This time next week, I have my first ultramarathon race; the Baker Trail UltraChallenge.  It will be my first time running 50 miles, and so I am busy planning and preparing for the big day.

When running 50 miles, the last thing you need to do is get lost.  If you lose the trail and keep running, you just add more miles, to an already long day.  Unfortunately, I have not been able to scout the complete route. This means I am relying on detailed maps to prepare.

Tomorrow, I do plan to run a portion of the route, when doing my last long run.  I will likely run some of the trail section through the woods. This is where I fear losing the trail the most.

The above photo shows the whole route, with an inset showing the detailed maps I have printed out.  I have started marking out things like critical turns and the location of aid stations.  I am also trying, as best I can, to estimate when I will get to each aid station.  This will enable to plan for things like the nutrition I will need to carry, and when I might need things like a headlamp.

Next week’s run is going to be a true adventure for me.  It will be a physical challenge, but most likely, it will be the mental aspects of the run, that determine my success or not. I have six more days to prepare and I will need all of that time. Even then, I am sure something unexpected will come up. That is all part of the fun…