This is the 'don't do something stupid' phase.

It's like the days before the big game. You don't want to break an ankle. Or cut a hand. You don't want to do something stupid that could jeopardize the trip. Be careful driving so that you don't total the car you need to drive to Alaska. Make sure a limb is hanging - about to break off - and puncture the kayak you need to paddle 409 miles.

No food poisoning, no colds, or viruses, nothing stupid. You have planned this for too long. Spent too much money, spent too much time. Don't make a stupid mistake.

This phase will continue right up until you hit the water. Don't drive behind the big truck spilling gravel all along the highway.

Certainly, whatever you do, don't pull a muscle in your back at the gym. That would be dreadful. I know, because that is what I did this morning. I think it is actually just a muscle that is spasmed, and I think it is primarily due to stress. I have been chewing motrin like m&m's and am working my way through a bottle of red. After work I did a short run, then hit the rowing machine - which felt pretty good - to loosen it up. Then spent some time in the steam, and then hit the shower. I will be fine in a few days.

I just have to be careful.