The TDS is only two weeks
away. I’ve had a good summer with some great results and some fantastic close, “real”
racing. I love running fast and my
hunger has been re-ignited to get faster.
I’ve certainly learned that I am good at the
short, quick races and I feel that I could really kick on if I focussed on this
more. I never thought I’d say it but I want to put myself on the line more
frequently with the best in my age group and face my fears and anxieties. It’s completely different to long distance
running where you spend most of the time on your own with your own thoughts. It’s nice and relaxed but for me it’s more of
an adventure and a day out. I think I need the excitement of a close race. I’ve been working a lot on mindfulness recently
which is giving me confidence. I’ve not
entered races in the past because of putting too much pressure on myself.
I didn’t anticipate
regaining the Chevy Cup this year, especially with the expectation on others to
win. This was good for me as the
pressure was on my rivals. It was good
racing for the first half with young Will Robson and then kicking on from
Hedgehope using my experience of the race and the miles I’ve put in.
This year has been strange
having not been to Morpeth harriers very much and ultimately leaving the
club. I do miss the group but I needed a
change for many reasons. I’ve been
floating about doing my own thing and dropping into training sessions at North
Shields Poly. After the TDS I’ll be
committing to a club and setting a few targets.
One of which will be aiming for another England vest in 2018.
So, I am off to Chamonix in
a couple of weeks. My last visit in 2015
was an amazing experience and I’m looking forward to a different course,
although the TDSS is longer with more ascent.
It will be tough. Having enjoyed
the short stuff this summer, I do realise that I have neglected the long days
out but I hope I am fit enough and strong enough to finish the race. That is the main goal. I do not intend to “race” it. The wheels could come off and I could end up
injured.
We’ll see how it goes…
