Off season 2012

[marathondan]

OK, bit of a change of plan.

November was going very well - three short runs per week being logged, the ideal return from six months of very little running, and ready to gently step up a gear. Then various stuff happened, and suddenly there were three blank weeks on the spreadsheet. Also I went for a beer with an old mate who completed his first half ironman this summer (at the second attempt, and he's notably more athletic than me). The thought re-occurred to me that I'm never going to manage a debut triathlon and a marathon in the same year. It may not sound a big ask, but I just don't have the time, or frankly the will. I'd need to work on both my swimming and my cycling, and I can't do that on top of marathon training. Post-marathon I just like to chill for a month or two, AND even if I did said brushing-up, it would be too late for the open-water swimming season, and the skills would languish until the following summer. When I would again be in post-marathon chill mode.

So there's only one thing for it - drop the marathon this year and do an Olympic distance tri instead. Olympic distance (1500m + 40K + 10K) is enough of a challenge to make up for the lost marathon I think. I've set myself the arbritary goal of completing a half ironman (1900m + 90K + 21.1K) by 2016. I may decide that I don't want to do that after all, but I won't know unless I try this. I'm not even sure I like the idea. But it's one of those nagging challenges (you know, like running a marathon dressed as a gorilla) that won't go away until I at least try it.

So, swim lessons are booked at the local pool from January. Over the Xmas break I'll dust off the rusty steed. The training will be simple. Speed will not be the goal. Less is more, even in multi-sport.

Meanwhile, I do have a run to report. I'm catching a bit of winter sun in Sharjah again (Dubai's less brash, and alcohol-free, neighbour). With nothing much to do except eat and work, I managed my traditional 4 miles around the Khalid lagoon. This was the first time I'd tried the high cadence on a hard surface, and it felt very good. However, even with the evening air in the low 20s, I shamefully barely broke sweat, indicating either that I'm retaining a remarkable level of marathon fitness, or that this new form is causing me to run a lot slower. Still haven't used a stopwatch to find out yet.

Anyway, I have no need to run further than 10K for the next year! Which is slightly sad. Might have to throw in the odd crafty Half to compensate.