I’m packed and ready to go. At least as ready as I’m going to be for what promises to be the most physically and mentally grueling race ever for me. I expect pain in legs, calves, feet, shoulders, and arms. I expect moments in which I wonder if I’ll be able to finish. I expect to help other racers who may be struggling as well. I expect to be cold. I expect some self-doubt. I expect to fall, get back up, fall again, and get back up again. I expect that to happen multiple times. I expect to do burpees….lots of them…..probably in the triple digits. I expect to be out of breath at times. I expect to be on the mountain for 11+ hours. I expect leg cramps. I expect to be cut, scraped, scratched, and bruised. I expect some bad things to happen. I expect that I will barely be able to move on Sunday, Monday, …..
However, I also expect an adventure. I expect to have stories to tell. I expect to see old racing friends. I expect to make new friends. I expect to exhibit mental toughness like I’ve never had to before. I expect to be thrilled by accomplishment (both my own and by others). I expect gorgeous views from the top of the mountain. I expect to be amazed by others’ talent, speed, agility, strength, and endurance. I expect to amaze myself just a little. I expect to overcome obstacles that I’ve failed at before. I expect to bond with other athletes. I expect grit and determination to the very end. I expect to finish. I expect to feel like I never have before when I cross the finish line.
Above all, I expect a race of epic proportions, and with that an epic experience with epic athletes. Yes, I expect EPICness. Can I hold up my end of this epic event? We’ll all know come Saturday night. Hopefully it will be an epic after-party for me and everyone else.
On My Way To Sparta 
I am so stoked for you. I wish I could be there but honestly, I am not prepared for such an Epic 🙂 battle. You will do great. You will endure, you will finish with gusto. Have fun. Share your experience. I am looking forward to it.