Week 24: Monday 16 – 23 June

Run: 6hrs 49min (50.76mi) / Gym: 60mins / Crosstrain: 2hrs 19mins

Monday kicked off in familiar fashion with the standard morning loop—steady, no fireworks, just getting it done. I’m trying to bolt on 15 minutes of flexibility work at the end of each run now, unless time runs away from me (which, to be fair, it usually does). Tuesday had some logistical flair: dropped the car at the garage and ran the five miles home, fully aware I’d have to do it all again either later that day or Wednesday. As it turned out, Wednesday included the usual morning round—just under the hour but heart rate edging up to 140bpm, which I’m keeping an eye on. That evening, while my son trained, I logged just shy of seven miles on autopilot. Thursday became the delayed pick-up run, but I took the long way round, stretching it out to 7.5 miles and enjoying the novelty of not being pressed for time. Friday evening meant another footy training run—one of my three well-worn routes depending on which venue he’s at. Saturday was the pick of the week: a satisfying 10-miler in the morning, then 42 minutes of spinning on the static turbo trainer in the afternoon, more mental discipline than physical. Sunday wrapped things up with a proper 28-mile road cycle—trying to bank more time in the saddle ahead of the September trip. Finished off with the now-familiar stretch routine and a quiet sense that I’m doing alright at holding this whole juggle together.