My blog has been offline for a few days while the kind folks managing Blogger, have been deciding weather or not my blog contain malicious and people scamming content. Picked up for possibly containing nonsensical text! more likely to be my dyslexia!
Anyway, they have obviously decided I'm not clever enough to be trying to scam people and are allowing me to continue to bore/amuse people.
Report of crash week and National 100 mile Time Trial to follow soon!
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Crash week - day 3
Two posts in one day! Yes forgot to post the one I wrote yesterday.
My day started early with meeting Yvette at 7am, for the 5 hour ride ahead of us. I'm a slightly stronger biker than Yvette (she kills me in the swim and run!). Yvette just finished 9th Pro Woman in Ironman France. Self inflicted pressure to ride strong and well was on. Praying that my legs would hold good and I'd have a better ride than yesterday.
Unfortunately my power tap stopped working an hour into the ride, unable to remember how to switch it to bike computer only, so rode on perceived exertion for the rest of the ride. We covered a lumpy 86 and bit miles. See map below. Rode out to Tunbridge wells - remembered why I don't often go that way. steep little lumps and rubbish road surface. Then across to East Grinstead - making the route up as I went along. The down through Ashdown forest, joining A22 to head back to the coast. My legs held good. Sat on the front all morning. Just kept taking in the carb's and drinking plenty.
Once home guess what Rego and a sleep. Now I have to go to the laundrette (sit with the Chav's, not making eye contact). Our washing machine is broken. Not good with all the training and kit I'm getting through this week. Then to the pool for a long-ish swim set!
My day started early with meeting Yvette at 7am, for the 5 hour ride ahead of us. I'm a slightly stronger biker than Yvette (she kills me in the swim and run!). Yvette just finished 9th Pro Woman in Ironman France. Self inflicted pressure to ride strong and well was on. Praying that my legs would hold good and I'd have a better ride than yesterday.
Unfortunately my power tap stopped working an hour into the ride, unable to remember how to switch it to bike computer only, so rode on perceived exertion for the rest of the ride. We covered a lumpy 86 and bit miles. See map below. Rode out to Tunbridge wells - remembered why I don't often go that way. steep little lumps and rubbish road surface. Then across to East Grinstead - making the route up as I went along. The down through Ashdown forest, joining A22 to head back to the coast. My legs held good. Sat on the front all morning. Just kept taking in the carb's and drinking plenty.
Once home guess what Rego and a sleep. Now I have to go to the laundrette (sit with the Chav's, not making eye contact). Our washing machine is broken. Not good with all the training and kit I'm getting through this week. Then to the pool for a long-ish swim set!
Crash week, so far!
Last week was a nice recovery week from Half Ironman race last weekend and some preparation for the week ahead - The Crash Week. A week off work to enjoy lots of riding, with some swimming and running thrown in for fun.
So Saturday 3.5 hour ride steady, then 60 min sea swim in the evening. Sunday was a easy 2 hour ride and an opportunity to clear my to do list, for the week ahead. Joined good friend Helen for a ride on Monday. We rode for almost 2 hours steady, prior to me venturing off along the A259 to do 3 x 8 min efforts at threshold - fun. Quick transition and 60 min at 75% off the bike. Home to Rego and a little nap. Joined Bodyworks xtc for sea swim in the evening. I say joined them. These talented youngsters were swimming in the same ocean as me! Probably swam twice as far and twice as fast as me! Didn't mind I had prepared myself mentally for that occurring.
Tuesday - Drizzling in the morning. So geared up for my 4 hour ride with knee warmers, arm warmers and gillet. With jacket in back pocket just in case it got heavier. After about 20 minutes the drizzle stopped and it warmed up. So my bike jersey pockets gradually became very full. Rode out to Rye. Mistake as had an increasing strong head wind home (well it felt that way - as I started flagging. Hungry, dehydrated and tired I arrived home after 4h 15 mins. Legs felt empty. Home to more Rego and another little sleep - Its all about the recovery - felt much better afterwards. Legs still very tired. Hoping a massage tonight will help them feel a little fresher for tomorrow. Arranged to ride with Yvette Grice for 5 hours tomorrow! Another sea swim this evening. Steady 45 minutes, with 2 x 10 mins at race pace. Not quite sure I achieved this as all my sea swims feel like hard work.
2 more hard days, then 2 easy days prior to National 100 mile Time Trial on Sunday. Not sure racing off the back of a training week was such a great idea.
So Saturday 3.5 hour ride steady, then 60 min sea swim in the evening. Sunday was a easy 2 hour ride and an opportunity to clear my to do list, for the week ahead. Joined good friend Helen for a ride on Monday. We rode for almost 2 hours steady, prior to me venturing off along the A259 to do 3 x 8 min efforts at threshold - fun. Quick transition and 60 min at 75% off the bike. Home to Rego and a little nap. Joined Bodyworks xtc for sea swim in the evening. I say joined them. These talented youngsters were swimming in the same ocean as me! Probably swam twice as far and twice as fast as me! Didn't mind I had prepared myself mentally for that occurring.
