Great training week

What a week this has been.  In the pool on Tuesday and put through my paces with a couple of my worst drill exercises; kicking and stroke count.  I had two experienced swimmers try and work out why I go nowhere when kicking other than tiring me out - still don't know why!  However for the first time in 5 years I got somewhere positive with the stroke count.  Perhaps it's my negative mindset that's been holding me back in that exercise or just time in the pool?
I took Friday off work to cycle the "5 ferries" challenge.  The forecast was good but sadly didn't turn out that way.  It was damp with poor visibility which was a shame as the scenery would have been stunning.  70 miles of brilliant cycling (18 miles to get to the start) with some challenging hills.  Some of the steep descents on the wet roads were treacherous which was added to with wandering sheep!  The brakes don't work too well at 40mph in those conditions!  There was fantastic banter between my 5 riding buddies which made it a day to remember.  How good it would have been on a sunny day.
On Saturday the weather improved and I did some speed running.  Always running at the same pace doesn't improve your speed so I turned on the speed for a short hill course.  Now I've got my benchmark I will be revisiting this course on a regular basis.
Today was an 11 mile trail run half of which was on a new trail for me.  The weather was perfect and I was running at a reasonable pace with my Lanza Ironman pal Gareth.  It makes a huge difference running with someone, especially if you are both working at the same pace and at the same time not wanting to show the other that you may be struggling at times!  It's only natural but it improves your performance.
I will take tomorrow off although will be doing some yoga.  And on Tuesday back in the pool.  It's great to be back training more regularly with a goal in mind - 53 mile ultra race in April.