Preparation

I ran four miles today. The heat and humidity made sure I was drenched with sweat before I was half way through. Still felt pretty good, though. I was thinking of everything I wanted to bring with me and going over my game plan for Sunday.

I decided that I've done enough runs and races in enough varying conditions that I should draw on that in preparing. I'm sure I've complained (even whined) sufficiently about deer flies to give some indication as to how much I hate them. The porcine B2B was held in August in prime bug territory. The flags we were given to collect the numbered papers from the designated stations were also very helpful in keeping the deer flies off. I'm planning on constructing an easily carried and stored version of that flyswatter. It may not be necessary or only desirable on the last (i.e. more slow) lap. Still, I'll have something like it in my gear.

My sweaty four miles was also a test of my newly doctored old Nike Lunar Trainers. I cut the reinforced portions off in the area of my sensitive big toes. Now, it was a short run, but my toes felt fine during the run and even POST RUN!!! My toes normally hate running shoes when not running, but I spent at least an hour in them after. I suspect that these will be my shoes for the final lap (unless it's slippery - they have no tread).

I've got a couple more issues to work on. I'm having fun stocking "Camp Val" (thanks for the name, George!).