Every waking moment

It's not quite "squeaky bum time" but its getting close.  The training continues to go well with my hill walking/running into cloud base continuing and longer Chatelherault runs confirming my progress.  But I thought I'd share what's going on between my ears as this has happened in all the major events I've taken part in from Ironman to MdS, Ultra runs to ultra swims.
Every training session I'm visualising being in the Grand Canyon and how the session relates to the event - even if I'm in the pool.  So today I enjoyed company on the first two laps of Chatelherault but was on my own for the third lap.  I had to dig deep because I wanted to maintain the pace and was running on tired legs which is deliberate as that will be what it is like in the race.  So I channeled my thinking into race mode.  I also have to be mentally prepared for sleeping in a 10 man tent, there's bound to be a snorer, with a bunch of smelly people - you don't waste your water supply on washing and I'll only have one set of running clothes.  Sleeping in a sleeping bag while balancing on a small inflatable mat isn't easy.  The temperature will swing from bloody hot to bloody cold in 24 hours and I need to make sure I am adequately prepared for those conditions without taking a wardrobe of clothes which would make my rucksack to heavy.
On the subject of a rucksack I am hoping to have that one resolved this week and I'll need to be walking/running with it filled with clothes and water to get the weight up so I'm used to running with about 12kg.
My new shoes were confirmed this weekend based on two successful training sessions as the last pair fell to bits in less than 4 weeks, so I changed brand - they wouldn't have survived 170 miles.  I still need to agree what food I'm taking so a food tasting session is required.  And all these thoughts are going on whenever there is space in my head from life & work.  The worst time is just before I nod off to sleep as my mind is still processing the information.
My diary is planned as much as possible around my training and with so little time left, 27 days to the start line or 22 before I step on the plane, every session counts. For my friends who compete in Ironman and Ultra events, they will get this way of thinking but not everyone who reads this blog is involved in this madness.  Getting to the start line is always the first priority but you also have to enjoy the journey.  The excitement is building to this adventure of a lifetime.  The opportunity of living in the canyon with a group of likeminded individuals.  Shut off from the outside world with the exception of messages coming through on email which are handed to us at night.  I remember how emotional everyone got at MdS around those messages - our only contact with the outside world.  You are literally stripped of everything you are used to and you have to survive while running in the desert carrying everything you need in your rucksack - if it's not in your rucksack then your stuffed.  This means the preparation / logistics are essential.  I have lists of lists and am slowly ticking the items off.  So every waking moment, this is what's going through my mind.  Just thought I'd give you an insight into the mental side!