Just about one month to go!!
Prep seems to be going well. Can now cover all legs comfortably within the schedule in isolation, and have managed several 2 leg days. Good fast recoveries overnight and repetitions the following day.
Spent the whole winter/spring training alone pretty much, as my time off is rarely at weekends.
As such it has been a rollercoaster - some days wondering if I have finally bitten into something that is bigger than me; others feeling elated and really up for it.
Over the last 2 weeks I have managed to hook up with several others also making attempts this summer, and it is some relief to see that we all appear to be of a similar fitness; albeit with differing strengths and weaknesses. I have discovered that on soft good grass I descend like a pansy, but perform a bit better on scree. Fortunately I am able to shuffle uphill reasonably well.
Eating, particularly solids seems to be a huge key, and once you get behind the drag curve it is extremely difficult to catch up,both physically and mentally.
It is also apparent that on a tight schedule (23 hrs) there is little or no room for error, and if the weather is adverse, then there is an element of luck needed - strong southerly winds on the Helvellyn range for example can slow progress significantly. Personally I have found I can boulder hop very quickly on dry rock, and cover legs 3 & 4 in good time, but as soon as it becomes wet underfoot, again the pace slows.
My focus over the next weeks is one further very hard week, and then a taper into 21 June, perhaps incorporating a bit of speed work. More importantly trying to stay injury free is also a high priority.
I have so far managed to assemble a minimal skeleton running crew, and decent pitstop support, but at the moment feel that I am shy of deep experience. I am probably able to manage and drive things as far as Wasdale, but realise that my ability to do so thereafter may be a little compromised, to say the least. Hopefully not.
If there is anyone who has a few hours over 21/22 June to run a section, or part thereof, then I respond to all forms of encouragement - cajoling, berating, lambasting, carrots, even sweet orange gloup!
In all seriousness if you feel you could spare the time, then please contact me.
thanks
max
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by lantern rouge
