Changing Gears

Active Living Active Living
Aug 25, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Sep 29, 2024

This week is all about Changing gears.

Training gets divided into training cycles and these cycles can get divided into smaller sections that gets called meso cycles.

To explain it a bit further, normally an athlete has what we call a "A" race or races that they are preparing for, their annual training gets build around that.

In the meso cycles smaller B and C races gets planned to basically have mini peak periods to see if the training is working, is there things you need to change.

This week see's one of my C' events. Namely the Triathlon on Saturday, For me its a C event, not much taper, but I am going to slow down a tad towards the end of the week to give my body a chance to do the best it can do.

I am also changing gears with my strength program, with new exercises that I am bringing in post injury that I can do again.

Although you all reading this it might sound like this takes up my whole day. BUT this is actually just about 90mins of my day at a time, I do actually do some proper work too during the day haha

What did I get up to this week

Run 3

Cycle 2

Strength 3

Mobility 1

Swim 2

Walk 2

MONDAY -

This Morning was the normal strength set - I started a new block of strength training. Some new movements that will be introduced and also some oldies but goodies be re introduced after the quad injury

This afternoon we had a glorious sunny run, enjoyed a few hill intervals until something disturbed a swarm of bee's and we made our way out of there and decided to give them their space.

I am allergic to bee's so I choose to stay out of their way. But all in all a good session with a few hills and then our dreaded stairs at the end. Legs felt a bit heavy at the start, but less than expected. Since this was my 3rd day of running/hiking in a row I was expecting sore, un movable legs. ANYTHING BUT!!!

Really happy with the adaptions that happened, so far! watch this space!

TUESDAY - Today was HARD - Not only did I have a huge headache (Self inflicted) motivation was low due to it.

Today was also a solo training day and that didn't help. I know that nobody is going to do my training for me. so I got it done.

Lets start with the headache - As you know from my story on the website , I have a gluten sensitivity, and if you have followed along with my weekly blog here, my ability to say no to sweets is also low ;-).

There is the reason - I couldn't say no to some lovely birthday cake a neighbour brought, obviously not gluten free and here I am. Borderline migraine stuff, along with low energy and focus. Luckily I also know that it lasts about 24hours, once its out of my system. I am ok again.

Training wise what happened today. Bike ride with a couple of watt based power intervals, and then the normal Tuesday strength and stretch session. For the Bike ride I did lessen the intervals but kept the intensity of the ones I did as planned, due to the headache.

Strength sets were done as planned, just reduced the weight load, to make it a bit easier on the body.

I also managed a 15min Sauna session that normally also helps to get the gluten affects out of my body.

Wednesday - Contrary to popular belief I actually DO Listen to my body when it says NO...Some days LOL. I woke up this morning not shaken the migraine and decided to take it easy today. So I did, the aim was just steps, I started well and then I aborted the mission and only did 1 Km LOL. Too much mud and the wrong shoes . hahaha one would think this trail runner knows better.

Was still a stunning day out and the bit of fresh air made the day better. Tomorrow we carry on!

THURSDAY - Very much a suffer session today. Hahaha.

Did a 20 min Stair master session followed by heavy lifting sessions.

Progression wins all over on this workout. Aimed for 15kg bar for the workout and then just increasing and decreasing reps for intensity. Didn't read properly and picked up a 20kg bar.

Was able to do the planned workout with the 20 bar - Very happy with this.

My squats are becoming more smooth and I am becoming stronger, with the upward phase. Which is an essential phase for a strong squat.

The other win was, I hit a Load PB with the strict shoulder press. So overall very happy.

FRIDAY - Tomorrow I have Race day - so today was a general resting day and easy movement

Nice Easy Swim, some breathing work and then a walk for some Vit D and good conversation. Now its time to focus on tomorrow and get this goal ticked off.

SATURDAY - ITS RACE DAY - Full Race report with some pictures !

I can tell you all that it was a wonderful day out, and I really enjoyed myself and surprized myself that I could go at that intensity for that long.

But More in my race report to follow soon.

TRAIL SUNDAY - I should actually call this MUD Sunday, Oh my gosh, with the recent rain and constant rain for the winter this year, here in Cape Town our trails are incredibly wet. AND GOSH....that is what we had to deal with today.

Although it was only a hike - Zone 1 Heart rate stuff for me. I was COVERED in mud. The shoe picture was after I washed them in the river.

Again Good for the soul to be out there. If you are wondering about the last picture. An old running friend came with and he managed to loos BOTH his shoe soles. Yes he ran those shoes till they fell apart.