trying to wrap my head around what I need to have//bring for my race this weekend.    Plan is to get up and walk/jog the dogs for a couple of miles.

Qotd: hmmm...oh George posted one...for the most part new races..the races are so expensive that after paying to run it, I can go back later and just run the trail again for free.  I would do a favorite again if a good group is going.

Hey Queenie... feel free to ask questions. Is your race point to point, big loop, out/back, multiple loops? Key things besides fuel are to have dry clothes, mostly a mix of short sleeve/long sleeve tops based on the weather, cap and gloves if there is a chance of cold, lights and extra batteries, and spare socks. Honestly I try to avoid changing shoes if possible. Socks too unless the feet are suffering.

Anyway, might take a day off from running today, then again might not. I think remnants of Florence are passing this way tonight and tomorrow. I will hit the gym for usual nonsense at lunch.

This weekend, I did a 5+ mile doggie joggie with the Lady out at French Creek. It was warm, so looped around both lakes and had plenty of stops for the Lady to cooldown. The lower lake, Hopewell was pretty crowded with hikers, and the Lady insisted on being admired by many of them. Yesterday, steady state run on the flat rail trail. Felt pretty decent, managed about 9 minute pace for the 9 miles out back. Used to run this under 70 minutes regularly, now goal is to break 80.

QOTD: I am not racing much these days, outside of short local races a few times here and there to force myself to do a workout. I have tended to fall in a pattern to do the same race multiple times, with the occasional new race here or there. I've done Laurel Highlands 5 times, Whispering Pine 4 times, and few others multiple times.

Ran a tempo this morning even though I was supposed to be resting. I rested this weekend. Actually, I was just mad all weekend because my routine was totally messed up by having to go to birthday party Friday night and then to pick up the girls and go grocery shopping on Saturday. I hate to be obligated to do something on a weekend.

QOTD: I like to run something different, but I have been pretty regular at a few races over the years, either crewing or running. I think new is better.

No running and no lifting today. Can't remember the last time I did no on-purpose exercise for a whole day.

QOTD: I race about once a year. I've done the Ironmasters 50k the past couple years and will likely make that an annual thing. I like and know the course and I can judge my time one year compared to another. I'm also planning on the StoneMill 50 miler, but we'll see if I'm still in after the Steamtown marathon in a few weeks.

Hi all, Got in 4 speedy miles on the biker-hiker trail last night. It's been hard to hit the dirt lately. Our county park trails are still closed. Will slip down to rock creek this afternoon for some hills there.

I, too, am doing Stone Mill! But at an aid station. GC and Jamie-- hope to see you both pass thru. Usually at the AS around mile 17 or 18, but we can chat when it gets near.

qotd: Both. How is that for a non-answer? I try to add new ones each year, but I also have a few that I really like to run almost every year.

Typical SRD Monday for me.

Tapering is fun.  I'll slowly get a shopping list together for any food I want to bring, will pack the drop bags next weekend. My run is a point-to-point and I guess I put a bag every 25 miles plus stuff to change into at the finish.  I'll catch the bus from the finish back to the car at the start afterwards.

Queen:  just PM me if you have any questions.

Bert-o:  sorry to hear about the accident, glad you're ok.

qotd: I do some local shorter races every once in a while (although this year will be my 14th time doing the Houston marathon). For 100 milers my plan has always been one-and-done like AT. Unless I DNF, then I try go back and get the finish.  I have 3 DNFs; Leadville which I went back and finished the following year, Hardrock which I am still trying to get back in to (The Bear is a qualifier), and Mt Fuji in Japan which I don't think I'll get back to (I had signed up to do it a 2nd time but got transferred back the the US before the race date).

 me like..... Unfortunately the last drop bag is 30 miles before the finish!   I think that's a wee bit too soon. But maybe the last aid station can help me out. 

Rest day

 

QOtd: without major travel, I usually end up doing the same races. Next year I would like go back to Superior and do it again.

 

Oh free advise to Queen day. Cool, I got one

stash a beer in your last drop bag. When your tired, dehydrated, puking on your shoes, and feeling like there is no possible way your going to make the last 15 miles, crack that bad boy open, sit down and enjoy. Time you get to the bottom you’ll be feelin better.

Thanks for the advice all...I have been googling and reading RR from this race Mountain Lakes 100   and getting ideas.    The course is a dumbbell...a 26mile loop to the s/f and a drop bag/crew, then a straight 29 to drop bag and crew, 18 around the lake, back to drop bag and then 30 to finish.  So I will only have 2 drop bags.

Sandy my weather should be 53/34 rain Friday and Monday so chance are I may get wet.  Last year, the first loop was covered in snow.   May happen again. 

XT:  Thanks cold is my main concern.  In case of snow on the first loop I will change shoes and socks after first 26.  Any maybe 2 pairs of socks to change at 55 and 70 if needed. Looking at your picture I think you may have changed your socks a little more.     now just talking aloud.  I am also going to wear a puffy jacket in the middle of the night.

Dr Jamie:  Yes going to keep that in mind...no GPS, and just remind myself I am out here for 28 hours...I also am digging audio books and have downloaded a few.

AT:  Timothy Lake will be completely dark...but I did run by it on the Mt Hood 50.  I am guessing I will get to my second drop bag around mid night so that's good advice about bringing the coat early.

MT:  Thanks will carry 2 headlamps...was thinking if they had new batteries they would last the night, but no have spares?

Anyone...do you think poles will help me the last 30 which I did 10 miles of and there were some climbs on it.  I have only ran with poles once...so would they just be a detriment.

May rain...would you buy a running rain jacket?  I heard they really don't keep you dry.