There are days like yesterday when at least for a minute you have a glimmer of “this is how its suppose to be/feel like” or moreso “this is what I have been working towards”. That meaning, that yesterday just 5 days after probably the most taxing effort I have made in a race (or equal to Mad City), I was able to go for a brilliant 10 mile run, the day after doing a nice easy 8 miler. I am trying not to rush back into it at all and will ease my way into the weekend, but there was no residual soreness or tiredness from the race. I really feel like my training and nutrition has gotten me to this place where the idea of racing 4 times in 2 months seems more and more realistic and that I will be able to put in good efforts at each race.

It is a nice feeling to say the least!

Its been just two days and I am already having withdrawl from my race. I mean, I just wish I was still out there running along those beautiful ridges, experiencing that. It was truly an awesome event, great people, great support. The altitude was a welcome and tough challenge. The elevation gains and loses were a beautiful test and the competition was fierce. If you want a glimpse of the course check out this link: http://www.tahoerimtrail.org/TRTVideo/trtshowForInternet.html

Truly one of the best racing experiences to date! I can’t wait to get up to Seattle to be able to experience similar courses, terrain and beautiful scenery! Life is good. And better yet, my AMS (acute mountain sickness) i.e. headache and nausea from altitude have subsided and even better than that, my legs feel awesome!

Finally, after about two months I am all set to race again. A week ago Sunday I did my final long run on the Headlands course again and bested my previous weeks run by 17/secs per mile. Sweet. Needlesstosay, I was able to tuck into my taper week comfortably. I ran about 60 miles last week, including a “short” long run on Tam of 14 miles.

There of course were the usual taper week doubts and heavy legs, but I am starting to recognize the “symptoms” and just let it go. I am very excited for Saturday because I am excited for the challenge of 1) 50 miles on trail which I haven’t done & 2) altitude. Here is where I get to have another real test. But I think every race I run is a major test. Every course & distance has something new to challenge with. I look forward to that hungrily.

It was a great week though. I had a major breakthrough in my own consciousness a bit more than a week ago that translates roughly to: I am moving back to Seattle. It is a long and complicated journey that has allowed me to arrive at this decision and I can say, I couldn’t be more thrilled. It is much to much to explain here, for now, but it is the most positive, amazing, exciting thing for me. I cannot wait to hit the trails in the Cascades and Olympics! I cannot wait to meet up and run with some of the fantastic runners from Seattle Running Company (whose team I am hoping to join). I am just floating in the moment and it is such a nice feeling…

So as for the rest of this week pre-race? Eat, sleep, run, relax, and enjoy!