Norseman – April update

As I sit here writing there are 12 weeks to go until the race. So far training has been going pretty much according to plan.

In April I managed to train consistently averaging about 12-13 hours per week. Significant milestones have been

1. Completed a 2hr run on very hilly terrain and felt strong after finishing at the top of a 20% grade hill.
2. Hitting the 10k mark in swimming every week
3. Completing the 2hr hills circuit (which includes 6 steep climbs of 10-25% grade) every week and in the final week seated on all climbs apart from the 25% effort.
4. Completely cut chocolate from my daily intake and dropped 2kg into the bargain (must have been eating far too much before)
5. Staying healthy

The only downside was some soreness in my Achilles after the long run I just mentioned. However I took a few days off from running and touch-wood it seems almost back to normal (normal these days being pain free). I guess this in itself is a complete turnaround because normal used to be some soreness on most days. I’ve also learnt to give it a few more days of no running without fretting too much rather than be impatient. In the long term it is the best policy.

The other downside this week is the news that my partner and best buddy Fiona has had to pull out of the event. I will miss not being able to finish with her (although the plus side is that I retain the household IM title for another year…Yes!)

She’s gutted about not being able to race but her long term health is more important. And she can always enter next year!