It’s been a while and it’s fair to say there has been one
massive change I my life and my training. I moved to a small island off the
coast of Spain- Mallorca. A training paradise for swimmers, cyclists and
triathletes. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to move out here to Best
Swim centre, a swimming centre in the South of the island which is world class,
and over the years most top swimmers and triathletes have passed through here.
For me the decision was a tough one to make at first, I had
a nice little job in Edinburgh, my training was going good and I had a
reasonable flat. But I never found my feet there, I never settled and always
felt like it was time to go somewhere else. With swimming being my weakness and
where I struggle for motivation moving to a world class swim centre was a no
brainer.
I arrived back in late October and have now been here about
5 weeks, I swim at the centre under the coaches there 6 times a week and the
rest of the time I bike and run around the island. Sometimes running on
incredible trails, or along the coast and lately I have been back on the track
in Palma with a fantastic running group there. Cycling is incredible as you can
ride for miles on incredible quality rolling roads or you can find large alpine
style climbs to do efforts on. There are riding groups all over the island and constantly
new routes to find.
My swimming is definitely improving, it won’t happen
overnight but I believe with the volume, the added coaching and guidance I’m
going in the right direction. It’s easier now to swim long sets up to 5km when
you have a squad around you who are also swimming and a coach poolside guiding
you through the set. I have no problem riding my bike for 5 hours alone or
running alone but in the pool it definitely helps me.
Training full time hasn’t been an easy process, I’ve had
some real highs and some real lows already. When you are constantly focused on
times, feeling good and pushing your body it can be quite a battle when you can’t
hit those times or don’t feel good. I find it difficult at times to step back
and listen to my body, but this is all a learning process and one I am
definitely enjoying. I also need to learn that it’s not all about volume and
that yes I can train 9-5 but sometimes that isn’t what is best. Fortunately my
coach Graeme is incredible at keeping me on the right track and making sure I listen
to my body and know the signs of when im maybe pushing a bit too hard.
The planning for 2015 has already begun, Myself and Graeme
have set out some big goals and targets that I am positive I can achieve with
hard work and effort. I will mainly focus on age group racing again and aim for
top results. I will also look to enter the world of 70.3 (half ironman) and see
what happens/If I can survive.
I’m in a great place just now, I’ve had a few niggles and a
few days of fatigue but Im feeling good, fit and strong. I’m working hard in
the gym to become a stronger athlete and I believe my running and cycling is
also improving. It is a dream waking up every day in a beautiful country
usually with great weather and just training but I know it won’t be easy
sometimes the body and the mind can make things a little difficult!
I want to thank the squad out here for helping me settle in
so fast and pushing me in training and also my coach Graeme as well as Best
Centre for this opportunity. Hopefully I
will continue to have a solid winter and come out the other side faster and
stronger.
Photos.
1: Leading a local 10km race where i finished 4th after a big week of training!
2: Another day in the office
3: Beautiful cycling views
4: It's not always sunny!
