Simulation #2 — Easter Weekend 2026
Who says Easter weekend is for putting your feet up? This year, we used it for Simulation #2 — a six-hour walk/run followed by four hours in the pool. One way to justify the chocolate Lindt bunnies, at least
Saturday: Storm Dave Shows Up
The plan had been set for Saturday, but Storm Dave had other ideas. “How bad could it be?” we thought. Quite bad, as it turned out. Winds of 30 mph and persistent rain made for a considerably chillier experience than our Lanzarote simulation — but we made it through all three two-hour walk blocks, and came out the other side wetter, windier, and oddly proud of ourselves.
It was also a valuable chance to practise our nutrition strategy, pre walk pasta was the winner along with cheese and banana sandwiches. Given the weather was so bad we refuelled in the breaks rather than walking. This was a much easier strategy when the wind and rain mean the snacks aren’t as appetizing or dry to eat en route!
Sunday: Into the Pool
We had always planned to swim indoors on the Sunday, so the weather was for once irrelevant. We headed to Glasgow Tollcross International Swimming Centre — host pool for the 2014 and 2026 Commonwealth Games — for two two-hour sessions in a 25 metres pool.
After the cold and rain of Saturday, the warmth of the pool and the chance to push off from a wall rather than swim in a lake felt like a genuine luxury. The legs were tired, the shoulders were working hard, but it was a good tired — the kind that tells you the training is doing its job.
Café Recovery
In between the 2 swims our 2 hour break involved a great coffee at Tollcross café, Easter decorations, and what can only be described as a slightly alarming Easter bunny (Commonwealth mascot dressed up by staff). We appreciated the festive spirit, even if the bunny itself gave us pause and may give small children nightmares.
Building Towards August
Two simulations down. The Lanzarote one taught us about pacing and the realities of night-time running. This one taught us that Scotland in April is not Lanzarote — and that we can keep going anyway. Both lessons are useful! More updates to follow as we count down to August. Thanks as always for following the journey!
