Despite my best intentions it has been eon's since my last post. I could try to blame it solely on being busy (which in my defence I have been) but if i have to be honest with myself I've been having a post Ironman strop for the past couple of weeks as well.
I'll try to keep the Ironman Race report brief because it was so long ago, people have probably already heard most of my own and the general ramblings about the event. The swim course change was welcomed as having swam (attempted swimming, in an endless pool style, on the spot style) in the south beach back in May the protected north beach was 100% more appealing. I would like to add at this point that i was not one of the cheating buggers who decided it would be okay! to miss out 400m of the swim course on each of the two laps of the swim. Despite having to swim past/over (they desevered it!) slower swimmers who had cheated on both laps i had a really good swim for me. Swimming in the sea regularly over the summer was definitely an advantage as the current or the choppiness of the water did not phase me. The swim was probably a bit short as i swam 59:54 , but I'm taking that sub hour swim time.
The 1km run though Tenby was well supported and got the blood back into my legs for the 180km hilly bike course. Despite being knocked off my bike 4 weeks before and still having a niggling shoulder I was optimistic that i could pull off a decent bike time. However, this was not to be i struggled to climb out the saddle, weight baring more heavily through my left arm after the 100km mark, which was not good with 5 more 12 - 16% climbs to come. I've never been so relived to get off my bike in an Ironman. Slowest bike split to date with a 6:34:14. Having not run the course (as it had been changed since our recce trip in May)and going in with minimal run training i wasn't sure what to expect. I was having a great run until start of the 4th and last lap, where some extra coke at the turnaround age station didn't agree with my stomach and it started to feel very bloated. The 3 mile run uphill out of town was managed with a slight slowing of pace, but the run downhill churned by stomach a bit too much and required a short vomiting stop 2 miles from the finish - yuk! Finished in 11:42:53: with a marathon time off 3:55:22. The best part was being greeted by my Dad and two brothers, Simon and Jamie who had come to watch their first Ironman and had been great supporters throughout the day.
Tenby did a great job of hosting Ironman Wales, I think we'll be back next year with Simon (Fiancee, maybe husband by then, if we actually start planning our wedding) not me racing though. I've decided not to commit to racing ironman next year, as in the past couple of months I had definitely been questioning my motivation to train and race Ironman this year. Work being stressful and busy and studying for Masters, had resulted in too much Cortisol running through me to effectively train at the level I wanted too = leading to further frustration/ stress and the perpetuation of a vicious stress cycle. So I've made the decision to step back a bit and focus on half ironmans and maybe just maybe do my first Olympic distance race and find some speed.
A couple of weeks back i did the Beachy Head Marathon, an iconic race on the south downs with the final 10km taking in the seven sisters, cuckmere haven to beachy head. It hadn't really appealed to me before, but feeling empty at the end of the season and having done no racing and a friend being unable to race freeing up an entry, i decided to give it a go. It's now a must do race in my opinion. The almost vertical starting hill, 20 meters in, bag piper playing a warren hill, rolling ups and downs between Jevington, High and Over and Littleington, Climbing the steps up from West dean, run down to cuckmere haven knowing the final 10km ahead is the seven sisters. Enjoyed it all and will be appearing on next years race calendar I think. Made even better as my local knowledge of the final 1km decent to the finish allowed my to sneak into the top 5. The same weekend my brother Simon, can down to buy his first road bike (inspired after Ironman Wales me thinks) from The Tri Store, with talk of doing his first triathlon next year, so all in all a great weekend. To top it off glorious sunshine all weekend.
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Few days left!
I’ve been saying to myself for weeks that I’d write an entry for my blog, after realising that my last entry was back in May. Ironman Wales is now only a couple of days away, so thought’d I’d best write a pre race entry before the race report is due! To be honest there’s not been much to write about unfortunately I seem to be plagued by injury and accidents this year.
At the start of the year I had tendonist of my right shin again, So my plans my plans for some quality half marathons to work on my run speed was spoiled. I was then forced to make the decision to pull out of the Marshman Half Ironman in May as was only running 30 minutes easy during the week preceding. Lacking a running base I was then not race fit to do my planned Half Ironman distance events in June.
