As we await word of the decision, let us also look down the road towards Possum Trot IV...

What will the weather be like? Who will make a bid this year? Will there be a repeat winner? Will Snorkel medal, win, or will he slip back to finish fourth once again? Will we see Mary make her debut? Will someone attempt the Grand Slam? What surprise awaits the runners on the course? Will PTOC field the rumored "dark horse team" we've been hearing about for years (but have never seen)? Will OK dominate when all is said and done?

Many of the nation's top orienteering minds are coming out with their predictions. There is a growing sense that the Possum Trot, unlike most events and unlike other goat races, is inherently unpredictable. The Possum Trot, they figure, is among the most difficult events to prepare for. How does one prepare for the weather, for instance? How does one prepare for the thorns without running in them, running oneself into shreds? There are the vast fields and trails interspaced with green fights. How can one adjust to the various elements on the course? There are the crowds of onlookers, some are long-time fanatics, some just bewildered locals. How will each orienteer deal with the publicity and public scrutiny?

With the non-running of the Rocky Mountain Goat this year, all eyes are sure to be on the PT, crown jewel of the goat circuit and the last of the Grand Slam to be "figured out". This presents an excellent opportunity for OK to showcase its long tradition and talent at the distance events. The time is now to start planning and training to run the distance, to improve techniques, and prepare oneself psychologically to face the thorns!

Are there any people on the OK Forum game enough to share their predictions with us?

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), July 06, 2000

Answers

I plan to run the Trot. I expect to be fitter than I have in recent years. I expect to be orienteering well (I plan to get in some good orienteering practice before the Trot).

Much like the OK relay teams at the US Relay Champs, I have been in positions to win the Trot, but never quite been able to win. I can't make a prediction for the 2000 Trot other than I will try to put myself back in the position of having a chance to win.

-- Michael (meglin@juno.com), July 07, 2000.

Tanned, rested and ready...

-- Fritz (fpmenninger@hotmail.com), July 08, 2000.