Loosing the will to live!

Oh my goodness today I felt the same as I look in this picture!  not knackered I have just lost the will to live during one of my many long runs I have to do on a weekly basis.  I’m sure everyone gets to this stage in training where quite frankly you’re bored of running the same routes and each morning you get up knowing you have another long run to complete.  Now don’t get me wrong I know I need to do this training but I have got to the stage where quite frankly it’s time to get going!

My run across America has been over two years in the planning, I was supposed to have done it last September but due to knee surgery it had to be postpone.  Although disappointing I think it  was the best thing that could have happened as it gave me more time to organise and plan and amazingly everything has fallen into place – just a few minor issues to sort then it’s all systems go.

On Thursday I turn 55 – I have no problems getting older as quite frankly it’s just a number (although I do tell people they are very welcome to airbrush any photos that are taken of me – sadly no one takes me up on my offer!) but 55 is a number I never wanted to reach.  Now don’t laugh but many years ago while on a work trip with HWMBO to Hong Kong I was told by an old Chinese guy who read my palm that I would die at 55 – yes you heard it right – die! I know that no one however physic they are has the ability to tell you when you’re going to die but it was rather creepy and has stayed with me ever since.  I will celebrate my birthday on Thursday and be proud of turning 55 and look forward to the adventure that lies ahead in September.

Training has been going really well.  The mileage increases and my body seems to be copying with it.  Sometimes I get up in the morning and really can’t be bothered to go out for a run but get my kit on an off I go – it needs to be done.  Today I really did loose the will to live and having done only 27km there was a km until I was back home.  How easy would it have been to have simply run down the road towards home but no, I took a diversion to make it 32km and although I didn’t complete the distance I was supposed to today I took a positive from the fact that I didn’t just go home – positives are good!  As HWMBO said there are days with things don’t go to plan, today was one of those days.

I’m experimenting with food on the run.  My Chia Charge flap jacks are delicious but I need to try other things as well.  Yesterday I took marmite, peanut butter and jam sandwiches cut into fingers – bloody marvellous.  Bananas are good but they go brown with all the bouncing up and down in my pack.  I have even tried coconut water – actually not too bad.  When I get home I make myself a recovery drink, bath then try and eat something – that bit I’m still struggling with but getting there.

Had a lovely chat with Jenny Davis (head crew) and we got a few more things sorted.  Just over 1 month to go then its all systems go.  I’m visualising the pain, the distance, tiredness and emotions that I will feel during the time I run across America as well as the good things, my amazing crew, the scenery, meeting people along the way there really is so much to focus on that’s good and positive  – I will do this, I have to.  So many marvellous people have put their faith in me and for that I will be eternally grateful.

James Manclark, Keith Godden (Ultramarathonrunningstore) & another couple (who want to remain anonymous have contributed financially to my run which is amazing, thank you.

My USA website will be launched very soon, I’m very excited about it.  A big shout out to David Hetherington of Chaselife Tech for putting it together for me.  Hopefully you will follow my progress and join in the fun.

Happy training everyone!