Book # 4 of 2011

4) Swanson, James. BLOODY CRIMES: THE CHASE FOR JEFFERSON DAVIS AND THE DEATH PAGEANT FOR LINCOLN'S CORPSE.William Morrow: 2010.

Quite the title, huh?

But it does indeed describe this nonfiction historical account. Being raised in Illinois,(I even lived in Springfield for a few years as a child), Lincoln has always been a hero. Now I'm living in Alabama; so it was good to learn more about the history here in the Southern states. The book does a good job of handling both biographies, comparing the two fallen leaders, and contrasting the final journeys which shaped their legends and place in history. The plot focus and information about mourning pageants and funeral customs of the time caught my morbid interests as well.

Mountain Mist Mindset

Positives:
in the last year since my first DNF attempt at the Mountain Mist trail Run 50K...
--I've worked on strength training; have seen some overall improvement, as well as being able to better handle the Waterline climb because of it.
--I have better (for me) fitting trail shoes than what I wore last year. (which hopefully I won't lose in the mud, and even more hopefully will make me less likely to slip and trip and draw serious blood like last year!)
--I've done lots more training runs on the Monte Sano trails this past year, and so I "know* the terrain better. Note to directionally impaired self: PAY ATTENTION TO COURSE MARKERS ANYWAY!
--I love running at Monte Sano and Goat Trail is my favorite! This is my "home Ultra". :)
--I have sucessfully participated in several Monte Sano trail races (McKay's Hollow Madness and Dizzy 50's)
--I've also run several other regional trail races. (Black Warrior 50K, Twisted Ankle Trail Marathon, Norris Dam Hard Trail Run 50K, Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race 3 day/60 miles)
--I've done three single distance races of 50 miles or over. (think all the above and under my feet means I'm not a rank Ultra newbie anymore, but I have yet to meet the challenge of the Mountain Mist)
--I've got more local running buddies and family/crew support; hey, it all helps!

Worried abouts:
--I'm overweight (menopause hit me hard this year; well, that's my excuse anyway for currently being an Athena-I-don't-wanna-be)
--I ran a 24 hour/77 mile event three weeks ago; have I recovered suffuciently?
--I've always been slow, I'm still slow, and so still woried about the time cutoffs in the Mountain Mist.

Race Goals:
--to enjoy myself, the day, the trail, the other runners.
--to be Zen grateful and graceful about whatever race day gives me.
--to challenge my limits and push hard (while see above!)
--to make time cutoffs #1 & #2...and so be able to tackle Waterline (so I can see how much improvement I have made from last year)
--to make time cut off #3 and so be able to FINISH the race!

Vanity & Comfort Frets:
--What should I wear to the race? LOL..I'm not quite the running equivilent of tennis star "Venus Williams'" OMGawd level of attire*, but I am a rather colorful character and will admit I get a kick out of dressing funky.! I've got purple hair and a reputation to continue! :)
-- it's going to be cold on race day, have to decide how to layer up. Remember: race bib has to be worn on front and visible at Aid Stations and checkpoints.
--have to decide which darn (but not darned) socks to wear. So far, "blister free" footwear escapes me.

*Venus in all her glory: http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Venus-Williams-and-Outfits/ss/events/sp/011811venusoutfits#photoViewer=/ydownload_getty/20110118/photos_net_web_sp/1295368638