Can I Bear it?

I've been in Logan for the past two weeks, and now I'm exactly one week out from the Bear 100. Oh boy...

I've been on the trails almost everyday since I've been here, including about 9 days camping. First, I'll say that the Rockies have me totally awed. It seems like whole new dimensions of space exist here, with land arising at all sorts of new directions from my feet. Many of the trails are along steep ridges which give me vertigo. Some parts are rocky, with twisty junipers, limber pines, and sagebrush covering the landscape. On these parts I'm always on the lookout for rattlesnakes. Other parts are shaded with mountain maple and aspen. These areas provide relief from the hot, dry weather that predominates here and which leaves me perpetually thirsty. Fortunately I've found plenty of mountain springs with water that is so refreshing that I'm tempted to stay the whole day next to them. I've seen plenty of grouse, some whitetail, a few antelope, one moose and a lot of western birds whose names I'm only beginning to learn. The views from the high points are stunning. It seems like there are endless peaks and valleys here, and the sunset comes with gorgeous shades of orange, pink, purple, and blue.

Now as far as running goes:

Running in the Rockies is so different from what I'm used to that I don't think it's too much of an exaggeration to consider it an entirely different sport. Whereas the terrain in Wisconsin allows for finding a steady pace and keeping with it for long periods, running here is always unsteady, varying from grueling uphill slogs that last for miles and miles to fast, adrenaline-pumping descents that also last for miles. In fact, most of the uphills are too difficult for me to run, requiring strong hikes that still leave me out of breath, especially at the higher altitudes. The descents are so fast that my toes press up against the front of my shoes, which will invariably mean blisters. The trail is almost always technical, with jagged rocks and roots jutting out at all angles, meaning that I need to constantly focus on the ground to keep from falling on my face. How this will play out when I'm completely exhausted late at night I have no clue.

So yes, part of me is overwhelmed, worried, daunted, downright scared. The number 100 here isn't even that scary compared to the grueling terrain. But I know my best bet is to let go of all expectations, let go of any attachment I have to a finishing time, and just push myself to the limits of my own abilities - to accept where I am, relax and smile through the inevitable ups and downs.

It will most certainly be adventure. And that's what matters.