"How's the Training Going?"

Not bad actually.  At least it seemed that way until I just figured out that we're almost down to 9 months to go!  Scary actually how the time disappears.

But still I think I'm okay.  The focus needs to be technical swim improvement, power workouts on the bike combined with weight training, and of course winter is the time to concentrate on running endurance.

While it hasn't translated into long or fast workouts yet I am slowly gaining a better feel in the water.  One thing I figured out is that the 2 beat kick I was working on is simply not possible for me without a wetsuit, and I don't think it has much advantage when wearing one.  I am now focusing on building a steady but quiet traditional kick, while improving my form and arm strength/endurance.  I think with this strategy I will be able to shave some minutes off of  the last effort.

Weight training also goes well and my upper body strength is already way ahead of 2009.  I actually have to be careful not to start building bulk.  It's tough because for the first time in my life I have arms that play to my ego.  My core strength is improving as well, from the back and abdomen stuff that I do.  Overall I feel stronger than I have at any time during my 56 years.  Weird eh?

While my cycling mileage has of course gone way down I think the trainer is gonna make me stronger.  I have made some significant changes in my position which is much easier to dowith the machine because I can actually see my power output change with body position, and I can see my actual position in the mirror.  The idea is to get as aero as you can, while giving up as little power as possible. These 2 factors are usually at odds, so it takes some time to find the sweet spot.  I think I'm close.  To give you some idea as to how much more difficult it is to ride on the trainer I give you this example.  While riding down a simulated hill I had to work my butt off to get it up to 50 km/hr, a speed I would have exceeded by simply coasting down the same real hill.

I had a quick look back at my running progress and it is very encouraging.  Over the last 2 months I have progressed from running 15k at 5:30 pace to running 20k at 5:00 pace.  Very cool.  Tomorrow I will step the distance up to 24 kms and cut back the pace.  Then I will gradually try to build my pace back up to 5:00 at that distance and so on. I still have not found a spring marathon that I like but I think I need to.  That strategy worked well in 09 so I want to stick with it to keep me motivated through the winter. 

So overall I feel pretty good.  The only thing I wish I knew how to still improve is my body composition.  Roo tells me that it's only skin but I know better, and I desperately want to lose another 5 kg of fat!  Any ideas on how to get off this plateau?

I leave on my world tour on sunday (germany, india, singapore, china)and while I'm pretty sure that it will cause me some stress I don't think it will be too much of a setback in the long run.  Rest is good!

I have not arrived at a specific time goal yet, or at least one that I am ready to preach to the world.  I do indeed have a number in my head, but I'm still not sure that I have the couarge to achieve it.  I actually do believe that my body is capable of it, if I truly want to do the work necessary.  It's a bit of a quandry becaause going public will almost gaurantee success because of my ego, but that would mean I would no longer have a choice as to do the work or not.  Any thoughts on that one?

(swim 1500 metres, computrainer 3o kms, weights)

"The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit."---Morihei Ueshib

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, ''Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.''---Muhammed Ali

Love
Peter