As the title suggests the joy is always followed by the pain, well at least I know I'm alive. I suppose it must happen to most of us, you look back at your achievements and think 'if I only knew then what I know now'. Why is it that the mind is more than willing, but the body just can't manage it all of the time. I wouldn't mind if I had loads of money to buy all the best gear, but that just isn't going to happen. I suppose it must be more gaoling for the Saab driving, jumper over the shoulders berk to be passed by some old fart on his road bike, than it is for me to be overtaken by some fat bloke on his Cervelo P5. Deep down we both know who the better man is and I'm sure that I'll nail him on the run anyway.
Thankfully running is pretty much all down to guts and determination and the longer you go the more it comes down to sheer stubbornness and pain management, which with a 22 mile run coming up on Sunday is lucky for me. My half marathon time suggests that a sub 4 hour run is definitely on the cards and I read that the average time for the marathon is 4:15. It's definitely not about finishing now it's about getting my finish time to start with a 3, or at least being better than average.
Week 13
Well it's Monday again and while it felt great running yesterday the fast pace is clearly evident from the pain in my thighs. Thankfully the calves feel okay so it's not all bad, but this really hurts. Rest today and I can't see any reason why I would even consider anything tomorrow either, race plus 2 days usually finds we at my stiffest.
Well I'm off to Belfast today for work so I'm up at 5am and home at midnight. Exercise is not happening and any stair climbing today will be rather uncomfortable. Lets move swiftly, or as fast as I can go, to Wednesday shall we.
Customer meeting in Slough today, so more time sitting and no time for exercising. The body is feeling the strain and with the London marathon so close every pain or tweak feels more serious than it really is. Scratch another day off. Move on, nothing to see here.
Thursday dawns and I seem to have acquired a sore left calf and a very tight right thigh. I'm meant to be running 9 miles today, but that seems way too risky for my liking. I decide on a run before dinner and leave the distance open to see how I feel after the first couple of miles. Extra stretches pre-run seems to help, but here goes. After 15 mins or so 9 miles is definitely out of the question and I settle for an easy 10km. My knees ache as well so gently does it.
Good Friday and I actually don't feel too bad plus I really want to keep things ticking over. So I keep it easy with a 30 minutes run and walk program in the morning with the rest of the family. Debbie (the wife) is running with the boys now and I decide join in. It's good fun and the right kind of thing for the old body as well. Then a 60 minute cycle with the family through the woods and down to Southend. Happy days.
With 22 miles planned for Sunday, Saturday involves eating, sleeping, a bit of gardening and then watching the telly and playing on the IPad. With the usual triathlon reading thrown in for good measure obviously. I've read some great articles recently on training methodology and the reasons for easy long sets, the more information you can take in the better in my opinion an my race times seem to suggest it works as well.
Today is my last long run for the marathon and the last time I will venture over 20 miles on a training run ever again or until I get roped into some other stupid event. It also marks the start of my tapering for the event as well so when I'm done I'll know I'm on the home stretch. 22 miles means 3 drinks, 2 gels, 1 bar and a whole lot of pain. 3 hours and 30 minutes later and after burning off 3100 calories I'm done. I'm absolutely knackered and all I can do for the rest of the day is eat 2 roast diners with cake and watch the golf, although I'm too tired to watch the play-off. I'll find out the result in the morning. Night-night.
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 1 hour
Running 5 hours
Sunday 15 April 2012
Kenyan flying machines
Well it's all about the running now, less than a month to London and its run, run, run and run some more. It's the Reading Half marathon on Sunday which means by the end of that I'll have a good idea about what is achievable over the full marathon distance. Half marathon makes it sound like an easy event, but it's no such thing; running at around 8 minutes per mile for just under 2 hours could actually be harder on the lungs and chest than 4 hours of trudging around London, although the legs should cope a whole lot better.
Almost 3 months worth of training done now and my body is starting to feel the mileage, every long run finds the same aches and pains getting a little worse and the rest days seem to fly by with my general energy levels lower than I'd like. A stubborn nature and good motivation can't always overcome 41 years of wear and tear. After I've done the marathon I think a couple of real quiet weeks will go down well before I start to focus on my first triathlon in June. I'm fitter now than ever before and mentally I know I can cope with hours of exercise. The body seems to need some R&R and who am I to ignore it.
Week 12
Monday rest day as usual, but I do find time to fit my new clip on aero bars. As much as I'd love to get out and give them a test that just isn't an option; I'm knackered and hungry and it's just not worth risking injury so close to race day, maybe tomorrow.
Tuesday morning and my right knee is all swollen, it was hurting when I went to bed and it's no better this morning. I need this like a hole in the head. It hurts when I move it and when I'm sitting still, that's not a good sign. Definitely no exercise and with 5 days till Reading this doesn't look good, hopefully it's just some extra rest that's needed. Lets see tomorrow.
Okay, the knee is better today so I think I'll try some light exercise, no running, I'll go for an hour's easy riding on the bike and that will give me a chance to try out my new bars. Well after an hour and 20km everything seems good. The knee feels okay and my first introduction to the areo position felt okay as well. Things are looking much better than they did yesterday.
Thursday and after yesterday's ride I think I'll stick to just a run today. Work is pretty busy again so a moonlight run later seems like the best option. The knee feels fine, I have no idea what the swelling was all about, but it's gone and lets leave it at that. I want to get a feel for race pace for Sunday so I'm going to do 4.4 miles (one third race distance). Debbie gets home from work and off I set, the pace feels quite easy and I cover the distance in a smidgen under the required pace. All good.
This Friday is my last cricket nets so an hour of nothing too strenuous goes down a treat, bag sorted for the weekend, food and hydration all planned. Just need to get to the start line in good shape and do the do.
The family are all coming to Reading so we are staying in a hotel near the race venue tonight so we can make a weekend of it and we don't have to get up at some hideous time in the morning.The boys love buffet breakfasts and staying away from home. When we get to the hotel we found we booked the wrong one and we've booked one right next to the start line and half the pro runners are staying in the same hotel. I've never seen so many skinny people in all my life.
Early rise Sunday morning and a healthy buffet breakfast as my 2 boys tuck into the full monty including pastries. A quick walk around to the Madjeski Stadium, the usual 6 pees, number on, another wee then off to the start line. It's nice and sunny and reasonably warm so after a good stretch I'm ready for the off. Here we go 13.1 miles of tarmac. It's the usual slow start as people get over the start line and you have to get past the runners that have no idea how long the run will take. How can you be almost walking inside the first mile?
After about 15 minutes I get into a good rhythm and the miles seem to pass by quite well, I use the mile markers to check my pace and that's good too. After 11 miles my pace hasn't slowed and I feel pretty good, easily able to talk to the other runners not in bits and enjoy the run. I don't feel the need to speed up, just keep it steady to the end. Into the stadium and across the line. Last year my time was 1:59:16 and I wanted to go below 1:50:00 this year, so I was very pleased with 1:43:34. 16 minutes faster than last year and that gives me an average pace of under 8 minutes per mile. I was feeling fine on the run right till the end, but 25 minutes later I can certainly feel it, my thighs really do ache now. I'm not looking forward to tomrrow.
3 weeks till London...
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 1 hour
Running 0.75 hours
Competition 1.75 hours
Almost 3 months worth of training done now and my body is starting to feel the mileage, every long run finds the same aches and pains getting a little worse and the rest days seem to fly by with my general energy levels lower than I'd like. A stubborn nature and good motivation can't always overcome 41 years of wear and tear. After I've done the marathon I think a couple of real quiet weeks will go down well before I start to focus on my first triathlon in June. I'm fitter now than ever before and mentally I know I can cope with hours of exercise. The body seems to need some R&R and who am I to ignore it.
Week 12
Monday rest day as usual, but I do find time to fit my new clip on aero bars. As much as I'd love to get out and give them a test that just isn't an option; I'm knackered and hungry and it's just not worth risking injury so close to race day, maybe tomorrow.
Tuesday morning and my right knee is all swollen, it was hurting when I went to bed and it's no better this morning. I need this like a hole in the head. It hurts when I move it and when I'm sitting still, that's not a good sign. Definitely no exercise and with 5 days till Reading this doesn't look good, hopefully it's just some extra rest that's needed. Lets see tomorrow.
Okay, the knee is better today so I think I'll try some light exercise, no running, I'll go for an hour's easy riding on the bike and that will give me a chance to try out my new bars. Well after an hour and 20km everything seems good. The knee feels okay and my first introduction to the areo position felt okay as well. Things are looking much better than they did yesterday.
Thursday and after yesterday's ride I think I'll stick to just a run today. Work is pretty busy again so a moonlight run later seems like the best option. The knee feels fine, I have no idea what the swelling was all about, but it's gone and lets leave it at that. I want to get a feel for race pace for Sunday so I'm going to do 4.4 miles (one third race distance). Debbie gets home from work and off I set, the pace feels quite easy and I cover the distance in a smidgen under the required pace. All good.
This Friday is my last cricket nets so an hour of nothing too strenuous goes down a treat, bag sorted for the weekend, food and hydration all planned. Just need to get to the start line in good shape and do the do.
The family are all coming to Reading so we are staying in a hotel near the race venue tonight so we can make a weekend of it and we don't have to get up at some hideous time in the morning.The boys love buffet breakfasts and staying away from home. When we get to the hotel we found we booked the wrong one and we've booked one right next to the start line and half the pro runners are staying in the same hotel. I've never seen so many skinny people in all my life.
Early rise Sunday morning and a healthy buffet breakfast as my 2 boys tuck into the full monty including pastries. A quick walk around to the Madjeski Stadium, the usual 6 pees, number on, another wee then off to the start line. It's nice and sunny and reasonably warm so after a good stretch I'm ready for the off. Here we go 13.1 miles of tarmac. It's the usual slow start as people get over the start line and you have to get past the runners that have no idea how long the run will take. How can you be almost walking inside the first mile?
After about 15 minutes I get into a good rhythm and the miles seem to pass by quite well, I use the mile markers to check my pace and that's good too. After 11 miles my pace hasn't slowed and I feel pretty good, easily able to talk to the other runners not in bits and enjoy the run. I don't feel the need to speed up, just keep it steady to the end. Into the stadium and across the line. Last year my time was 1:59:16 and I wanted to go below 1:50:00 this year, so I was very pleased with 1:43:34. 16 minutes faster than last year and that gives me an average pace of under 8 minutes per mile. I was feeling fine on the run right till the end, but 25 minutes later I can certainly feel it, my thighs really do ache now. I'm not looking forward to tomrrow.
3 weeks till London...
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 1 hour
Running 0.75 hours
Competition 1.75 hours
Sunday 25 March 2012
Baldrick the Cockerspaniel please
It will soon be April and that means my next 2 races are running-only events so a slight shift to more running and a bit less of the other stuff seems sensible, although I don't think less swimming is possible. The race at the weekend was top banana and it opened my eyes to what is possible. Like with most things in life the limits we put on ourselves are normally mental rather than physical and if you remove the shackles we can often be surprised with the results. I have absolutely no idea how I was nearly 4 minutes quicker on the second run, after nearly 100 minutes of effort, but I was.
While I'm not going to win one of these things for a long time yet (age group only, obviously) at least now I can see how I could get there; with a quicker first run, a year's training, some better kit and a little more effort, I can get much closer to bridging the 22 minute gaps. I know it's just a dream at the moment, but if you don't dream they can't come true. Anyway back to reality and back to training.
Week 11
Monday comes and goes and while my legs don't feel as bad as they do after a long run my chest aches and I can feel the effort from yesterday. While running a marathon is going to be a real mental and physical test, it's quite different to running a duathlon. I reckon the duathlon is actually a harder event and an Olympic distance race must be real tough. The marathon is about finishing, it's about grinding out mile after mile in a relentless manner. It hurts, it really hurts but very few people are actually racing. While a duathlon isn't a sprint the first run is at a fair lick and by the time you get on the bike you are tired. After 25% of a long run you still feel pretty good. By the time you get to T2 and jump off the bike I am pretty much spent and the second run is done on empty, it's your mental toughness that gets you through the next run. Well whatever the answer is I know that the 20.3 miles this Sunday is going to hurt a plenty.
No time for a spin Tuesday morning, way too much work for that, also I seem to be eating everything in sight since Sunday. Time in the evening for a 5 mile run, considering my legs still ache and I wasn't gunning it 41:42 isn't too bad. On the downside I seem to have acquired the wife's cold. My snotty nose will turn into a sore throat later in the week if the wife is anything to go by.
Wednesday and yep here comes the sore throat and rather annoying raspy cough. I'm not bothering with the swim as I'm not feeling up to it and breathing properly is so important in the pool. Drowning would put the training back a bit.
Thursday and the nose tap seems to be set to flood and the throat feels like I've been eating holly. Spin in the morning goes okay which is more than I can say for the 8 mile run in the evening. To say it was hellish was an understatement. 2 bad nights sleep, a busy day, feeling down due to the worsening wife flu (man strain), not starting till 11:00 and getting a dickey tummy after 2 miles, meant that after 76 minutes I feel like shit. Worse than after my ill fated 15 mile run. I sit in the shower for 20 minutes and then drag my carcass to bed. At least I now know how bad it could get on marathon day and my god it was bad.
Full on sick in bed on Friday with no chance of any kind of exercise other than sitting on my arse or lying on the couch. Managed a little work in the afternoon but not much of anything else, other than deciding on the Portishead Sprint Triathlon on the 17th June and my first Tri. I love events in the Bristol area, we can make a weekend of it plus it's a reasonable price as well.
