I am so close to something, it is all the more tantalising because I cannot quite grasp it.  Something that I have been striving after for a long time is there in front of me and, this time, it has come easily.  Why am I suddenly superstitious, not wanting to change anything, for fear of scaring it away?  Only four more days.

The last-lap bell.  She’s hanging back, saving herself, but she’s in danger of getting blocked, the pack’s tight.  One hundred yards to go.  She lengthens stride…