Taper Time - 10 days til Badger 100!

 To say that I am looking forward to running this race is an understatement.  I mean really, who wouldn't want to run a race put on by these guys?

This training season has been a series of tests and challenges.  From losing my big brother at the end of May to COVID (my favorite person since birth), coming back to my busiest work season, spending a week on the couch with a cold (first time in YEARS that I have been sick), and lastly - and this one was a real kick in the pants - pulling a back muscle while choking on my recovery drink. Ironic, no?  There have been so many times when I could have decided that this wasn't the year, but the thought never crossed my mind - mainly because I REALLY want to do this race!  I love these people and I have only met one of them (the best one, in my opinion) in person.  Yes, at some point the race will cease to be fun, but I will approach the start line with so much gratefulness that I will have plenty to carry me through.  

I met with my crew/pacer/little sister/daughter (yes, all in one) today to finalize race and travel plans.  Fawn is a pro at this, and she and I are usually similar mindsets when running long races - all business, little small talk - so it just works. Here are pics of my pacing and nutrition spreadsheets - sorry, I was lazy so I just took pics of the computer screen.

Of course, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.  But, I like starting with a plan.

As it looks now, race day temps will go from mid 60's to mid 80's, and they aren't anticipating rain during the race, but really, who knows?  We will be prepared for anything.  One thing doing these races has taught me is adaptability.  Anything can happen, and you just have to roll with it and consider it a good story for after the race is over.

I am really hoping for this race to be a celebration of life.  Mine and my brother's.  It will be a great time to meet new people, cheer for those who look strong, and encourage those who are suffering.  And, in the meantime, hopefully I will learn a thing or two about myself.  I usually learn something in ultras, whether I intend to or not, so let's see what the lesson is this time.

Fawn will be updating FB during the race. She will be running the last 20 miles with me, so there may be a gap, but we'll update after we are done, and once I get home and rest up a bit, I will do a race recap for you guys.  Send some positive thoughts or prayers before you go to bed on July 31st, as I head into the nighttime hours.  Every little bit helps!  

Happy Running! 

Edie