The G Running Diary

AC100: Well Prepared: 10/3/03

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So I didn't even have time to sort out my thoughts on the Ridge Trail before we packed everything up and went of to the Angeles Crest 100. Wendell and Sarah offered to take us down there, as long as we didn't mind stopping off in Carmel Valley for their pre-race measurements. They were putting on the Carmel Valley 50K the weekend after AC. Even though Wendell has a good-sized minivan, it was a tight fit with all of our stuff. Our plan was to camp, so there were tents and sleeping bags and coolers. Oh yeah, and little Aaron had to fit in there somehow. So we managed. In fact, I liked the driving part. We were all very compatible about food stops, being perfectly happy to have Burger King and other fast food. Hanging out in Carmel Valley was fine too. Don and I read our books on partnerships and small business while Sarah and Wendell measured their course section. Aaron entertained himself and us.

So as luck would have it, when we arrived in the small ski town of Wrightwood there was a vacancy sign outside this little motel, along with a sign boasting indoor Jacuzzi tubs. We found that one room was plenty big enough for all of us, and the price was right. I was pleasantly surprised. I had braced myself for somewhat primitive camping for two nights. This room was quite a step up. We even got lucky for Friday night--they didn't have any of the regular rooms left, but they gave us another one, I think it was called the dungeon. Still easier than camping though. Friday morning was occupied with drop bag preparation, and Friday afternoon, well, we just laid around napping and reading. This was the most relaxing pre-race day any of us had ever had. Wendell, Don, and I were running in the race. Sarah and Aaron were crewing for Wendell, and for us when they had a chance. That would be difficult because Wendell's pace was going to be much faster than ours. Don and I were out there just to finish under the 33-hour time limit. I knew from the start, even that would be hard for me.