Never quite sure whether I totally commit to any event as I often feel too tired or jaded a couple of months into the training. However, this is probably my best training period for many years, possibly since my early 20s slalom days. I have trained for about 9 months non stop with admittedly some light weeks (June was poor month) but have been able to keep my focus and have often trained 4-7 times a week some days with double sessions.
Still not sure what my expectations are though. If I had trained this long and hard for a road marathon I would certainly be expecting a PB. Having never done anything like this sort of event before and still being rather wobbly in kayak on moving water I don't know what expectations to set. To simply finish is not me. Unless I do something like the Marathon de Sables it never will be me. I'd like to beat my training partners but as to what sort of times to focus on I am at a loss. Perhaps that's a good thing as over two days I will take at least 14hrs most likely.
Have to hand it to the majority of entrants though. I get to train in the daytime 4 times a week. Most people are at work during those hrs and will have to train in the dark etc. Weekends are harder for me but still not as hard as for some people.
Next few months will be even harder as will have to get used to 3-4 hrs in kayak and get my distance running legs back. Will also have to run through different sections of the course a few times so those will be long days. For once, I am positive about my training. I know it hurts (or will hurt) but I can feel myself getting fitter which is always a good incentive.
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