I started to train to run and swim on the day after the Etape du Tour 2008. First, I just want to get my body used to run and swim. So I practice those two activities but with no aim or forward planning. At the end of the year, I achieve my first goal: running an hour without muscular or articular pain and keeping swimming more than 1 km and no just splashing.
Thus, the second step of my preparation can start. My new aim in swimming is to improve my technique to go faster and to be more efficient to burn less energy. I focus my training to be able to run a marathon to secure that I can run such a long distance.
After I register at Amiens Triathlon, I went to most of the swimming training sessions. I discovered a new world made of technical exercises, blocs and pace. I felt the benefits of those sessions quickly as much technically as physically. After the first 400 m test, I set the pace to follow during the exercises. At this moment, I understood how hard the swimming can be.
For the running part, I register for the Paris Marathon on the 5th of April. The beginning of the year took place perfectly. I was running faster and faster during the short trainings and longer and longer during endurance training. I ran the 10 km of Amiens in 40’40. Not something outstanding but which make me fell confident in arriving fit at the start of the marathon. Unfortunately, I injured my Achilles tendon just after the ski holidays. So I missed the last 4 weeks of training and I arrive on the starting line just wishing to finish.
I can split my marathon in two parts: 25 km of happiness and 17 of hell. The start at the Champs Elysées and the 10 first km are magical and are a must be experienced. Then every thing was OK up to the 25th when suddenly my body stopped to function properly. It took me 2h35 to complete the last 17 km.
I match my main mistake on my way back to home: I started to eat after the 15th km. This is way too late. I am used to ride for long distance and I though it was the same to run but it is very different in particular concerning the expenditure of physical energy. At least, I achieve the marathon without destroying my body and confident to be able to run a marathon reasonably well.
Then it was time to start my cycling season to prepare the Etape du Tour at the end of July and secure the fact that the cycling part of the triathlon will be my best part.
