Tri-life goes on for Jess - even if it’s partly virtual

Our MyTriathlon-supported triathlete Jess Connolly updates us with a peek inside a world which has become one of virtual training - you might find some tips here to help you enhance your regime.

January turned into quite a big start to 2021, even in the middle of a pandemic and in lockdown!

I started 2021 with a muddy, icy long run on New Year’s Day. I used the thinking time to come up with my resolutions which was pretty difficult considering I wasn’t sure what I was going to be able to do if we were to still be in lockdown!

The month consisted of many Zwift meet-ups and Zoom video calls with my tri club and the North West Triathlon Academy, as well as some strength and conditioning and swim chord zoom calls with Always Elite Performance!

We built up the exercises each week until we had progressed to the star side plank (which is much harder than it sounds). I was also fortunate enough to have a couple of talks with a sports psychologist as part of an academy call, discussing ways to keep motivated when there is so much uncertainty and the processes of setting goals which was also a little difficult with not knowing if the race season is to go ahead or not.

Towards the end of January, Total Tri Training organised a Big Weekend consisting of four events on Zwift over three days. Friday night started off with a time-trial up Box Hill on Zwift which I managed to take the title for, for the females with a time of 6 minutes 45 seconds (beating my dad!).

Then Saturday morning was the Newbury Velo 10-mile (well 17.6km) TT on Tempus Fugit course which I again took the title for, for the females in a time of 24 minutes 30! I was then supposed to compete in the afternoon crit race that afternoon and the ‘Hare and Hounds’ meetup ride Sunday but unfortunately my dad and I only had one turbo between us so with my dad training for Ironman Austria, I thought it was best to let him have the privilege.

That didn’t stop me though, as I still complete a two-hour endurance ride on Sunday afternoon - no excuses!!

Despite the bitterly cold weather, I have managed to continue to train outdoors with the kit My Triathlon provided. My HUUB coat has been one of the best purchases I could have possibly made and for that I am forever grateful! I look forward to what February has to bring and hoping we return to some form of normality soon. Stay safe!