The Big Dipper Week!

Phew! What a week that was? Highs and Lows all in the space of 7 days.

Physically my preparation continued along a gradual incline. Another 70 miles in the bank which included some great lunchtime runs in the lovely spring weather. It is so different running without gloves, hats and waterproofs. The sun on your back also gives you a fantastic feeling.

Mentally I had a real wobbly couple of days in the middle of the week. It didn't help my emotional state knowing that Friday would have been my late grandmother's birthday. She was such an inspirational lady who I miss very much. Anyway, I got to thinking about how enormous a challenge I have committed to and how close it is - only 7 weeks to go! I was feeling scared and I'm not ashamed to admit it. For months and months I have been saying that I didn't know if it was possible or whether I would be able to manage the training. It was always a long way off. But now all of a sudden it is so close - I can almost touch it and feel it! and yes it is even more possible. Gulp!

However, after sharing my thoughts, concerns and tears with Mac, Shelagh, Steve, Johnny and my boys - the best support crew you could ask for, I soon got myself back together. Thanks guys it would be so much harder without you! I started thinking about the closeness of the challenge and saw things in a different light - now the words being used were not scary, intimidating, impossible but EXCITING, CHALLENGING, A DREAM COME TRUE! I can't wait!

I ended my training week running on my own around the Windermere course on Friday (26 miles) in 4hr 9mins. Shelagh and Jill Dawes thankfully providing the necessary jelly beans, water and encouragement at 16 miles. Mac also joined me to cycle back the last 3 miles. both Shelagh and Mac decided not to join me in the Brathay for the customary 10 minute cold soak though - obviously dedication and support only goes so far!!

Saturday I ran the Sticky Toffee Pudding 16k (in fact it was more than that 11.2 miles in fact) in Cartmel. It ws a lovely day although the course was tough - hilly and very very muddy in places. Still it was great fun!

Mothers Day on Sunday saw me making another tough decision - should I stay put, rest my tired legs and have breakfast in bed OR get up and run before Morgan's rugby? What did I chose? Yes you got it right - I got up and ran for 6 miles. There's always next year!

So highs and lows but another good week - onwards and upwards.