Race to train

Now you might think I've got the title the wrong way round but I'll explain my rationale.  Before doing so this was the first week of tapering and the wonderful thing about ultra running as opposed to triathlon, is all you're doing is running.  In triathlon while tapering you still have the three disciplines to cope with so I'm glad those days are over.....for the meantime!
Letting your body recover is important and I have enjoyed it.  My biggest run last week was 15km although it was pacier than normal and I repeated it the following day.  But the big runs are off the agenda, until Saturday - race day.
I went over the race plan with my coach.  It's always hard to pace a route you've never ran before and when you're getting up to 80kms, you can't tell what shape your body will be in and what pace you be running or crawling at.  But it's good to have a plan as a reference point.  If the "wheels come off the trolley" then I'll go for plan B and then plan C 'cause that's what you've got to do - whatever it takes.
I've also being buying new gear.  The route is part tarmac and part trail so the dilemma is what to wear on my feet.  I ordered a paid of Inov8 Parkclaw 360's and put them through their paces on Saturday on similar terrain - result, they were great.  I ordered a new running vest to carry my water and mandatory kit and it fits like a glove. So all the planning is now done and I just need to rest, eat, hydrate, get a sports massage (tomorrow) and enjoy the reduced training schedule.  We're already planning big miles after the race.
On Sunday two club members took part in races - the first this year.  Mark completed a sprint tri and Michael a 60km ultra including 2 Munro's.  They both smashed them and loved the excitement to be racing again.  I was thinking about them when running and it occurred to me how important having a race to look forward to was.  If you don't have one in your calendar then it makes the training harder.  That's why I've switched the phrase round, we race to train.  Having the goal of that finish line is what makes us put in the hard miles especially when you don't feel like it.  As the race approaches I know how important every session is.
On Sunday I was in Aberdeen and got back home at 3pm and had a 12km run to do, at pace.  I was tired from the drive and it was really hot.  But having a race in 6 days time meant I had no choice.  I completed the training a sweaty mess but felt good knowing this was my last "long" (short really) run.
I know on Saturday there will be the excitement of lining up in a race.  I also know the highs and lows during the 80kms but must keep my focus and remember all the training sessions I've gone through to get there.  Hopefully my second jab I got today won't affect me and I'll have a stress free week. 
The summer's definitely here so get that race booked and focus your training with a picture of you crossing the finishing line in your mind.  It's just the best feeling!