VBC... on Training, Trails, and Treadmills: The Trial Run

Well, I survived the Umstead Trial Run. Coach Ian wanted me to have a venue to try out my nutrition, footcare, and running legs...so I decided what better way than to run 4ish loops of the race course. Steph wanted to get a trial in also, so what better way than to do it together :) Of course, as the week progressed towards Saturday, I knew we were going to be in trouble with the weather..and as expected we got rain and storms. So, Steph and I decided to delay the start of the run for a couple of hours to allow the storms to pass, and then we dedicated ourselves to sticking it out in the rain.
It took about 2 days of preparations, because I wanted to do a real trial run of Racing day...which meant I needed to finalize my plans for racing day. I decided to start with my plans from last year and update the necessary areas...of particular importance, I updated my nutrition plan and packing strategy (at the request of Crew Chief Kris)...and tweaked a few other minor things.
Loop 1, was a wet loop, which I suppose was good feet training :) Steph and I started at the back side of Turkey Creek for easy crew access, and did most of the race course loop for this lap and the next. About 4 miles in, there was a Bill Burns sighting. How is it that I have been in Umstead for months, and have not seen him at all this year??? And there he was! We ran with Bill for about 5 miles, and he imparted us with his wisdom...which is always very practical and based on a lot of experience. After a few miles, we said goodbye to Bill, finished up our loop and went into transition. I already had blisters forming (uh oh), so after a wardrobe change from my wet clothes, Kris and I fixed my feet, and taped up the right foot. I didn't have to tape again the rest of the run! This is a huge improvement over the duct tape we used last year!
Loop 2, another loop similar to Lap 1, without the entertainment of Bill Burns. Steph and I chatted and talked race strategy, and life strategy :) We were most excited about the chicken and rice soup that was going to be waiting for us back at the transition area. With about 4 miles to go in this loop, an angel on a bike appeared- it was KO!!! yay....this totally turned my mood around and before I knew it we were back and ready for Loop 3! We also got to see a lot of peeps out running the Umstead marathon this lap, which was lots of fun as well :)
Loop 3, was mentally good, because I knew it was shorter. We were running tight on time, as more angels were coming to pace for Lap 4. Steph and I did some loud singing and more chatting. And then the chatting stopped, so out came the iPods.
Transition again...and this time, I got half of a plain hamburger! Hot dog...I mean hamburger :) I was hungry and scarfed that thing down the same way Steph crams in a waffle. And as most of you know, beef is not one of my favorite items. But it was today! And Kelli and Holly were here to join us and help us through Lap 4! Thank goodness for fresh meat!!! New entertainment and distraction. Kelli is pacing me during the race for Lap 6 and Holly is doing Lap 8...so they were testing out their strategies...I even heard a little, "how about we run here" from them? And, "Are you drinking and eating?"
We finally finished our last loop as the sun went down! I would say the trial run was successful, and I will let my heart grow fonder of Turkey Creek, as I won't be back there until race day! Can't wait....I am nervous and excited.
And, I was amazed by my recovery...which Kris insists was due to his method of ice bathing, instead of mine. I was taking the stairs at work by Tuesday, and even went for an easy run Wednesday and Thursday morning! I hope that this is an indicator of my training over the past 5 plus months!
Just a few final tweaks and preparations before the big day!!!!

ugh, okay, so i am tired of fighting with these upside down pictures, which i turned right side up like 3 times...but you get the point :)

Top Picture is my refrigerator with all my high maintenance food supplies...2 packs of water, 4 bottles of carbopo, apples, diet coke, mountain dew, big pot of chicken and rice soup, bottles and bottles of water.

Bottom picture is my crate with bags of gear inside...the kitties clearly like the new crate!

Below: Kris said I must be a real runner because I just don't care what I wear anymore :) If that was all it took, I could have done that years ago. (Photos below by kris)