Do's & Don'ts......and perspective

Do's & Don'ts...and perspective... 25-Feb-2011

Atacama Crossing (Chile) 2011

Went for a 30 minute run last night - weird feeling. That's the shortest distance and time (apart from running for the tube!) I've run in possibly 12 months. I kept looking at my watch every 30 seconds and just begging it to be over. I've decided running for 4 hours is mentally easier as you can just switch off and don't bother looking at your watch!
I am currently reading Martin Middlebrook's 'The first day on The Somme'. As the title of the book suggests it really is an account of, through the eyes and thoughts of those involved, the build up to and the actual first day (1st July 1916) of the Battle of The Somme during the First World War. I decided I should read something which would enable me to put into perspective the challenge I am (and all other competitors) about to face. It's having the desired affect!
Walking to work this morning, and whilst reflecting on my reading, I started to turn my thoughts to the Desert and found myself listing Do's and Don'ts (a behavioural strategy if you will).
DO:
1: Respect the terrain, environment and climate. 2: Respect all competitors, race management team, medical support, Rules & Regs and volunteers. 3: Respect the host nation and its people. 4: Offer support, if able to do so, to all competitors and tent companions. 5: Drink (not alcohol!). 6: Eat (whatever pleasent freeze dried food I have) 7: Enjoy.
Don't:
1: Ever complain or moan about the heat (or lack of at night - please bear in mind us Brits are well used to moaning about the weather whatever it is whenever it is even if it is the exact opposite of whatever weather we just moaned about - it's true, we even have it as headline news on our main BBC news bulletin, 'the nation grinds to a halt due to (* - insert whatever non extreme weather you desire)!!), altitude, environment, terrain, exhaustion, stiffness, niggles, blisters, shoes, pack weight, food, warm water or my darn (guess that is a complaint of sorts) knees. 2: Never express a negative thought or doubt to other competitors. 3: Ever forget that I am fit, healthy and able bodied. 4: Ever forget that I am extremely fortunate that I am able to physically and financially partake in such an amazing challenge. 5: Don't ever forget that however 'bad' I've got it, at any one moment, there will be others going through the same emotions and millions, around the world, of others that do not even have the privilege of choosing hardship (if one has the right to call what we are doing to ourselves hardship - may be just tough). 6: Ever forget that I applied to do this and I therefore take full responsibility for my own actions, performance and result.
I cannot wait. Show time!