An enforced taper this week due to over-work, over-tiredness and a head cold. Should however be fine for Sunday's race. Here's hoping.
There was a fascinating article in the local rag this week about the Kiwi ultra-runner Lisa Tamati, who was in town for the running of a local 100 km race (an event she said was way too short). Tamati is capable of running for several days non-stop, and I've often wondered how much of the ultra-running is actual mental, rather than physical fitness. Fortunately the journalist interviewing wondered the same thing. Here's what
Tamati said:
Ms Tamati is used to explaining to incredulous non-runners how it is possible to cover such vast distances, often with no, or only minimal, sleep: it is all in the mind.
"Basically, you're buggered after 50 kilometres. After that point it's all about hanging on; it becomes a mind game. Can you overcome that little devil on your shoulder saying, 'You can't do this, you've got to quit'? You've got this battle going on pretty much the whole time."
All I can say is, "amazing"!
This sport never ceases to astonish me.
May the road rise to meet your feet...
