So I’m into the final countdown to my first ultra. Only 10 days left until the Gold Country 34 mile. Do I feel ready? More or less.
In preparation for the big push next Saturday I’ve started tapering. Probably too lightly, really, but my biggest concern is getting my legs feeling loose and all minor stress and strain on my calves and achilles mellowed out. I wouldn’t mind being a bit stronger, but at this point I just want to feel good on race day.
I’m confident in my ability to finish the race, which for a first ultra is probably all I should worry about. Ideally I’d be faster than I am, but I’m trying to be realistic. I’ve been able to ramp up my mileage over the last few months, but I haven’t been able to devote time to increasing speed along with it. So…I’m just going to have to deal with the fact that I’ll be out there for longer than I’d like and be walking/jogging at a nice mellow pace.
I’m trying to focus on the short term right now, but it’s hard not to look beyond to the rest of the fall season. Number one and two on my list for post-race will be working on speed and hills. Assuming my legs don’t fall off after my race of course. For now though I’ll just try to have a solid taper, stay healthy, and think about crossing the finish line next Saturday.
