14 days out: Cyprus half marathon - slightly under 1:55 and I am super happy. Even yesterday on the plane, I considered not participating. I’m still sick, hadn’t trained for 10 days, and that goddamn knee doesn't hurt but keeps making cracking sounds. I don't usually drink, but I needed a reset yesterday and had a couple of beers with a friend. So this run was about getting past all those problems and finally having that ‘yes I can’ moment. The run itself wasn't very challenging - it felt casual. I may pay for it with a longer illness, but oh well!

23 days out. HRV 63 (high), but RHR jumped to 56 bpm. Warning: Not a recovery issue, but infection incoming. Swollen throat, chills, no appetite. Unbelievable obstacles lately - first the knee, now this. #hm140

26 days out. Just a boring 10k in Z2 (avg HR 135). But boring is good - it means I don't have to worry about anything going wrong. Everything is holding up. Post-run knee rehab done. Steady as she goes. #hm140

28 days out. First 18 km long run in a long time, kept it strictly in Z2 (avg HR 139 bpm). Everything is holding up perfectly - no pain, just steady progress. On track for 22.03. The mission continues. #hm140

31 Days out. 3 x 3 km threshold session with a progressive finish. Split the intervals at 4:55 -> 4:45 -> 4:35 min/km. Zero knee issues and felt a massive surge of energy in the final stretch. My chances are looking much better after today's training. My coach is giving me a 75/25 chance that I can do it on 22.03 under 1:40. The Phoenix is officially in flight. #hm140