June was a ‘good’ month with my running coming along, we spent a week training in Majorca, staying with a friend on the East side of the Island, where we had never been before. Sunny and dry – it was just what I needed after starting to feel a bit low and frustrated from injury. We logged a lot of bike miles and a good amount of sea swimming and running alongside in the week. Then just after building my long run, In fact my first long run over 2 hours whilst running downhill I put my foot in a rabbit hole I hadn’t seen and partially tore my lateral ankle ligaments. With my elephant sized ankle I was forced again to take a break from running and cycling. Its now beginning of August and I’ve yet to do any racing. Comparatively this time last year I’d done 2 half’s, Ironman Nice and was about to do Ironman UK. Needless to say my motivation took a bit of a nose dive, a not a great start to an Ironman Build phase. Working as a Physiotherapist I had access to treatment (borrowed cryocuff!) and managed to getting the swelling down within a week and range of movement back the week after, and even do a little bit of easy running. Then 3 weeks ago, whilst out on an easy bike ride in the evening I was knocked off my bike, by a careless driver turning into the junction I was riding past. My legs suffered little damage except a few cuts and bruises. But somehow I went over the front corner of his car landing directly on the top of my left shoulder and head. I’ve never been involved in a crash, either as a driver or cyclist before and was a bit over whelmed as 2 patrol cars and a paramedic arrived and I was escorted to A&E. At the scene I was most annoyed the my brand new helmet (although served its purpose well) was going to need to be replaced, but later as swelling and soreness set in and I couldn’t move my arm above shoulder height the real impact of the crash set in. I guess I was lucky that I suffered no broken bone, but 3 weeks on and I still have some bruising and my acromioclavicular joint is still sore although I’ve managed to get back swimming I’ve not yet managed to get back full strength, So I’m swimming Nemo style with a ‘Gimpy fin’ – the swim on Sunday should be interesting Needless to say I have no idea how I might fair this weekend, so I’m just going to go out with the aim of enjoying it. If you can enjoy the cold, wind and rain tats forecasted!
At the start of the year I had tendonist of my right shin again, So my plans my plans for some quality half marathons to work on my run speed was spoiled. I was then forced to make the decision to pull out of the Marshman Half Ironman in May as was only running 30 minutes easy during the week preceding. Lacking a running base I was then not race fit to do my planned Half Ironman distance events in June.
June was a ‘good’ month with my running coming along, we spent a week training in Majorca, staying with a friend on the East side of the Island, where we had never been before. Sunny and dry – it was just what I needed after starting to feel a bit low and frustrated from injury. We logged a lot of bike miles and a good amount of sea swimming and running alongside in the week. Then just after building my long run, In fact my first long run over 2 hours whilst running downhill I put my foot in a rabbit hole I hadn’t seen and partially tore my lateral ankle ligaments. With my elephant sized ankle I was forced again to take a break from running and cycling. Its now beginning of August and I’ve yet to do any racing. Comparatively this time last year I’d done 2 half’s, Ironman Nice and was about to do Ironman UK. Needless to say my motivation took a bit of a nose dive, a not a great start to an Ironman Build phase. Working as a Physiotherapist I had access to treatment (borrowed cryocuff!) and managed to getting the swelling down within a week and range of movement back the week after, and even do a little bit of easy running. Then 3 weeks ago, whilst out on an easy bike ride in the evening I was knocked off my bike, by a careless driver turning into the junction I was riding past. My legs suffered little damage except a few cuts and bruises. But somehow I went over the front corner of his car landing directly on the top of my left shoulder and head. I’ve never been involved in a crash, either as a driver or cyclist before and was a bit over whelmed as 2 patrol cars and a paramedic arrived and I was escorted to A&E. At the scene I was most annoyed the my brand new helmet (although served its purpose well) was going to need to be replaced, but later as swelling and soreness set in and I couldn’t move my arm above shoulder height the real impact of the crash set in. I guess I was lucky that I suffered no broken bone, but 3 weeks on and I still have some bruising and my acromioclavicular joint is still sore although I’ve managed to get back swimming I’ve not yet managed to get back full strength, So I’m swimming Nemo style with a ‘Gimpy fin’ – the swim on Sunday should be interesting Needless to say I have no idea how I might fair this weekend, so I’m just going to go out with the aim of enjoying it. If you can enjoy the cold, wind and rain tats forecasted!
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Ironman wales course pre view
Prior to next weekend’s long course weekend in Wales I’d thought I should write up my experience of the Ironman Wales course. Before I started three words sum up the bike and run course – hilly and windy. We arrived in Tenby around midday on Friday a bit weary from the 6 hour journey from Eastbourne. If I’m honest Simon was more tired since he was driving and I have a remarkable ability to fall sleep almost instantly when a passenger. We’d left sunshine in Eastbourne, but almost immediately after crossing the Severn it was raining. It was also very windy. The rain did leave us, but the wind was in to stay for the entire weekend.
