Day 8 & 9................More Riding......................

The weekend has been filled with low level riding to keep stock piling the miles in the legs while spending time in the saddle. This is designed to keep the same muscle groups working at low intensity so that the base foundation remains in place ready for a step up in both distance and intensity. Today is all about running and a nice staedy hour before another big ride tomorrow. Up at 4am for another mammoth ride.............................details to follow post ride.................

Day 7 - All About Riding..................

It has to be said that riding steady and riding through the night until 3am is just so enjoyable. It will be the same again tonight and through to Sunday morning! There will also be a run involved albeit a shorter faster one. Fitness and endurance this year are the key to everything. There are no limits this year and how you train for Decaman? Nobody knows........................

Day 5 - Time To Reflect On Yesterday...............

It was a fine endurance run but already I want more. Today was a relaxed bit of riding just to ease the legs back to normality. I am already planning extending the weekly run to 25 - 30 miles next week. Some long rides over the weekend will be ideal preparation so its now time to get back on the bike! Decaman is always in my thoughts every single day...................

Day 4 - Going The Distance Run 1........

Having finished work it was an ambitious move to run home but if you remove the option then the show must go on! A cross country start then a fantastic run on quiet rural roads in complete darkness. My favourite conditions with a mixture of cold, a tail wind and patches of fine rain. 23 miles later and I arrived home having got it right. Almost a marathon with a low average HR of 139 BPM I steered well clear of the infamous wall and cruised all the way. Its easy to fall in love with ultra running, solitude and a mind free of everything else. The running journey has begun............................

Day 3 - Rest Day Early

Today is a rest day in preparation for tomorrow that will prove to be emotional! After a good fast session on the bike yesterday tomorrow will be a 22 mile run back from Haverhill after work. The route is on quiet country roads and pretty undulating. This run is all about pure endurance and time on my feet. I will think about my favourite phrase by Winston Churchill "When your going through HELL keep going" Details to follow tomorrow post run................................I anticipate pain and suffering.......

Day 2 - Red Line Fever..........

On the bike and the comfort blanket has been thrown away. Interval training at 90% of maximum heart rate. The red line is that target area where life becomes slightly uncomfortable and distinctly unpleasant. Riding under pressure where the lungs are burning and the brain repeatedly crying out to ease up. I made a conscious decision  that 2012 was not going to be easy! Believe me it won't be. February 4th brings the first ultra run to start the year. 32.5 cross country miles..............."Pain is inevitable" "Suffering is optional..............Live it............

Day 1 - A New Year Riding On Dark Roads

It has to be said that getting up at 4am was not an easy thing to do but boy was it worth it. Off to Harlow for a 5.30am drop off ready to ride my favourite route. The roads were dark, silent and empty. Riding the central white line in warm conditions it was pretty much perfect. As I approached Haverhill the sky the first day of the year was just beginning. A delightful 50 mile ride where the mind is free to think about the mlong and tough journey to Mexico later in the year!! DECA is coming..............