June Update
Sunday 8th June 2008
Well, I am happy to report that training for the first time since Ironman back in October has been consistent, and going well. I feel really well and have no injury issues…Hurray!
It is funny how when everything feels better, the motivation comes back, and with that, a little hunger for a race or two.
The training has been good. I am really pleased, despite having such a slow/late start I am beginning to feel fit again, however, I think I lack the sharpness and am still a little way off being properly race fit.
My swimming is now consistently back at two pool sessions a week. I have also joined a lake swimming club, and have been loving getting some open water swimming in. I do a regular Sunday morning club session, but also try to get down to the lake mid-week, especially when the weather is good (…so, as of fairly recently!). Overall I am pleased with my progress.
I have been really enjoying my cycling. I commute twice a week on bike, each time putting in about 30 miles, and then a longer one on Saturday mornings. I have done a bit of speed and interval work which seems to be tuning me up a bit.
More exciting is that Wiggle have kindly allowed me use of a time trial bike; a Focus Tria. A lovely looking bike. With great enthusiasm I tried it out at the Castle Coombe duathlon last week. This was great because it was my first race since February. A fast a furious 2mile/10mile/2mile put me, and the bike to the test. The race itself was a good benchmark for me, although I was a little disappointed with my 53 minutes. My legs were quite heavy on the runs, but I was reasonably consistent for both legs. The ride by my standards was poor, and it was definitely me, not the bike! Actually, the bike is great, but I had never having ridden a time trial bike before and found that the set up was all wrong for me. I found myself unable to generate my usual power. I had real problems staying down on the aero-bars due to my hips being so cramped up…So lesson learnt; get it properly set up!
I also think that my flexibility is not great through my hips and practice and stretching will make a huge difference.
Despite my below parr performance, it was great to finally get a race under my belt. I have hunger for more now, and acres of room for progress!My running has improved, but it should be my strong event, and it isn’t! So, plenty of work to do there.
With my newfound vigour and enthusiasm I have set a few modest targets.
Bournemouth Olympic Triathlon- July 7th will now kick my late triathlon season off.
I will then compete with BadTri at the National relays, early August.
I also hope to do another Olympic Tri in August, perhaps Swanage…and yes another in September I hope.
The only complication will be a house move and a rather large lifestyle change, but I can’t think that will interfere….MUCH!
Osteopath’s Tip for June:
For most of you triathletes your season is well under way. Recovery from races is so important in terms of injury prevention. Make sure you REST. Let your body recover well!
Massage is one important way to aid muscle recovery. If you are training hard I believe a regular massage will significantly aid recovery and get you back to training for your next goal, injury free