The last significant training run of my  Sehgahunda Trail Marathon training came on Saturday. Twelve miles were on the schedule and  I wanted to practice being off road for race day, so I hit Losson Park. I’ve been running some of my shorter trail runs there because it’s relatively flat and the pathways are idiot proof. Getting lost is really not an option and I am always about a quarter mile from a road, no matter how much wildlife I see. There’s a safety and comfort level here, perfect as I test drove my gear for race day.

Race day gear and nutrition

At 7:30 a.m. there already was plenty of activity as Little League Dads were preparing for morning games. I’m not quite sure the figure I cut what with my hot pink compression sleeves over my calves to compliment my mud caked trail shoes. My new CamelBak hydration pack contained 1.5 liters of water, Honey Stinger Waffles and my cell phone. It looked a bit much for the Losson Park trails, but (a) it was warm out and I needed the hydration/nutrition, (b) I was running 12 miles and (c) I wanted to practice with my new hydration pack to work out any kinks before race day.

I started running and came to an immediate realization: I forgot to adjust the straps on the hydration pack. I stopped my watch and took off the pack. Only, I’m not the brightest in the world when it comes to adjusting straps and in my chattiness at Gear for Adventure, where I bought the pack, I forgot to ask for an adjustment demonstration. The pack on me was flopping a bit. Frustration floated through my brain, but then came the thought, “Well, at least it will keep me from running too hard today. Which is good, because today is supposed to be an easy run, not a hard run.” I liked that train of thought and so I followed it. I wound around the trails, looping in several places to get in 12 miles. I crossed paths with three or four deer several times. I also crossed path with two turkeys. Something seems right when I cross paths with deer and turkeys in training runs before a race. I feel like it’s good luck. Or rather, I decide that it’s good luck. Because really, what things mean in my life is completely up to me and what I choose to focus on will grow, whether it’s positive or negative. My friend Carolyn the other day posted this sentiment:

What’s not working? Change it! What’s working? More of that!

Sound too simple? There is great wisdom in simplicity. And there is great power in changing your perspective. Part of my trail run on Saturday was to test out race-day equipment. My new hydration pack was light and lovely. It was perfect with the exception of the fact that I didn’t quite know how to adjust it. By the end of the run, it was flopping up and off my shoulders giving me a slight chafe on the right side of my neck. It was uncomfortable and even a bit painful. Part of me wanted to panic. But another part of me understood: This was good news. We can made adjustments.

After stretching and refueling with a yogurt smoothy I headed back to Gear for Adventure. Still a bit sweaty and definitely smelly, I went into the store with my pack and asked for help. Within minutes we had the pack fitted properly and I had full confidence in being able to make adjustments in the future. This is one of the reasons why I love to support local businesses — the people are awesome, become my friends, and help me adjust my hydration when I’m stupid and smelly. Problem solved. What’s not working? Change it. It’s really as simple as that. And if you let it, it works for life issues bigger than a chafe-inducing hydration pack.

***

Friendly reminder blog readers! Join us for some great workshops and adventures coming up soon! On Sunday, June 3 is the Women’s Adventure Retreat: Fun on Two Wheels featuring yoga, stress relieve, massages, lunch and a group bike ride. It’s great for beginners and intermediates who just want to get comfortable riding outside! On Saturday, June 9 is the first of the summer’s workshops at the Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, N.Y. Lessons from My Inner Athlete: Goal Setting will run from 10:30-noon. Join the interactive session to learn how to create your best game plan to reach your goals and most importantly enjoy the journey!