In a matter of minutes, it seems, I’ll be toeing the line at my second 50 Mile race, the San Diego 50. As of right now, I’m experiencing a flurry of emotions — a little nervousness tied in with a little excitement — okay, that’s pretty much it. Seeing as I participated in this race last year, I find myself in the middle of knowing what’s to come, but not having a clue as to what’s to come.
What’s the course going to be like? What can I expect at the aid stations? What’s the weather going to be like?
While any one of those questions can raise some anxiety in anyone doing 50 miles, I have a general idea of what I’m getting on race day, and what I’ve signed up for. IT’S WHY I SIGNED UP FOR THIS RACE IN THE FIRST PLACE!
Sorry. I didn’t mean to yell there. Maybe that was just the excitement talking.
My final week of training has been fairly quiet, ending my last time on trails this past Sunday. And it was an absolute gorgeous morning as darkness turned into light, and as I saw one of the most beautiful sunrises with the sun coming up through the Pacific Ocean, or Long Beach. Waking up pre-dawn early, and hitting the trails when it’s still dark is a small price to pay for the view you get.
Sometimes a photo just can’t substitute for seeing a sunrise as it happens. But, it was a nice 5.4 miles to cap off my trail training.
As far as race day is concerned, what I do know is this:
- It’s going to be a long day
- It’s going to be a beautiful day
- I might get tired
- I might have some low points
- I may have to push myself harder physically and mentally than ever before
- The possibilities of getting blisters are endless
- I’ll probably have some laughs
- I might have some tears
- I’ll be with a friend for some, or all, of the race
- I’m going to make sure my hydration pack has water in it before leaving the mile 30 aid station
- One of my goals is to not hear any coyotes howling
- My family will be around to support and cheer me on (I may have to buy them dinner)
- I plan on taking a few photos
- I’m going to be aware of my footing
- If I have to slow down, I’ll slow down, but I’ll always keep moving
- I’m going to power hike any tough spots
- I’m going to make sure I stay on top of my hydration and nutrition
- The most important goal is to not die
- The most important goal is to not get injured
- The most important goal is to have fun
- The most important goal is to finish…in one piece!
And if anything, I’m probably going to get a sunrise to go with it.
If you’d like to hear me actually talk about the race, and why I’m concerned about coyotes, read my race report on last year’s race, or better yet, listen to Episode 4 of the Ultra Ordinary Running Podcast! It’s free! It’s on iTunes! And it’s on our website ultraordinary.run
Thanks for reading and Happy Trail Running!
ahh – good luck!