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!