It's festivity time

On Thursday, 20th December we flew to Belfast to spend Christmas with my brother-in-law (Bruce) and family. I had a major potential problem: Should I take my bike out with me? There is the hassle factor (and cost), but this means I take eight days off the bike. I mean I was doing quite well (training) up till then - 18-to-21 hrs in the week - and now ZERO! I guess that's something I'll have to live with. As long as I don't eat too much and try and get out and walk as much as possible. Anyway, as it turns out it was rather a good decision so all smiles from me.

After the Christmas break we arrived back home and my base-training has resumed. I've managed 3.15hrs (29th), 1.45hrs (30th) and 4 hrs (31st) so far. The weather has helped as it's stayed dry. And, it hasn't been that cold either - averaging 5 degrees.

Today is the first of January - Happy New Year! I do hope 2008 will be an awesome year. My first priority is to get some long steady miles under my belt before heading out to South Africa for my annual training camp (step up the intensity). My flight is booked for 20 January - flying to Johannesburg - I collect my hire car and spend the first night in Joburg. I then head (drive) down to Hilton, Kwa-Zulu Natal the next day - to Brandon's house.

The general plan for January is:

- Base miles - long steady rides
- Some small amount of intensity stuff - on the way into work
- Stay healthy and injury-free
- Training camp: prepare plan and equipment.