Tuesday - Drizzling in the morning. So geared up for my 4 hour ride with knee warmers, arm warmers and gillet. With jacket in back pocket just in case it got heavier. After about 20 minutes the drizzle stopped and it warmed up. So my bike jersey pockets gradually became very full. Rode out to Rye. Mistake as had an increasing strong head wind home (well it felt that way - as I started flagging. Hungry, dehydrated and tired I arrived home after 4h 15 mins. Legs felt empty. Home to more Rego and another little sleep - Its all about the recovery - felt much better afterwards. Legs still very tired. Hoping a massage tonight will help them feel a little fresher for tomorrow. Arranged to ride with Yvette Grice for 5 hours tomorrow! Another sea swim this evening. Steady 45 minutes, with 2 x 10 mins at race pace. Not quite sure I achieved this as all my sea swims feel like hard work.
2 more hard days, then 2 easy days prior to National 100 mile Time Trial on Sunday. Not sure racing off the back of a training week was such a great idea.
Friday, 11 July 2008
Club 7.2 mile Time Trial
Obscure distance I hear you say. Eastbourne Rovers club 7.2 mile Time Trial which starts just east of Birling Gap and winds it's way uphill to and over Beachy Head, before a steep descent into the Village of East Dean. Sharp left at the bottom of the hill to head back to Birling Gap, then onto the finish. 7.2 miles of thigh hurting pain. Wasn't brave enough to tackle the sharp turn on my time trial bike, so headed out on my much loved Road bike. Almost missed my start (due incorrect time on power tap display and spent too long watching the surfers at Birling Gap - much grovelling required to Dave Cox, TT Secretary post event for my tardiness). Sprinted to the start line as well as the finish. 22 and bit minutes of hurt. Can't say I enjoyed it. But really pushed my climbing limits. Spin home and a bit more. Then quick transition run - 6 mins hard. Felt like hard work! Still have last Sundays race in my legs.
Now off work for 1 week. To enjoy lots of training and relaxing. Hopefully will get some of the sunshine, that Eastbourne is apparently famous for.
Now off work for 1 week. To enjoy lots of training and relaxing. Hopefully will get some of the sunshine, that Eastbourne is apparently famous for.
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Cowman Half Ironman Race Report
I travelled up to my parents on Friday afternoon, to break the journey up to Milton Keynes and also to collect my tent. after loaning it out. On putting my tent up in their garden on Saturday morning, to check all was intact. Discovered it was growing it's own Eco system inside. Last minute change of plan. Borrowed my younger brother, Jamie's tent. Which my other brother Simon had used at Glastonbury last weekend. Didn't have chance to check the state of this one - Hope would be sleep-able.
Drive up to Milton Keynes was uneventful. Arrived at Emberton Park (race venue and camp ground) and set up camp alongside Brighton Esporta Triathletes; Sharon, Teressa, Barry, John and Hildi, who shop in the Tri Store. Tent up (minimal traces of Glastonbury) and registration followed by quick drive around bike course, dinner, race prep, some chat and then bed. Life's exciting for a triathlete, no camping BBQ or beers I'm afraid.
Race morning. Consisted of the usually plenty of time, then oh my goodness race briefing is about to start and I'm still in transition with no wetsuit on. When will I learn.
Swim, My best yet in 33:40. 6 mins behind the first women out, but improvement of 3 mins since my last half ironman. Made myself start right at the front and exposed myself to the carnage that is a mass start. Found myself a good draft, but lost her when started catching slower men who started off 5 and 10 mins in front.
Exited the swim, to what I thought was a slow T1 - struggled with arm warmers. But actually only 1.27. I put it down to my bike mounting skills - which I've been practising and pulled off successfully for once. Not sure I'll ever have the confidence to do a Olly Freeman style mount!
Once on the bike, took a good 8 miles to feel comfortable. Stuck to my planned wattage. Passed only 7- 8 women the bike. Was starting to worry as normally pass a lot more. Later found out I came out the swim in 9th place! So had moved into 2nd place by half way through the bike. Only found out I was in 2nd towards the end of the first lap of the run. Bike course was a bit challenging - rolling, windy and wet. Proudly I posted the fastest women's bike split 2:47:23. Bike dismounted almost like a pro. Quick T2 and on to the run. The less said about the run the better. Felt dreadful initially. Heavy legs and knew I hadn't taken on enough carb's on the bike (rainy and cold = not enough Go energy drink consumed). Lesson learnt - if weather bad need to have calories from more gels, than drinks). Settled into pace, but never felt happy. Found the run a challenge mentally. Gradually uphill though village, then more uphill off road in tractor trials, a bit of a downhill, before entering the park, to run around the lake x 4. Halfway though second 5km lap couldn't feel feet. They had gone completely numb and i started to get some Lateral foot pain. I'd ran and raced in these shoes before but not half marathon or off road - maybe the combination wasn't good. Ran 1:37:48. Was aiming for 1:35. Never will know but may have been, if not having to stop and mess with laces/shoes or stop for a wee!!
