It's not for much longer though, the end is definitely in sight. I'm now well into peak training and it's going really well. Tough, time-consuming, but massively rewarding. I can't actually believe how much I'm managing to squeeze out of my body, week in, week out. This week I've cycled well over 100 miles in total, swum 7k and run about 35 miles. Six months ago, I hardly dared to take a peek at what was in store at this stage in the game. A 70-mile bike ride was unthinkable, let alone trying to run straight after it, but here I am, still alive and still doing it. Yes, it's challenging; yes, I'm permanently knackered; yes, my body aches constantly. Also, I keep finding myself gazing at pictures of sunny resorts and fantasising about a week of reading books, lounging by a pool, staying up late and lazing in bed in the morning. Not really sure why, as I've never had a holiday like that in my life! Probably just craving a rest from this relentless routine. I'm chuffed to bits though with how strong I'm getting. Today I clocked a Strava Queen of the Mountains on a tough wee grade 4 climb, doing Peaton Hill in reverse. Not a climb I'm dashing back out to repeat though, it's a stonking hill that defeated me last year when I got off and pushed. Today, was a small victory. Another small victory was clocking a decent 15-mile run before work on Friday and a steady 3k swim in the pool. I'm getting there. Months of effort are coming together. I've now got a recovery week to look forward to (endurance sessions in recovery are reduced to a 50-mile bike ride and a 10-mile run!) Then it's buckle up and head down as I take on the toughest 4-weeks of training before the start of a gradual 3-week taper!
However, in the midst of all this eye-watering mileage, I managed to join my three team mates for an amazing triathlon experience as we tested out the Commonwealth Games course at Strathclyde Park.
This was billed as an 'Invitational Triathlon'. We were the guinea pigs for the team relay. But as I clocked my fellow competitors, I noted that some were more 'invited' than others.
Not sure that my name would've cropped up during any Commonwealth officials meeting about who to invite to try out the course. But you can bet your bottom dollar that Cat Morrison's name came up. Yes, the Cat Morrison - elite/pro triathlete. Also a number of top age-groupers all sporting GB tri-suits. So the mixed bag of elites, pro's, top age-groupers and I were anxiously waiting for the starting gun. Was anyone else worrying about the dive? Worrying about coming last? Worrying about making a hash of getting out of their wetsuit? Screwing up the bike mount and dismount and looking like the total amateur I am, in full show of any spectators?
Team Lomond make their entrance on the Commonwealth stage
I needn't have worried, the gun went and so did I.
Not pretty, not skilled, but I was in the water and swimming. My God, 250m has never felt so long. I was aware that I was near, if not actually at the back. I gave it my all, but there was no catching anyone. Finally, I crawled out of the water and tried to run into T1. My legs were shaking with the effort of the swim. I struggled out of my wetsuit. IronPhil with his press accreditation was taking pictures. "Calm down, you're doing fine," he said. "Am I last? Am I last?" was all I cared about. Relived to hear that there were two breaststrokers behind me I set off on the bike. Legs were burning with lactic as I headed up hill, desperately trying to catch up with the handful of cyclists who were still in sight.
Then it was onto the 1.6k run, fighting back the bile rising in my throat, I managed to make up a good few places, then it was over. I tagged Paul and hung my head over the railings until I was confident that the urge to puke had passed. I then enjoyed the role of supporter as I cheered Paul, Laura & David to the finish.
Never, has 25-minutes of exercise felt so tough. There's nothing easy about short distances, you just go eyeballs out, work until you think you're going to throw-up, until your legs burn with lactic, until you think that if you don't stop soon, you'll pass out.
What a great buzz though. We were well and truly hammered by the elites & pro's. But the experience was amazing. Some memories are worth stepping out of your comfort zone for. Running out with your team mates, being introduced to the 'spectating crowd', lining up alongside top triathletes, racing on the Commonwealth course, under the same rules. It doesn't happen every day. Well done Team Lomond - we had a blast! I'm lucky enough to have tickets for the Triathlon, it'll be great to tip up July 24th knowing that I've raced the course. Brownlee brothers - call me, I'll give you a few tips!
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