Final Thoughts Before 50k

As I was running on the treadmill today I thought back to some of the century rides that I used to do. The first century ride that I showed up for I was on a mountain bike and don't even think that I was wearing bike shorts or had clipless pedals. Anyways I remember that I got lost and had no business attempting 100 miles. I made it 93 miles and then got picked up by somebody as I had a flat tire (no repair kit) and was not on the right road. The guy noticed by wristband and took me to the finish. I have ridden a few more since then and even this year rode in one with some friends about a month ago with only having ridden less than 10 times this year. It was enjoyable, I knew what to expect and stayed within myself. I have tried to apply my experiences with centuries to my first 50k and it has taken a lot of the pressure off of me. I partially know what to expect and am okay if things do not go as planned.

I also accepted that I needed the experience of running a 50k to know what a 5ok is like. I have read enough discussion boards, psyched myself up, put in my time learned about eating on the run, put up with twisted ankles and have ran over the same trails time and time again. I have enjoyed the journey but now it is time to get out and attempt 31.6 miles to get experience that I can base next year on. I am excited and I have come to realize that I have to pay my dues just like everyone else. The road to the JFK 50 will take a little longer than I at first anticipated but I was in no shape to run 50 miles so 50k will have to do. You cannot fake these distances and I would have been a mess had I attempted 50 miles this year. I think that 50k represents for me the right amount of stretching myself to achieve a demanding but attainable goal.

My next post will be as a 50k finisher.

Until then, happy trails.

Rob