I've put down a marker

I remember entering Ironman Lanzarotte in May 2012 in the best condition I had ever been in.  My coach Gen had worked me like a dog to make me feel so fit.  11 months later I stood on the start line of the Marathon des Sables and my fitness was different.  I wasn't attempting one long day but six and in very different conditions so I knew I was fit but in a different way.  They say it can take 6 months to recover from MdS and I suppose much depends on your base fitness and your age.  So what am I on about?
I've been "playing" at getting back to fitness and potentially holding myself back with the thought that it takes 6 months.  I'm not sure if I have a problem mentally, physically of if I'm just being lazy.  Sure I've put numerous 50 mile bike rides and a couple of 84 mile rides in the last few months but nothing regular - yes I know you must be reasonably fit for that.  My running has been limited as I learn to chi run and had some injury problems as a result of not using my orthotics.  As for swimming, forget it.  I've had one video (nasty) analysis and one visit to the pool in 15 months.
So this week I decided to get real.  On Tuesday I attended the first swimming training session of the winter.  I swallowed my lunch twice and left the pool before I decorated it.  I had completed 2,000m of interval sessions and was totally gubbed.  I hated it but also am looking forward to being swim fit and loving it again.
On Saturday I wanted to give up 1/3rd of the way into a 50 mile cycle.  The boys persuaded me to go on so I did - thanks boys.  I was dropped on every hill which is sole destroying when I remember where I was before IM.  But I did it.
Today I followed my cycle with an 11 mile run in the wind and rain.  I managed it at a reasonable pace and there was no sign of the recurring foot/ankle injury.
So I'm back.  Less tears and moaning about how fit I used to be.  I've put down a marker in my three disciplines and I now intend to improve on them in every session I do.  I'm looking forward to reflecting on this post come April 2014 as a turning point.  Oh and I forgot to mention, I have a new goal to add to my half ironman and my 10k river swim next year.  In April, assuming I get in, I will be running the Highland Fling - a 53 mile Ultramarathon from Milngavie (Glasgow) to Tyndrum along the West Highland Way.  That should keep my training focused!