July 10, 2009
Leadville, Here We Come (Again)
No miles today. Final taper day.
History: I ran my first race in 2005.
In 2006, the family took a late summer camping trip to Leadville. This happened to be on the same weekend as the famed Leadville Trail 100. We saw the runners throughout the day as we were off on our own adventures. How crazy?!? I would never do that. Months later I completely changed perspectives on running as I decided a marathon was next. But that 100 stuck in my head and ate at my soul. Turning from the crazy to the “I want to be crazy like that”. And so the dream began.
In 2007, I ran in Leadville for the first time in the 1/2 marathon. This was the first time that I got to have my name hung in the window of the Leadville 100 Race Headquarters. From there, I planned to continue that part of the tradition as I worked toward the dream.
In 2008, a new 50 mile race was added. A great stepping stone before the 100. So I signed up in January and spent every night until race day stressing about that race. My goal was to finish with adequate time on the clock and I did just that while enjoying the day with my family at the various aid stations. First time I had a crew and it was awesome.
Late 2008, I was thinking that 2009 might be the year for the 100 but I knew it would be a ton of work. I feel like I am in the middle of a ton of changes as I gain miles, speed, etc. These aren’t things that change overnight and another year on sidelines might be just what I need. So should I return and redo the 50? Probably. Especially with baby #3 due on 100 race day 2009. I can’t have a “about to go into labor” crew chief!
However, through some planning, my sister, Natalee, decided to come out on Leadville Marathon weekend so I adjusted the goals. She is going to run the half while I do the full. A full Fuller assult on the races! In retrospect, good decision. This is going to be fun. The marathon is obviously shorter than the 50 and will make me focus on a stronger sustained effort over the shorter period of time. I can run it moderate to hard instead of trying to keep my body moving for double digit hours. It is more inline with what I train for and on.
However, since Mt. Evans, I haven’t been right while running. My legs want to run harder than my heart can keep up at first. My gut is all screwed up. I get all kinds of issues in my gut while running. Tightening of abs muscles. Belching. Stomach aches. Shits. It hasn’t been fun. However, I have good days and bad days. With that, I changed my fluid intake to try and compensate. I have removed soda and caffeine from my diet completely. It will be 3 weeks on race day. I haven’t really seen any obvious changes from it but I know it is the right thing. I have replaced with vast quantities of water, Gatorade, and VitaminWater. I may go back to an occasional soda at some point but not sure I care anymore. After going cold turkey, having an occasional one is that interesting anymore. Also added back in more fiber and a variety of digestive enzymes. It is stabilizing but will Saturday be a good day or a bad day? I feel like my body is working through something. Some sort of change. My legs went through it 2 years ago when me knee went out because my leg muscles were all over the place. Now it almost feels as if my breathing is doing something similar. Trying to drive more air but isn’t ready for it. It will come. I hope.
So after nearly 1000 miles under my belt for the year, I go back to Leadville with my crew (and my sister!) for my spring/summer goal race! Very excited. Weather isn’t perfect but it is very raceable. I have been running at 90+ degrees for a few weeks. Going and running in the 70s is going to make me feel like I am flying! Excited for my sister as she tries her hand at her first mountain trail race. Directions for Nat: Run uphill till you see this sign. Then turn around and go back to where you started!
Now…just trying to figure out a final goal finish time. Oh — and what mile marker will Anton come flying by me as he returns to racing for the win at Leadville? And will Natalee try and hit on him?
GET THE LEAD OUT!
