30/11/2007

The last month has been hectic. I decided to quit my job at BT at the end of October, and November has just been a blur of handovers and training courses. I've done the hard work for the gym instructor qualification and all that remains now is a 60 minute practical exam in a few weeks time. I've also been researching the various courses that I would like to do in order to improve my knowledge both as an athlete and a coach. I have to say though that there is no looking back. My job is to go out every day and train. Its a dream come true.

I've just completed my first week as a fulltime athlete, and its been a good one! I am a bit adverse to using the term pro triathlete as it conjurs up all sorts of images of a sub 8:30 IM finish! The one thing that I have noticed is that although I now have unlimited time to train, its not currently an advantage. I have so far logged about 20 hours for the 5 days of this week and my legs are burning! I am very aware that I cannot afford to get injured through pushing too hard too soon, so its going to be a case of listening very carefully to my body as I increase the volume through to IM Germany.

Outside of all this, well Christmas is on the way. I have to say that I am a bit of a scrooge when it comes to the festive season. I used to look forward to it as it meant a month or so of little/no work, but of course this year I've not got to worry about the 9-5! Ah well, hopefully at the very least some of my training partners will have some holiday and I can get some company whilst shivering round the Surrey hills.

Stay safe out there and happy training!

Mike