- I finally finished my obsessive spreadsheet for DoubleTop. I like to have a detailed plan even though I typically end up using it as a loose guideline on race day. I think I’ve done a more realistic job estimating my pace this time around.
- My loose time goal for this race is 16:45. If I get started at 7AM, I want to be done by 11:45PM. That is one long day!
- There are 12 aid stations before the finish. I’ve allowed myself 40 minutes total of aid station time. I allotted 1-2 minutes at most stations and a few more at stations where I have drop bags items to load up or need to change shoes. I wonder if that’s too much?
- I’m trying a new strategy this time around. I think I went out too fast at Lookout Mountain in spite of my best efforts. I didn’t feel like I was pushing it, but I think I need to go even slower to avoid semi-crashing again at Mile 40. This time I’m going with the “walk before you need to” strategy. I plan to run 10 minutes (12 min/mile) and walk 5 minutes (15 min/miles). If all goes well, this will average out to a 13 minute “running” mile. I’ve allotted a lot more time for climbing hills when appropriate and added time for miles done in darkness because I get naturally slower. This is just the pace I want to stick to on flat easy terrain. I think doing a run/walk will help me because attempting to run a 13 min/mile would be hard because it would feel too slow.
- I love the detailed info the race directors provided for this race! I have exact elevation information for nearly every course decision point. That makes it easier to plan a pacing strategy because you can adjust it for climbing when needed. It also helps that I ran a good portion of the course already, so I know what to expect there.
- The forecast for the race changes twice a day. The good new is that temperatures are consistently good – highs in the upper fifties to lows in the forties – even though it will probably feel 10 degrees colder on the trails. The bad news is that the precipitation odds are all over the place. Yesterday it was 30% chance of rain before noon. This morning it is 40-100% chance of rain pretty much all day.
- I am probably going to come in last place or close to it again. There are only about 40 registered runners for the 100K, 12 women. The majority of the women have more ultra experience than I do and are a lot faster than I am. I don’t care. Success in this race for me will be measured by 1) finishing! 2) reducing time lost in aid stations and 3) improving my overall pace for the run as compared to Lookout Mountain.
- A member of my local Black Girls Run group (thank you T!) agreed to pace me for 20 miles this weekend. I am beyond thankful that she agreed to support me in this race. I was so scared that I wouldn’t find a pacer at all because the majority of the running connections I’ve made are running other races this weekend.
- I have run/hiked a total of 5 miles in the past two weeks. My left leg was not feeling good after pulling a double half marathon two weekends ago. Nothing hurt but I found myself limping because my left leg didn’t feel right bearing my full weight. I think some of it was shin splint issues (maybe my road shoes are older than I think?) but there was something else going on too. I figured it was best to be extremely cautious and totally rest. After a whole week off, I ran two miles on Tuesday and felt fine. I rested again waiting to see if the limp would return and it did not. I went to step class on Thursday because its fun and there was some stiffness but no pain. No pain this morning either. I’m going to drop by my chiropractor for one last adjustment today just in case.
- I realized one reason why I love these long races so much. There is this sense of adventure and unpredictability. When it is basically you and the woods and so many variables that can take you out of the game (pacing, fueling, hydration or foot care issues), things take on a level of uncertainty that both scares and excites me. I guess it is strange to sort of enjoy this kind of feeling because who wants to train hard for something and possibly not be able to complete it? Still, I find myself loving it and be excited by running in a way that I never was during road races.
Hilarious! Credit to Jayce Yale.
You’re SO detailed! Cheering you on from afar!
I can wait for the race report!! You can DOOOO it!!!
Go K Go!
Anxiously awaiting your report!
I’m so excited that I found your blog! I love reading about other ultra women’s races! It sounds like you have a great plan for the race, I can’t wait to read how it goes!