We immediately hit the bike course, setting out with the map and directions from the Ironman Wales website eager to stretch our chair shaped legs, work out the route and to see what would be in store for us on race day. The bike is advertised at present as a two lap bike, which one large loop and a second shorter loop (which repeats the second half on the first loop). The bike course rolls out from Tenby along the coast road (A4139) before heading in towards Pembroke. From there a relatively steep climb out of Pembroke (12 miles), then the climbs and descents become a bit steeper. There’s a short, shaded and twisty decent – my least favourite type just after St Petrox then the road carries on towards Castlemartin. Here we found a road closed sign. We’d
had done a lot of map consulting so far, as although the description of the course was detailed with road names, none of these were signposted in reality, so weren’t 100% sure we were on the right road. The course passes through a military (artillery) training zone, which happened to be in use hence the road closed sign. We probably should have made the link sooner, as we had just passed the entrance to a military base, complete with two large tanks outside, just 100 meters down the road.
A short diversion found us back on the bike course, headed for Freshwater West. The beach here is stunning; the climb up from there is not enjoyable however. Be prepared to use your small chain ring and watch out for sand on the road, especially if windy, as the road is narrow here and passes
through the sand dunes.
A short descent down and back up from Angle (24 miles) sees the course heading back to Pembroke. The road here is rolling and of good surface, so should be opportunity to make up for some of the slowness on the rest of the course. A short loop around Pembroke centre (there’s a very short but steep climb as you make the turn through town, which caught be a bit by surprise first time around, and saw me uncomfortably grinding my way up the 30m stretch). Heading back along the road you come into Pembroke on towards Lamphey, where there’s a left turn onto a road called the Ridgeway. It’ll come to no surprise that this is another uphill, and you seem to only just get to the ridge, with stunning coastal views, before turning off and descending to Sageston. The lane here is narrow and steep, but has just been resurfaced properly, so should be a fast descent. We were treated to the view of Carew Castle, before crossing the river and heading uphill towards Cresselly and Yerbeston. It’s basically uphill and downhill from there all the way to Narberth, where there’s a steep downhill, straight into a steep uphill, which flattens a bit, but seems to go on for what seems like forever. It was here I started contemplating using my road bike on race day, as I just wanted to keep shifting gears on the uphill and my legs were screaming at me for such low cadence climbing. The course then loops out east to Tavernspike, via Princes Gate (more rolling), a sharp right turn heading south west towards Ludchurch, then it’s mostly downhill to the coast. At this point I’d pretty much figured out that any downhill was going to be matched with an equally steep uphill, and I wasn’t disappointed. The climb out of Wiseman’s bridge has a 16% sign at the bottom. I was definitely heading towards the road bike option now. Then guess what the course heads downhill into Saundersfoot then straight up the other side, on another steep climb, back towards Tenby. Lap one done. The course then passes through and out of Tenby as on the first lap, then about 3 miles before Pembroke it turns right at Lamphey, onto the ridgeway and follows the route taken by lap one. It had taken us 5 hours to complete the long loop with a lot of stop, starting and a bit of getting lost along the way. Over the weekend we rode different sections of the bike course and I made up my mind to use my Cervelo S2 over my Quintana Roo Cd0.1. Not being able to shift so frequently on the up hills when on my base bar, meant I spent a lot of time riding in a lower cadence than I’d have like to be riding in and I don’t want my legs to be cream crackered for the run. Simon was fine, he has Di2 on his P4, with shifters on his base bar and tri bars. And since Santa will not be making an early visit and bringing me Di2 for my race bike, I’m going to be riding my Cervelo road bike, with USE tribars and my Hed wheel set.
My running is coming along, and over the weekend I managed a few runs on the course. From T2 in Tenby town centre, the 4 lap run course heads straight out of town along the coast road, which is mainly a rolling downhill, except for a short hill near the Haven Caravan Park and petrol station. The route turns into Penally village, along a road which runs almost parallel to the coast road, heading back to Tenby, so is a rolling uphill! Back in Tenby it’s up St John Hill, downhill to the castle, around the castle, past the life boat station, up Castle Hill - a 10meter stretch almost vertical, only a slight exaggeration. Then a loop through the town centre, which if the organisers can get the right atmosphere going should be great fun, before heading back out of town. The run should be a good course for spectators.
Can’t really say too much about the swim, we did don our wetsuits on Sunday night and head down to the sea. It was bloody cold (good luck to those doing the long swim on Friday, remember your neoprene hat and booties!) and choppy. Both of us managed about 100 meters before getting out, much to the amusement of the car park attendant, he pointed out to stay clear of ‘The Whiteback’, a sandbank mid-beach which messes with the tides and catches the unwary, but also took great relish is calling us soft southerners, but kindly pointed us in the direction of a really good fish and chip shop, for a treat on our last night.
