The bags are pack and I’m ready to go….well nearly!
On Saturday myself and 28 other competitors set out on the Viking Way Ultra, this will be a real challenge, not just because of the distance but because of the rain we have been having recently making the hundreds of fields that we cross muddy and tough going, throw into the mix of navigation skills against the time restraints and you have one hell of an event.
The weather during the week has gone from snow and minus 6 to cold and minus 2 and on the sunday it will be quite warm so packing really is difficult, especially as all the check points will be outside, there is no respite from the elements so the only way to stay warm is either keep moving or add layers of clothes. I’m someone who gets cold so I will be carrying extra kit that perhaps warmer blooded people won’t need.
Training hasn’t gone to plan, but I will give it my best shot, enjoy the experience and fingers crossed get to the finish line. Something you never do in races is take it for granted that you are going to get to the end, however well your training has gone, you can never take into account all the unpredictable incidents that happen to you along the way – 147.9 miles is a long way and longer than most people will even consider. As HWMBO always says “I don’t understand why you don’t drive, its far quicker and easier”
A friend said to me he didn’t understand how I ran such long distance, the simple answer is I love the challenge. I will never be up there with the top Ultra running girls, they are quite extra-ordinary and a real pleasure to follow, but I do love the challenge of the distance and seeing how far I can go, even if sometimes it means not reaching your goals, if you don’t try you will never find out what you are capable of, never be afraid of a challenge, even if you get criticised by other people for what they consider failure.
Heres to a great race for the 28 competitors and I really hope we all manage to get to the finish line at Oakham Library. If I have time I will be tweeting, but it won’t be that often.
If you would like to donate to my charity The Cure Parkinson’s Trust you can go to my just giving site www.justgiving.com/marvellousmimi1
Happy Training
