Taper Time!

Taper is a funny time. Sure, there's less running, which is usually good, because you're tired from all the training and you need a bit of a rest, but then your mind starts to work overtime... Wait, is that a twinge in that muscle? Well, good thing I have a massage with Lauren on Friday! How's the weather looking now in Sylacauga? Do I have x, y, z, abcd ready? Better write that down! Have they changed our flight times? Can I get all my gear into my suitcase? I'm excited! I'm scared! Am I ready? I'll just look back at my training log to remember all the time and miles I've put in. But should I have done e, f, g, h? I'll just look at the runner's manual and elevation profile to review things... oh wait, on the FB page it says that climb at mile 70 has 14 switchbacks.... That's OK, I like climbing... But seriously, 100 miles is a long way... what the f*&k was I thinking?!? Obviously, my brain is like a runaway train these days, which isn't much different than how it usually is, but still, nothing like the taper to make things a little extra edgy just for fun ;)

All that said, Monday involved stopping for an extra cup of coffee on the way to work. There was no running involved.

Foggy Mondays require extra coffee

7 Days of Black and White (7/7)

Monday, I also got a text from John asking if I wanted another crew member. I honestly hadn't asked anyone other than Ryan to accompany me to this race because it's a lot of time and money for a friend to put into a race that isn't theirs, and well, Ryan is just stuck with me so he has to ;) But John was insistent and he found a good flight and Ryan was relieved beyond measure that he wasn't going to have to figure out the logistics of crewing solo plus getting the car to the finish line and getting a ride back to the aid station to pace me for 30 miles, and it's always fun to have friends around during ultras, so, John is in! And thus, a small, crazy crew is born :) Am I a lucky girl or what?! I am truly blessed to have such great friends!!

Tuesday dawned warm (60+ degrees in late October, and you're telling me there is no global warming?!) and muggy. Ran the cart paths and with no moon or starshine today, it was murky, misty, foggy darkness the whole run. Saw two fox on hole #1 and a number of sets of eyes in the woods between holes 5 and 6. Wasn't quite sure what they were, but they weren't moving, and when I took a look back a few steps later, I realized it was several deer bedded down on the forest floor. They were unperturbed by my presence, apparently. It was both kind of neat and creepy how their eyes glow in the headlamp light. (6.0 miles)

Wednesday, the alarm went off and I could hear the rain pounding on the skylights and the wind whipping, and I decided, no way, and went back to sleep. See, taper is good for something ;)

It was still raining on Thursday morning, but there was nothing to do except get out and run anyway. At least it was a warm rain. 60+ degrees again... weird. I ran the cart paths minus holes 1 and 2, and for a dark, foggy, wet morning, had some pretty good sightings. Saw six deer (2 sets of 3 on different holes), one trundling porcupine, and best of all, a beautiful spotted salamander out along Highland Green Road. I stopped to watch him for a bit and then realizing he was going to try to cross the street, scooped him up with some leaves and got him across the pavement, as it would have been a shame for him to get smooshed. Boy, was he cool! What a great sighting!! Totally made my day and it was only 6:00 am :) (5.1 miles)

Spotted salamander

Safely across the street