We immediately hit the bike course, setting out with the map and directions from the Ironman Wales website eager to stretch our chair shaped legs, work out the route and to see what would be in store for us on race day. The bike is advertised at present as a two lap bike, which one large loop and a second shorter loop (which repeats the second half on the first loop). The bike course rolls out from Tenby along the coast road (A4139) before heading in towards Pembroke. From there a relatively steep climb out of Pembroke (12 miles), then the climbs and descents become a bit steeper. There’s a short, shaded and twisty decent – my least favourite type just after St Petrox then the road carries on towards Castlemartin. Here we found a road closed sign. We’d
had done a lot of map consulting so far, as although the description of the course was detailed with road names, none of these were signposted in reality, so weren’t 100% sure we were on the right road. The course passes through a military (artillery) training zone, which happened to be in use hence the road closed sign. We probably should have made the link sooner, as we had just passed the entrance to a military base, complete with two large tanks outside, just 100 meters down the road.A short diversion found us back on the bike course, headed for Freshwater West. The beach here is stunning; the climb up from there is not enjoyable however. Be prepared to use your small chain ring and watch out for sand on the road, especially if windy, as the road is narrow here and passes
through the sand dunes.
A short descent down and back up from Angle (24 miles) sees the course heading back to Pembroke. The road here is rolling and of good surface, so should be opportunity to make up for some of the slowness on the rest of the course. A short loop around Pembroke centre (there’s a very short but steep climb as you make the turn through town, which caught be a bit by surprise first time around, and saw me uncomfortably grinding my way up the 30m stretch). Heading back along the road you come into Pembroke on towards Lamphey, where there’s a left turn onto a road called the Ridgeway. It’ll come to no surprise that this is another uphill, and you seem to only just get to the ridge, with stunning coastal views, before turning off and descending to Sageston. The lane here is narrow and steep, but has just been resurfaced properly, so should be a fast descent. We were treated to the view of Carew Castle, before crossing the river and heading uphill towards Cresselly and Yerbeston. It’s basically uphill and downhill from there all the way to Narberth, where there’s a steep downhill, straight into a steep uphill, which flattens a bit, but seems to go on for what seems like forever. It was here I started contemplating using my road bike on race day, as I just wanted to keep shifting gears on the uphill and my legs were screaming at me for such low cadence climbing. The course then loops out east to Tavernspike, via Princes Gate (more rolling), a sharp right turn heading south west towards Ludchurch, then it’s mostly downhill to the coast. At this point I’d pretty much figured out that any downhill was going to be matched with an equally steep uphill, and I wasn’t disappointed. The climb out of Wiseman’s bridge has a 16% sign at the bottom. I was definitely heading towards the road bike option now. Then guess what the course heads downhill into Saundersfoot then straight up the other side, on another steep climb, back towards Tenby. Lap one done. The course then passes through and out of Tenby as on the first lap, then about 3 miles before Pembroke it turns right at Lamphey, onto the ridgeway and follows the route taken by lap one. It had taken us 5 hours to complete the long loop with a lot of stop, starting and a bit of getting lost along the way. Over the weekend we rode different sections of the bike course and I made up my mind to use my Cervelo S2 over my Quintana Roo Cd0.1. Not being able to shift so frequently on the up hills when on my base bar, meant I spent a lot of time riding in a lower cadence than I’d have like to be riding in and I don’t want my legs to be cream crackered for the run. Simon was fine, he has Di2 on his P4, with shifters on his base bar and tri bars. And since Santa will not be making an early visit and bringing me Di2 for my race bike, I’m going to be riding my Cervelo road bike, with USE tribars and my Hed wheel set.
My running is coming along, and over the weekend I managed a few runs on the course. From T2 in Tenby town centre, the 4 lap run course heads straight out of town along the coast road, which is mainly a rolling downhill, except for a short hill near the Haven Caravan Park and petrol station. The route turns into Penally village, along a road which runs almost parallel to the coast road, heading back to Tenby, so is a rolling uphill! Back in Tenby it’s up St John Hill, downhill to the castle, around the castle, past the life boat station, up Castle Hill - a 10meter stretch almost vertical, only a slight exaggeration. Then a loop through the town centre, which if the organisers can get the right atmosphere going should be great fun, before heading back out of town. The run should be a good course for spectators.
Can’t really say too much about the swim, we did don our wetsuits on Sunday night and head down to the sea. It was bloody cold (good luck to those doing the long swim on Friday, remember your neoprene hat and booties!) and choppy. Both of us managed about 100 meters before getting out, much to the amusement of the car park attendant, he pointed out to stay clear of ‘The Whiteback’, a sandbank mid-beach which messes with the tides and catches the unwary, but also took great relish is calling us soft southerners, but kindly pointed us in the direction of a really good fish and chip shop, for a treat on our last night.
