Eight days stand in the way between me and the end of my 2012 race year. I haven't allowed myself to sit back and reflect on my success' because there were always other races on the horizon to focus on and train for. I guess that is how we are wired....we know that we are only as good as the next race. AND I have had as much disappointment as success in my running career, so with that, I try to stay in the moment. The moment right now is 24 Hours the Hard Way.
My training has been going well following Western States in June and the TRT 50k in July. It has taken my body awhile to shake out all those long races in the spring and early summer. My legs finally have a little bounce to them. In hindsight, it was probably a good idea not to run at the 24 Hour World Championships in Poland in September. My body really felt run down.
I was pleasantly surprised that I ran so well at the Lake Tahoe 72 mile three weeks ago. I had no hill training/altitude training going into the race and my energy levels were consistent all day and I never had any low points after about 20 miles. It has given me some confidence going into the 24 hour race next weekend. I have some target goals for the race, but 24 hours is a long time and things can change in the matter of a couple of minutes, so I won't make any mileage predictions:)
1.) Find a pace I can maintain for as long as I can maintain it. Walk as little as possible.
2.) Attack the miles between 3 and 6 am.
3.) When the sun comes up, ride the adrenaline from the sun to 9 am.
4.) Run for my family at home and for all the kids at Prescott Middle School.
My twin brother Tom will be accompanying me on the trip and will be an integral part to my success. You will be able to follow my progress on Facebook and Twitter when my brother has time. All your positive vibes are greatly appreciated.
