Back in the Saddle

We are feeling like we are starting to get back to normal after Ironman Switzerland last month and we are starting to introduce a bit more activity again. It's either that or go mad.

I took the bike group out as usual on Saturday morning - this is a great group & everyone gets something out of it whether you are just starting out & are wanting to up the distance & practice riding in a group or, like me & Gareth, like to race for every hill top, street sign & junction possible. We had Paula out this week for her first outing with us & she did really well until she fell off standing still about 1/4 of a mile from the finish. I've been there - I am quite capable of riding 100 miles in all conditions only to get home and fall off in the flower bed outside the house. The post ride snacks were Empire Biscuits courtesy of Nicolas Mum & were of a very high standard!

A lot of the Sunday run group are in training for half marathons at the moment and we were down for a 10 miler this week. I have upped my running this week and finished on about 40 miles after the rather brisk Sunday run. I have been struggling with sore stiff legs all month - I have a habit of ceasing up when not running, but following an increase in mileage & a killer leg rub from Grant on Thursday I finally started to find some looseness, speed & strength again. It's great to see the difference in other people too as they increase the number of weekly runs & build some consistency. Phil Marshall & Lindsay Cruikshanks are standing out to me as a great example of what you can do if you pick a challenge & focus on training for it, the difference in both of their running is excellent. Next week is the Club 10 miler which should be good fun - it is timed to be a good race day simulation for those doing Glasgow Half Marathon the following week.

This week we are trying to commute a bit more on the bikes. This does require what feels like a 'Live-Aid' level of organisation & forward thinking but we have managed 3 days in a row so far. So far we have managed to leave all the right clothes in the right places but today is the biggest challenge so far. Up at 5.30am, breakfast, then ride to Tollcross for the morning swim. After the swim ride from Tollcross to Hamilton to work. After work ride home to East Kilbride, get changed then drive to the run group, run, then home again probably for a very large dinner!