Monday, 9 May 2011
ups and downs!
Yet again it seems that I wrote an update a couple of weeks ago, only to realise it’s actually been a couple of months. After a good winter of training, everything has gone a bit pear shaped. I’d had a winter injury free, which was obviously tempting fate. I’d been completely long runs holding very respectable pace and was hoping for a sub 1:30 at the Fleet half marathon at the very least. Obviously that didn’t go to plan otherwise I would not be sharing this woeful tale. I was looking on target until 6 miles, when I started have stomach issues. I can only blame my step mum’s cooking and eating late the night before, for the loo stops. From then on, my legs and brain were not on the same wave length. Despite wanting to run fast, my legs were having none of it. About 10 miles in I started getting ITB and knee pain, so eased back the pace completely, so be able to recover quickly and put in a quality week of training afterwards. I finished only just in front of an Army captain, running in full kit with 20lb pack. From then onwards I seem to have niggle after niggle. Maybe I headed back into running too quickly, maybe not enough stretching or massage, new shoes or maybe even the fact I was taking almost an illegal amount of painkillers as I’d just had my braces tightened, but a couple of weeks later I then developed shin pain. So I’ve now had a couple of week of training, free from running as that seems to have done the trick. Yesterday I managed my first run in 3 weeks, 20 minutes, so slow I was almost walking! But with no repercussions.
So unfortunately I had to pull out of today’s Marshman Triathlon. I raced and won the Marshman Plus event last year – as it’s only an hour away, it seemed like an ideal season opener back in January and a good way to gauge my fitness, ready for the build to Ironman Wales. Plus for a local event it was well organised. My Quintana Roo CD 0.1 did get a punishing today though with my first open 25 Mile TT for two years. Last year I didn’t do any time trialling and felt I lacked the bike speed, I considered my strength. So at least a drop in run volume is allowing me to concentrate on my biking for a bit. Today wasn’t pretty. I left my power tap unit in the kitchen, so rode blind and spectacularly blew up in the last couple of miles. Despite this and a change of course due to road works, rubbish road surface and lots slippery wet roundabouts from early morning down pours, I came ridiculously close to setting a new PB for the distance. My coach also thinks it is now warm enough for sea swimming – I’ll beg to differ. First sea swim is set for tomorrow night. Personally I’m hoping that the wind picks up and we have 10 feet of chop. I’m never really a fan of sea swimming in the murky waters in the UK, especially not when it’s frigging cold.
Other things that have been happening – I’m well into my first master’s degree module. After a slow start with essay writing I seemed to have been able to dig out some study skills that were hidden after completing my undergraduate degree 7 years ago. Sometime I wonder why I even though doing a part time master’s alongside full time working (including 1 hour each way commute) and Ironman training was sensible. But it’s working out, I just have to be strict with myself after weekend training and knuckle down to work. Probably more importantly, more exciting and I’ll get in trouble for not putting this at the top. I got engaged!! Simon asked me out of the blue on his Birthday – no excuses to forget the date! So mostly despite the lows and stresses over the past couple of months I’ve been walking around with a big smile on my face and a glittery ring on my finger. No date set yet, likely to be next summer, but I’ve already been banned by my family from getting married in Hawaii though. And it’ll come to no surprise to those that know my fiancé Simon, from The Tri Store in Eastbourne that he’s hoping to be able to wear shorts!
So unfortunately I had to pull out of today’s Marshman Triathlon. I raced and won the Marshman Plus event last year – as it’s only an hour away, it seemed like an ideal season opener back in January and a good way to gauge my fitness, ready for the build to Ironman Wales. Plus for a local event it was well organised. My Quintana Roo CD 0.1 did get a punishing today though with my first open 25 Mile TT for two years. Last year I didn’t do any time trialling and felt I lacked the bike speed, I considered my strength. So at least a drop in run volume is allowing me to concentrate on my biking for a bit. Today wasn’t pretty. I left my power tap unit in the kitchen, so rode blind and spectacularly blew up in the last couple of miles. Despite this and a change of course due to road works, rubbish road surface and lots slippery wet roundabouts from early morning down pours, I came ridiculously close to setting a new PB for the distance. My coach also thinks it is now warm enough for sea swimming – I’ll beg to differ. First sea swim is set for tomorrow night. Personally I’m hoping that the wind picks up and we have 10 feet of chop. I’m never really a fan of sea swimming in the murky waters in the UK, especially not when it’s frigging cold.
