Autumn cometh
I have become addicted to the long range forecasts of Lanzarote and Hawaii this month…Lanzarote as I am going there in just under two weeks for the big training week and Hawaii for obvious reasons!Both are looking pretty warm so it is a little shocking to be training in this autumnal weather! On Sunday the ever generous Richard drove myself and Jimmy(with bikes so we could ride home) to Bexhill where he was competing and we were cheerleading for the team.The drive was very early,we set off at 5.30am…..and we saw the dawn as we drove down. It is an odd feeling when you are just supporting, you know you are going to an event but you don’t have the colly wobbles going on! We commented on how the season was on the turn as we saw mist hanging over the fields and the leaves turning golden.I had had a slightly easier week this week following on from the big brick session last Sunday so was feeling quite perky after a brisk 2 hour ride and short run on Saturday. The aim of the session was to ride home from Bexhill to get another fairly long ride.As we cheered our teammates on the weather took a turn for the worse and it was pretty chilly when we got onto our bikes mid morning.I would like to give a shout out to Stefan, Glenn, Richard, Oli and Paul who all competed at Bexhill and all put in brilliant performances.My good friend and GB team partner in crime, Claire, met us at Bexhill and kindly guided us through Pevensey marshes. I am sure this area in the sunshine is beautiful……however,we seemed to be on the edge of a long downpour the whole way through! Claire rode with us till mid Sussex where she turned off for home and Jimmy and I continued in the blustery, wet weather. The course was very undulating(4,330 ft of climbing) and tough riding.It was good to get home,get dry and get the compression tights on. Another longish ride under my belt and I am starting to feel my long distance endurance legs again.On Monday, although I was due a day off, I went for a long run as I hadn’t got as far as I had intended on the race simulation session. I wanted to do this to do a run on tired legs and for some mental prep too. It turned out to be a great session and has boosted my confidence no end. I have also been very careful to follow recovery protocols and to treat “niggles” with respect and feel this has helped with prep a great deal.Today I did a shorter run and got thoroughly soaked….it is indeed autumn!
