big dog’s backyard ultra T minus one year (and counting)
.
that was the longest saturday.
the last 3 belgians went so long
that our race site had been completely cleared,
and i was down to the last dozen or so flags to fold and put way
before the race finally ended.
.
there were two things that stood out most in this year’s team championship.
first was that the belgian team has redefined the race.
the format still means that every team member is important;
1-15.
but previously that meant that anyone could make a difference by having an outstanding day.
after the unbelievable performance of the belgian team
(with every member logging at least 50 yards)
the reality is that now any team member who has a sub-par performance dooms their team.
in the largest division there is still an opportunity for every team member to make a huge contribution…
.
but now there will be pressure on every team member to perform.
that is how team championships should be.
.
the second was that i am more comfortable than ever with the idea that there is no winner in a tie.
i have never bought into the idea that tying for a “win”
was some sort of noble act.
all the athletes who decide to tie give up
is the effort required to win.
but the three belgians once again chose to sacrifice the opportunity to be declared champion
and finish together.
and why should they not?
this was the “team” championships,
and it was their team that won.
(in dominating fashion)
.
we still dont know who is the very best individual.
but that is not important today.
the individual championships will settle that…
.
a year from now!