Tough day

Today I went out with a couple of my mates who are real cyclists.  They always encourage me but when it gets to any kind of incline, never mind a hill, I get dropped.  Within 4 miles my hear rate was at 173 which is at the max and I was struggling with their pace.  However I wasn't out there for a jolly so I dug in.  3 hours later I returned home and reviewed the data which showed a good average speed which I was pleased with but mentally it's tough being left behind constantly and knowing I have to improve in this area or the Bealach Mor in September will be a nightmare.
Had some pasta and tuna to build back the 2,600 calories I had burned off and fell asleep watching Wimbledon.  I'd better get used to this level of training because it will continue till Ironman Lanzarote in May next year where "normal limits don't apply".  If you want something bad enough you've got to work for it.