Training tired

 I'm often asked "how can you run so far or how can you run down steep mountains?" I'm also asked what "possesses" me to put myself through the pain to achieve these goals.  The first question is usually asked by non runners who can't imagine how we can keep going.  Today was a good example as again Beth & I power walked up and ran down Tinto Hill twice, roughly 1,000m of ascent.  We'd noticed a "big lad" sitting on the path about a quarter of the way up and he looked bust.  When we were on our second ascent of the hill, he was walking down and shouted out "fair play to you mate" as he obviously couldn't believe we were doing this for the second time.  But "fair play" to him and everyone else that takes on the challenge as strenuous as that and it was wonderful to see young children walking up the hill.  
When I was at the bottom I saw a dad and daughter racing down the hill and I congratulated them both when they finished.  "I've only ran the last 100 yards and I'm out of breath" he said to which I replied, "that's how it starts.  I hope you both keep it up"  These people on the hill today were lapping everyone lying on their couch.  I hope seeing us do something they thought was mad or not possible might just push their comfort zone even further next time as were all capable of so much more.
The point I'm making is that it's all relative.  Today we were marveling at the fitness of athletes taking part this weekend in the famous UTMB race and the speeds they achieve. In addition Jo Murphy a Scottish Ultra runner just became the 100km world champion running 100km in 7hrs 38 mins.  That's an average of 4min 35 sec per KM.  To put that in perspective, I'd struggle to keep that pace up for 5km on a flat route never mind 100km.  "Fair play to you Jo"!  It just shows there are always people faster or stronger than us and we can be inspired by them.  
It's been a great weekend and we've been in the mountains enjoying stunning scenery.  You'll know that Ben More has been an unlucky hill for me having climbed it 4 times, making the summit three times but never managing to go over the back to the next summit, Stob Binnein.  But yesterday we did.  I'm so glad I didn't risk going over the back in the poor visibility and high winds because even in good weather I had to search to find a safe path to follow.  It was worth the wait as Stob Binnein is a nice climb and the views were fantastic.  Running down hill was tricky so I didn't get the workout I was looking for but Ben More is a steep climb and in total we climbed 1,294m.  
This morning we headed out to Tinto despite our legs feeling tired and heavy.  But this is what is required if you are going to run 125km in two days, 4,300m of ascent (Beth) and 50km in one day with 1,906m of ascent (me).  This combined with our weight training and yoga means we both feel knackered but that's all part of the plan.  To keep my muscles in good order, on Friday I had a wonderful massage by Rhondda.  Wonderfully painful as she worked her magic on my muscles.  The good news is I am getting stronger and it shows.
That leaves the last question of what possesses us to put ourselves through this pain.  We both have friends who have been affected by cancer and over the years I have raised money for Maggie's.  Beth is raising money for the Beatson in Glasgow and being emotionally committed to these organisations who have helped our friends, drives us through the pain and allows us to get up in the morning when all our bodies want to do is stay in bed and hide.  If you'd like to support Beth and donate to an amazing charity please go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elsbeththomas .
Training tired isn't easy but it's essential when you are getting ready for a race.  Think of it as a sign you're getting close to the start line of an adventure which is always an exciting time.  We're lucky to be able to do what we do and will never take it for granted.