....and breathe

Last week was my first holiday this year.  Like most people, any 2020 plans went out the window and while I was meant to be in Crete, that was cancelled a couple of weeks ago so I headed up north with my wife for a "staycation".  We choose 3 different venues which all had spectacular scenery, great food and some lovely wines.  Long lies, relaxing reading books, cat naps, walks and 40 kms of running was just what the doctor ordered.
I knew I needed a rest and change of scenery but it's only when you get out of the ground hog day mentality that you realised how much you need the break.  Having Glencoe within a couple of hours of your house helps.  It is some of my favourite, breath taking scenery and if you decide to climb the mountains then you will be puffing hard.  We didn't but took plenty of nice walks to burn off breakfast or lunch or prepare some room for dinner.
Running first thing in the morning was cold as we are definitely now in autumn.  I had to resort to gloves, a hat, an extra layer and on the last run I was wearing leggings as the ground was very icy.  But watching your breath vapourise in front of you with every breath is something I'll need to get used to as winter training is here for the next 6 months.
My breathing has always been heavy and I aim to improve this over the winter as greater efficiency will lead to easier, more relaxed running, cycling and swimming. Changing my breathing will be challenging but I need to make a conscious effort and will keep my "eyes on the prize".  
The remainder of the year is going to be very busy with work and also moving home so this will need to be built into my training schedule.  I'll be talking to my coach this week and she will approach it with her usual professionalism so I can be "delivered" to the start line of the Ultra Race Romania in August next year.  Every training session counts towards it.
The change in season is a good reason to focus on your plans over the winter, designed to smash your goals in 2021.  I've always agreed with the phrase that "a goal without a plan is just a wish" - so get planning!