Occasionally, just occasionally, everything falls into place for the long distance runner.
You feel like you are floating rather than running, carried by the warm breath of a choir of angels. The ground itself is as soft to the touch as the finest Axminster, and every step provides you with renewed energy.
Mind, heart and body work in perfect harmony as you effortless consume mile after mile, free of fatigue or weariness.
Unfortunately I have never had that experience.
Without doubt long distances are run mainly in the mind.
Your lungs are balloons the day after the party, your legs have long turned to lead, and your heart sounds like an alarm clock in a biscuit tin, but if your mind tells you to continue, you will.
Only when the mind gives up, is it all over.
I really can’t describe the dedication and sacrifice that go into running a marathon, mainly because I haven’t completed one yet, but I do know that nearly 30,000 people conquer the mental demons to complete the 26 mile challenge every year in London alone.
Only now do I really appreciate their achievements.
But even these heroics are put into perspective by the accomplishments of the late Jane Tomlinson who completed many sporting milestones including at least two marathons, several triathlons, and a 4,200 mile gruelling bike ride across America in a seven year period after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
And she raised nearly £2million for charity in the process.
To achieve this while literally dying is astounding. Her mental strength and indomitable spirit are truly humbling.
