Why do we find it so hard to walk away from a race, even when we know it’s the right decision?

On Saturday afternoon, my mind was made up. I wouldn’t run. I hadn’t given my ankles a proper chance to heal since turning them over. Running wouldn’t help them recover any quicker and could do damage. It just wasn’t worth the risk. Decision made.

Marathons mess with your head. Seriously. Preparations for Taunton have gone almost perfectly. I’ve run longer. Felt stronger. So you’d think I’d be brimming with confidence as race day approached.

Guess again.