Chipping away

The first week back at work is always tough, even if it is only 3 days!  Early rises and long days but I've managed to have everything set up for the rest of the year.
Training wise I made it to the gym.  I'm not a gym bunny but I do need to increase the strength in my legs to cope with the training mileage.  I'll have to improve my upper body strength as part of the event includes climbing using ropes but I need to get over my shoulder injury first.  Add to that altitude and heat and it's going to be a tough 6 days in the Grand Canyon.  But I've just been handed a big advantage.  Last year I was asked to deliver a talk to some university students about the training for the Marathon Des Sables (MdS), the nutrition and the race itself.  They have asked me back again and as a reward they have offered me time in a heat and altitude chamber - BOOM!  So no need to head off to the alps when I can conduct some training 7 miles from my house!
On Saturday I went for my usual lap of Chatelherault but it wasn't good.  Short of breath and high heart rate isn't a good combination so I needed to slow down.  I felt terrible by the end of the run but I know I have to go through this period.  It's not easy and I'm looking forward to getting through this painful period - the canyon seems a long way away however it is only 258 days away.
Today I decided to go out running on my own and on the road rather than the trail.  I'm not sure if when running with others I am going out too fast which causes the problem, other than too much indulgence in the last 4 months!  I also decided not to look at my Garmin during the run.  Just run at a pace I was comfortable with but also increase the distance.  The route is a hilly one so 16.33 km (more than double Saturdays run) was a challenge, more mental than physical but I did it at a reasonable pace.  According to my Garmin I need to rest tomorrow so I will, but more regular runs are required to "chip away" at the mountain of training that lies ahead.  I suppose if this was easy then everyone would do it.  That is what will make it all worthwhile!