AM – walked with TZ for a couple of miles. Thought about running after that, but then decided that I didn’t need it, and had breakfast with the fam. Was only going to be three miles anyway. So not much for the body anyway – more for the head.
I expect to head down to the Manitou area tonight – probably getting there around seven, find a way to the summit in the AM to watch the race finish. I will then look to spend the afternoon pretty quiet – giving a little bit (maybe 2, 3 minutes) of thought as to how I will approach this. Mostly what I need to think about is the strategies or things I will call on when I hit a rough spot. There will be rough spots for sure. How I choose to react to them has downstream implications.
Still need to pack and get gels, etc.
Some of these polls are not officially closed yet … but I think we got the idea on most. Plus – they are polls. The beauty of our sport is that we have to run the race! For what it is worth – I voted in NONE of these polls.
Men’s PPA: the last 24 hours has been a zoo in determining who is in this race. Siemers out, King out, Randall in, Aish out, King in, Randall out, blah, blah. Looks to be a good race in any case. The crowd heavily favors Macias – but the question is if his 62 half leaves him a bit too fried. Does Rickey’s CDR catch up with him? Is Max holding back for TransRockies or worked from SZ? Does Randall show up and take it out at some crazy ass pace and then folks blow up – setting up for a come from behind victory by one of the lesser vote getters?
The race is expected to be fast, but Carpenter’s off the chart record stays in the stratosphere.
Women’s PPA: Everybody likes Dobson, but there are a few nods to former champ Goldsmith. But also, Bjorklund’s CR stands.
Men’s PPM: with Carpenter exercising his right to enter late in the game (as a former champ), few people are willing to bet against him. A solid time is expected – but with it in the 3:40-3:50 time frame, it could be a closer race than the polls can reflect.
PPM Women: I confess, I know little about this field – or the least when compared to the others. Not a ton of votes here either, and hence no clear stand out in the polls. It appears to be a three lady race between Petzold, Kunkel and … well, somebody I did not name! I did not do a poll for the speed of this race, but it is typically won in 4:30 to 5 hours. Some have suspected (verbally) a shot at the CR here, but I can’t see it falling this year.
PPM Masters Men: my category, on my blog so I get the charity votes at this point. I appreciate the confidence in what people think I can do – but I am not nearly as confident as they are! Some may call that sandbagging, but I have a fair idea as to what this body can do on any given day. I like JV or Brad in this category – but they may sneak into the top ten … and maybe allowing me such an honor.
Brownie vs. Amanda: Perhaps in the most important poll …slight nod to Amanda on this one, but that might be because Brownie voted only 23 times. Hoping to tweet the results on this sometime before 10 AM tomorrow.
Assuming I get up on the hill tomorrow, I will be tweeting results, pix as I can to www.twitter.com/georgezack .
To all racing Pikes, Leadville, and Transrockies … LIVE IT.
Damn dude, the pressure is on. I hardly thought about this race at all, until August snuck up on me and since then, thoughts of it have completely taken over. I'm really pumped to stand on the start line and run this with you and so many other great competitors. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteHeads up to those coming from the North (of the Springs) - wildfire growing in the foothills just West of I-25 / South of Monument / North of the Academy (near Mt Herman). I-25 is at a stand still. Take Hwy 83
ReplyDeleteUgh. Thanks for the update Craig. I was going to head out here in about an hour but now I may wait until later tonight.
ReplyDeleterubberneckers on I-25 - fire is miles away from it. kktv.com has it streaming live and shows I-25 every now and then. Some areas are moving okay but as "rush hour" gets closer - traffic really will pack up. Looks like Nth bound is really stacked, havn't seen South bound for a while but expect it is not going to be getting any better any time soon.
ReplyDeleteUpdate for ya GZ - traffic seems to be getting back into the flow - your call, but I think delays will be minimal.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great race day. I'll be on the road to the 4 Corners but it will be fun to check in throughout the weekend. Go get 'em.
ReplyDeleteCharity votes -- like you need it. Anyway, Carpenter might go off-course, you never know, depends on how well they mark it ;)
If Carpenter goes off course there has been a huge earth quake.
ReplyDelete