I’m officially marathon training again (WTF!), Paris Marathon 2018, I’m comin’ for ya.
I know, I know… I did nothing but moan about the last one (until race day – where I actually kinda enjoyed myself – shhh, don’t tell anyone!) but I have loads more time to prepare for this one, plus it’s in Paris, PLUS I’m feeling a fairly hefty mindset shift coming along and I’m determined to enjoy the process this time, otherwise what’s the point?
I’m not trying to be all maudlin it’s just that I’ve been a bit lazy this past year and I’ve spent way too much time ‘in my own head’, which generally speaking, is a pretty terrible idea. Anyway, I finally feel like I can see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel, my motivation is sneaking back in and energy levels are rising, which is a welcome relief, let me tell you!!
So, Paris marathon is happening on the 8th of April, just a few days before my birthday, and it will be my first race of the season.
In May we’ll head off to Italy for two weeks triathlon training camp, as we do every year and then I’m soooo tempted by the Etape du Tour on the 8th July (maybe the 8th will be my lucky racing day of 2018!), anyone ridden it? I know it’s brutal and honestly, I’m no mountain goat, but it does provide a second stellar opportunity for me to push outside my comfort zone – all before we hit the years halfway point!
Another little goal I have is to work on my track cycling and become an accredited rider, meaning that I can enter races and whatnot. I tried track cycling whilst at the UCI earlier this year with The Sufferfest and I loved it, it’s slightly terrifying but so awesome!! Basically the faster I can go on two wheels, the better! The bigger part of that goal is obviously to win some races but, that’s a long way from where I’m currently at now. Goals are supposed to be big and scary, right? It’s not a goal worth having if there’s no chance of failure.
I know I need to work on my consistency – it really is everything. Honestly, it’s been a bit of a joke recently but I can’t keep being annoyed at the idea of me not reaching my potential, whilst not actually doing anything about it! Feeling really grateful and excited to have the team at LIV supporting me this year and encouraging me to push my own boundaries with madcap ideas like the Etape, sometimes we all need someone to give us a little push in the right direction, right?
I’m not waiting until 2018 to kick things off, I’ve already started! I’m still only running teeny amounts but I’m back on the bike and sort-of back in the pool… Having a mare with allergies at the mo but I’m thinking and hoping that I’ve found a solution in Neti Pots (basically a douche for your nasal passage – lolz), keep everything crossed it works, please? Training wise, this is a winning combo for me and I’m excited to filter in the running as I get fitter. Weirdly I’m actually kinda pumped about running in the cold, there’s something so refreshing about it! No? Just me?! To help with the weekly long rides, I also plan on entering as many sportives as possible, they’re relatively cheap to enter and a great source of long ride motivation, especially when you’re directionally challenged! (Markers at every possible turn is just the dream!)
Love love love this! But alas, I struggle with the consistency too! Massive struggle! I love how you are so determined, I really could learn so much from you! x