Well at least I'm feeling a bit better on Saturday, nothing more than a bit of reading and putting my tri bars on my bike is on the agenda. Focus is on the 32.66km I have to cover tomorrow; why does that sound so much further than 20.3 miles. I won't convert again, it's scary.
Sunday long run day and I've had a much better nights sleep and the throat feels better as well. Clocks going forward didn't help, but a decent timed breakfast and a stretch and I'm pretty much ready for it. As with other long runs if you get your prep right then things go a lot better than if you wing it. Food, hydration and a sensible pace. Plan it, do it and you'll be fine. After a smidgen over three and a quarter hours later the miles are in the bag. Now I eat.
4 weeks till London......
Training this week
Cycling 0.75 hours
Running 5.75 hours
Nothing else
While I'm not going to win one of these things for a long time yet (age group only, obviously) at least now I can see how I could get there; with a quicker first run, a year's training, some better kit and a little more effort, I can get much closer to bridging the 22 minute gaps. I know it's just a dream at the moment, but if you don't dream they can't come true. Anyway back to reality and back to training.
Week 11
Monday comes and goes and while my legs don't feel as bad as they do after a long run my chest aches and I can feel the effort from yesterday. While running a marathon is going to be a real mental and physical test, it's quite different to running a duathlon. I reckon the duathlon is actually a harder event and an Olympic distance race must be real tough. The marathon is about finishing, it's about grinding out mile after mile in a relentless manner. It hurts, it really hurts but very few people are actually racing. While a duathlon isn't a sprint the first run is at a fair lick and by the time you get on the bike you are tired. After 25% of a long run you still feel pretty good. By the time you get to T2 and jump off the bike I am pretty much spent and the second run is done on empty, it's your mental toughness that gets you through the next run. Well whatever the answer is I know that the 20.3 miles this Sunday is going to hurt a plenty.
No time for a spin Tuesday morning, way too much work for that, also I seem to be eating everything in sight since Sunday. Time in the evening for a 5 mile run, considering my legs still ache and I wasn't gunning it 41:42 isn't too bad. On the downside I seem to have acquired the wife's cold. My snotty nose will turn into a sore throat later in the week if the wife is anything to go by.
Wednesday and yep here comes the sore throat and rather annoying raspy cough. I'm not bothering with the swim as I'm not feeling up to it and breathing properly is so important in the pool. Drowning would put the training back a bit.
Thursday and the nose tap seems to be set to flood and the throat feels like I've been eating holly. Spin in the morning goes okay which is more than I can say for the 8 mile run in the evening. To say it was hellish was an understatement. 2 bad nights sleep, a busy day, feeling down due to the worsening wife flu (man strain), not starting till 11:00 and getting a dickey tummy after 2 miles, meant that after 76 minutes I feel like shit. Worse than after my ill fated 15 mile run. I sit in the shower for 20 minutes and then drag my carcass to bed. At least I now know how bad it could get on marathon day and my god it was bad.
Full on sick in bed on Friday with no chance of any kind of exercise other than sitting on my arse or lying on the couch. Managed a little work in the afternoon but not much of anything else, other than deciding on the Portishead Sprint Triathlon on the 17th June and my first Tri. I love events in the Bristol area, we can make a weekend of it plus it's a reasonable price as well.
Well at least I'm feeling a bit better on Saturday, nothing more than a bit of reading and putting my tri bars on my bike is on the agenda. Focus is on the 32.66km I have to cover tomorrow; why does that sound so much further than 20.3 miles. I won't convert again, it's scary.
Sunday long run day and I've had a much better nights sleep and the throat feels better as well. Clocks going forward didn't help, but a decent timed breakfast and a stretch and I'm pretty much ready for it. As with other long runs if you get your prep right then things go a lot better than if you wing it. Food, hydration and a sensible pace. Plan it, do it and you'll be fine. After a smidgen over three and a quarter hours later the miles are in the bag. Now I eat.
4 weeks till London......
Training this week
Cycling 0.75 hours
Running 5.75 hours
Nothing else
Tuesday 20 March 2012
Marlow a go go
Okay, so I'm into double figures, it's week 10 and this week is a quieter week to let my slightly ageing body recover a bit. It's also race week with my longest competition to date on Sunday. The Marlow Duathlon is a 7km-25km-7km event and that means around 2:20 -2:30 of pain and effort. I'll take it easy for most of the week and see how things go, I really enjoy the races and it's good to have something to focus on other than those hideously long runs on Sunday.
So as usual I'll need to plan the details for the race, the length means I'll need to consider hydration and food more than in previous events, I've not practised eating on the bike yet so that will need some serious consideration. I'm suffering with a sore mouth from my running on Sunday and I don't want that happening on the bike. Also being a single lap on the open roads I need to check my bike kit is right as well. Not sure what the roads will be like, but getting a puncture 10km from home will be no fun at all if I can't fix it.
Week 10
Monday is the usual rest day and the legs unsurprisingly feel somewhat crappy. My hamstrings were the biggest hurters yesterday, they have been joined by my groin, hips, lower back and knees today. My feet and calves seem to be holding up well, as is the undercarriage which, while tender, is bearing up well. Monday evening is a good chance to give my bike the once over and set up the bike computer. It's a good little bike, but way out of its depth on the track circuits, hopefully the open roads will suit it more.
Tuesday starts off with spin in the morning and although I should really be running today I do feel tired so I listen to my body and head and not my heart and knock the run off the schedule. I do use the chance to do some more core work in the evening so it feels like a good day all the same.
Wednesday is the day I've decided to do the most training on and then wind down to the weekend from there. I want it to be race specific so it's a 1 hour turbo follow by 5 mile run brick session. It will be good to feel those race legs again. 1 hour on the bike at a reasonable pace with 2 minute bursts at a good pace then 42 minutes on the run which didn't actually feel too bad. At least I'll be ready for Sunday when it happens.
Thursday is good for an early morning spin and not a lot else other than working out some logistics for tomorrow and sorting out some sponsorship stuff for my London Marathon escapade in April. Sat Nav sorted and everything seems to be going to plan. The weather looks a bit wet for Sunday, but nothing too extreme.
Friday and I start to pack my kit in earnest, pump up the bike tyres and sort out what I need to take with me Sunday morning. I decide not to go to cricket nets and satisfy myself with a very light 30 min run with my 2 sons. I'm taking it easy with the exercise, even more so than normal and I'm not 100% sure if I haven't over done it. Sunday will be the test of that.
Saturday and more rest, more sorting out of kit, more preparation and getting everything ready for a very early start. I'm hoping to finish in between 2:16:00 and 2:26:00 tomorrow. From my limited experience I've found that you can have a time you think you can do, but there is always some unforeseen course nuance that slows you down. So I'll be realistic about my day and see how I get on. Early to bed because it's a 5:20 start.
Competition day and my god it's early; why do events have to start at such times? Car packed, family on board and the weather is set fair. The venue looks good and the weather was getting better all the time. The run is over a mixture of field, pavement, tow path and farm track. The bike course was a hilly route on mostly country roads and this meant my target time was looking less realistic. The briefing was done and that left time for a stretch and a quick jog around the field bathed in glorious sunshine. The first run went well and signs every kilometre meant I could check my time and it was around my 35 minute target, through a muddy transition and off on the bike. The start of the bike leg was all up hill and by the top of the hill I was pretty tired. Down the back of the hill was much more fun and at one stage I was hurtling along at 55 kmph. There were no signs on the bike leg till one at 20km. That showed I was doing pretty well. I kept my head down and pushed on. The second run started with me behind quite a few people that had passed me on the bike and I started off chasing them down. There were people in view for just about the whole of the run and it felt like I was flying along, every person I passed spurred me on to pass the next and after passing half a dozen in the last couple of hundred yards I'd finish the run in a quicker time than the first one and an overall time of 2:09:04. I was happy with my time and happy with the Harvester take away I consumed that evening.
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 2.5 hours
Running 1.25 hours
Competition 2 hours
So as usual I'll need to plan the details for the race, the length means I'll need to consider hydration and food more than in previous events, I've not practised eating on the bike yet so that will need some serious consideration. I'm suffering with a sore mouth from my running on Sunday and I don't want that happening on the bike. Also being a single lap on the open roads I need to check my bike kit is right as well. Not sure what the roads will be like, but getting a puncture 10km from home will be no fun at all if I can't fix it.
Week 10
Monday is the usual rest day and the legs unsurprisingly feel somewhat crappy. My hamstrings were the biggest hurters yesterday, they have been joined by my groin, hips, lower back and knees today. My feet and calves seem to be holding up well, as is the undercarriage which, while tender, is bearing up well. Monday evening is a good chance to give my bike the once over and set up the bike computer. It's a good little bike, but way out of its depth on the track circuits, hopefully the open roads will suit it more.
Tuesday starts off with spin in the morning and although I should really be running today I do feel tired so I listen to my body and head and not my heart and knock the run off the schedule. I do use the chance to do some more core work in the evening so it feels like a good day all the same.
Wednesday is the day I've decided to do the most training on and then wind down to the weekend from there. I want it to be race specific so it's a 1 hour turbo follow by 5 mile run brick session. It will be good to feel those race legs again. 1 hour on the bike at a reasonable pace with 2 minute bursts at a good pace then 42 minutes on the run which didn't actually feel too bad. At least I'll be ready for Sunday when it happens.
Thursday is good for an early morning spin and not a lot else other than working out some logistics for tomorrow and sorting out some sponsorship stuff for my London Marathon escapade in April. Sat Nav sorted and everything seems to be going to plan. The weather looks a bit wet for Sunday, but nothing too extreme.
Friday and I start to pack my kit in earnest, pump up the bike tyres and sort out what I need to take with me Sunday morning. I decide not to go to cricket nets and satisfy myself with a very light 30 min run with my 2 sons. I'm taking it easy with the exercise, even more so than normal and I'm not 100% sure if I haven't over done it. Sunday will be the test of that.
Saturday and more rest, more sorting out of kit, more preparation and getting everything ready for a very early start. I'm hoping to finish in between 2:16:00 and 2:26:00 tomorrow. From my limited experience I've found that you can have a time you think you can do, but there is always some unforeseen course nuance that slows you down. So I'll be realistic about my day and see how I get on. Early to bed because it's a 5:20 start.
Competition day and my god it's early; why do events have to start at such times? Car packed, family on board and the weather is set fair. The venue looks good and the weather was getting better all the time. The run is over a mixture of field, pavement, tow path and farm track. The bike course was a hilly route on mostly country roads and this meant my target time was looking less realistic. The briefing was done and that left time for a stretch and a quick jog around the field bathed in glorious sunshine. The first run went well and signs every kilometre meant I could check my time and it was around my 35 minute target, through a muddy transition and off on the bike. The start of the bike leg was all up hill and by the top of the hill I was pretty tired. Down the back of the hill was much more fun and at one stage I was hurtling along at 55 kmph. There were no signs on the bike leg till one at 20km. That showed I was doing pretty well. I kept my head down and pushed on. The second run started with me behind quite a few people that had passed me on the bike and I started off chasing them down. There were people in view for just about the whole of the run and it felt like I was flying along, every person I passed spurred me on to pass the next and after passing half a dozen in the last couple of hundred yards I'd finish the run in a quicker time than the first one and an overall time of 2:09:04. I was happy with my time and happy with the Harvester take away I consumed that evening.
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 2.5 hours
Running 1.25 hours
Competition 2 hours
Friday 16 March 2012
So why doesn't Amazon sell new knees?
So all that stuff you read in your magazines seems to be 100% true and if you do all the right things it really does make a massive difference. A full 9 hours sleep is definitely better preparation than staying up till after 2am to win $24 at poker. Eating an early breakfast of food that will be digested before the run starts makes a real difference. Actually working out the right amount of fluid and fuel for the run does leave you in a reasonable state to get through the last 2 miles. Eating pasta the night before the run rather than a spag bol does help as does running at 80% pace rather than trying to run faster than ever before over the longest distance you have ever managed. One well planned run and I'm back on track, I can actually see myself running across the line on the 22nd April with 26.2 miles in the bag.
On the multi-sport front everything looks set for the Marlow Duathlon, just have to wait for that confirmation email before I start packing my bags. I'm still not 100% decided on my first triathlon, but Kent on the 27th of May is looking favourite. I think I'll invest in some clip on aero bars, not sure I will have time to get them in place and set up properly for my next event, but by May I should be ready and able.
Week 9
Monday is sooo a rest day, I know I'm feeling good when compared to being a member of the living dead, but I'm still pretty knackered. Surprisingly my calves feel okay, but the rest of my lower body is feeling very much like the legs of a wilder beast that has been out running after a lion for a week only to find a better looking male has run off with Mrs Beast. As with most Mondays now I satisfy my triathlon craving with reading magazines and looking at sexy bits of kit I'm never going to be able to afford.
Tuesday I usually like to do a spin class, but work is pretty full on at the moment and with so much to do it's hard to find the time early doors or lunch time or before dinner, so I comfort myself with a 2 hour turbo training session well after my dinner had gone down. This weeks film was Predators, not too bad considering it's at least the third of four outings for this franchise. Normally by number 4 all the good stuff has been done and the film studios are just milking it. The good thing was it was action all the way so not being able to hear some of the pointless dialogue didn't diminish my enjoyment of the film at all. This gave it a butt rating of over an hour, say 65 minutes which was slightly better than Paycheck last week, although I have seen it before. At some stage I'll produce a full butt rating film list that may come in useful.
