The wet month

January has been a wet month in more ways than one.  The weather has been atrocious and outdoor training outside has been miserable.  But the weather isn't the wet I'm referring to.  It's become fashionable for January to go "dry" however a stag weekend, 70th birthday party and a family wedding meant there was an overdose of "liquid carbs" which made the training even harder.
The last session of the month was a 3,200 m swim today and I was happy to have finished it.
There is 153 days to go and I've got a slight hamstring niggle but a bit of tlc and it will be fine.  It's a fact that 80% of runners are always running with some sort of niggle / injury.  The key is how you deal with it.
I'm missing the group swims, runs and bike rides as having company helps the motivation but this will happen in the coming months.  For ironman distance you do have to train on your own in order to prepare your mind to handle the boredom of the distances you have to complete. In one swim session this week I got 10 seconds of chat before we started , 15 seconds between one of the sets however we did get a coffee afterwards.
I'm looking forward to the lighter nights and mornings which hopefully will coincide with better weather.  I'll also be planning a training camp in the sun in order to get some big miles in on the bike and open water swimming. Before I know I'll be putting in 4 & 5 hour bike rides and practicing eating on the bike - can't wait!

Back on the road!

Have you missed my chat? Apologies for missing last week but I was on a long stag weekend! I know, I'm too old for that stuff but it was my nephews stag and both my sons were going so I had to "do my bit". We had a great weekend but it meant the week before was a heavy training schedule as was the week after.
If I needed any proof that alcohol wasn't good for you it came on Monday when my turbo results weren't good. I was tired and my heart rate was higher than normal. The following day I died in the pool. But the results for the rest of the week got better and better. On Friday I had a great turbo session and a strong 10k run. On Saturday I was out on the road with the boys on the bike as there was a weather window. 2hrs 45 mins and my stats looked great. The turbo training really is making me fitter and it's showing - still a lot of work to go.
Today, after a few glasses of wine at a 70th party the night before, I swam 3,200 metres a bit slowly. It wasn't helped by my leaking goggles and the need to constantly adjust them. I got home and fuelled up as I then headed out for a 1hr 50 min run in preparation for a half marathon next month.  This was tough after a long week but it was as much about the mental training than the physical. I ground it out and it looks like I am set for a reasonable half marathon if the training goes to plan.
As always there are scheduling problems and it seems that since mid December I've had a social life! It doesn't mix with the training but you've got to live as well as train.  This week will be a lighter weeks training as I'm away for a few days at a wedding - more socialising! But the constant reviews of my stats and my programme mean that with 22 weeks to go, good progress has been made.  Just need to keep healthy and injury free. Till next week - cheers.

Back to the routine

Having played at full time athlete over the festive period; train,eat and rest I've now returned to normality.  That means early morning and early evening training sessions, on the same day.  It's never easy getting back into the routine so it's been a busy and tiring week.  On Wednesday the only way I could stick to the schedule was by being on my turbo trainer by 5.30am.  Once I'd finished my day I had another session to do.  The reason for mentioning this is to show what's required if you have have a goal that you are determined to achieve. This is a 9 month journey and every day counts - only 173 to go.

So on Friday I had a key session that was interrupted by the total incompetence of Tollcross Swimming.  I wasn't happy and the session had been going so well. So tomorrow it will be repeated because the results are important.

The weather on Friday was horrendous with deep snow and followed by heavy rain which has flooded the roads and anywhere to run. Today I was up to my knees in water trudging through the forest. It wasn't a great run as I was suffering from a gloopy throat but I got through it and then headed off for a long swim.  The results weren't great as I tried to pace myself but, rightly, got my butt kicked by my coach as she reminded me that I should have given 100% in each session and that she designs them with my fitness level and goals in mind.  Point taken coach!

Next week will be challenging as I am travelling and then have a stag party at the weekend - yes I know, at my age!  My nephew is getting married and this weekend coming I'll be there with my two boys but I have permission to have a few days off.  However I will be taking my running shoes and am looking  forward to some fresh air to blow away the cobweb! Life gets back to normal!

A goal without a plan is just a wish

It's that time of year again.  Where many of us "commit" to a new year resolution.  Gyms will be heaving with new members and regular gym goers will have to wait till the end of January before the burst of enthusiasm disappears and they can get back to training with no queues.  Signing up for a gym means nothing if you don't have a meaningful goal and a plan.  The key is putting in place controls that make sure you are following the plan and hitting the milestones.
For me, I haven't made a new year resolution. My goals were set months ago and the plan with controls was put in place.  Ironman Frankfurt is 181 days away and my last thought before I go to bed is what my plan is for the following day and my first thought in the morning I have to do and how it fits with my personal and work life - this point was built into the plan however things don't always work out the way they were planned.
During the holidays I have enjoyed time with my family and time training with the ability to relax and recover afterwards.  All goals were met over the festive period including a double training session on new years day!  The running miles are starting to build and I've had 2 sessions at Chatelherault where I've run 2 consequitive laps (15km) in a reasonably fast time which I am happy with.  With the Strathaven half marathon in February the training mileage will increase.
After months cycling on my turbo trainer today I got out for a solo ride on the roads for 2 hour 15 minutes which was refreshing!  It was windy, the roads were in terrible condition but it was good to be out again.  I managed to get home just before the rain started so that was a bonus.  The bikes been cleaned and set up again for my turbo sessions this week.
So if you've set a new year resolution or target remember a goal without a plan is just a wish.  All the best for 2016 - go make it an amazing year!