A spark that, left unattended, may grow to an inferno that destroys Monkeyville.

Yet throughout this great Park, never have we been more unified. Because now, more than ever, Monkeyville is speaking with one voice. The Race and its Hills bound together in solidarity. Together we are forging a stronger future.

And so I send a reminder to the rebellious runners that even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Race and its hills. Face the probability of your imminent loss, and know that there's absolutely nothing I or anybody can do to help you.

Monkey Today. Monkey Tomorrow. Monkey Forever.

As a reminder -

- Beginning to doubt your training? It’s about time. But don't worry. As I have said, you cannot train for Monkey. You however can not train for Monkey. And don't bother with a taper.

- Volunteers are awesome, remember to tell them that when you see them out on the course!

- As usual, if you happen to find wisdom and realize you won't be able to make it to Monkey, please let me know so we don’t spend the days to come looking for you out on the course arena.

- Packet pickup will be at the Gordon JCC on November 21, 2015 between 2pm and 4pm. The JCC is located at 801 Percy Warner Blvd, Nashville, TN 37148. This is less than 2 miles from the race start/finish area. Here is a map to the GJCC: http://tinyurl.com/MonkeyPacketPickup . Packet pickup will also be available race morning adjacent to the starting line.

- For those of you who want a post-race shower but are checking out of your hotel room, you can return to the JCC located at 801 Percy Warner Blvd, Nashville, TN 37148. They will need you to show your bib and bring your own towel and soap. They may also charge you the $10 guest fee.

- Bring food! Game watchers and their sponsors love a big feast, and perhaps they will do something to make your suffering a little easier. We ask that you bring some food and/or drink to share with the rest of the monkeys post race pot-luck style. As always, I will be making home-made monkey pumpkin pies. Lots of them. What will you bring?

- It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart.

- Yazoo Brewing will provide us adult drinks after the race to those who are of the correct drinking age. Yazoo is good brew, local and tasty. If you want to enjoy some, please bring your ID with you to the race. You don't have to run with it, but once the beer is available after noon, you will need your ID. If you want to tweet your grand appreciation for this, use these tags: @YazooBrew and @yazoobrewmaster

- Your registration info is posted on the Monkey's website AND here: http://www.runningahead.com/events/Monkey/participants. Please take a look to make sure it is correct.

- PAY ATTENTION: we plan to have swag for sale at packet pickup and then post-race, with all proceeds going to support the Friends of Warner Parks, the charity that keeps MonkeyVille spectacular. All this swag has already been bought, so anything you contribute you may consider a donation as far as I’m concerned. This year, we will have original and unique Hatch posters, extra Silipint cups, singlets and prior years' shirts. Posters and cups are $10, shirt prices will vary depending on which one you like. Cash appreciated. And cheap!

- The Twitter Monkey hashtag: #MonkeyMarathon. You can also Tweet @hhFlyingMonkey, if'n you want.

- The website lists information about where there is lodging near the race and restaurants where you can dine over the weekend. In addition, if you have further questions, feel free to holler or to put out a query on our message board: http://www.runningahead.com/groups/HHFMM/forum . If you post there, please don't mind the monkey business.

- For those still looking for a hotel, the Fairfield Inn and Suites is offering a special price, $149/night. This hotel is in a hopping location right near downtown Nashville, and yet not too far from the race. Location is: 901 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203. Contact Tara for details - Tway@vhghotels.com or 615-690-1740.

May the Hills be Ever in your Favor
Trent