lakeland 100 – The Return

In 10 days time I will running into my first few hours at the Lakeland 100. I ran this race last year and it was my first ever DNF. I did 33miles in 12ish hours and pulled out of the race not because of injury or time cut offs but because I knew I could not finish it and although still in decent shape when I made the decision I knew I was not up to the task and walked off the mountain before I pushed myself into injury or accident.
I vowed to come back next year and put this race to bed and give it a better go.

Well here we are with 9 days to race day and what have I done to better prepare for this years race?
I have run more consistently in the last 12 months than I ever have done and my weekly averages are higher than ever. I have done at least 100 miles a month every month since last year and in most cases it has been around the 200 mark with consistent long runs every week.
I have joined a running club for the first time ever to encourage me to run faster and more often against people of all abilities.
I am stronger mentally than I was last year for various reasons and I am more settled and happy in my life.
I am lighter than I was last year by nearly a stone which although I am still a big heavy lump it will help me on the hills.
The biggest thing that will help me in the race is that I completed GUCR ( see previous blog) this year in a respectable time and during that race I learnt a lot about what I can do if I am willing to push myself and be positive about my abilities even when I am having a hard time. I understand that if I keep moving I can get through the bad patches and reach even worse patches and still get through them and come out feeling strong on the other side(eventually!)

Other things that will help me greatly is the support of my gawjus missus Sue and my great kids Laura and Becky. Last they could not come to the lakes with me but this year they are coming and it will be a great motivator to me to not let them down and give it everything and see them at the finish. I look forward to giving them a hug at the finish as they all support me fully in my running which can not be underestimated in its power.

So roll on next weekend…lakeland 100