Long shadows

This week I was two days in Belfast with no ability to run, so every remaining day was running; steady run, tempo run and a hill run.  And of course this weekend was back to back runs but only 90 minutes each.  I’ve met with my coach and we’ve gone over most of the route - unfortunately the O/S map didn’t cover about 10 km of the race but the race plan is in place.  I’m in good condition but not as fit as I was for the GGU but that’s fine as this race was to give me a focus to train hard in the run up to winter - it certainly has.
On Saturday Stuart came out for a recovery run following his successful 33 mile ultra the week before and we got a lap of Chatelherault in before the others arrived - 43 minutes was faster than anticipated.  The second lap had me “digging in” as my coach had taken position behind me just to make sure I kept my running form as the run went on.  When I needed to dig in I could see her long shadow behind me formed by the winter sun.  It’s given me a good image for when it get tough in the race to think she will be there, in spirit at least, encouraging me to ignore the pain and get on with it.  We ended up completing the 2nd lap in 42 mins!  This is a good indicator of where my running is.
Today I was hoping to avoid the rain as I went out for another 90 minute run.  I know this might sound daft, but 90 minutes feels like a warm up based on the training I’ve been doing and today was a nice steady run - I did 17.5 km and 16km of it was the 2nd fastest of the year.  As I ran back into town on my way home in the rain I heard the sound of bagpipes as the band warmed up for the 100 year commemoration of WW1.  It made me think of the long shadows of the graves where our war heroes are buried.  I salute you all.  I’m reminded of the song that I walked onto the boxing ring on 10 years ago which started this crazy journey, Edwin Star and War - “...what is it good for, absolutely nothing” - says it all really.
The rest of today will be spent planning my race logistics, getting my kit together because it will be here before I know it.  Next weeks tapering means running 4 days Tue - Fri but not for too long.  Just keeping the body ticking over.  I have a massage to look forward to on Thursday as my final “tune up”.  The start line is almost in sight and when I have my toe on it, then I will have completed the first goal - it’s been hard work but great fun getting here.
One last update which I will go into more detail on a later blog, need to keep the focus on next Sunday’s race, Tahoe 200 is booked www.tahoe200.com - 305 days to go.