The week has finally arrived.  On Saturday at 6am Arizona time, I will embark on a 106 mile race.  Race is not the right word since my only goal is to finish under the 36 hour cutoff.   I landed in Phoenix yesterday and drove to Payson, which is the only major “city” near the start line.  It’s about 15 minutes south of the trailhead.  The plan is for me to wonder the trails for the next couple days to make sure I get a feel for the pace and places I may need drop items.  (Course map: mogollon_monster) Tracy flies in on Thursday and will pace me several times during the race.  It will be so nice to have her with me this time.

Today I arrived at the starting trailhead around 8am and did a 20 mile loop (just walking) that traced the first 13 miles of the race and the last 5.  The extra 2 are not on the course, but offered a convenient shortcut.  I included a few pictures and the summary of the hike.  Only about 1/3 of the first 8 miles is runnable.  I’ll need to take it easy until I get up on the rim where the course follows a forest service road.  I should be able to move along at a good clip.  I’m a bit worried about my back.  I’ve been having issues with the left side, but a week ago Sunday my right side started hurting when I was running flats or downhill.  It cramps up anytime I stop moving.  It behaved OK today which is encouraging, but I’m doing a lot of yoga, stretching, and rolling on the ball to keep the pain away.

The plan tomorrow is to drive to Flagstaff and after breakfast at Macy’s Café, I’m going to summit Humphrey’s Peak.