As I made my forty five minute drive home from work it all hit me, I have about one month until my first 50k. One month until I realize a dream, one month until I torture myself mentally and physically. I will never share why running a 50k means so much or helps me so much but I will say that this has been a dream of mine for almost two years. As the 50k came up at Easter I started to think about how I got here and how everything including my body has changed. I went from a stocky cyclist with big legs to a true runners build. Am I runner? I don't know. Am I trail runner? YES!! I don't have the speed, I mean if I ran a marathon I'd finish just under four hours. Go back to September and I placed 5th at a 20k trail run and 12th at a 30k. My time isn't the best but mentally I can push on and that is the name of the game when it comes to endurance running. Knowing how to run the course and when and where to attack is huge, it isn't always the guy that can run a five minute mile that wins.
What I have learned about myself and my diabetes while training is amazing. Preparing for a 50k has made me learn and more confused about diabetes. It's funny how complex the body is. From insulin to food intake you can't really read a book and learn how to run a 50k with diabetes. Much like when I first got on the bike it is a lot of trial and error, I have had blood sugars in range while training. I have also had to walk sections or even sit down because I have been below my set range. I have learned how important hydration is while running and I have learned that the body is not happy without fluids.
I'm nervous about the 50k, I have put tons of pressure on myself. The best part is that I have no pressure from anyone else, the 50k I'm running isn't a huge event. My family and friends think I'm nuts and don't understand why I'd want to run a 50k and I love that. Kate understands why I'm doing it and has been nothing but supportive and motivating. The next month will be great, I'll be nervous but I'll be ready!!