Sunday 13th April

Finally, my training seems to be shaping into something like a regular program again. With many interruptions in the early part of the year, it is nice to get some regularity back. I tend to be better off in quite a structured routine, and if out of that routine I find the self discipline and self motivation wane somewhat.

The knees seem to be holding out well now when running on the flat, but they still don’t like hills! So rather sensibly I pulled out of the last Coastal half marathon in Exmoor. Another race missed, but I would rather keep myself fit right now.
I have been running regularly on the flat. This is going OK. I am however, nowhere near the fitness I was hoping to be at this stage, and Im well off the sort of pace I would like to be. Well never mind, my training has been very stunted.
On the bike I have been feeling good. I have been getting out 2 to 3 times per week, and I feel quite good. I have been doing hill reps once a week and that has really been helping my strength up those hills. I have even had a few dry sunny rides (bonus!)
I have managed a more frequent showing at the regular club swim sessions. Now, I am a bit of a plodder but in my own special way I feel like it is going OK.
Im one of those swimmers that do much better in open water, in a wetsuit. (Yes, the annoying one with poor technique). So plodding up and down the pool, for me is fine for the moment. I shall enjoy it more getting in some cold water…soon!

My plans, however, have been struck another blow, by having to pull out of my Pyrennian training camp at the end of the month. (A friends wedding abroad is taking priority). This was my joker card to get my fitness back on track, and now it looks like I won’t be playing it.
With all the disruption and loss of structured training, I have really had to reassess and restructure my years aims.
I have now become fairly philosophical about doing anything BIG this year. I think I just need to enjoy it, stay healthy and see what happens.
I shall of course aim for a few modest targets through the season, and no doubt get all competitive about them, but to be honest Im not really expecting PB’s.
Im also busy trying to move house etc…So for me, generally, focuses have been elsewhere.
So to get fit, stay fit and enjoy a less pressurised season is all I can reasonably expect this year…And Enjoy It, I will!

Osteopath’s Tip for April:
I have seen lots of runners coming in with leg problems associated with back pain or just back stiffness. Be aware that that biomachanics of the legs are hugely influenced by Low back problems or inflexibility. If you are having problems with either it is probably best to have a professional (Osteo or Physio) take a look. They may just get you back on track quicker, or prevent an injury arising in the first place. As an athelete try to look at injury prevention…it may just save your season.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 at 3:27 pm and is filed under Alex Prince, Athlete Diaries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.