The big smoke

Yesterday was hectic as I was speaking at a conference and wanted to make sure everything went to plan, which it did.  I take the same approach to making a speech as I do training for an Ironman; preparation, preparation, preparation.  What I like about going to events like this is the amazing people you meet and yesterday I had the honour of meeting a soldier who had lost both legs and an arm in Afghanistan - Andy Reid.  It was a Q&A session with the interviewer being another inspiring guy Andy McMenemy, but what amazed me about Andy Reid was just how positive he was, from the minute he stepped on the land mine he was working out how to cope with a different life! 
His mind set was incredible as he overcame problem after problem and he has set himself a goal of running a marathon next year!  Now that takes real courage and I'm sure it won't be a pain free experience.  I'll be following his progress and will offer whatever support I can that's for sure.
It was interesting watching the audience who only half an hour earlier had been moaning about how tough being in the financial services sector was and now they were listening to someone who had to carefully consider every move he made due to his injuries.  That isn't stopping him though as he is currently learning to ride a mountain bike! So to all able bodied people out there you shouldn't have to wait till you receive life threatening injuries before you decide to make the most of your life - go on set yourself a stretching target.  If I can help let me know.

Juggling

Last night when I got home dinner was being served and smelt great.  Unfortunately for me I had an hours training to do and as I am away for the next 3 days which will mean I need to arrange my training accordingly, I really couldn't miss it.  So I dragged myself to the "sweat studio" for a weights session followed by a turbo session that left me in a pool of sweat.  But I felt great and the steak and eggs afterwards tasted even better!  It's funny how the sessions you are dreading and want to miss usually are the most satisfying once you get started.
So today I'm in London and have a busy schedule.  We've amended the training plan to allow me to run (hotel booked opposite a park) and do a core session and a weights session (without the weights) in my bedroom.  It's not perfect but fitting in work / family and training means you need to be able to adapt.  Fortunately I have a supportive wife and family who understand why I am on this journey - thanks guys!

Childhood memories

I returned to the area I grew up today and used to spend almost every day - the park.  The pavilion and the swings are still the same colour and the 2 football pitches were lined out but without the goal posts for some reason.  The running track round one of the pitches where our school sports used to take place is overgrown with weeds and has seen better days.  It's funny how I can remember so much of the time I spent there.  The sounds, the smells, the victories as well as the defeats and the tears and the annual fete run by Roundtable.  All these memories make us what we are. 
I watch my kids growing up and wonder what influence we as parents pass on and how much comes from their peers and their environment?
Tonight once I have finished work, quickly grabbed some food, dropped my son off at athletics I will cram in a half hour turbo session and a half hour weights session before picking him up and then having a light dinner when I get back before relaxing with my wife and then an early night as I'm on the "red eye" tomorrow to London.  Do the kids notice how busy life is or are they wrapped up in their own wee world which revolves around Facebook and COD?

Training by numbers

Early morning run to build up my knee this morning and keeping an eye on my speed to see how my recovery is going.  Then iced my knee before going with my son to the Kelvinhall for his indoor race - didn't have a good run this time following his PB last time.
When I got home I had a 1.5 hour turbo session where I was doing it by the numbers i.e. cadence (speed of pedals) and heart rate.  The session was split into a number of different sections and I was pleased with the results.  It's not the same as riding on the road but it does allow you to completed a work out in a controlled environment so you can concentrate on the results.  Now icing my leg and starting to prepare dinner.  Life is good.

Wind training

The physio is pleased with the progress on my knee but there is still swelling so more ice, stretching, massage and specific exercises.  My coach rejigged my schedule so I will be running 3 times next week but only for 30 minutes at a time.  I need to build the running up up but not before my knee is ready.
The bike is also where a large number of hours will be spent so today I ventured outside on my CX bike so that I could go on the road and off road as well - it's a harder workout on the CX bike on the road.  The BBC had predicted 7mph wind but it was nearer 20 mph so ideal practise for Lanza - only it will be 30 degrees warmer.  I climbed up to the wind farm and the noise those turbines make when spinning at speed is incredible.  More running and cycling tomorrow and hopefully the weather will stay dry.

Taking things for granted

Having no electricity for 60 hours made me realise how we take things for granted.  Like waking up to a warm house or switching on the kettle.  When I arrived home last night the house was lit up like a Xmas tree and life returned to normal, after clearing out the food from the fridge and the freezer which was beginning to smell!
This morning I went out a run before my swimming session.  Because I am coming back from injury this is only my second run and I kept it to half an hour.  But the conditions were dodgy with a heavy frost and in some places ice to contend with.  It was a joy to be back running, I'd really missed it.  It also made the swim session a bit tougher as I already had a work out by the time I reached the pool.
Tonight I am seeing my physio to check my knee and then my coach to go over my results and make adjustments where necessary and make sure I am on track for Lanza.  This will be followed by a turbo bike training session so I should sleep well tonight!

Conference speaking

Today is a day off from training which is just as well as I have no electricity, no phone connection, network connection or hot water for the 3rd day running.  It's bad enough trying to get a quick wash without coming in from a training session completely covered in sweat and not being able to get a shower.  But tomorrow I'll be back in the pool but will probably have a long shower before and after the swim for obvious reasons!  So last night we sent the kids off to friends and my wife and I had a carry out curry on the floor with candles. 
I then spent the evening preparing for a conference speaking event in February around Mission Ironman - "achieving results beyond your wildest dreams".  If you've followed my journey from non-swimmer, non-cyclist three years ago to Ironman you will know the transformation that has taken place.  While a lot of it is physical, the crucial aspect that makes it happen is "mindset".  At some stage in almost every hard training session I think "wouldn't it be nice to slow down or stop", but I have to keep reminding myself why I am putting myself through it.  I am so fortunate to be fit and healthy and by training for Ironman that improves my well being but it will also raise lots of money for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres.  It's a win-win and has opened my mind up to the art of what's possible. 
I hope in 2012 you will take on a challenge and enjoy the journey which could be life changing.  After all, you're a long time dead as they say.