It's ALL I think about

There is NO hidding the fact that there is only FIVE MORE DAYS to my birth into the world of Ultras.  Okay it's only 32+/- miles and that is really only 6ish more miles than a marathon but I am giving this trail race all the respect it deserves.  I am new to racing on serious trails, I am new to winter condition racing, I am new to this distance, I am new to serious mud.  But I am excited for some serious trails, excited for some winter conditions, excited to see if I can go this new distace, and excited to play in the mud!

I have been reading blogs of runners who have done this race during pervious years when conditions were less than ideal.  It has helped me to understand that it will be a journey.  Here is what the race director has to say on the race website:

Feb 28, 2010: Tons of volunteers have been hard at work, opening sections of the trail, scouting, shoveling snow, and executing trail repairs. As of today the race is on. Expect slower times and wet feet. You will be running and hiking in the snow. We do not have much capacity to transport runners who cannot finish to the finish area. Please understand that the trail will be pass-able but not necessarily totally run-able. This means snow, ice, ,mud and some run-able sections. It is getting better each day. We will try to update the website several more times before race day.

Feb 26, 2010: There are crews of volunteers out now and they will be out almost every day until the race.

Reports are scattered: there is still much remaining snow and probably no place where it is not at least wet. Some places still have ankle deep snow and it is not a great thawing day today. However, a slow steady warming trend is predicted. There are certainly obstacles (blowdowns, pine branches embedded in snow banks, detours and very icy bridges) and the trailheads and other trail parking lots/areas are getting open. Right now, probably the best prediction is to expect wet feet no matter what and a slower than usual race. We will try to post updates on the web as the week progresses otherwise fell free to email or call. I believe the race is a go but you should stay tuned.

Feb 16, 2010: Will the race go as planned? Probably, As far as the race, it is really too soon to start making reasonable predictions. There is a fair chance, that there could be snowy and icy sections, muddy sections and run-able sections. The race will only be cancelled if one of the park services insists on it and they have been incredibly good to us so far. If you live out of town, I would definitely stay in touch and watch the website. I do not mind reporting trail conditions but I think it is best to do so after next week. One member of the sweeper team is trying to singlehandedly pack down the trail. I think he might have 2-3 miles done so far but we cannot really rely on that. We were out yesterday ‘post holing’ and it took about an hour and half to cover a mile and half (out a d back). It is fun but hardly run-able yet.

I am going to a run tonight to shake off some nervous energy.

How do you cope with the week before a BIG race?