AS of this morning, 9/26/2007, I have 77 official entries with 101 shirts on hand. Shirts are very important to me.
(despite last year's version) Shirts are first come first serve. If I get over 101 entries (WOW) I will order extra shirts and
mail the shirt to the runner.

 What is not important to me is awards. I do not personally believe in awards or medals. I have won hundreds of races
(In my distant youth of course) and have nothing to show for it. Running is very personal to me and the reward is the
event itself as well as the personal battle each and every one of us wage against ourselves. The goal should be about
always trying to better ourselves or going one step beyond our current physical or mental condition we happen to find
our selves in. However I do have some very nice organic awards this year provided by 2 other runners. Tom Pangborn,
a local blacksmith/artist, has fashioned an overall male/female award that was hand crafted out of his personal love of
Hinson Lake and what it means to him. (Thank You Tom) And Sylvana Smith has sent me beautiful photo's of the lake
taken on race morning last year. She has framed the photos and has assigned male/female overall, masters, and grand
masters awards. (Thank You Sylvana) This is acceptable to me and is how I will handle awards in the future. SO
(hint-hint) anyone who wishes to contribute an organic award in the future you are very welcome.

Lastly I want to address my helpers for this event. Please be very respectful to these people. They are volunteers and
receive no money and usually are very busy and tired. There entire purpose is to take care of each and every one of
you. Also, most of my help are my immediate family and in-laws who I currently get along with and would hate to ruin a
good relationship with them having a possible bad experience. Myself and the volunteers will do everything within our
means to provide you guys with all the help you need both nutritional and spiritual.

Oh yeah. Parking. Please park on the Crow run side. After 2:00 P.M. I can arrange to have your vehicle moved to the
Rotary Lodge side. The High School reunion is back again this year and they have requested that we do this.
Apparently they have some problems walking an extra 100 yards and are really bothered by this. Maybe if they will be
inspired by all the runners and decide to rethink their view on laziness. Let's hope!!!

Thanks again for all of your spirits and am looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday.