Winding Down

My training for Leadville is winding down.  Being less than two weeks away puts me in that place where I have to be confident in the training I've put in, while realizing there's nothing I can do now to become better before race day.  In fact, the only thing I can do is either beat my legs up more, or get injured.  I'm going to taper & rest quite a bit and just enjoy the extra time in my schedule while focusing on getting almost 8 hours of sleep a night!

It was a mellow final week of real training, but here are a few highlights:

1.  2011 Pb Annual Night Run - I ran this last year as a casual observer and barely kept up with everyone.  I almost fell asleep during the run and pretty much thought I'd never run the LT100 after it was over.  This year was a complete reversal.  I had such fun up there on Saturday running 21 miles from Fish back to Brandon's cabin (just off the Boulevard).  Thank you Brandon for coordinating the run and opening up your home to all of us.

I had planned to experiment with a heavy dose of caffeine during the second half of the run, but I never got tired enough to justify it.  The night was perfect with clear skies, cool temps, an explosion of stars, and a half moon.  I particularly enjoyed the section around the lake.  I'm sure my enjoyment of that stretch will be quite different on race night, but maybe not?

2.  Staring Down the Barrel of a Sphincter - I got out to Mt. Falcon with Scott one morning last week.  We started running before sunrise and were heading up the Turkey Trot Trail when I saw a skunk scampering ahead.  I kept my distance, but also wanted to be close enough to see where it eventually hopped off the trail.  Well, we passed by with no fireworks and continued the run.  

Fast forward to the turn onto the Parmalee trail by the bathroom.  I took the lead and started picking up the pace.  No more than 15 seconds later, Scott yelled "SKUNK"!!  Sure enough, there was a little stinker just 2-3 feet off the trail with it's tail straight up and behind pointed right at me.  Let's just say, I was close enough to see it's sphincter pushing out!  I sprinted backwards and have no idea how/why I did not get hit.

3.  The Annual Donut Run - Today is the first day of school for my girls.  As is tradition in our family, that means fresh donuts are served at breakfast.  Once again, I incorporated a stop by King Soopers on my morning run to pick up a box of 12 from the bakery.  I loved all the strange looks I got from people driving by as I ran the final mile back to my house holding the box out like I was carrying a tray!

4.  Do you do this? - I needed to buy some chapstick the other day.  I was looking for some sun protection added in.  My eye caught the packaging for Chapstick Ultra and I was sold.  Do you find yourself showing an affinity towards products with the word "Ultra"  or "Endurance" in them?    If so, care to share what you've bought?  I noticed this a few months ago when I came home with a bottle of Old Spice "High Endurance" body wash.