Marlow confirmation received, happy days
Wednesday, yes that will be swimming day, or not as work has gone from full on to off the scale. The only time I have for any exercise is after Debbie gets home from work at just before 11 o'clock. Not the ideal time to train, but beggars can't be choosers so a late night run of 4.4 miles it is. 4.36 miles is the distance of both running legs in the Marlow duathlon so its a good bit of prep for next Sunday. I have mentioned it before but I do actually enjoy running at night, the roads are clear plus it's nice and cool. I run the miles at a good lick to see how I'll feel in the race and I reckon I should be able to keep within my leader +50% time target.
Thursday I usually like to do at least 2 session, but like yesterday work just doesn't allow any time for anything beyond bashing away at my laptop's keyboard. By the time the wife gets home from work I'm not awake enough to mange any kind of strenuous workout. If I really wanted to I could have gone out for a run, but I'm so tired that it would just be wasted miles. I listen to my body and give it up as a bad idea. So as not to see the day wasted completely I do summon up enough energy to do 30 minutes of core exercises. I've let them slip from my sessions and I really need to start putting some back in again.
With Thursday pretty much a blow out I decide to put a bit extra into Friday. Work is still manic so I can't get my run in until just before tea time. 7 miles is on the planner so I decide to run down to the pier and back, 7.5 miles. I know I shouldn't be overdoing it as I have nearly 20 miles to run on Sunday, but with the Reading half marathon less than a month away I wanted to get an idea if my 1:45:00 target time is achievable. So I give it a rip. 59:51 later and I've hit my target time, not sure if i can hold it together for the full 13.1 miles, but at least I know it's in the realms of possibility. Just time for some dinner and then an hour of cricket nets.
Sunday is here and that means 19.4 miles to cover. The legs don't feel too bad and I get up early enough to have a small breakfast like last week. Drinks ready, kit ready, a good stretch completed, watch checked and off we go. The first 300 metres seems like a real effort, after that I get into it and manage the usual pains and aches right up until about 5 miles in when I decide to bite the inside of my mouth twice while eating my rather tasty energy bar. Blood tastes horrible but the pain in my mouth gives me something to think about and before you know it I'm 9 miles in. My route along the sea front is packed with people as the sun is out. It's actually warm and I long for the light drizzle of last week. I follow the eating and drinking plan from last week; carrying a second drink is annoying, but the benefit out weighs the annoyance factor and the way it affects my running. Things don't get that tough until the last mile or so when everything starts to ache and a sharp pain behind my right knee affects my stride. Nothing too major though and 3:06:10 later I'm at home and thankful that I only have to run this kind of distance 3 more times in my life. Time to empty the fridge.
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 2 hours
Running 4.5 hours
Cross training 1 hour
Core work 0.5 hours
On the multi-sport front everything looks set for the Marlow Duathlon, just have to wait for that confirmation email before I start packing my bags. I'm still not 100% decided on my first triathlon, but Kent on the 27th of May is looking favourite. I think I'll invest in some clip on aero bars, not sure I will have time to get them in place and set up properly for my next event, but by May I should be ready and able.
Week 9
Monday is sooo a rest day, I know I'm feeling good when compared to being a member of the living dead, but I'm still pretty knackered. Surprisingly my calves feel okay, but the rest of my lower body is feeling very much like the legs of a wilder beast that has been out running after a lion for a week only to find a better looking male has run off with Mrs Beast. As with most Mondays now I satisfy my triathlon craving with reading magazines and looking at sexy bits of kit I'm never going to be able to afford.
Tuesday I usually like to do a spin class, but work is pretty full on at the moment and with so much to do it's hard to find the time early doors or lunch time or before dinner, so I comfort myself with a 2 hour turbo training session well after my dinner had gone down. This weeks film was Predators, not too bad considering it's at least the third of four outings for this franchise. Normally by number 4 all the good stuff has been done and the film studios are just milking it. The good thing was it was action all the way so not being able to hear some of the pointless dialogue didn't diminish my enjoyment of the film at all. This gave it a butt rating of over an hour, say 65 minutes which was slightly better than Paycheck last week, although I have seen it before. At some stage I'll produce a full butt rating film list that may come in useful.
Marlow confirmation received, happy days
Wednesday, yes that will be swimming day, or not as work has gone from full on to off the scale. The only time I have for any exercise is after Debbie gets home from work at just before 11 o'clock. Not the ideal time to train, but beggars can't be choosers so a late night run of 4.4 miles it is. 4.36 miles is the distance of both running legs in the Marlow duathlon so its a good bit of prep for next Sunday. I have mentioned it before but I do actually enjoy running at night, the roads are clear plus it's nice and cool. I run the miles at a good lick to see how I'll feel in the race and I reckon I should be able to keep within my leader +50% time target.
Thursday I usually like to do at least 2 session, but like yesterday work just doesn't allow any time for anything beyond bashing away at my laptop's keyboard. By the time the wife gets home from work I'm not awake enough to mange any kind of strenuous workout. If I really wanted to I could have gone out for a run, but I'm so tired that it would just be wasted miles. I listen to my body and give it up as a bad idea. So as not to see the day wasted completely I do summon up enough energy to do 30 minutes of core exercises. I've let them slip from my sessions and I really need to start putting some back in again.
With Thursday pretty much a blow out I decide to put a bit extra into Friday. Work is still manic so I can't get my run in until just before tea time. 7 miles is on the planner so I decide to run down to the pier and back, 7.5 miles. I know I shouldn't be overdoing it as I have nearly 20 miles to run on Sunday, but with the Reading half marathon less than a month away I wanted to get an idea if my 1:45:00 target time is achievable. So I give it a rip. 59:51 later and I've hit my target time, not sure if i can hold it together for the full 13.1 miles, but at least I know it's in the realms of possibility. Just time for some dinner and then an hour of cricket nets.
Sunday is here and that means 19.4 miles to cover. The legs don't feel too bad and I get up early enough to have a small breakfast like last week. Drinks ready, kit ready, a good stretch completed, watch checked and off we go. The first 300 metres seems like a real effort, after that I get into it and manage the usual pains and aches right up until about 5 miles in when I decide to bite the inside of my mouth twice while eating my rather tasty energy bar. Blood tastes horrible but the pain in my mouth gives me something to think about and before you know it I'm 9 miles in. My route along the sea front is packed with people as the sun is out. It's actually warm and I long for the light drizzle of last week. I follow the eating and drinking plan from last week; carrying a second drink is annoying, but the benefit out weighs the annoyance factor and the way it affects my running. Things don't get that tough until the last mile or so when everything starts to ache and a sharp pain behind my right knee affects my stride. Nothing too major though and 3:06:10 later I'm at home and thankful that I only have to run this kind of distance 3 more times in my life. Time to empty the fridge.
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 2 hours
Running 4.5 hours
Cross training 1 hour
Core work 0.5 hours
Monday 12 March 2012
Run Forrest Run
With the duathlon out of the way my focus now turns to my half marathon and marathon in April or so you would think. The sensible thing to do isn't always the way things work out and while I'm doing more running than either of the other 2 disciplines I don't want to let the others slip. Well the swimming couldn't slip much further anyway. With the fun of Sunday still fresh in my mind and after a quick chat with the family executive committee I decided to enter another duathlon in March. 2 weeks time to be exact. I've got a week mid March that is pencilled in as an easy week, a week to recover some energy. Apparently an easy run that Sunday is a half marathon, I'm not sure how that works, but such is life. So I've decided to do two and a half hours of Duathlon in Marlow instead of a 2 hour run along Southend sea front.
The memories of last week's run is still fresh in my mind and I have to say that after the 15.35 miles run I was absolutely done in. I was completely spent, I'd pushed my body to as close to the edge as I ever had. I have no idea how the hell I'm supposed to find another 11 miles. For the first time I was seriously concerned that I might not be able to pull the marathon off. It must be normal to have doubts, everyone must find a point in their training when things just don't add up, but I'm really concerned, I really need to find a way to get through this Sunday's run.
Week 9
Monday is rest day, book up Duathlon day, confirm babysitters for the Triathlon show on Saturday day and then rest some more day. My new duathlon is in Marlow and it's quite a long one, at 7km, 25km, 7km, it looks a good 2 hours and 20 minutes worth of work. It will also be my first competition on open roads which will be a good experience as well. Plus my new magazine came in at the weekend so that will need a good hammering today.
Work has been pretty full on recently so it's nice to be able to get to spin on Tuesday morning. 45 minutes of sweaty hill climbs and fast sprints means the week gets off to a good start. Looks like I'm going to go for the Triathlon in Kent on the 27th May, first time in open water and having to cycle in wet gear. It does mean I need a wetsuit, talc and something to protect from chafing; whatever I get will help with more longer runs as well.
Wednesday is usually swim day and shock horror I actually managed to get in the pool. No disasters, no broken equipment or lost kit. 1500 metres in around 40 minutes, just over half of it front crawl. I need to work on this big time. The last few lengths actually felt like I was getting the timing better. It is frustrating that you have to stop and turn around at the end of each length, hopefully in the open water I can get a better rhythm going. As a bonus I managed to fit in a 4.4 mile run after Debbie (the wife) got home from work. This is fractionally over the 7km run leg of my next race and a 35 minute return wasn't too bad.
A trip to head office on Thursday means no spin class so I have to content myself with a 90 minute turbo session in the evening. This week's movie was an older film, Ben Afleck in Paycheck, a proper man's film and while not a classic it was good enough to block out the pain in my butt for a fair amount of time.
Saturday I'm going to the Triathlon show so I decide to continue with moving my rest day to then and exercising on Friday. 10km in 51:11 just before dinner fits in nicely, just need to map out my run on Sunday (17.3 miles) before heading off to cricket nets. 17.3 miles is a long way and I need a plan of attack, I can't struggle like I did over 15 miles and I need to find a way to run even longer distances.
Off to Sandown Park for the Triathlon show, a good chance to indulge my triathlon obsession for a whole day. I got to see Chrissie Wellington and Helen Jenkins talk, as well as some seminars on training and swimming technique. There were stands a plenty and by lunch time I was buzzing on a multitude of energy bar samples, gels and energy drinks. By the end of the day I had acquired a mass of fliers, a few freebies and 2 more water bottles. Before leaving I decided to spend some money and left the show very happy with some good bargains after picking up some cheap sports drinks, gels and bars plus a very nice wetsuit. The show was a great chance to try all the gear on and get some good advice and the wetsuit fits like a glove. That means I'm now officially ready for anything. Got home in time for tea and the official family wetsuit unveiling which gave everyone a laugh.
Sunday morning meant my long run was due and to be frank I wasn't looking forward to it at all, but rather than just worrying about it I'd spent some time this week planning the run a bit better. I got in a full 9 hours sleep, I got up early and had some breakfast. I then made sure I had enough energy and fluid with me for the run and I made sure I set off at a slow pace. After 2:46:31 of getting rained on I finished the run elated. I actually felt like I could have run the full marathon distance, if my life depended on it, right there and then. Yes, everything ached, but all the way to the end the pace was good and my form was better. Suddenly 26.2 miles actually seems doable.
Training this week
Swimming 0.75 hours
Cycling 2.25 hours
Running 4.25 hours
Cross training 1 hour
The memories of last week's run is still fresh in my mind and I have to say that after the 15.35 miles run I was absolutely done in. I was completely spent, I'd pushed my body to as close to the edge as I ever had. I have no idea how the hell I'm supposed to find another 11 miles. For the first time I was seriously concerned that I might not be able to pull the marathon off. It must be normal to have doubts, everyone must find a point in their training when things just don't add up, but I'm really concerned, I really need to find a way to get through this Sunday's run.
Week 9
Monday is rest day, book up Duathlon day, confirm babysitters for the Triathlon show on Saturday day and then rest some more day. My new duathlon is in Marlow and it's quite a long one, at 7km, 25km, 7km, it looks a good 2 hours and 20 minutes worth of work. It will also be my first competition on open roads which will be a good experience as well. Plus my new magazine came in at the weekend so that will need a good hammering today.
Work has been pretty full on recently so it's nice to be able to get to spin on Tuesday morning. 45 minutes of sweaty hill climbs and fast sprints means the week gets off to a good start. Looks like I'm going to go for the Triathlon in Kent on the 27th May, first time in open water and having to cycle in wet gear. It does mean I need a wetsuit, talc and something to protect from chafing; whatever I get will help with more longer runs as well.
Wednesday is usually swim day and shock horror I actually managed to get in the pool. No disasters, no broken equipment or lost kit. 1500 metres in around 40 minutes, just over half of it front crawl. I need to work on this big time. The last few lengths actually felt like I was getting the timing better. It is frustrating that you have to stop and turn around at the end of each length, hopefully in the open water I can get a better rhythm going. As a bonus I managed to fit in a 4.4 mile run after Debbie (the wife) got home from work. This is fractionally over the 7km run leg of my next race and a 35 minute return wasn't too bad.
A trip to head office on Thursday means no spin class so I have to content myself with a 90 minute turbo session in the evening. This week's movie was an older film, Ben Afleck in Paycheck, a proper man's film and while not a classic it was good enough to block out the pain in my butt for a fair amount of time.
