Getting the back pack on!
1 August 20157 weeks to go. 50 days to be exact according the countdown all Grand to Grand participants are being shown!
I've been planning and working towards this goal for almost 2 years and it is almost here - where did that time go! Apparently, according to my coach I need to start thinking about reducing volume, focussing on strength and thinking about getting refreshed for the start line.
That doesn't mean take it easy! Today was a 4.5 hour run around the hills of Wellington in the cold rain (not great preparation for the heat of the desert!) with a 10.6kg back pack on.
There was an element of panic in the first hour where all I could feel was the tightness in my chest from the weight on my back dragging on the chest strap, the burning in my quads trying to push the extra weight forward and the wobbles when my mind wandered away from what I was doing! How am I going to drag this for 6 days across the desert, doing around 40-50km per day (with one big day of 85kms)!!
Thankfully the advice that I have been getting from others who have gone before proved correct. The weight of the bag does almost become part of you and goes (slightly less!) unnoticed!
All in all a good run out. Ready for another day tomorrow!