I am so glad that it is “Taper Week.” I definitely needed a little bit of rest and recovery before the weekend run. As I get closer though I can’t help but feel a little bit of panic setting in. In the past two races I have run in, the pre-race docs and waiver are roughly 2-3 pages. One page is the course rules, the general info (don’t run 4-5 people wide, keep an eye out for traffic even though there are roadblocks and police, remember to hit the aid stations). The one that I just received for Saturday is 15 pages long. When I originally signed up for the race it was described as primarily concrete trail with small stretches of old fire trail. The new description makes it sound like it is almost all off road and there will not be the same comforts that my first two city races provided. I found the following phrases a little concerning:
“There will be course maps available on race morning and we strongly recommend that all runners carry a map. Even on the best marked course, it is very easy to get distracted and lost on the trails. Stay vigilant at all times.”
“All Participants must understand that they are running through remote trails where any sort of emergency response can be e-x-t-r-e-m-e-l-y slow.”
“I understand that I will be alone on remote trails, without means of immediate communication, transportation, or medical support.”
“I understand that there is no guarantee of emergency services for a life-threatening episode.”
What did I get myself into? The pictures of the past events show what appear to be concrete running trails, with a few gravel/dirt trails mixed in. I am hoping that this is just a general set of instructions (as this race company does some serious trail races – like the race to the top of Mt. Diablo for example). I found a few pictures of the area on-line and it doesn’t look too bad. I am switching to the KSO Treks for the next few days as it looks like I am going to need a little bit more of a sole than the Bikilas have. (If I need more “soul,” I have James Brown on the iPod ready to go.)
The last time I wore the KSO’s for any extended period of time my foot pain began. (I am hoping that this was merely a coincidence, but we will see how the week goes.) I am already through the longest weekday run and the pain in my foot and heel are no worse than they were before.
It is bothering me that I am already getting anxious. It is just a run. I am completely OK with the fact that I have no shot of finishing with the top half and it is unlikely that I will finish with the last pace group (9:09 pace). I am hoping to hit 2:20 (10:41 pace) but my stats over the last two weeks are not making me hopeful. I am trying to tell myself to remember why I started doing this (leaving insanity out of it) in the first place. This was a way to prove to myself that a guy my size can do this. That will and determination (ok…and a touch of crazy) can get me through. That and my son thinks that the medals are pretty cool.
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