It’s normal to be nervous before any race, but the sleeplessness and constant churning in my stomach these past few days is a direct correlation to the looming Dragon’s Back Race, for which I now have my official number.
It’s a good number. 36. It sounds rounded and wholesome, and I’m happy about that.
I’m also happy about how I feel generally. I’ve made it this far – I’m fit and healthy and I’ve almost nailed the packing.
But however much training and preparing you do, physically and mentally, the pre-race nerves can be a shocker.
Everything I know, I suddenly think I don’t know. My mind is telling me that during this tapering period I may actually forget how to run entirely.
I’ve looked down the list of entrants. There are strong runners in the field. There are people travelling from across the world, there are those who’ve competed in this race before. And there’s me.
I can’t control the nerves, so I’m focusing on what I can control.
I’m being methodical about packing, revisiting the GPX files and the digital map to feel more confident about following it over the week. Organising my camp bag for minimal time wastage, and most importantly ensuring that I have suitable food for the week (yes, that includes peanut butter and jam).
What is both wonderful and terrifying is that I have people rooting for me. If nobody knew, I could sneak up to the mountains without any pressure, but they do, and they are.
One thing I’ll promise you. I will leave absolute everything out there on those Welsh hills. I will give it my all. I will bust my metaphorical gut. I will do this for everyone that has put their faith in me.
I can’t promise anything beyond that.
So, number 36. Let’s make it a good one. And thank you for everyone for believing that I should even be on the start line. It’s humbling and overwhelming all at once.
So until then, friends, this is it. September 4th. Let’s go get that dragon.
Vegan Fitness Runner 