Back to it yesterday after a two week break from the training programme, I have still done things but nothing scheduled or planned.  I think this is important for variety of training and motivation.  I decided to get out and plod round a steady 4 miler thinking 'this will be nice, a steady little run to get back into it all',  ha ha how wrong, sorry to say it wasn't any fun and felt fairly rubbish to be honest.  My legs ached my lower back was really sore, my breathing was heavy and I just wanted to stop!  After having a good chunter to myself after fighting the demons I realised this was just going to have to be a run I get done and out of the way to start again.  Not too inspiring but it actually motivated me once I'd finished and left me realising that its not something to take for granted or get complacent about.  If you want the results you have to put the time in!

So after my quick reality check, I was back into training mode.  When they say things are 10% body and 90% mind, they aren't kidding.  The games the mind plays with your motivations and character are relentless and challenge you beyond your training programme.  I came to the conclusion that it was like a safety device the mind employs as protection, its trying to convince you that you shouldn't be doing it, and how if it can make me convince myself that either the pain is unreasonable or my fitness isn't good enough or its just no fun, then I won't do it any more.  Wrong, it just makes me want to train harder and work at it longer!!!

What did I learn from the last block of training and race.  That these challenges are achievable, and with the right training and the right attitude you can do it.  'Keep the vision, respect the process!' this is so true, when you think your not doing enough, or not improving then just remember to stick with it and keep working hard.  There is no way I ever thought I'd be finishing a 55 mile endurance race ever, a marathon was always a bit of challenge but achievable with some training, but to that twice was not something I ever thought I'd be doing.  The mind again plays heavily with you afterwards, as I straight away convinced myself that if I could do 55 then I can do 70 'its only 15 miles more!!!'  Crazy isn't even close.  This is insane, 15 miles on its own is not to be laughed at let alone after you've just done 55.  What am I thinking?????  To keep my motivation and learning I have decided to add a few things to the programme.  More stretching, this a must so Yoga will be playing a greater role, Crossfit endurance routines will be introduced and a little bit of swimming and cycling.  This seems a lot but if you spread it out and plan your week it all fits into place like a jigsaw.  My longest run for the HM55 was 16 miles, this proves to me that high mileage isn't necessarily the way forward.  Again, it doesn't mean not at all, as its important to prepare your feet and body for the up coming ordeal.

Its crazy to think that I am not that far from my target of achieving the 100!  It seems the closer I get to it the more insane the thought processes.  Just booked a 30 mile event at Keilder, thinking ' this will be a great training run!'.  Who in there right mind would consider 30 miles as a training run ha ha!