Reflection

Whilst sat in the west bound services avoiding a traffic jam caused by 'animals' in the road (which is never going to be a good ending), I thought I would summarise a few of my thoughts today....

• I have realised that I can enjoy ultra distance events - to be honest after really struggling in the Ridgeway Challenge (which I did finish) last year, I have wondered I have if it was really for me... Having finished the Lakeland 50 and been pretty comfortable overall I feel elated but also I have appreciated that a trimmer and better trained me can actually learn to push myself a little more rather than just surviving and getting through.  CAN DO BETTER!

• Success and highs also brings lows - that's how I have felt a little today, however I can honestly say that this has even made me more motivated to aspire to do better at the Ridgeway this year - been realistic I am not going to change much regarding my body shape and weight, or training regime in the next 4 weeks but I will approach it with a much more positive outlook and more controlled 'long -course' tactic.

• Apart from the self inflicted wound after popping a blister whilst cutting a toe nail, and the bruising where I kicked a boulder to my big toe, my feet are in pretty good nick - this was one of the major issues at the Ridgeway last year - I put this improvement down to my toe socks and Hoka's, and again a more controlled pace. The weather was similar but even when wet my feet help up - chuffed with this as I always thought this was one of my key limiting factors.

• DOMS - yes I hurt today, I guess there's no surprise there however I am also looking at this positively and understanding that more training and specific weights in the gym will improve this - I have never been a gym fan when I can and do train outdoors but I have now realised that this can and I am sure will make a difference to my strength and overall stamina to maintain a pace for longer.

• Weight - Yes I am over weight - I don't like it, in fact I detest it. I was lean last Sept after a good summer but I reckon I am 20lbs heavier now - this does not help and if I want to get better I have to commit to making a difference. Mrs W cooks lovely food, and generally I love food but it has to be the right things at the right time - changes need to be made but I guess an all inclusive holiday in August will have to be a sensible one - I WILL BE TRAINING EVERY DAY IN THE HEAT! I am not confident in getting my belly out around the pool - maybe if I wear my Lakeland 50 medal at the same time it will make me feel better??

• Being fit and healthy makes me a better person, nicer to be around, and deals with general life stuff better - I crave this.