Snow, snow, snow!

Well it's been an interesting few weeks for most of our athletes and most Triathletes in the UK. Whilst full time athletes are able to book a flight to warmer climates like Lanzarote (Harry) and South Africa (Toby) the majority are forced to make the best of the current conditions. Races continue to be cancelled and running/biking outside has been very difficult. The question is, how to make the most of these conditions.

Adrian Marriott has posted an interesting blog (http://adrianmarriott.blogspot.com/) which I think sums it up quite well. They key is to alter your training to make the most of the conditions. It's virtually impossible to string together a consistent block of aerobic work in these conditions so how about switching your focus to speed development. Most athletes will have 1-2 months of aerobic work behind them now so this is an ideal opportunity to develop some speed, whether you are a sprint distance or Ironman athlete.

It's always possible to fins a field for run reps, the snow cushions your legs whilst developing your strength and stability. A speed session in the snow won't put as much stress on your joints and will give you the same aerobic benefits as normal. An alternative is to jump on the Treadmill and get your set done there. 4 weeks of speed work now will undoubtably see you improve your speed and strength and leave you plenty of time in March and April to go back to the longer work you need for strength and endurance development.

The key is to be proactive, don't sit back and wait for the weather to change, find new ways of doing things and make the most of the conditions. If it gets hard, just think of Julie in Boulder - she's been regularly doing 3 hour CompuTrainers due to the snow, and that won't clear for a few months yet.........

Cheers

Pete