Been a bit on the low side since the 6h30 effort at the Totalsports Challenge last weekend. Seems I went hard enough after all. Always incredible to me how we are made up of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. My emotions often tell a great deal about where the body is at. Been struggling to make it out the door. Never a good sign. Hoping I’ll bounce a bit more by the weekend’s race in Natal, the Duel Ultra.
I’m doing the sneaky soft option: paddling 15km, time trialing 80km, and running 20km. Perhaps I can use the excuse that Frazer, the Scotsman, is going up with me, and considering he couldnt keep my K1 upright for more than five seconds the other day, and it’d be wrong to fight over winnings between us, that by default I’m left with the paddle option and Fraser the swim option.
Been ticking over the paddling a small bit, but that will end this weekend. Will miss it in part, as its a real joy getting out on the dam at De Zalze. The view of the Stellenbosch mountains is the best from on the water - without a doubt in my mind. But the crystal clear water is being used for the signiture golf course now… Guessing the rich need some green grass to take a walk on in persuit of some small ball, and the level is becoming a frustration. Its been a treat though. Further, my body genetics seems to bulk me up, something like pumping up my bike tires, when holding the blades, and it be good to loose some of the mass and spend more time in the water than on.
The biking is feeling good. A few good rides in the bag. Hit another four passes on Sunday. Sauser’ssrm wattage reading was 228 average for the 4h30 ride, meaning me with my rounded ass would have to have put out some extra watts for the same pace, but then I was on the wheel for most the way, so perhaps not, well, not even on the wheel on the climbs I guess… That after Sauser had a hard race the day before. Eish.
Running also feeling on the up. Thats when I’ve been making it out the door I guess. All just in base training mode, with longer slower miles. Gary building some big engine apparently. Loading a spring. Something of the sort.
After this weekend, I’ll be spending two weeks in prep for the Xterra in Shongweni, before a good two month block of aerobic conditioning leading up to Xterra SAat Grabouw on the 19th April.
One Response to "Freezing a moment"
Hmmm, this sounds suspiciously close to slacking off punctuated by barely perceptible snivling. If your enthusiastic youth isn’t out there determined to bend steel what hope and inspiration is left for us aging desk jockies? Oh yeah, there is always your dad. The guy is a stud! Just remember to keep having fun and you’ll bounce nicely. Otherwise I may be forced to provide motivational imagery by sending you a photo of my desk.
One day when your multi sport career is over you may find reward in another incarnation based on those bulking genetics. You may consider becoming a Smack Down Wrestler or Governor of California. So many endless possibilities…and to think the adventure has only just begun.
By the way, congrats on the fine performance the other weekend. While you were styling, I was viciously attacked by a tree during a trail ride. Apparently the tree was somewhat offended that I had plummeted down upon it from the trail above. I am happy to report no lasting damage, just a seriously painful swollen ear and some souvenir lumber lodged through the canal that I hualed around for over a week. Life is much improved following it’s extraction.