Okay; it's been two weeks since the last big run, and the nerves are jangling even more than they usually do on the eve of a fifteen miler (and no, I will never get used to talking about, or succeeding in the completion of - hopefully - a distance like that). Does anyone know what happens to a long distance runner when they haven't done any long distance running for a while?....Anyone??..... Well, I guess I'm going to find out tomorrow.
Just plotted out the route on mappedometer (really good if you need to run to a distance), and now all I have to do is remember it. Sounds simple, but when the brain is obsessed with the singular thought of 'keep plodding on you great lump' I do have a slight tendency to get lost (note for future reference; if you ever see a jogger slowing down, turning pirouettes and looking down every side road, he or she no longer has a baldy clue where they are!); either that or I make a turn too early out of desperation to hasten the end (or avoid a hillish hell (??!)).
It's actually quite a nice route; the first five miles are predominantly downhill, by the end of which I am getting on towards the half way point, and although of course the LAST five miles are predominantly and often brutally uphill the knowledge of being so close to the finish provides that much needed boost to get me home. Though determination may well be coursing through my veins, the thoughts that go through my mind on that final stretch are anything but positive; variations on a theme of 'please stop running Adrian, it's really REEEEALLY hurting now. Pretty pretty pleeeeease!?'
Not stopped yet, but as it's been a fortnight I am particularly worried that I might have to do just that tomorrow. Nevertheless, I feel fit, I feel good; and I am as ready as I can be. Let's just take it steady and see how it goes eh? (lesson for life in general I'd say!)
43 days to go!!
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