Back from Ireland

I have arrived back in London following a short training camp based in Limerick, Ireland. I spent the week training with a number of the Ireland Triathlon Squad, all of whom are a great group of people who I would like to thank again for making me feel so welcome.

It was good to train with a squad again, something I have missed since returning from Australia last year. All your sessions become much more enjoyable, and no matter the discomfort you feel you know other people are hurting too.

We went out on a few rides, a couple of short and one long. The shorter rides consisted of some interval work whilst the longer ride rolled around a few of the hills in the Irish countryside. A spontaneous King of the 'Undulations' contest arose on the long ride with victory going to
David O' Toole, but I still contest I did not know where the top of the climb was.

This timing of the camp served as an excellent indicator of work that needs to be done before hitting race season with good form. I definitely need to do more strength work for in the pool and need to increase my running mileage whilst improving technique too. Fortunately there is still time to do this so I remain positive that I will be in good shape this season.

Thankfully the weather was good for the entire time I was there so the wet weather gear didn't have to make an appearance. Fortunately, it looks as if this weather will continue for the next few days too helping me maintain the benefits of the camp. Time to unpack.

Huh..? March already...

I really can't believe it is already March. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad thing as it means Spring is almost upon us. Reluctantly the cold weather gear starts to make it's way to the bottom of the draw, although it is still too early for it to take it's place there for a prolonged period of time.

After my disappointing end to 2008 I have started to use a slightly different programme consisting of a 5 week cycle. After putting two of these cycles together I am starting to feel strong again, consistency really is the key. Swimming feels easier, I feel stronger on the bike and my run feels like there is a spring in my step.

I am off to Ireland this Wednesday for a 6 day training camp so a few easy days prior to this are in order. This will let me regain my flexibility and recover from my last couple of weeks of hard training. I am really looking forward to getting away from London for a few days, and especially looking forward to a 45 mile bike race that a few of us will take part in this weekend.

After returning home I will have a couple of easy days to benefit from the training before it's time to ramp it up again. Bring on the hurt and racing season.