Saturday I'm going to the Triathlon show so I decide to continue with moving my rest day to then and exercising on Friday. 10km in 51:11 just before dinner fits in nicely, just need to map out my run on Sunday (17.3 miles) before heading off to cricket nets. 17.3 miles is a long way and I need a plan of attack, I can't struggle like I did over 15 miles and I need to find a way to run even longer distances.
Off to Sandown Park for the Triathlon show, a good chance to indulge my triathlon obsession for a whole day. I got to see Chrissie Wellington and Helen Jenkins talk, as well as some seminars on training and swimming technique. There were stands a plenty and by lunch time I was buzzing on a multitude of energy bar samples, gels and energy drinks. By the end of the day I had acquired a mass of fliers, a few freebies and 2 more water bottles. Before leaving I decided to spend some money and left the show very happy with some good bargains after picking up some cheap sports drinks, gels and bars plus a very nice wetsuit. The show was a great chance to try all the gear on and get some good advice and the wetsuit fits like a glove. That means I'm now officially ready for anything. Got home in time for tea and the official family wetsuit unveiling which gave everyone a laugh.
Sunday morning meant my long run was due and to be frank I wasn't looking forward to it at all, but rather than just worrying about it I'd spent some time this week planning the run a bit better. I got in a full 9 hours sleep, I got up early and had some breakfast. I then made sure I had enough energy and fluid with me for the run and I made sure I set off at a slow pace. After 2:46:31 of getting rained on I finished the run elated. I actually felt like I could have run the full marathon distance, if my life depended on it, right there and then. Yes, everything ached, but all the way to the end the pace was good and my form was better. Suddenly 26.2 miles actually seems doable.
Training this week
Swimming 0.75 hours
Cycling 2.25 hours
Running 4.25 hours
Cross training 1 hour
Tuesday 6 March 2012
Bristol or Bust
So almost 2 months in now and things are starting to hot up, including the weather. Now as I mentioned last week I've been looking to book up my first triathlon and I've got a date so I started having a look around for a suitable event. Why do all the events start so early in the morning meaning that registration is at some ungodly hour? I'd love to take my family with me, but how can I ask them to get up at the crack of sparrows just to freeze their butts off watching me run around the back streets of Kent. I don't mind going on my own, but where the hell am I going to put my car key? I don't want to take it in the lake with me just in case.
My next Duathlon is in Chippenham on Sunday so we are going down to Bristol on Friday night to make a weekend of it. Check out the SS Great Britain and the sights of Bristol. Also Bristol has a nice big triathlon shop. I need to get an idea of what size wetsuit I will need. If I buy one online or rent one for the season I need to get the right one. I wonder how long I can get away with being in one shop before the boys get bored? Just need to remember to take some chocolate with me to bribe them.
Week 8
Chafing is reducing nicely, but the legs feel like granite, especially my thighs. So rest seems like a really good plan, I actually feel like someone has sucked the life out of me and I still have over 10 more miles to find. Anyway enough of that stuff, I've checked the weather and at the moment Sunday is looking good, let's hope my knees feel like working.
Tuesday is busy, busy, busy at work so only time for a spin and not a lot else today, another weather check and it looks like rain on the day which isn't that great, but at least it isn't going to be cold. I'm starting to feel like a human again although I am concerned just how much these long miles take out of me. The next long run may need to be at a slower pace to see if that helps with my recovery and my ability to manage my training for the week. I can't have this one run ruining the rest of the week.
Wednesday morning dawns and my legs feel better, but the knees are still sore going up and down the stairs. Today I'm going to make the extra effort to ensure I get some swimming in. So lunchtime arrives and I head off to the pool for a swim. I then head out the pool two and a half lengths later after my goggles break. To say I was angry is the biggest understatement since some bloke on the radio described Hitler as not very nice at all. My swimming attempts seem cursed to failure at the moment.
Thursday and weather watch is looking better all the time, Sunday looks mainly dry and reasonably warm - game on. Time to start making a list and checking it twice. Santa Claus isn't coming to town, but there are things to pack and stuff to get ready for our weekend away. No spin today, but an hour on the turbo, with a 15 minute sprint in the evening, followed by a quick check over and general maintenance. Then before bed just time for a 4 mile run, half at a steady pace then 2 miles home at full lick. Shower then bed.
I've been good with my food this week so the weight is in check, the training has gone well so the next 2 days it's all about lots of rest and lots of carbs. I want to give myself the best chance I can of doing well. I've sorted all my kit into boxes and yes I've checked it one more time just to be sure. Driving down to Bristol in the evening rush hour, which is over 3 hours away isn't ideal, but making a weekend of it and taking the family means everyone gets to enjoy themselves. Friday is always a good day because it's the start of the weekend.
Being in Bristol means that I could pop into the Triathlon shop and check out all the gear I can't possibly afford. I'd like to thank John for all the useful advice he gave me and apologise that I hadn't won the lottery so couldn't actually buy anything. The weather was great and everything seemed to be going to plan until I was seduced by a foot long from Subway. It was definitely not a low fat option, but it was the nuts. Saturday done, roll on Sunday.
Sunday morning dawns bright, clear and warm; perfect racing weather. I've played many sports and I must say that Triathlon/Duathlon events are the nicest to participate in and some of the best organised. Everyone is really nice and yes you do get the odd Audi driving wally with all the gear and Ironman tattoo, but in the main the atmosphere is brilliant. In November I finished in just over an hour and my goal was to run around the same time and bike a bit quicker. I now had bike shoes so my transitions would be slower, but I was much more comfortable being down on my handlebars and the shoes would help my time as well. So 57 minutes and 35 seconds after the start I crossed the line just over 3 minutes quicker and a very happy man. All in all it was a great day, the family had fun, I had a good race and we celebrated with a Chinese take away, happy days.
Training this week
Swimming 5 minutes
Cycling 1.25 hours
Cross training 0 hours
Competition 1 hour
My next Duathlon is in Chippenham on Sunday so we are going down to Bristol on Friday night to make a weekend of it. Check out the SS Great Britain and the sights of Bristol. Also Bristol has a nice big triathlon shop. I need to get an idea of what size wetsuit I will need. If I buy one online or rent one for the season I need to get the right one. I wonder how long I can get away with being in one shop before the boys get bored? Just need to remember to take some chocolate with me to bribe them.
Week 8
Chafing is reducing nicely, but the legs feel like granite, especially my thighs. So rest seems like a really good plan, I actually feel like someone has sucked the life out of me and I still have over 10 more miles to find. Anyway enough of that stuff, I've checked the weather and at the moment Sunday is looking good, let's hope my knees feel like working.
Tuesday is busy, busy, busy at work so only time for a spin and not a lot else today, another weather check and it looks like rain on the day which isn't that great, but at least it isn't going to be cold. I'm starting to feel like a human again although I am concerned just how much these long miles take out of me. The next long run may need to be at a slower pace to see if that helps with my recovery and my ability to manage my training for the week. I can't have this one run ruining the rest of the week.
Wednesday morning dawns and my legs feel better, but the knees are still sore going up and down the stairs. Today I'm going to make the extra effort to ensure I get some swimming in. So lunchtime arrives and I head off to the pool for a swim. I then head out the pool two and a half lengths later after my goggles break. To say I was angry is the biggest understatement since some bloke on the radio described Hitler as not very nice at all. My swimming attempts seem cursed to failure at the moment.
Thursday and weather watch is looking better all the time, Sunday looks mainly dry and reasonably warm - game on. Time to start making a list and checking it twice. Santa Claus isn't coming to town, but there are things to pack and stuff to get ready for our weekend away. No spin today, but an hour on the turbo, with a 15 minute sprint in the evening, followed by a quick check over and general maintenance. Then before bed just time for a 4 mile run, half at a steady pace then 2 miles home at full lick. Shower then bed.
I've been good with my food this week so the weight is in check, the training has gone well so the next 2 days it's all about lots of rest and lots of carbs. I want to give myself the best chance I can of doing well. I've sorted all my kit into boxes and yes I've checked it one more time just to be sure. Driving down to Bristol in the evening rush hour, which is over 3 hours away isn't ideal, but making a weekend of it and taking the family means everyone gets to enjoy themselves. Friday is always a good day because it's the start of the weekend.
Being in Bristol means that I could pop into the Triathlon shop and check out all the gear I can't possibly afford. I'd like to thank John for all the useful advice he gave me and apologise that I hadn't won the lottery so couldn't actually buy anything. The weather was great and everything seemed to be going to plan until I was seduced by a foot long from Subway. It was definitely not a low fat option, but it was the nuts. Saturday done, roll on Sunday.
Sunday morning dawns bright, clear and warm; perfect racing weather. I've played many sports and I must say that Triathlon/Duathlon events are the nicest to participate in and some of the best organised. Everyone is really nice and yes you do get the odd Audi driving wally with all the gear and Ironman tattoo, but in the main the atmosphere is brilliant. In November I finished in just over an hour and my goal was to run around the same time and bike a bit quicker. I now had bike shoes so my transitions would be slower, but I was much more comfortable being down on my handlebars and the shoes would help my time as well. So 57 minutes and 35 seconds after the start I crossed the line just over 3 minutes quicker and a very happy man. All in all it was a great day, the family had fun, I had a good race and we celebrated with a Chinese take away, happy days.
Training this week
Swimming 5 minutes
Cycling 1.25 hours
Cross training 0 hours
Competition 1 hour
Sunday 19 February 2012
Pass the nappy cream please
My next competition is now just 2 weeks away which means I'll need to switch some of my training to shorter sessions that match the requirements on the day. The Duathlon is a 2 mile, 10 mile, 2 mile dash and it's a repeat of my first Duathlon back in November. It will be a good chance for me to get an idea on how much , if any, progress I've made since I started my training this year. I suppose the fact that no two events are identical makes it hard to get a good handle on how you're doing. Next Sunday will be good as long it isn't too cold.
Okay that's next week, but that means the London marathon is now less than 10 weeks in the future, crap it's getting here fast. 15.5 miles is due on Sunday and that's a thick end of 2.5 hours of running. Just mapping it out on the computer took forever, my youngest son did suggest using the bike, but I'm not sure I can pull that one off on the day. We are definitely getting into the realms of creams and balms, I'm currently suffering from chafing caused by my running tights last Sunday. Doesn't chafing mean you are doing something the body isn't designed for? Does that make this running lark un-Christian, perhaps I'm consigning my soul to eternal damnation and that's going to sting more than my sore balls.
Week 7
How things have changed, I actually looked forward to my Monday rest day this week and at no point did I even consider any exercise. 14 miles is a seriously long way, but only constitutes just over half the marathon distance. All the training schedules say to only increase your distance by about 10% each week, which on the face of it sounds quite reasonable, but 15.4 miles still sounds a bloody long way too.
Tuesday saw my body starting to return to normal which was nice, so I started the day with a 45 minutes spin class. Cycling in the warm with loud music is always better than freezing rain and freezing my arse off. Received an email from the cricket club today with all the kids cricket fixtures, looks like the 27th May is a free day so it seems like this will be my first Triathlon. Better start getting in the pool again. I don't want to drown, that might spoil the day.
Wednesday is swim day and yet again I'm off on my travels, sunny Solihull this week and guess what, no chance to swim, not much chance to do much of anything to be honest. It's a 3 hour drive home so I wasn't feeling that hopeful, but a combination of school half term, good weather and the reasonable finish time to the meeting meant I was home before 8pm. Time for a quick something to eat and a late night turbo in front of the telly. Now I know Blade Runner is a cult movie, but the final directors' stretch it out cut or what ever it was called wasn't much cop, but it did fill the two hours required and as a bonus by butt was feeling a lot less raw as well, happy days.
Thursday as usual started off with the obligatory spin class, always a good start and this was no ordinary Thursday. I'd managed to secure some evening babysitting, thanks Mum, so I headed off to the gym with all the other grown up men of working age. Now the plan was to do an 8km run, that's what the colour coded schedule said, but this was too good a chance to spend some quality time at the gym and there was an hour spin class at 7 o'clock. So I swapped my water for Maxifuel go faster juice, took an extra towel and set off. 3 hours and 7 pints of sweat later I returned home showered, completely knackered but with an hour on the bike and 45 minutes running under my belt. Good job
Now Friday was my rest day, but I've moved it to Saturday at the moment to allow for my cricket nets and as I managed 3 sessions on Thursday I didn't need to squeeze in anything extra on Friday morning, so I didn't bother. Also I was still a bit drained for Triple Thursday so I comforted myself with some light reading (both Triathlon and non sport), a liberal dose of gaming time and a little cricket. Next.
Rest day proper, but still plenty to do, I have a Triathlon to find, a 15 plus mile run to map out and a trip to the Triathlon Show 2012 to sort out. I've outrun my usual routes so to get in the distance I need I basically need to run around the whole of the Southend on Sea area taking in the sea front, casino, sports centre, airport and hospital. The route comes to 15.35 miles, that's close enough for me. Looks like I'll go to the Tri-show on the Saturday although I still need to arrange a baby sitter. I also think I've managed to find a sprint triathlon that is less than an hours drive away, reasonably priced and with a slightly sensible start time. Why do they all start so early, doesn't anyone enjoy lie-ins.
Queue the drum roll. Sunday morning is here, fade in the epic movie music and 15 plus miles awaits me out there, dun-dun-da. All I will say on the run is it hurt, I didn't like it and it wasn't fun. Not one bit. Why, why o why?
