140km of kayaking this week and counting. Throw in 4km of canoeing, some DB steering and 2 runs (1 long 1 short). Hands still in rather pristine condition (: This big volume week was totally unexpected seeing that just a week ago, I was out on the waters at the DBS regatta trying to squeeze into a final.
Feeling good. When the training is exciting, so are the results ;)
Writing this to mark today. Still can't quite believe it, but this morning I clocked 2'14 for K1 500m. The last time I was near this standard was yes, when I was 19.
During the set, my muscles were on fire yet my mind was very clear.
Rolling back the years ;)
Did a Fb post on ITCC. Finally it has ended after 5 bouts. Come to think of it, I've been paddling with NTU since 2009..., that's 10 years :p
Anw this post is to note that I'm in pretty good fitness (for me). Was laying off weights for fear of aggravating the intercostal pain, so on ITCC day after my last race, went to attempt pullups. Nailed 25!
Just to see that it wasn't a flukeshot, yesterday attempted another max reps pullups. 25 again! I'm sure if I strategise and practise properly, 30 is doable. Then next was wipers, 60!! And wasn't totally to my max yet. Don't think i've ever done 60 like this. Last time I did wipers was more than 6 months ago? Or maybe even a year. Then with remaining strength, attempted max reps of commando pushups. Got to 13, could have pushed a bit more.
Reassuring to know that physically I have some decent level to paddle with. On a side note, been trying to cut a bit and it's successful :D
Onward!
Just wanted to put it on record that I'm very thankful for my resurgence so far :p I've been paddling and training quite well recently, at the ripe old age of 28 going 29. And it's all thanks to the NTU team. Without them I wouldn't have progressed like this.
At the end of last season, I set a goal for myself for this season. Honestly idk if it will materialise, though I like to think in terms of when it happens ;) But what I know is I have / going to put in the hours and the effort that I can be proud of. It's been a long long time since I've been able to train freely (free (mostly) of schedule commitments, school, injuries (mostly)), and it seems like meeting an old friend again. And also it's been a long while since I have poured myself into something without the certainty of outcome (just got to make the great conspiracy work!).
Time for bed. Rinse and repeat ;)
124km of kayaking this week over 10 sessions. And it didn't feel that much. A couple more kms of canoeing and running, and a solid weights session. Very very thankful that this week could happen. The last time I could train this much and properly was in 2009. Yes, that's 9 years ago.
Most people won't think comparing to 9 years ago is reminiscent to any progress, but for me, it was 2009 where I was in my best paddling condition. This week actually started out as a recovery week after messing up on my intercostals last week (well, two Fridays ago). So for this to happen is a huge bonus.
What is working well for me:
1. Showing up
2. Automating decisions
3. #willitmakemefaster
The last point seems a pretty neat way to live ;)
