On the edge

 8 days to go before I "toe the start line" in Ultra Race Romania.  Time is running out as I finalise my food and a few last minute equipment purchases which I pray arrive on time before I travel.  Getting on a plane will also be something I haven't done since February 2020, but I'm looking forward to a complete change of scenery and an internet detox.  You will be able to track me during the race and I'll put up details when I know them.  My only internet contact will be 15 minutes a day when I can send an email which I will do to my wife so she can update my blog on a daily basis.  If you want to send me an email offering support then please do.  It's the highlight of the night when you are in your tent and there is mail delivered.  You have no idea the lift that it gives me.  It's also terrible if a tent mate doesn't get mail - especially if it's me!  I'll get the email address out soon.
As for being "on the edge" this is in relation to my last big week of training.  It's a fine balance between getting me to the optimum condition while avoiding injury or making me too tired.  But my coach Genevieve has nailed it.
This week involved me in my first race since September 2019.  The John Lucas Memorial Ultra which had a relay race.  ATHelite put 3 teams in and I had the first leg which was 16km with 322m of ascent.  I pushed hard as one of my other team mates Mark was looking to beat me so was delighted to complete a very difficult leg with my average pace being 5:02 mins per km. Delighted with that and staying ahead of Mark - by one minute!  After a few minutes rest I then headed out for the second leg but not to race it, just to run it for the distance. Another 18 km in the bag with 231m of ascent and an average pace of 5:30 mins per km.  Very happy with that result as a race and as a training session.  Our team came 4th and there were great performances from the individuals - well done guys.  There is nothing to beat racing for real and it's wet my appetited for URR, although there are some serious runners in the race.
Today was a 5am start as I headed to the mountains on my own.  I had some scrambling over rocks at the second summit and was very nervous although another climber who appeared from nowhere, gave me some guidance - my heart was in my mouth, again!  I shortened the route to give me a long descent and I flew down the hill.  My legs feel great and 3.5 hours of effort with 1,400m of ascent was a fantastic way to bring the hard training to a close.
My coach will be letting me know what I will be doing this week but it will definitely be a lot less and no more mountains.  I've said it before but the first priority is getting to the start line and I'm almost there.  The second is to get their fit and I think we can tick that box based on my numbers.  She has taken me "to the edge" but that's been achieved safely no matter what my Garmin has been trying to tell me! 
I aim to report back next Sunday from Bucharest on the eve  of the race depending on the access I have to the internet.  I'll make sure I let you know how you can follow me and send me emails.  Thank you for all your support and I will be posting my charity page for Maggie's Cancer Centres.  Like all charities they have suffered with a lack of donations during the pandemic and I hope we can raise some valuable funds for them as the support they give cancer sufferers and their family is just amazing.