Dear Ness,

Are you pumped?

This weekend, you will toe the line at your 2nd attempt of the 100km Ultra Trail Australia.

Last year's race might not have gone to plan. Bottle the pain, anguish and frustration from not finishing last year.

This year's race is different, new preparation and changes in your training, but use all the learnings from last year and all your years of running. All that experience got you to the start line.

Some people think running 100km is crazy. Yeah, long distance running is hard. But you and I love it.

On Saturday, there is nothing else to focus on while running. Focus on yourself, forget about work and other commitments. Saturday is about you and the trails around the Blue Mountains. Focus on how you are running, concentrate on how much you are eating and drinking, a little bit regularly will help later in the race. Your body will fatigue amd your feet will hurt. Embrace the weather. The cold, wind or rain (or all 3), everyone else is running in the same conditions as you. You are blessed and lucky to be fit and healthy to run, so enjoy all the up and downs (both figuratively and literally around the course). Patience and persistence is key, so take it all in your stride (pun intended).

Your family and friends will be following along and willing you along the way. I know dad is proud of you and super impressed by what you are doing.

I will be there cheering you all the way to the finish line.

Good luck and see you on the trail on Saturday.

Love Matt

P.S Ness, i know you didn't want a big fuss made about your race :) I just wanted to show you some extra love and support!