Another winter basecamp season closes...

Special correspondent coach Paul wrote..

Final Basecamp of the winter period and this time there was no snow, well.. just a little at the top of the Farefield Horseshoe. This camp was a little different than all the rest being for both triathletes and cyclo sportive riders a new idea has begun and it could be big. Saturday was the first of the big rides and everyone set off together on a cool misty morning, temperatures soon began to rise though as we all climbed Kirkstone pass, out of the mist and into the sunshine and the groups began to split to all there different levels. First stop Keswick and a much needed refuel at a very nice café, it was then decision time do we complete the full ride and head over Honister and Newlands passes or take the direct route back to Basecamp.

All the cyclists and most of the triathletes headed off on the long route whilst I decided to head back to Basecamp with the Endurance coach to prepare the evening swim session. Little was I to know that this decision was going to lead to a race up and then back down the struggle.. the legs where burning and the lungs bursting but sat at the top of Kirkstone drinking orange juice outside the pub in the sun, was one of the highlights of the year so far..

(It should be noted at this point that whilst coach Paul rode a carbon Giant road bike, endurance coach was in fact on a mountain bike! Just in case coach paul starts spreading rumours of how he kicked endurance coach's ar*e!! Not so on the race down.. smart boy! - Editor)

Day two and the groups go there different ways, cyclists off to ride Whinlatter followed by the mighty Hardknott and Wrynose passes and Triathletes off to run the ten mile Fairfield Horseshoe. A great run with spectacular views of Ambleside, Rydal water and Grasmere. Even a spectacular fall in front of everyone couldn’t spoil the day, although as I walked back up to meet the rebel group (you know who you are) the blood had started to dry and I wasn’t looking forward to taking the compression tights off.. The cyclists arrived back at Basecamp some eight hours later, tired hungry but all with a sense of achievement at completing all the Lakeland passes in one weekend. A great bunch of people, good weather, the stunning Lake District scenery and awesome training, it doesn’t get much better.

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Give me a break..

Spent the whole of last week in Lanzarote sunshine training hard with the training trips.net group and had a fantastic time. I was amazed how well my body held up to the training with an average of 5-7 hours every day.. one thing which it really emphasised was how much more you can do when you are not at work and this sparked 2 thoughts in my mind:

1. You can never compare yourself with pro athletes who only have to think about getting up and riding their bike or going to the pool, for the first time in 6 months I found myself with 30 minutes completely free for a stretch session.. Working people can never imitate pro training volumes and should never try!

2. Training is not the only thing which places stress on your body, by removing work and all other stresses I was able to deal with a lot more training and age group athletes need to take into consideration that family, work and personal pressures all mount up and have a huge impact on your energy levels. Exercise is one form of stress and there are many more.. excessive work and stress can lead to immune disorders which mirror those of overtraining syndrome..

You have 2 options.. either pack in work (which probably isn't possible) or give yourself a break and make sure you set realistic targets! Me.. i'd settle for another week in Lanza.

Here endeth the enduranceblog..

Blowing away the cobwebs..

The first time trial of the year was the circuit of Pendle, only 30 minute drive from home and a great course with some tough hills. Ashurst Bike Club had a decent team considering we are all triathlon competitors and finishing second behind Lancs Road Club was a great start to the season. Time trialling is an odd sport.. it's the only cycling discipline which seems to be dwindling in what is undoubtedly a cycling boom.. the majority of riders are a little older, as are the customs of tea and cakes in the village hall to follow. There is of course something about the yesteryear.. lack of razzmatazz.. low cost events which appeals greatly and it baffles me why more people don't attend. I decided not to shave the legs.. a little early perhaps and also a little cold, the ride was ok, steady all the way just to try out the time trial bike and a good start to the year. I heard on the news that this is going to be a very cold spring and temperatures will struggle to rise, this is not good news when the first event is Keswick triathlon and Derwentwater only just rises above zero in July! No bother.. off to Lanza tomorrow for a week of sunshine and a battery recharge, return for the circuit of Ingleborough time trial on March 14th! Bring on the season! p.s. www.rttc.org.uk come over to the dark side..

Here endeth theenduranceblog..