Other things that have been happening – I’m well into my first master’s degree module. After a slow start with essay writing I seemed to have been able to dig out some study skills that were hidden after completing my undergraduate degree 7 years ago. Sometime I wonder why I even though doing a part time master’s alongside full time working (including 1 hour each way commute) and Ironman training was sensible. But it’s working out, I just have to be strict with myself after weekend training and knuckle down to work. Probably more importantly, more exciting and I’ll get in trouble for not putting this at the top. I got engaged!! Simon asked me out of the blue on his Birthday – no excuses to forget the date! So mostly despite the lows and stresses over the past couple of months I’ve been walking around with a big smile on my face and a glittery ring on my finger. No date set yet, likely to be next summer, but I’ve already been banned by my family from getting married in Hawaii though. And it’ll come to no surprise to those that know my fiancé Simon, from The Tri Store in Eastbourne that he’s hoping to be able to wear shorts!
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
March, almost been and gone!
March is almost over and I'd like to say that I've been busy getting some amazing training done or writing an amazing Master's essay worthy of a distinction! However I have just had a month where by time can not be accounted for. I would say I'm normally a pretty well time managed person, like most triathletes I try to cram 10 more things than I really can into my day, but this past month has flown by with little to write about. On the whole training has been coming along nicely.
I had entered fleet half marathon as a test event, to see where my running was really at. Of the back of some long controlled paced runs in Friston Forest I was feeling confident I would be able to run a PB. Fleet is close to my folks so I stayed at there's the night before, we ate late (and something not tired and tested) and this played havoc with my stomach. I felt great for the first 6 miles, holding 6:55 - 7:00 min/miles comfortably. But just after running back through town, my stomach started to rebel. Two toilet stops later, the jelly legs replaced my Strong running legs which had been with me for the first half. The jelly legs accompanied me all the way to the finish line which I crossed in 1:37:39, with a face like thunder. I managed a increase in pace down the finish chute only so not to be beaten by a man who had just completed the run with full army kit and 20lb pack, breaking the world record by 4 mins. (I felt sorry for my Dad, who had come to support, he got to put up with my misery all the way back home). My mood has improved from that disaster of a race. It just reinforces the need to be spot on with pre race nutrition and routine for me. I've a six week block of training coming up, before my first Triathlon of 2011 - The Marshman. Last year I raced and won the longer Marshman plus (3/4 distance event). This year they are not running the plus event, so I'm having to make do with the half Ironman distance!
Last Friday was Simon's Birthday. We spent a lovely day together. Enjoying breakfast, a long coffee shop ride and just relaxing. In the evening he surprised me by proposing. I spent most of the weekend with a massive smile on my face and dancing around!! I'd planned a surprise birthday lunch for Simon on the Sunday since it was a big birthday (I won't disclose how big here!). So almost 40 of our friends and family were there to help him celebrate this birthday, but also our engagement. Slightly overwhelming, but great fun, seeing family members who have not been seen since the previous year.
Now time to get knuckled down to training and Essay writing. I'm glad that the days are getting longer and the temperature is creeping up a bit.
Sarah x
I had entered fleet half marathon as a test event, to see where my running was really at. Of the back of some long controlled paced runs in Friston Forest I was feeling confident I would be able to run a PB. Fleet is close to my folks so I stayed at there's the night before, we ate late (and something not tired and tested) and this played havoc with my stomach. I felt great for the first 6 miles, holding 6:55 - 7:00 min/miles comfortably. But just after running back through town, my stomach started to rebel. Two toilet stops later, the jelly legs replaced my Strong running legs which had been with me for the first half. The jelly legs accompanied me all the way to the finish line which I crossed in 1:37:39, with a face like thunder. I managed a increase in pace down the finish chute only so not to be beaten by a man who had just completed the run with full army kit and 20lb pack, breaking the world record by 4 mins. (I felt sorry for my Dad, who had come to support, he got to put up with my misery all the way back home). My mood has improved from that disaster of a race. It just reinforces the need to be spot on with pre race nutrition and routine for me. I've a six week block of training coming up, before my first Triathlon of 2011 - The Marshman. Last year I raced and won the longer Marshman plus (3/4 distance event). This year they are not running the plus event, so I'm having to make do with the half Ironman distance!
Last Friday was Simon's Birthday. We spent a lovely day together. Enjoying breakfast, a long coffee shop ride and just relaxing. In the evening he surprised me by proposing. I spent most of the weekend with a massive smile on my face and dancing around!! I'd planned a surprise birthday lunch for Simon on the Sunday since it was a big birthday (I won't disclose how big here!). So almost 40 of our friends and family were there to help him celebrate this birthday, but also our engagement. Slightly overwhelming, but great fun, seeing family members who have not been seen since the previous year.
