10.09.2013

Going The Distance

Yup, it's that time again. Cue the music. It's The Taper.

On Saturday, I will run my longest race (or distance in general) EVER. The Firetrails 50 mile.

You know, I am actually ready. I am sure you have done something for the first time and been kind of nervous about the entire thing because you aren't really sure what you are getting yourself into. I am like that. However, I remember my first marathon and how I felt and how the actual race was not as bad as I thought it would be. I did NOT come in last. I DID finish. I did NOT die, injure myself, starve to death or hit the wall that hard. All the things I worried about...did not happen.

This race is the same. It's just a race, albeit a bit longer than normal. I know I can finish. I don't know if I can finish without walking (probably not). I don't know if I will be super sore by the end (probably). I don't know how long it will take me (hopefully less than 13 hours)!

Do I have a strategy? Of course. Will it work? Who knows!

The strategy is this:

1. Run, unless there is a big hill in the way. Then I will hike as fast as I can.

2. Eat whenever I can. I will eat at each aid station and will carry snacks, just like any other race.

3. Slow and Low is the Tempo. I am going to TRY to remember not to go too fast, which will be hard. However, I don't want to end up pooping out for the last 20 miles! So slow it will be!

4. Talk to people. Company on the trail makes the time go by a lot faster. And it will be nice to have 13 hours feel like 8, right? 

So, here's to finishing, not last, and before 13 hours (the cutoff).

Also, I want to say a huge GOOD LUCK to everyone who is running Chicago this weekend! I know you are all in taper mode as well and I hope that it is going well and is not making you too "mad"! A friend of mine who is running Chicago this weekend (kick some butt, Jill!) sent me this and I thought it was funny, becuase I know exactly how this feels!



I bet you know what this feels like too! Here is hoping that Stage 8 comes as fast as possible!

How do you cope with nerves when it comes to doing something for the first time? What is your strategy for getting through a challenging event?

12 comments:

  1. You sound so ready!!! You're going to rock it Kyria!!!

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  2. Good luck! I don't cope with nerves very well. I try to just think about other things and take deep breaths, but the thoughts just creep back in;) I know you are going to do great, you are so ready!

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  3. I am so excited for you to be taking this on! Cannot wait to hear all about it.

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  4. Wow! I'm so excited for you... 50 miles... I can hardly imagine it. But I can actually say I'd now consider it, where a year ago I never would have. Can't wait to hear about it!

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  5. I am so excited for you. This is going to be one heck of a race!

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  6. I can't even fathom being on my feet for 13 hours or running 50 miles. You are a beast! GOOD LUCK!!

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  7. I'm so excited for your upcoming 50! And jealous too :) You're ready to rock it!

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  8. Good luck! I love your strategy. It seems like the same approach i'm taking for the ironman. The main goal is to not die.

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  9. Best of luck! It's incredible the distances you run - very inspiring.

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  10. I am so very behind on blog reading, but I'm glad I came over here today! Have a fantastic race! Good luck!

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  11. I already know that you rocked the 50 miler! :) But I think you went into it with a great attitude/approach. When I am faced with something daunting, I try to break it up into smaller tasks or segments. So for the CFA, I broke it up into weeks and then it was more manageable to tackle the studying. For the marathon, I dedicated each mile to a person so it sort of broke it up and gave me something to focus on.

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