17th June 2011

    1 week to go.

         Easing down's boring, got out for a 30 minute cardio this morning after yesterdays rest day, I don't really like sitting around now, and like everyone else, wondering if the training has been done properly, or there has been enough. I've had a few emails and texts asking for last minute advice, not much I can add to what's been written already. I usually find that I go into the race wondering if I've got it right, the simple fact is, if you've done the training it'll pay off on the day. I find that easing off and not walking for the few days before the race make me eager to get out there, and the few days rest as well as the relaxing massage make it fresh come saturday morning. If you've been training regularly then it stops being a chore and more a challenge, and getting out on the day will show how you've come on.

       Now it's just down to the nitty gritty, checking equipment, gear, food, especially consumables and perishables. Making plans for before and after, making sure your support crew are ready and all back ups are in place. Trying to plan for every eventuality. Once you set off it's a point of no return and finding out that you've forgotten a vital piece of equipment, especially at 3am on Sunday morning halfway down the east coast with the finish in sight is something to avoid.

        Don't make too many plans for the sunday either, unless it's the same plans as myself, listed here:-

1. Lying on the settee, drinking tea and watching telly.

    er, that's it.

       No doubt after the stomach upset and most of the pain has subsided, I might make it to the Highwayman for a cold guinness, that'll be down to how I feel on the evening.

     The only difference between myself and most of the other entrants is that I've got to pack all my gear in the car and drive to Heysham on Wednesday, although it's only 30 minutes from here in Ulverston, once I'm on the ferry, if I've not got everything, then that's it. I do know there are a few more entrants from this side of the Irish sea this year making the trip. Logistically it's a lot more difficult, if I didn't have Helen on the Island, I wouldn't have tried it the first time. Race walking is not the most popular sport in the UK, but an event like the Parish supersedes simple race walking to become an ultra endurance event with nothing like it in the UK, there is lots of interest in it, and if it was on the mainland then it would be so much bigger.

     But then again, if it was on the mainland, it wouldn't be so special.