6 days to 50k

Technically, it's more like 55k or 33 miles, but by that point does it really matter? Although in Tahoe it did seeing as how I got to the last aid station thinking I had 4 more miles to go to 50k when in fact the course was not exactly 50k and I actually had closer to 7 and yes, at that point, it sucked. But I digress, I should have been better informed that the TRT run was longer. Fortunately, I'm far better educated for The North Face Challenge this Saturday.

I haven't trained as diligently as last year but that's been by choice, not injury or illness. The lack of my gung-ho training partner Jenny and the decision to be more flexible with my time commitments have been some of the factors, but I've no regrets. I've enjoyed every step of the way that brought me here. I'm healthy, I'm amped and I'm stoked to be racing! (Can I really call it racing? Really? How about running.)

Many friends will be lining up at the start this year - Yariv doing his first 50k; Ken and Stephen trying their first 50 milers; Dana, Troy and Tina, my Xterra, Bizz, roadie-converted, multi-faceted buds; Rick, the OG trail runner in my book; new AR friend Tim; all the Endurables coming back out for their 2nd or 3rd year and a bunch of

GGTC'rs representing the red and black. Jessica will be back manning the Muir Beach aid station with her usual hyper-exuberant energy (and hopefully will rally for the finish line). Forecast calls for a "few" showers at this point but nothing looks ominous. Cool temps will make for a good day to be out for 7-8 hours.

It's been a super fun journey getting to this point - watching Yariv go from an 8 mile max run to tempo runs, hill repeats, 20 milers and his first running race EVER. Watching Ken go from nagging injuries to racing in the Rockies to his first 50 miler. Getting together with the Endurables for long Saturday runs around Marin. Racing at Ohlone and Tahoe earlier in the season. Seeing the successes of my friends and fellow runners. Believing in the power of Crossfit cross-training and that any activity you do - mountain biking, surfing, road riding - serves the overall purpose of preparing you for race day.

And of course, there have been all the amazing views along the way. One more race on the 2009 calendar. One more early morning start, blurry-eyed before the crack of dawn. One more day of beauty and possibility and suffering leading to that moment when you cross the finish line and all the pain recedes and you hug your friends and you share your stories and you drink champagne and you almost hurt from smiling; exhausted, elated. Bring it!