Taper Time! Oh how time files when you’re having fun! I can’t believe race day(s) are almost here!

Here’s what I’ve been up to – Last weekend I spent some time on Elbert. I initially started up the southeast ridge which had a little more elevation gain and mileage than the popular northeast ridge. Once I finally found the trailhead I realized I damn near the only person on the trail! I got about two miles up before I noticed some nasty looking weather rolling in. I decided it probably wasn’t all that smart to be on an isolated trail by myself, so I ran back down and headed toward Leadville to jump on the northeast ridge and get a few more hours on my feet before the storm hit. Once I finally got to the second trailhead, I made pretty good time. I got within a mile of the summit after only an hour of climbing before it started raining and I turned back so I could live to climb another mountain. Then I headed into Leadville to wait for my friends and handsome husband to get into town. Can I just say, Leadville is pretty freaking sweet (that was the first time I had been there!).  All in all, the weekend went pretty well.

This past Friday I played hooky and headed up the Peak for the ever-dreaded 3-2-1.  It was a gorgeous day and not the busy on the mountain. This was the first, and most likely the last 3-2-1 I will get in before the race unfortunately. The good news is, I felt pretty good in comparison to the last 3-2-1 of the season last summer. One hiker even called me a machine on my 3^rd of 4^th time passing him. Machine huh? I’m not a machine, I’m  just a Sheva…but its nice to know I didn’t look like I was dying, which is how I remember feeling last summer. I haven’t looked at my splits yet, but I am anxious to see how the times compare to last year’s 3-2-1. I was feeling pretty fatigued by the end energy wise those. I feel like I did a decent job of hydrating, I just needed more fuel. Saturday I ran Mt. Muscoco, which went surprisingly well considering my late start and tired legs. Sunday I planned to do and A-Frame and back up run…but I once again got a late start and the line for the Pikes Peak Highway was backed up past the North Pole! Ain’t nobody got time for that! In a pissed off, frazzeled frenzy I headed over to Ute Pass Trail. Ugh. Firstly, it was Sunday, and by now about 8:30/9 so the whole Incline area was in general a cluster f$%#! I loathe the incline and that whole generally vicinity when its crowded! Secondly, it was soooo hot! I got a handful of miles in on Ute Pass Trail and called it quits. I was surprisingly satisfied with the sheer fact that I made myself get out of bed and run even though I was sore and tired.

My main focus/goals this weekend were to test out running on my ‘tired legs’ some more and mentally prepare. I know the moments when I want to quit (especially during the marathon) are going to arise, so I figured I had might as well mentally rehearse them.  I tried to visualize those scenarios and what I would say to my stubborn self to keep pressing on. I came away from this weekend with my mental game feeling strong. :)

This week I will be focusing on making sure my hydration, nutrition and sleep stay on point until the race. I am also focusing on my clothing, my race nutrition and hydration game plan (pre, during, and post) and my post Ascent recovery plan. I know nutrition and hydration are going to essential to me being able to pull off a successful double!  One thing I am struggling with is letting go of wanting to beat my last year’s Ascent time!  My goal for the Ascent this year SHOULD  be to take is easy and just finish, nothing crazy, that way I still have something left to give to the Marathon… #thestruggleisreal :)