I’ve been pleased with how things have progressed at the back end of 2019. Following the Kingston 10k, I was able to hit my key weekly sessions, pretty much hitting my 2 bikes, 2 runs and 2 swims per week. As I write I have spent the last 6 weeks uninjured and my running is progressing nicely. I wouldn’t say that I’m getting faster but I am running my 5 minute kilometres more easily and at a lower heart rate. I’ve really been motivated by running and getting my pumps on. Most of my runs are an easy Z2 45 minutes to 1hr 15, ticking over at Ironman intensity and just taking in the local sights as I bimble around. A lot of my runs have taken me along the Thames tow path, seeing many of the landmarks from my DW training with Jamie and Adam 10 years ago. With the very heavy rainfall over the last couple of months the river has been in full flood. I’m just really glad I’m not getting into a kayak this winter.
I’m continuing to have a love-hate relationship with swimming. I’ve been going to a local outdoor pool in Hampton and it’s been a lovely environment to swim in, particularly with all their Christmas decorations up. It’s just that I never know whether I’m going to have a good swim or not. I’ve got them broken then down as one endurance set and one speed set. With the longer endurance reps I’m trying to slow down and not do them too fast. I find that I end up absolutely hanging on the last rep and being so much slower as my form deteriorates, so I’m learning to start off a lot more steadily. So far, so good.
I’m starting to think about this season and the plan is to do a few more sporting time trials in the winter and spring, starting with the Kingston Wheelers’ Sporting 14. It’s a lovely event with a horrible course and will give me a good indication of where things are cycling wise, and soon after there’s a couple more Surrey sporting time trials which along with the cycle out and back, will be my Sunday ride.
So a familiar start to this year’s campaign but hopefully with a much more successful outcome in August.
