Catch up with the latest on how Dan's getting on after adjusting to a new routine...

Swings and roundabouts - that's what this last few weeks has been all about. Some big steps forward and a few steps back too. 

Having started a new job at the beginning of February I've been putting a fair bit of time and effort in as I get up to speed in a new and demanding role. It's meant I've had to chop and change my training schedule a fair bit. 

It's not the work that's got in the way really - more the need to put a new routine in place. A new commute, a new routine taking the kids places, more travel to London. All those sneaky little sessions I'd managed to squeeze in have suddenly fallen by the wayside.

And I always find it's my swimming that's hardest to shuffle round when work and life get more demanding. I use the local council pools to train and it's tricky getting along to the handful of adult-only lane sessions that don't clash with work and family commitments. 

But every challenge presents an opportunity - I've been commuting to work by bike a lot more. It's only six miles each way, but it all counts. Handily, the ride in is mostly downhill, which means the return journey can be turned into quite the physical challenge if I hit it hard and fast.

Working in the city centre also means I've been able to get to Leed & Bradford Triathlon Club's Thursday night track sessions. We've been doing VO2 max work for the couple of occasions I've made, something I've tried to replicate on my own when I've been unable to get there on time. It's a lot more fun doing it with the group on the track than on my lonesome in the gym.

But the hard sessions have already been paying off - they've helped my form and boosted my strength. That translated into a new 10k PB at Port Sunlight on the Wirral on March 1. 40mins, 16secs - my sub 40min target might just be on the cards (though that first kilometre did feel a shade too short...

All the bike commuting has helped too - I did a 90min session down on the tribars the other day and felt pretty strong. I turned it into brick session with a run with my three year old in the buggy - it was much easier before he could say: "Daddy, when I read a house number out you have to run faster." He is good at numbers.

So all in, I'm doing OK - just need to figure out a reliable swim routine. But with the days finally getting longer, and spring on the way, I'm feeling positive. In fact, I swear I felt the warmth of the sun on my face the other day. 

Can't wait for the Skipton Triathlon in April! Bring it on!

Dan's next post will be on Wednesday 15th April. Read his previous post here.