Stephen Hill
As we begin the countdown to the big day, it already feels like we are some way into a long journey. Adjusting the body’s post work expectations to a long and arduous run rather than food or drink is not an easy one for the mind or the body. That’s half the battle though, and setting a (fairly) rigorous routine allows a little bit of extra confidence in each week. The default mental setting is still “I could not possibly run half way to Brighton” though, and will probably remain so until the finishing line is in sight, but it seems more realistic each month.
It’s a strange feeling to clear the diary to make room for the final 16 weeks of full on training. Weekends are now delayed and, must now await the completion of the dreaded long run on a Saturday morning but completion of it is a great feeling: I also get to eat more, which is no small compensation.
Aside from staying on my feet and moving forward for the requisite distance I am a little concerned about where to direct my thoughts for the 5 or 6 hours it will inevitably take to get round. Florence isn’t a bad place to distract a man from searing knee pain and inside out lungs but I think I may need more if I can’t engage any fellow runners in some polite conversation. I guess boredom will be the least of my worries.
The training goes on and I am genuinely excited by the thought of getting round within any time at all. Then an Italian beer.