Getting stuck into training

I am going back to Singapore with a vengeance. I have to conquer the distance in <5:00 this time.

Every time I have drawn up a training plan it seems to bring back intense focus on to my running. I speak from the experience of having trained over an 18 week plan for Singapore and a 10 week plan for Brisbane. Without a training plan or goal my running seems to lack focus and I tend to get very contended with 5 to 6 km runs. Doing a couple of marathons a year would fix that problem by the looks! Now, lets think about this one. 2 marathons a year - at this rate, by the time I am 50 I would have completed 24 marathons! Wow. May be I should throw in the 2 Oceans Marathon (an ultra at about 54 km) and the Comrades (another ultra at about 92 km) in and that should take me past 25 marathons!!

The week that's gone by...
Tuesday: 5.6 k over the flyovers and then on to the gym for some stretching
Wednesday: 8 km around the boat club and river view roads
Friday: Hyderabad - 5 km on a treadmill at the hotel
Pending - a 16k run today - I slept in. Was too tired and needed the sleep after a fairly intense week at work. Am planning to run this evening, still undecided about the route.

I have tried to focus on what I eat and moderate / avoid beer, non veg food and sweets. I can't say that I was too successful. Its tougher when you travel and attend meetings, conferences and dinners. But I have started to think twice before reaching out to that bottle / platter!

I have visited the gym more number of times over the last 7 days than I have been ever over a similar period! That's a good sign. I need to strengthen core, back and legs... not to forget Project Doberman!!!!

Highlight of the week: Sajjan Jindal, the VC & MD of JSW Steel was the guest speaker at the annual meet of the group I work for. It was a very inspiring address, something that makes me reflect and wonder about many aspects of my career, goals and dreams. An address that resonated so well within me - because of the parallels in character and outlook to life and work that I have and what he was sharing about himself. Among other things he spoke about the importance of being fit and how fitness is a great stress buster for him.. he said that the brain needs oxygen and his fitness routine is key. He does not compromise on his game of squash or volleyball even during intense work demands - he takes time for it. Reminds me of what I say to myself: "If you want something badly, you've got to make time for it".

Another couple hours before I step out for the long run of the week... can't wait. My Ipod shuffle has been playing up despite 2 visits to the service centre and getting "serviced" - I've got so used to music on the run that I strap on the big old 20 GB bugger to make up for it. Time to buy another shuffle. It's becoming a "use and throw" item - I have been through 2 of them in <2 yrs. Fortunately the price is now less than half of what the first one I bought.

Cheers...