Training's fust in August.

[El Gordo]

Wow - well done, MLCMM. I managed to miss this one.

The numbers stood out -- 70,000? Wow! And 14km is an odd distance -- "neither fish nor fowl". About 8.5 miles I guess. It must be hard trying decide whether to treat it more like a 10K or a 10-miler.

But well done on getting back into it quickly. Must admit, I couldn't see where those excess kilos had gone but I'll take your word for it. Travelling is always a nightmare if you're trying to watch your weight. Even worse if you're on expenses. My downfall is always the breakfasts. At home I will have either something cooked, or something fresh-fruity, or something cereally with muesli. In a hotel, I'll think nothing about having all three. Followed by toast and jam. Gah!

On the other side of the argument, we are always told it's good to take an extended break once in a while to let your body recover and have its own downtime. A 4 year break might be too long (I'm starting to think), but 4-6 weeks once or twice a year sounds perfectly reasonable.

That meeting with the near-60 year old is highly encouraging though. When I look up marathon results, I always peer at the age categories just to remind myself that it's perfectly possible to run a 3:30 or even 3 hour marathon in your 50s and 60s. So many people manage it that it can't be just for the miraculous few.

All sounds good for a successful assault on the mountain.