Eyes on the prize

By this time next week, I will hopefully have completed the Manchester Marathon.  I've no idea what the time will be as this will depend on my HR.  I intend to take the first half easy and if I'm feeling good, and my HR is behaving, then I will try and pick up the pace up.  But I'm not going to take too big a risk and my HR will be the decisive factor in my time.  I intend to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the event.
It's been a good weeks training and my focus has been on tapering to allow my body to recover before race day.  On Friday the weather forecast was amazing so Beth and I set off at 6.20am to head to Glencoe to climb two Munro's.  We couldn't have asked for better conditions and it was a steep climb which worked our legs.  On the summits it was peaceful and we enjoyed the vista of snow covered summits in the distance - we are so lucky to have this within 2 hours of our homes.  We even had our lunch on the second summit sheltering from the wind behind some rocks.  The descent was tough on our quads and calves.  When we got back to the car we went to a local cafe and enjoyed fresh coffee and home made scones with jam and cream - they always taste better after a workout.
On Saturday we ran 16km at a slow pace.  We were running against the flow of runners completing their 5km Park Run.  Watching the expressions on their faces whether they were in front, middle or straggling at the end made no difference.  There was a focused look on some obviously trying for a PB.  Some had a painful expression and others were jogging along chatting to their companion.  Each had their own goal and had their eyes on the prize and next weekend won't be any different.
I have total respect for anyone who pulls on a pair of running shoes and no matter what shape, size or speed they are running at, they are lapping everyone on the couch.  I also noticed they had a couple of "walking marshals" which shows how inclusive the Park Run is.  Walking 5km is a major achievement to some people and if more people did it then we'd be a healthier nation and it would reduce the strain on the NHS.
My training intensity reduces this week so that when I reach the start line I'll be ready to give it my best.  Beth and I will be running separately as we have different goals but know what we are aiming for and look forward to enjoying the total experience of running with over 28,000 runners each of who has their own story behind getting to the start line.  I just love the anticipation of a start line.  Eyes on the prize.  See you on the other side.