Now time to get knuckled down to training and Essay writing. I'm glad that the days are getting longer and the temperature is creeping up a bit.
Sarah x
Friday, 25 March 2011
Sunny Day!
Had a fabulous day off work today. Lay in till 7am. Epic breakfast of Cooked Banana's, Bacon and Maple Syrup on Cinnamon and Raisin Bagels to celebrate Simon's Birthday. Stayed in my Pyjamas until 10:30am when headed out for just over a four hour bike ride in the sun (obviously got changed into suitable atire first). I haven't felt over dressed on the bike since Hawaii. My freckles have come out today :-)
Sunday, 6 March 2011
Day’s are getting lighter but not any warmer!
This last couple of weeks have flown by. Works been busy and we’ve had family and friends staying at the weekends. This weekend has been quite and relaxed, so taken time to catch up on all those meaning to do job’s –like updating my blog.
At last I’m starting to find some fitness and am looking forward to the coming season. I’m sure the slight increase in daylight is helping on this side of things. I’m actually getting outside on my bike more, rather than being stuck on the turbo! But I have to say riding on the turbo has still taken preference in the evenings, when it’s been so bitterly cold and windy here on the coast. Running is coming along. My coach has me doing lots of to-pace running at the moment. Alternating with longish runs off the bike one week, and long Ironman paced runs the following week. This combined with a midweek tempo run seems to be helping my speed and fitness. I’m now looking forward to Fleet ½ marathon in a couple of week, rather than dreading it. Today’s run was 6 times up and down a 2.5km trail in Friston forest – An Ironman lapped run is going to be a piece of cake, after this mentally challenging run – However, it was more interesting than 20 x 1 mile laps around the local rugby pitch, she had me doing before Ironman Nice last year. Plus, less strange looks from dog walkers and less explaining why I’m running around in circles.
Outside of training, I’ve had a couple of other interesting things going on. I’ve had my first week at University, the week before last. I’ve started a part time Master’s degree (starting now, possibly taking up to six years to complete – but hopefully not!) and my first module was great fun and very thought provoking. Now I have the hard bit to do – an assignment to write! I caught up with Simon Baynes from Craft this week, for a coffee and chat about the brand and my partnership with them this year. From my last post, you’ll see I’ve already received a lot of kit from Craft, mostly spring/summer apparel – I’m looking forward to the weather warming up to give it all a trial. Their fabulous zero base layers have made riding these past couple of weeks much more bare able through.
At last I’m starting to find some fitness and am looking forward to the coming season. I’m sure the slight increase in daylight is helping on this side of things. I’m actually getting outside on my bike more, rather than being stuck on the turbo! But I have to say riding on the turbo has still taken preference in the evenings, when it’s been so bitterly cold and windy here on the coast. Running is coming along. My coach has me doing lots of to-pace running at the moment. Alternating with longish runs off the bike one week, and long Ironman paced runs the following week. This combined with a midweek tempo run seems to be helping my speed and fitness. I’m now looking forward to Fleet ½ marathon in a couple of week, rather than dreading it. Today’s run was 6 times up and down a 2.5km trail in Friston forest – An Ironman lapped run is going to be a piece of cake, after this mentally challenging run – However, it was more interesting than 20 x 1 mile laps around the local rugby pitch, she had me doing before Ironman Nice last year. Plus, less strange looks from dog walkers and less explaining why I’m running around in circles.
Outside of training, I’ve had a couple of other interesting things going on. I’ve had my first week at University, the week before last. I’ve started a part time Master’s degree (starting now, possibly taking up to six years to complete – but hopefully not!) and my first module was great fun and very thought provoking. Now I have the hard bit to do – an assignment to write! I caught up with Simon Baynes from Craft this week, for a coffee and chat about the brand and my partnership with them this year. From my last post, you’ll see I’ve already received a lot of kit from Craft, mostly spring/summer apparel – I’m looking forward to the weather warming up to give it all a trial. Their fabulous zero base layers have made riding these past couple of weeks much more bare able through.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
It's been a long time
I’ve been receiving a lot of banter of late about my lack of blogging, and to be fair it is deserved, since it’s been a while. My last blog update was at the beginning of November!
