Bob,

This letter didn't get posted until 6/11 which was about 2 weeks after VCM. I ran 2:21:30 and won by 5 min. I was on pace for the course record (2:17:03) at the 1/2 way point but realized it wasn't going to happen. I was overtrained I think. I ran over 100mpw from Nov. through May only coming down below 100 for one week (the week of New Bedford). My training hadn't been going very well the last few weeks before VCM, and I was just happy to get the W. I had plans for the money that comes with the victory. I used it to buy an engagement ring, and proposed to Jill on Block Island last week. Up on stage and everything, and made a complete ass of myself. You would have loved it. My parents and brother were there, as well as her parents, and her sister's family as well as about 100 friends, and coworkers...oh yeah, and 400 strangers. I knew the band that was playing so we had it all set up ahead of time. It surprised her, and that was the point.

Vermont City is held in S. Burlington, VT. It's on the UVM campus. It's a beautiful city, right on lake Champlain. I told the mayor at the awards ceremony that I would move there if he could get me a job. Too bad I couldn't afford to buy 1/2 a house in that city. Super expensive. I like rural VT cities and towns, but S. Burlington is the nicest of all of them. That's MY definition of why it's called "VT City".

Thanks for the well wishes before the race. Can I send you a magazine subscription? When I renewed my NE runner subscription, I can send someone a new subscription for $2. I immediately thought of you. I just sent it yesterday, but I know the magazine editor, and can probably get you added. I'm kind of a big deal, and can get stuff like that done :)

talk to you soon...