… like I always do when I’m prepping for a 100.
This morning I was wide awake at 4 a.m., making mental lists and thinking of the dozens of things I have to do before and during that ride.
I believe firmly that the difference between riding 50 miles and riding 100 miles is almost purely mental. And not an insignificant chunk of that is mental preparation, practicing in one’s mind’s eye all that needs to be done, all the possible snafus that could complicate the day, foresee all that one might need in order to get themselves and their horse through the ride.
And since I am a compulsive list-maker I already put on my to-do list, and I am not kidding, “start making 100 mile lists.” Lists of groceries to buy, drugs to buy and pack, items for the away hold, things to pack, little things to do for the horses before we leave.
On the day I perish, I’m confident that I will have written on my to-do list, “take last breath.”
After haying on Sunday, I decided I deserved a little fun time, so whipped up some paperwork for a client, then headed to my brother and sister-in-law’s pool to hang out and spend some time with my nieces, two of whom had a half day during this last week of school.
Sun, pool, a magazine, a novel, and a bottle of frozen water — ah, this is living.
At some point I realized I’d had enough sun, so got dressed and headed to the Amherst Bike Path for a three mile walk. I’m trying to get some time in exercising in the heat and humidity to stay as acclimated as possible, and plan to ride each of the boys tomorrow morning, when it is expected to be hot and muggy.
Like the insane person I am, I’m already checking the 10 day forecast for the ride. I know these things are notoriously inaccurate, but it will give me something to fret/celebrate/add to my packing list over each day between now and when we leave for the ride next Wednesday.
The boys are looking great. Ace’s eye looks almost equine again, with the little blue stitches the only sign of his Frankensteinesque look of a week or so ago.
Still no crew, so I am mentally preparing for that as well!
Can’t wait for the ride!