Weird heading for a triathlon blog I know, but bear with me.
About two weeks ago, one of my TriPals who joined our free triathlon training run, said he had a spare entry to the Brighton Half Marathon. It took him about 20 minutes, but he gave me enough confidence to say yes and take the spot!
With only 6 weeks (at the time) before the half, I realised I needed to work a bit harder to be able to cover the distance and run across the finish line. All my previous run training was focused on completing a 10km run after my swim and bike!
It wasn’t just his convincing of me that got me to say yes though. This “off season” (winter to you and me), I really wanted to work on my run. My swim is fine. The bike is ok. But my run? My legs just weren’t built for it. I still completed the Olympic run in a great personal best for myself, but I needed to get stronger. So, the idea of working it even harder to get into half marathon mode was weirdly quite appealing!
My winter training focused quite heavily on running, but I was still doing regular bike sessions and top and tailing them with a swim. But now, I’m focusing a lot more purely on the run, with only four weeks to go, and I miss my all rounded tri training!
I was still managing at least one bike a week and at least one or two swims between my winter runs, but I can tell my body is craving to carry those sports on as well!
Craig, the guy that convinced me, very kindly put together a “4 weeks to go” training schedule with me and I’ve actually been really enjoying it. The best part was when I saw the “lay day” included a swim, result!
However, in keeping my bum on the saddle and my toes in the water, I think it is good for me in keeping a well rounded training plan. The bike for example is still building good leg muscles and, I believe anyway, lessening the impact of purely running – my knees are shot! The swim, a great opportunity to stretch it all out.
So yea, I do miss doing all three with regularity, but I’m enjoying the new challenge! My only worry is that I may actually enjoy it… and be a step closer to taking on a half iron challenge…
We’ll see.