Ultra time

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…