Blog
Final Races of 2016
20th Aug 2016
I can't believe how fast this season has gone - it feels like I've only just reached race fitness - but already I'm gearing up for my last two events, Xterra Germany and Xterra Denmark!
Since getting back from the European Championships in early July, I'm pleased to say I've had my best block of training all year. It probably helped having an unprecedented 6 weeks in a row not travelling anywhere, not even for a weekend! Although I have been at work all this time, it means I have been able to get maximum training in at the weekends and Wednesdays (my day off) as well as most days before work or at lunchtimes - and I have still been able to recover.
After my shoulder and wrist injuries in the lead up to Europeans, it was time to upgrade to a decent turbo trainer while I couldn't ride the MTB. I also trialled a power meter for the first time - something I have always wanted to use, but put off due to the cost. But now with a season's consistent training behind me, coach Mark agreed it was the right time to invest - he is even more fascinated by looking at the "numbers" than I am! I'm probably in the minority of athletes that he coaches, as I actually love doing the FTP tests!
I am confident I have increased my bike power after all those turbo sessions (and actually it wasn't as bad as it sounded turbo-ing in the summer - it's good heat training and very efficient to fit around work!)
After the time off, I have enjoyed more than ever getting back on the MTB. I made some good progress in my technical sessions with Tom, barring one high speed crash into a stagnant pool of water! Urgh! Not only did this mean I had to actually wash my bike (dammit!) but ended up with some uncomfortable whiplash. Nothing physio Alex couldn't sort out though ;)
Even more surprisingly I have been setting swim PBs in the pool - despite pretty much 2 months out of it, or reduced to kick sets while I was trying to rest my shoulder. I have put a lot of work into swim technique with Mark but feel like I haven't been able to show it in a race yet...
As for running, I have been upping the long runs as well as the speed of the short ones, so dare I say all 3 disciplines are going well, and this is the first time I can go into my races feeling confident!
I don't know what will happen on the day, but I do know the fields will be strong as these are the last two "Gold" races on the Xterra European Tour. My only aim is to perform at my full potential which I haven't been able to do all year - finally I am excited to compete again!
Design © 2024 Louise Fox. Photography © Lukasz Warzecha