I just want to take a deep breath and say ahhh. Spring is here and the days of cold fingers and snow are all but passed. Last Saturday I hit the LBL 50 Miler for an intense "A" race experience. My plan and goal was to break 7 hrs which I felt was at the very top of my ability, kind of that- if everything goes exactly as planned, and its a dream-day on the trail kind of goal.
The day began in the moments before daybreak, my favorite time- pre-dawn twilight, the mysterious moments between. The whole world seems to pause in a dream. The start was at a marina, I watched the sailboat masts bob and sway in the soft breeze, a perfect 45 degrees as we lined up to face pink hues of dawn replacing the stars and the blue water sky of night.
I was as prepared as possible- I had my Nathan Mutation Pack- a single bottle pack with one small pocket in front. The bottle sits in the small of the back at a slanted, optimal angle. It is light and comfortable and perfect for a course with so many aid stations. It features a Velcro strap and the zip pocket is actually lengthwise in the strap for easy access. The strap has a bit of elastic give to it which helps limit the potential affect of having something pressing on the GI. I hear this pack is discontinued. Get 'em while ya can.
My sock choice was a toss up between some new Swiftwick prototypes that will debut on shelves soon and the Swiftwick Aspire "2s". I have had in the past a slight anterior issue with my right ankle so I chose the Aspires gauging the compression as most appropriate.
My shoe choice was another toss up: Innov8s either the Flyrock 310s - my 4x4 go anywhere trainer vs the ascetic, super light, rockets: Innov8 F-lite 195 (195 grams). I choose the later in a gamble. I knew there was a chance that the minimalist trail flats might destroy my feet in the long miles, but I also knew that the trail was packed dirt, not technical, and the light shoe with a low heal would give me a serious advantage if I could handle it. Endurance Sports has Innov8s in Cool Springs.
Nutrition was dialed in: Infinit (available at Endurance) in my bottle and at every one of the 4 loops in a drop bag which is actually a box. Powerbar Gels every hour.
Clothing:
Edurance Sports and Rec K-swiss singlet and ES&R visor. Swiftwick arm sleeves.
mizuno therma gloves.
This gets me to the starting line... I'm working on the report- coming soon!
 |
| it is time |
The day began in the moments before daybreak, my favorite time- pre-dawn twilight, the mysterious moments between. The whole world seems to pause in a dream. The start was at a marina, I watched the sailboat masts bob and sway in the soft breeze, a perfect 45 degrees as we lined up to face pink hues of dawn replacing the stars and the blue water sky of night.
I was as prepared as possible- I had my Nathan Mutation Pack- a single bottle pack with one small pocket in front. The bottle sits in the small of the back at a slanted, optimal angle. It is light and comfortable and perfect for a course with so many aid stations. It features a Velcro strap and the zip pocket is actually lengthwise in the strap for easy access. The strap has a bit of elastic give to it which helps limit the potential affect of having something pressing on the GI. I hear this pack is discontinued. Get 'em while ya can.
My sock choice was a toss up between some new Swiftwick prototypes that will debut on shelves soon and the Swiftwick Aspire "2s". I have had in the past a slight anterior issue with my right ankle so I chose the Aspires gauging the compression as most appropriate.
My shoe choice was another toss up: Innov8s either the Flyrock 310s - my 4x4 go anywhere trainer vs the ascetic, super light, rockets: Innov8 F-lite 195 (195 grams). I choose the later in a gamble. I knew there was a chance that the minimalist trail flats might destroy my feet in the long miles, but I also knew that the trail was packed dirt, not technical, and the light shoe with a low heal would give me a serious advantage if I could handle it. Endurance Sports has Innov8s in Cool Springs.
Nutrition was dialed in: Infinit (available at Endurance) in my bottle and at every one of the 4 loops in a drop bag which is actually a box. Powerbar Gels every hour.
Clothing:
Edurance Sports and Rec K-swiss singlet and ES&R visor. Swiftwick arm sleeves.
mizuno therma gloves.
This gets me to the starting line... I'm working on the report- coming soon!
 |
| starting out- time to roll |
No comments:
Post a Comment