So I'm going to a weekly thing from here on out, as it seems like the best way to go. And in the interest of full disclosure, if I said I wasn't nervous about Nipmuck I'd be lying. I've been running the most technical shit I have near me, so I can deal with that aspect of the run. And the hills, those I can do. Today, for example, I did the Lantern Hill loop, all the way to the top, around and back down to the Wintechog Hill entrance to the trail...tapped the rock at the bottom and went up the Narragansett Trail portion, up and over to the southeast facing side. Very steep, and not a place where you can lose your focus. Anyone who's been up there can attest to that. Like slip and you die stuff...so I've totally got my "trail legs" where they need to be. It's the distance, though, that seems the most daunting. I'm thinking about the whole "aid station to aid station" method of getting through the race.
Could see Block Island from the south side of Lantern today, very cool! Here's a couple of shots:
Top. facing south
The "Rock Garden"
Me (Nice Hat!)
But all that said, I'm trying to maintain a "fun run" attitude, like Jeff W. No expectations other than to finish and do my best.
Tuesday, 9/25: 0, installed microwaves all day in an apartment complex. That was enough of a workout!
Wednesday, 9/26: 8 mile Nipmuck Trail run
Have been wanting to do at least some of the Northern leg of the Nipmuck course, as I'd heard it was the more difficult of the two out-and-backs, but this close to the race I was given two bits of advice: first, not to do the full 14 of the Northern leg (thanks, Jeff); and second, not to minimalize my runs too much before the race (thanks Mike B). Because of my schedule, the training spreadsheet I was trying to follow went right out the window anyway, so I'm just winging it at this point. So 4 out and 4 back, and can I just say a huge THANK YOU to the mountain bikers who went ahead of me on the trail today? Didn't hit a single spider web!
So here's the deal: I did 8 out of the 14 miles of this part of the course in 1:37 (12 minute pace, which is exactly what I wanted to be at, and without subtracting the photo stops and fussing with my mapping app), and although there were more hills, the trails weren't quite as technical. There was also about a 1 mile stretch of dirt/paved road between miles 2.5 and 3.5, Jeff W should be booking on that part. I crossed three roads, and a bunch of streams (some with footbridges, some without), and while there are some mossy, slick spots, overall it wasn't so bad! I felt comfortable, and the jitters I've had the past week or so have mostly gone away. Also, they have already marked the course really well...great time of year to be out there, here's a couple of shots from today:
Single-track
Bridge #1
Well-marked!
Stream from bridge
Chute coming home (blurry with sweat?)
So there ya go. Recon complete, head in a better place...
Thursday, 9/27: 0, just serious online topographic recon, mental prep, and staying positive about the course, the runs I've done, and how much I'm looking forward to this...crazy...
Friday, 9/28: 0, It rained like a bastard all afternoon - the course is going to be muddy, and that's the deal with a trail run...so there you go. Apparently I got a drop of sweat on the charge port of my iPhone on Wednesday's run (although I'm not entirely sure it was that...), and it stopped charging. Had to spend three hours in Providence getting a new one, and ordering a waterproof case. As for the race? I want to finish, but if I feel right, and I also have a time in mind...so we'll see. No pressure :)
Saturday, 9/29: 0, waiting on Nipmuck...nerves dropped on me like a load of bricks this evening, and even though I went to bed at 9, I think I slept a total of 4 hours?
Sunday, 9/30: 2012 Nipmuck Trail Marathon, 26.2 miles (this gets a separate post)...please stand by
Thanks for the reconaissance post and photos. I'm looking forward to it.
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