Back to the Middle East

The date for my move back to the Middle East is now confirmed. So what does this mean for my triathlon journey? Thanks to my previous 2 years spent in KSA with the RAF I pretty much know what to expect. Training will be centred around the accommodation compound. This means multi-lap bike riding and turbo/rollers to get the cycling completed. Ditto for running; lots of laps and some treadmill work. Strength work will be vital and there is a decent gym to undertake this conditioning training. Swim training should be improved as there are 2 pools to choose from and these will be available most of the time - no real timetable to restrict training. I have my trusty single speed bike already in-situ: I was going to take my race bike. However, a travel complication has prevented this. . . . .Doh! To enable indoor training (air con a must!) I am taking these rollers: Yes; fold up rollers! I have not used these yet but I will post a review once I have pedalled some decent sessions on them. As for racing, I have no idea what will happen. I would like to race in some of the Middle East big 70.3 events but time will tell if this will be possible. Moving up to the 55-59 age group is motivating. Let's see what happens. . . . .

Moves and More Moves!

In terms of the racing season, 2018 is virtually over. For me, it's over before it ever started! So that is no real racing since 2016 - a 2-year period of stress and chaos! I thought that the last blog post would be the start of a few race reports. But no way! Finally, my start date for my post-RAF career in Saudi is firming up. Around 27 Sep 18 I will depart for Dhahran. After the last race a Darley Moor we booked a last minute holiday to Annecy in the French Alps. Thinking that I would be departing for KSA early August, this holiday would be sad and also happy, as Annecy is a great place to be - especially when the Tour De France is happening! Cut a long story short, we got back from the holiday and my Mum died and we also decided to move house prior to my departure. So the delay in departing was a saving grace in the end. The move and Mum's funeral arrangements enforced a training break of about 10 days. Then training kicked back gradually. Cycling has been mostly on the rollers, which has been an adventure in itself! Really enjoying the rollers actually. There has not been much effort in training but that doesn't really matter. Running has been mostly off the bike, again with no real effort. Swimming has been non-existant until this week. I am suitably slow but enjoying the water. Ready for the new training environment I have treated myself to some new bike shoes. The Bont Riot Triathlon + shoe: First impressions are good and the fit is great. The entry system is simple, which suits me. I also purchased a couple of dull looking DHB ultra thin base layer tops. These are great for running in the Saudi heat: Some Annecy pics: