13th July 2013.  Very very early in the morning.

There are a few too many unknowns going into this event.  The golden rule of any sporting competition is to be prepared, to have practiced in training what you will do on race day.  But really, how do you adequately prepare for 12 hours of running when you work full time, have kids to care for and a household to manage?  Despite having a wonderfully supportive husband to share the load with and pick up my slack, I have not actually done any running for 6 or more hours in training.  I have done no 'back to back' sessions where I would run for 3-4 hours in the morning, then another couple in the afternoon.  Or vice versa.

Today there is driving rain.  I have been awake since 1am, and it has been very steady since then.  It is now nearly 5am.  I have run in the rain, but it is remarkable how infrequently that happens.  I plan my runs at the start of the week, so I will still train outside whatever the conditions. In summer I do plan to run early to avoid the worst of the heat, but in winter if it rains, I get wet.  Simple.  But it doesn't rain much here.  Except for today.  Upto 40mm has been forecast, which if it happens, will make it one of the wettest days that Adelaide ever gets.  The BoM radar shows rain for hours yet.

So, the rain itself is not a problem when I got for a 2 or 3 hour run.  I get wet, stay warm enough, have a hot shower afterwards and dry out my feet.  But 12 hours of perpetual motion will be different.  My shoes and socks will get wet.  I am not sure what to do to try to keep my feet from rubbing and blistering, especially as they get waterlogged.  I was recommended to get emu oil, but I can't find it in local pharmacies or supermarkets - it's fallen out of flavour it seems.  I thought about vaseline but have opted for endurance water proof body glide.  I have vaseline and pawpaw ointment with me if I need to revisit it.  And 3 pairs of spare shoes. And 6 pairs of dry socks.  2 towels.  Three spare long sleeved tops.  A spare rain coat.  Spare running tights.  A hat and sunglasses (ever the optimist).

Almost time to leave - I'll let you know how I go.