Training for IM China (the race that is dubbed as “diabolically hot and humid”) in Victoria, Canada you say???  I know, Victoria might be providing a climate that is far different from what I will experience on race day but sometimes fate lands you in places you had not expected – so here I am at the end of my second week of training the biggest volume I have ever done in consecutive weeks (more about that in a moment.)  As for acclimitization, I’ll be heading to China a couple of weeks early and that will just have to be enough this time around.

Arizona was the first option this year as a base training camp, but with the offer to housesit in Victoria for friends (and save $$$) while still being able to train big miles on the road…was just too good to pass up. Victoria is a bit of ‘hit and miss’ largely the ‘miss’ aspect pertaining to weather.  Those of you who know Victoria know that it is a beautiful place, but can be cursed (I say cursed because I’m not a rubber boots and umbrella fan) with predominantly grey skies and rain.  (Although I will say that this time around has been not too bad at all – a fair number of sunny days!)

Anyways, this was the ‘start’ of the new year and from here things have been rolling really quickly towards China.  Once January rolled around it was time to organize a training camp for some big volume training and like I said before, Victoria came up as the 2010 pick of the lot!  So, a few weeks ago I packed my bags and headed down here.  Sam and Jamie (people I am housesitting for) live in a super great place that is smack in the middle of the Commonwealth Pool and  Cordova Bay (with a view to match!!!)  Not shabby.  Beyond that though…in the evening after training myself silly I have become quite adept at watching episode after episode of The Office (BBC Version.)  I had heard this was a good one, but I had no idea just HOW good.  A long/hard training day can easily be washed away with howling laughter at the antics of Gareth Keenan and Dave the Boss.  Okay, if you have not yet seen this show…do it now…don’t waste any more time….you just can’t believe how funny it is – and if you have – then you know why I am spending so much time writing about this!!!

Okay, as for training…. the first few days of training had me working some of the cobwebs out.  I had spent SO many hours on the trainer (which has been great as I think trainers -and treadmills – are super training tools) but riding on the road feels different so it took a small adjustment period….which copious repeats of the Observatory seemed to take care of nicely!  I love that climb!!!  And I definintely can’t possibly explain how good it feels to run pain-free again after my injury this fall.  Nice, nice, nice.  I had also forgotten just how many amazing athletes there are here in Victoria….everytime I turn around there are record breakers, Olympic medalists, world champions…you name it – which is a constant reminder to continue to strive to up your game…so yah….train hard!!!!

After about 4 days of being here I came down with a solid cold/bug of some sort which I was able to train through as it never got really bad.  Instead Scott just had me lower the intensity of my training, but keep the volume.  ”Just keep rolling with it” he has said to me about 100 times since being here:-)  Regardless though with this big increase in training volume and fighting off a cold at the same time, my heart rate has settled nicely in at 10-15 beats below normal.  As Scott has told me, it’s not going to change until I get a bout of recovery – which you’re not getting yet – he keeps telling me:-)  Now, instead of focusing in on my  heart rate monitor (Thanks, Timex!) for workouts, I need to really trust my body and my intuition, since my heart rate is not giving me useful information right now.  This has been challenging – but a great learning experience too.  I always use perceived exertion, but also very much alongside heart rate as a back up…now with just perceived exertion it forces me to listen more closely…which is important training in and of itself!

Anyways, I guess to make a long story short…my season has begun.  The travelling has begun, the hard training has begun, 2010 sponsorships has been confirmed (more on this on my next blog)…and the racing is right around the corner.  Now….here’s to a sunny day today for my 5 hour ride and 1 hr. t-run.  Come on sun……..I know you’re out there!