Waiting on a Return to the Whites

While thinking about winter trips and the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic coming up soon, I had an idea for a 200+ mile ski trip from Dillingham to Bethel and thought I should tell Ed Plumb about it, as he'd probably be my partner, if we ever pulled it off. In his response, he mentioned the upcoming (this weekend!) White Mountains 100 race, which I volunteered for last year, then went back the following weekend and did it on my bike... 'Hey, there is only one person on the wait list. If you sign up, there is a good chance you can get into the race... think about it!'

Ugh. I haven't truly ridden my bike in months, as I've been focusing on mushing and ski-joring, most recently. Nor, have I been skiing, running, hiking, etc, any cumulative amount to get me in race shape. But, of course, I had to sign up. I'm currently the second person on the wait list, as my first thought was, 'well, I've done it off the couch with no training before.'

Fortunately, because I'm eccentric (according to others; detail-oriented and passionate, I think, personally), I was able to get all my gear and bike set-up rolling in less than an hour last night. Food was planned in about 5 minutes. Last year, I set a prospective itinerary for my ride that turned out to be spot-on. I'm set... all but physically. I guess I'm lucky, though, in being able to hammer my body through a physically arduous experience and give a strong performance, only to suffer two days later, when it really sets in.

I'm ready, all and all. I've been getting ready for this for years.

My first adventure race... yet, I've done it before! What's to worry about?!?!

Well, maybe just seeing if I make the roster. Tick-tock, tick-tock...