Go Time.

"Your toughness is made up of equal parts persistence and experience. You don't so much outrun your opponents as outlast and outsmart them, and the toughest opponent of all is the one inside your head." - Joe Henderson

If you are reading this then you probably know that I was diagnosed with a tibial stress fracture 3 and a half months ago.  At that time, I had already registered for AC100, and it was my A race for 2011.  I vowed at that time to come back from that injury stronger and faster than I was when I injured myself.  I figured that if I couldn't train in the mountains, I would do everything I could to prepare myself for when I could.

After 5 weeks without running, I slowly began running again.  First with 2 miles around a track, then 3 miles on the road.  I did 2 Miles the first week.  12 the next.  I wanted to run in the mountains and train hard again but I was afraid of re-injuring myself.  Finally, I felt like I needed to make a decision, so I talked to my coach, Jimmy Dean Freeman, and my doc, Chris Tosh.  Jimmy told me that I was bound to get injured running ultras, so that I should accept that and proceed with caution - but proceed with training again.  Chris told me that if it was still broken that I would know, and that I could run again.  I wiped the phantom pain from my mind

I had about 6 weeks before the race to train from that date.  I ran as much as Jimmy told me, and I rested.  I cross trained when I didn't run.

Descending between Chilao and Shortcut - Photo by Annie

I am now in what I believe to be the best shape I've ever been in, and in less than 72 Hours I will be running my first 100 mile race.

I can't believe how the time has passed.  I can't put into words the amount of excitement and anxiety I've experienced over the last month.  The last few weeks have gone by so incredibly fast.

I have done everything that I could do to prepare myself for this race.  Mentally and Physically, I feel strong.  I have given myself the best possible opportunity to have a good race.  Annie has supported me and helped me tremendously to prepare, and I would be far more stressed out this week if it wasn't for her help.  My mind is a mess, and I have the attention span of a hummingbird.

I guess I just wanted to document these feelings so that I won't forget.  I have wanted to do this race since I learned about it, and it is here now.  I have the best crew and pacers that I could ever want- as if I were given 6 number one draft picks- and I have no doubt that I will have all of the support that I need.

I am just so thankful to be alive, and to have this opportunity.  To be able to run.  To be able to have this experience.  Regardless of what happens this weekend, the race has already been a success because of what the last 8 months of training has taught me about myself.  It has already been a success because of the generosity of the people who helped me to raise so much money for the LA Youth Network.  I cannot wait to toe the line in Wrightwood.  I will run with all my heart, for myself and for all of you who have given me the love, support and encouragement that has helped to get me to this point.