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And now it’s just a week

One week from today. It’s funny how the last six weeks have affected the way I feel about this race – in good ways and bad. I didn’t plan on having a six week taper and I’ve been thinking so much about my stupid legs that I haven’t really been able to focus my energy on getting ready for the race. Finally though, I’m feeling pretty good. My achilles didn’t tighten up at all during this morning’s run. It’s been good for the last few runs. It sucked having to pull back over the last six weeks, but if I can get to raceday feeling ready to run, it will have been worth it. I’m not nervous or anxious, which is good. I’m not super familiar with the course or the profile, which is not so good. I’m psychologically prepared to just go out and see what I can do, which is good. I haven’t totally figured out my clothing or nutrition plan, which is not so good. Fifty miles is a bit long to go in without a plan, so I’ve got some work to do this week.

Here’s what I know:

• It’s hilly! Officially the course elevation gain is 10,731 feet! And from the profile (available on page 10 here), there’s very few places where it’s flat. There are six places where it looks like you climb at least 1,000 feet over just a couple miles. For comparison sake, the “hilly” 7 mile Griffith Park loop has a total of about 1,100 feet of elevation gain. And that’s a “hilly” run. For further comparison, the only other 50 miler I’ve done, the JFK 50, is hilly for 15-16 miles and then pretty much flat as a board for the next 26 before finishing up with some little rollers. Uh oh!
• My base. I have a great base and have run 50 miles before. I’ve run 27 miles as recently at six weeks ago. I’m feeling pretty healthy. I’m not going to break any records, but I’m going into the race in pretty good shape, all things considered.
• The course is beautiful. The views are supposed to be amazing. Hopefully, I’ll be able to take them in. At least a little bit.
• 50 Miles! I’m excited to finally get another 50 miler under my belt. And I’m excited to be able to work it in around a visit with the Valet Reader.

Here’s some of what I have left to figure out:

• My nutrition plan. There are well-stocked aid stations every 3-5 miles. I want to carry one-handheld bottle. I’d like to mainly rely on Infinit for as much of the race as possible.
• What I’m going to wear. I’ll nail this down when it gets closer and I know the weather, but I’m thinking of starting in shorts, long sleeve t-shirt, lightweight gloves and my sweet pink hat. I’ve heard that the course isn’t very technical so I’ll start the race in my Brooks Defyance instead of trail shoes.
• Course and Raceday Logistics. Unfortunately, it’s going to be a really early morning. The race starts at 5AM! But I probably need to be there around 4. My god. Also, I can give the race organizers “drop bags” which they’ll put at various places along the course. Unlike Ironman special needs bags, supposedly I’ll get these bags back after the race. I’ll put some socks, an extra pair of shoes, a long sleeve shirt and some Infinit, but I need to work on exactly what will go where.

Fast wishes to Johnny Tri and anyone else racing at Ironman Cozumel tomorrow!

Indoor bike – November 22
Time: 1:00

Run – November 24
Distance: 6.1 miles
Time: 51 minutes
Course: Northwest Woods, East Hampton, NY
Conditions: Sun and clouds, low 50’s

Swim – November 25
Distance: 2,400 yards
Time: 46 minutes

Elliptical – November 26
Time: 45 minutes

Strength – November 26

Swim – November 27
Distance: 2,600 yards
Time: 55 minutes

Run – November 28
Distance: 8 miles
Time: 1:07
Course: Northwest Woods, East Hampton, NY
Conditions: Mostly overcast, gusty winds, low-50’s