Sunday 6 September 2020

Over indulging!!

There have been many academic papers written on the effect of alcohol on performance and after the week I've just had I can confirm, they are all correct!  Alcohol and training don't go together especially when I "partied" for 3 days out of four.  That's not something I would do on a regular basis and certainly not something I intend to do for a long time.  I had informed my coach as I couldn't have hidden the results and she gave me an easy weeks training, fortunately.  But the effects of the alcohol were evident with me being dehydrated, with a higher heart rate than normal, disturbed sleep and feeling rubbish - but it was fun at the time. 
It's not as though I had a race coming up but while I was feeling sorry for myself I realised, my "A race" of 2021, the Ultra Race Romania is only is 336 days away.  That time will fly by so I have a lot of work to do to be ready for a 250 km, 6 stage, unsupported race through the mountains.My hammy got some more treatment and is still niggling but I do have some stretching exercises to help ease it off.
Despite my elevated heart rate when running, I really enjoyed a 10 km run at Chatelherault yesterday with my team mates.  There is no need to be putting in big distances at this stage, it's more a case of consistent running and working on my form. I'm also increasing my strength work which isn't my favourite activity but I need to shift my mindset as it's so important to allow me to run well.  I've also promised myself to get some regular yoga going so I can prevent the injuries rather than constantly getting treated.  It can't be said that I'm not trying to kick start the economy with my "medical team" keeping me together.
So the blurred vision from earlier in the week is back to the focused vision with 336 days to go.  Time for Rule 5! ( a cycling phrase which has been shortened to MTFU)