A bag of slugs

I normally sit down and write how well everything has gone and how ready I am. I remember writing this last year. Little did I know when I wrote that I would produce the best race of my life. I'd be very well prepared, have no bad luck and  really pull a good performance out of the bag. I look back at that race and think that's probably the best I will ever be.

Anyway, looking forward this time I can't talk about breakthrough sessions etc. I can talk about life, work, injury and a relaxed attitude to whatever happens. I describe my form as "I'm going like a bag of slugs" which is a bit melodramatic. things aren't that bad but I'm not exactly flying. Yes folks, it's time for the World Duathlon Championships. Not Rimini this time but Edinburgh.

Post European blues? Not really. I had a week off after the Euros with the intention to start building again for the World Du's. I caught a cold. No panic, still plenty of time. Then work got in the way. Frankfurt is a great place and I enjoyed running intervals up and down the banks of the Main river but it just didn't work out as consistent sessions. this is the first time I've hit my "A race" in this sort of condition over the past 3-4 years so I guess I was due one.

Even the bike hasn't really gone to plan. my bike form has been slipping over the weeks. I do feel like I have managed to turn the tide a bit and get some bike form back a couple of 10m TT PB's probably flatter as they are on faster courses than I usually ride. Run speed will be the worry as too will be the weather forecast. Never mind the spectators, I was hoping for strong winds and driving rain.

Having said all of that,  I am always a different person when I have a number on. Whilst I don't have my A-game ready, I'm certain I'll pull something out of the bag on Saturday. The aftermath might not be a pretty sight though.

It's been a long year but it's also a very long winter.