Training for an Ironman that is being held on the other side of the world during a UK winter is tough. People told me it would be tough but just like anything else, you can tell someone so much, it is not until they experience do they actually understand. I was warned.
All that being said, I have an amazing team of people around me from my coach, physio, sponsors, multiple Ironman athletes and great friends who understand all the training that goes into being prepared for a race of this nature. However that doesn't mean that I still I don't find it hard to do it all, work, study, socialise and of course train.
So during a conversation with my coach last week, it came up .... something along the lines of 'You are so close to a green week' and then it struck me that in the past couple of months I have missed a session here and there. I don't regret missing these sessions 'cause at the time I was tired, body was adjusting to increased load, and I wasn't eating enough of fear of putting on weight that I had lost which added to not having enough energy to train. I thought to myself, what a cool idea, I can set myself a weekly goal and that is simply to ensure to get a green week within my Trainingpeaks calender, taking away the overwhelming feeling that I might have 10, 11, or 15 sessions in a week. (very much a mental thing)
Now some of you, like my coach are probably thinking, 'Isn't Ironman Melbourne enough of a motivation?' and the answer is yes, BUT sometimes the big goal at the end which is still 5 months away can seem too much to digest for a first timer and also during a UK winter can be mentally tough.
So each week, is Project #GreenWeek. All this means is that each time I complete a session, it turns greens in my Trainingpeaks. Just a little bit more of a motivational activity for me to ensure I achieve my weekly goal.
Go Project #GreenWeek
Till next time
Smooches
x