Chapter 25 - Preparing for training camp....

Training it's all about the training..

I decided that Dry January was probably a good step in preparing for ETE training camp in February. www.elitetrainingexperience.com. Other than feeling smug around those with hangovers, I was expecting to feel revitalised, pure and raring to go.  But the first gathering I attended sober the following day I awoke with a crashing headache the beginning of a 2 week head cold.  So much for feeling revitalised.  I felt cheated.  But I am persevering. Surely my skin is now glowing ? Maybe not, because to congratulate myself on my abstinence from drinking my consumption of chocolate has gone up exponentially. The Ying and Yang of life. I need something to keep me positive.

Hamster on a Turbo Trainer

So with less than 2 weeks to go how has the training gone ? An impending training camp in February has certainly focussed my mind on getting out the door in the winter months.  I have been like a hamster on a wheel on my turbo trainer.  My energy levels have been low so I haven't managed as much running as I would have liked and there is a nagging pain on the underside of my foot which I rather fear is planty-fleshy-itus.  I probably need to google this and see what is the best course of action.  But my self diagnosis is don't go running for a bit - best stay indoors and eat medicinal chocolate. yum yum yum.

The sportswear sales have proved quite tempting - although in the belief that once training really gets under way I can squeeze into those smaller sizes that were on offer .....uhmmmm may be slightly deluded.  New trainers, new bike, a couple of cycling tops and new non-see through swimsuits. 

New Bike n+1

Yes very dignified now. Just need to sort my swimming shit out.  Have really tried to get that lazy left arm sorted but quite frankly it is still just flapping around slapping the water like a belly flopper- hopefully some coaching in Cyprus will sort me out.

So the bit I dread most about the camp was on reading the kit list.  "We advise that you pack light" I have never been known to pack light and the last camp I attended the man at the check in desk asked me if I was emigrating.  

Always pack light

This is going to take several re-packs.  At least at training camp you don't go out in the evening.  You don't go out because you are completely knackered ! in a good way but completely knackered! So lets hope the people are nice.  I've met some lovely people at training camp. Some of them I would even consider as friends!

Getting Prepped

Bike in bike box ready to go

Bike box booked - always terrifying putting your beloved bike in a bike box.  It usually turns up in the right place, but then I need to put it back together again - eeekkkkkk. Need to get on that bike mechanics course pronto.  Could this be my new vocation in life? Bike Engineer. After much wrestling with the pedals the bike was in the box ready to be shipped. Lets hope it fits in the back of my car. 

Legs waxed - check, toenails painted - check - you get the picture.  Bags all packed ready to go. Alarm set for 3.30am .....  Lets go ETE triathlon training camp !