I can only freak out about one race at a time

AHHHHH!

When it comes to ultra-running and taking on 100-mile runs, I'm not sure there is such a thing as the 'calm before the storm'. Serenity and peacefulness before taking on an epic adventure either means (a) you're over-confident, (b) don't give a sh*t or (c) you're loaded and don't care about wasting your entry fee.

Because I'm none of those things, my stress meter is topped out right now.

Leadville is about a week away and the reality of drop bags, clothing choices, shoes, pacers and cut-off times has become far too real. I'm pouring over charts, elevation profiles, race reports and GPX exports in the hopes it brings me some peace but all it really does is remind me that I'm tapering and have nothing better to do.

Am I physically ready? I don't feel as prepared as I would like. My July mileage was abysmal. I may have run 100 miles.

Am I mentally ready? More so than physically. I've already done a couple 100's this spring and know what it takes to put in the time, plow through those mental blocks and keep moving for 28-30 hours.

In either case, there isn't much I can do to improve in either of these categories so I plan on letting the chips fall.

Oh, and by the way I need to start planning for the next 100-mile run I'm doing next month in Pine, AZ. I just booked a cabin for the family to come up and spend some time watching the race and playing in the high-country while I run around the Mogollon Rim like Forrest Gump.

I have not even wrapped my head around the Mogollon Monster 100 on September 28 yet. I just can't.

So while I might feel like this:

All I can do is breath deep, take a chill pill and tackle one massive undertaking at a time. Bring it.

Fear is the mind-killer

For the first time in a long time, I am worried about a race.

I typically have a very even-keel approach to most races and sometimes have way too much confidence even when I shouldn't (i.e., haven't trained enough). The funny thing is that I feel like I'm ahead of the curve with my training despite some of the randomness and gaps in mileage.

Only sci-fi buffs will get the connection with this blogs title

So why all the gloom regarding Zane Grey? I think it's just the "shop talk" from everyone else...

"Oh, it's going to eat you up"

"It's sooo rocky, your feet are going to be hamburger"

"The altitude is a killer"

Though I'm not completely sure what to think at this point, I do know that I've been up to this area (at least part of the Mogollon 100 route which I though was part of the Zane Grey route...) Either way, I don't remember it being that crazy. I was however, in peak condition prior to Lean Horse so that may skew my perception.

I'll be heading up there on Saturday to see if my memory is good or if I blocked out all the elevation. It will be a good gauge on what to expect and where I'm at.

Either way, I've had a good week and feel really strong. I'll be close to 70 miles and roughly 5-6,000' of climbing. Not too shabby, but still work to do as I prepare for the Mesquite Canyon 50 here in a couple weeks.