My race pack arrived today for my first HM next weekend and instead of the usual feelings of giddy excitement mixed with disbelief, I felt decidedly panicky. Things I am worrying about include: a blister on my big toe picked up on Sunday’s long run; skipping last night’s run to see an old friend; what to wear; what to eat and whether I can complete the distance before the 2hr45 cut off.
Now, the logical, sensible part of my brain knows that it’s just a blister - my foot isn’t about to drop off; I’ve only skipped one run in months of really conscientious training; I am perfectly capable of dressing and eating appropriately for four runs a week so there’s no reason why this should be any different; I’ve completed 12+ miles on four occasions and would have been comfortably under 2hrs45 on all of them.
And yet still, there’s an irritating little devil on my shoulder whispering that I can’t do this! What’s wrong with me? Is this normal? And what do I do to get rid of the little b***er?!