All systems go!
The snow has gone and the arm bands are now fully inflated. If I could choose I think I’d rather have fluffy white snow where everything looks perfect in contrast to the muddy, waterlogged fields. At least snow can’t suck your shoes off!
Training is back into full swing with intensive schooling sessions each day leaving very little time for much else. I spent 1 1/2 hours yesterday perfecting upward and downward canter transitions as someone ( the filly!) had decided to teach herself a new trick. Apparently bucking into canter is all the rage this season…..I beg to differ!
My response…..45mins of lunge work followed by 45 mins ridden schooling. Result…….white foam (mainly me!), sweat, smiles and perfect transitions. However I am fully prepared to go through the same routine for the next 3 days. Hopefully by the time we do our dressage test on Sunday the lesson will have been learnt.
To add to the increase in ridden work I have decided that I need to be fit enough to keep up with my ever increasing fit filly. So I’ve joined the gym and now have a personal trainer called James.
” I want to find your base line of fitness” were James’s first words.
” I’m really not very fit at all so that won’t be hard!” I quickly replied.
An hour later I had done a 3 mile run, 5 mile speed bike ride and put together a training programme involving me agreeing to do it all again 3/4 times a week. Plus swimming 2000meters after each ! gym session. Crazy!
I should mention that in April I am taking part in a Charity sprint Triathlon. Having been truly bit by the bug last September when I completed the Cotswold Sprint Triathlon I quickly gave myself the task of aiming to do at least 5 this year. I was by no means the quickest but I did beat a relay team! and complete almost exactly on my target time of 1hour 40. It took me 1hour 40 and a few seconds!!
If all goes to plan both my horse and I will be super fit this season which can only help me in achieving my goal of becoming a 2012 Olympic contender. If all else fails maybe I’ll do it as a triathlete though I think I’ll be leaving that to Vicky Holland www.vickyholland.com number 4 at the worlds last year and truly an amazing athlete!
Whilst I sit hear waiting for my jelly legs to recover from last nights gym session and plan the jump course I will build this afternoon the grey clouds are starting to lift and glimpses of blue are starting to appear. Hopefully it is a good sign for Sunday.
Tags: canter transitions, Olympic 2012 contender, Triathlon, vicky holland
