Training Log Archive: jed

Mountain bike with road tyres to Kelso, (via Walkersknowe, Nisbet, Kalemouth, Bowmont Forest, Softlaw, Windywalls and Sprouston) to do sprint on new map there. Only one way as more running to do in afternoon and not wanting to overdo it after issues last week. Such a nice route, enjoyed it a lot.

Straight off the bike, to begin with legs moving but felt like I wasn't going anywhere. Got into it and able to wind it up throughout. Lots of route choice which I'm not sure I got right but no errors.

Into Lanton/back with Mum and Dad.

Test running Dad's sprint event. That's my non-urban training for next weekend's races...so much fun though!

"Things can & do go wrong, but it's how you deal with them & move on"..."I don't back down and I don't give up". Wise words from my fave, pre and post him breaking Scottish marathon record. Inspiration from the best.
Plan was a session today to decide whether it was sensible to race next week. Peebles Park Run, with Dad running so a good marker of my performance.

3 (& a bit) laps with decent hill meant running on a "pace" not really an option. Started a bit fast or rather didn't ease back at the hill. Mentally fighting on first half of 3rd lap but pushed through. Pretty much all solo.
All good to go as beat Dad by more than usual. Also took the female course record which I'd had an eye on (from women who beats me at XC).

I spent a chunk of money paying to see a sports doctor with a real interest in running and experience in elite sport (much higher than me i.e Olympians). It was worth it though as really good to speak to someone who understands the level I’m trying to perform at and how frustrated I often am.

The main takeaway is he’s writing to my GP asking for a set of specific blood tests. I’ve then to gain a copy of the results and take back to discuss (even if nothing comes up) so can move forward. He said it was obvious I wanted to achieve, was willing to work hard and the performance mentality was evident through my answers to questions he asked.

He’s going to also send me the letter but other things to take from the discussion are (will update to make sure haven’t missed anything):
- Keep maintaining s&c routine.
- Keep getting 7-10hrs sleep every night.
- My diet is good too but ensure quality protein 3x per day. Extra first thing and last thing so not going hours without. Carbs at right time. Red meat twice per week due to my deficiencies.
- The one which has been suggested to me more than once before. One complete day off per week.
- There definitely seems unexplained performance issues, various test will be done and already he has identified that from my previous results especially iron stores are nowhere near high enough, B12 did seem low for having had injection and iron often drops with an increase in training load.

Full session, all the jumps were better than normal.

Down to Crammond and back, flying out but slower return naturally. Didn't get to really enjoy the long downhill as crosswind blowing me about. Took a good 5mins to be able to sit properly on the bike after yesterday.

Straight of the bike steady around race route for next week (didn't really notice how legs felt doing this as first km straight into wind). Almost stormy down there tonight with the waves coming across the wall at times but I enjoyed it. Hope the wind is blowing that way on the night as think that's best for fast times.

Cycle path to Dalmeny then back roads back via Kirkliston and Ratho (where I actually got some hills) to Edinburgh Park then back along cycle path. Just getting used to being on the bike again.

Sharplaw and into Lanton, through the woods onto the Lanton Road, back via Torches Brae. Just enjoying the sunshine and the countryside, barely saw a sole.

Following the weekend, training plan revised this week with any sessions postponed until Saturday as a "test" for race. First week not as planned this season (and last I think) so can't be too annoyed, but I obviously am!