bondi to manly - Training session #1

Yesterday (4th October) for some ultra training, I completed the first two legs (40km in total) of Bondi to Manly. Been a while since I felt the level of pain in my legs that I felt yesterday on the back end of the run. Was the first time I had my quads cramp which was an interesting experience. When it happened (probably at 34km in), I thought I would have to stop. However, I was running with a group who were up ahead. Realised I could at least walk so I did that. I got to the others ahead around the Opera house. Smashed some salt tablets that one of them had to help with cramps. They are a lifesaver! Definitely really know before yesterday about salt tablets helping with cramping. Glad to learn about them yesterday. Definitely adding them to my mandatory kit for race day.

When we got about 4km out crossing the bridge, it was extremely difficult for me to run, so I walked. When I got across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, I met up again with the group who were waiting for me again. Had to go into Woolies metro to source painkillers. Pain was agonising. Painkillers on race day are also definitely a must for me.

Today my legs are extremely stiff. Calves and groin are particularly rough. Will be resting completely today and stretching from time to time. It’s funny that when I was in a lot of pain at the yesterday, I became also a bit delirious. I started laughing. I guess it made me realise that I was indeed very much alive! Grateful. Sharpening my mental game I think is the biggest key to training before an ultra. How do you respond to a lot of pain? Learning about ways to stay in the fight!