So the clocks have changed, the evenings are longer and the weather has improved (slightly), which can only mean one thing. It’s almost race season!

I’m really looking to getting back out there. I’ve had a complete break over the winter which has given me the extra motivation and energy to get back into it.

I’m not going to lie, training for the half distance has been much tougher than I thought it would be. But I’m getting closer to feeling that I can do it. It’s reassuring (in some ways) to see the pros all turning to the same distance and trying to figure out the same things as me, such as how to fuel and what kit to wear. You might think that the answers to these questions would be the same for standard distance races. Unfortunately it’s not that easy because the dynamics and how your body responds are completely different. Instead of racing for around 2 hours, my new races will last more like 5hrs (all going well). So, something like race management is more important now as you don’t want to be running out of energy with hours to go!

I’ve been trying different things with my training regime, but also importantly with what I eat before and after my workout. Having just come back from a run today with a PB I think I can safely say it is working! I had a tough training day yesterday so my recovery included nutrition as well as my new MassageTech devise and wearing my Copper 88 ninja kit. It all helps. However, I’ll ignore the amount of Easter eggs that are floating around and their contributing factor…

So what works for me before a heavy training day? I’m not saying this is right, but this is what works for me at the moment:

• Day before: reduce the amount of vegetables and fruit and increase carbohydrate consumption (this seems to have solved my GI distress)
• Pre workout: A decent size breakfast (fasted workouts don’t work for me on these days) and most importantly the consumption of A LOT of TrueStartCoffee Hero  Bars a good hour or so before the workout.  They have slow release caffeine and carbs
• During: High 5 drinks and gels keep me going
• After Nutrition: High 5 recovery protein and a big meal of whatever I fancy but it tends to be about equal amounts of protein veg and carbs.
• After Recovery: I love a good bath especially with Westland salts, then I dress up in my ninja Copper88 compression gear. Even if I’m going out I make sure I can wear it underneath.  I also make sure to use my MassageTech device. This saves me having to go for a sports massage and is also quite a lot of fun to use!

I’ve also been working on my swimming over the last couple of months with the amazing Sally Winter using my Funkita swimwear.

This meant that I couldn’t wait to dig my Yonda Ghost Wetsuit out of the cupboard and get back in the open water. That was until I actually got in the water and remembered how cold it is! It’s amazing how quickly you forget how to sight and breathe when swimming in a lake, leading to me pretty much swimming straight into someone, oops.  This was made better when I got out of the water, I was greeted with the largest and thickest coat I’ve ever seen from Charlie McLeod. It’s so nice being able to warm up quickly after coming out of the water, it normally takes ages. I just need some fur lined boots to go with it now.

One other aspect that I’ve found really helpful in staying fit over the winter with the increased mileage is integrating Pilates and yoga whenever possible. Akasha Wellness have a brilliant set up and I’m fortunate enough to be able to use their facilities. If I could, I’d go everyday but unfortunately I barely manage once a week. I’ve also been keeping mobile and maintaining flexibility seeing my physio Ed Kirby and Scott Benham a chiropractor.

I’ve also got a new, fresh website, please feel free to check it out (emmadearytri.co.uk).

So the count down to race season has started. Two weeks to go. Let’s get ready to rumble!