Footprints

by Budd Glassberg

Reprinted with permission from the Zionsville Times Sentinel on August 15, 2007

Preparation H(owl)

 

“As I look back upon my life, I see that every part of it was a preparation for the next. The most trivial of incidents fits into the larger pattern like a mosaic in a preconceived design.” – Margaret Sanger    

 

            By the time you read this, my race will be over.  As I write, it is the day prior to the Howl at the Moon 8 hour run.  This race, run near Danville, Illinois and with 303 entrants, is the largest timed ultra in America.  I have run it once before in 2004 and on that very good day, covered more than 50 miles.  Tomorrow, my goal is a more conservative 40 miles due to my advancing age, a general slowing of my pace and projected temperatures in the 90’s with high humidity. 

            When you train for months for a race like this, the event seems to take on more importance than it should.  Things like the weather forecast begin to permeate your thoughts for a full week before the race.  As I have written before, the final two weeks prior to the event is a time to taper and run less.  This causes me a great deal of anxiety.  Am I resting too much?  Wouldn’t a short fast run be a good idea?  What am I supposed to do with all of this energy? 

            The two days prior to the race include assembling all of the supplies and clothing I might need.  Included in this collection is gear for any type of sudden weather change like a rain jacket and pants.  Hats of all sorts need to be on hand.  Despite my reluctance to wear shoes, I pack several pairs of the running sandals I have made.  There is a powdered concoction that I mix with water to help with hydration and electrolyte replacement as well as salt tablets which will be consumed during the run.  While I will use little food, I bring an assortment of gels for my caloric needs.  Since the race begins at 7 AM, I will take a small tent and sleeping bag.  By camping near the start line, I will have less to do on race morning to be ready for the event.  My other camping supplies include a flashlight, lantern for reading, and a book for all of the time I cannot sleep. 

            Driving to the race is a particularly enjoyable time for me.  I use some of that time to be alone with my thoughts which usually include a mental image of how I’d like the race to develop.  I find this to be a relaxing way to approach the event.  We are allowed to check in at the registration table when we arrive to pick up our race packets and race number.  After doing so, I will set up the tent and eat a light dinner.   Having run this race before, I know that there will be a lot of noise until about 11 PM, so instead of reading in my tent, I will walk around the campgrounds and meet some of my fellow runners as well as reacquaint with runners I’ve met at other races.  I will hear tall tales of amazing feats these runners have experienced at past events.  When the music and noise begins to settle it will be time for me to read in my tent and try to sleep.

            If tonight is anything like most of my ultras, my mind will be racing eight hours prior to my body doing so.  Try as I might, sleep will not come to me.  From time to time I will shine a flashlight on my watch to see how much time I have before the race.  Perhaps by 3 or 4 AM, I might doze off, perhaps I will not.  At 6 AM, my watch alarm will ring and I will immediately jump up and be ready to go.  After taking care of some daily needs, I will put on my running shorts and singlet, pin on my number.  I will lubricate those areas that tend to chafe, apply sun block, eat a small breakfast and begin my stretching routine.  Fifteen minutes before the start, I will walk at a fast clip for about a mile.  With my heart rate elevated and my muscles warmed up, I will arrive at the starting line with less than five minutes before the gun sounds. 

            This entire routine has been established and with perhaps just a few modifications, will happen as I have described.  I know this.  These actions are not the variables.  While routine can be reassuring, its near certainty is not what makes life exciting.  It is what will happen after the gun sounds that I find so enticing about these ultra marathons.  Tomorrow’s race will be my 13th ultra.  Not one race has been like any other.  I hope to run 40 miles, but I might end up with 30 if I cannot deal with the heat.  I might feel like I could run all day at a very good pace and make 50 miles.  I am ready for this race and expect to do well.  It will be exciting to toe the starting line with my race plans formulated and my training behind me.  When the gun sounds, it will be time to perform.  I can’t wait.

           

            Budd Glassberg is a 23 year resident of Zionsville who works and volunteers in the community.  Visit www.runz.com for reprints of all his columns.   You can reach him by email at budd@runz.com.