Chablis is GO!

Sunday 27th February 2011

1154 consecutive days running
9778 kilometres run
12 assorted pairs of trainers under the bed (just counted them)
£8,963 in the Chablis pot
39 days to go until the run.....

And why the childrens' charities?

Answer: Because not everyone is as lucky as I am.

Well the New Year's resolution to give up running didn't last long. I managed to hold out until 11am on 1st January. Then a gentle 23 miler to start the year. I do feel though, in my ancient bones, that the end is nigh. Which just goes to prove, once again, that I am neither addicted to running nor in possession of an addictive personality.

Training has been going reasonably well. Had a very solid 5 weeks after Christmas including several 18-20 milers and a reasonably comfortable 28 miler. I don't feel I can get myself any more ready than I am now without either sacrificing work or tempting injury. Or both.

Tomorrow we head down to Chablis by car to recce the route (for the first time) and book some accommodation along the way. I have been in two minds as to whether or not to do this. Common sense and the members of my very small support team tell me it will be worth it, but there is a real sense of foreboding around having to face the realities of what lies ahead. It is the same logic which has stopped me running long distances in training on consecutive days. If I know in advance how much it will hurt I might well not set out at all.

The Leatherne Bottel crew have taken it on themselves to hire a people carrier and dash over to Chablis to welcome me at the finish. Charles is coming over with Julia in order to run the last couple of kilometres with me. (Charles run that is - not Julia - she has more sense). Our collection of French stagières who all live in the region will be there to share a glass of the golden liquid with me, as will the various members of the support crew. And of course there is the thought of a couple of days R & R in my most favouritest (as Del Boy would say) place on earth. One way or another I believe I will get there.

SO........ what could possibly go wrong??