A Ray of Reality

The Book That Started This

As of my first post, I have thrown myself into the book (left). So far, so good. The author, Steve Cushing, describes his mileage, his training and staying injury free...all of this is okay with me. His gradual build up of mileage seems achievable, although he does say the programme suited him, but perhaps it will not suit me. At any rate, it is an interesting read.

As of my last post, I have a friend semi on board. He likes the idea of the training, which is funny because I don't! He's not so sure about 151 miles across a desert in 40 degrees though. We ran a 5 mile race in Glanmire last night (the Monday after my stag weekend), about 15 degrees in the lashing rain. I sent him a text this morning - ''only 146 miles to go in the MDS''. He was mildly amused.

Next things next - speak to someone who has done it, in some ways bypassing the book and in others adding more information to the what I am already gathering. I found just the man on the Internet. His name is Ray O'Connor, he is an ultra-marathon man, a member of Athenry AC. Once I got his details and emailed him, I awaited his reply - ''it's the hardest thing I have ever done, you'd be mad to even attempt it'' was not what he said, to my surprise.

He said that it was a great event and spoke very highly of it. I am becoming more and more interested. He was coming to Cork for the marathon on the bank holiday this June and was happy to meet me.

Hopefully he'll have time to have a chat and he'll put my mind to rest!