OK so it's just gone Midweek but really
Was supposed to run today... but with the new job lunchtime runs are currently not the done thing, and as I've done double days for the last two days I thought I'd like a little snooze in this morning.....
.... which meant of course running this evening.... UH-OH
Got home; cold, wet, nasty..... thought about going out... did make it upstairs and out of my suit... then I just saw my PJ's there crying at me to put them on and chill... sometimes you have just got to chill.... so I decided I was tired (cough) and at about 7.20pm I got me my PJs on and chilled!!
Had a good chat with coach last night about the iron programme.... as I'm quite focused (well clearly not that focused) on Reading Half Marathon which is,... oh my quite soon actually... oh am suddenly overcome with guilt over lack of evening run.... oh darn... anyhow... focused (kinda) on the half marathon which is ... gulp.. 3 weeks on Sunday .. so we're starting the iron programme the week after. He came up with some great ideas around rest day and semi-rest days which I agreed with and actually kinda fit with my thinking but with better structure. Anyway - it was a good and positive chinwag... so all feeling good and I shall continue with my base in the semi-random but semi-thoughtful pattern that I have been :O) for the next three weeks!
On another front completely I was looking back at my old blog format and one of the things that helped me keep on the straight and narrow, way back when I started this whole tri thing.... was thinking about both seasons goals (so i think I know what this season is about - right?!?), but also training goals.... and then also doing a monthly summary of each of the disciplines with what I was pleased with and what I can do better... so sorry to bore you but, assuming I get round to it, I shall be doing again..... but first I'd better put some thought into it!!
Right - think this quickie has turned into a longie or at least a mediumie.... watching CSI at the same time and someone has just said "swab it" so I think it's getting interesting!!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Club Ride
Well before my final Saturday night of Birthday celebrations ensued I thought I'd do a club ride for the first time!! Despite having been a member of the tri club for over 3 years I've never got out of bed/ had the inclination to join before..... and have to say I should have been out with them before as it was quite a laugh....
I had arranged to cycle there (about 9miles away), and to ensure I went had arranged to meet a friend about half way who was also going..... sometimes having a commitment to someone else to go train works better.... and certainly when I got up at 7.30am to see the temperature (in Celsius) was -2 degrees with a wind chill of -6 I needed the boost that someone else wanted to join in this madness.... So I wrapped up well and proceeded to bust half a gut to get there on time (luckily my pick up pal was up for it or the white frost would have been a fine excuse for me to stay in bed!!)... anyway.... got there for the team leaders Paul or Alistair to announce it was "speed week" and we were heading back to Arborfield (10mins from my house!) for a timetrial!! Oh how I laughed!!...... Proceeded to do 30mins interval training trying to keep up with the boys as we stop/started at lights (oh how I puffed) and then got to the start line for the TT, a 11.5mile TT pretty much flat with some not so flat parts (although nothing as serious as a hill)
We headed off in 1min intervals and actually I really enjoyed it - despite being cream crackered and at one point actually too hot!!
Still I cranked out a HR average of 153 which was, I think, about right - it felt about right (ie suitably uncomfortable!) and as Alistair said - make sure you feel pressure on the pedals ALL the time, cycle till you think you are going to be sick and then, if you have to, be sick.... OH well I didn't quite make it to the final part of that!
Was very pleased though that I managed 18mph, which despite being my Half IM pace for Antwerp (which I did at a much lower HR), well despite that I'm very pleased I could out that amount of effort in at this time of the season.
Recovery consisted of a hot cup of tea and even hotter bath..... Having poured with sweat under all my layers in the TT I got a bit of a chill on in my 10min easy spin back home!!
The week has been a bit of a slow training week but I'm ok with that given (a) it was my big 4-ohhhhhh this week and celebrations therefore necessary and (b) I started a new job!! :O)
More stats to follow!
