Final Week
I’m doing a pretty crap job with this countdown to The Bear. My last post was 12 days until the race. I’d planned on doing this post either yesterday morning (one week until raceday) or earlier today (one week from the 36 hour race cut-off). Instead, I’m posting now, one week from a time when I’ll hopefully be fast asleep back in Logan with a belly full of good, real food and my second 100 mile race behind me. But I’m getting way ahead of myself!
Last week was a busy week, which actually was perfect for taper. I didn’t have a lot of time to really dwell on the fact that I’m not running as much as I’m used to or to get too nervous about the race itself. Last Friday, Elizabeth and I flew to NY for a mixed pleasure and business trip. We spent the weekend in Wainscott with Mark, Susan and Seth and then went into the City for work. With the exception of a big storm that came through the City on Tuesday, we were very lucky to catch the City during that very short period when they get the perfect NY late-summer/early fall weather: low humidity, comfortable temperatures during the day and cooling down at night. Our weekend in Wainscott was totally chill. Except for two nice runs (one on the trails in the Northwest Woods and one on the roads around the beach) and one dinner in town, I didn’t leave the house. Perfect. The rest of the week was pretty much all work, but I did manage two morning runs, including my first time on a treadmill in well over a year. When I woke up on Tuesday and looked outside at the pouring rain being pushed sideways by the strong winds, the hotel gym was just too inviting. If there was ever any doubt before, this could be seen as proof that LA has made me soft.
This morning, Lukas and I met up for our final long-ish run before the race. 10.5 miles on the Sullivan Canyon/Ridge loop. From here on out, I’ll run most days, but nothing longer than four or five miles. At this point, nothing will help my fitness one bit, but getting out there will help keep me sane.
The race starts at 6am Mountain Time next Friday (September 28). I’m planning on writing at least once more before the race with some final thoughts!