Hamster in its Wheel

Ok, so as much as I love to run (and run and run) I too suffer from the dreaded burn out. Our race is less than 2 weeks away and we are either really ready or doomed! None the less we are feeling stale. I am hoping it is because we are trained and ready and it's time to rest. Of course, no matter if you race 3 miles or 200 miles, you still doubt that this is the case. You wonder if you'll feel this way when the gun goes off. Well, typically at an ultra some guy just yells "go." There is very little hoopla at ultras. No frills or fluff. No awesome swag or merchandise. The cheering crowds......wait, what cheering crowds? You share the route with open traffic, dog walkers, rollerbladers, bikers, strollers, and vehicles. There is no finishing chute with music or an announcer. Typically there is a guy with a clipboard getting up from his lawn chair to write down your number when you finish. Chip timing? Not a chance! You'll be lucky if the results are up that week.
What you will find (and why I enjoy and am fascinated) at an ultra is a wide variety of very determined individuals. Some are there because they are running for someone they love or lost. Other's are there running to support finding a cure cancer or alzheimer's. You will see people who run with a limp or run with a handicap. While ultra running comes with bragging rights, few of these people do. In fact, I can honestly say, they are so much more friendly than any other distance race I have ran from 5k's to marathons. Everyone there has a story that is bigger than running. ( and let us not shout out to the wonderful volunteers)
So basically you are reading my pep talk to me. In 11 days I won't be running among the masses or cheered on from the sidelines or hear my name as I cross the finish line. I will spend a day with a select group of people who run ultras. So far, I have always finished refreshed an amazed at the strength I see. It is typically not physical, although that is there. It is the drive that is behind the body. The ability to run that far is not ability. It is raw determination and heart. It is so awesome to witness.
So for another 10 days we will feel like the picture.....just a hamster in its wheel. Side note: this wheel was in the middle of the road off of Lincoln Avenue. Yes, Saturday morning in the middle of the road?
I am hoping in 11 days the legs will feel fresh and the love will return! Let the official taper begin!!!!! (insert wolfpack howl here).