“If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.”

~Les Brown

It’s hard to believe after 9 months of training for the VT100, the intensity is winding down.  I think back to the sub-zero degree days, putting on my thick tights, yak trax and occasional snow goggles to battle old man winter.  Now a days, it’s all about tackling the humidity and frequent rainstorms.  Everyday I wake up, I drive my family crazy…..”This would be a horrible day for the 100, the air is so thick I can’t breathe, it’s like a thick soup!” OR “This would be the best day, sunshine with cool breeze.” Soon, I’ll be stalking Intellicast, looking to see what Vermont has in store for all of us on July 15th.  Whatever Mother Nature is going to throw at us, I feel like I’ll be ready……… I’ve run in almost every condition.

Flashback to a beautiful January run…..

I’ve been reminiscing a bunch on my long runs…..remembering funny moments on certain sections of trail or roads that I’ve run with hubs and friends or solo.  Memories that I will surely lean on as I’m running the 100.  I have to chuckle at the time we found a cool looking green bench swing on a long run.  It was 91 degrees and we were coming down a beautiful grass field and viola…. A swing!!  I said to hubs, “Go sit and swing and I’ll snap a cool boomerang video of it” Well, he did and proceeded to fall completely over backwards..I missed pushing record because I was laughing so hard (especially after I knew he was OK)……we curse every time we run by that Damn swing……or the time when I saw the same lawn maintenance truck pass me over and over on my long solo run.  Hours later the older gentleman stopped and rolled down his window and said “HOW FAR ARE YOU RUNNING, we’ve seen you all day??”  I told him 25 miles with a smile and he joked “That’s pure craziness….” “YUP, pretty much!!” I responded.

There have been dog bites, crazy creepy drivers, downpours, intense heat, snow blizzards, glare ice, gorgeous views, scary partridges jumping out of nowhere, incredible single track trails, finding streams to splash and cool off in, tons of pictures and lots and lots of laughter. So. Many. Memories. Of. The. Journey.  We’ve trained hard, but we’ve also had so much fun along the way.  I never want running to be “work” for me.  I want to play, have fun, work hard, give my all, but never lose the joy of running.

I think I can, I think I can

Going up!!? Intense hill we found running the other day

So this week, we’ve started decreasing the intensity of the workouts.  We do have a hill climb tomorrow planned, but the long mileage days are coming to an end.  I’ve had so much fun learning from others, following their journeys, and truly finding myself. I’m a changed person for it.  It’s been an epic adventure and the best part is, it’s just getting started.  Go after your dreams and don’t forget to DREAM BIG!!! 

A gift 

My friend Andrea @  Ultrasandcupcakes sent me this book.  Such a sweet and thoughtful gift, especially because she knows I’m headed into taper time or as some call it “taper tantrum” time.  The time when the mind can wander and freak out….Did I prepare enough? Am I capable of running 100 miles?  I didn’t train as much as this or that person?  The little doubt voice who taps you on the shoulder every now and again to throughly flip you out……..I’m super eager to delve into this book and calm my mind and keep myself in check these last two weeks…..So thank you Andrea!!!! You are the best!!!

I’m excited to see everybody soon at the check in!!!!!  Silver hill awaits us all……….can’t wait!!!

Silver hill…… and the fabulous swimming pond at the VT100

See you on the trails 🙂

Thanks for following my running journey…….

Krista xoxoxoxoxo