I had really hoped I wouldn't be the case study of "How Not To Prepare for the Ascent" and I even want to think I'm not. But, I'm ever so near the edge on this one. Not only have I enjoyed two low mileage vacations (see photo of me sitting, not running), I've also gotten sick enough to go to the doctor (which I NEVER do) and took longer to recover than I expected. 

Yesterday, after flying back from Nashville, TN and speeding to a Board meeting, I laced up the running shoes and plodded home. It was a mellow pace. I took in the scenery and let my visit to Tennessee sink in. I appreciated what our Colorado Springs community has to offer all over again. And I slowly woke up and shook out my lethargic tree-trunk-legs. 

I also tallied the pros and cons I have going into the (hardest run of my life) Ascent:

Pros:

• I've climbed thirty-four 14ers and some of those at a pretty quick pace.
• This season I've climbed two 14ers, giving me some high altitude time.
• I have base miles on my legs.
• I'm mentally strong and I know how to hurt.
• I got stronger with each lap of the Summer Roundup, PRing the climb on my 3rd lap.

Cons:

• I feel overweight (life-long state of affairs)
• I rarely run fast.          
• I haven't previewed the course.
• Do I have enough base miles on my legs? - doubt it.
• Am I mentally strong enough?
• I LIKE BEER! Lots and lots of beer.

As we close in on the big day, I know I'm off the rigorous training schedule I was keeping before GOG 10 Mile. But, I also know I can hold my own out there and do a bang-up job if I just keep moving.

My goal is a sub-5 hour Ascent! We can entertain getting fast in later years. For now, I'll enjoy running with all the old men. Some of them smell real nice.