I had arranged to cycle there (about 9miles away), and to ensure I went had arranged to meet a friend about half way who was also going..... sometimes having a commitment to someone else to go train works better.... and certainly when I got up at 7.30am to see the temperature (in Celsius) was -2 degrees with a wind chill of -6 I needed the boost that someone else wanted to join in this madness.... So I wrapped up well and proceeded to bust half a gut to get there on time (luckily my pick up pal was up for it or the white frost would have been a fine excuse for me to stay in bed!!)... anyway.... got there for the team leaders Paul or Alistair to announce it was "speed week" and we were heading back to Arborfield (10mins from my house!) for a timetrial!! Oh how I laughed!!...... Proceeded to do 30mins interval training trying to keep up with the boys as we stop/started at lights (oh how I puffed) and then got to the start line for the TT, a 11.5mile TT pretty much flat with some not so flat parts (although nothing as serious as a hill)
We headed off in 1min intervals and actually I really enjoyed it - despite being cream crackered and at one point actually too hot!!
Still I cranked out a HR average of 153 which was, I think, about right - it felt about right (ie suitably uncomfortable!) and as Alistair said - make sure you feel pressure on the pedals ALL the time, cycle till you think you are going to be sick and then, if you have to, be sick.... OH well I didn't quite make it to the final part of that!
Was very pleased though that I managed 18mph, which despite being my Half IM pace for Antwerp (which I did at a much lower HR), well despite that I'm very pleased I could out that amount of effort in at this time of the season.
Recovery consisted of a hot cup of tea and even hotter bath..... Having poured with sweat under all my layers in the TT I got a bit of a chill on in my 10min easy spin back home!!
The week has been a bit of a slow training week but I'm ok with that given (a) it was my big 4-ohhhhhh this week and celebrations therefore necessary and (b) I started a new job!! :O)
More stats to follow!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Oh My....
I turned 40 yesterday..... enough said ;o)
Training this week.... ha ha ...
Hangover this week * 1 and another I expect on Sunday .... and then there shall be no excuses.... I shall be getting down and dirty and putting in the hours and miles for the Challenges which lie ahead.....
In the meantime... I need sleep... maybe up earlier enough to fit a run in before work!
... yes I said work...
Got me a job and started Monday gone.... so far so good :O)
right - nuf said - Record short post, but sleep beckons....
Training this week.... ha ha ...
Hangover this week * 1 and another I expect on Sunday .... and then there shall be no excuses.... I shall be getting down and dirty and putting in the hours and miles for the Challenges which lie ahead.....
In the meantime... I need sleep... maybe up earlier enough to fit a run in before work!
... yes I said work...
Got me a job and started Monday gone.... so far so good :O)
right - nuf said - Record short post, but sleep beckons....
Thursday, February 11, 2010
and so a quick update...
'K.... so
I saw the Osteo on Tuesday..... verdict (given it was a check up as nothing was 'wrong')...
Karen: All is ok, thought I'd get checked over before I get too carried away with this ironmand stuff. My friend reckons there may be an inbalance somewhere because the niggles I get are opposing
Osteo: OK - so give me your history
Karen thinks... he doesn't want to know about my love life or job, I guess he must be asking about my injuries... ;o)
Karen: Well my left calf gets tight, but I had a small tear in that a couple of years ago. My right hip flexor gets tight too... oh and then there's my neck, I tried to break that in September (I dismounted my mountain bike head first which I wouldn't recommend)
Osteo: Let's have a look then
Karen stands
Osteo: Oh. Gasp. Oh.... Well your left leg is shorter then your right
Karen thinks ... Whaaaaat?
Osteo: Well that's what your body thinks
Karen thinks... Whaaaat?
Osteo: No your spine is a bit twisted (note people SPINE not me).... so your leg appears shorter and your body compensates
Karen thinks: Stoopid twisty spine
So we get about it..... he untightens my left calf (very much OUCHY!).... does a gentle manip on lower back (NICEY)... and then looks at my neck... (UH OHEY)
Looks like the twisty back thing is probably from 15years of field hockey, no surprise there and I actually knew that I tended to do this (my physio two years ago was convinced my left leg was shorter before he realised the same thing and straightened me out a little). So Andy (the Osteo), didn't want to do too much as I'm used to being the way I am .... having said that my left leg weirdly did feel longer at the end of the session... which I can't explain!
