In other words, first ten weeks of training completed - just 20 more to go.
Time for reflection on how time flies - July will be here before I know it. I worked out that I've only got 20 really long bikes rides and long runs to get me ready for the big day (not counting the hundreds more miles I'll clock up during the week of course).
A slightly scary thought crossed my mind on Saturday as I sipped my banana protein shake (yum!) and recovered from a 42-mile bike ride - how did I feel about repeating that twice more, roughly the race distance, then throwing in a marathon for good measure? Yep, that's a rhetorical question - you know the answer as well as I do. Yet, despite the daunting numerical reality of what I've signed up for, my inner chimp is well and truly bound and gagged in it's cage - I keep believing that somehow I can do it!
In true Beatles style I've had a little help from my friends this week. I'm pretty lucky to have pals who also train at silly hours of the day - it makes a big difference to pound the dawn streets with company. It did mean a slightly earlier start though - my first 5.30am alarm call (ouch!) I'm clocking about 4 hours of running a week just now, which means two hour-long dawn runs. While my training pals have long embraced these early morning sessions, I've actively avoided them, but I'm really pleased to report that the more you do it, the easier it gets. I remember when 30-mins or 4 miles was torture on an empty stomach and having just rolled out of bed 5 mins earlier. But I'm now comfortable with a steady 7/8-miles before breakfast. Happy too, with a pretty consistent 8 and sub 8-min mile pace on these early runs.
The theory of marginal gains was played out on the bike too, when I finally pedalled/coasted all the way down a hill that once had me squeezing my girly brakes. I've also managed to get on top of my aches and pains with the help of a bit of deep tissue pummelling.
The only thing I'd like to order just now is a few more hours sleep. Early mornings are all well and good if you get to bed promptly at the other end of the day - sadly I'm usually up late marking or doing schoolwork. That's why I turned down the very kind offer of a 7am 10-mile run this morning and grabbed a bit more kip before heading out.
This week marks the start of my next 10-week programme - hello speed work, hello more brick work and hello a 3rd swim...which means another early morning, unfortunately. It also means a bit more juggling. Bricks - for the non-tri folk basically means bike and run together. So now when I return from a ball-busting bike ride, instead of mixing together a tasty protein shake, I'll be off for a little run. Also, before I launch into a long run, I'll be having a quick spin session on the turbo! Happy days.
Just need to keep up the all essential fuel - I've got a cupboard and fridge brimming with superfood. If you've never had the pleasure of sampling beetroot juice all I can say is - don't bother! I'm experimenting with the whole beetroot thing, I'm happy to chomp on a whole cooked beetroot in my salad at lunch, but swallowing the earthy bugger without pulling a face and holding my nose is proving quite challenging. Good job we live near the best chippy in Scotland to make up for it. Every athlete needs proper elite fuelling once in a while and in true Northern style, fish and chips is what is on offer in Bolton when I cross that finish line, so I reckon tonight's supper is actually an essential part of my training regime.
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