It’s been a hard couple of weeks. Much as I’d like to say I’ve been training consistently, the truth is pregnancy has finally gotten in the way.

My weight has ballooned to nearly 70kg – up from a race weight of about 55kgs, with consequent effects on energy levels and mobility. And a pregnancy-related skin rash has kept me out of the pool and away from anything that involves getting hot and sweaty. So bye bye turbo too… However I still walk, do yoga and weights about 5 times per week so it’s not all lost. And I’m hoping that the rash will clear up soon so that I can get back in the pool. I’m actually missing that loads…

It’s all OK though. When I look at my Training Peaks log I’m really very happy with what I’ve achieved during this pregnancy.

- I've averaged about 6-7 hours training per week, which compares well to my 8-9 hours when in full flow last year.
- I think I've made some major headway in the swim - my typical session now is 2km plus, whereas this time last year I was still working up to 1.5km. I'm hoping that once I return to a more "streamlined" body shape, the benefits will become more apparent.
- Run and bike are somewhat unknown at the moment. My training has been focussed on maintaining a lower heart rate throughout - with a view to improving aerobic capability. I've never really trained at these levels before so haven't really got a bench mark...

Generally, I have felt remarkably well and strong throughout, so I’m really very hopeful that it will all lead to a healthy baby, a strong post-partum recovery and a speedy return to triathlon.

As a mid-wife recently told me, pregnancy is an excellent form of endurance training! The heart and lungs have to work harder to deliver blood and oxygen around a larger volume. Add some extra weight to carry around and even day to day activities become a mini-training session (hoovering anyone?).

So here’s hoping it’ll all translate into some good times later in the season…

Until next time...