Wasatch 100 is coming up fast

On September 9, 2011 I'll be attempting Wasatch 100 in Utah.  This time is different than the other times that I have attempted a 100 mile foot race.  This time, I am possibly under prepared physically but more prepared mentally.  I have failed so many times at 100s that I thought I was well prepared for that this time, I'm having a hard time taking my training as seriously.  It doesn't help that this is my last summer here in Idaho.  There are things I want to do, runs that probably aren't great training runs and I don't want to spend the summer being exhausted so, I'm not trying so hard to run all of the miles that I've got in my program.

Anyway, all that being said, I'm enjoying the runs I'm doing.  I'm disappointed that I'm unable to spend much time in the high country due to some crazy snow pack.  There's something really fun about really appreciating doing a run for what is probably the last time.  Spring was late this year so the higher I go, I get spring flowers all over again.  I love spring flowers.

In case you are wondering what my training is comprised of:

• between 40 and 55 miles of trail running a week, about 20,000 vertical gain and loss.  About 20 - 25 miles of that is in one long run.  I'm not really doing back to backs much.
• yoga 2 - 3 times a week.  Online with Bridget and at the studio
• 200 Squats programs (pull-ups, push-ups, squats, dips and sit-ups)
• Getting enough sleep
• conscious breathing 2 times a day for 15 minutes at a time.  This is, by far, the most difficult part of the training.
• I'm also looking a course descriptions, elevations, maps and I hope to read a few race reports from the back of the packers.  Back of the pack is a completely different kettle of fish from front of the pack.  Heck, we're tougher in a different way, we're out there for twice as long.

View of flowers and scenery from the top of a hill in the Tetons

WARNING:  I like taking pictures of flowers.  We used to tease my mom mercilessly about taking pictures of flowers.  I DO see the irony in my love of flower pictures.

Look at where the road in the middle of the picture goes, I live at the end of it.  I  walked from there to where I am taking this picture.

Lupine

Breathtaking

Same view from the same spot, just zoomed

Although I knew I was on the right trail, I over shot the barely visible junction.  I was rewarded with this view of  the North Fork of Palisades and I got to go on some trails that were great and all new.

Indian Paint brush

A foreshadowing that I was going to head off in the wrong direction

Seriously, snow at 9,000 feet in AUGUST?!

Fire weed.  I am thinking it's going to be an early winter since the fire weed it going off and blooms are nearly to the top.  A wive's tale is that summer is over when the blooms get to the top.  Our fall is full of snow.

Aspen Trail with Zane and Mckenzie.

Emerald green beaver pond.  I really was this color.  Moose  Creek.

Arrow Leaf Balsam Root.  Moose Creek.

Just pretty.  Moose Creek.

A spectacular rainbow taken from my front porch.

I babysat Milissa's kids.  I was actually capable of getting a child down for a nap.  I was so pleased with myself, I had to take a picture.  In reality, I had nothing to do with the nap, the kid's an exceptional napper.