Wednesday 4 February 2009

TWEEKIN' IT

One week from tomorrow it's off to Austin for marathon number three in the 12 in 12 challenge and, while I'm certainly involved in the 11th hour preparations for that, I'm also making my first significant change in the rest of the year's schedule.

First, I must admit I have mostly poo-pooed the kind warnings I've received lately about the hills on the Austin course. This morning I spent 20 minutes actually watching the readily-available course preview video and will concede it showed more climbing than I hoped it would...especially at the beginning of the second half. Oh, well. Too late now, bucko! Shut up and run.

I've also gotten a good number of tips on where to eat while in the Texas capital. My mouth is already watering in anticipation of the BBQ at The Salt Lick, chocolate covered BACON, and a hot sauce outlet in the downtown. I have been known to eat pickled habaneros right out of the jar.

Two Sundays after my first Austin Marathon I am set to run my second Napa Valley Marathon, and six weeks after that, my third Salt Lake City. I had been planning to do The Avenue of the Giants Marathon in Eureka, California, two weeks after that, but have decided against that, for a number of reasons.

Primarily, I think I may need a bit more of a breather after SLC. Secondly, after looking more carefully at the Giants course today, discovered it's a double out-and-back. I really don't like out-and-backs. I know it's supposedly one of the country's most scenic courses, and nearly hecka flat...but...I'm opting out of that one in favour of my second Rock and Roll San Diego, at the end of May. I've also determined flying to SAN, staying at the Gaslight Quarter Hostel, and NOT renting a car will be way cheaper than renting a car to drive to Eureka, gas, and three nights in a motel. Current financial constraints dictate serious changes. I'm good with that. Hopefully I'll survive to see them through.

Thanks to everyone who's been following my still-young adventure. I wish I could tell you how cool it is to log on to this blog and gather in your supportive comments. They go a long way toward offsetting those from Mr. Negative, who loves to play games in my head, especially in the week before a big event.

Next post...from deep in the heart of Texas.

Gotta run!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Keep it up Michael! Love the stories. Enjoy the Bacon!

CewTwo said...

We all have a Mr. Negative (either real or imagined). Discount that advice (until it proves true, at least).

Geez... Even with a doble out and back, the Giants marathon sounds good. Not this year, though.

Good luck! And remember, there should not be any chocolate covered bacon until after the event!

Joe Scherb said...

Keep at it Michael. Your quest is inspiring. BTW a double out and back sounds like a nightmare to me. It would be so hard to be heading out that second time.

Keep it up & stay healthy. Looking forward to your next race.

TokyoRacer said...

Envy your going to Austin. When my daughter was thinking of moving there we looked into it and it seemed to be a fairly cool place. They have bumper stickers that say, "Keep Austin Weird."
Bummer about the hills though.
I'll look for you at Napa Valley. Or maybe you should look for me. I'll be the guy in a black shirt with yellow Japanese kanji characters.
By the way, I have a question. When they bus you to the start, can you take a bag with you that they then take back to the finish for you?
Bob

Michael B said...

tokyo racer...bob...you didn't leave your email so i'll leave my response to your question here...hopefully you'll get it. yes, there will be a gear check at the start of NVM. see you there...will be looking for your shirt.

leslie said...

Enjoy it all, Michael! It's your goal and you can modify it as you go, making sure it's always working FOR you! Can't wait to hear how Austin goes...

TokyoRacer said...

Thanks, Michael. Looking forward to the race. Going out for my last long run now...6 5k loops around the Imperial Palace in the center of Tokyo.