Training Update

I have been a little quiet on my training post Ironman. It has not been a calculated decision. It is just the way things have worked out. I have races planned pre Christmas but all major targets are now in 2009.

Having said that, next week I have a 40 mile trail run and then two weeks later I have two days on the Thames Path covering 100km.

So, as you can expect, I have been doing lots of running. This week I have been training in Nice in the South of France. It was an intentional end to my training period post Ironman and before I start racing again.

It has been a really tough week. I have covered just under 300km in 8 days. Admittedly not all running but my intention was to put time 'on' my legs to prepare for the challenges ahead. Needless to say, the week is over and my legs are tired... very tired! 

Breaking the week down I have run every day and walked approximately 10 miles a day. My running breakdown has been as follows:

• Sunday 24th - 14.21 miles at 7m 42s pace
• Monday 25th - 8.2 miles at 7m 05s pace
• Tuesday 26th - 9.84 miles at 7m 52s pace
• Wednesday 27th - 13.62 miles at 8m 13s pace
• Thursday 28th - 6.33 miles at 7m 30s pace
• Friday 29th - 15.63 miles at 7m 59s pace
• Saturday 30th - 10.42 miles at 7m 30s pace
• Sunday 31st - 18.15 miles at 8m 30s pace

It has been a good week. But I can really feel the effects. It was intentional though. It has been plus 30 deg everyday and hydration has been really important. On my runs I was carrying a double Salomon bottle belt (1 litre of liquid). I have used 'Nuun' electrolyte tablets as they are the most efficient way to replace sodium. I have also used 'endurolytes' by Hammer. Again, really effective. Because the pace of my runs has been relatively easy I have not eaten too many calories whilst running. Just a Hammer Gel every 45 min or so... carbs have not been an issue.

This coming week I am going to really ease back and recover. I will run daily but only short distances. I will also get some pool time to help the overall recovery proccess.