Heavy work load

Last week I put into perspective how much work was required before the start line of Lanza Ironman which is now 123 days away.  So in this "build phase" the work load gets tough.  Following a busy 3 days, this morning started with 2,600m swim including 18 x 100 m with 10 sec rest between each one.  Then a turbo session and a weights session in the evening.  I actually feel more awake now than I did during the day.
I met with my coach and we went over all the results from my computer and the good news is I'm getting fitter, faster and stronger.  However I was reminded yesterday with the ice on the road how one slip up (literally in that case) could set me back.  So I have to balance the need to get mileage on the road against the risks the conditions present.  At least in March I will have a weeks training in the sun in Lanza.  After this weeks heavy work load, next week my training is reduced to allow me recovery time - that sounds good to me.

Long shadows

What a beautiful crisp winters morning.  I went out with some "real cyclists" this morning and although I was promised a "steady ride", I knew it would push me and I'd need to keep up or would be dropped from the pack.  One poor guy was dropped within a few miles so I made sure I stayed in the peloton  (pack) which makes it easier as you are protected from the wind.  The winter sun created long shadows and fortunately we never headed straight into it or it would have been blinding.
However the temperature was about 2 degrees and there were several scary moments with some ice on the roads.  My fingers lost feeling despite wearing two pairs of gloves so today I'll be buying a new guaranteed to keep your hands warm pair.  I even managed to drop my drinks bottle and almost cause an accident so I'll make sure that won't happen again.  So 36 miles completed but the mileage will now step up!

Double session

The training schedule is picking up now so weekends become very busy to make the most of the daylight.  But due to family commitments I had an early start with a 7am run.  The knee feels fine but I am still taking precautions and not putting too much strain on it with running.
A hard turbo training session really got my heart rate up which is something my coach is trying to do.  I'll find out tomorrow the effect of the turbo training as I am out for a 50 mile cycle in the morning.  Turbo training doesn't help your bike handling skills as your bike is in a fixed position so you have to get out in the cold and experience the real thing.  So looking forward to some more hard work tomorrow but at least there will be some scenery and not 4 walls indoor plus some company as there is a small group of us going out.
The benefit of getting the training over early was a lovely lunch with my wife & 2 sons which is something we don't get time to do often enough.  My daughter was at a boy band concert so I'll catch up with her when she comes back, assuming she isn't too busy putting posters on her bedroom wall!

Eating an elephant

I returned to the pool this morning having been in London for the last 3 days and was hoping that being tired wouldn't affect me as I had a 2k time trial in the pool.  Doing 40 lengths of a 50m pool gives you plenty of time to think (even worse if a 25m pool where you're doing 80 lengths!).  Around length 23 when I was struggling a bit I was thinking, in 126 days time I will be swimming almost double this distance followed by 112 miles on a hot, hilly and windy course followed by a marathon!  So lets get to 25 lengths then you only have 5 more to get to 30.  Then you're on the last 25% (the home straight) and in another 5 you only have 5 left - but in the meantime lets get to 25.
Now I wasn't being negative I was putting in context where I was with my training. The effect of this thought was to reinforce the need to really focus on every training session in the next 126 days to maximise the return as it prepares me for Ironman Lanza.  I won't be ready for the event until nearer the time so there is no need to panic.  And when I get to the start line the preparation will have been done - all that remains is the execution of the plan.
So when faced with a large target, big task or daunting change just ask yourself, how do I eat an elephant?  In small pieces of course.

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?