As an accountant the first week of any new year is always very busy. This last week was also the beginning of increased triathlon training. I didn’t do much towards the end of last year, what with illness, holidays and illness again. The end of December and Xmas saw a restart to exercise at at easier level. But this last week – it really and truly kicked in.

On Monday I did a 45 minute run as the sun was setting. Although it was a slow run, I was up against the clock as I ran down by the canal without a head torch, needing to make it out onto the road before I lost the light. Here you can see some beautiful views at the start of my run.

On Tuesday I spent an hour doing intervals on the turbo. It’s been a while since I’ve done indoor cycling and I had forgotten how much sweating is involved. It was hard but you definitely get that post turbo glow.

Wednesday was my first double day. An early rise to get in the pool at 6am before work and another hour on the turbo after work.

Thursday was an easy day with a 30 minute run and a 45 minute workout with my PT. Wait. Did I say easy? Emma never lets me off easy. It was hard work but I am getting stronger all the time.

I didn’t sleep well all week so on Friday I ditched my 2200m early swim in favour of a lie in and some much needed rest. Sometimes you just have to listen to your body.

On Saturday I dragged myself out for a really slow hour of running. It was a really cold morning and I was out early enough to come across some slippy patches of frost in the first half. Thankfully it all warmed up for the second half and I really enjoyed skipping (sorry jogging) along the canal.

Later in the afternoon my husband took me to his gym where we worked out for 1.5 hours. Below I’m lifting 6kg dumbbells for a chest press in my first set. By the third I lifted two 8kg dumbbells. Always aiming for more. No risk of developing huge muscles though. Look at those skinny arms 😂.

Today I swapped a longer outdoor ride in favour of 1.5 hours on the turbo. It was cold out and I was also recovering from a night out with my husband. We went to see the movie ‘One life’, which I can highly recommend. We also had a few drinks before and after, which on reflection didn’t help with the sleeping pattern.

I’m still getting used to the increased volume of training but was pleased to follow a group on Zwift for their endurance ride. Apparently someone saw Mr Thomas at the front of the ride but since I was near the back I wouldn’t know.

Once I started wheel turning the noise disturbed the cats sleep and he was not impressed. Here he is wearing his favourite diva expression!