My Mini Camp

Yes, I disappeared.

When I got back from Colorado/Wyoming I sat back and let life happen. I didn't know if I was coming or going, I didn't know if I was washing or hanging out.

I put blogging on the way back burner.

Quite frankly, I didn't have much to say. I did not know if I was going to Western States, and not going there would have meant an early retirement. The Rocky Mountain Double had asked more questions than it answered. Yes, I finished. Yes it's at altitude. No, my foot didn't hurt. But I was so slow. The question begged, can I finish a 100-mile mountain event in their time frame? Honestly, as Chase and I held off the only two people behind us in that race, I thought, no I probably can't finish that race. Sure, I told myself there is value in trying even if you don't believe you are going to succeed, but that couldn't make me plop down another $500 bucks for plan-fare, hotels and a car.

A couple of more miserable runs in Tampa's heat gave me no answers.

Then, after a Sunday run at Flatwoods 9 days ago, bam! I ran effortlessly. Yes, our pace was slower, but those 15 miles with no trace of pain made my decision. Farge-N-A, I'm going! I came home made plane reservations, lined up the awesome June Leland as crew, signed Dr. Frank up as a pacer, let's hope he doesn't drink too much and become High Sierra in the High Sierra's! (that was for you SuperDave!)

Well, that 15 miles turned in to 119 in miles in 8 days. On our overnight run on Friday night my buddy, Andy Barrett, told me, "I haven't see you run like that in over a year!" Andy, I haven't run like that in over a year. Don't get me wrong, many of those 119 miles of my mini-camp have been a struggle, but for the most part I feel like me again, not that whiny punk that inhabited my body since the Slam came crashing down at Leadville last year.

I am confident enough in a Western States finish that tomorrow, I'll post the process to follow me along the route!

Thanks for bearing with me, and it's damn good to be back, damn good!