Pelican watch

I woke to thunder and lightening this morning but at least the rain was warm. There were no other runners on the beach in fact other than a pelican who followed me up the coast line, nobody else was out. However I completed my fastest run this holiday so am pleased that I have kept the running up when it would have been all too easy stay in bed. So it's our second last day and snorkelling and simulated surfing is on the cards, subject to the weather. The other day Jamie and Ali played tennis which was fun but it reminded me why I gave up coaching years ago - lack of patience! Two weeks in paradise has been extremely relaxing and we've had a fantastic time together as a family. I think the rain today is just preparing us for what we will be coming home to, but it will be good to be back.

Yea man

Oh I'm getting into the Caribbean way of life. I'm now fluent in the local lingo - yea man! While running on the beach this morning, in addition to all the "mornings" I say to get a reaction from some of the half asleep guests, a local greeted me with a high five and a yea man - maybe with my tan he thought I was local! After the run I pick up smoothies, coffee and a banana and walnut muffin - my 1st breakfast. However before eating it I shower and wash my running gear. Then I spend the next 15 minutes redrying myself. It made me wonder what it will be like in the desert with no washing facilities and no smoothies! Home soon but a few more days to practice my local lingo, yea man!

Priceless

A busy day in paradise can be hot and sweaty but it's better than a day in the UK going by the weather forecast! It started with the usual 40 min run at 7am and despite the breeze, it was hot and once again I picked up another blister. This running in the heat on sand isn't easy and there will need to be modifications before I hit the Sahara next year. Then onto the long awaited golf challenge with Ali on one of the top courses in the Caribbean. Playing golf in the middle of the day is very hot however the breeze kept us alive! The game went to the 18th when Ali sank his 80 yard pitch for an eagle and won. I don't mind losing when it was to such an excellent shot and the look on Ali's face was priceless... Well almost, it cost me a fortune in the pro shop afterwards!

The crying game

Only sometimes do you get a glimpse of the real sports person and how much something means to them. Yesterday Andy Murray made a valiant effort against the greatest player in the history of tennis but just didn't have the killer instinct at the critical moments. We can only imagine what the result might have been if he had taken advantage of the two break points in the second set or if the roof hadn't been required to close. But that's life. When you get that chance you have to grab it. The game had high points and low points for both opponents but the outcome will make Andy stronger and he is one step nearer a "slam". His tears showed his human side and probably won him some more fans. So like everyone who has fallen short of their goal, Andy will dust himself down and get back to work after a short break. It will make the success in the future all the sweater.

It's not about the running.....

Since arriving in the Caribbean I have run on the beech every morning for about 38 minutes.  Some people might think this is mad as I'm on holiday but "it's not about the running" for the sake of it.  After Ironman Lanzarote I had 6 weeks with almost no training.  I was feeling sluggish and lazy, lacked the usual energy but this is to be expected.  Marathon des Sables is not that far away and having another 2 weeks off which overdosing on food and booze would set me back even further.
The beech running is about getting back into a routine but most importantly training my mind.  At 7am I pass couples and families walking along the beech obviously enjoying the peace and tranquillity.  Would I like to be doing that, yes and that is mentally tough especially when I turn back into the breeze and know I will need to dig deeper.  Do I want to give up and walk the remainder of the run - yes.  But doing that doesn't get your body and mind into shape to tackle tougher tests.  There are no short cuts.
But when I've finished I can enjoy the rest of the day with the family and also get some swimming in, not that there is much of that in the Sahara but I still have the half ironman on 18 August when I get home.  But tomorrow I am taking the day of running because normally I wouldn't train on 7 consecutive days without a rest.  Happy holidays to everyone.

Mad dogs...and Scot men!

I almost gave in to my comfy bed this morning and didn't go running.  I thought, not another boring run along a beautiful golden sandy beach listening to the waves coming in.  It can wait till I'm back home in the cold, wet windy, running on tarmac and thinking why am I doing this.  So I jumped out of bed and headed off for the beach.
As I was running I noticed paw prints. Hmm, I'd spotted a couple of dogs before and made a hasty retreat.  Then I noticed where they had been fighting by the marks on the sand but the lack of blood suggested it was a fun fight.  Then I met them both and completed the quickest 200m over sand to date!  I think they were just telling me that this was their patch and that I should leave.
Leaving the dogs aside it's a great start to the day and I am getting faster on the sand although still slow in comparison to tarmac.  Just to give you a taste of what I am doing in April next year go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFFU2CompcU .  More practise required!

Postcard from the Caribbean

Day 4 in paradise.  The early morning run along the beach is a great start trying to work off the excesses from the day before.  This morning I watched a Pelican capture it's breakfast with a Tern swooping down immediately afterwards to catch any fish left in shock!  Running in the sand isn't easy and makes me wonder just how I am going to cope in the Marathon des Sables in April.  Then again I had the same though before my first sprint triathlon, olympic, 70.3 and Ironman so I'm not phased - yet!
It's great to have a change of scenery, time with the family and even time with my wife enjoying time together eating adult meals while the kids are off doing their own thing.
After my run I stop by for coffee, croissant and a smoothywhich we enjoy back in our room.  Then down for a proper breakfast and once that has settled a long swim in the sea.  Who says you can't mix training with a holiday.  Later on we be fighting for the honours at the crazy golf - it can become very serious as I have competitive kids!  Now there's a surprise.