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 4.25 hours
Running 3.5 hours
Cross training 1 hour
Okay that's next week, but that means the London marathon is now less than 10 weeks in the future, crap it's getting here fast. 15.5 miles is due on Sunday and that's a thick end of 2.5 hours of running. Just mapping it out on the computer took forever, my youngest son did suggest using the bike, but I'm not sure I can pull that one off on the day. We are definitely getting into the realms of creams and balms, I'm currently suffering from chafing caused by my running tights last Sunday. Doesn't chafing mean you are doing something the body isn't designed for? Does that make this running lark un-Christian, perhaps I'm consigning my soul to eternal damnation and that's going to sting more than my sore balls.
Week 7
How things have changed, I actually looked forward to my Monday rest day this week and at no point did I even consider any exercise. 14 miles is a seriously long way, but only constitutes just over half the marathon distance. All the training schedules say to only increase your distance by about 10% each week, which on the face of it sounds quite reasonable, but 15.4 miles still sounds a bloody long way too.
Tuesday saw my body starting to return to normal which was nice, so I started the day with a 45 minutes spin class. Cycling in the warm with loud music is always better than freezing rain and freezing my arse off. Received an email from the cricket club today with all the kids cricket fixtures, looks like the 27th May is a free day so it seems like this will be my first Triathlon. Better start getting in the pool again. I don't want to drown, that might spoil the day.
Wednesday is swim day and yet again I'm off on my travels, sunny Solihull this week and guess what, no chance to swim, not much chance to do much of anything to be honest. It's a 3 hour drive home so I wasn't feeling that hopeful, but a combination of school half term, good weather and the reasonable finish time to the meeting meant I was home before 8pm. Time for a quick something to eat and a late night turbo in front of the telly. Now I know Blade Runner is a cult movie, but the final directors' stretch it out cut or what ever it was called wasn't much cop, but it did fill the two hours required and as a bonus by butt was feeling a lot less raw as well, happy days.
Thursday as usual started off with the obligatory spin class, always a good start and this was no ordinary Thursday. I'd managed to secure some evening babysitting, thanks Mum, so I headed off to the gym with all the other grown up men of working age. Now the plan was to do an 8km run, that's what the colour coded schedule said, but this was too good a chance to spend some quality time at the gym and there was an hour spin class at 7 o'clock. So I swapped my water for Maxifuel go faster juice, took an extra towel and set off. 3 hours and 7 pints of sweat later I returned home showered, completely knackered but with an hour on the bike and 45 minutes running under my belt. Good job
Now Friday was my rest day, but I've moved it to Saturday at the moment to allow for my cricket nets and as I managed 3 sessions on Thursday I didn't need to squeeze in anything extra on Friday morning, so I didn't bother. Also I was still a bit drained for Triple Thursday so I comforted myself with some light reading (both Triathlon and non sport), a liberal dose of gaming time and a little cricket. Next.
Rest day proper, but still plenty to do, I have a Triathlon to find, a 15 plus mile run to map out and a trip to the Triathlon Show 2012 to sort out. I've outrun my usual routes so to get in the distance I need I basically need to run around the whole of the Southend on Sea area taking in the sea front, casino, sports centre, airport and hospital. The route comes to 15.35 miles, that's close enough for me. Looks like I'll go to the Tri-show on the Saturday although I still need to arrange a baby sitter. I also think I've managed to find a sprint triathlon that is less than an hours drive away, reasonably priced and with a slightly sensible start time. Why do they all start so early, doesn't anyone enjoy lie-ins.
Queue the drum roll. Sunday morning is here, fade in the epic movie music and 15 plus miles awaits me out there, dun-dun-da. All I will say on the run is it hurt, I didn't like it and it wasn't fun. Not one bit. Why, why o why?
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 4.25 hours
Running 3.5 hours
Cross training 1 hour
Monday 13 February 2012
Is this the best they can do
Now I'm pretty sure that sitting on a seat stem minus the saddle must be pretty painful and I'm hopeful that I never find out, but I'm not sure exactly how much less painful sitting on my saddle is. Also my cycling bib shorts seem to spend all their time protecting the crown jewels and not enough effort covering the waste disposal system. In nearly every turbo run I do the first thing that starts to play up is the under carriage? I wonder what the drag coefficient for a small decorative cushion is?
I suppose the old adage of no pain no gain still holds true and if it was easy to do everyone would be doing it, but I didn't expect all the pain to be in my butt. Another pain in the arse is the way everything else gets in the way of training, you try to plan and plan and plan some more, then remain flexible, but all that real life stuff just gets in the way. Trying to have enough time for work, wife, kids and other bits and bobs plus 6-10 hours of training and extra sleep is not easy. In fact it's not the training that is toughest its actually being mentally strong enough to get your kit on and fit it in, that's the tough part.
Week 6
Monday is usually a rest day, but the weather outside was still very white and with no run on Sunday there is no need to rest. A long day at head office meant today was a turbo day, a late night movie session. Priest (vampire movie) was actually not too bad and the 100 minutes went pretty quickly. It seems the quality of the movie does have an affect on butt pain.
Still too icy outside so still no street running, so down the gym in the morning for an early run. Just over 4 miles on the treadmill was pretty good and okay on the old knees with the last mile at race speed with the chilly Duathlon in mind. After lots of longer distances at slow speeds it was good to crank it up a bit. Just over 3 weeks to go so need to start incorporating some extra quick stuff with that in mind.
Another Wednesday and another busy day and another missed swimming session. I just can't seem to find time in the middle of the day at the moment plus the pool isn't available on Tuesday and Thursday evening, need to think of something else. If I don't get in the pool more often I'll forget how to swim completely. Also what's the chances of this white stuff doing one, snow is fun, this ice rubbish is seriously annoying and affecting the schedule.
Thursday and still no sign of a thaw so it's spin as usual in the morning and then a run before the wife goes to work. Spin class was ram-ode. I do like my spin, you get to do speed work and hill climbs plus you don't have to stop for traffic lights or dodge stupid runners in the cycle lane. I manged to squeeze in a 5 mile run just before dinner and then proceeded to nodded off just after 9 o'clock. More snow on the way was not the news I wanted to hear.
Friday morning and no more snow, game on, although I do have a job to do so that comes first. Cricket in the evening so I pop down the gym for 5km on the treadmill at lunch time. The last kilometre was at full tilt, the duathlon is just over 2 weeks away now. A little something to focus the mind. Nets was good and it's good to actually get to exercise with other human beings rather than pounding the streets on my own.
Rest day Saturday so the day is limited to three games of chess and a beach cricket tourney on the wii, yes I am the Daddy although I do need to work on that little pick up shot and my youngest son needs to work on losing with at least a little grace. 14 mile run tomorrow, that doesn't sounds like fun as more snow is forecast tonight.
Sunday morning breaks revealing a light sprinkling of snow that quickly turns to slush. It's a little warmer, but I'm not sure it is much above 0. 14 miles is the furthest I've ever run and every week is now a journey into the unknown. As I do my pre-run stretches I feel at least 5 twinges that could be serious enough to cancel the run or maybe Aliens have landed and I'll be needed to defend the planet rather than spend the next 2 or so hours running. No? Oh well, maybe the invasion will be next week instead. The mental challenge is so much more than the physical one. On go the shoes fitted with elastic laces, obviously, and off we go. The wind is low, the snow piles manageable and the sleet and rain doesn't start until I'm almost at the furthest point in the run. The final time was good as were the bacon rolls and new experimental cake i consumed just after I'd finished. Sunday afternoon was the usual mix of sore knees, tight muscles and heavy eye lids. What more could you ask for.
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 2.5 hours
Running 3.75 hours
Cross training 1 hour
I suppose the old adage of no pain no gain still holds true and if it was easy to do everyone would be doing it, but I didn't expect all the pain to be in my butt. Another pain in the arse is the way everything else gets in the way of training, you try to plan and plan and plan some more, then remain flexible, but all that real life stuff just gets in the way. Trying to have enough time for work, wife, kids and other bits and bobs plus 6-10 hours of training and extra sleep is not easy. In fact it's not the training that is toughest its actually being mentally strong enough to get your kit on and fit it in, that's the tough part.
Week 6
Monday is usually a rest day, but the weather outside was still very white and with no run on Sunday there is no need to rest. A long day at head office meant today was a turbo day, a late night movie session. Priest (vampire movie) was actually not too bad and the 100 minutes went pretty quickly. It seems the quality of the movie does have an affect on butt pain.
Still too icy outside so still no street running, so down the gym in the morning for an early run. Just over 4 miles on the treadmill was pretty good and okay on the old knees with the last mile at race speed with the chilly Duathlon in mind. After lots of longer distances at slow speeds it was good to crank it up a bit. Just over 3 weeks to go so need to start incorporating some extra quick stuff with that in mind.
Another Wednesday and another busy day and another missed swimming session. I just can't seem to find time in the middle of the day at the moment plus the pool isn't available on Tuesday and Thursday evening, need to think of something else. If I don't get in the pool more often I'll forget how to swim completely. Also what's the chances of this white stuff doing one, snow is fun, this ice rubbish is seriously annoying and affecting the schedule.
Thursday and still no sign of a thaw so it's spin as usual in the morning and then a run before the wife goes to work. Spin class was ram-ode. I do like my spin, you get to do speed work and hill climbs plus you don't have to stop for traffic lights or dodge stupid runners in the cycle lane. I manged to squeeze in a 5 mile run just before dinner and then proceeded to nodded off just after 9 o'clock. More snow on the way was not the news I wanted to hear.
Friday morning and no more snow, game on, although I do have a job to do so that comes first. Cricket in the evening so I pop down the gym for 5km on the treadmill at lunch time. The last kilometre was at full tilt, the duathlon is just over 2 weeks away now. A little something to focus the mind. Nets was good and it's good to actually get to exercise with other human beings rather than pounding the streets on my own.
Rest day Saturday so the day is limited to three games of chess and a beach cricket tourney on the wii, yes I am the Daddy although I do need to work on that little pick up shot and my youngest son needs to work on losing with at least a little grace. 14 mile run tomorrow, that doesn't sounds like fun as more snow is forecast tonight.
Sunday morning breaks revealing a light sprinkling of snow that quickly turns to slush. It's a little warmer, but I'm not sure it is much above 0. 14 miles is the furthest I've ever run and every week is now a journey into the unknown. As I do my pre-run stretches I feel at least 5 twinges that could be serious enough to cancel the run or maybe Aliens have landed and I'll be needed to defend the planet rather than spend the next 2 or so hours running. No? Oh well, maybe the invasion will be next week instead. The mental challenge is so much more than the physical one. On go the shoes fitted with elastic laces, obviously, and off we go. The wind is low, the snow piles manageable and the sleet and rain doesn't start until I'm almost at the furthest point in the run. The final time was good as were the bacon rolls and new experimental cake i consumed just after I'd finished. Sunday afternoon was the usual mix of sore knees, tight muscles and heavy eye lids. What more could you ask for.
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 2.5 hours
Running 3.75 hours
Cross training 1 hour
Monday 6 February 2012
Things just got interesting
Up until now my training sessions have all been of manageable lengths, less than 2 hours, which is something I've done many times in the past, a game of football, a long innings in cricket or 2 spin classes. Last week's run was 12 miles which took less than 2 hours, next weekends is 14 miles and this will take me over that 2 hour figure. I'm officially entering unknown territory, if I was James T Kirk I'd be asking for a couple of those red suited fellows to join me. If I was 8 years old I reckon I could get away with asking to hold my mummy's hand. It's definitely squeaky bum time.
This psychological change got me thinking about the obsessive nature of this whole escapade; was this obsession actually bordering on addiction, or had I jumped over the addict border avoiding the redneck patrols and rented a small studio apartment on the edge of the redlight district, working as a barman in a seedy lap dancing club. Who knows?
What is addiction anyway? I've had a look at the symptoms and see how many you recognise.
Pronounced mood swings
Weight Loss
Changes in energy levels
Disconnection from other interests
Change in social groups
Financial unpredictability
Yep, I recognise those and add to that my obsession with reading niche magazines, visiting sport shops and an attraction to getting up early on a Sunday, you can see what I'm getting at.
Week 5
As the Boom town Rats said (google it if you are under 30) 'I don't like Mondays', so a trip to the office today is a good way to fill the day rather than sitting in my office at home looking at exercise paraphernalia and think up naff excuses justifying why I need to deviate from the much vaunted schedule which stares down at me in all it's technicolour glory from just above my monitor. In the end I watch some telly and read my book. Boring.
Tuesday, hooray; customer site visit, boohoo. Only time for a late night run today because I have to go to the shops and buy a new suit because none of mine fit any more. They make we look like I've stolen my clothes from a very fat scarecrow. Didn't think I'd ever have to buy a new belt because all mine are too big!! Tuesday was a proper winter's day and the run required 3 layers, hat, gloves, snood and long shorts. And another thing as if you weren't aware already, hot dogs and delicious home made cakes are not good preparation for a 10km run.
Month end reporting on Wednesday meant a seriously busy day, but I still planned to swim at lunchtime. That didn't happened, too busy, so I changed my plan to a run before the school run. That didn't happen. How about a spin class in the evening, nope. A blast on the turbo trainer after dinner, no chance. Finally how about a late night run, any chance? No. Bollocks!
A good plan is an adaptable plan and so with nothing happening on Wednesday I decided to mix and match and get my exercise in when I could. I managed to do an early spin class on Thursday, but by 8 in the evening I'd done nothing else, time to make up the turbo trainer me thinks. Unfortunately by the time I got to use it the clock was well past 10pm. It's not ideal but I managed 2 hours on the trainer watching Gladiator. I bet Russell Crowe's butt didn't ache this much while he was slaying brutish barbarians. Shower and bed just after 1am.
