Summer so far

Hi Guys

Sorry it has been a couple of weeks since I last blogged, I have some time now though, as I am currently on the train back from Scotland. Today I was in Stirling doing some fitness testing with the Scottish Institute of Sport. The guys there who look after us alpine athletes are fantastic, especially as I’m not even Scottish! We do a number of tests, one on the bike, a couple of strength exercise and a jumps test. I’m not going to go into detail about the bike test, it’s pretty dull and the data I got today goes way over my head, I need to wait for it to be simplified! The strength tests went well, my power levels are up at every loading and my max back squat has increased by 10kg in 4 weeks, up to my personal best of 160kg. So overall I am pretty please with my results from today, even though I had to take nearly 10 days off with a quad strain, I still saw good strength gains! Now I have another 4 weeks of physical work to do before I go to Chile, so my goal is to increase my max squat up to 170/175kg, which I think is very possible.

Other than training and testing I have done a few cool things recently. This year I have tried to go up to Norfolk Ski Club a lot more. I have had the pleasure of getting to know a lot of new and young skiers in the race team. The talent coming through and the skill levels I see in racers who are still so young, is amazing! The race team coaches are doing a grand job! I have been giving some feedback now and again and hopefully my input can make a bit of a difference! Also this weekend I tried to do a bit of extra fund raising at the South Norfolk Show. The council very kindly have me a free pitch so I went along with a Skiers Edge machine for the day and had a little competition. I didn’t raise record breaking money but it was a fun day and I got to meet some really nice locals.

On another note, in the free time I have had, I have spent as much time as possible enjoying the sun shine with family and friends. The time I get at home is very limited so I try to make the most of it and so far it has been a great summer! As the saying goes, work hard, play harder ;)

Hadn't been to Tyrrel's Woods since I was 15, had great fun cycling round it with Isobel.

Isobel may not have great bike skills but she has some stamina! Managed 15 spontaneous miles! 

My set up at the South Norfolk Show 

Getting into position for a nice picture at Southwold beach

Honestly, I did try to keep Isobel from falling off! 

How we did laugh. Along with a lot of other people watching!