One week from now we land in Berlin for the start of the adventure. This week is about getting ducks in a row and starting to taper.

Major running focus for this week is to not get hurt. There will be no last minute heroics trying for another long run and running myself into the ground and definitely no extreme cross country. A fall or a turned ankle would be most unwise. There is also a consideration of the keratosis that I had removed from the back of my left hand. It hasn’t healed as well as we would have liked and I split the wound open the other day. A fall would not be a good thing. So, message to self, stay away from the trails.

Also, stay away from dogs and wildlife. The last couple of weeks has seen warmer (less cold)weather and an increase in dogs and birds out on the bike path. First evidence came by being swooped by a magpie during the Dubbo marathon and then yesterday being harassed by a mother duck on the bike path. Very hissy.

Yeah, not that friendly.

In terms of preparation there is very little left to do. We have booked flights and accommodation, looked at entry and covid requirements for the countries we are visiting and are now monitoring the weather to start thinking of packing. I’ll be backing off the mileage (kilometreage?) but from here it is more about feeling light and loose. The hard work is over. We have proven the concept with two marathons in two weeks followed by a sub 90 minute half marathon the following weekend.

How are the nerves? Starting to build. There is always the fear of the critical forgotten. I’m OK but what else can go wrong. In one sense I’ll be happiest when we stand on the start line in Berlin. At that point I am there, my gear is on and my run is up to me.
Next post will be from Berlin. Hopefully with Anne in the equivalent image of the Brandenburg gate.