As Autumn starts to set in throughout the UK, the weather becomes a little more inclement. There is no ice, no snow... just a bit breezy and damp!
A wise, Kindley man once, told me that there isn't bad weather, just a poor choice of clothing. This was on a day when five of us rode over the moors of Northumberland with a dusting of snow. Biggest issue that day was not staying upright or the stiff chilly breeze... it was the snow clogging up the cassette on the rear wheel. This made the bike a two speed... big ring or little ring!
I do remember my lungs being seared due to the cold (which actually felt cleansing) and my thighs screaming at the pace of the ride. I vaguely recall my cap (under the helmet) being tilted at a jaunty angle to keep the sleet out of my eyes (glasses fog up when really cold!).
Recently, I got a text from an athlete, who shall remain nameless, saying they were not coming to swimming as the weather was too bad.
Now I grant you, it was raining (a bit), it was a bit chilly... but... the pool was a heated. The pool was INDOORS.
Conclusion: athletes who think like this, will need to develop their mental strength to achieve their goals!
Last Sunday was a bit 'mizzley' (Misty / Drizzle). It was one of the most fun rides I have had for a while... I actually miss the bad weather, makes you appreciate the good stuff. Apart from two or three 5 min downpours, it really wasn't that bad. Ok, I had to squeeze my gloves out a couple of times and wished I had worn my sunglasses when that contact lens got washed out of my eye, but other than that it was a right laugh. A good solid ride, on quiet roads. None of us rode too hard, we chatted, we laughed and we rode.
Looking for an endurance coach?
Daley Thompson, former olympic gold medalist decathlete, used to make a point of training on Christmas Day. Why? Because he believed that by doing so, he was doing something the rest of his rivals were not and that gave him an advantage.
So I challenge you now.
Get an advantage over your rivals... or just challenge yourself to be stronger. During the winter... keep those sessions going, you will reap the benefits come race season. Don't take the easy path of not training... its a much tougher path to get fit again. As long as it is safe to do so, put on the right clothes, put your lights on your bike, and run or ride.
Seriously, it can be invigorating. Oh and you have the chance to jump in muddy puddles!
As for getting to swimming (in an indoor heated pool)...
Paul Jones is a British Triathlon Federation Level 3 Coach and a Triathlon Australia Performance Coach.
He is also an IRONMAN Certified Coach and a Level 2 Training Peaks Coach. F4L Triathlon Coaching offers triathletes and other endurance athletes a full coaching and training service that caters to all levels of triathletes. F4L offers professional triathlon and endurance coaching and the reliability triathletes and endurance athletes require. Each athlete is an individual, every athlete has different needs.
