Proof positive its been worth it - at last!

Well, this morning one of my followers who shall remain nameless mentioned that he wanted to see more evidence that hard work was going on, not just enjoying myself around the sights of Arizona. I explained that I had assumed there would be little interest in the mundane work ethic that is required to be here competing at this level. However, I don't have a full time photographer, which is the main reason why I only have pictures of the wine tasting and the rather more enjoyable moments. So, for those who are interested, this is the glamour of full time training at its best...

Yoga at 6:30am. No photographer for this. He was asleep still.
5km swim set at the Cactus Aquatic centre - I got the pool attendant to capture the proof.

Then after a short aquajog I headed over to a coaching company in North Scottsdale to have a discussion about groups to train with here. And then I had lunch while watching the Vuelta Espana, and watched Jonny Brownlee running down the rest of the field at the recent ITU World Team Triathlon Champs in Stockholm for another impressive GB win. I had a little sleep and then it was out into 38 degree heat for my first attempt to run on my ankle to see if it was mended yet.

 I did some drills out at the trailhead on the gravel, and then ran home, and for the first time ever, I managed sub-7 minute mile pace for 5 miles at 38 degrees. Very chuffed with myself when I got back, I had some well deserved Coconut water- that stuff is a godsend for rehydrating, and then I made some tilapia fillets with roasted butternut squash, aubergine, red onions and a green salad.

So pleased to be back in form and finally able to actually perform the way I have trained to. Its only taken 12 days of acclimatisation. Whew, just in time! Now I feel like one of the songs that has been inspiring me:
'Bulletproof, nothing to lose' (David Guetta, Titanium)