Winter Training

I’m feeling like I’m beginning to build some base fitness with a couple of hard weeks of training behind me. Don’t get me wrong I would prefer that it was warmer but at least it has been bright and sunny this weekend for training outdoors.

Sunny but cold ride today with FPCC

After picking up a cold on Christmas Day I was a bit frustrated at the start of month with my training. My body needed to fully recover and I just felt like I was getting slower at everything for more effort and higher heart rate.

However, the key things I’ve been working on this winter to get marginal gains are:

• Focussing on improving my kick in swimming with more kicking drills, using fins and working on my ankle flexibility.

• Mixing up my bike sessions a bit with turbo sessions, crit racing and club rides.

• Trying to keep my motivation high by planning sessions with friends.

Crit racing at Lee Valley Velopark

I’m hoping to improve further over the next couple of months with more tough training sessions by Paul, having a bike fit, getting aerobars, doing some more track sessions and going to a training camp in Cambrils at the end of March. The Hampstead Triathlon Club trip to Lanzarote last year really boosted my fitness, confidence and motivation. So I’m hoping for more of the same this time around.

At the top of Haría, Lanzarote

So if you are struggling to keep up with your new year’s resolutions to be more fit and active here are some of my tips for winter training:

• Plan sessions with friends whether that be a class or training session. It’s a great chance to catch up and you’re more likely to go.

• Layers are key particularly if you’re training outside. Merino wool base layers, buffs, hats and overshoes are all great.

• Make sure you keep hydrated. You are still sweating and need to drink regularly even though it is cold.

• Mix it up. Try something new. Maybe enter a race, parkrun or swimathon.

• Be kind to yourself if it doesn’t all go to plan.

Plan sessions with friends

I hope that you have enjoyed reading. More updates to come. Keep smiling 😁