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Ready to Race?

It's now less than a week until I'll be standing on the start line of the Dulux London Revolution Trail Ultra. My number has arrived in the post, I've made a start on sorting out my race kit and I've got train tickets and a hotel booked.


Does this mean I'm ready to race?

Honestly, I'm not really sure.

The last couple of weeks have been a real challenge in terms of health and fitness... a cough that's not quite gone away, an ache in my right foot that's annoying more than painful and more than my usual amount of lethargy after a very busy few weeks at work. Running has generally been replaced by quite a lot of resting, although I did cover about 15 miles at walking pace around London last weekend whilst spectating at the London Marathon.

It's not quite the taper I had planned but it's how things have worked out and now it's time to make it work on race day.

So I've been pondering my race day strategy and set myself three simple goals:

1. Get to the start line and run the first smile with confidence - the next few days are about avoiding injury, staying hydrated and getting lots of sleep. Unlike many other races, I'll be heading to the start line on my own... I'm sure I'll have a few nerves but I just need to be brave enough to start.


2. Enjoy the adventure - I'm not thinking about trying to break any records or running my "fastest ever" anything. I want to keep my eyes open and take in everything I can see - the route will take me through unfamiliar locations so I want to remember the view. If I need to walk, I will. If I want to stop for a cuppa, I'll do that too. I've even bought myself a collapsible cup to take with me!

3. Finish with a smile - I know there will be times when I'm struggling and when my energy levels drop. It will be a long day and I will need to keep lifting myself and digging deep just to keep going. I'm hoping that the quote below applies to ultra marathons too... whatever happens. I won't stop when I'm tired, I'll stop when I'm done. And I will do my best to be smiling for the finish line photo!


Perhaps I'm ready to ready to race after all.
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