He also said, rather disturbingly, that I may have a bulge on my disc at C7 from my accident in Sept... asked if they had MRI'd me (they didn't).... although should be manageable!!
So no "homework" set but good to stay on top of these things..... I'll probably go back in a couple of weeks time to have some more work done on back and neck!
Also saw sports massage guy (Jeremy) again on Weds.... that just hurt... but in a good way if you know what I mean!
And finally got to talk with my coach last night (we've both been away)..... We're both kinda excited about what awaits ahead. Got to send him a summary of my training last 6 weeks and longest sessions in each discipline. He'll then start with the programme.... did point out that not only do I start back at work next week but also have a significant birthday event... so perhaps make it an easy week ;o)
So far ... so good....
I saw the Osteo on Tuesday..... verdict (given it was a check up as nothing was 'wrong')...
Karen: All is ok, thought I'd get checked over before I get too carried away with this ironmand stuff. My friend reckons there may be an inbalance somewhere because the niggles I get are opposing
Osteo: OK - so give me your history
Karen thinks... he doesn't want to know about my love life or job, I guess he must be asking about my injuries... ;o)
Karen: Well my left calf gets tight, but I had a small tear in that a couple of years ago. My right hip flexor gets tight too... oh and then there's my neck, I tried to break that in September (I dismounted my mountain bike head first which I wouldn't recommend)
Osteo: Let's have a look then
Karen stands
Osteo: Oh. Gasp. Oh.... Well your left leg is shorter then your right
Karen thinks ... Whaaaaat?
Osteo: Well that's what your body thinks
Karen thinks... Whaaaat?
Osteo: No your spine is a bit twisted (note people SPINE not me).... so your leg appears shorter and your body compensates
Karen thinks: Stoopid twisty spine
So we get about it..... he untightens my left calf (very much OUCHY!).... does a gentle manip on lower back (NICEY)... and then looks at my neck... (UH OHEY)
Looks like the twisty back thing is probably from 15years of field hockey, no surprise there and I actually knew that I tended to do this (my physio two years ago was convinced my left leg was shorter before he realised the same thing and straightened me out a little). So Andy (the Osteo), didn't want to do too much as I'm used to being the way I am .... having said that my left leg weirdly did feel longer at the end of the session... which I can't explain!
He also said, rather disturbingly, that I may have a bulge on my disc at C7 from my accident in Sept... asked if they had MRI'd me (they didn't).... although should be manageable!!
So no "homework" set but good to stay on top of these things..... I'll probably go back in a couple of weeks time to have some more work done on back and neck!
Also saw sports massage guy (Jeremy) again on Weds.... that just hurt... but in a good way if you know what I mean!
And finally got to talk with my coach last night (we've both been away)..... We're both kinda excited about what awaits ahead. Got to send him a summary of my training last 6 weeks and longest sessions in each discipline. He'll then start with the programme.... did point out that not only do I start back at work next week but also have a significant birthday event... so perhaps make it an easy week ;o)
So far ... so good....
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Getting ready!
Golly - didn't realise my last blog was the 13th (unlucky for some)..... so much has happened in the last couple of weeks!
First off looks like I've got me a job (whoop!).... not that I was desperate, but it's nice to be working again with the security that if it doesn't work out I'll have other options (like another holiday).... so I'm busy getting myself ready for that as I start next week! I'm looking forward to getting myself into a good regular work/ training routine.
Second - given I had a job offer I thought it best I take myself away for a final "holiday", well more like a triathlon training camp! So week before last I packed my bag and bike and headed back to the sunny and windy island of Lanzarote with one of my tri buddies (who had suggested the last minute booking).... it was an excellent week, both weather and training... a really good way of kick starting my Ironman dream. Got home last Thursday and since it's dived down to minus temperatures again with the odd snow flurry - WHAT IS THIS WINTER ALL ABOUT!? ;o)
On the FE front I am getting ready my virtual support team; family, friends and fellow bloggers! Here's my current check-list;
COACH - sourced, should be catching up this week and fingers crossed program to start next week.
