The end of this week has been the tale of 2 lakes! My final week of training before I head into the weekend and start my week of tapering prior to race day.
Thursday night saw me head down to Liquid Leisure in Datchet to brush off the open water swim cobwebs. You can spend as much time as you like in a pool swimming length after length but nothing compares to open water and no turns. I settled for a little 750m swim as I wanted to test my wet suit and new goggles. I went with my new aqua sphere polarised goggles and they seem ok, little mist coming half way through makes me think I may go with a different pair next week. I’ll test my other ones in Vegas next week and make a decision. The water was a glorious 18 degrees and a beautiful evening. I did however stop too many times as I get nervous in lakes as hate being able to see the bottom! It’s when it comes up and surprises you, that’s when I panic! I don’t know why! Need to snap out of that before next week. The lake had a fair bit of weed and leaves on the surface that I had to swim through at times. Overall it was a decent session and when I did put some freestyle stints in, I felt quick! I’m sure the chop in San Fran may have other ideas but we will see!
From swimming in the lake to running around another, last night I stopped by Virginia Water on the way home from work to run a steady pace 4 miles. Half a mile into the run my battery died on my walkman, typical! Oh well they needed a charge before I go anyway. Such a scenic run with the lake, flowers, ruins and totem pole. I settled for a mid 9-10 minute mile pace, something similar to what I want to run next week.
All week I’ve been trying to break down a knot in my left calf. It’s still there and something I’m hoping I can get released when I touch down in San Fran. My only other current niggle is a twinge in my left knee. Felt when running down a hill last night. I’m hoping the next week of tapering will help, and the 15 hours of flights in between won’t cause be too much hassle!
I’ve started my Saturday off by watching a lack luster Lions performance in NZ. It’s going to be some late night watching over the next week or so as the tour progresses.
I will now be looking to pack all my stuff for the next 2 weeks including my bike, then hopefully out to see some friends on what seems a beautiful day.
I Just Felt Like Cycling 