Ending last high miles week before Leadville

Ok, so I was nervous about today.  30 miles at Ouachita trail. 7,000 feet of elevation gain. Last long trail run before Leadville.  I was reminded that the last time I did this trail I ended up out for a little over a week with hip/knee problems.  NOt to mention this partidular course intimidates me.  Not to mention I knew it was going to get to 105 degrees.  Not to mention I've never done that many miles out there.  So here's what I did with that....I "embraced" all those feelings and concerns and let that be "ok".  I didn't fight it.  Next I visualized success, the course, my form, being relaxed, taking it slower than I thought I needed to, hydrating and fueling well.  I visualized healing and strength in those hot spots that tend to gibve me trouble. I determined it WOULD be a good day.  Well I did it.  I felt great till about 16 miles or so. Struggled with a little dehydration from 16-20 then got rehydrated and refueled and back on track.  Stepped on a king snake at mile 22ish.  Hit a creek fed swimming hole at 25-26 miles and jumped in and stayed neck deep for a good 15 minutes.  About the time I was thinking I could stay there forever, I felt something touch my hand.  I shot outta there like a ligtening bolt! "Ok, I'm done!" I shouted!  Well I actually shouted several explitives first!  Ran out of water at mile 24 and got pretty dry and icky feeling.  Made it to car at 27 miles and called it a day. Of course I am neurotic enought to be kicking myself for not backtracking the trail to make a complete 30, but I felt I got what I needed out of what I did and with getting pretty dehydrated and high temps/heat I let it slide.  Learned much today about hydration...hydration...hydration...  Learned that no matter how crappy you feel at mile 16, you can feel great again at mile 22.  AND it WAS a good day!

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Comments

  • "Everything is energy and that's all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics". - Albert Einstein. 

    Keep matching that frequency Lori - look forward to hearing more about your success at Leadville.

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