Why do it?

This is a question I get asked on a regular basis.  Especially when people see my training schedule.  Today I went out with the group for a few hours on the bike.  It was very windy but that was a good test for my new wheels.  The strong headwind made the hills tougher however after the hilly mountain bike workout yesterday I felt strong - not as strong as some of the "real" cyclists but I have come a long way in the last 2 years and can feel the difference.
Home for some lunch and then out for an hours run.  The wind had really picked up but I just got on with it.  My coach has me running a negative split i.e. faster 2nd half so that you finish strong.  I haven't been doing much running recently but I managed this at a good pace.
So why do it?  I feel fantastic and am in good shape.  This improves my quality of life which benefits my family and helps me be more effective at work. Finally it allows me to raise money for the charities I support which also makes the whole journey worthwhile.  So I hope that answers the question but every time I'm asked it it reinforces my belief in what I'm doing.

Change of scene

It's great when you get a change of scenery and yesterday and today we headed off for an over night followed by some mountain biking.  I'm new to MB but the uphills are a great workout for your legs, especially if chasing your son to the top, and the down hills are a pure adrenaline rush.  We attempted a red run and I can see how it improves your bike handling skills as you head over drops, rocks and worst of all slippy tree roots.
But I started the day with 2,000 m in the pool just to keep with my programme.  My gym session will get moved to tomorrow which means it will be a busy day.  1 hr bike, 1 hr run and the gym session I missed today.  My next event is a 16 mile run a week on Sunday so the focus turns to my running next week.

Beautiful day

At last today was what I would regard as a typical (except this year) autumn days.  It was dry, sunny and cold - 6 degrees.  So the plan was for a brick session; 1 hour on the bike followed by a 30 minute run.  Winter clothing was the order of the day but I was working hard so didn't feel the cold.  Now time for a power nap to help with my recovery.  Tomorrow is another rest day and I'm looking forward to it as I know I have some hard work ahead.

Building the core

Today is officially a rest day, the first of two this week.  But not a complete rest as I have just completed my core workout.  Strengthening you core is essential as having a strong core will make you a better swimmer, cyclist and runner as it helps you keep your form.  When you tire you lose your form and this can lead to injuries.  It's a bit like building a house or a business on weak foundations - destined to fail.
Work over finished, time to refuel and enjoy the rest of the holiday watching and listening to the rain!

Quality time

This is going to be a week of quality time with my family as it's the school holiday week.  But I was still in the pool at 7am for a good 2,300 m of time working on my fitness.  After smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, freshly baked bread toasted and strong coffee I had a wee rest before deciding I wasn't going out in the lashing rain and strong winds to do a 10 mile Time Trial on my bike - the results would have been pointless due to the wind alone.  So I went on my turbo trainer for 35 minutes concentrated effort and that was real quality training time.  When I finished I followed this with 40 minutes of weights cause that's what my coach wants.
I'll see her this afternoon to go over last weeks results and see if anything needs tweaking.  This "control mechanism" is vital in making sure we get the best from my training and that I am on course for Lanzarote which after all is only 214 days away!  All this completed and still two of the teenagers are in bed!  What a life. :)))

Next event

I have a number of events coming up and my training will fit round them while at the same time be designed to get me ready for them.  The next event is a 16 mile road race around six public parks on the south side of Glasgow.  So today I ran 10 miles and concentrated on the pace.  I needed a negative split which means a faster second half so that you finish strong which I did.  I also took an isotonic drink and a gel with me to make sure I was able to stay hydrated and had extra energy if required.
Later tonight I have a 40 minute core session and that will be me, finished my first week of Ironman training.  So having refueled I am not watching the footie and may have 40 winks to recharge the batteries.
On holiday next week but training will continue with a 7am swim.  The holiday is only from work, not training!

Pacing myself

Today was a double training session.  This morning I went out with new wheels on my bike and did my best time ever over a 16 mile hilly course.  I won't bore you with the technical reasons they are meant to be faster but they are - in addition my bike fitness is starting to come through.  I was only scheduled for an hour and compared to the five or six hours I was doing a month ago it was so easy - I was desperate to keep going.  But I knew that later on in the day I had 2,000 m to swim and tomorrow I will be running for 1.5 hours.
My coach has thought the plan out and it's pointless appointing an expert and then ignoring the advice.  So the swim went well and I feel relaxed and ready for tomorrow.  This shows the importance of having a plan and pacing yourself whether in triathlon training, business or life in general.