Decisions

I've decided a few things.

I don't think I'm going to do any triathlons this year.  I am really, really getting in to running, thinking about ultra distances, focused on my feet.  I feel as though I might lose some of that focus if I were to be taking on biking and (especially) swimming.  I would think a regular yoga practice would be all the cross training that I need.  I reserve the right to change my mind on this one.  

I am going go back to my Saucony's for Sunday's race.  The Asics are comfortable enough as they go, but I have noticed that my feet and calves, especially on the left, are much more prone to cramping and having odd little aches and pains with the Asics.  This has lessened, though for sure continued, after I took out those inserts.  Though this issue is usually only present in the first couple of miles, it is entirely absent with the Saucony's.  I'll keep the Asics, they're really not that far off, but when I've put the requisite 400 or whatever milage on them, I think I'm done with 'em.  The Saucony's have never bothered me a bit, I only bought the Asics on recommendation of a running shoe salesperson and, well, the Saucony's have never bothered me a bit.

Even though there's aid stations at every mile (that's a lot of aid stations!), I am going to carry my handheld with me.  I always carry water with me, even on little 3 milers, and am used to sipping when I want, where I want.  I see no reason to change this.

I am going to have a great time on Sunday, and will finish the distance (barring any kind of injury, that is) -- even though my training hasn't necessarily been right on target.  I've slacked, I've skipped runs, I dismissed almost any suggestion of speedwork.  I have undertrained.  However, I've hit all the long runs, I've been running for 4 years now and I trust my fitness base, I don't care what time I cross that line, and -- perhaps most important of all -- I know how to dig pretty deep and man up when necessary and I have the will and the fortitude to propel myself forward.  This I have decided.

Today I got back in the yoga studio -- ahhhh, bliss.   Afterwards, I got in 3 miles at 31:40 (superfast for me!).  Now I'm off to the kitchen to make a St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake.  O, yes* I am!

*(assuming I can figure out how to bake the damn thing at 6000', that is.  I'm a shitty baker, and the altitude thing only makes it harder . . .)