I get by with a little help from my friends

I can't believe I'm almost there.  My total focus for 2018 has been the Great Glen Ultra which is on 7th July, starting at 1am.  I will have 22 hours to complete 71 miles and the last 6 months have been working towards this goal.  It been tough at times but I've managed my body with help from Pamela Loch who on Thursday will be taping my leg to see me through the race.  Sam Williams will also be giving me pre-race massage to make sure all my muscles are in good shape and ready for the pounding they will be taking 48 hours later.
The hot weather has meant where possible I've trained early in the morning but even then, it's been warmer than normal.  It gives me a good chance to practise my hydration which will be vital on the day - especially if this heat wave continues.  That is also beginning to influence my race strategy. Starting at 1am it will be dark so I need to take care in not tripping over a stone or worse, falling into the canal!  But making up early miles in the coolest temperatures seems like a good idea but I need to balance that against it being a very long day.  Way longer than I've been on my feet for since Grand 2 Grand.
Today I am going over the logistics of travelling to Inverness, dropping my car off and then heading back down to Fort William for food and rest before the start.  My equipment is chosen and tested but I need to decide what to carry while running and what to have in my drop bags.  Pork pies, custard, baby bells, mixed nuts and raisins.  Carb drinks and flat coke.  There are some mandatory items such a space blanket and the weather and temperature will determine what, if any, additional clothes I require.  There is no support allowed in the race however my coach Genevieve and her husband Colin are going to the three checkpoints where there is access to cheer me on.  Even knowing that they will be at those checkpoints will get me through the dark moments.
Another ultra runner Michael Martin, who also happens to be a fantastic photographer, has volunteered to photograph the whole event from registration to the finish line (and hopefully not the medical tent).  Having a record of the event will be special and allow me to show what's involved in such an amazing event; the highs, the lows and the really lows.
Training my body for this challenge has been tough but during that time I've been training my mind.  My longest run has been just short of a marathon, but back to back training days simulate the tiredness I'll be feeling, but the most important factor is controlling my mind.  It's like any target, you just need to dial the number into your subconscious.  I remember 2 years ago that  running 2km was tough due to injury and every increase in distance seemed a challenge.  But as Nelson Mandela once said, it always seems impossible until it's done.  GGU will be over soon enough but I intend to enjoy it.  It's a stepping stone to the next adventure but I've got to treat it with respect (it's a tough enough challenge on its own) as I don't want to fall off that stone and not get to my 2019 challenge!
But the reason I've got to the start line is the support from my friends and most importantly my family.  The ones who put up with the missed social events (GGU clashes with a 21st party, G2G clashed with a 60th!) and the constant pile of sweaty lycra.  So thank you to each and every one of you who have encouraged and supported me along the way.  It sure makes it easier.