4th - 9th Feb

Pre-swim ginger afro in good order.

Thursday was the supposedly recovery week at running, the time spent running was down but the tempo certainly wasn't with Big Brian and another gunning it off the front and the rest of us scattered along the pavement in the distance. Heart rate sneaked in to the 180s i reckon, possibly not ideal for recovery?

Friday was a swim session that looked like it wasn't going to happen when a group of us met at the Glasgow Uni pool, got changed and poolside only to discover it was closing in 15 minutes for the canoe club. Back in to civilian clothing, in the car, minus one, on to Scotstoun for, roughly, 3k swim set, the bulk of which was 300 reps. Good squad out with Ken 'Gambrino' Owen, Chris 'i don't swim down the middle of the lane, honest!' Hay, Brian and I left in Ele's wake as usual.

Post swim we had a farewell dinner for our good friend Chris, who is heading out to sunny Australia for the next year. He should be in good nick when he gets back what with the weather and training conditions out there. He's also got a few tasty races lined up- the Perth to Rottness swim and the Busselton 70.3 that I know of.

I reckon we gave him a solid send off, excellent food and drink, dodgy banter and some vintage storytelling from Kendo.

Saturday was some rest.

Sunday, Gemma and I went out on the Coulport loop (see garmin below). Nice steady pace, relaxing ride. Gemma was not loving the climb up in to Glen Fruin mind you, but she made it. I kept telling her after, next time will be easier.

Rest on Monday.

This morning was a surprisingly comfortable swim session with the girls and Bri, some 100s, 200s and a 1200 thrown in for good measure. Getting fitter and faster, bring on open water and the comfort of a bit of neoprene!