SPORTS MASSAGE - last season I really found a regular sports massage helped with recovery and injury prevention. Because of the distances involved this year I decided to not go back to my lady from last year, just not convinced of her experience for endurance sports and ability to find the problems before they become one..... so I did some research and have found this guy relatively local (well the clinic is on the way to/ from the new job). He's done ironman, some ultra's etc... met him once already and he got a big tick of approval. So he shall be part of my routine, with a visit either every or every other week.
BACK - Now I've not got a problem with my back but if there's a weakness which will hinder my legs then it will stem from my back..... so today I'm seeing an Osteopath (for the first time!), so he can give me the once over. Andy (the Osteo) I have met vaguely before and he is also been active in the triathlon/ endurance sport scene. My plan is to see him today and depending, every month throughout the next 6 months
NUTRITION - I seem to have stumbled on a friend who is doing some nutrition qualifications and is keen to work with me for the race.... both strategy on race day but also the build up. She's also happy to see if we can sort out my sodium thing (I'm what they call a heavy salt sweater) which is all good stuff.
TRAINING - I still want to do some work on finding some training partners for the odd workout, but this will come once I kind of get in to my routine. There's quite a few options with club event, sportives, tri friends. I'm also pretty confident I can run or cycle to work but do need to check out facilities there for clothes and bike storage etc.
SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT - I'll leave all that to you guys ;o)
Well I'll leave it there for now - I don't want to get too carried away ;o).... Have a good training day out there!
First off looks like I've got me a job (whoop!).... not that I was desperate, but it's nice to be working again with the security that if it doesn't work out I'll have other options (like another holiday).... so I'm busy getting myself ready for that as I start next week! I'm looking forward to getting myself into a good regular work/ training routine.
Second - given I had a job offer I thought it best I take myself away for a final "holiday", well more like a triathlon training camp! So week before last I packed my bag and bike and headed back to the sunny and windy island of Lanzarote with one of my tri buddies (who had suggested the last minute booking).... it was an excellent week, both weather and training... a really good way of kick starting my Ironman dream. Got home last Thursday and since it's dived down to minus temperatures again with the odd snow flurry - WHAT IS THIS WINTER ALL ABOUT!? ;o)
On the FE front I am getting ready my virtual support team; family, friends and fellow bloggers! Here's my current check-list;
COACH - sourced, should be catching up this week and fingers crossed program to start next week.
SPORTS MASSAGE - last season I really found a regular sports massage helped with recovery and injury prevention. Because of the distances involved this year I decided to not go back to my lady from last year, just not convinced of her experience for endurance sports and ability to find the problems before they become one..... so I did some research and have found this guy relatively local (well the clinic is on the way to/ from the new job). He's done ironman, some ultra's etc... met him once already and he got a big tick of approval. So he shall be part of my routine, with a visit either every or every other week.
BACK - Now I've not got a problem with my back but if there's a weakness which will hinder my legs then it will stem from my back..... so today I'm seeing an Osteopath (for the first time!), so he can give me the once over. Andy (the Osteo) I have met vaguely before and he is also been active in the triathlon/ endurance sport scene. My plan is to see him today and depending, every month throughout the next 6 months
NUTRITION - I seem to have stumbled on a friend who is doing some nutrition qualifications and is keen to work with me for the race.... both strategy on race day but also the build up. She's also happy to see if we can sort out my sodium thing (I'm what they call a heavy salt sweater) which is all good stuff.
TRAINING - I still want to do some work on finding some training partners for the odd workout, but this will come once I kind of get in to my routine. There's quite a few options with club event, sportives, tri friends. I'm also pretty confident I can run or cycle to work but do need to check out facilities there for clothes and bike storage etc.
SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT - I'll leave all that to you guys ;o)
Well I'll leave it there for now - I don't want to get too carried away ;o).... Have a good training day out there!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)