my heart is definitely in it

Well, with only a week to go until we depart to complete this exotic amble across the countryside, I have discovered a problem. I have to have an Echocardiogram with a cardiologist due to having an enlarged left ventricle. Now this could be down to a congenital heart issue á la Muamba (which is the concern of the Doctors who are now paranoid) or it could be due to the fact that running 80 miles a week carrying 30 kilos of weight gives you a more muscular heart. I guess I will find out this afternoon.

that being said, thraining is going well. I've upped the weight, am still running and have bought the trainers I will actually be wearing and am running them in. It all seems to be coming together really.

There is only one additional concern now and that's nerves. I am starting to get very nervous and I can never be fit enough. It is dawning on me that no matter how fit you are, this will never be 'easy' (which frankly I consider to be a premier betrayal of my body).

It has become of prime concern to me that weight to mass ratio si of primary importance. How much food do you take? Food weighs and you need a certain amount but too much and you can't carry it all. it's a very delicate balance between gels, food and drink additives. Three packs of food for each day plus two gels per day and some drink tablets. heavy but bearable. Who knew there was complex strategy behind running?????

PS

Mind you, I still haven't had the testicular fortitude to try the freexe dried food yet.

Three weeks Today

So it is a mere three weeks until the event. I have never said the phrase 'three weeks to go' and have it create such bowel trembling anxiety. I now literally cannot get fit enough for the event. The good news is that for the first time, I am running with the actual pack I will be using for the race and frankly, Good Lord, it's heavy. My calves are now burning from 4 days of lunchtime running and that is only just over a third of the daly distance. the good news though is that it is not really exhausting me and I could definitely continue for a much greater distance and I have to reming myself that after each stage, I can literally collapse and sleep (something that work takes a distinct objection to normally). I am actually starting to get really excited about the entire event too and now am starting to think not so much in terms of the event itself but in how I will be able to remain fit afterwards with nothing to train for. I guess I will have to do another one (or maybe not, let's see how it goes)