Steep learning curve

This morning started with my swim.  My 1,000m warm up went well but my 100m's were a struggle after 5 so I did a warm down and accepted that I'm still in recovery.  I'll save myself for tomorrow night in Loch Lomond.
Then I met Dave who is an expert in all things desert - he is leading a party tomorrow into the Gobi Desert which is an annual challenge.  We had a good discussion around MdS and he explained the 2 most common reasons for failure was water discipline and foot maintenance.  I'm happy with regulating water following Lanzarote Ironman but the foot maintenance will require a lot of studying hence the reason I know have a book to read of feet.  We discussed various aspects, such as the venom pump that you have to carry but doesn't work (yikes!) that I have never considered before and it gave me a glimpse as to how much I need to learn, over and above the training.  I can't wait but in the meantime need to get back my stamina back.

Back to basics

I woke at 5.50am this morning and was due to start my training with a swim.  But the sun was shining and the sky was blue so I decided a run was in order.  Fortunately I checked the temperature, 2 degrees, so dressed like it was a winters day!  Unfortunately as I am out of practise I forgot to do "something" which resulted in clenched bum cheeks for half the run and the fastest ever last 50 metres!  I won't make that mistake again.
It's amazing how six weeks ago I was at the peak of my fitness and today was a struggle.  My heart rate was high and my pace was slow for 5.4 miles but I now have a benchmark and I aim to get back into shape for the half Ironman in Aberfoyle on August 18th.  It's fantastic to have a short-term goal to aim at as this will give me the motivation and focus to train hard.  Tomorrow I will be in the pool early morning and this will help loosen of any stiffness from today's run.  I did fancy going out for a spin on the bike but think I should ease my way into training.  It's back to basics and build up gradually but I did feel good after my run.

Social life

On returning from Lanzarote Ironman 4 weeks ago I have been catching up with my social life with my wife and family.  Eating is no problem as I try and put on some weight to get back to 11 stone but it isn't easy.  It's fair to say that my alcohol consumption has increased (liquid cards!) but I am still a relative light weight as I found out last night when out with a few of the "football Dads".  But this continues today as I attend "Hangerfest" music festival in Strathaven and it can compare to Glastonbury - wet, muddy and windy.  This will be followed by a 50th birthday party tonight of a good friend of mine so the alcohol theme will continue.
Tomorrow I will be resting / recovering and then on Monday back to training.  I need to get ready for the Aberfeldy half ironman in August.  I am looking forward to training again as I will begin to feel better as my body gets back to exercise.  It doesn't mean I won't be socialising in the future but getting the focus back on the goals is good for me.  It's how I work best. 
On Tuesday I am meeting with Dave from www.sand-baggers.com to discuss equipment and food requirements for MdS.  I have a lot to learn before I set foot in the Sahara Desert and I can't wait - it will be a whole new world and as a novice I need to gather an experienced team around me.

A whole new world

Tonight I met with Tony, a Marathon des Sables veteran who gave me a quick introduction on how I should prepare myself, the equipment I would need (including the venom pump!), the food and the place where I can buy it all.  It's a whole new world and I was at a complete loss when he was talking about the equipment and the brands.  But he reassured me that my tri training can continue as mixing swimming & cycling with my running will keep me fit and reduce my risk of injury.  Tony's description of sleeping under a carpet of stars sounder amazing although the camel spiders and snakes didn't go down so well!
I came away with a copy of a book, "Fixing your feet", which I think gives me a big clue in what to expect.  In Lanza I suffered a few blisters and that was sore so I will study this carefully.  I will also start learning French which is the 1st language of most of the Marshall's and volunteers - at the moment I might be able to order 2 beers but it may be more important to explain I am suffering from dehydration!
So the next chapter in Mission Ironman begins.  I'm excited and looking forward to it and on route I'll have a couple of other challenges to keep my short term focus.  I hope you can follow my journey and please take the opportunity to post a message - I'll always respond.  I can't wait to enter this "new world".

Motivation

I find myself in a strange place. I am keen to start training but am uncertain that my body is ready. At the same time having no plan in place leaves me unfocused. 2 years ago after my first Ironman I felt like I'd fallen off a cliff. I don't feel like that now but getting motivated to start with no plan isn't easy. The other difference this time is I have three goals in place. 18th August is a half ironman, in January I have the Tough Guy Challenge and in April the Marathon des Sables (just under 300 days away). But I have just booked a meeting on Wednesday night with an MDS veteran and am hoping he will help me with my training - I'm excited already as this is new territory to me. Can't wait - lots to learn!

Marathon des Sables training

I got my first taste of MDS training today as I ran a couple of miles with a rucksack on my back. It wasn't really a training session as such but it gave me a feel for what lies ahead. Today is Strathaven Gala day, probably the biggest day of the year in our town. There will be a procession with lots of floats with kids in fancy dress and the town grinds to a halt for a few hours. So the reason for the run with a rucksack was having dropped my car off at a house where we will be at for the 2nd party of the day, I had to run home with some wine! The training will get more serious shortly - honest!

Loch Lomond

Today I collected my bike from "hospital".  A new "bottom bracket" was required and this was the noise I had heard when I was last out on it.  The result was that my pedals were not easy to turn.  Can you imagine what would have happened if this had occurred in Lanzarote Ironman which was the last time I had ridden the bike!  Obviously it was close to failure but luck was on my side.
Tonight I went to Loch Lomond for an open water swim with team ATHelite.  Initially the water was cold and it took your breath away.  But after 100m swim I started to feel ok and could enjoy swimming in such a stunning location with the mountains in the background.  I only stayed in for one lap of the course as I am still recovering so I watched on as the other triathletes went on for a second lap - they are preparing for a half ironman in 2 weeks time.  There is no point rushing my recovery as I will end up exhausted and not able to train.  As I have a half Ironman on 18 August I want to make sure I am fit to take part.  But what a way to end a week - not may people get that opportunity.