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
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
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.
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