a lot of work gets done in preparation for a trail race,
aside from the physical training itself, you have to:
analyze the map and memorize it;
do a practice run to get a feel for the terrain;
prep your hydration pack, survival kit, bear whistle… the usual;
figure out accommodation and transportation;
wrap up work, pack, drive to the mountains and be rested for a 6AM start the next day.
now you’re at basecamp…
you’re excited,
you pick up your kit,
you warm up,
you share stories with other runners,
you join the group at the start line,
you wait for the countdown.
3, 2, 1… GO!
you GO!
and you go!
and you go…
and the pace settles,
and the groups break apart,
and… silence.
you’re on your own.
it’s only you and other runner’s silhouettes in the far distance,
each of you filling in the silence with your own random thoughts.
for the ones that haven’t given much thought to the world inside them,
this part’s the hardest.
just you, and the thoughts in your head step after step, minute after minute, hour after hour.
did you train for this?
I’ll see you tomorrow.
today is day 220 of the year, there are 147 days remaining of 2022.
