I am basically back into it now. I got through 5 training sessions last week and have started strong this week, I’ve done 3 sessions already and its only lunch Tuesday 
Yesterday morning I went down to Mermaid Beach and had a surf with some of the guys. I was out in really nice and clean 2′ conditions for about 90 minutes. I tell you, it is amazing how much you can pick up in a session like that. I kid you not, if I had have had a dozen such surf sessions in the last 3 months leading into the Gold last year – my event may have had a different result. Very positive and encouraging. I can’t wait to get back out there.
This morning I had my first ski session back after about 6 weeks off. In challenging 4′ conditions too – not the best day to start back. Anyway, I got out ok, thanks to a big lull and spent a bit of time out the back. Coming back though, I missed the wave I was hoping for, then found myself in the impact zone – BOOM!! I was smashed – so had a nice swim session in there too. Other than that, we had some great white water practise – all important surf experience.
And I just went for a 6km run. Over the last 4 weeks or so I have been getting my legs used to the Newton runners. I think they are pretty good now. I ran the 6kms with no twinges or soreness at all. Cardio wise, I am still a bit under par. I clocked 29 mins 56, my average heart rate though was 176 and max was 185. This is high for what really is a flat and easy route. Compared to this time last year though – I am a much fitter man. This is an excellent base for an assault on my 2011 events - it is going to be my year of revenge!!
Thanks Champ, i only just stumbled across you story and it has given me my motivation back. Like you last year was my first attempt at the gold I was timed out after the ski leg conditions did not suit me. I have slowly started to train again but now with a bit more effort. I will keep reading you story and keep you update on my efforts and I will buy you a beer after the next gold 2011. Thanks for the motivation Ray
Hey Ray – yeah was a tough one huh. Am battling a bit still to get my immune system back after the big effort – like Hammo said below, I should have probably had more rest after – but getting back into it again now – after 5 starts since.
Hi Guys,
Interesting reading the real stories of the trials and tribulations of training. I read the blogs on the other pages and agree with the general thrust of the comments about your state of wellbeing, whoa and take stock of your training intensity and load. If your continually sore, sick and tired then you are over training and attempting too much too quickly. But I guess you know that and human instinct is challenging your common sense. From my humble perspective you should take a few weeks of low intensity training and get yourself into a steady state of feeling good. Spend some time finding out where your feelbad/injury threshold is relative to your training load. Apply just as much though to rest and recovery as you do to training. Anyway at least you are out there having a go. Its good to see others with the same challenges in the art of surf sports.