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August 27, 2007
Just Briefly
My blog posting as of late has taken a turn for the infrequent.The seeming infinite busy-ness of life is getting in the way of doing fun things like this. Fortunately, that which is keeping me away from blogging is also fun, albeit in different ways.
Most specifically, coaching cross country amid my already harried first job schedule is what is currently consuming the majority of my time. And starting, quite literally, right now, I'm also taking graduate school classes (again) because I have that pesky Master's degree that I'm oh-so-close to finishing. So, if I can imagine life as busy in this moment, I'm scared to envision what will happen in a few more weeks.
This weekend I'm running my first official 50 mile race. I've previously raced about 40 miles during one of The Coastal Challenge stages, and I've run 48 miles across the Grand Canyon. But I guess this experience will be a little different.
I haven't had time to ruminate much on this endeavor, and I'm hoping that's a good thing. Here is what I have thought about: This course covers the same 25 mile loop (5000-ish feet elevation gain per loop) twice. Last year I ran the Grand Teton Trail Marathon in 4:56, which covers 1 of these 25 mile loops, plus a bit more. This year, I feel I have improved endurance and tolerance for big elevation. I also feel I have slower leg speed. I'm hoping that my strengths will enhance my experience, and my weakness won't be too relevant in this particular race. 11:27 won it for the women last year, but I guarantee that the winning time will be significantly faster this year. I will make every effort to run a close-to-even split between the two loops. That's about all I've got...
I forgot, I will make the time to finish a nutrition plan and gather my supplies this week, and that's really it.
Posted by Meghan at August 27, 2007 7:59 PM
Comments
Meghan, I in fact will be there cheering you on (as opposed to what we planned:))!! I'll be coming with my son to hang out, volunteer start/finish and help everybody, especially my dear friends! So be ready, girl, I am not about to let you take an easy exit:) I am pulling for you!
Posted by: olga at August 27, 2007 9:32 PM
Wow, your first 50...go get 'em!! Finishing my first 50 felt so incredible, and I'm sure you'll feel the same way!! Have fun!
Posted by: joan at August 28, 2007 5:02 AM
Wish I could be there. I think you'll win.
Good luck and have fun!
Posted by: JeffO at August 28, 2007 4:16 PM
Good luck in the race! It sounds like you have a solid plan. I hope it's as enjoyable as a 50 miler can be!
Posted by: Alison at August 28, 2007 5:59 PM
Have an awesome race, Meghan! Will be cheering for you, even if I'm not on site :) What a gorgeous setting for your first 50 miler, enjoy every mile!
Posted by: anne at August 28, 2007 9:26 PM
Hey Busy Gal, So glad ur doing this race...It's going to be a blast...
ruminate (sigh))) ... I am sick on ruminating, maybe next race I will get my Masters Degree to help fill up some of my extra time :-)
see ya in a few days...U going to come out Friday Afternoon for a bit?!
Posted by: blogMYruns at August 28, 2007 11:24 PM
go Meghan, GO!
Posted by: corrado giambalvo at August 29, 2007 7:40 AM
Dammit, girl, I was going to respond with an enthusiastic YES, let's play, and go for a run and see bears together, when I remembered I'm doing the Swan Crest "57K" trail run that weekend (http://swancrestrun.com/info.cfm). I'm bummed - but you'll have fun at the Gourds. I'll email you anyway to see just how long you'll be in Mizzou. Have fun in the Tetons! 50 miles is a great distance, I think: it's not too long that you totally die but it's not too short that you feel like you have to sprint. And the TETONS! How can you go wrong but to be in pain in a place like that? Rock it.
Posted by: Kendra Borgdoggonnit at August 29, 2007 10:12 AM
Best of luck Meghan - in the race, and in xc, and in school! You'll be busy, but fine. You'll see!
Posted by: backofpack at August 29, 2007 6:55 PM
I just wanted to stop by and thank all of you for the well-wishes! Your thoughts are so much appreciated!
"See" you next week! :)
Meghan
Posted by: Meghan at August 30, 2007 8:49 AM
have fun meghan. it looks like a great race.
Posted by: tom riley at August 30, 2007 3:54 PM
go meghan go!! i cannot wait to read your race report, you are always so descriptive it makes me feel almost like i am there :)
Posted by: barb at August 30, 2007 4:52 PM