82 seconds

My blog over the last 8 years has not only covered my adventures but occasionally takes time out to reflect on life, without being judgemental.  This weeks events in London sent a shiver through the country as it made us realise just how precious life is.  In 82 seconds many families have been affected and I hope they realise that millions of people are holding them in their thoughts today.
I was thinking this over as I was cycling today in probably the best day (weather wise) of the year so far.  Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to be out in beautiful countryside, the sun shining, the birds singing and breathing in fresh air.  It doesn't get much better than that.
It also made me think about the point of these adventures, the training and the blog.  At the end of the day it doesn't make that much difference in the bigger picture.  But then I realised that if we all thought like that then "they", the ones who commit despicable acts, would have won - they would have changed our lives.
So I am going to carry on as normal and write about how I've got my weight almost back to normal and my fitness is now starting to come through.  I've had a great weeks training with three fantastic runs where I wasn't breathing out my arse, and a bike ride where I wasn't struggling to hang onto the handlebars through fatigue.  The last three weeks of structured training have given me a base to build on and I want to thank my coach for her expertise in getting me there.  Sure there is a hell of a long way to go but the last three weeks have proved what is possible.  Live life to the full and take time out to smell the roses - I actually stopped to take a picture of a new born lamb with her mother!  After all it's Mothers Day so let's celebrate.  Have a fantastic week and if it's a tough one just focus on your breath and appreciate how lucky you are.

A tailwind

After last weeks post someone mentioned to me that they were surprised by the last blog - it wasn't as "uplifting" as normal.  I explained the blog is meant to be realistic, it's a journal for me to reflect on in the future, and training has it's ups and downs.  You just have to pick yourself up and get on with it.  The Chinese saying that success is falling down seven times and getting up eight.  I like that approach.
This week was my 3rd week of structured training under the supervision of my coach.  I definitely work harder when I am held accountable for the results and having an expert lay out the weekly plan means all I have to do is follow it.  Some people like to analyse the results.  I don't bother.  I report back how I'm feeling and she makes the necessary amendments.  This definitely works for me.
Over and above the running and cycling I tried my first real swimming session since Ironman.  It was painful.  My shoulder obviously has a long way to go.  The slowest 1,000m ever, hurt.  I'm seeing the Physio on Tuesday so here's hoping we can make some progress.
I'm starting to feel the benefit of the structured training; I'm getting fitter but I've a long way to go.  The turbo session on Friday was tough and a sweat fest.  My Chatelherault run on Saturday with "yogi Mark" was bang on the target set but I did need to push myself.
Today I went out cycling on my own and headed out when there was a break in the weather.  The first half of the ride was easy despite the hills but that's because there was a tailwind.  It's the funny thing about cycling that you don't hear the wind when it's behind you, assisting you.  It's like a friend supporting you.  But turning for home the full force of the wind hit me.  As a solo cyclist I had nobody to share the wind with me.  If I'd had a partner out with me we'd have taken turns at the front while the other takes a breather.  But that wasn't an option.  The rain then started to fall.  That's when you have to "shut out" the elements, go into your bubble and focus on each revolution of the pedals.  There is nobody going to help, you just need to keep going.  It's a bit like life when you turn into a headwind.  Know what direction your are heading and why.  Then focus on what needs to be done and get on with it.
In 3 weeks time my mileage will begin to build but at the moment I'm working on getting fitter with each training session, repairing my shoulder and making sure I don't aggravate any other injuries.  Have a great week, appreciate the tailwind and if you meet a headwind - plough on through.

A goal without a plan is just a wish

Another week closer to the "A Race" - 195 days to go.  My structured planning is going well.  What a difference it makes having a schedule to follow and be held accountable too - both very important points if you want to achieve a stretching goal.
I'm still just finding my way back to fitness but every training session has an objective and one I'll be measured against.  It works for me.  Like everyone else I'm busy and carving out time isn't always easy.  So as I sit here tonight looking at my diary for next week and then looking at my training schedule I fell like I'm spinning plates.  My coach always tries to take account of my work schedule but you've still got to do the session.  Where ever possible I do the session in the morning as when I finish a days work I'm passed my best.  But having the plan makes all the difference.
My shoulder is still injured and my Physio is working hard to get it sorted but I will attempt a swim this week to see how it feels.  My half ironman is 2 months away but I need to be patient and stick to the plan.  Nothing exciting to report but when you've got a plan that goes over 6 months, a boring week is a good week.  Many miles to crunch so buckle up for the journey.

Doubles all round

Last week I reported that my structured training plan started on Monday, which it did.  It wasn't hectic but involved 4 runs.  I had to combine this with a week where I was away 3 days on business but managed to get the mid-week run in.  It felt good to complete the plan and all targets set were hit.
I did back to back runs at the weekend which is something that is now the norm as I build up my fitness and distance.  I returned to Chatelherault on Saturday and it wasn't long before I was off the back of the group, but I had my plan and was sticking to it.  46 minutes was the target for the lap and the previous week I'd have been over 50, but it was achievable.  A fast start led to a slower section as I regained my breath so I knew I had to press on in the second half which I did.  I dug deep and completed the run with 31 seconds to spare - tick!  What a difference from the previous week even though I was tired from having been away.
Today it was just me and my coach for a 10 k with a target set for the pace.  She pushed me really hard knowing I was running on tired legs.  In order to get better results you have to push through that point where you'd like to take a seat and recover.  It doesn't feel nice but I've been there before and know it's got to be done.  Target pace achieved over the 10 k - tick!
When I was resting this afternoon I was lucky enough to see Laura Muir win her 2nd gold medal of the weekend - the 3,000m.  A stunning performance leaving the competition for dead despite having won the 1,500m the day before - a double.  Congratulations Laura.  Her approach to training and competing is so disciplined and she pushes herself so hard.  It's inspirational.  A reminder to me as I start to build the training.  So doubles all round this weekend although we're in a different universe, but have one thing in common - we love running.