Contrast

Another hot but breezy day started with 18 holes of golf. Started at 7.50 so they were a bit surprised when we were in the bar at 10.30 having missed breakfast but ordering cheeseburgers! Felt good so decided to go out for a run at mid-day when the heat was full on. I ran just over six miles and due to the heat needed to carry water - legs felt great.
Back for some lunch and time to relax watching the Open. What a contrast. No not the golf as they were hitting some wild shots as well. But the weather. The moisture in Portugal is sweat whereas at the open the heavens have opened up. Mind you it will make the Americans realise what links golf is all about and 61 year old Tom Watson shows the youngsters how it's done.

Acclimatisation

This is an ideal opportunity for some heat training which will be so important with Lanzarote Ironman in May. Fortunately there is a contrant breeze which keeps you relatively cool although the sweat is pouring off me. It also underlines the importance of going out early to Lanza to acclimatise. So this mornings run was only 4.5 miles but it involved running along a beautiful beech while the waves tried to get my feet wet. This is a fantastic way to train although officially I'm on holiday!.

A good walk ruined

Golf was once described as a good walk ruined by Mark Twain. Well in Portugal you don't walk you go by buggy. The walking element was extended by rusty golf but it was a nice change from swimming, cycling or running. Relaxing is an important part of training so I'm going to keep it up and will be back running tomorrow.

Easy start

After a day of travel I deserved the long lie. Went a short run at 10am and the heat was masked by a strong wind - but it was hot. Ali ran with me and as this was his first run in 4 months we took it easy. Tomorrow we'll start much earlier and go on longer but only if I can find him new running shoes. Seems his feet have grown! Quick dip in the pool to cool off followed by a light breakfast. I could get used to this. Now for the hard work - shopping with the girls!

Time for a break - sort of!

It's this time of year when I jet off to so sunny location for a rest.  I'm looking forward to no early starts, 8am earliest, a change in diet and some refreshing cold beers and the odd chilled glass of wine.  However I can't let my body think it's on holiday so I will be running with my son Ali on the beach to help get him back into shape for the football season following his ankle surgery.  We will also be swimming in the sea and all of this will help him prepare for the National Tristar Championships at the beginning of August - his 2nd triathlon.
I'll still keep the blog going when there's something worthwhile to report as it helps me when I look back at what I've been up to and how I've been feeling. Enjoy the rest of the summer.

Ironman Switzerland

Today my club mates were taking part in Ironman Switzerland.  They started at 7am and I was able to follow them online so that when they passed a timing device it registered online.  Before I went out for a short training session I checked on how they were doing.  During the Grand Prix and the Scottish Golf Open I followed their progress and am delighted to report all 7 of them made it and 2 of them for the first time.  What a wonderful feeling becoming an Ironman.
A year of hard training with ups and downs in your emotions isn't easy.  Doubts creep in and the build up is tense.  Watching them online made me appreciate just how long the event actually is (silly as I did one last year but it's different when you're watching) taking between just under 11 hours to 13.5 hours.  It's full on all day and they deserve all the praise they get.  Now they start a 2 month recovery.
Setting a stretching goal and achieving it is a great feeling and the more your repeat that process the better it feels.  Well done to everyone brave enough to take on the challenge.  What's your next challenge?

Weather dictates

This morning I was going swimming but the weather was so good and the forecast for the weekend wasn't great so off I went on my bike.  A wee 23 mile time trial before breakfast and then off on my travels to see some clients.
Some more cycling this weekend if the weather is ok or I may go on the turbo trainer although that is mind numbing as well as your bum!