I had planned a good break from structured training, after my 3 Ironman season and it ended up being a bit longer than planned with repeated colds. I under estimated how tired and unmotivated I would be and how difficult it would be to get back into structured training. The snow and ice helped, as the thought of 3 – 4 hour rides on he turbo every week, was not appealing. Simon and I had talked about doing Ironman South Africa this year. I’m now so glad we decided to not to enter such an early Ironman. In April last year I took a promotion at work, to a job I love but involves almost an hour commute each way. I’m fortunate enough to be able to car-share, but still the travelling in the dark has been tiring. Roll on the spring (or at least some warmer weather) so that the 22 miles each way, can be turned into a training ride)
Anyway all that lovely time off training, left more time to do the things you neglect to do when training lots. We got quickly settle into our new flat. Our old flat (which we moved into in the short term, but that quickly became 5 years) was a bit like a student flat. We now have a much more grown up flat, which is so big we often lose one another and has a gym room (meant to be spare room!) with treadmill, turbo set up on bike, and small weights selection. Simon’s sister also had a baby, so much baby Max cuddling has been had. Spent time catching up with friends and family and doing all those other things you neglect or run out of time to, like drink wine!
After Christmas and New Year, I finally got back to some proper training, which by that time, I was ready to do. The focus so far has been on my swimming and running. I’d like to say both have come on fabulously and I’m running and swimming so much faster than last year, but at the moment I’m not. I’m starting to feel fitter and stronger, but we’re trying some new things in the pool, changing my stroke, which just feels uncomfortable and slow at the moment. Recovering from hard run sessions is something I struggled with last year and lacked confidence in my ability to run fast as a result, so that has been a priority. So far, with more stretching, better warm up and cool downs, weight training and more core stability work I have been able to do more running, and have not suffered with sore tight legs and niggly injuries. So things are moving forwards. It’s still really early as my goal is a late season Ironman. The only thing that has got in the way of training has been work, either having to do a bit at work, or being very stressed and tired at the end of the day. Both of which obviously impact on training time and quality. But I’m learning to appreciate this and adjust my training as required. If work stress if high, then adding a lot of training stress is likely to make me feel run down and lack energy. It’s funny that since I accepted this, work stress has felt a lot lower, although there are still manic days.
For the past couple of years I have been fortunate to receive a generous amount of support from DJM Products, the UK distributor of Zoot Sports. Their ultra range of triathlon training and racing apparel has been fantastic and the compression clothing is the best I’ve used. However, I’ve now decided it’s time to end that partnership. I thank Martin Branfoot and DJM for all their support.
I have now teamed up with Craft for this coming year, which I am very excited about. 1 large box of goodies arrived this week, it was like a second christmas. There’s nothing like new kit to get you out training on cold and wet winter days!
Anyway all that lovely time off training, left more time to do the things you neglect to do when training lots. We got quickly settle into our new flat. Our old flat (which we moved into in the short term, but that quickly became 5 years) was a bit like a student flat. We now have a much more grown up flat, which is so big we often lose one another and has a gym room (meant to be spare room!) with treadmill, turbo set up on bike, and small weights selection. Simon’s sister also had a baby, so much baby Max cuddling has been had. Spent time catching up with friends and family and doing all those other things you neglect or run out of time to, like drink wine!
After Christmas and New Year, I finally got back to some proper training, which by that time, I was ready to do. The focus so far has been on my swimming and running. I’d like to say both have come on fabulously and I’m running and swimming so much faster than last year, but at the moment I’m not. I’m starting to feel fitter and stronger, but we’re trying some new things in the pool, changing my stroke, which just feels uncomfortable and slow at the moment. Recovering from hard run sessions is something I struggled with last year and lacked confidence in my ability to run fast as a result, so that has been a priority. So far, with more stretching, better warm up and cool downs, weight training and more core stability work I have been able to do more running, and have not suffered with sore tight legs and niggly injuries. So things are moving forwards. It’s still really early as my goal is a late season Ironman. The only thing that has got in the way of training has been work, either having to do a bit at work, or being very stressed and tired at the end of the day. Both of which obviously impact on training time and quality. But I’m learning to appreciate this and adjust my training as required. If work stress if high, then adding a lot of training stress is likely to make me feel run down and lack energy. It’s funny that since I accepted this, work stress has felt a lot lower, although there are still manic days.
For the past couple of years I have been fortunate to receive a generous amount of support from DJM Products, the UK distributor of Zoot Sports. Their ultra range of triathlon training and racing apparel has been fantastic and the compression clothing is the best I’ve used. However, I’ve now decided it’s time to end that partnership. I thank Martin Branfoot and DJM for all their support.
I have now teamed up with Craft for this coming year, which I am very excited about. 1 large box of goodies arrived this week, it was like a second christmas. There’s nothing like new kit to get you out training on cold and wet winter days!
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