1 Theme
Anticipation
It's finally here.
4 months of training.
342 miles of running.
Wet, windy conditions and getting soaked.
Running up Conic Hill.
The last 4 months have been building up to this weekend.
This week my mind has been solely focused on this weekend. I've prioritised recovery and feeling good going into the race.
When asked about how I'm feeling going into it, I've been 100% honest.
Buzzing but also a little nervous. I think that comes from the anticipation you feel in the lead-up to events, holidays etc.
I know I'm ready to take this on.
2 Positive Outcomes
Appreciation of Time
Tapering over the last couple of weeks has meant my training volume has decreased. And honestly, I'm glad it did.
My body has needed the time to fully recover so I'm prepped for the race and I've been able to get some time back from training slightly less.
Time is the only non-renewable commodity we have so making the most of what we've got is going to do a lot for your overall happiness and fulfilment.
Ready Physically And Mentally
I knew once I finished the last training run I was ready.
Physically, I've never felt more conditioned to long-distance running. The journey from December 2021 to now has been crazy. From being a "non-runner" to about to complete an ultramarathon humbles me.
Mentally, I know what I'm up against. Taking on board everything I learned from the Edinburgh marathon last year and my training this year has me feeling confident for this weekend.
3 Biggest Learnings
The Commitment
When you put yourself forward to take on challenges like endurance events Hyorx, or similar, the biggest obstacle in your way is time - especially in the latter stages of training.
When the training runs become over 2 hours long you have to factor in time for recovery afterwards because while you get the runner's high, there's a drop-off after it. Unless you've experienced it before, you'll struggle to deal with it first time around.
The day after also becomes affected. Even when your recovery protocol is on point, you can still feel depleted and sluggish.
When I'm training for these big events and I'm in the pain cave, I always remember the scene from Rocky III where he's training with Apollo Creed. Rocky is struggling, almost begging Apollo to stop saying, "Tomorrow, tomorrow".
Apollo replies, "There is no tomorrow".
The commitment is big and you're going to have to go through a metaphorical brick wall at some point because on the side is a better, more resilient version of yourself.
You can and probably have to become a little bit obsessed with the process of it all if you're determined to show up at your best on the day.
Life Getting In The Way Is A Feature Not A Bug
I hear this so often when it doesn't work out as intended - life got in the way.
The truth is life is always going to get in the way.
It's how you react to it that matters.
Obviously, circumstances could completely do a 180. Sadly, it's a feature of our existence rather than a bug. And no amount of preparation can prepare you for the worst.
Life gets in the way but it doesn't mean you can't navigate it.
Enjoy The Journey
This stems from anticipation.
We're often so quick to get to the destination, the journey there is forgotten.
Time is so easily wasted on living for the weekend and counting down the days until we go on holiday that the road we take to get there can be full of pleasant surprises and enjoyable moments.
Enjoy them because the journey only happens once.
I'll see you at the finish line.