New territory

I wasn't as prepared for this week as I probably ought to have been. A 20 mile run and conference talk on back-to-back days warrant a serious degree of preparation. With injury plaguing my efforts in recent weeks and much ground left to cover in my subject area, doubts consumed my mind as to whether I'd be fit and able to take on these unprecedented challenges.

First, the run. Wednesday was the mid-conference break and the perfect time to attempt my first and only 20 mile run. I ventured along the promontory, starting in Jurata and heading up towards the Baltic coastline. Perfect weather, no traffic and a breathtaking close look at the sea. As I gazed ahead at the seemingly endless body of water, all the time focused on the precious three yards of ground ahead of me, the runner's high that has long eluded me came flooding back. Minor shin splints were a tame effort to spoil this; no camera to capture the moment but it will stay with me for a while. As a result, the first hour flew by. Of course, soon after I began to feel it, with my hamstrings stiffening up as they did at the kilomathon. Still, I felt I was far from done even after returning to my starting point around 16 miles and 2h 10 in.

Then came the defining period; at the kilomathon I'd hit the wall by this point, yet here I felt eager to continue. Every stride was by now a chore and soon I was in pain all over, but the incentive to hit 20 miles got me through, despite some steep inclines late on. I had been expecting the infamous "wall" to confront me; that moment where the body runs dry on glycogen stores and has nothing left to give. However, aside from the pain, which was quite severe by the end and would no doubt intensify if I went beyond 2h 45, I was absolutely fine. Breathing was easy and my upper body seemed to be holding up. Maybe the jelly beans were to thank, or my recent physical therapy and added rest. I managed to push the wall back a few miles and hopefully the progression will continue into Paris.

For the first time I felt I was bigger than the marathon. I have built up the last part of the race so much in my mind that I feel I can deal with whatever comes my way. But complacency may be my fiercest enemy and I'm well aware that the slightest factor could yet thwart my efforts. But for now, I'm over the hill and can spend the next two weeks easing the mileage and getting fresh for Paris. Just a day after the biggest run of my life, I feel almost fully recovered. I'm not sure how it happened, but I seem to have made the defining breakthrough at this crucial stage of training. Let's hope I can see it through the final period.

Buoyed by this success, but still incredibly nervous, I delivered my talk at the Maths conference. It seems I talk way too fast when on stage and it was far from inspiring. But I'm grateful for the experience (my first conference talk) and for not being lynched by the audience. It is no doubt a significant step to regaining my academic mojo.

Accommodation and travel are booked for Paris. Only a last gasp travesty can stop me now. I wouldn't rule it out, but for now I'll revel in my first 20 mile run.