Two races into the season thus far (a fourth and a first in age group), both road races.
The first big trail race is under two weeks away. I recently visited a big local state park with wild scenic trails, to get practice on trails similar to what I will race in a few weeks.
I know this park fairly well, I’m thinking as I drive there. I’ve looked at it on the Alltrails website, so I know what’s where. I’ve been there, so I think I’m sure I know the terrain.
Turned out I was wrong. Things have changed. And I managed to compound the issue by ignoring those very helpful signs. You know, the ones that say things like Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert.
That’s right. I just pretended it was going to be fine. And in the end, it was. The choice of an expert trail run was probably the wrong idea, but it was good practice. Wrong because it was longer and harder than I expected and it was stupid hot out there. Right because I faced a tough run and got through it. Right because I plan to go back this weekend for one final trail practice and bring extra water. And exact change for the entry fee to the park. Apologies to the nice lady at the front gate for handing her a $20 right off first thing in the morning.
I have long believed that if you face the worst imaginable in training, then nothing that happens in competition will surprise you or take you out. So I will be out on the tough trail next week. Meanwhile, things are good, knees are doing fine and the body is overall holding up well, considering its relative age.
Old Is Serious...Aging Is Hilarious 