Preparation Is Everything

Laying down the foundation is one thing.

Knowing what your body needs over a duration of an endurance event is another.

Acclimating the body to rigors of equipment to be used during said event is something that becomes essential for said athlete.

So I made my own little "Half Ouachita" to see what needs to be dialed for the event.

Sweet Double Track Loop to start the 'Loop'
It was a little chilly with the NW wind @15-20
A little 'BC' in Misery!

I can't get enough shots of this big fella'
That is truly an understatement.  The picture doesn't give it justice.  Plus this comes off a really steep road that was snow/ice covered.  Very high pucker factor

More double track.

Half way.  Lunch Break.

There is a trail, look really hard.  After this a little bushwackin'

I'm toast.

So what did I learn from my experiment?

1.  My Deuter doesn't need to be so snug.  

2.  I need my sugar's in my system.  I only had one bottle of 'go juice'. But had several gels.  It didn't quite cut it though.  In reading this guy's exploits I need more sugar's to sustain high exertion levels in the aerobic/anaerobic zones.

3. Get a little more acclimated to the rig with the loaded pack.

I'm glad these are easily correctable and will be doing some more of the '1/2 O' to get everything to a "T".  

For my boyz in Wisco here is a little rollerific tunes to keep you entertained while you are inside!