52 Hours to Race Start....But Who's Counting???

I'm prepared as I'm ever going to be. Always feel like I could have gotten in a little more training, a little more rest, a little better nutrition, managed stress at work better, etc., however, race day is almost upon us all and there is no turning back. Running 100 miles will be the most daunting endurance event attempted thus far in my life, at altitude........ I enter these races to test my mental toughness and disciplines with the expectation that it will favorably impact other aspects of my life, both personal and professionally. I have to say that the LT 100 has me a little concerned, although I've run all sections of the course numerous times I've never put it all together in under 25 hours. My game plan is solid, preparation is most likely better that 90% of the other participants so the odds favored the prepared.

I expect many challenges throughout the day but will persevere and will do my very best to stay with my game plan - even though I know that I'm going to want to run harder in the beginning. I've been warned by all of the experts to simply pace yourself and be patient - two areas that I struggle with.

I've got a most excellent crew joining me for the race along with solid pacers - so what more could I ask for.........hmmm let me think......a time in under 25 hours.

Going to get some rest before the big day!

Cheers!!

The Taper is is Overrated Go Big or Stay Home!!!

The LT 100 is less than 2 weeks out.........getting most anxious to tackle this challenge. I have trained well. I have studied the course. I have spent 4 weekends in Leadville training on the course, learning it, understanding its twists, turns, ups and downs. I expect that I will have a leg up on 85% of the field on race day. My primary pacer, Daley Erwin, spent a weekend on the hardest parts of the course as well, focusing on the trails that he will guide me in on the back 50 miles in under 14 hours. This may seem easy, however, running 50 miles in 11 hours and following it up with another 50 miles in under 14 hours will only be accomplished by 10% of the field.

The Plan...........patience, diligence, focus and a simple but extraordinary level of perseverance will deliver a sub-25 hour performance on race day. Admittedly I'm concerned. Always second guessing whether you've prepared enough you enter the race not knowing if you have what it takes to complete a 100 mile ultramarathon. The LT 100 has the lowest percentage of finishers of all ultramarathons at 42%. Not certain if it's because anyone can enter or the combination of volatile weather conditions and altitude that result in many DNF's. Needless to say, I respect the course, the potential conditions, altitude and the distance to take it lightly.



I'm pretty excited about my crew team and support that I will have in Leadville. This is my secret weapon that other racers do not have. My team has super mojo that will undoubtedly have a big impact on my state of mind during the race. It's going to be a very long day for everyone.

In my next entry I'm going to summary my race day detail plans...nutrition, hydration, gear, pace times, etc. In the interim, I've dropped in some photos that inspire me..............love my little doggies that are much larger than life.

Last Training Weekend in Leadville

Another great weekend of training in Leadville. Daley Ervin flew in from San Diego on Friday to train on the course and at altitude. He did really well on the trails and overall. On Saturday morning we drove up to Leadville to get in an 18 mile run. We started at the base of Hope Pass on the the Winfield Station side then all the way to the tree line road. I had the pleasure of taking a spill on the descent of Hope Pass. No major injuries - just a bruised ego, a cut up right shoulder and right knee.

We kept a very moderate pace all day we took our time and really focused on the course and getting Daley comfortable with the course. Post run we had some big ass steaks at Quincy's. Walking sticks are a must - need to save the legs. This morning we rand about 6 miles in 1:10 from the exit at Turquoise Lake back to finish line. Therefore with some math applied I'll need to be at the corner of TL no later than 23:50, leaving me an 1:30 to finish the race. Backing into the numbers I'll need to be leaving MayQueen Campgrounds no later the 22:00 hours - leaving me 3 hours to complete the final 13 miles.

From now until the race I'll be doing some cross training to keep my cardio dialed in. The longest run will be 10 miles. Focus will be on calf and core workouts along with weekly massages to stay loose. The core will sustain you during the race and the calves must be able to take the pounding, not the achilles.

I've seen every part of the course - some several times over. In the coming week i will get organized with my gear and strategy for the crew, aid stations and pacing. In addition, I will focus on my weight. I've been averaging around 175-178lbs over the past three months. No more alcohol and a lean diet will taper me down to 172-175 lbs for race day.

There simply is no substitute for preparation. I'm very well prepared for a sub 30 finish and most likely a sub 25 hour finish - but there are too many variables that could derail both so mental discipline will be what carries the day.

Cheers!