Victory, Constitution and Napoleon: England "Training Camp"

Depending on your definition of the term 'Training Camp', this past week was spent 'training' in the Chiltern Hills of England. The very same roads that constituted portions of last September iron distance race, Challenge Henley.

The last 12 days have constituted the longest stretch of training spent purely on the road - 7 days bouncing around the dynamic weathered USA, then 5 days in the gloriously predictable British weather. During these 12 days, amongst others, swim training has been achieved in a salt water pool in Green Bay, Wisconsin, 2 hour bike training on a spin bike in Washington DC and running and biking in the English countryside. A truly dynamic set of training environments.

It was a bit rag tag, but almost 90% of the training plan was accomplished. Not bad considering it was road training the whole way. It will be nice to get back on "my boy blue" and play with the great ssoftware that is Trainer Road. That said, however, it was a good confidence booster for the weeks to come, languishing in foreign pools and on foreign roads.

The foot has been behaving like a cranky old man. Complaining in the morning, during the first steps of the day. Gradually warming up as the day progresses, only to ache all over the next day. The running has been reduced, continually being replaced with extra bikes and swims. If this doesn't sort itself out soon, then perhaps further steps in rehab would be a wise move.

As you can see, it was hard to resist getting out the door during my time in the countryside. Having grown up on the roads, the familiarity is magnetic and drives me outside, either on foot or on my Dad's trusty steed of a mountain bike. As much as I grumbled about having to ride a mountain bike at first, it truly has won me over on the bumpy wet roads that make up the area of my youth.

Said Trusty steed

The run around the roads that brought you some Hollywood productions was too much to resist, albeit a little ill advised, as my right foot realized the next morning. Worth every minute though!

Band of Brothers Jetlag run

Lonely Spin: Two Hours of spin psychological torture!

It was great to return after every ride or run to some wonderful home cooked food and the relaxation of a spring break holiday, walking to the local pub as much as possible for some "recovery juice". Just the job. Lovely!

The first base weeks are almost behind me. The cycle will reset itself and step it up soon. Better get the foot in shape before then. Nice to be home for a handful of days before heading back out for some more road training. Enjoy the pics..

Good luck to us all!