2018 – A good start and introducing a watt bike (@cycle_specific)

The end of 2017 was a bit slow fitness wise, but something clicked on boxing day and I put my running shoes back on and decided to start 2018 with a bang. It took a few runs to get back into the rhythm but I found myself enjoying it again and as we reach the end of January, I’m still enjoying it and seem to be improving.

I’m putting the improvement down to a new aspect of my weekly training. This new part of the routine comes in the shape of watt bike sessions at Cycle Specific in CrossHands. (http://www.cyclespecific.co.uk/).

Once a week I venture to their watt bike studio and sit on a watt bike for over an hour whilst one of the instructors lead us through a cycling routine. It’s tough, but it has been a breath of fresh air and a change from the rigid running plan which I use (I’m slightly OCD about my plan).

My first session was the induction. I was asked by Coach Alex what my targets were? Why was I there? Here they are:

  • Improve my stamina as a runner
  • Train for my first triathlon
  • Lose a bit of poundage (weight around the tummy)

He seemed to think they were easy enough targets and was adamant that training at Cycle Specific would make a difference. I haven’t looked back since.

So is this new type of training making any difference? I think so.

After three sessions I feel my running is getting stronger. Yesterday I ran a 5k at an average of 8:55 min/mile!! I’ve not run that fast in a long time. I also feel my mind set is different as I push through pain and aches when tiring on a run. I don’t feel as if I am losing any weight or getting slimmer – but I do feel stronger.

Who knows whether I will continue to improve. I’m never going to win races, but I’ll enjoy the training whilst I can.

2018 plans so far….

  • 17th February 2018 – Hoka Trail Half Marathon
  • 29th April 2018 – ABP Newport Wales Marathon (New addition)
  • 20th May 2018 – Swansea Triathlon
  •  24th June 2018 – Swansea Half Marathon
  •  7th October 2018 – Cardiff Half Marathon

#updated 29th January – Typos

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