I’m back in Mt Maunganui for a few days before heading south for Christmas. With no TV commitments, it’s been great to put in some serious work on the course in the last few days. On Monday, I had a 4 hour ride and a 2 hour run, Tuesday was a 2 hour ride and then – after a rest – a 1 hour swim.
Today I did a good “brick” session ie putting disciplines on top of each other. I started with a swim up and down the harbour, and with a cruise ship in port, it was great to use that as a reference point for the trip up. On the way back I had first hand experience again of the strong currents that can get you in Pilot Bay. At one stage as I was swimming past a moored boat, I felt as if I was literally going nowhere. But I finally got some momentum and finished the return trip to the Mount end of the bay. Then it was a quick run/jog back to our apartment, off with the wetsuit, on with the cycle gear and out for a lap of the bike circuit. Total distance was 44 km and the return leg was tough going into the wind. But it was a good trip out to Papamoa with a big breeze up my bottom and with my new aero bars – thanks Jon Hume – I was able to get up to 40kph in some places.
When I got back, it was straight into the running shoes and a 60 minute run along the Pilot Bay foreshore and back, then around the Mount, along the foreshore again and back to the Towers on Marine Parade. So a good session and I felt really good at the end of it. I think the key was eating well during the bike, and drinking plenty between the swim and bike when I scoffed pretty much a whole bottle of Powerade.
Today I also entered the Lake Hayes triathlon next Monday, December 27. It’s pretty short – 750m, 20km and 5km – but it will be a good competitive experience which I’m really looking forward to. Thanks to John Knight at Outside Sports for the use of a bike for the event.
Tomorrow I have another big ride/run day planned, but the best part I reckon will be the appointment at the massage therapist !
Only 2 weeks and 2 days to go. I’m feeling pretty good. Maybe I could even break 7 hours on January 8th.
Hi Peter
Your blog has been an inspiration. I completed my first half in Taupo a few weeks back. Loved it. I was near the back coming out of the swim but at least I didn’t gave to hunt too hard to find my bike!! Keep up the great work, you’re just about finished all hard work. The race is the ‘easy’ bit.
Thought you might like to have a read of a website a mate and myself set up. Your training values and attitude are very similar to ours and what we ‘preach’ http://www.5thdiscipline.co.nz
Keep smiling out there and do have some time off over the festive period.
Hi Peter
I agree too , you are inspiring . I too completed my first half ironman at Taupo a few weeks back and was towards the back of the field . It was great to finish and complete the goal that I had set. Yes it is so important the nutrition too , makes all the differnce.Good luck with Lake Hayes and all the best for the Half , you’ve done lots of training so you’ll be fine