Winter, resolute, focus, commitment.

I am thinking of a few things, most of them are included in the title. I learned mostly this year that the short term feelings instigated by these thoughts lead only to dissapointment without making a continued and conscious effort to commit time and energy.

"On the day" the words can come back and help things along. However the commitment of sustained energy over time are what really count. Tomorrow I head to the gym again to fullfill my quota of time and energy toward next years goal. I am resolute in this now tempered by the dissapointment of not achieving due to a lack of consistent effort toward a difficult goal.

If a resolution is required for this new year mine will be to not ever to allow time to get between an effort required for the task. Be it a training day or a meal or rest. This year is my year to indulge myself in my goal.

I love to go to a spinning class, when work or other training allows. I also love to go with my lovely wife and we share this time although it is also our own. Tomorrow that is what we will do. Roll on tomorrow.

Boxing day.

It was the day after Christmas and not a creature was stirring not even a mouse....well not entirely correct. I am stirring early this morning to go run at Cramond/Silverknowes. I need to cover some miles today for so many reasons. A few days off makes me grumpy, and although in search of grumps at times I don't want to be grumpy. Figure that out and you get a special prize. There is still some unfinished personal challenges to deal with perhaps the conditions will be good enough we will see......Lastly a training day is needed to keep up the adaptive momentum.

On the subject of adaptation I am pleased with the last few months and the progress they have brought. I was up and alert around 0530 this morning excited about getting outside and making sure I had some fuel inside. There was time to measure resting heart rate and was pleased to average over four checks 40bpm. I will test the upper limit later today if a speedy finish is possible.

While we are waiting for that I have a few cycle issues on my mind. Still waiting on a seat post ordered some time ago now that was/is "supposed" to be here by late December, I have noticed it is late December. I have not noticed the seatpost. Wheels are coming too but I am not sure where they are? I don't want the stainless spokes I want aero titanium ones so waiting is what I have to do.

Back to today, I hope I have enough kit here to stay warm.It seems I have had problems recently keeping track of where my sports gear is. Hope everyone had a great Christmas, I know I did. Mostly spending peacefull time with my lovely wife. Ok back to fuelling up then out for a run.

Run done, a little slippy for an all out effort but the stability exercise feels good. Under 24minutes is ok given the underfoot conditions. Looking forward to a snow and ice free run. No recording of heart rate done and a relaxed tempo throughout. Completing this a day later means I have an aching back after clearing the drive of snow, thanks honey. Rest now for tomorrows work with a large glass of champagne.

Work tomorrow and the next day then off for Christmas.

Today I woke up nice and warm but still reeling from three nights on shift. I felt a bit groggy, checked my phone, then replied to the missed messages. I went ver to see Mum which I am partial too in the morning as we can wake up whatever time of day it is. Toast and jam and juice and herbal tea, I made it but we shared it.

Mum with me about went out to "walk" JJ and so she did in half a foot of snow on her battery powered buggy. I love how mum can do what people say she can't or shouldn't. I hope and like to think I have a bit of that inside. A spirit filled with special fuel, resolute in taking on the task of our dreaming mind. I watched ever so often as she rocked back ad forth determined to look after JJ and get traction in the snow. I will keep this memory in mind when I feel a bit of a struggle at hand.

I used my indoor trainer for a bit over an hour half an hour in stunning boredom and the other half zoned out trying not to give into the temptation to go anaerobic. There will be times for that but not today. A sign though that I am feeling good.

Off to the movies with dear friends, first though stop and see my cousin. Friend of my Dad. Wife to a strong man who has in recent times inspired me from afar. It was a good feeling for me in their home, but private so no more on that. At the movies we saw Avatar. I thought it was brilliant and saw my own message in it, a good one. In some ways this year I and hopefully into the next I feel like that man stepping into new skin. I remember how I was how I am and how I hope I will be. I have learned some patience and returned to an old feeling one I have not known for some time.

My mind is clear today, I have a goal which I will complete well. I love my beautiful wife she gives me energy. She also keeps me in touch with being. x

First day, first blog, first real preparation for a race. First things first.

After reading a few blogs and writing a few of what could have been blogs over time it seems a good time to formally write a blog from scratch. Maybe to aid in the perception of rapidly (as usual) passing time. I like to get my thoughts down, it used to be in an old fashion blog called a diary but this will do. God only know what will happen when somebody reads my diary. I think it best to keep that thought in mind when writing.

This blog is to cover my personal experiences and record them along my road to the Etape (the Etape Caledonia 2010) in this case. I am excited. I am looking forward to it very much. My training is underway, although more as an extension of last years efforts and a bid to improve over the winter. I think of this winter as a ramp launching my increasingly fit person into 2010. Today marks a three days since I last trained and I feel it in my head and in my muscles each are hungry for the next day (few hours) of preparation. A few miles today and some weight training will be enough. It is icy and snowcovered outside so the gym becons me.

I like the gym at Ratho near Edinburgh the old quarry is an imposing, inspiring backdrop to workout in. I may treat myself to a spa afterward.

First post done...looking forward to another peep later on.