years and have actually taken on the 4-day Challenge before, in 2009. But whereas back then I arrived in Cyprus bursting with enthusiasm and fresh from a 10K PB and my first ever half-marathon, things are a little different this time. After damaging a
in the pool searching for the vaguest remnants of my swimming muscle memory. I've drawn up a plan with 3-4 sessions a week, regular swims of 1000-1500m interspersed with shorter sprints and drills.Deep breath - it's going to be a busy couple of months!
heavy in my legs. If that wasn't the perfect finish to my Cyprus Challenge, a clanging sign of how much I can get back out of the training I put in - and motivation to keep running - I don't know what is.Time: 1:11:59Pace: 11:41/milePosition: 339/343
last time, a total shock to the system for someone used to flat road races. This time, I'm slower - but wiser.Time: 37:36Pace: 10:07 m/mPosition: 331/365
and noisy crowds and presided over by an ancient, bemused Orthodox priest. Absolutely worth the uphill slog to reach it.Time: 1:44:56Pace: 15:22/mile (look, it was REALLY steep)Position: 330/334
of charging up those climbs and running all the way. Saturday's race was the perfect motivation to get that fitness back - and a reminder of the rewards of doing so.Time: 2:49:23Pace: 12:50/milePosition: 331/334
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, that it was easier to push more water past me. My legs being more buoyant meant I had a better position in the water.After Hyde Park, I've got one other open water swimming event this season - a 1500m river swim in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. I'm nervous about doubling
in August (750m at the Hyde Park Triathlon Relay with the rest of Team TW, then 1500m at the Marlow Swim)- Two 10Ks in July- An autumn half-marathon (I am dithering between Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham - advice appreciated!)- The epic Cyprus International
'll be a different one every day) and pop it onto a competition entry card to be in with a chance of winning one of the 10 pairs of Kinvara 3s given away each day. Visiting the Runner's World stand? We'll have the cards there on Stand 148 too.If you miss
