Monday, May 9, 2016

Are you ready?

Here's a little secret: Not to make anyone feel bad, but I absolutely hate that question.  I don't know why, but when someone asks me that before a race or a presentation at work, I cringe and have to force a polite smile and a, "Ready as I'll ever be!"

If you asked me whether I'm ready for Cruel Jewel 100 on Friday, I'd have to honestly say, "Not in the slightest."  Why?  It's just that for the last 11 days I haven't run, and I've done as little walking as possible, because it hurts every time I step with my right leg.

My doc -- the best in the world, who understands crazy ultrarunners -- has confirmed that it's not a stress fracture, and helped me decide that starting the race will be possible, so I've decided to start the adventure.  I have no idea what will happen.  Maybe I'll feel great and do really well.  More likely I'll feel like crap and do okay, or not great, or not even finish.  So far I've finished every ultra I've attempted.  I really don't want this to be my first DNF ....

That's why the Notre Dame Victory March will be my theme song for this race.  Here's my paraphrase of the lyrics:

"What though the odds be great or small,
F--- it, let's do this sh-t."

That truly is the world's best university fight song.

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