Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Western States Training Run


Nearly to the top of Robie Point I see a shadow pass quietly around my own. I looked up, vultures. Suddenly I feel like a runner living in a Far Side cartoon.


I survived the three training runs and feel as though it was like getting a doctoral degree on the course. Not only did I get some serious heat training in (90+ F) but we got to run the canyons from Robinson Flat to the finish in Auburn CA over the three days. Between running the course and talking to past participants I feel I'm in great shape for the run. Now I just need to break it all down and set up the plan.

I'll expand more on the whole experience but I'm recovering from 24+ hours of driving and 70 miles of running so I'm a bit knackered.

I've got lots of pictures that I will include in my next post. Feet are good, legs are good, and a healthy respect for the course has been firmly implanted in my brain. Now all I need to do is use my brain when I run!

15 comments:

aquaasho said...

My God you are so positive Eric, you should teach that to people (I suppose you do with this blog!) I didn't realise Americans used the word "Knackered"! I thought it was an Irish thing!
Sounds like everything is going brilliantly for you - keep it up!!

Wes said...

LOL. The only people I've heard use the word "knackered" are my down under girls :-) So cool! Sounds like a great confidence building weekend. I'm not sure how much more you can hold! Nicely done Eric! You are going to kick bootay!!

wendy said...

Oh, Eric. Can't you make it sound the least bit painful??? I mean, seriously, WS training run? That just sounds scary to me.

Seriously, I'm sure you were Mr. Social out there, and of course you have lots of pics, and I'm sure you have lots of pics with your huge smile! =)

Congrats on getting another step closer to the goal - you're going to rock the run!

Journey to a Centum said...

I'll admit my use of the term "knackered" comes from Thomas in Ireland. It sounds so much better than "kicked my ass" or "butt was dragging". I'm still knackered, but one has to make a living so I'm out on the road visiting customers today. I'll probably try for a run this afternoon in the heat of the day. We may break or tie our record high temp. for the area of 87 F set 21 years ago. OH BOY!

Gotta Run..... said...

More photos... looking forward to seeing the.

Rest those legs!!! That is some kind of miles in 3 days. Yikes!!

Olga said...

I am so-o going to miss this year's party and envy you!!!!
You'll be fine. And you know it too.

Jon said...

70 miles in three days. Did you go really slow to take it all in or did you treat any of those days or sections as a speedy downhill run since most of the course I understand is downhill...WAY DOWNHILL...

King Arthur said...

I'm glad it was not as mild as they thought it would be. That 90 degrees was the best thing that could've happened. I look forward to reading more.

Anonymous said...

It's all coming together. Sorry your call was dropped the other day. Rest up and I am eager to hear more on Thursday.

Anonymous said...

Happy, happy news!

Meghan
www.running-blogs.com/meghan

Anonymous said...

wow, what a cool experience.

Ben, aka BadBen said...

Eric,

It was nice meeting you and running with you. It was cool when we figured out that we worked in the same Salt Mine in Spokompton oh-so-many-years-ago. I haven't thought about some of those names in quite a while.

I'll see you at CCC100.

Happy trails,
Bad Ben

Tony C said...

OK Eric, I've been patient ... now WHERE ARE THE PICTURES?

I'm envious of your heat training. We are getting some strange heat here but nothing like we'll get on June 23rd.

I keep thinking this when I come to you blog but forget to say something so I'll do so while I'm thinking of it. The race starts at 5:00 am not 6. I don't want you to be late.

*tc

runliarun said...

The plan, the plan!

Unknown said...

You have seen what's ahead and I know that you will be ready and will succeed. Keep your eyes on the prize!

Don't let the pavement sidetrack you. Be one with the trails.