We're about eight weeks from a day in the forest together. However your training's going, it's worth remembering what this is actually about: time outside, good people, and a long day on trails that mostly don't care how fast you move. A few things below that might help along the way -- take what's useful and leave the rest.
Long Days Add Up 🥾
If you're out there for the 50k or 85k, getting a couple longer efforts on tired legs into your next eight weeks will help -- less about hitting a certain number of miles, more about knowing what it feels like to keep going once the freshness wears off. If you're on the 10k or 25k, just get out on trail when you can and enjoy it. There's no one right way to get ready.
Get to Know the Course 🗺️
Both of these let you download GPX/TCX files and print maps -- worth pulling up before a long run:
(The 85k combines these, so all three are worth a look no matter your distance.)
Climbs and Headlamps 🌲
It doesn't hurt to work some hills into your training if you've got them nearby. And if you're taking on the 85k, a night walk or run sometime before October isn't a bad idea -- that race starts before sunrise, so it's nice to get to know your headlamp (and your own head) before it's for real.
Rest Counts Too 😴
It can feel like every day between now and October needs to be a training day. It doesn't. Sleep, easy days, and listening to your body are part of getting ready too -- especially this far out.
Mostly, I hope you're enjoying the process. See you in the forest.
