Race Week! Chasing Away the Shadow
Posted by scott on September 7, 2011
It’s race week!
The week leading up to a trail ultra is so exciting for me. Its a wild ride of emotions – excitement, fear, anticipation, determination – and a healthy dose of logistically planning. I make list after list, revise them, rewrite them. Trips to REI, trips to the grocery store. Lighting up the phones with calls to my buddies chatting about who is going to be where when, what is everyone packing, when should we leave. Looking over Londell’s old pace chart, and making up a new one for my crew.
All of the above is so much a part of doing trail 50 or 100 mile races, you better love doing it. I do.
Photo courtesy of stuant63 on flickr
I wrote last year about being chased by a Shadow during the week leading up to the Zumbro 100 Mile Endurance Run. This time I am the one doing the chasing! Sure I have my moments of doubt or insecurity, but I’m on top of them and they are on the shelf. I woke up several times in the middle of the night Sunday night, and each time I looked at the clock and wondered where I would be, and that I would have been running that whole time I was asleep. But it was exciting, not daunting.
The weather looks to be perfect. I have a great crew member. I have a buddy I will be hitting the trail with, and several other ultra friends to check in with along the way (and express my sympathy since they will be slumming it with me). I will get to see my family.
Life is good, let’s hit the trail!
Run Like Monkey 
jhanlon said
Yep the anticipation of the race is one of the best parts. See you out there!
Matthew Patten said
I still fight my shadow, and it has got the best of me for the past 2 years.
I am lean, mean, and ready to put together a great Superior 100…. finally.
Look forward to sharing the trails.
SteveQ said
I see you finished in 37:20. Congrats!
Aaron said
Just by reading this post I can feel your excitement and anticipation of the race! Can’t wait to hear your story when you’re in China