Race preview: Rocky Raccoon 100

WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Huntsville, Texas

WHEN?
Saturday, Feb. 2

WHY?
Rocky Raccoon 100

NO REALLY, WHY?
This is the one all the cool kids run, the biggest 100-mile race in this part of the world and a favorite of first-timers. I signed up the day registration opened 8 months ago, when I still would have been a first-timer.

WHO ELSE IS GOING?
At the moment there are 383 folks on the list for the 100 and 379 for the 50. I have more friends and acquaintances in this race than any I've done before -- I told you this is where the cool kids go -- and expect to meet a few more folks this weekend as well. The out-and-back-ish course layout, with some sections of two-way traffic, will make for plenty of chances to see familiar faces.

WHAT'S THE FORECAST?
It's looking a little on the warm side by historical standards -- high around 70, low around 50 -- but I'm OK with that as long as it doesn't rain, and it's looking like after Tuesday we'll be in the clear.

HOW DO WE WIN?
Having only completed 1 100 in 3 attempts, my first goal is still just to finish, but getting the last one done under 24 hours (on an easier surface but with a little more elevation gain) obviously has me targeting the same result this time. The stretch goal is to go under 23. Improper recovery from Houston left me with a mild case of Achilles tendinitis, but with a couple weeks of aggressive rest, I should be OK.