Still pretty busy on Friday as well so no time for anything through the day so I decide to leave for cricket early and do a 6km run just before nets started. Holy cow it was cold, the little red snow flake in the car means sub zero temperatures. Just over 30 minutes later I'm back in the warm, it wasn't too bad once I got going but my lips hurt the whole time.
Holy hole in a doughnut Batman, Friday was cold but Saturday was more so. I've got a long run tomorrow, snow permitting, so just a stroll along the sea front today. This month's Triathlon magazine dropped through the letter box yesterday so this was a good excuse to spend a couple of hours on the sofa, tea and cakes provided. Thoughts of sunning myself while competing in the likes of Dubai and Hawaii may be just a pipe dream, but maybe one day and if you don't dream you have nothing to aspire too.
Now I know there is a little sadomasochist in every triathlete, you know that drive that pushes your mind to write cheques your body can't cover and sad little bald men to nail their testicles to planks of wood, but running in a foot of snow didn't seem like much of an idea. I was actually looking forward to running in a little snow, but 12 inches seemed a little excessive. So scratch Sunday, lets see what Monday brings. The weather was rubbish but the couch is comfy so used the time to read, read, read. I read some great articles on nutrition, apparently bananas are good for absolutely everything, except piles. By the way can I class 45 minutes of clearing snow as a cross training session?
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 3.5 hours
Running 1.5 hours
Cross training (not inc snow) 1.0 hour
This psychological change got me thinking about the obsessive nature of this whole escapade; was this obsession actually bordering on addiction, or had I jumped over the addict border avoiding the redneck patrols and rented a small studio apartment on the edge of the redlight district, working as a barman in a seedy lap dancing club. Who knows?
What is addiction anyway? I've had a look at the symptoms and see how many you recognise.
Pronounced mood swings
Weight Loss
Changes in energy levels
Disconnection from other interests
Change in social groups
Financial unpredictability
Yep, I recognise those and add to that my obsession with reading niche magazines, visiting sport shops and an attraction to getting up early on a Sunday, you can see what I'm getting at.
Week 5
As the Boom town Rats said (google it if you are under 30) 'I don't like Mondays', so a trip to the office today is a good way to fill the day rather than sitting in my office at home looking at exercise paraphernalia and think up naff excuses justifying why I need to deviate from the much vaunted schedule which stares down at me in all it's technicolour glory from just above my monitor. In the end I watch some telly and read my book. Boring.
Tuesday, hooray; customer site visit, boohoo. Only time for a late night run today because I have to go to the shops and buy a new suit because none of mine fit any more. They make we look like I've stolen my clothes from a very fat scarecrow. Didn't think I'd ever have to buy a new belt because all mine are too big!! Tuesday was a proper winter's day and the run required 3 layers, hat, gloves, snood and long shorts. And another thing as if you weren't aware already, hot dogs and delicious home made cakes are not good preparation for a 10km run.
Month end reporting on Wednesday meant a seriously busy day, but I still planned to swim at lunchtime. That didn't happened, too busy, so I changed my plan to a run before the school run. That didn't happen. How about a spin class in the evening, nope. A blast on the turbo trainer after dinner, no chance. Finally how about a late night run, any chance? No. Bollocks!
A good plan is an adaptable plan and so with nothing happening on Wednesday I decided to mix and match and get my exercise in when I could. I managed to do an early spin class on Thursday, but by 8 in the evening I'd done nothing else, time to make up the turbo trainer me thinks. Unfortunately by the time I got to use it the clock was well past 10pm. It's not ideal but I managed 2 hours on the trainer watching Gladiator. I bet Russell Crowe's butt didn't ache this much while he was slaying brutish barbarians. Shower and bed just after 1am.
Still pretty busy on Friday as well so no time for anything through the day so I decide to leave for cricket early and do a 6km run just before nets started. Holy cow it was cold, the little red snow flake in the car means sub zero temperatures. Just over 30 minutes later I'm back in the warm, it wasn't too bad once I got going but my lips hurt the whole time.
Holy hole in a doughnut Batman, Friday was cold but Saturday was more so. I've got a long run tomorrow, snow permitting, so just a stroll along the sea front today. This month's Triathlon magazine dropped through the letter box yesterday so this was a good excuse to spend a couple of hours on the sofa, tea and cakes provided. Thoughts of sunning myself while competing in the likes of Dubai and Hawaii may be just a pipe dream, but maybe one day and if you don't dream you have nothing to aspire too.
Now I know there is a little sadomasochist in every triathlete, you know that drive that pushes your mind to write cheques your body can't cover and sad little bald men to nail their testicles to planks of wood, but running in a foot of snow didn't seem like much of an idea. I was actually looking forward to running in a little snow, but 12 inches seemed a little excessive. So scratch Sunday, lets see what Monday brings. The weather was rubbish but the couch is comfy so used the time to read, read, read. I read some great articles on nutrition, apparently bananas are good for absolutely everything, except piles. By the way can I class 45 minutes of clearing snow as a cross training session?
Training this week
Swimming 0 hours
Cycling 3.5 hours
Running 1.5 hours
Cross training (not inc snow) 1.0 hour
Monday 30 January 2012
Don't you just love a free salad bar
It never ceases to amaze me just how different we all are, how people who are 99.99999% genetically similar, living in the same place, with the same kind of upbringing, with the same basic moral and ethical grounding can be so different. And so it was on Sunday, with fit looking athletic types unable to hold it together while a 17 stone woman, with no more than a pink tracksuit top and a mountain bike could guts her way through at least 2 hours of pain and anguish. I couldn't do what she did, knowing she was the slowest, knowing she was not ready for it, but still she finished, crossing the line smiling. The next time I'm in one of those dark places it's this kind of thing that makes me know I can pull through. If she can I can.
So why do we put ourselves through this pain and anguish? It's quite simple, it's for that feeling of pure elation and satisfaction, that sweetness, the joy, neigh bliss, that emotional high that makes you feel so alive, that strange feeling you get when your body is screaming 'stop this stupid crap old man', but your head tells the body to shut up I'm enjoying this, come back in 45 minutes when normal service is resumed. That and the celebratory meal of a full rack of ribs, chicken, salad and pasta at the Harvester Sunday afternoon, obviously.
Week 4
I always find Monday rest days a really frustarating day. I'm usually a bit drained from the weekend, but I always feel like I want to get back into it, that I'm strong enough to cope with some more training. I normally resist, the wife says I'm always a bit cranky on Mondays so I suppose I should listen to all those professionals in all those magazines I buy that all say that recovery is as important as training and to listen to your body and to blah blah blah blah blah blah. No one likes a smart arse and yes that's me admitting I'm wrong.
Tuesday morning I realise why I rest on Mondays, it's because at 41 recovery does take a bit longer and the early morning spin class was fun today becuase I did manage to walk up the stairs unaided. An early ride means I'm ahead of my calories and I'm happy to food test for the wife in the afternoon. Cup cakes - my favourite, well that and her coconut sponge. Crappy weather in the afternoon meant I put off my run til late evening, no point in getting soaked for no reason. I enjoy a tough challenge but a cold I can do without. 10K to the casino and back did the trick, I really enjoyed the middle distance run plus i only got a little damp.
What a waste Wednesday was, it's days like these when you envy the pros who just have to concerntrate on their training not the idiots you have to work with. It's not easy to concentrate on swimming when you'd rather be throttling someone from work. I did swim but not as long or anywhere near as well as I would have liked. Thanks for nothing dipshit.
Up to head office again on Thursday so I was restricted to a spin class in the evening with the craziest instructor yet. She screeched and screamed and sounded like a cliche in lycra, very funny. Decided today that I'd move my rest day to Saturday this week and see how that affects my long run on Sunday. I've got my first cricket nets as well on Friday so 3 sets will be a challenge. Also I seem to have aquired a cold and it's really rather annoying.
So Friday here I come, got all my work out the way and then did 45 minutes or the turbo trainer, some more work, a spot of lunch at my desk then a 3 mile road run before the school run. Finished off my work, had a spot of dinner then out to cricket nets. After I'd finished nets I popped around to see Big Steve and we treated ourselves to a chinese, I'd definitly earnt it. Now Steve is one of the main reasons I'm doing this and he hasn't been able to join me this year due to a change of job. He quit his day job to take up singing professionaly. Apparently endurance training isn't rock n roll enough, but I don't blame him, he's living the dream and loving every minute of it.
Saturday was a complete break from training, but I did manage a trip to the shops to buy a snood and a water bottle belt. I'm so obsessed. It could be worse, I could be a drunkard gambling addict; at least this addiction is good for me. The marathon training goes up a notch on Sunday so hydration, fuel and warmth will be key. Hopefully I can shake off this man flu I've got as well, the snot and tissues thing is starting to get on my wick. 85 days till the London Marathon.
Sunday morning was bright and crisp and the cough and snot seemed to have abated a bit so that was good. The run of 12 miles went reasonably well considering how I've felt for the last few days, time wise it was slower than I would have expected, but I know I put in a good effort so I can't really ask for more than that. Rest and recovery for the rest of the day and hopefully fit and ready to resume on Tuesday. On the plus side thats 1707 calories to replace and I'm going to enjoy every last one.
Training this week
Swimming 0.5 hours
Cycling 2.25 hours
Running 3.5 hours
Cross 1.0 hour
So why do we put ourselves through this pain and anguish? It's quite simple, it's for that feeling of pure elation and satisfaction, that sweetness, the joy, neigh bliss, that emotional high that makes you feel so alive, that strange feeling you get when your body is screaming 'stop this stupid crap old man', but your head tells the body to shut up I'm enjoying this, come back in 45 minutes when normal service is resumed. That and the celebratory meal of a full rack of ribs, chicken, salad and pasta at the Harvester Sunday afternoon, obviously.
Week 4
I always find Monday rest days a really frustarating day. I'm usually a bit drained from the weekend, but I always feel like I want to get back into it, that I'm strong enough to cope with some more training. I normally resist, the wife says I'm always a bit cranky on Mondays so I suppose I should listen to all those professionals in all those magazines I buy that all say that recovery is as important as training and to listen to your body and to blah blah blah blah blah blah. No one likes a smart arse and yes that's me admitting I'm wrong.
Tuesday morning I realise why I rest on Mondays, it's because at 41 recovery does take a bit longer and the early morning spin class was fun today becuase I did manage to walk up the stairs unaided. An early ride means I'm ahead of my calories and I'm happy to food test for the wife in the afternoon. Cup cakes - my favourite, well that and her coconut sponge. Crappy weather in the afternoon meant I put off my run til late evening, no point in getting soaked for no reason. I enjoy a tough challenge but a cold I can do without. 10K to the casino and back did the trick, I really enjoyed the middle distance run plus i only got a little damp.
What a waste Wednesday was, it's days like these when you envy the pros who just have to concerntrate on their training not the idiots you have to work with. It's not easy to concentrate on swimming when you'd rather be throttling someone from work. I did swim but not as long or anywhere near as well as I would have liked. Thanks for nothing dipshit.
Up to head office again on Thursday so I was restricted to a spin class in the evening with the craziest instructor yet. She screeched and screamed and sounded like a cliche in lycra, very funny. Decided today that I'd move my rest day to Saturday this week and see how that affects my long run on Sunday. I've got my first cricket nets as well on Friday so 3 sets will be a challenge. Also I seem to have aquired a cold and it's really rather annoying.
So Friday here I come, got all my work out the way and then did 45 minutes or the turbo trainer, some more work, a spot of lunch at my desk then a 3 mile road run before the school run. Finished off my work, had a spot of dinner then out to cricket nets. After I'd finished nets I popped around to see Big Steve and we treated ourselves to a chinese, I'd definitly earnt it. Now Steve is one of the main reasons I'm doing this and he hasn't been able to join me this year due to a change of job. He quit his day job to take up singing professionaly. Apparently endurance training isn't rock n roll enough, but I don't blame him, he's living the dream and loving every minute of it.
Saturday was a complete break from training, but I did manage a trip to the shops to buy a snood and a water bottle belt. I'm so obsessed. It could be worse, I could be a drunkard gambling addict; at least this addiction is good for me. The marathon training goes up a notch on Sunday so hydration, fuel and warmth will be key. Hopefully I can shake off this man flu I've got as well, the snot and tissues thing is starting to get on my wick. 85 days till the London Marathon.
Sunday morning was bright and crisp and the cough and snot seemed to have abated a bit so that was good. The run of 12 miles went reasonably well considering how I've felt for the last few days, time wise it was slower than I would have expected, but I know I put in a good effort so I can't really ask for more than that. Rest and recovery for the rest of the day and hopefully fit and ready to resume on Tuesday. On the plus side thats 1707 calories to replace and I'm going to enjoy every last one.
Training this week
Swimming 0.5 hours
Cycling 2.25 hours
Running 3.5 hours
Cross 1.0 hour
Monday 23 January 2012
To compete not just complete
So I've got my first competition this Sunday so I suppose I should really discuss my targets for the year. You have to have targets to give you something to aim for and I find they help me to track my progress and give meaning to my training sessions. I like the focus, but it does mean I sometimes push myself when I should be doing a less strenuous session. I suppose everyone is different and as long as I learn from my mistakes I should be fine.
