"If you always do what you always did, you always get what you always got (Anon)"

I heard that quote a long time ago and it had a profound effect on me.  I'd always run 5ks and never thought to go any further until one day I did.  And then it was a 10K and then a half marathon and low and behold I finally ran my first marathon.  It's so true you have to try different things in order to be different and you'll never know until you try (I think that's one of my Mums expressions thrown in there!)

So taking a bit of a chance I braced myself for a week of similar training; yoga, week-day runs, long run at the weekend and then a cycle out to Cambridge, only this time I thought I'll choose a different path.  Running was done on the treadmill (bit of a cop out but it was pouring down and I didnt have my wet weather gear) and my cycle to Cambridge took a different route.  Largely down to the fact that I was a bit last minute with my arrangements (see earlier comment about failing to prepare!).

Stopping off at Waltham Abbey I made straight headway to Furneux Pelham (I've got some photos to add in this time once I can find my camera lead!) so you can see the proof.  Continuing the theme of previous training sessions I pushed on to a favourite pub for a sarnie, chips and salad.  Then carried on through Langley and up to Fowlmere before thankfully spotting the XMiles to Cambridge mark on my way in.   It was a beautiful day for a bike ride and my spirits were high.  The only dampner was a nagging knee pain...

I had been hearing a clicking sound for a few miles and I didnt know whether it was my pedal or my knee!! Both were in a bad way!  So I cycled through it for the last few miles to get me to the station and headed home for a bath and an ice pack - I am booked in for a sports massage PDQ and my bike is being treated to a lovely service at the bike shop too!  We will be on the mend in no time.

Top tips

Recovery - I have found through all these training sessions.  Fueling has been a) a focus to keep my mind occupied but also b) essential to ensure endurance through the long sessions.  To prevent fatigue and to help muscle repair you have to take on enough fuel.  For post runs/cycles I go for a quick snack (banana or cereal or sandwich ) and a recovery (protein) drink then plan a post event meal.  Something again high protein; eggs, fish, lentils are all good.  (maybe not all together though!)

Snacking regularly throughout the day is another way to fight off fatigue - my desk drawer is stuffed full of malt loaf (mmm), nuts, jelly babies, bananas and the occasional Bagel and plus I have a bowl of cereal at 3.30pm!  I told you this was a period of intense activity which thankfully requires intense nutrition.  Best not mention the massive plate of Thai curry I had a the weekend

Oh and I forgot to mention my other form of cross training this weekend - shopping!!  Just the 6 hours!  See another reason why Women are made for endurance events!