Getting there

To know you're getting "there", you need to know where "there" is in the first place.  And as 2020 demonstrated, the best laid plans can go pear shaped by things out with your control.  But there are things you can control and setting your training goals is one of them.  However you still need an event to aim for and I have two.  The main event, subject to being able to travel, is the Ultra Race in Romania, a 250km self-supported staged event over 7 days.  In order to sharpen the focus of my training I have the Moray Coastal 80km trail race in 8 weeks time.
I mention the later because when I am out on my longer runs I'm always thinking about completing that distance.  On Saturday I ran 32 km, the biggest distance this year, and was running on empty for the last 3km uphill.  I stopped for a gel and crawled up the hill thinking how am I going to manage 80km in 8 weeks time?  But this is a normal reaction when approaching a big race and I need to have faith in my coach and my plan because I know I will be "delivered" to the startline in the best shape possible.  When I got in from my run I couldn't stop eating until I fell asleep - always a sign of a tough session.
The proof of the pudding was going to be today's session, training on tired legs.  I choose a flatter route and had 18km to complete.  After the first km my legs felt good and I pushed the pace completing it in 5:11 min per km.  My heart rate also behaved and it's runs like this that give me confidence that I'm getting there.  But before I could put my feet up I had a double gym session to complete and that never gets any easier but is an essential part of my preparation.  I certainly feel the benefits of a stronger core and glutes.
Once the lockdown restrictions are lifted I'm looking back to getting in the mountains.  Power walking up and running down the mountains is a fabulous way of preparing for the Moray Coastal trails and the Romanian mountains.  If you haven't go a "there" then get one as it will make every training session more relevant and enjoyable getting the best out of you.