Training Plateau

I think my training has started to plateau. Don't get me wrong... I am not complaining here ! The plateau I have reached is consistently hitting around 11 hours a week of training including 3 swims, 3 bike sessions, 2 runs and a gym workout. This is a great place to be and is building a great base from which to launch my Ironman plan at the beginning of December.

I started my pushup challenge this week, beginning with a pathetic 14 pushups in one go. The plan is to increase the number by 1 push up a day until I reach 100. I have never been very good at push ups so getting past 30 sounds like a lot to me - let alone getting to 100 !! But it is amazing to feel your body adapt to the new challenges its faces. When I did 14 on the first day I could feel my heart rate race up and my arms became sore quite fast. I am only up to 20 now but 14 was easy on the way there. This same principal is how I have increased my training loads this year to be able to go out an run 11 miles without feeling "too" bad, so hopefully I can get to 100.

I finally caved in and bought a pair of compression socks this week too. Why is it that all the stuff you wear as a triathlete looks so dodgy ?! Despite the appearance of women's tights the benefits of wearing these was quite outstanding and worth any ridicule that my wife gave me. I am even considering getting more compression stuff as it does seem to work - watch this space.

So, the problem I have at the moment is that I don't want to increase my volume any more until December (time is against me and I fear I will peak too early) but I don't feel like I am improving my fitness. The plan at this stage is maintenance - just try and stay in shape. Work is pretty busy this next week so volume will be down and then its the ballbuster, planning a week off for recovery after that and really looking forward to it !