Fire and Ice

Last weekend I went for a long training run... well, it only was 11k but it still was the longest run I've done to date this year. As runners will attest, long runs are a very important part of training - not only because they allow our bodies to get used to being out running for hours, but also because this is a way to trial kit, fueling and other elements that also are important for a long distance race. So last weekend's run was important not so much because of the distance, but because it was the first long run when I was actively testing kit, specifically my fuel belt (which I haven't used in a long time) and my fueling strategy (which mainly consists of SIS Gels ). Seeing as I'm training for a Disney race , another thing I need to practice/test is taking photographs. Yes, I don't really do these races to break any speed records and I want a visual record of everything I see along the way. Last time I used a disposable camera which worked well but I was sorry...

Time sure has flown! It is now 64 days (9 weeks) until the big day and the Disneyland ½ Marathon ! Apart from the fact that the practical issues of travelling now need addressing (mainly transport, accommodation and how many park tickets do I need?) I have also stepped up the training and started ramping up the mileage. It has been a challenge as there are always things that get in the way of a scheduled run (such as illness, work, weather, forgetfulness and, why not, laziness) but as the date looms closer and closer, these issues somehow become smaller and the need to pound the asphalt for a couple of hours becomes larger. So the training is going as well as it could. The travel planning is also coming together. What about the fundraising? As you may remember, I’m not just doing this race for fun, as an excuse to see my imaginary friends or to get to play in Disneyland… I’m also doing it for UNICEF . It seems appropriate as this is a cause very close to my heart and Disneyland is all ...