I don’t know about you, but my attitude to training seems to operate in upward or downward spirals. It’s easy to stay motivated in between races during the season but, once September comes along, it’s just too easy to get lazy, miss the odd session and go out for dinner and drinks instead. The evenings draw in, it gets cold and dark and I know the next session will hurt more because I missed the last one… I miss that one too… and so the downward spiral begins. Before I know it it’s the New Year and I’ve had a three month break.

It’s tough to break the cycle and to get the feeling of improvement again. I’m glad to say that after just a few weeks in 2012 I’m back on track. I’m surprised how quickly my fitness and weight are back to reasonable levels. The first few weeks in January were hard but the start to this year has seemed easier than before. A few things have helped get my mind in gear and motivated me to get off the sofa or out of bed even when it is cold and dark:Read on..>