Back training pretty much full time again now and loving it. Concentrating on building up my running as its obviously my weakest discipline and it feels like its actually improving more than it did during IM training which is weird but probably due to the lower volume of biking and swimming.
That said very soon after IM I bought a powermeter for the bike, so am now doing much more targeted stuff on the bike which is brilliant too, its awesome to use for pacing rides aswell.
Been enjoying the weather though and done a few OW swims, and some decent cycling. Got an oly distance race coming up on the 15th too so will be interesting to see how I go there. Also hoping to go a half marathon in October but am on holiday until the day before so not sure if its going to work. Going to a resort in greece with a 50m outdoor pool, mountainbiking, watersports etc. So should be able to get some decent training in there too.
Really enjoying my training at the moment but conscious to try not to overdo it. Loving the freedom of no plan, just training as I think I need to. Thinking of doing something like this next year, as a rigourous fink type plan is just not best for me. Planning to really focus on my running now until the beginning of next year. Then pick up the volume again of the other disciplines into the new year.
Also joined up to a local tri club who have coached swim sessions twice a week so will be joining in on those in the near future.
Race update:
Well the weather just about held off for my oly distance race. Slightly damp and windy but that's September for you.
Had some bad swim experiences recently where I've seeded myself in the middle of the pack and been climbed all over, especially at IMUK! Changed tack for this race and got myself right to the front. Went off full gas for the first 200m or so and had loads of space. Couple of faster guys got away but I was still swimming well. Got out of the water in 24 mins (previous best was 26, so chuffed with that).
Out on the bike for 2 laps of a fairly flat course, two foot down stops at crossroads too. Was pretty cold, but the legs felt in fairly good nick. Managed the 3rd fastest bike split out of 226 competitors as well :D
Ride link: http://www.strava.com/activities/82610421
Onto the run and it was a 6 lap undulating trail run, which was quite rutted and muddy in places so not the fastest. Not helped by me having to take a poo stop halfway through :( need to think about wearing tri separates too as the trisuit was a massive pain at this point. Got back on the run and felt good.
Finished in 2:25, a 6 minute improvement on my previous best so I was chuffed, and 26th out of 226 people as well.
Things to think about, are continuing my run technique training as its really paying off, and improving my cycling more. Training with power is the single best cycling investment I've made. Already seeing the training benefit.
October:
Got a few pictures back from my previous end of season tri where I managed the third fastest bike split at 22.1mph :)
Just got back from a weeks holiday in Greece. Spent a lot of time on their mountain bikes, and racked up over 80 miles which seems good going considering how slow they are in comparison to roadies.
Had a couple of sensational rides for the scenery. Incredible to ride there in great weather and perfect terrain. Not my usual thing mountain biking but quality fun nonetheless. Some awesome climbing to be had to, and even picked up a couple of cat 3 KOMs while I was there as well :D
Radio Mast Climb:
From the top:
Other rides:
Swam most days as well, either in the 50m pool, or in the sea which was awesome. Crystal clear so no worries about sighting either. Great fun.
Managed my fair share of this too:
Run training has taken a bit of a back seat after this:
I had been transitioning nicely into forefoot striking, but a paddleboarding accident on holiday has torn all the muscles in my little toe which has been annoyingly painful for this week. So haven't done a run session for just over 10 days now. Will begin picking up the volume in the next few weeks though.
After having been on an active holiday I can really see the benefits a training holiday might have. Going to look into getting away early next year for a training camp. Potentially Lanzarote or something.
Looking forward to picking up the running, cycling through the winter, and continued swim training.
Happy training all.
