Something old, something new

I don't know whether you've noticed, but I've been a bit quiet on the blog front lately.

Part of it is that I've been a bit short on time. But mainly, I've been telling myself I don't have anything interesting to say. But this isn't true. After all, I'm preparing for my first 100k trail ultramarathon in eight weeks time.

Which is why I'm a bit short on time. But mainly, it's the reason why I've been quiet. I'm scared.

I've got a feeling that people might find this surprising , after all I just knocked off Ironman number eight in Cairns.

But Ironman is different. I can train to finish an Ironman without thinking about it too much. I know what to do to prepare my body, I've got all the equipment I need, and I know how race day unfolds. So while it takes time, and it takes dedication, and I still get a bit anxious on race day, there are no questions to ask or excuses to make when Ironman is the goal.

But I've never tried to run 100ks before.

The enormity of this has been spinning around in my head since the beginning of the year. I've read plenty of articles, I've spoken with people who have done this before, and planned out a training program.

I started adapting my training to include trail running months ago, and with Ironman over I've started to get a whole new lot of equipment sorted, and started experimenting with nutrition as I've begun building my long runs back up, which I've also been starting at different times of the day for variety and to change my mental outlook when I run.

So I'm not entirely unprepared, but this next four weeks is crunch time.

And even with the knowledge I have accrued, I feel like I haven't got a clue.

There is still so much planning to do for the race, with checkpoints and support crews and food and clothing. At a more basic level, I don't know how my body will back up day after day for the next few weekends, so I don't even know whether I can make it to the start line, let alone the finish line.

But this is part of the adventure of trying something new. So is fear. And with that off my chest, I'm ready to start sharing my adventure with you all.

As long as I can find the time, of course.