Saturday 082011

So no running today. 

I will admit I am both calm about tomorrow and nervous about tomorrow.  I am calm because I can see what it really is and what it really means.  Translation – it does not matter, it is a gift that I get to do this and I am still expected to go to work on Monday.

I am nervous because on the edges I have some self imposed expectations in terms of performance.  It makes the most sense for me to let those go, and let the race come to me versus chase down those expectations.  In many regards, this race has become a test for me in self control.  Control in the race of course - (don’t go out too fast, dig when it really hurts), but also self control over myself day in and day out.

Whatever.  I definitely got to see first hand today some strong runners get worked pretty damn hard and so that is on my mind for sure.

Going with racing flats tomorrow – probably a bit light and thin but it has worked for me over the years.  Today it was pretty warm up there.  If it expected to be about the same tomorrow, I am probably going to opt to carry a water bottle.  I have never done that but I am thinking that it could help me in the heat on the down.

Mentally I am ready to be SUPER relaxed through the start tomorrow.  This is a test in discipline.  I have been a guy that feels he needs to bank a bit more time on the bottom because I will lose time on the top.  I still might lose time on the top as I have not been doing much at altitude but I feel I will lose more if I am not careful low.  This will mean that I need to let guys (and gals) go low.

Video from the start

In the big contest, Pittbrownie ran about 18 minutes faster than Amanda.  I guess the good news is that he is off doing Leadville and Transrockies so we don’t need to hear him gloat for a while.

Runcolo has some good videos of the top finishers (glad that Justin edited in some music so my jack ass comments can’t be heard in most of them) and the CoS Gazette has some winner post race interviews.