Pikes Peak or Bust

Tomorrow I will drive to the Summit of Pikes Peak for the 7th or 8th, or maybe 9th time this summer.  It'll be the last time I get there without my own two feet, heart and lungs doing all the work.  Last trip up, Megan and I saw a herd of mountain goats - 23 or so of them and at least half a dozen little goats, I guess they'd be called kids. 

I think I know the trail up there well enough.  I hope I know it well enough.  Will all those miles up top make a difference when I turn around and head down powered by a fatigued body and momentum?  Everyone says those first 6 miles on the way back down are pretty awesome - heart rate goes down, you get more and more oxygen as you descend - those are the words that convinced me to try this crazy race.  

I've been thinking about the race in four segments so I don't psyche myself out.  Talked to someone today who has finished it 8 times - that's what he does - think about it as four races.

1.  7 miles up to Barr Camp

2.  6 miles to the Summit

3.  6 miles back to Barr Camp

4.  7 miles to the finish

I can do those segments.  And I'll have Jane and Dad at the top with encouragement and food. And then it's all downhill.  Besides, I've done the uphill before!  And that was before I was running marathons.  So really, there's nothing to be worried about.

So the miles on top were good, hopefully my red blood cell count has gone WAY up.  I have to think the tempo and interval runs at the bottom of the trail have helped too.  In fact, I'm sure they've helped take away that lead-like feeling I've had in my legs the last month or so.  

So all I have to do know is put it all together, keep a cool head and just enjoy.  Afterall, it's all on the trail that's in my backyard!  What better place to be for 7 hours - give or take!?

Oh, and it's my first marathon in the state of CO.  Go big or go home, I guess!