Well hello,
It’s about time I filled you in on my Ironman training and the trials and tribulations of trying to be an athlete.
Over a month ago I decided to enter the NZ cycling National Championships.
Why? I’m not sure exactly, as I was very much focused on the Ironman on the 1st March, and I was enjoying the mix of swimming, cycling and running (my knee has been fantastic).
I guess I thought I would have some decent fitness going in to Nationals and it would be good power/strength training for my big goal. A few days before we were due to leave, I changed my mind. I thought it was the dumbest idea in the world that I compete. I had done only one specific session for time trailing, some 4 minute VO2 type efforts that got the heart pumping, and that was it. Normally before a National Champs the intensity is high and the training very specific.
After being an absolute grump around the house and talking to friends and Jeff (my partner) we decided the best tact to take was a laid back one…go to the Hawke’s Bay, enjoy the stay, sample a few wines and whatever happens, happens!!
Righto…this was my approach. No pressure, no expectations just go and have fun. I am not sure how much fun you can have in a 25.8km time trial but as it happened, I won by just 10 seconds over an up and coming youngster from Wellington.
We went to a Vineyard for dinner that evening to sample the local grapes. Nothing too serious as Sarah and I were up the next morning, me grudgingly and Sarah a box of birds, to ride with a local women’s riding group. This, I really enjoyed. We didn’t break any land speed records which was perfectly fine by me as my legs were rather tired from the time trial the day before. It was a perfect recovery ride with the chance to chat away with some interesting and lovely ladies.
The following day was the road race. It started at 8.30am which I was initially shocked with but as the day got hotter and hotter the 8.30 start was much appreciated. Without going into too much detail the course was trying with a few nasty climbs and some of the horrid little hill climbers hurt my legs every time they pushed the pace. Luckily for me I had enough in the tank at the end of the race to take 1st place and the National title. Not only did I surprise myself but I probably surprised many others as well.
All in all the weekend turned out to be highly rewarding. We stayed in a great little house with our hounds and enjoyed the atmosphere of the Bay area.
This week I have been back into the swimming and running and am just starting to complete my last 3-4 week build before going into my taper/downtime before the Ironman. The countdown has certainly begun but I am keeping in focus the goal of COMPLETING my first Ironman and nothing more than that.
After the last two weeks I would have to say that my TOP TEN TIP is to make the environment you live/train in an enjoyable one. Surround yourself with like minded individuals that are positive and willing to challenge themselves. This makes it easier for you to step up to the mark and overcome hurdles that are inevitable in life. If you do this you will get more out of yourself then you have ever believed.