Thursday, May 6, 2010

Going Long

Can't believe it's here already. In a mere two days, I will be on my way to running my first 50 miler in the lovely PCT trails near San Diego. Worried? A bit. Mostly about the unknowns: running at altitude (6,000+ ft at the highest points), how my piriformis/sciatic pain will hold up in my left hip/butt, chest pains (experience this from time to time), potential foot issues in the latter miles, etc.

Strategy-wise, I think I'm set. I will be running with two 26 ounce handhelds so I can stay hydrated (from what I hear, the trail's pretty exposed), will take in a gel every half hour + food at aid stations, a salt tab with every other gel and do my best to temper any fraction of competitiveness that may arise on race day and run a nice, easy, consistent pace.

I'm fairly confident that a sub-11 is doable. But at this point, I'm hoping to just finish under cut-off and not have to DNF due to my nerve pain flaring up.

Here goes nothing.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Have fun Billy! Wish I was running that one.

Hone

Stuart said...

You're all set...enjoy it and finish!

That's it!

Rachel said...

Will be thinking of you Saturday, wishing I was running it with you, and eagerly awaiting a FB message (or text) indicating you have completed it. I know you will kick butt out there and I hope your hip/butt, foot, etc. cooperate so that you get your goal time. :) Hope you get some good pics and video so we can live vicariously through you.

NJ said...

Good luck, Billy! Hope the hip and all else decides to lay off for a day so you can get in a good race!

The Green Girl said...

Good luck, Billy! Sending you lots and lots of positive energy.

EndorphinBuzz said...

Best of luck! I'm sure you will do well.

Bert said...

Good luck Billy and who knows, maybe a Comrades Marathon is in your future?

Glenn Jones said...

Good luck Billy! One of these days when I row up, I'd like to do one of these....

Have fun!

Jonah said...

Go Billy! Very exciting. Can’t wait to hear about your experience. Run on!

Josh said...

it's gonna be a great day! looking forward to seeing you out there!

Anonymous said...

Go Billy go!!! That is so amazing you are taking on your first 50 miler. I know you will do great and can't wait for the report and great photos.

Merf said...

Billy above all have fun!

Southbaygirl said...

Woot Woot!!!! I know you rocked it!!! Way to go!!!