Keeping my eye on the prize

It’s been a week of ups and downs.  The highlight was Mondays 33 km run before work.  I was meant to have company but ended up on my own.  Running with the backing track of the dawn chorus is such a privilege and the rain held off which was a bonus.  All the stats looked great and show that I am in great condition for Tahoe which is now in touching distance -  18 days time.
Being in the “final straight” feels a bit strange.  Every waking moment is referenced to the race and the worst is when trying to get to sleep or when you wake up in the middle of the night with your head full of Tahoe thoughts.
My back played up during the week and that resulted in me cancelling Saturday which was a 6 hour run with pals in Glencoe.  It was a difficult decision to take as I might have been able to complete it however the downside would have been making it worse and affecting my race preparation.  Of course the weather was perfect and my pals had a brilliant time although it took them over 7 hours and it looked a brutal course - I live to fight another day.  I used the time to go over, again, the logistics for the race and double check I have all the gear/equipment required - time well spent.
I was also advised to skip the big run today but to go a short and gentle run just to see how my niggle was.  Again a blisteringly sunny day which I would have enjoyed a long run on but I made do with a 37 minute run.  No issues which is great so the rest has been good for me.
With my coaches direction we will adapt the training to make sure I get to the start line in the best possible condition taking account of any niggles.  If I have to rest or run shorter than normal distances then so be it.  I have to keep my eye on the prize.  It’s been an amazing journey over the last two years to get here and I’ve loved watching the transformation of my body, my fitness and the expansion of my mind.  I know I am capable of whatever I turn my mind to and if that raises money for Maggie’s then that’s a win win www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Derek-stewart8.  The race will be the “cherry on the top” and I can’t wait to be standing at the start line.