Glad to cross the finish line - holding onto 2nd place. Congraulations to Sophie Witworth - women's winner and Brighton Esporta Triathletes for a day of PB's.
Full Results -http://www.pgix.net/bigcow/results.asp?EventID=116&CourseID=33#E
No photo's I'm afraid. I forgot my camera. The event photographers aren't very good - so not buying and Simon (boyfriend) was not in attendence as was working in the Tri Store Saturday.
Drive up to Milton Keynes was uneventful. Arrived at Emberton Park (race venue and camp ground) and set up camp alongside Brighton Esporta Triathletes; Sharon, Teressa, Barry, John and Hildi, who shop in the Tri Store. Tent up (minimal traces of Glastonbury) and registration followed by quick drive around bike course, dinner, race prep, some chat and then bed. Life's exciting for a triathlete, no camping BBQ or beers I'm afraid.
Race morning. Consisted of the usually plenty of time, then oh my goodness race briefing is about to start and I'm still in transition with no wetsuit on. When will I learn.
Swim, My best yet in 33:40. 6 mins behind the first women out, but improvement of 3 mins since my last half ironman. Made myself start right at the front and exposed myself to the carnage that is a mass start. Found myself a good draft, but lost her when started catching slower men who started off 5 and 10 mins in front.
Exited the swim, to what I thought was a slow T1 - struggled with arm warmers. But actually only 1.27. I put it down to my bike mounting skills - which I've been practising and pulled off successfully for once. Not sure I'll ever have the confidence to do a Olly Freeman style mount!
Once on the bike, took a good 8 miles to feel comfortable. Stuck to my planned wattage. Passed only 7- 8 women the bike. Was starting to worry as normally pass a lot more. Later found out I came out the swim in 9th place! So had moved into 2nd place by half way through the bike. Only found out I was in 2nd towards the end of the first lap of the run. Bike course was a bit challenging - rolling, windy and wet. Proudly I posted the fastest women's bike split 2:47:23. Bike dismounted almost like a pro. Quick T2 and on to the run. The less said about the run the better. Felt dreadful initially. Heavy legs and knew I hadn't taken on enough carb's on the bike (rainy and cold = not enough Go energy drink consumed). Lesson learnt - if weather bad need to have calories from more gels, than drinks). Settled into pace, but never felt happy. Found the run a challenge mentally. Gradually uphill though village, then more uphill off road in tractor trials, a bit of a downhill, before entering the park, to run around the lake x 4. Halfway though second 5km lap couldn't feel feet. They had gone completely numb and i started to get some Lateral foot pain. I'd ran and raced in these shoes before but not half marathon or off road - maybe the combination wasn't good. Ran 1:37:48. Was aiming for 1:35. Never will know but may have been, if not having to stop and mess with laces/shoes or stop for a wee!!
Glad to cross the finish line - holding onto 2nd place. Congraulations to Sophie Witworth - women's winner and Brighton Esporta Triathletes for a day of PB's.
Full Results -http://www.pgix.net/bigcow/results.asp?EventID=116&CourseID=33#E
No photo's I'm afraid. I forgot my camera. The event photographers aren't very good - so not buying and Simon (boyfriend) was not in attendence as was working in the Tri Store Saturday.
Friday, 4 July 2008
Frontline News Item
Thought I'd just quickly post a copy of the Frontline (Professional magazine for Members of The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists) article which came out today. Some details are a little incorrect - like missing out on 3rd by 12 seconds at Ironman Florida. That was at the 2007 Europeans Long Course Championships. And long course championships should read 120km , not 20km. Unfortunately they chose the picture where I look like I'm power walking not running!! Trust me I ran the whole marathon. Didn't stop or walk, not even at aid stations. To scared. Had my coaches voice in my head saying. Don't walk the aid stations, you could lose a minute. 26 aid stations, that's 26 minutes lost!
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
5 days from race day and full of cold!
Feeling a bit low and sorry for myself today, Because as from yesterday evening I have a cold. I'm blaming one of my patients for the germs!!! Hoping that forced rest from training today, will help my body recover for Sunday - due to be racing Cowman Half Ironman. Also hoping it will go as quick as it arrived. I had no pre-cold warning signs. No headaches, bunged up nose, sneezing nothing! 30 mins after yesterdays evening steady run (comfortably hold 7:20 min/miles - feeling very good and confident about form) standing in Waitrose - nose started streaming.
Did contemplate a short sea swim to clear my nose out, but riding home from work was an effort. Could hardly breath when doing yoga.
Having said that i'm feeling a bit sorry for myself, not going to stress too much as what happens happens. Midweek out from Ironman Florida came down with cold (breathing recycled cabin air) and had a good race there. Next post will be cowman race report.
Did contemplate a short sea swim to clear my nose out, but riding home from work was an effort. Could hardly breath when doing yoga.
Having said that i'm feeling a bit sorry for myself, not going to stress too much as what happens happens. Midweek out from Ironman Florida came down with cold (breathing recycled cabin air) and had a good race there. Next post will be cowman race report.
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