Apples to Apples

You most likely have heard the expression, apples to apples.

The expression not the card game.

It's an expression used to describe comparing like things.

As I prepare for tomorrow's race, the Seneca Greenway Trail 50k, I have to remind myself that I need to compare apples to apples.  But in ultra trail running a sport filled with far more lemons, mangoes and star fruits than apples, accurate comparisons are hard to come by. 

While I am not interested in comparing the actual events against one another I am interested in being able to compare my preformance from one event to another.  That will not be easy after last Saturday's amazing running at the Hashawha Hills Trail Run 50k.

oh you missed it, read about it HERE

So how can I possibly set any type of goals to help stay focused as I wait out the final hours?

Let's look at some facts.

This course previously held my 50k PR - 2011 6:06

I just ran a new 50k PR last weekend.

I have already ran 45 miles this week.

This is to be a training run.

The forecast is for rain, rain and maybe a few thunderstorms.

I am training for a 100 mile race.  This is not the A race.

All of those facts lead me to think I should simply run this for "time on my feet."

But let's look at some other facts.

This course held my 50k PR last year Shouldn't I be faster this year?

I just ran a new 50k PR last weekend.  So is it all downhill for the rest of the year?

I have already ran 45 miles this week.  Last week I ran that much too.

This is to be a training run.  Does training have to mean slow?

The forecast is for rain, rain and maybe a few thunderstorms.  One of my favorite 50ks was held in the rain.

I am training for a 100 mile race.  This is not the A race.  But what if I don't get in to that A race?

It is the day before the run and as you can see it will be anyone's guess as to how the day plays out.  I'd love to say that I will be shooting to better my 6:06 course PR from last year.  I'd love to say I've learned a few things and I'll be running strong and steady for a solid training run that doesn't involve any bloody knees.  I'd love to say I know what my "plan" is but I don't.  I do know that after Ed Schultze our race director says, "Ready.  Set. Go"  I'll start putting one foot in front of the other and I won't stop until I cross that finish line.  I am certain that by the time I get there, I will have figured it all out.