Mighty are the LT100 Preparations

 It's that time of year again.  Ryan will be taking on the Leadville Trail 100 Run (a.k.a. LT100) this weekend, August 18-19th.   This will be Ryan's second attempt in this grueling 100 mile trail run high in the Rocky Mountains above 10,000ft.   Although last year's race ended with a DNF (did not finish) Ryan ran 71 miles in tough terrain with a bum leg and terribly blistered feet and we were very proud. 

Read about the adventures here 2011 Leadville 100: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
 

This year has brought us a new and improved training plan, blister prevention plan, and a better plan for keeping the crew organized.  Ryan has been running (what I, and many others, consider) insane amounts of miles, losing weight (he will be carrying about 7-10 lbs less weight this time at the LT100), seeing a Physical Therapist for his IT Band issues - (the band the connects your hip to your knee), and staying mentally strong.

Below are some pictures we snapped of the prep work for next week's adventure:

 

 

 

Spreading out all the gear while Matigan and Tiff play a game and Tiff keeps track of all the items on the spreadsheet

 

 As mentioned earlier, this time around we have a blister prevention plan which includes taping Ryan's feet prior to the start of the race.  To simulate a more "realistic" condition of the foot for mid-race taping, Ryan soaked his feet in a bucket of water for a long while before Tiff practiced taping.

The next several days will be filled with rest, lots of carbohydrates, shopping for a few needed items and excitement!  Dig Deep (phrase commonly heard during the Leadville Racing Series).