The final countdown - 50 miles at Umstead

So with one week left to go to the 50 miles at Umstead, I am beginning to have that sinking feeling that comes everytime I do a run - I am under-trained and under-prepared. This is my first attmept at 50 miles, so of course I don't know if I am under-trained and under-prepared. I will know sometime on April 4th. I have now done 28.7 miles, and I felt like I could have gone further, and perhaps that is all I will need.

I have set no goals - except to 'finish alive'. I really don't care how long it will take to do the four laps, and as long as I keep telling myself that, and forcing myself to slow down and walk often during the early portions of the race, I think I will be OK.

I will have two 'drop bags', and knowing what to put in them is a bit of a challenge to be honest, the weather is predicted to be about 71F and sunny - but it is spring in NC, so it could get into the 80's or it could freeze - rain is always a possibility. Here is what I am thinking:

• Spare drink bottles
• Plenty of HammerGels and AccelGels
• Endurolytes
• Anti Fatigue Caps
• Vaseline and BodyGlide
• Headlamp
• Gloves if it gets cold
• Change of clothing - including an additional long sleeve shirt and a fleece if it gets cold.
• Spare MP3 player (don't think my batteries will last)
• Couple of pairs of spare running shoes (including that old worn-in, comfortable pair that I will probably need towards the end when I am mostly walking)
• Camera (or should I carry the camera)? Maybe my phone camera will do.

There is probably plenty more that I can't think of right now.