Racing Weight

First ultra-marathon in 2 days!  The weather for Saturday looks great, a high of 18 degrees and sunny.  Probably a little warm but I won’t be going that fast so shouldn’t be an issue.  It’s going to be cold for the 6am start (probably 5 degrees) so I’m planning to wear an extra layer and probably thin gloves for the first 20km lap.

Also, I hit my goal racing weight, which is a miracle.  I weighed in at 179.5 pounds, and my goal was to get under 180.  I didn’t employ the same maniacal diet and fasting regime as I did before the Ironman last year so am surprised that I was able to hit racing weight, but I’ll take it.

I have all my gear, nutrition and first aid picked out and ready to go.  It’s going to be a painful 3am wakeup on Saturday morning so I want everything to be simple so I can cruise on auto-pilot until the start of the race.

Despite what I previously said I may listen to music for laps 2 and 3.  I’m still not sure, but I remember the mind-numbing monotony of the marathon at the end of the Ironman and it may be nice to have music.  Christina and Paul are joining as pacers for lap 4 (km 60-80) so that will be fun.

I feel prepared, but I know that all hell could break loose on Saturday.  As this is my first ultra it is going to be a grand experiment to see if I can deal with the issues proactively – blisters, cramping, fatigue, bonking, dehydration, hyponatremia, mountain lions (in Ancaster?) and whatever else.

I’ll post a race report early next week, will be interesting to find out if I’m tapered and peaking, or have grossly underestimated the demands of a 80km trail ultra.

Ready to go!  Almost as much gear as an Ironman.

A nice day before the ultra, rest and compression!