Halfway…

It was pointed out to me that Sunday marked the half way point in my 20 week plan. Not the best way to mark half way, not running.

But I have moved on from where I started. I’ve run 20 miles, which is 6 further than I’d ever run before – and that brings me to within spitting distance of finishing the marathon – “only” 6 more to find from somewhere.

However, with the countdown now in single figure weeks, it’s all becoming awfully real. Such that the nerves have started to kick in. I’m not much of an optomist, I’m always preparing for what might go wrong rather than expecting it all to go well. I’m prepared to be pleasantly surprised, but would rather be prepared. Some might say pessimist, but I prefer to think of myself as a realist. I don’t think I’m going to fail in this quest to run a marathon, but there are a lot of things that are not really in my control. I am trying to mitigate against what might go wrong in the process though:

• I’ve selected a training plan that suits me and the way I run
• I’ve been following it (pretty much)
• I’ve been practising taking on board energy and food
• I’ve entered some long distance practise races
• I’ve got my race shoes sorted and have an idea of race day kit
• I’ve sorted transport there & back (booked mum’s taxi!)
• I’ve taken advice on what to do before, during & after

But none of that can stop the awful sick feeling in the pit of my stomach from just sitting there and churning away from time to time. Any pressure I’m feeling is self inflicted – everyone I’ve spoken to about has been supportive and encouraging (if a little shell-shocked at times). My family have said they’ll come and watch me; which is sweet – but has an unintended side effect of making me feel even more that I can’t get this wrong – I can’t let them down too.

I suspect that the nerves will only get worse between now and then. But that’s me and I ought to be used to something that I’ve had as an accompanying buildup to important events my whole life. And this is important – talk about taking me outside my comfort zone! And that’s just the turning 40 thing (joke!). But, looking on the bright side, at least I’m unlikely to have to sit on stage with a bucket under my chair for this one.

9 weeks, 5 days and counting…