Jukola -- the world's biggest O' relay -- is taking place this weekend. I suspect there will be some live online coverage. I hope some intrepid OKers will cover the event on the OK forum. (Unfortunately, Mary and I probably won't be in front of the computer as we're attending Peggy and Nadim's wedding...bad planning on Peggy and Nadim's part, if you ask me).

Any predictions (for Jukola, not Peggy and Nadim!)?

Halden is my pick. I'll also keep an eye on Espoon Sunnta 2 (look for Raymond's son Dickie on the anchor leg).

-- Michael (meglin@juno.com), June 12, 2002

Answers

One of Finland's Swedish-language radio stations will be sending live Jukola coverage. A couple of years ago they did a great job. Here is the info:

Jukola Live: x3msport (http://www.yle.fi/extrem) sänder Jukola på svenska hela natten för de som vill lyssna över nätet.

-- Michael (meglin@juno.com), June 13, 2002.

Actually, we're going to have a live feed from Finland for all the Jukola junkies at the wedding. In fact, we expect to pick up some new fans!

-- Peggy (Pdickison@aol.com), June 12, 2002.

Am I to understand that there will not be an OK team at the Jukola?

Late as it is, if the selection committee picks a team, then the coaching staff is ready to go. With the benefit of our experience at Tio-Mila (from which they have still apparently not recover), just think what OK could do at Jukola.

And, of course, all this could be done without any interference with the wedding.

-- peter (pg@crocker.com), June 12, 2002.

By tradition, I am the selection committee. However, I've been a bit busy and work and will be traveling tonight. I'm not certain I'll be able to fulfill my selection duties.

Mook, can you help out and pick OK's jukola teams?

-- Michael (mike_eglinski@kcmo.org), June 13, 2002.

Usually "Jukola" is written Jukola~~, with the double ~~ denoting the proper pronunciation of two middle-pitch clicks following the "a".

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), June 13, 2002.

That's a very good point by Mook (about how to write Jukola~~) and one you would expect a competent coaching staff to catch. That, for example, is exactly why the Lakers win and the Nets don't. Don't be fooled into thinking O'Neil and Bryant had anything to do with it.

-- Swampfox (wmikell@earthlink.net), June 13, 2002.

That's a very good point by Mook (about how to write Jukola~~)

There are some who think that the correct way to write Jukola is "Jukola" and that Mook and Swampfox have probably spent too much time in the high altitude (and low oxygen) of Laramie.

-- Michael (mike_eglinski@kcmo.org), June 13, 2002.

Since Spike is apparently "indisposed", and he has asked Mook to come up with OK's 2002 Jukola~~ Team, I guess I should take him up on that. I took a look at how our 10-Mila team performed and went from there.

This summer I decided to make an exception for Peggy and Nadim (who would normally be obligated to run), leaving them off the team on their wedding weekend in hopes that by doing so, they will be able to supply OK with some good Jukola~~ runners by, say, the year 2020 or so.

The running order and my thoughts are as follows:

1. Sanna 10.65km leg at dusk Sanna has run strong leadoff legs on big relays before and we can expect the same this year. She is not easily intimidated and can be expected to keep cool under pressure. We need someone to get our team off to a good start, and this is our woman!
2. Magnus 10.65km leg at dusk/dark Magnus is a strong runner with experience running relays. He has run night-o plenty of times and we expect he'll maintain OK's presence at the front of the pack.
3. Spike 12.85km leg at dark/dusk Spike will be quite effective here as he is good orienteering at night, runs strong and consistently hits the controls. We will be expecting him to show no fear as he runs through the forest. His mind must be on the map at all times!
4. Mary 6.3km leg at dusk Mary had a few doubters going into the 2002 season, but by now I don't think anyone could argue with OK putting Mary on this short, fast leg. Mary will probably start out with her headlamp because OK should still be among the leaders at this point in the relay. Mary can do it. When the chips are down, she rises to the occasion!
5. Mean Gene 6.4km leg in daytime Those who follow MG's training log know he's put in a lot of time this year. I think he could run a long leg, but we'll be looking for raw speed this time. There have been sketchy reports of secretive early morning SMP test loop bids and some say Mean Gene was unofficially clocked at 14:22. If true, the fireworks are about to fly!
6. Snorkel 10.3km leg in daytime Snorkel ran the penultimate leg for OK at the 2001 relays, showing that he's not just another one trick pony. We knew that Snorkel was explosive out of the blocks, but now we also know that he can go the distance. Pound for pound, nobody can match up with OK on the last 2 legs.
7. Mook 14.2km leg in daytime Mook has run the anchor for OK in the past. He has learned from his mistakes and put in a solid 10-Mila performance. Look for Mook to take the lead and hold it this time!

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), June 13, 2002.

What about the second team?

Who are the coaching staff?

-- Michael (mike_eglinski@kcmo.org), June 13, 2002.

I think Sfx and Peter G. can handle the coaching this time. I'd put J-J on temporary leave pending the final decision on OK's Chicago A-meet protest.

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), June 13, 2002.

Since I will be occupied at the wedding (mostly in figuring out what sort of toast to give, also in recovering from the beer chase), Swampfox is acting head coach for Jukola (however you spell it). If OK doesn't win, you all know where to lay the blame.

-- peter (pg@crocker.com), June 13, 2002.

I have this nagging feeling there is something I am supposed to be doing right now, but I can't think of what it could be. Oh, well, maybe it will come to me later.

-- Swampfox (wmikell@earthlink.net), June 15, 2002.