GULP!

April 13 - that means that one month from today I will be finished with my very first 50 mile ultramarathon.  That thought gives me a little  panic, a bit of anxiety, and a  whole lotta excitement!!!!!!  I cannot believe that day is so close!  I feel like I have so much more to do to prepare, but at the same time I feel like I have done what I needed to do.  Before I began training for this run, I set some goals.  My biggest goal was to get to race day in a healthy state. The road to that goal has not been easily traveled.  When I think back to all the injuries (and luckily they have been minor) I am surprised I have made it to this point.  Taken down twice by the it band, once by a minor sprain, and the ever present ab mystery.  There were a couple of times when I almost, ALMOST gave up. But I did not and for that I am very proud!  It just proves to me that I can overcome these little setbacks and move forward. I need to remember that on May 12 because if there is one thing I know for sure is that 50 miles is a long way and plenty of time in which muscles can act up, blisters can erupt, and cramps can attack!

Ice Age Trail - Madison, WI  -looks so friendly, doesn't it?

Another goal that I set was to learn how to fuel well.  Um, yeah - I think I learned this lesson very well.  You would think with the big miles I have been running that I would have lost weight. Not so in my case.  I eat so much now and all the time.  But here is the thing with that- I want to make sure that my muscles are well fed, so I think sometimes I go overboard.  Oh well!  So, I have figured out what works for me - Nuun throughout the race, no gels, real food sits best - Granola Thins, pb sandwiches, and Honey Stinger waffles are my tried and trues.  AND the food at aid stations is soooooo good- I can't wait for the gummy bears, Pringles, and flat Mt Dew!!!
**This past week my mileage was 35.  What a wonderful scale back week and just in time!  My muscles and other soft tissues are getting a little crabby.  My long run is tomorrow= 10 miles as a pacer for the MN Pacers Team.  I LOVE pacing!  Always meet so many really cool people!
**No luck wished for the Boston-bound - because luck doesn't play any part in YOUR performance!  You have worked hard and trained well for this race.  No luck, all skill and talent, baby!!