27th - 30th January 2010

As my mentor Soden pointed out at a recent session, sometimes it is quite a challenge to pad out a blog like this with funny anecdotes etc...mainly because sometimes the training is actually quite serious (boo) and there isn't that much to say other than what the sessions actually were.

This week has fitted in to that category, my hardest week of training so far this year, two swims, two runs, a circuits class and two bikes still to go, all at, by my standards, a high intensity. Fortunately next week is recovery as my back, shoulders and pecs are still aching from Circuits on Wednesday.

My finger is also aching as some clever guy in the lane next to me on Tuesday morning decided to do some mad breaststroke kick as I was pushing off the wall and booted my middle finger, snapping it back and causing much pain and underwater expletives. My ability to extend my middle finger for any sort of gesture or exercise has been hampered all week. Maybe thats why I'm still getting my ass kicked my a couple of girls? (Please come along next week Brian!!!).

I have also been reliably informed by said girls that I did not in fact cover 2.8k, more like 2.5 (?). It definitely felt like more but I'll blame it on post-swim blog writing exhaustion!!!

Wednesday was the usual circuits class at GHK. Easily the hardest session so far, as my still aching limbs are testament to. The usual mix of press ups, squats, planks, tricep dips and some sort of calf raising exercise where my partner and I developed trembling leg syndrome within about 10 seconds. Reckond its doing some good, must be up to a one pack by now on my conquest to eight. The post training recovery of Mccoys Flame Grilled crisps (awesome) and a chocolate milkshake may not be helping me reveal these shy toned abs though.

Thursday was interval running with active recovery with one of the biggest groups I remember seeing out on a club session for a while (25-30 hardened-ish athletes). This big group is great for the club but not so great for trying to pinball through on narrow pavements, i suppose it just adds to the challenge. Great session, one of those that i really felt a lot of benefit from and worked hard during, especially when you've got one young and one old!!! (you know who you are!) guy to chase and a couple of cheeky girls threatening to keep up. Good atmosphere amongst the group as well, very relaxed and motivated. Big thank you to fellow flame haired athlete Alistair for his support during my weekly abuse at the hands of fellow club members!

Out of bed early on Friday, peak pain time from circuits, so swim was pretty uncomfortable. 2.7k, definitely did it all this time, mainly 25s and 50s, trying to build up some speed, strength and higher cadence, did revert to my trusty leg float/ security blanket on occasion as swimming seems alot easier with it. Trying to incorporate more tumble turns in to my sessions, fine in the warm up but as soon as I start to push it a bit I ain't got the breath for them- here be the problem of 15 years of cigarettes and asthma!

This morning was a 5 mile run with a big hill at the start, check out the details from my Garmin in the post below. Was hard, cold and scenic.