Thinking time

I have never been a huge fan of running although I like the simplicity of pulling on your shoes and just going. Cycling involves a lot more "faffing" around getting all your gear ready takes time and it's easier to day dream while running - less likely to have an accident!
So this morning I did my 6 miles in the heat and my mind wandered back to how this journey started which will come in handy when I write the book.
I was at a charity boxing match and drunk. I was challenged to get into the ring the following year and alcohol and ego are a bad mixture. So 12 months later I was in the ring which started this journey to Ironman and beyond. The boxing was tough but I loved the feeling of fitness and have never looked back.
Some how this journey was meant and I'm loving it.

The mental game of golf

At the 20th time of asking, Darren Clarke has won the open. I watched every shot today and the mental strength needed to achieve this success is unbelievable. A winning attitude which saw off the competition. Considering what Darren went through in his personal life in the last 5 years it shows how much he believed in his own ability.
No training today. Pizza and beer while watching the golf. Today I decided no more swimming for at least 2 weeks as my right shoulder is not feeling good. I've booked the physio for my return but fortunately I don't need to be swimming. The good thing about triathlon is that while swimming is ruled out I can still cycle and run. It's easy to ignore aches and pains but it doesn't do you any good in the long run.

Contrast

Another hot but breezy day started with 18 holes of golf. Started at 7.50 so they were a bit surprised when we were in the bar at 10.30 having missed breakfast but ordering cheeseburgers! Felt good so decided to go out for a run at mid-day when the heat was full on. I ran just over six miles and due to the heat needed to carry water - legs felt great.
Back for some lunch and time to relax watching the Open. What a contrast. No not the golf as they were hitting some wild shots as well. But the weather. The moisture in Portugal is sweat whereas at the open the heavens have opened up. Mind you it will make the Americans realise what links golf is all about and 61 year old Tom Watson shows the youngsters how it's done.

Acclimatisation

This is an ideal opportunity for some heat training which will be so important with Lanzarote Ironman in May. Fortunately there is a contrant breeze which keeps you relatively cool although the sweat is pouring off me. It also underlines the importance of going out early to Lanza to acclimatise. So this mornings run was only 4.5 miles but it involved running along a beautiful beech while the waves tried to get my feet wet. This is a fantastic way to train although officially I'm on holiday!.

A good walk ruined

Golf was once described as a good walk ruined by Mark Twain. Well in Portugal you don't walk you go by buggy. The walking element was extended by rusty golf but it was a nice change from swimming, cycling or running. Relaxing is an important part of training so I'm going to keep it up and will be back running tomorrow.

Easy start

After a day of travel I deserved the long lie. Went a short run at 10am and the heat was masked by a strong wind - but it was hot. Ali ran with me and as this was his first run in 4 months we took it easy. Tomorrow we'll start much earlier and go on longer but only if I can find him new running shoes. Seems his feet have grown! Quick dip in the pool to cool off followed by a light breakfast. I could get used to this. Now for the hard work - shopping with the girls!

Time for a break - sort of!

It's this time of year when I jet off to so sunny location for a rest.  I'm looking forward to no early starts, 8am earliest, a change in diet and some refreshing cold beers and the odd chilled glass of wine.  However I can't let my body think it's on holiday so I will be running with my son Ali on the beach to help get him back into shape for the football season following his ankle surgery.  We will also be swimming in the sea and all of this will help him prepare for the National Tristar Championships at the beginning of August - his 2nd triathlon.
I'll still keep the blog going when there's something worthwhile to report as it helps me when I look back at what I've been up to and how I've been feeling. Enjoy the rest of the summer.