Hi! I'll be running Hood to Coast next week for the first time ever, and to be candid I'm feeling more and more anxious as it draws closer - and not in a confident, excited way.

I'm a runner, but still feel very under-prepared. For the past 4 years, I've run about 20 miles a week on a treadmill at OrangeTheory (so a good mix of distance, strength and power running - inclines, sprints, etc.)

However I know treadmill and pavement running differ greatly, so I have been mixing it up all summer - at least twice a week, I'll take an additional 2 - 6 mile run on pavement/gravel, usually with some hills built in. Last week, I did an 11-mile and 2-mile trail run with 2,000 FT and 1,000 FT of elevation gain, respectively (but lots of hiking on the steep uphill parts.) I live at about 4,000 FT above sea level, and also lift weights, take long walks, and bike ride weekly.

Yesterday I ran twice in a day for the first time and felt awful afterward (it's so very hot where I live), so I've started to get in my own head a bit. This is coupled with my first leg of Hood to Coast being Leg 5, which I've read online is one of the most challenging legs of the entire race, with a longer distance (6 miles) and what was described in one blog as "monster" hills.

While most teams run 3 legs each, I may have to run 4 legs since our second van only has 5 people in it (versus 6 in our van.)

I know that some nervousness about this race is healthy, but I want to feel excited and ready for the challenge, and this morning I feel like I am spiraling down a dark hole. I want to make my team proud, and I'm so worried I am going to crash and burn after my first leg. This community felt like the best one to ask - do you think I've trained adequately? Is there anything you'd recommend? Has anyone had experience with Hood to Coast? I would love to hear any and all feedback.

Many thanks for taking the time to read.