Dorney Lake Duathlon on Sunday and its a 5km, 20km, 5km sprint. I have a rule of thumb I work to and that is I don't want to take more than 50% longer than the guy who wins in any race this year. That gives me a time of 1:36 which I should be able to do. My target for Sunday based on my training so far is 1:24, it's going to be hard, but if it was easy then why bother. When it comes to the full triathlon I'd love to complete the Olympic distance in anything starting with a two. Long term I have a goal in mind, but I'm keeping that close to my chest for now, I don't want to embarrass myself so soon.
Last year I ran the Reading Half marathon in a smidging under 2 hours which equates to around 9 mins per mile. This year I'd love to get that down to 8 minutes a mile, which would give me a time of 1:45. That would give me a time for the full marathon of between 4:00 and 4:20. If I could break the 4:00 mark I'd be so happy, but lets see how we go, that really is a stretching target.
Competition week means changing my diet as well so after Wednesday no fat, lots of carbs and loads of water, every pound will count when it comes to my tri-suit and I must remember to check the weather as well, I may need to take along an extra layer or two.
Week 3
Monday as usual is a rest day, but with a lighter week because of my comp on Sunday I'm eager to get back into some more training. By 6:00pm I remember why it's a rest day and flake out on the couch, contenting myself with a re-read of one of my back issue tri-mags and watching the TV. Just enough time to check over the bike and give the tyres a pump up before bed.
Spin Tuesday morning and then a run in the afternoon. 22.5 minutes for 3 miles today which is a full half minute quicker than I've done in the past. I was giving it a good go and this proves that I should be able to run 23 mins on Sunday reaonably comfortably and it shouldn't affect my ride.
Unfortunately I'm not a professional athlete so I do have to put work first from time to time. Wednesday involved 15 hours in the car and over 500 miles to cover so when I got home just before 9pm I was in no fit state to do any meaningful training so I didn't bother. Why do a rubbish session just to be more knackered and fed up with a poor time at the end. I'm off to bed.
A trip to head office on Thursday meant no early spin class, so rather than run in the evening I did an hour on the turbo trainer. Top tip for you, don't forget to turn the fan on. Jesus did I sweat, not pretty, but I put on the Iplayer and pedalled away and it was good to get in some miles while watching some documentary on the first crusade. Didn't start 'til after 10pm so I turned up the gear and shortened the distance. That's it for training now for the week. 2 days off and loads of carbs ready for Sunday. The weather looks a lot better for the weekend, hopefully no frost.
Rest day Friday was a bit frustrating as I couldn't do much of anything. Bought ANOTHER magazine and read that almost cover to cover. Checked the weather again and it looks good for Sunday, chilly but dry. Weighed myself again this morning and the change of diet has help me ditch a couple of extra pounds which is always good, well, putting them on again will be fun. The one problem today was the fact that I've spent half the day in the toilet due to the amount of water I've been drinking . Well it's all worth it, bring on Sunday.
More checks than a cheap tartan kilt was Saturday, bike check, clothes check, shoes check, hydrathion check, bounced cheque, directions check, car check and then recheck the check just to be sure my check met the minimum check standard. Check! Early to bed, Check.
Up very early Sunday morning, I didn't need the alarm as I was up and ready to go. Race day today so lets get going. Arrived at the venue in good time and after unpacking the bike and you guessed it, gave it a quick check over I headed over to the registration and did the business, racked the bike, checked out the lie of the land, exits in to transition and the basic course lay out, which the wife kindly pointed out was on the side of the registration tent. This left me plenty of time to get back to the car and get changed ready for the off. Then came the school boy error for the day and something to learn from for next time, yes, it's the toilets. Firstly I left my last pee way to late, yes it's the old "Is that really the queue for the smelly chemical toilets?" And secondly I didn't think about how difficult it is to wee in the bushes in my tri-suit, t-shirt and jacket. I did feel a little better as we were joined in the bushes by a woman in the same prediciment, we giggled. The wind blowing across the lake wasn't something we giggled about.
So to the race, the wind affected the bike much more than the run and the only real drama on the run was a dead sheep in the field next door. My time was good and I hopped on the bike and sped off, it was down wind on the outward part of the 6 lap circuit. The cycle was, as Motty might say 'a game of 2 halves', speeding like a pro down to the turn and struggling back into the wind very un-pro like. After the bike was done it was 2 laps on the run and home. As I left transistion my legs felt okay, I was totally shattered but nothing I couldn't handle, but my feet hurt from the bike shoes. Thankfully the pain didn't last too long and it was down to gritting my teeth and giving it a real go. The first lap felt slow but as I checked my watch on the start of number 2 the time was pretty good and this gave me a real lift. 12 minutes later I crossed the line and it was over.
Now I missed my target time by over 7 minutes, but i hadn't counted on the strong wind so I was actually really happy with the race. The first run was well paced, I wasn't passed by many people on the bike and I cycled past a fair few that had run past me earlier. On the second run I ran down a few more and not one person ran past me, I was completed knackered but the pace was good, only 20 seconds slower than the first run. Also I finish slap bang in the middle of my age group. Not a bad start to the year, even if I do say so myself. Next race 5 weeks and counting.
Training this week
Swimming - 0
Cycling - 1 hour
Running - 1.5 hours
1 Race - 1.5 hours
Dorney Lake Duathlon on Sunday and its a 5km, 20km, 5km sprint. I have a rule of thumb I work to and that is I don't want to take more than 50% longer than the guy who wins in any race this year. That gives me a time of 1:36 which I should be able to do. My target for Sunday based on my training so far is 1:24, it's going to be hard, but if it was easy then why bother. When it comes to the full triathlon I'd love to complete the Olympic distance in anything starting with a two. Long term I have a goal in mind, but I'm keeping that close to my chest for now, I don't want to embarrass myself so soon.
Last year I ran the Reading Half marathon in a smidging under 2 hours which equates to around 9 mins per mile. This year I'd love to get that down to 8 minutes a mile, which would give me a time of 1:45. That would give me a time for the full marathon of between 4:00 and 4:20. If I could break the 4:00 mark I'd be so happy, but lets see how we go, that really is a stretching target.
Competition week means changing my diet as well so after Wednesday no fat, lots of carbs and loads of water, every pound will count when it comes to my tri-suit and I must remember to check the weather as well, I may need to take along an extra layer or two.
Week 3
Monday as usual is a rest day, but with a lighter week because of my comp on Sunday I'm eager to get back into some more training. By 6:00pm I remember why it's a rest day and flake out on the couch, contenting myself with a re-read of one of my back issue tri-mags and watching the TV. Just enough time to check over the bike and give the tyres a pump up before bed.
Spin Tuesday morning and then a run in the afternoon. 22.5 minutes for 3 miles today which is a full half minute quicker than I've done in the past. I was giving it a good go and this proves that I should be able to run 23 mins on Sunday reaonably comfortably and it shouldn't affect my ride.
Unfortunately I'm not a professional athlete so I do have to put work first from time to time. Wednesday involved 15 hours in the car and over 500 miles to cover so when I got home just before 9pm I was in no fit state to do any meaningful training so I didn't bother. Why do a rubbish session just to be more knackered and fed up with a poor time at the end. I'm off to bed.
A trip to head office on Thursday meant no early spin class, so rather than run in the evening I did an hour on the turbo trainer. Top tip for you, don't forget to turn the fan on. Jesus did I sweat, not pretty, but I put on the Iplayer and pedalled away and it was good to get in some miles while watching some documentary on the first crusade. Didn't start 'til after 10pm so I turned up the gear and shortened the distance. That's it for training now for the week. 2 days off and loads of carbs ready for Sunday. The weather looks a lot better for the weekend, hopefully no frost.
Rest day Friday was a bit frustrating as I couldn't do much of anything. Bought ANOTHER magazine and read that almost cover to cover. Checked the weather again and it looks good for Sunday, chilly but dry. Weighed myself again this morning and the change of diet has help me ditch a couple of extra pounds which is always good, well, putting them on again will be fun. The one problem today was the fact that I've spent half the day in the toilet due to the amount of water I've been drinking . Well it's all worth it, bring on Sunday.
More checks than a cheap tartan kilt was Saturday, bike check, clothes check, shoes check, hydrathion check, bounced cheque, directions check, car check and then recheck the check just to be sure my check met the minimum check standard. Check! Early to bed, Check.
Up very early Sunday morning, I didn't need the alarm as I was up and ready to go. Race day today so lets get going. Arrived at the venue in good time and after unpacking the bike and you guessed it, gave it a quick check over I headed over to the registration and did the business, racked the bike, checked out the lie of the land, exits in to transition and the basic course lay out, which the wife kindly pointed out was on the side of the registration tent. This left me plenty of time to get back to the car and get changed ready for the off. Then came the school boy error for the day and something to learn from for next time, yes, it's the toilets. Firstly I left my last pee way to late, yes it's the old "Is that really the queue for the smelly chemical toilets?" And secondly I didn't think about how difficult it is to wee in the bushes in my tri-suit, t-shirt and jacket. I did feel a little better as we were joined in the bushes by a woman in the same prediciment, we giggled. The wind blowing across the lake wasn't something we giggled about.
So to the race, the wind affected the bike much more than the run and the only real drama on the run was a dead sheep in the field next door. My time was good and I hopped on the bike and sped off, it was down wind on the outward part of the 6 lap circuit. The cycle was, as Motty might say 'a game of 2 halves', speeding like a pro down to the turn and struggling back into the wind very un-pro like. After the bike was done it was 2 laps on the run and home. As I left transistion my legs felt okay, I was totally shattered but nothing I couldn't handle, but my feet hurt from the bike shoes. Thankfully the pain didn't last too long and it was down to gritting my teeth and giving it a real go. The first lap felt slow but as I checked my watch on the start of number 2 the time was pretty good and this gave me a real lift. 12 minutes later I crossed the line and it was over.
Now I missed my target time by over 7 minutes, but i hadn't counted on the strong wind so I was actually really happy with the race. The first run was well paced, I wasn't passed by many people on the bike and I cycled past a fair few that had run past me earlier. On the second run I ran down a few more and not one person ran past me, I was completed knackered but the pace was good, only 20 seconds slower than the first run. Also I finish slap bang in the middle of my age group. Not a bad start to the year, even if I do say so myself. Next race 5 weeks and counting.
Training this week
Swimming - 0
Cycling - 1 hour
Running - 1.5 hours
1 Race - 1.5 hours
Sunday 15 January 2012
Self concious in my one piece
Now I've never been dangerously thin, I've always been on the chunky side, nothing really big mind you, but I've got a stocky build with quite broad shoulders. I tried pretty hard to lose a bit of weight knowing that every pound I carry needs to be hauled around whatever course I'm competing on plus at some stage I would have to don the tri-suit. To date I've done well and lost a stone and I'm now pretty lean, but I do still dread that one piece number just a bit. The wife said to go for black because it hides any unsightly lumps and bumps and to be fair it was great advice. Avoid stripes they are a big no no.
I'm sure I'll get used to it in time, but it does feel a little off putting, although not as strange as my new cycling bib shorts that feel like I've dropped a massive log in my undies, but clothing issues aside I'm feeling pretty good about things although I know I've got lots to sort out. Firstly I can swim 1500m, but not all front crawl so that's going to need sorting. Plus I've only ever swam in the sea on holiday so open water swimming with no lines to follow and wearing a wetsuit will also need some attention once the weather improves. I have a bike and I can ride it so that's good and well, running is pretty straight forward although after completing the other two disciplines sounds less appealing. Enough waffle lets crack on.
Week 2
Monday is my rest day and after 8 miles last night I'm not in any fit state to slip in any kind of extra curricula activity so guess what, I rested although being ridiculous obsessed I did spend a few hours either thinking, writing or reading about some kind of sporting event ending in a on of some kind.
Tuesday was a spin class in the morning, very good exercise and top music to boot, with a 3 mile run in the evening. These are meant to be easy runs I'm doing mid week, but with my first Duathlon less than 2 weeks away and each running leg being 5km it's a great chance to get a good idea of how fast I can go. 23 mins at the moment but I reckon I can trim a bit off that. I know I'm not one to give tips, but I do find it easier to run without my music. I can concentrate on my pace and breathing much better and better form means a quicker time.
Wednesday is pool day and this evening I was determined to swim the full 1500m without any attempted drownings which seemed like a good challenge, half way up the first length I decided to up the anti to front crawl every other length, god knows why. After 16 lengths my dream was in tatters and I reverted to every 4th length to ensure completing my distance. All was going well and I slipped in an extra front crawl on number 42 and after feeling okay after length 44 I decided to swim the last 12 front crawl as this was 2 more than my personal best. I turned down 48 and took a cheeky 4 seconds to let a faster swimmer past and set off only to realise 9 strokes later that my maths was pony and I actually had 13 more lengths to do. Well it wasn't pretty, it's wasn't powerful and it wasn't fast, but I did it and by my calculations I'd managed 30 lengths of freestyle, can't really call them all front crawl that would be infringing its trademark, but I proved to myself I could do it.
Treated myself to 20 minutes in the hot tub and a bottle of full fat coke. Job well done sunbeam.
Holy crap, nearly barfed in my spin class Thursday morning and then for good measure Sam slipped in extra speed track, but it was worth it because I also treat myself to beans and sausages on bread for lunch on spin days. So scrummy. Was pretty busy today so left my run until after 9:30, not ideal, but better that than missing it completely. Despite the late time the run was quicker than Tuesday and I felt okay when I finished. I do feel like I've not done the run justice because I can still stand at the end of it, but I need to be able to cycle and run again on race day so I have to learn some control. Shower and bed.
