Wow,
it’s been soooo long since I’ve written.
Where do I begin??? Like many, I’ve
teetered on the edge of, “Maybe it’s time to toss the ole blog aside” and then
teetered back to, “But I do enjoy writing”….Sometimes, I feel like I’m on
social media overload and other times, notsomuch. I guess it’s just the old balancing act at
play.
I
guess it makes sense to begin with Ghost Train…
So,
Ghost Train has been pretty all encompassing.
In some ways, training for a 100 miler doesn’t feel much different than
training for a 50 miler. In other ways
(mostly mentally), it feels like I might as well be training to summit Mt.
Everest! The miles are long and consist
of back-to-back weekend runs. I’ve been
tired and I’ve been ravenous. I’ve had
some cranky moments where I questioned why I was working hard for this seemingly
elusive goal. But as I sit here today, just
under 2 weeks until race day, I’m feeling pretty good about it all.
Physically,
I feel strong. I’ve wracked up seven 30+
milers and more 20+ milers than I can remember.
I’ve run a couple of 50K trail
races to harnass my trail pace, strengthen my ankles, and sharpen my mental
toughness that comes from being alone with yourself in the forest.
Now,
my focus shifts from legs and lungs to lists, lists, and more lists! I’ve got a list of what I need to pack in my “start”
bin, my “turnaround” bin, and what gets packed in my ultra vest. Friends I haven’t met yet (via FB) who’ve run
100 milers before have reached out with great advice and have shared their own
lists. It’s all helpful and I’m so
grateful to have so many people rooting for me and doing what they can to help
me reach my goal.
With
that said, my crew is also established and ready to rock. I’ve got my wonderful husband who will likely
have the finest “Crew Central” ever (he’s talking about a heater folks) and I’ve
got 4 of my closest and craziest girlfriends willing to run with me and pace me
– especially during the 11 hours of darkness.
What else can a girl ask for?
A 100 mile finish
please, if that’s not too much to ask!
Lastly,
like any good little runner, I’ve begun stalking the weather sites. I’ll be ready for anything, but am putting
extra weather prayers to work. I realize
this could change 62 more times before race day, but as of today, the weather
gods are favoring Ghost Train by offering this beautiful forecast –
So,
you’re all caught up!!! I feel happy to
be injury free (physically and mentally), prepared to have everyone and
everything I need to get through 100 miles, and grateful to be healthy enough
to even consider taking on this crazy/awesome/exciting/scary/insane/fantastic journey!
Ready
to punch my ticket for the Ghost Train…CHOO CHOO!!!!