The Early Bird.....

Here we are, at the beginning of week eight, and I guess now we can call all the sessions, rest, work, and fun something of a routine, not 'routine' in a negative sense, but a structured routine. What I have noticed most is that scheduling and completing training sessions in the morning prior to work does wonders for my energy level, which seems to sustain me through the day. I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who's work doesn't get them super primed all the time - though who wouldn't love a job like that, so the idea that my training helps drive my mood and energy level makes it all the more appealing - especially at 5a.m., when it's dark, and I'm reticent to leave the warmth of the covers.

The only one that is a bit of a pain is the Monday morning swim, which requires forethought on the wardrobe front - not my strong suit, a car ride, and then a 'lovely' shower at the Rec Centre. Blech.  Not exactly my idea of a fabulous start to the week. Tack on getting stuck in traffic on the way home afterward, and voila..... 'wrong side of the bed without caffeine' scale irritability. Now, the nice thing about that Monday morning swim is that no one talks to you, so there aren't any run ins with any random 'Super Swim Coach' types, instead, everyone just gets in, grinds it out, and hits the showers. In some ways, those mornings make me want to chop off my hair, to shave precious moments off the prep time, so I can get home and not have to hoover my cereal as I put on mascara, feed the dog and do up my boots. But, in the name of vanity, I have so far vowed to keep my long hair, which is honestly so much easier from a styling point of view.... regardless of how long it takes to dry.

Doing sessions in the morning also allows me an hour or two on my own to get my head together, before the other creatures begin stirring in our house. My husband is a night owl, so he catches some extra winks while I'm in the basement, and then we're on the same wave length by the time we both sit down for breakfast and coffee to hash out the day. Everybody wins. At the moment, I allow myself Fridays as complete rest days, meaning I sleep until 7a.m., which while a treat at the time, results in a very tired me by about 1:30 p.m., so I'm still figuring that one out.

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed some changes in my level of fatigue, which I initially attributed to picking up a bug that has been making it's way through our family. And then I started to have some weird dreams, and when that happens I always find that I wake up more tired than I was when I went to bed.... maybe it was the creative juices telling me that I was once again late with a post..... or maybe it was because I'd had dairy before bed.... Anyway, the point is, I've noticed it, and am taking steps to ensure the bod gets what it needs in terms of rest.

Training wise, it's been a productive time, I had been experiencing some discomfort in my right leg while running, especially during faster pieces, but with a stronger focus on the stretch, and some massage, it seems to be on it's way to normal. 

Two swims, at least two rides (including two hours with the Cast Iron gang on Saturday), weights and three runs yet to come this week, follow me on Twitter - @nicolesdski -  for details/dirt on those workouts.

Have a great week. Let's enjoy what's left of February, clear roads are in our future!