Having been a sub-elite for a decade (often getting free hotel rooms, meal stipend, and occasionally travel - I was wondering how many of the elites on this board take the time post race / meet to write the elite athlete recruiter / race director to thank them for the investment they made in you. I am now on the other side of it (working with a big race) and over the last 8 years I can count on one hand the # of runners we have paid for, taken care of etc. Who have said "thank you" or "what can I do for the race." - my perception is that many elites believe they are doing the race a favor by coming and racing . . . . Thoughts L.R. Nation?