I remember in high school before a race I'd do anything to keep my mind off the upcoming race. Now I feel like all I can do is think about the Garden of the Gods 10 Mile.

I'm excited. My biggest concern is over sleeping!

It's going to be a great challenge to see what I can get my body to do.

Here's my strategy: Run to win the prize. OK that's a bit overzealous on the surface - and unrealistic when inspected in light of my lack of race experience since 1994. But my prize is anything sub 1:30. Secretly (not anymore I suppose) I want something in the lower 1:20's.

I have to say that I got rattled on Friday when I ran into Connilee Walter at the packet pickup. Her take on the GOG 10 is, "It's harder than the Ascent."

"NO WAY," I said.

"I think so," she said. "The competition is more intense and the course is rough."

The more I think about it... I haven't heard many people say that their goal for the 10 miler is "just to finish." we all have a prize we're running for.

So, more specifically, I'm going out conservatively knowing that I am the kind of guy that could look up at mile 3 and realize my tank is running on empty because I've been pounding out 6:35 miles - then end up walking the next 7 miles to finish in 2:29. That's not happening tomorrow. I'll know I've run my race if:
1. I'm there when the starters pistol pops (rather than racing through stop signs and rying my shoes in the car.
2. My last mile is about the same pace as my first ( dare I hope for faster?).
3. I'm smiling at the finish!

Hope to see you there. Can't wait to get back into racing after so long away!