns about this
small organization, of which I am hoping will grow to become a much
stronger Association over the next two years. (Crossing my fingers)
>>
>>   When I read your letter, I must say that I too am in the same
position as a relatively new comer, and one who has not been given
any direction on my role and responsibilities as the new Vice
President to the Association. I am just going on my gut feeling.
>>
>>   For the past 18 years I have been involved in organizing
Road/Trail races in Atlantic Canada, and Southern Ontario. Over the
years I have come to realize that when a person puts their name
forward to run for a two year term as a Volunteer, I have the utmost
respect for these individuals.
>>
>>   Last fall I had the opportunity to meet with Mr.Melcher, and he
did have a plan and some good idea's that I felt, would help carry
the Association forward. His time commitment alone, convinced me
that he would be a good candidate for the position, so I did
nominate him as President to the ACU.
>>
>>   At that time I did mention to Ryne that I had previously
Nominated Peter Barrett on three occasions and Peter declined the
position because he didn't have the time to commit to fulfilling
another two year term as ACU President.
>>
>>   I like Peter and have great deal of respect for him, but I was
very disappointed when he decided to run against Ryne with only five
days remaining before the closer of nominations (Still baffled over
that one), as Peter did support Ryne for the position only weeks
prior.  When Peter resigned two weeks after winning the position
this put me in a very awkward position, as I had no intentions of
carrying on the duties a President. (BUSY YOUNG FAMILY), as some on
this e-mail can attest too.
>>
>>   In my view, Ryne should have won by acclamation and we would
not be having this silly discussion.
>>
>>   We are not a political party, We are a bunch of crazy Ultra
folks who love the sport running long distance running, so I felt
that it was only descent to offer Ryne the position, as he was the
only person as runner up to Peter, and sincere about holding the
postion for a two year term.
>>
>>   Over the next few weeks you and members with e-mails will get
to see some of the idea's that Ryne and I have been working on, that
we feel will give value to the members, raise awareness of the ACU,
and much needed funds in supporting the National 100km Team and
operations of the Association.
>>
>>   Once we find out who the members are in this SECRET club, haha,
then we can ask your opinions on how we can make this Association
grow and become more meaningful to those members who don't know each
other. It would be great if we could all see who our fellow ACU
members are. Members knowing members will only enhance the
Association in my personnal view.
>>
>>   Ryne and I have no intentions of growing this Association as a
dictatorship, We are willing to put in the time and try to get all
members involved in growing the Association, threw discussion such
as this.
>>
>>   Once we receive all of the membership related information from
Michel, we can then reach out to those member's and they can
certainly decide if they want to have a Re/election in the fall, or
any input in how this Association should move forward.
>>
>>   They say that 90% of people asked to volunteer for any position
will generally decline because they just cannot make the time
available with their busy lifestyles. With that said, please give
Ryne Melcher the opportunity to show us that he can make a
difference in growing this Association of Canadian Ultra Runners.
>>
>>   If the ACU is to stay alive for future years, we all need to
take on an active roll that will soften the work load on ACU
committees.
>>
>>   Best Regards,
>>   Tony Martin
>>   ACU trying to be Vice President
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>     ----- Original Message -----
>>     From: Andrew McLean
>>     To: Wendy Montgommery ; vic acu ; tony martin ; peter ;
micheldelar ; mich acu ns ; LMcGrath ; Jack Cook ;
gredpath@... ; Darren ; carla1arnold@... ; bill
acu ; Barteaux.BB2@... ; Armand Leblanc ; Andy Nicol ; acu
>>     Sent: Friday, July 01, 2005 9:28 AM
>>     Subject: ACU
>>
>>
>>     Happy Canada Day;
>>
>>     This email is going out to those I was able to acquire an
email address.
>>     It is in regards to the recent appointment of the ACU
president. I have been a member for 2 years now and have been
following the ACU prior to joining  for a number of years. Although
things may seem to be going good there seems to be an underlining
theme running throughout the ACU. It is that a small number of
members seem to be voicing their opinion louder then the rest.
>>     Going back to the foundation and founders of the ACU I
believe it is in our best interest to uphold the values and
principles in which this democratic organization was founded.
>>     Since 92 ultrarunning in Canada has grown, three provinces
have ultra series and ultra runs are held in almost every province
and territory!
>>
>>     I would like to find out everyone's opinion on having another
presidential election! Do the majority agree with the appointment
rather then an election?
>>
>>     I would also like to see some kind of members email or
contact page on the ACU site. Maybe a message board so that all the
members could voice their thoughts quickly and without delay.
>>
>>     Thankyou for your time and efforts!
>>
>>     Andrew
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
>>
>>
>>     No virus found in this incoming message.
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7/5/2005
>>
>>
>
>
>

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