As the new year settles in and normalcy returns to the cosmos. I am back home after 9 days in Hong Kong with my family. There are 5 weeks of training left before the first obstacle race of the year, the Spartan Suncorp Stadium Sprint. I feel ready and excited!
My coach kept me accountable using online communication while abroad and provided possibly the best away training plan EVER. My parents helped me consolidate my training without distraction, training with me on the hills and accompanying me for some of the more intense strength circuits.
One morning Dad and I completed a pitch black 5am muddy trail before Mum accompanied me down to the park for conditioning work. In the cold and pouring rain still wearing her pyjamas under her jacket to protest the early morning. “I’m only doing this because I love you” she said as I placed her umbrella atop the monkey bars creating a makeshift shelter before diligently becoming my coach for the morning, just before we started she said “this is shit!”. Reading cues out of my program to keep the workload flowing along with statements of encouragement. When I told her it was a bonding moment she quickly said “No its pure mothers love”. I really have awesome parents!
Last friday's obstacle circuit was brutal, fatigue set in hard but everything felt strong despite some serious yelling. Training has ramped up, my coach is relishing the use of burpees as preparation for the unknown. Monday evening's training was another screamer, with no breath left I was determined to chase down a push bike which I seletected at random on my way home, I didn't get close but my final kilometre was the fastest of the day. Tuesday's strength training was a slow paced controlled series of balanced flowing movements intertwined with boxing drills finished of with a race against myself it was awesome.
Training over the next five weeks has me excited. Progress is beginning to show and I know that come race day all that will be left to do is enjoy the run!
