Base 2

Base 2 in the bag and training continues to go well. The whole program has gotten off to a good start with 8 weeks down I’m at 61kms of swimming, 1161kms of riding and 375kms of running (total of 1596kms). Certainly the biggest start to the year (see total hrs graph) I’ve had, but more importantly the most consistent.

Swim

Still managing to average 3 swims per week, I’ve not really done anything to measure any progress in the water during the last block but still feeling good in the water and enjoying swimming. I want to be at my threshold target of 1:25/100 by the end of base 3 (6 weeks) so my target for the next block (3 weeks) will simply be half the difference, 1:27.5/100.

Bike

As with the swimming I’ve not done another FTPw test, no point with last test only 3 weeks ago. I’m getting used to the power meter and try to ride all my rides, (longest being 5hrs till now) at 200w. The biggest difference I’ve noticed riding with power is the ‘evening out of effort, especially on

hilly rides. Still being in base its still all about putting down good foundations although I’d like to see an improvement to FTPw of 10 watts in my next test. Having dropped the odd turbo during the last block I’m setting myself the goal of completing all 6 sessions over the next 3 weeks, I’ll drop a swim or conditioning instead if need be. I also need to watch my cadence during long rides which appears to be the wrong side of 80rpm

Run

Good progress

with running. The Saucony 10k delivered a PB (35:48) on a not particularly quick course. It was nice to be running amongst some well-respected guys; Steve Bayliss, Phil Graves, Rob Johnson, Dion Harrison, made me feel a little like an athlete J. So my goal of a sub 35 this year is more than realistic (refuse to consider anything over 35mins as a quick 10k!) Also managed 78mins Tunbridge-Wells half marathon a tough hilly course. It also gave me my best ever overall % finish (1.3%). Reading half next which is a quicker course so watch this space.

Goal with running for now is basically to stay injury free. The speed is coming, and although my volume is considerably lower (see run hrs graph) than previous years, endurance and fitness is building nicely, I guess through swim and bike volume.

Training / Family / work balance?

I think overall better. Far off good, but I don’t think any week of 16+ hours is not going to impact on time I could/should be spending with the family. I have been able to get most ‘big days’ in during weekdays, which has helped free up time for Katie to get her training in and for family time. Work has been quiet recently, which has been handy. I’m not about to walk out of the job, but I’ve been considering ‘other options’ recently and come up with some ideas. However my job continues to support the other things in my life that I’m far more passionate about which I’m happy to use to my full advantage. For now.