15

Osteopath & Triathlete

Sunday 15st March 2009:

Another fortnight has shot by, but I am pleased to be able to report progress. My training has continued to develop steadily and I have finally made the break through and got some swimming into my schedule. This was largely motivated by fear. With tri training camp just 2 weeks away now I was suddenly very aware of my inadequacies in the pool. So, not wanting to just sink whilst on training camp, I finally got to the pool 10 days ago, and have since managed 3 more sessions.

I am painfully slow in the pool, and the technique pretty rusty, but I have been able to complete my training plans, so all in all, I am quite pleased. It was a real shock to the system, after a 6 month absence from the water. It was painful, but left me satisfied, and somewhat exhausted.

My running is coming on leaps and bounds. I have been putting in interval and hill sessions regularly. I am also up to 1hr 30min for my long runs, and at a good pace too. Averaging under 8 minute mile pace, which for me is just fine.

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14

Getting In Shape

Sunday 1st March 2009:

So, I think I must have blinked and then February was over. Luckily I managed to achieve a little bit in the meantime.
Early February was taken up with a ski trip to France. Although it sounds as if I didn’t need to travel to France for snow!!
It was not only great fun but I think it was quite good training. I ski “Telemark” style, which for those who have never heard of it involves quite dynamic single leg squats in order to turn. This repeated over quite a few days has a significant effect on Quad and Glut strength, and also does wonders for your core stability. It is very rewarding but I slept very well after a good day on the slopes.

On my return I have managed to get back into my running and cycling. The swimming has still been eluding me, but this has to change because in 4 weeks I am going on Tri-training camp, and I shall be with swim fit triathletes. A scary thought…but a motivating one.

Running is good. I am doing 1 long run a week, around an hour and a half, and this feels great. The hill runs are building strength. I could probably do a bit more speed work so this is what I shall work on for the next few weeks. But on the whole I am pleased with my running.

Cycling has been OK when I can get out. I have ended up on the Turbo-trainer a few times watching the six nations rugby on the TV. That was fairly motivating.I am aiming to do a few more steady, longer rides over the next month, as well as some hilly stuff. I should then be in good shape for training camp.

Not being as fit as I would like to be, I amused myself when I realised that for the first time I am in training to get fit for training camp! I suspect I am not alone here, but I realised that to get a lot out of training camps you actually need to be in quite good shape beforehand. So a 4 week push for me…especially so I don’t embarrass myself to much in the pool. Training camp should then stand me in good stead for the forthcoming season. Triathlons are in the pipeline!

Happy training

Alex.