After looking through past times from the Leona Divide 50 miler out in SoCal I can't help but be A) Intimidated by the amazing athletes out there, and 2) surprised by some crazy fast times. They advertise around 9,000ft of climbing, but with some of the times I've seen I can't help but think it's gotta be less than than 9K. Then again I keep hearing stories of what a "runnable" course it is and how well "groomed" the PCT is.
No matter what happens, it's gonna be some beautiful PCT running. I won't ever complain about some miles on the PCT.
As for my training I've had some very solid weeks building up. Week before last I logged around 60 miles, then last week I logged 70 miles with a great little 22 miler on trails. No bad runs in the two week stretch so that leaves me hopeful. I'm trying something new where I build all the way till the Monday before the race, then taper hard. This week I've only gotten in a 5 miler yesterday, so the recovery is hopefully coming along from the 70 miles last week.
As for goals there are a bunch. My dream goal if sub 8. That's what I think I'm capable of if everything went perfectly and the climbing doesn't get too me too bad. Again, it really depends on the climbing aspect of the race.
Sub 8:20 is my second goal. That's a sub 10:00/mile pace. Definitely doable. No completely unrealistic.
I'll be happy with a new 50 mile PR which is a sub 9:18:54 which was at Rocky. A MUCH flatter course. Then again if I'm that close to sub 9 I'd like a sub 9.
I've been training pretty hard and consistently so I'd love to have a great race. I'm hopefully flying out this morning, meeting some friends, and heading out to Lake Hughes to stay with a friends parents. It's worked out AMAZING because they live literally a few minutes from the race start. Doesn't get much better than that.
I won't be able to update the blog after the race but I will post up to my Facebook with my results. As always, no matter what unfolds out there on the PCT I'll be getting to run on some beautiful trails on a beautiful part of the world with some incredible runners. Doesn't get much better than that.
See ya on the flip side.
_Jacob_
Good luck this weekend. I will see you there. I hope the course is as "runnable" as the times show. Have a good one.
ReplyDelete-Seth
Getcha some! 8:20 is a challenging goal, you will need things to go well for that and you can do it! I predict sub 8:30 for sure... I had a blast out there and hope you do to!
ReplyDeleteLynn
Good luck tomorrow! I wouldn't be surprised if you come out of it with your sub-8.
ReplyDelete