I am now well and truly back into some good training. Having just finished a solid 3 week block, I am looking forward to a slightly easier week next week. Today I was lucky to get to ride with up and coming superstar triathlete Aaron Harris. We headed out for a nice 100km ride in sub zero temps. But, the sun was shining, the roads were quiet, and even the drivers on the roads seemed to be in a good mood, sharing the roads with us beautifully. I have to say it is SOOOOOO nice to be riding my superlight pro carbon Planet X road bike. Having ridden a time trial bike for most of the year last year, it is nice to be able to head out for some winter miles on a road bike. I look forward also to doing a few drafting races on this beauty later in the year. I hear that British elite national champs maybe held at the same venue in Wales....so who knows I may even drop in there.
The only real downside to enjoying my Planet X road bike, is that it is preventing me heading out on my On-One mountain bikes. I really need to get out on them as I have some exciting "testing to do". Worst case scenario I will be out in Mid Feb, as it looks like I will be catching up with soon to be Xterra world dominator, Sammy G for a trip to Afan in Wales. Who knows we may even check out the course for this year’s Xterra. And of course this would be a perfect place to test out which is faster - the 29'er or the 26’er!
My plans for a warm weather training camp are also coming together nicely. I will be heading to Lanzarote for 3 weeks in March, and will have various people joining me at different times to no doubt kick me around a bit. I have always been a huge fan of training over there. The riding is typically hard, as the wind can be relentless. I also find that March is often a good time to get away, as we tend to start expecting the weather to get better around then.....but more often than not it snows!
Also on the plan I have a short trip to Italy to meet with the Planet X/S2 clothing dude. Planet X is keen to develop some women's specific kit for this year, to go alongside Spencer Smith’s very own clothing line S2. Top of my list is some fast-ass racekit. Having decided to stick to Olympic distance, and 70.3's again this year, fast is a priority for me.
And lastly and on a very sad note (for me) is the news that the coach here in Bath, Chris Volley, has accepted a coaching position with Triathlon Scotland in Stirling. Chris has been a fantastic coach/mentor to me over the last few years, and he will be truly missed. I have no doubt in my mind however that we will stay in touch, and I will keep harassing him for advice, and he will continue to not pick up the phone when he sees my name! I wish you all the best with the new job and the move Chris.