It is actually less than 2 weeks until my very first 100K race. Just yesterday I ran 29 miles as part of my training and overall it was a good run. I felt good most of the time and tested my fueling strategy as well as some new running shoes (affiliate link). Hoka One One Speedgoat 2

I am testing the Hoka One One Speedgoat 2 trail running shoe and overall I am quite happy with how the shoe performed during those 29 miles. I upsized it when I bought it because it is a little tight in the toe box, but other than that I think it will be my go to shoe for the Sycamore Canyon 100K race. My feet did not hurt after the 29 miles on the trail. When I hit sharp rocks, the shoe never gave in. While not perfect, it felt pretty damn good run in the Hoke One One Speedgoat 2.

I had also tried another trail running shoe – the Altra Lone Peak 3.5, but that shoe will have to go back. Pressure points hurt my feet really bad, even though I like the comfort from the all the cushioning. So, I will return the shoe.

I also tested the Sfuels bar http://www.spike-free.com/sfuels and really liked them during the training run. They are a bit hard to chew which slowed me down. I think I will pre-cut them into small, bite-size pieces and carry them in a Ziploc bag for convenient access during my race. I still have 2 bars left and those should come in handy. I am on the fence of ordering more, but while I am willing to pay list price for them, the shipping cost are outrageous in my opinion. Might do it as a one-time exception, but man – I hate when premium products become super expensive because of unnecessary high shipping feels. I pay for quality, but do not like to be ripped off with high shipping fees.

I am excited and a bit scared (full of respect) of the race. I have not done a run with 11,000 ft. of elevation gain yet.

I will slowly move into the taper now, but have two more hill training sessions on the map for this week. I know I am not gaining significant amount of muscle over the next 2 weeks, but the race features over 11,000 ft. of elevation gain and I think I will be better prepared with doing a few more hill sessions.