Let epsilon be positive

The culmination of my training for Paris is proving to be surreal. The setting is Jurata, Poland, on the Baltic Sea, at a ten day Functional Analysis conference. In many ways, the situation is utterly shambolic. The conference itself is manifesting itself as a real joy, with an atmosphere ripe for creativity. Having breakfast with the leading experts of your field, whose work has astounded you over the last few years, is really something. My feelings may switch to those of trepidation when I deliver my own talk on Thursday, but by then I hope to have an extra spring in my step, for I hope to have completed my last long run of training.

The conference aside, my efforts are being hampered somewhat by the sheer lack of civilisation in the local vicinity. With the hotel food an absolute chore, and just one shop in the area, most of my meals consist of bread and cheese. Decent for keeping up the carbs, but annoyingly my masterful plan of bringing pasta with me has fallen flat on its head since there is no way to cook it. With cold weather, a strong wind and much snow, training conditions are far from ideal.

Still, the marathon runner's mentality has at its core the appetite to turn negatives into positives. Our hotel is located on a 20km promontory, which is mainly flat and perfect to run along. Today I managed to track down a swimming pool at a nearby, swankier hotel. Despite its tiny size, it was sufficient to give me a much needed workout. I've also squeezed in two runs since arriving here on Thursday (after an eight hour coach ride from Warsaw) and am set for the long 'un come Wednesday. The target is to run for 2h 45 with brief stoppages only. Jelly beans and water are at the ready and I have all of my kit (minus the headband; somehow forgot to bring it along). With a decent bath and kettle that just about boils, and freezer that just about keeps ice packs cold, I am able to maintain the healing regime in between runs.

If I do get through Wednesday's run, I will begin to entertain the prospect of Paris, to the extent that I'll book flights and accommodation. From that point, tapering will take over, as I'll ease off on the mileage, instead focussing on keeping my muscles fresh and stretched. I hope they'll have healed suffieciently by Thursday to allow me to stand whilst delivering my talk.

I'll be in Torun next week as a guest of their Mathematical Institute, before returning to England the Monday after. These are hectic times; in many way defining. It's game time.