When deciding to write this blog entry, I was very unsure as to what to call it. There are a variety of themes running through it, which probably had something to do with the lack of inspiration for a title. So if you do have any ideas, then do drop them in the comments below (Competition – read on). Anyway I thought I needed to get on with a monthly update of some kind so here goes…
The Virus…
No I haven’t got it, but I think people are now feeling the effect of it in various ways and us athletes are starting to see the hit on our events. So many events out there have either been postponed or cancelled. Frustrating for lots of us, particularly with all the hard work that goes into the training side of things. My planned guest blog from our Marathon Des Sables participant (Sarah) has been put back a little due to the postponement of it. A real shame, as I think that would have been a fantastic experience to share with you, although it will come…eventually. I for one, haven’t as such had any events cancelled – yet. Although I have had a few emails from a few event organisers about possibilities and what would happen. I’m hoping (and praying of which I never do) that none of them do get caught up in this madness. The only saving grace is triathlon is summer based so I’m hoping that by then, we’ve seen the back of it.
Progress and Training
After a new bathroom install I’ve been working on, and a great few days in Lisbon (highly recommended) with my family, I knew my condition and overall fitness were good. I ran a very decent 5K over at Victoria Dock ParkRun in 20:40 in some incredibly windy conditions. It was pleasing to hit that and I’m determined to go sub 20 within the next few months. I use the ParkRun as a way of testing progress every 6 weeks or so and make it part of a longer run. I managed two runs whilst in Lisbon – a nice 7 miler followed by an 8 miler the next day. If you are after a few days break somewhere, Lisbon should be on your list….post corona maybe though 🙂
How many pastel de natas can one eat?
First Race…and injury
The last time I posted, I was heading into the Big Half in London. It was a chance to put a marker down for me and see where my fitness really was. I had a fantastic race, although there was a slight downer. I PB’d over that distance by some 5 minutes coming in a 1:36:50. To be honest, I had a little more to give, although I had to deal with an injury issue from mile 7 onwards. My achilles started giving me some pain, and we all know occasionally things can hurt during a run but they usually wear off. Not this. And it became stronger as the race went on.
Being a sensible athlete as I am, not only did I not stop, I also tried not to slow down. And you would think I have learned my lesson from previous experience? ‘No Danny, keep going’ I told myself. ‘Worry about it after’. It was only when I finished, I realised how sore it was.
To be honest, the pain was bearable enough to continue and the real issue was going up any little bump. I’m two weeks on now post injury, and after some initial swelling and localised pain, I think (and hope) it’s on the mend. I didn’t run for two weeks (ok exactly 11 days) and I have been quite conservative with training. In-fact the enforced rest has me feeling pretty refreshed and my biking and swimming are unhampered. I have since also completed a very small walk/run of around 4km with no issue, and then followed that with a 5K non stop. My plan is to keep it at 5km for a week or so every few days and build the load through it.
Will this hamper my GB age group hopes?
Well it’s difficult to say at this point, but I can’t see it helping. It will depend on how quickly I can get back to running and carrying out the tempo sessions. These are the sessions that have really made a difference in my running improvement this year. Yes they’re hard, but so worth it. I really do think that with a few more good solid months of training behind me, I could push for that 1:30 half marathon at some point. Consistency with running has given me this form; it’s just a shame I’m slightly hampered now.
As such, I will have to see over the next few weeks what my achilles allows me to do. What’s frustrating is that I have never had any trouble with it, nor any issues in training. I can only put it down to the lack of warm up and then hitting out quite hard. I have 8 weeks left until the Outlaw half. If I can maintain my run form and not lose too much fitness, I may have a good chance of laying down a reasonable time that could get me in contention. So we will have to wait and see I suppose.
What’s on the horizon?
A trip to France during the Easter holiday is planned, although we will have to see what happens with that. We are driving, so that makes things a little easier in terms of travel plans, but you never know with this virus what the governments may do. The plan for me is to take the bike and get some quality miles in the bank whilst out there. Hopefully this happens. We have some work planned to the house and outside and the start of an installation of a small pool. This will also mean the beginnings to sorting out the gym area. Vlog post is coming on this…I PROMISE!
Competition Time
I think that more or less concludes this update. As always, I really appreciate the reading, likes, comments and shares etc. Do not forget, if you need some quality sports gear, do give my sponsors SUNDRIED a look. Use my code DANNY for a great 50% discount. And…one last thing…the competition. I have some great cycling jerseys up for grabs. It’s quite simple to enter with a few simple steps. Here’s how:
- If on instagram, do give me a follow @tri.to.be.iron or give the blog a like and share through any social platform
- Enter your idea for title to this blog entry in the comments below or on my instagram blog post.
Winners will be selected by the end of the month. Good luck all!
tri.to.be.iron 