Ironman Chattanooga is now less than six weeks away. This means that I will soon be starting my final training block ahead of the race.

The final training block is always a tough one.  It is usually high volume and by the time it comes around, it seems like I have been training for ever (mainly because I have been training for months on end).  It is easy to struggle with the last block.  Motivation can be a challenge, as can fatigue.

I find the key to staying fully engaged during these few weeks, is to really focus on good recovery and nutrition.  This week is a ‘down week’, so I have managed to get a lot of sleep.  I have also focused on eating well (most of the time).  For example, my desert this evening consisted of Greek yoghurt, mixed nuts, blueberries and plums.  I accompanied this with a drink of tart cherry juice.

My final training block starts on Friday with a five and half hour bike ride in the morning and a one hour run in the afternoon.  There is nothing like starting the block with a big, banner day.  

I feel pretty good as I get ready for this block of training.  That’s a great sign that I have done a good job of embracing my ‘down week’ with good quality food and rest.