What did I get myself into…

One week until the Tahoe Rim Trail 50 Miler.

During the taper before every race, I start to get into freak-out mode. Currently, it’s in full force and I know that this coming week will be filled with anxiety, excitement, nausea, doubt, and lots of nervous energy.

Have you ever been online shopping in the middle of the night and you end up getting a pair of shoes that seem great when you buy them, but when you wake up in the morning, you know that you’ll never end up wearing them? They’re too tall, or too flashy, or have too much leopard print and you know you won’t have the confidence to actually wear them out in public.

Well, that’s what I did when I signed up for the Tahoe Rim Trail 50 Mile Endurance Run. The guts I had at that fateful early morning hour have long since disappeared. This will be by far the most difficult race I’ve ever done for a few reasons.

1. My training has been mediocre at best.

2. This course has an elevation gain of about 10,000 feet over 50 miles. That’s a lot of feet. And a lot of miles.

3. It all takes place around the Tahoe Rim Trail, which varies between 6,000-9,000 feet in elevation.

No, it’s not as hard as Hardrock100 (which is being run as we speak). Those people are badasses. But TRT is no joke. And I’m starting to freak-out….

So to maintain my sanity during this taper, I’ve been focusing on the simple things.

Spending time with some hairy friends…

 

Trying to eat less of things like these…

 

And more of things like this:

And trying to focus on the fact that I’ve done something like this before:

 

 

 

The hardest part of the taper is knowing that there is nothing left you can do to prepare. The fact that my training has been sup-par makes me more anxious, and I’m trying to focus on getting my head in the game as much as possible. I know that ultra-races tend to be more mental than physical, and that is one aspect I know I’ll have control over. No matter what happens next Saturday, I’ll enjoy a day of beautiful trails overlooking some of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
And on Sunday, I can as much ice cream as I want. 😉

13 thoughts on “What did I get myself into…

  1. I’m so excited for you! Hopefully you have calm weather and can just enjoy the fact that you are willing to try something that most people (including myself) would be terrified of doing!

    • Thanks! I can use all the positive thoughts I can get. Saw your blog. Are you from Malaysia or Singapore? Very cool if so. I have family in both places :)

  2. Love your blog! I’m from the bay area too (hometown of Marin and currently live in Santa Rosa)! I’m super jealous that your doing the rim-2-rim 50miler… that race is def on my bucket list!! I can’t wait to read all about it! If you are ever looking for a running partner hit me up
    -Ali

    • Always nice to meet another Bay Area runner! Do you run trails? You should check out Coastal Trail Runs, they have some awesome races all over the bay. Good way to work your way up to TRT50 next summer :)

      • Heck yes I’ve heard of them. I just haven’t been able to fit any in with my schedule. nd yes.. Trail is my passion! Im only currently running road right now for the SF half. But otherwise going right back to my trails. I need to start pushing my mileage but all my running friends hate trail.. Which is hard; that’s why I’m always looking for to meet new local runners.
        Good luck at your 50miler next week!!!!

        • Thanks, and good luck at SF!! I’d love to do that one someday. I’m in the Fremont area and do some trails around here, but don’t get to explore much. We should meet up at a race sometime!

          • Yes! Love too. Are you runningany of the TNF races in December? I’m debating on either the half or full (which would be my first full)

          • I’m contemplating the 50M, but we’ll see how this one goes! You should definitely do it. The full will be intense but it’ll be a great experience.

  3. Just know that you are an inspiration to me – and I bet you’ll surprise yourself during your run! I’m seriously considering doing the Cowtown Ultramarathon in Fort Worth, TX in February. It’s a 50k (so NOTHING as intense as what you’re doing, but it’s a start!!) and it makes me anxious just thinking about it and I still have 7 months to train. Can’t imagine your anxiety level! Deep breaths, enjoy your taper, and daydream about that nice creamy ice cream :)

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