Calm before the storm

When I was planning my 2014 season my "A race" was the 10km swim in September.  A worthwhile challenge I thought.  But as time went on I realised it was too far out with nothing in between.  That's why I decided to run the 53 mile Ultra Marathon The Highland Fling which is now less than 24 hours away.  I am so glad I did put this in the diary as it has meant a serious winter training schedule which I wouldn't have had otherwise.  I'm in good shape and it will be the platform to build on for the other races I have entered which are all before my "A race".
But now is the calm before the storm.  The trainings done, I've followed my nutrition plan, my Heart Rate Variance scores have been improving daily this week so all I need to do is pack my kit, carb load tonight and try to get some sleep before my 3.30am rise.
I have a race plan in my head but am experienced enough to know it can go "tits up" at any time and it's how you react at this point that will determine the outcome.  The exciting part about going this distance is it takes you to a place you don't visit very often.  The hurt locker will be visited, dark crevasses in my mind will be explored and my mental toughness will either make or break me.  It's not every day you face those kind of challenges and I am looking forward to it because it's been a year since I have been there.
I'd just like to thank everyone that follows my blog or tweats.  It means a lot to me that you take an interest and sometimes get inspired to push yourself to new limits.  Thanks to my fellow training partners and ATHelite members who are a constant source of inspiration and support. And finally to my long suffering family for all the hours I spend training, talking about training, talking about races, talking about food and the endless soggy lycra that needs washed!  Thanks for your patience and support.  You know I'd be a complete pain in the ass if I didn't take part in these challenges and it has raised a lot of money for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres along the way.  See you all when I get back from Tyndrum! :-)