An' I ain't a-gonna lose" - Bob Dylan
Since 1997, 34-year old Jay Fiegl has strapped on his Patch Sprint walking shoes.... and rarely has he lost.
His 12 successful Patch Sprint completions include four victories, three winter titles, the winter course record* and the second fastest overall time.
The spiritual, Dylan-loving father of two lives in Reber, NY. When not working as a teacher, Fiegl is usually building on his land or training for the Patch Sprint
The part just after the summit of Sugarloaf when you dive into the unknown wilderness.
You make it look easy. What is the hardest part for you?
The part just after the summit of Sugarloaf when you dive into the unknown wilderness. Also sleep deprivation.
How do you train for the Patch Sprint?
My training includes hiking and skiing with the kids on my back, building Lincoln Log models of the course with Jameson to map out my approach, and occasional training sessions with Jim Kobak. Just standing next to Jim makes you a better Patch Sprinter.
My family relocated to the Reber Valley in the fall, in part to put the next stage of my training plan into effect. The plans for our new home include a cupola/meditation room with a view that overlooks the Patch Sprint course. Using the traditional techniques of feng shui, our home will be oriented in such a way that there will be an unblocked flow of chi between our land and the race course. Also, daily visits to the lookout will give me an edge altitude-wise, particularly over people who live in the flats of Peru.
4) You've introduced many friends to the Patch Sprint. How has that gone over?
Usually, it goes over well. It’s been fun seeing friends from different areas of life come together and get excited about the Sprint themselves. For example, the great Clydesdale competitor, Roberto Mercardo, a seasoned veteran of road races, marathons, and triathalons, considers it one of the best races he’s ever participated in. And the early race predictions got Rob more excited than ever! (see below)
5) What is your advice to people considering their first Patch Sprint?
Enjoy the whole weekend- It’s a great group of people. Have confidence that you can do it—everyone’s energy will get you through. Make sure to run really fast down the hills.
2007 Clydesdale champion Roberto Mercado, clearly irate over being left off the favorites in a recent posting of the early line for the 2008 Patch Sprint, recently expressed his feelings in a letter addressed to the Patch Sprint race committee:
"WHAT? WHO DID I PISS OFF AT PATCH-O-MACGRADY to not include me in the early line
for winner of the Clydsedale Category? "
"Cindi (wife Cynthia Mercado) got the #1 spot with 5-1 odds to take her category. DAMN.. I KNOW SHE HAS A NICER FIGURE, but still...she didn't even come in the top three last year. LOSER!
"Now I am unsure if I can wear it My world is crumbling... crumbling and I can only reach out and, with hat (and t-shirt) in hand, ask that you retract the previous early predictions and add me to this list of past super stars. "
Faithfully yours,
Roberto
PS: I have cc:ed numerous other Patch Sprinter's who have all spoken with me and stated that they will be boycotting this year's race until this is remedied and a formal apology is placed on the front page of the Patch Sprint web site. (or, at the very least, someone buys me a beer after the race)