Countdown to the crunch..

This will be my last update on my on going training, simply because the race is this Saturday at 1030!
Following my last update my mood was upbeat and confident, despite hurting myself on my 21 miler. However only a couple of days later I aggravated an old back injury, which was uncomfortable enough to almost stop me running for two weeks. With some careful stretches and lots of hot baths..and cold beer, I nursed my self fit enough to get on my feet again.

Evenings are dark and leaves are falling..my two month old shoes smell like a cat's peed in them...and have they lost their spring?

So last week I decided to get one last long run on the Orme under my belt to hopefully boost my confidence back up. I wanted to make sure I still could make some sort of distance, but was very aware that any injury now could impact the big day itself. I completed three circuits, sixteen miles. I ran defensively...what almost felt slowly, but trying to remain as relaxed as I could. I only dropped a minute each time round but felt so much happier in myself. I also managed to stave off the stiffness I'm prone to, in my neck and shoulders by periodicly letting my arms flop by my side as I ran. There is always a down side though. At thirteen miles my left knee began to complain....not good news. At the end I was okay and my knee was fine later, but I know it would have got progressively worse.

I've done my shopping and will use all this lot to some extent on the day...not forgetting plasters, of course..

My race number is 754. Jos has promised to drive me there on Saturday morning and help pick up what's left of me at the end. I'm looking ahead at the weather forecast and hoping for a nice day. Though it looks like it's going to be windy...just hope it's not raining too! This is after all reputadly the toughest marathon on the calendar...I'm starting to understand why! I know I've got the stamina and strength to finish...I don't know if my knee will hold up, I'm hoping for the best!