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
Sunday, 19 February 2012
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
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