So in a little over a week, I'm gonna attempt a "Fall Trifecta," to complement my "Spring Trifecta." But this series of races comes with a bonus! The Kismet Cliff race is first. Beast of the East! Brutal! The following week is the Cat's Tail/Nipmuck double marathon, which I'm most apprehensive about. Sounded like a good idea at the time? I'm all in for the Cat, but I may withdraw from Nipmuck, as I'm trying to keep the waters smooth on the home front and my body intact for Ghost Train, and maybe open a spot for somebody else. The GT race will be uncharted territory, and I can't wait to see what unfolds, most likely me. So here are my predictions:
Kismet Cliff: I'll have a good race, and finish well, provided I'm still Lyme-free by next week and there are no damsels in distress at the top of the mountain this year! Last year I was over the top of North Moat before my watch died, and I pulled the plug on the race to help another runner. I did 8 miles in 3:02, in shitty weather and not feeling my best, with 3,700' of elevation gain last year. I plan to be well ahead of that this year, any sideways rain notwithstanding...
Cat: I plan to do exactly what I did last year, but I'll have a drop bag at mile 9 with dry clothes, I'll have a better attitude, and some knowledge to turn to. Last year I was doing well until I hit the mile 9 aid station. This year I'll be in a better place mentally. No quit.
Nipmuck: Jury is still out. I'll give it a shot if I think it's within the realm of possibility. I know the course, have done it three times, and it'll be gravy after the Cat. If I can still walk, and not piss off my family for being a ghost all weekend, then it's a go. Speaking of ghosts...
Ghost Train: Uncharted Territory. I have lots of things going in my favor though! It's an out/back race, which I do well at (I'm usually a solitary person, but I'm a social butterfly around others, much to the amusement of my wife and daughter...). I can control my clothing/fuel/food options. I have friends on the course, both running and volunteering, and my buddy John has offered to pace me for the tail end of the race, where I'll likely be bitching about every little thing...sorry in advance, John!
I wonder what the Vegas odds would look like on this....
Monday - 2.5 Miles. Long Pond beatdown. Short and sweet and technical, I hit the juicy bits of this trail, and a quicky after work. 700'+ elevation gain.
Tuesday - 3 Miles (Hike/Work). CT Forest & Parks workparty, to re-route part of the Narragansett Trail. When part of this trail was suddenly obliterated last Spring, I was really worried. Fear not, runners (and hikers)! A new and awesome stretch of trail is on its way, with the blessing of the landowners and assistance of several volunteers. We were able to clear, in 5 hours, a substantial amount of distance and create a trail from nothing, and the Narragansett is on its way to being made whole again. I can't wait! Next workparty in less than two weeks, where we'll finish making the trail and blaze it, and post cool signs about the heirloom pigs and cattle being raised there.
Wednesday - 0.
Thursday - 8 Miles. Lantern Hill repeats, prep for Kismet Cliff. Best and closest place to train for a race in the Whites, run to the top, run to the bottom, repeat! Felt awesome. 1500'+ elevation gain.
Friday - 4 Miles. Even more Lantern Hill! 1000'+ elevation gain and stopped to help some wayward hikers, more good technical climbing.
Saturday/Sunday - 0. Gonna be gone the next two weekends, figured it was a good time to wrap up some things at the house.
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