In the Clouds top of K1 Gondola

Alarm goes off at 4:30am morning, although the anticipation for today’s run really made the alarm not necessary. Today would be the longest run of my life, 12 miles, in preparation for both the Spartan Beast and World’s Toughest Mudder. I was anxious and excited at the same time to get out on the mountain. I made myself some breakfast and messed around on the computer to let the oatmeal at least get to my stomach, geared up and headed out to the trail, armed with a 26lb bag, hat, and headlamp.

We have been in the clouds for the past couple of days at Killington, so much, really ALL, of my run was in the fog. A few rain showers came down while on the trail. But something about today made it all ok. It helped I was prepared and dressed for the weather! Their is a calm feeling that I get while on the trail, I feel like I am one with the earth as my feet splash in the mud. The birds chirping were my only companions on the trail, otherwise it was the trail and I, no cars, no computers, no emails, nothing but myself, my thoughts, and the mountain. Ok, enough getting all deep into the Zen of trail running.

Rock Scramble

I was happy to report that today I was able to run more of the trail than I did last weekend. I can feel that I am becoming a stronger and better runner each day. This coming from someone that choose to be a lacrosse goalie so I didn’t have to run, dreaded going out for even a 15 minute jog. When I wanted to slow down today, I echoed the worlds of one Death Racer who asked me, “What can you do for 5 minutes?” I thought and answered. “Anything.” He then said that’s how you have to take the Death Race, 5 minutes at a time. Thus a new mantra has been born for me. I can do anything for 5 minutes! Long runs I am taking 5 minutes at a time. The rock scramble in the middle of the run really slowed me down as the rocks were very wet, but it was a good test of agility. My GPS on my phone died about 1.5 miles from my house so some of the calculations today are guesses. Elevation was left out today as it would be totally inaccurate. It said I had about 8,800ft of gain this morning and about 6,800 feet loss.

TODAY’S TRAIL RUN
Distance: 12.23 Miles
Time: 3:10:46
Pack Weight: 26lb (2lb under 20% BW)

Ok, that’s enough for now. I have sat in an ice bath, showered and am off to the Death Race to watch and cheer the participants, who haven’t quite yet. They have been going since 7:30pm yesterday. Then off to a baby shower! The world keeps moving quickly! Good luck to all those competing in the Death Race see you there next year!