So let's get serious!

I have been loosely following a training plan for the last few weeks based on a 3-week cycle of 2 increasing volume and 1 recovery. For example (in hours) - 9, 10, 8, 10, 11, 8, 11, 12, 8 etc.

My success rate each week is not good, in fact it is terrible - I think I have hit the numbers of 1 week out of 6!

So what is the problem and what do I need to change to get serious and hit my numbers.

Well the excuses are decent enough - new business, family engagements, weather, coaching commitments - all fair but not really good enough.

If I really wanted to do it I am a great believer that I would find a way - early mornings, better use of evenings, less TV, training built into commute, get out the turbo trainer, mend the treadmill etc.

In conclusion, the focus is still not there and I do not always make the best decisions.

So what is the answer?

Well, my forthcoming goal of running a 100 miles across the South Downs feels more real than ever - I have successfully entered and the event is firmly in the diary for June next year. I am telling people, discussing my goals and thinking more about my training plan. I really would like to complete it with a smile on my face and ideally within 24 hours. I know it is going to be tough and the one of the biggest mental/physical challenges I have ever undertaken but that is also the big draw.

I do understand that to have any chance of completing it as planned and within my time goal some serious training is required. I need to stop talking and start running (plus walking)! As Nike would say 'Just Do It'.

Starting this blog again should help to keep me honest even if there is no one out there listening. The simple steps of posting a blog at least once a week with my plan, results and analysis should stop me from burying my head in the sand and taking this challenge seriously.

So what is the plan for this week:

Mon: 02:45 cycling commute - easy to steady effort

Tue: 01:00 trail run with hills - easy effort + 0:15 strength/weights set

Wed: 00:45 tempo/fartlek run + 01:30 Club swim

Thu: 02:45 cycling commute

Fri: Recovery / 0:30 strength/weights set

Sat: Recovery/Coaching

Sun: 01:00 Sub 5min (per km) run + 01:00 Turbo

In total: 6:30 bike, 2:45 run, 1:30 swim, 0:45 strength - 11:30 in all

Slightly unusual that I am away again this weekend so unable to get in a long weekend run.

Over the coming weeks and months I will try to incorporate a few runs into work (both on roads and trails) plus back-to-back weekend runs, i.e. 10 miles on the Saturday and 20 miles on the Sunday - that's the plan.

So let's get serious! I will report back to let you know my progress.