So much has occurred since the last time I posted on here, water has most certainly passed under that bridge and the coup has been flown, but I still have those same dreams and desires from when I first started this blog. The only difference now is that I am an ironman and I know that I can do anything that I put my mind to.
To be honest, after completing IMUK, I did have quite a major "down" period. Nothing really quite matched the euphoria of that day and the achievement. As I had felt that I achieved it relatively easily, I began to beat myself up about the time. Coming in at just over 15 hours, I thought to myself, wasn't all that good and that it was just an average result. But... as I gradually found the times of other's around me, others who I got to know through various social media outlets, I realised that I did just fine. So many other people around me finished an hour or two later and some didn't even finish. I really must keep that in my mind and remember what an achievement it is.
Unfortunately though, that thought doesn't stay with me for too long. I think that somehow, and for some reason, I am the type of person how easily forgets past achievements (as well as what I actually have now) and needs something to strive for.
Having completed the marathon part in just under 5hrs30, I wanted to complete another marathon and go sub 4hrs30. I went straight into training and didn't really let my body rest. What a mistake! Almost five months later and I'm still feeling the aches. Sitting still for longer than 10 minutes makes my knees ache/hurt and running is more about getting by rather than enjoying the flow.
I'm back on the case though. I'm eating far better than before (even trying for three proper meals a day), rolling my quads out as much as I can and have my sights set on new targets. There is a two or three year plan in place for me. This year I want to sort my run and swim. I'll still do a half iron distance race but will also get a couple of marathons in and a great East swim. After that will then come an ultra. I'm not sure just yet what distance it'll be, but I know I want to go long, really long. I want to do something that even fewer people around me have done. After that, it's a channel swim (as part of a relay team).
So, things are back on track again... I just need these legs to heal and lose the truck load of weight I've put on recently.
