Well the journey or upset of the peanut butter jar is becoming memory, until I take my sock off but it doesn't bother me running.
Yesterdays run was interesting. Started out with a large nasty looking storm on the horizon, damn if the wind doesn't make certain aspects of nature quicker than the runner. I had only been out for half an hour and the heavens began to weep. I quickly turned around, full weight on and started a brisker pace back to the truck. As the wind picked up and the rain increased and the lightning brightened the air, my pace increased. If I could have a pace like that all week I do believe I would be first place....nice thing about remote door openers in the middle of a violent rain storm. You can dive into the vehicle without stopping...
The most important piece of gear are the shoes, I took a leap of faith on this and hopefully at the end of the race my leap will be rewarded. I have been running in the UK Gear PT-03 desert running shoes. I have intentionally gone 1/2 size up and therefore have a high volume shoe. Thanks to Paul Bateson of Team AxarSport for some elegantly simple aspects to dealing with such a situation. I can say at this point with about 200K on the shoe, it seems to work.
It is a heavy shoe compared to others in the trail running class. In order to become one with the shoe I have been calling my shoes Challenger(s), as in the tank big and bulky but will get the job done. Being a retired tanker it seemed appropriate.
A quick acknowledgement of thanks to my running coach Chloe and to my most supportive fan, Sara, my partner. Secretly I think she has increased the life insurance, but that is another story.
My meal plan is set and it is just a matter of packaging it all, the little incidentals are almost complete. The clothing is awaiting two other pieces, a last minute opportunity to purchase the new Salomon pack at an incredible price dropped in my lap so I am taking advantage of that. The tickets purchased, the hotel booked, the recovery socks/tights ready to help recover.,br/> The hardest part of any race is the preparation and getting to the start line, after that it is all gravy. Looking forward to meeting everyone. Good training to all and seemless journey to Urumqi.

Indeed the lowly peanut butter jar, you know the one, it sits in the pantry awaiting to be scooped and used. Well, back a few months ago, this I did and my hand failed to grasp the 2kg jar (Costco shopping) and down it went. Using the basic physics of weight, height and the pull of gravity I figured that 2kg was not what was striking my right big toe. Really it doesn't matter, everyone can feel that pain. Ouch. Well, that scuttled training for about 3 weeks and off I went in the snow thereafter. Currently of course the curse of the peanut butter jar has returned, no dropping. But I must go see a surgeon to look at the offending nail that refuses to let go. You think it was attached to me! Naturally body parts all conspire at once and take turns letting you know. A nice subtle bit of tendonopathy of the patella formora (?), damn weight training and trying to get in shape..... So, off to the doctor then to the physio, next week and you know what they are going to tell.... Doesn't just figure when your training is going well and you're feeling great, sneak attack. The training run in the UK Gear PT-03's wasn't too bad. Half size larger but running in two pair socks and a thick insole. All went well, no hot spots and no sliding around. Most of the other equipment is complete just the little things. Training overall is good, my friends are out there with me, packs and all chugging away. The other day after a good run, an impromptu tailgate party of quick adult beverages. Best carbs tasted that day. So, my advice is beware of the peanut butter jar or any of its relatives. Good training everyone.

Well spring has finally arrived in this part of the world and today is the 1st of April! Training has been going well, the pack and the back have come to terms of cooperative effort. Like many I am still looking for the elusive ideal pack - I'll be trying Salomon's new 30+10 if I can, and the ideal pair of foot coverings - just received the UK Gear PT-03 desert running shoes.

I have 21 days to trial them to see if they work, if not I can return them for a full refund. Now that is a sweet deal. The abuse starts on Monday in them, I'll ensure I give an update on them.

Today they promise a pleasant 21C, perfect to suit up and go for a nice long run. It is difficult to visualize that the race is only two months away, never seems to be enough time to train. Flight is finally booked all that is left is to train, get on the plane and enjoy the scenery!

Until then, a few trail races included in the training. Well many of my runs are solo,  I have two friends that insist that they come out with me, with the required weighted packs to run - "good training" they say.  Insanity can have some damn good company out there on those back country roads.

Greeting all. Well I thought I would venture into the blog world and bare my soul. It is 2220 local time and the outside temperature is a comfortable -15C and the snow has stopped. I will myself to think that it is sand until I go outside, but then again good training for that night run in the desert!

Training has been good. Fun is the key element and I have convinced my running buddies to suffer with me. We have been lucky with the weather missing the blustery days and blizzards when we venture out on the trails, soon it will be mud with the coming of spring.

Gear shopping has been fun. What better excuse to improve and replace your gear than signing up for a little jaunt in the Gobi desert.

I've been wanting to challenge this run for many years and finally took the plunge. It must have been karma rather than procrastination as this years race finish occurs on my birthday. Yep I'll keep with karma.....