Re-grouping

After finishing my last race I decided to re-group and complete a mini-build training period in preparation for the second half of the Riyadh Triathletes race series. So far so good. I am certainly running more than I have been all year. The knee is holding out - still painful but having almost full mobility is a big bonus. Additionally, I am able to complete conditioning work in the gym. I am convinced that when I undertake strength work - core, squats, cleans, nordic lowers etc - my running becomes more fluid and I am lighter on my feet. The problem I have right now is being able to run outside. The heat is up to 48 degrees and the only time that it drops to around 30 degrees is 0500. Whilst I do run at this time, the legs are just too sleepy for any intense work. Biking is either at 0500 or banished to the turbo in the kitchen - immensely grateful to Julie who does not mind the turbo permanently located in the kitchen!

I should be just thankful that I can run! The achilles' are aching a bit lately' So I will keep an eye on this and increase the prehab! My swimming is not going so well. A niggling shoulder problem is preventing any full blown swim schedule. This is a real shame as I enjoy swimming and I was making decent progress - well, when I say progress, I mean not getting slower! Yesterday's session, as an example of the re-group work, was 40 mins turbo as 40 sec 120% FTP/20 sec easy. Then 2k tempo treadmil run (6:30 per mile pace). Then strength circuit. Then 20 min turbo 40/20 efforts again. Then 10 x 400m treadmill efforts at 5:30 per mile pace. Then strength circuit. Warm down turbo. A tough session but I think this type of work is essential for the more mature triathlete! Next race is mid-August, which will be a duathlon. If the running and bike work progresses as it is at the moment I will be ready 8-)