8 weeks to go!

Well the end of my test and recovery week concluded with this mornings ride and brick run. I was able to join my mates at Runners World (a few were not there today) for a good solid hit out. The schedule called for 3:30hr ride and a short 15min brick run. I got going early and did about 40min before heading off with the crew for Circuit #1. It was good for the ego to ride with these guys again. Seeing how I have been doing heaps more training than them, I am a bit fitter and stronger at this point than most. So I was able to do all the work at the front and was easily able to pull away on the hills. It doesn't say that much, but it was a another small way to see that I am improving a bit - as these guys were the old benchmark. I also got 3 or 4 comments about looking very fit! Must have been the new Cervelo test team kit I was wearing. Compliments are always welcome anyway!

We had a pretty good ride and made some sections nice and fast. Coming up the coast from Port Beach to Cott was probably ridden at an avg of 45km/h, peaking at 50+ with a nice little tail wind. Every time I put the hammer down I dropped the bunch. Again, that is not saying a heck of a lot... We were going to get back to the coffee shop too early so I convinced the remnants of the bunch that instead of turning right onto Mounts Bay Rd, we should go left and through Kings Park. A few people grumbled but the last 5 standing all did it with me. Big Greg was hurting a bit, as he has hardly ridden since busting his shoulder at the Busso HIM in May. My name was mud though. I think he was thinking very uncomplimentary thoughts about me as he struggled up the hills of Kings Park. He said he was nearly spewing (literally). That is impressive. I would have slowed right down if I was in his shoes. He is a tough customer and knows how to hurt. Ex-rower. They can push themselves pretty damn hard. Anyway, I went back to give him some moral support, as he was approaching Frasers and we rode into the coffee shop together. It was the least I could do, as I was feeling a tad guilty. It was nice to have a relaxing brekkie and an (average) cup of coffee again. It had been ages. A good bunch of people are the RW crew.

I then spun home and did a short 3km brick run. Felt pretty good after such a 'light' week. The next 3 weeks are going to be HUGE. About 60 hours of training to do, including my BTW (Big Tri Week) where I do nothing much else besides train and eat and sleep for 4 days over one long weekend.

IM world championships are on tomorrow morning Perth time, from Kona. Can't wait to see how the Aussies fare. We are a good chance to have multiple podium finishes I reckon, in both men and women. My tip is for Macca to win (redemption 4 last year) and Chrissie Wellington to make it a 3-peat.

This time in exactly 8 weeks I should be well past half way through the marathon leg of IMWA (hopefully) and on the homeward stretch. I can hardly wait!