The Swiss Life

It’s been three weeks since I arrived in Leysin.  It’s unbelievable that this life has suddenly become so routine and comfortable.  I can now appreciate first hand the advantages that training at altitude brings as I feel my body getting stronger.

Life here is relatively simple – swim, bike and run then recover.  Go to bed very tired and wake up less very tired, to quote a legend.  There’s no travel to add hours on to training- those minutes are spent in the activity.  There aren’t too many distractions either, things that normally divert my attention, like the internet, shopping, phones and everyday logistics. Of course there are these things but they are removed and less intrusive.  Life is good – I am learning so much about myself and understanding a lot about the older me.

Although the principles of training are simple (the most technology we use is a stopwatch and a heart monitor), the human side of training, the demand it lays on the head, the tricks it plays on the body and the normal response of tired, scared, lazy bodies, is complicated.

To win is to train the mind and the body into accepting the extraordinary levels of work, discomfort and pressure.  Not everyone can get there – if they could we would all win – but some people can and I am devoting my time to becoming one of these people.  I think it is good to aspire to some of these extraordinary athletes to help keep me inspired from time to time.  Sometimes I need other people to pinpoint legends of the past because I wasn’t around to witness their amazing feats.

I was pointed towards the Australian Rob Decastella this week – a big guy with a big moustache and an even bigger heart.  He was out of the ordinary for a marathon runner of his day…long limbed and muscular.  He won four world marathon titles and held the world record for ten years.  Look him up and inspiration won’t be that hard to come by.

Thanks to Sigma Sport for my new tri bars and to 2XU for some initial training kit – parcels are welcomed with open arms especially when the trek up the hill to the laundrette is being done on such tired legs.  It’s time to concentrate on the small details on my bike and in my racing to make big gains.  Speak next week.

Jodie x