Webbed feet!

I've said it before but training for ironman is a journey and you need to enjoy it because on the day you can't guarantee you will complete the course - so many things can go wrong. A kick in the face in the water, a mechanical or accident on the bike, tripping over a kerb on the run...the list goes on. There are no guarantees.  Therefore enjoy the 8 months (in my case) of training and make your first objective to get to the start line injury free.
This is the reason I am taking a few weeks off running. A hamstring tweak means I am giving it a rest but as a result am focusing on my swimming. I've been in the pool so much in the last week I feel as though I have webbed feet. But the good news is my times are improving. It's not rocket science.  I am using a pool buoy to protect my hamstring and this is allowing me to concentrate on my technique  up front. It will be interesting to compare my times when the pool buoy is removed.
I'm also doing a lot of work on the turbo trainer which is keeping my fitness levels up.  I had the opportunity both on Saturday and Sunday to go outside on the bike but with the risk of ice and the low sun causing problems for drivers I decided to stay indoors.
139 days to go and I have a lot of hard work ahead. At this stage I can't imagine going out for 5 hours on the bike followed by a run, but I know it's coming. I know I'll be putting in some long runs but that I will need to build back up to this over time.  It's an exciting journey and I am loving feeling so fit.  Having a plan to follow makes it a lot easier and I have my coach to thank for it as she adjusts it as my circumstances (work/injury) dictates.  In the meantime the unwavering support of my wife who has to juggle washing piles of smelly lycra with managing the family, work and squeezing in a social life deserves a medal!