Stripping things down

I went out for a 2 mile run/walk today. It wasn't too great as I could feel the bursitis behind my knee, but previous bouts of bursitis has normally meant it's a situation I often have to run through initially. My calf on the same leg was very tight too, so all in all I learnt a lot during the 20 odd minutes. I need to stretch, stretch and maybe stretch a bit more. I'm off to the supermarket in a bit to get some ibuprofen so I'll have a few days on those which always helps too. **Please note Santababy, I promise never to use it when running ever again :-)**

I've read two things in the last two days that have made me really think about stripping down any unnecessary gear I'm to use on the day of the race. I had already considered this and have ordered a lightweight jacket and looking for a better head torch, but today I looked at the first aid kit I had. I basically ordered it a couple of years ago from Likeys and didn't even look inside. Today I looked in and with glee realised how much stuff was in there that I could have used in the past. I also realised how much unnecessary stuff is in there. I took out everything that isn't on the mandatory kit list for The Wall, and added a few essential items that I know I'll need. When I weighed the stuff removed, it was almost the weight of my new jacket I'm getting. Excellent!

I also read a GUCR race report today which was fantastic. It was full of detail of mile splits and everything. The runner commented how he had settled into a half decent pace of 18-19mm at about the 60ish mile mark. It made me look at my mile splits of my 24 hour race closer and it turns out I only did 4 miles over 20mm pace. My Garmin was switched off at 19 hours and 32 minutes when I'd got to 66.06 miles, and in that time I had taken 6 breaks totalling 1 hour and 52 minutes. This is good news! Maybe I should have a target for the Wall (knee being well) of trying to beat my Garmin battery. I'd have to reduce my breaks (which was my plan anyway) but knee permitting, I think I could do it. :-)