We have just finished our last tough swim squad session (Mon morning) with the boss Jurgen, a great pre-race set to maximize our efficiency and speed in the water. Included in the set was 5 x 100 meters as fast as you can, which I often refer to as balls out! We had plenty of time in between the 100’s to recover actively which means moving, does talking count! Ben pulled out of the bag his fastest 100 he has ever done, credit to him and credit to the faster swimmers that have been pushing him since we arrived. Oh and credit to Jurgen who knows how to gee Ben up and get in his head!!!
Over the weekend we get bike miles in, if you have read installments of the blog Saturday is what Jurgen calls the “advanced athletes” bike ride I call it the “animal” bike ride. 40km time trial averaging just under 40kmph then an easier 30km, last 8km ramps up again to balls out pace!! To demonstrate the quality of the athletes training here in Phuket, based at the Thanyapura club, there were just 5 of us out cycling sat morning. 2 pro’s, 1 retired pro plus Ben and I.
No rest for the wicked after a shower, food, rest we were back for the 2nd session of the day. In the pool this time sharpening up for the swim part of the race. This set included sprinting (or balls out) 50m, jumping out of the pool and diving back in, sprint back the 50m and so on and so on and so on…….!! I cannot quite seem to nail not losing my goggles which makes it a very dark return 50m, eyes being shut most of the time!
Sunday we are back in the saddle, 90k as opposed to the normal 120k spin today, reducing volume a week before the race. However the last 20k you have the chance to “unleash the beast” Jurgen’s phrase not mine. But yes that means balls out (again)!!! I kept promising my legs it was the last really tough session before an easier pre-race week!! Not sure how much they listened as I could not hang on to Ben’s wheel for the duration, which means it just gets harder, I have no wind barrier in front of me!! I must just add in here, girlies I was as someone said looking “pretty in pink” today, I had the Rapha top on, I felt a million dollars thank you again!
There were a few “touristy” things we still had not ticked off the list, we had said we would do them in our first few weeks. Sunday was our last chance as it’s all about rest, rest, rest race week. After we had re-fuelled, topped up on caffeine we were off to the “Big Buddha”, he really is pretty big! On route to the big man, surprise surprise Ben had already scouted a lunch stop! Credit to Ben it did have great views over the Southern Eastern stretch of the island. The next 2 stops took in 2 view points, one at Rawi and one at Kata.
Having spent the afternoon in our jazz car we got to experience first hand for a few hours the skills and etiquette( or lack of!!!) of the local drivers. Ben found the horn and used it to great affect on a few occasions, there was also definitely an element of satisfaction as he honked!! Honking and houdini drivers aside Ben and I both agree Phuket is a lovely island, great beeches, amazing cuisine, the nicest people and of course world class tri training.
Next on the agenda was a drink with yet another very impressive view before time to eat, again. Dinner was at our fav restaurant, we eat there more than we eat at home! Beef curry and a glass noodle salad was the choice today and Ben agreed to share them!!! He realizes it actually works in his favor as I do not eat my full 50%!
Before we ate and in between me saying I am starving, Ben suddenly muttered, “don’t move, don’t look behind you”!! At that point I had already convinced myself there was some massive big, black object that could fly. I jumped out from my seat and exited my chair in the opposite direction of where I thought this thing was lurking. To me relief it was a toad or a frog but a pretty big one, don’t just think English pond size, this was on another scale!!. I knew it would not hurt but I was somewhat jumpy after that! I nearly exited my chair once again when I put my foot to the floor but to my horror I did not feel the familiar hard surface of concrete, instead I felt something a little more spongy. “Have I just trodden on a frog” I asked Ben? “No, it’s your napkin” he replied!
Quick facilities stop before we jump back in the car home, but yes you have guessed it, who was there looking at me, there was another f’** frog in the bathroom!!!!
(For those that don't understand Frog/Tiger in the bathroom need to watch the Hangover..... actually watch the Hangover full stop, it is a hoot!
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