A pretty good start to the second week of training. Being the last day here in Portsmouth I already had it planned that. Was going to be going for a short 30 minute run but I also figured it'd be a great opportunity to go for a swim as well. According to the Don Fink training plan I only have to do two swim sessions a week but I know that it is a seriously weak area of mine and I reckon I'm going to need to do quite a bit more and therefore need to grab the opportunities when they arrive.
Running wise, Siân also wanted to pound the streets and a 30 minute run is a pretty good time for her to do (she's been doing a lot of running in the gym but hardly any outside). It really was a great run as it meant we actually had some time to chat and talk about her aims, running wise. Quite some time ago she completed a "couch to 5k" training plan and now her main aim is to complete a 10k. Dedham's race will be a good one for her I feel as it really isn't that far away, it has a short course for Rosy to do and we'll both be able to cheer her on as well.
Anyway, our run today left the house at about 6:30am and even though it was early I felt up for it and really quite happy to get up. Whilst getting ready I also completed a new little ritual that I only started a few days ago during my first swim. Using a sharpie, I drew a wave on my wrist in order help me to remember to go with the flow, to take it easy and allow the training to take me to the finish line of Ironman UK in Bolton. On top of this I drew an HY on the base of my thumb to symbolise the "Hell Yes" attitude I need to have during all this training. I read somewhere that completing rituals like this can really change your mindset for the better and make a big difference during training. Running with Siân did make me run at a slower pace but I don't think this was necessarily a bad thing, the pace was about 12min/mile which I think equates to just over a 5hr marathon. During all of this run my HR was about 130-139 and is probably the lowest it can be for optimal training. Still, it was good and I would really want to do it again.
Once the run was all over, I picked up my swim kit and headed straight out the door to go for a swim. There was something refreshing about the thought of heading to the pool after a slightly sweaty run, my only reservation was about the number of people that were there. To my amazement, upon arrival, there was actually one lane that was completely free. I managed the 300m warm up and the majority of the drill (with flippers) before someone else turned up. This wasn't too bad as I still managed to sort my sets out around him but only 10 minutes later another guy turned up. I was about to go into a 400m main set when they invited me to do their 6x100m set with them. Politely, I declined but opted for the 6x50m set instead in order to keep things straightforward and hassle free. In actual fact, this was probably the better option as it meant I could really focus on my stroke technique and get lots of rest inbetween as well.
Eventually the two guys were done (they were doing just an hour's swim) which left me and this year 8 lad who swims for the Gosport Dolphins. I explained that I only had another 200m to do so he went at the same time as me to duly complete 400m in a quicker time. I truely wore a jealous face through each stroke.
By the end of the session I could really feel my right shoulder aching and I've no doubt it's due to my poor technique.
Just before heading back to Siân's Mum's place I just had to set up the GroPro for a quick run session. I desperately want to use it to get some great shots so I experimented with the angle and ran straight for the camera. I'm not completely thrilled with the results but they will get better.
Anyway, we're on our way back to sunny Essex now so I really must finish this now and start chatting with Siân once more.
See you all soon.
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