Doing things differently

This winter I decided to do things a little different in terms of training. Instead of my usual endurance work coupled with racing cyclo cross and MTB, I decided to train consistently and not race at all. The idea was that it would give me the opportunity to train without having to rest/recover pre/post race, hence more hard work and less fun. I have missed racing over the winter but I have wanted to peak for specific events this year rather than trying to get race fit and maintain a plateau over a very long season.

I did race a couple of events but trained right up to the race, raced and then back into training with no recovery. This was just frustrating as it left me in a race situation with empty legs. Where I would normally kick and accelerate there was no punch. It was useful to hold a high tempo for a given race period, however I don’t like being passed by people in training, let alone in a race!

Interval and speed work has woken my legs up and the speed is nearly there again. I have also swum much more regularly with shorter sessions but overall higher milage across the week. This is more down to work and family committments, as swimming always seems to be the session I move around or compromise, perhaps because I don’t really enjoy it that much, unless its outside.

The weather of late has been a challenge too as I am not a person who gets on with exercise indoors. The real bonus for me has been my Cannondale SuperX Cyclocross bike, a bike at home on the road in filthy conditions but also comfortable being thrown about off road.

On the whole a solid off season that I hope bodes well for the races to come. Once again thanks to all my sponsors, friends and especially family for giving me the help, encouragement and hope for what might be. Whatever I achieve, it will be the best I can deliver and not a drop less!