So back round to Friday my other rest day for the week. I was feeling pretty good this morning so I toddled on down to the pool for a swim. Nothing too strenuous mind, but enough to get the heart pumping. Enjoyed the swim but it tired me out and now I'm eating Jaffa cakes.
Saturday is cycle day but rather than ride 12 miles hard I thought I'd do about 25 and take it easy, just enjoy myself. It was pretty cold today and down the sea front was a tad bracing, but I was really enjoying the fresh air and the longer I rode the faster I went. I ended up downing 40.5km in 1 hour 35 minutes which is very quick for me, considering my target for the 40k Olympic bike leg is 90 minutes. I felt great and I was really pumped, lets see how I feel after my 10 mile run tomorrow, perhaps then I might think otherwise. Anyhow this calls for a double portion of jellybabies.
Sunday is my long run day and because of the London marathon they are getting longer in a hurry. 10 miles today and as I get out of bed I'm pleasantly surprised with how good my thighs are feeling. It's definitely gloves weather and the wind is up a bit so time to dig in and do my best. As I walk up my drive, glad its all over the watch says just under 85 minutes which I'm really happy with. What a great weekend. In the afternoon we'd arranged a family swim, but all I could face was a few lengths of rest stroke and a lot of splashing around with my baby nephew. I am officailly knackered.
So the verdict on week 2 is all good. I'm feeling stronger, my times are all getting better and my wonky right arm seems to be playing ball. Bring on numero tres, its 7 days to the Dorney Lake Duathlon so I'll lighten the training load pre-competition, can't wait.
Training this week
Swimming- 1.5 hours
Cycling- 3 hours
Running- 2.5 hours
I'm sure I'll get used to it in time, but it does feel a little off putting, although not as strange as my new cycling bib shorts that feel like I've dropped a massive log in my undies, but clothing issues aside I'm feeling pretty good about things although I know I've got lots to sort out. Firstly I can swim 1500m, but not all front crawl so that's going to need sorting. Plus I've only ever swam in the sea on holiday so open water swimming with no lines to follow and wearing a wetsuit will also need some attention once the weather improves. I have a bike and I can ride it so that's good and well, running is pretty straight forward although after completing the other two disciplines sounds less appealing. Enough waffle lets crack on.
Week 2
Monday is my rest day and after 8 miles last night I'm not in any fit state to slip in any kind of extra curricula activity so guess what, I rested although being ridiculous obsessed I did spend a few hours either thinking, writing or reading about some kind of sporting event ending in a on of some kind.
Tuesday was a spin class in the morning, very good exercise and top music to boot, with a 3 mile run in the evening. These are meant to be easy runs I'm doing mid week, but with my first Duathlon less than 2 weeks away and each running leg being 5km it's a great chance to get a good idea of how fast I can go. 23 mins at the moment but I reckon I can trim a bit off that. I know I'm not one to give tips, but I do find it easier to run without my music. I can concentrate on my pace and breathing much better and better form means a quicker time.
Wednesday is pool day and this evening I was determined to swim the full 1500m without any attempted drownings which seemed like a good challenge, half way up the first length I decided to up the anti to front crawl every other length, god knows why. After 16 lengths my dream was in tatters and I reverted to every 4th length to ensure completing my distance. All was going well and I slipped in an extra front crawl on number 42 and after feeling okay after length 44 I decided to swim the last 12 front crawl as this was 2 more than my personal best. I turned down 48 and took a cheeky 4 seconds to let a faster swimmer past and set off only to realise 9 strokes later that my maths was pony and I actually had 13 more lengths to do. Well it wasn't pretty, it's wasn't powerful and it wasn't fast, but I did it and by my calculations I'd managed 30 lengths of freestyle, can't really call them all front crawl that would be infringing its trademark, but I proved to myself I could do it.
Treated myself to 20 minutes in the hot tub and a bottle of full fat coke. Job well done sunbeam.
Holy crap, nearly barfed in my spin class Thursday morning and then for good measure Sam slipped in extra speed track, but it was worth it because I also treat myself to beans and sausages on bread for lunch on spin days. So scrummy. Was pretty busy today so left my run until after 9:30, not ideal, but better that than missing it completely. Despite the late time the run was quicker than Tuesday and I felt okay when I finished. I do feel like I've not done the run justice because I can still stand at the end of it, but I need to be able to cycle and run again on race day so I have to learn some control. Shower and bed.
So back round to Friday my other rest day for the week. I was feeling pretty good this morning so I toddled on down to the pool for a swim. Nothing too strenuous mind, but enough to get the heart pumping. Enjoyed the swim but it tired me out and now I'm eating Jaffa cakes.
Saturday is cycle day but rather than ride 12 miles hard I thought I'd do about 25 and take it easy, just enjoy myself. It was pretty cold today and down the sea front was a tad bracing, but I was really enjoying the fresh air and the longer I rode the faster I went. I ended up downing 40.5km in 1 hour 35 minutes which is very quick for me, considering my target for the 40k Olympic bike leg is 90 minutes. I felt great and I was really pumped, lets see how I feel after my 10 mile run tomorrow, perhaps then I might think otherwise. Anyhow this calls for a double portion of jellybabies.
Sunday is my long run day and because of the London marathon they are getting longer in a hurry. 10 miles today and as I get out of bed I'm pleasantly surprised with how good my thighs are feeling. It's definitely gloves weather and the wind is up a bit so time to dig in and do my best. As I walk up my drive, glad its all over the watch says just under 85 minutes which I'm really happy with. What a great weekend. In the afternoon we'd arranged a family swim, but all I could face was a few lengths of rest stroke and a lot of splashing around with my baby nephew. I am officailly knackered.
So the verdict on week 2 is all good. I'm feeling stronger, my times are all getting better and my wonky right arm seems to be playing ball. Bring on numero tres, its 7 days to the Dorney Lake Duathlon so I'll lighten the training load pre-competition, can't wait.
Training this week
Swimming- 1.5 hours
Cycling- 3 hours
Running- 2.5 hours
Monday 9 January 2012
Out with the old and in with the new
So this is 2012, time to begin the journey to who knows where. According to my highly scientific if rather geeky colour coded training schedule it looks like I'll either be training, eating or showering for the next 9 months. The plan to do a single triathlon this year has grown wings and now involves Duathlons, a return visit to the Reading half marathon, the birth place of all this fun, the London Marathon in April followed by at least 2 triathlons.
This all started when my best friend Steve decided he was getting on a bit (he had just passed 30) and he wanted to challenge himself. He wanted someone to accompany him on the adventure, someone who would badger and cajole him through his torment. Stand up yours truly. Well being 6 foot 7 is a challenge in itself but Steve wanted to do something that was a real tough ask and we decided that getting his 18.5 stone monster frame around 13.1 miles of a half marathon was the thing for us. Well after 5 months of training and 2:04:00 running Steve lay knackered on the floor just over the finishing line, saying never again, but 30 minutes later his recovery was in full effect and the warm glow that comes from successfully completing his goal had taken hold. While still clinging to his never again line I suggested doing a triathlon because there's less running involved and he was a much better swimmer than me. And, as they say, the rest is history, my obsession began and we are where we are....
Just so you know while Steve was 31, I'm 41 and I completed the half marathon in 1:59:18. I'll fill in the rest of the gaps in the back story as we go. So I've decided to write down all that happens this year and hopefully it may help others by sharing their pain and showing anything is possible. If not it will give me something to base next year on. I'm officially a novice veteran and that's a first for me, so shall we begin?
Week 1
The much maligned but highly informative magnificent A3 colour coded schedule started on Monday 2nd so Sunday was a freebie. I'd been doing bits and piece over December to help retain some level of fitness so in keeping with the glorious plan I decided on a cheeky 7.5 mile run to the pier and back. The run was before breakfast after a late night and as I set off I could still taste my hastily consumed banana. Spent Sunday afternoon reading up on bike set ups and rider positions, I like my magazines but god it's easy to spend money on all this stuff.
Monday is a rest day. Nothing strenuous today so I decided to put my new tyres on my bike and what a nightmare that was, managed it in the end, just, then struggled to re-align the back wheel. Decided to put my elastic laces in my trainers to see how they feel. Decided to finish the day with some core exercises and some press ups for my yet to be discovered swimming power.
20 Days till the Dorney Lake Duathlon, need to work off this Christmas food.
Tuesday - 3 Mile Run.Cold and windy run late in the evening, need to make sure I remember the gloves next time.
Wednesday was meant to be a 1500m swim but I felt knackered after just a few lengths so after drinking the pool 3 times I decided to work on my technique instead, I wasn't getting anything from the session. It was a bit of a let down to be honest.
Spin class Thursday morning then a 3 mile run in the evening, really didn't fancy the run at all, I was still feeling jaded from my first spin class in nearly 3 weeks. But as I got in to the run I really started to enjoy it, I was running on dead legs, something I need to get used to and still running at a good pace. Felt really good at the end and slept well that night.
Friday is also a rest day, but the wife was going swimming so I joined her. I worked on my breathing and my wonky right arm. Managed to drink the pool again, but by the end I felt I'd improved so happy days.
Saturday was a 17 mile cycle with 12 miles at race speed, which was somewhat slower than I had hoped. Managed to spend most of the time on the drop bars so that was good, but I do need to find some more speed from somewhere and reasonably soon. Any suggestion on the back of a postcard please.
My good friend Bernie had a birthday get together Saturday night and I had a few sherberts to help him celebrate. I don't drink so Sunday's run was pushed back to the evening, best decision I've made all year. 8 mile run done in reasonable time considering how I felt most of the day. Celebrated the run with 10 jelly babies.
So week 1 out the way and just 15 more till the London Marathon. Not a bad start, except for that poxy back wheel on my bike.
Swimming - 1 hour
Cycling - 2.25 hours
Running - 2.25 hours
This all started when my best friend Steve decided he was getting on a bit (he had just passed 30) and he wanted to challenge himself. He wanted someone to accompany him on the adventure, someone who would badger and cajole him through his torment. Stand up yours truly. Well being 6 foot 7 is a challenge in itself but Steve wanted to do something that was a real tough ask and we decided that getting his 18.5 stone monster frame around 13.1 miles of a half marathon was the thing for us. Well after 5 months of training and 2:04:00 running Steve lay knackered on the floor just over the finishing line, saying never again, but 30 minutes later his recovery was in full effect and the warm glow that comes from successfully completing his goal had taken hold. While still clinging to his never again line I suggested doing a triathlon because there's less running involved and he was a much better swimmer than me. And, as they say, the rest is history, my obsession began and we are where we are....
Just so you know while Steve was 31, I'm 41 and I completed the half marathon in 1:59:18. I'll fill in the rest of the gaps in the back story as we go. So I've decided to write down all that happens this year and hopefully it may help others by sharing their pain and showing anything is possible. If not it will give me something to base next year on. I'm officially a novice veteran and that's a first for me, so shall we begin?
Week 1
The much maligned but highly informative magnificent A3 colour coded schedule started on Monday 2nd so Sunday was a freebie. I'd been doing bits and piece over December to help retain some level of fitness so in keeping with the glorious plan I decided on a cheeky 7.5 mile run to the pier and back. The run was before breakfast after a late night and as I set off I could still taste my hastily consumed banana. Spent Sunday afternoon reading up on bike set ups and rider positions, I like my magazines but god it's easy to spend money on all this stuff.
Monday is a rest day. Nothing strenuous today so I decided to put my new tyres on my bike and what a nightmare that was, managed it in the end, just, then struggled to re-align the back wheel. Decided to put my elastic laces in my trainers to see how they feel. Decided to finish the day with some core exercises and some press ups for my yet to be discovered swimming power.
20 Days till the Dorney Lake Duathlon, need to work off this Christmas food.
Tuesday - 3 Mile Run.Cold and windy run late in the evening, need to make sure I remember the gloves next time.
Wednesday was meant to be a 1500m swim but I felt knackered after just a few lengths so after drinking the pool 3 times I decided to work on my technique instead, I wasn't getting anything from the session. It was a bit of a let down to be honest.
Spin class Thursday morning then a 3 mile run in the evening, really didn't fancy the run at all, I was still feeling jaded from my first spin class in nearly 3 weeks. But as I got in to the run I really started to enjoy it, I was running on dead legs, something I need to get used to and still running at a good pace. Felt really good at the end and slept well that night.
Friday is also a rest day, but the wife was going swimming so I joined her. I worked on my breathing and my wonky right arm. Managed to drink the pool again, but by the end I felt I'd improved so happy days.
Saturday was a 17 mile cycle with 12 miles at race speed, which was somewhat slower than I had hoped. Managed to spend most of the time on the drop bars so that was good, but I do need to find some more speed from somewhere and reasonably soon. Any suggestion on the back of a postcard please.
My good friend Bernie had a birthday get together Saturday night and I had a few sherberts to help him celebrate. I don't drink so Sunday's run was pushed back to the evening, best decision I've made all year. 8 mile run done in reasonable time considering how I felt most of the day. Celebrated the run with 10 jelly babies.
So week 1 out the way and just 15 more till the London Marathon. Not a bad start, except for that poxy back wheel on my bike.
Swimming - 1 hour
Cycling - 2.25 hours
Running - 2.25 hours
Saturday 7 January 2012
What's it all about
So this is going to be my year as a first year newbie veteran Triathlete. I have no idea how its going to pan out but there won't be a lack of effort. Welcome and I'll see you on the other side.
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