Countdown to the TransRockies Run!

Based on the feedback from my last post, we are all crazy for running like we do, we don’t care that anyone thinks we’re nuts and we plan to keep running well into old age because it is better than harvesting a beer belly and watching TV. It keeps us sane and makes us feel powerful, productive and strong.

What I am fascinated by is the number of you who swear by pizza the night before a race! Man, my body must be screwed up. The first time I really crapped my pants in a race I had Old Chicago’s Pizza and two Bass Ales the night before. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t an all out mess, but enough to call it gross. Sometimes major amounts of cheese and me don't agree. I learned my lesson on that one.

Oh, the excitement and the NERVES!  The countdown is on. About 36 hours from now I will be running out of the small mountain town of Buena Vista, Colorado with Dean Karnazes for the first stage of the Gore-Tex TransRockies Run. I will be giggling like as school girl all a-twitter (at least that’s what Shana said I should do). I will be trying to act like I’m not tired as we head up the first 7 mile stretch which goes from 8,000 feet to 9,300 feet. What do you think we’ll talk about? I’ll probably ask some really dumb questions like, “OMG!! Like, how do you run so far??” I could be like the late Chris Farley in those Saturday Night Live skits where he interviews celebrities: “Hey Dean. Remember that time when you ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days? That was so AWESOME!!”

After the initial 7 mile climb, it’s 13.4 miles of ups and downs (literally and figuratively) to the finish.

Here are some pictures from last year’s Stage One (source). Looks pretty amazing to me. The forecast is in the 80s and there is very little shade on this course. Between that and the climbing, I might cry a little.

     

Here’s what I know:

• Check points with fruit, sport’s drink, power bars and water every 7 miles. Tequila shots and full body rubdowns would also be nice.
• Last year Dean broke several ribs on day three. He powered through the next couple of days, but was unable to finish the race.
• Last year Dean ran with Helen Cospolich, who is quite the dynamo. She won the Leadville 100 trail race in 2008 if that gives you any idea. Dean referred to her as “Sherpa Helen.” They finished the first day (20.4 miles) in 3:25. I know. Insane. There will be absolutely no comparison between Sherpa Helen and I. Except that we both have lady parts.
• On this race, you are only as fast as your partner. Poor Dean.
• A professional film crew and photographers will be document the race. That night we’ll have a slideshow and awards ceremony with a dinner cooked at the camp (fajitas and rice with pine nuts, I think).
• Dean says he will be posting nightly on his blog about the days of the race. So check in on Sunday night for his perspective. I will try to write my story the next day if I can type.
• The family will see me off at the start and will be waiting at the finish. Man, will be glad to see them! I will carry the good luck charm from Emma the whole way. I will carry your thoughts and support with me because you’ve been so generous with those. 

Now all I need is a snazzy new running shirt to show my curves.

If you want to wish me luck (again) now’s the time. I could use it. Hopefully I’ll have some great stories to relay back to you next week!