... When I don't update it for ages. This'll change as I want to keep it up to date.
So, let's start at the end. It's been a wonderful year not only because of my daughter (which is by far the best thing ever) but fitness wise I'm the best shape I've ever been in.
PBs in 5km, 10km and half marathon is pre than I could have wished for with limited training time. Yep, smart training really works.
So on to next year. With the help of Coach Kev, the 2012 plan is to get down to 2hr25 for Olympic Distance. I'm planning on three races with only Windsor booked at the moment. Possibly Bournemouth and Hever Castle being the other two.
Key to this is improving my swimming. I reckon I'm 7-8 minutes down on my 1500m time from where I need to be. It's a huge ask so will chip away at it over the next few years in my 5 years GB AG challenge.
Nothing but base training booked for the next few months. I am booked into Brighton Marathon on April 15th which I will train for but is not a key race. Try telling that to my Father In Law who I'll be running it with. I'll not let him
down.
I'm also progressing my coaching qualifications with my Level 2 running course in January. So I hope to do more to assist people wanting to run especially those new in to running.
Right, blog's back up and running, please subscribe and I'll post more very soon.
Jon
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Monthly round up - Le Tour and exercise free zone
Well it's been a little while since I blogged. Where has the time gone?
I suppose the highlight has been seeing Georgie grow up. She's 6 months old now and truely a wonderful little girl. It's not going to be long until she's crawling. She's getting very close, but usually ends up faceplanting into the map. She's enjoying swimming a lot more as well and had some underwater photos done. Just waiting to see them.
Le Tour is well and truely over, but what a race this year. It was wonderful, drama in almomst every stage. We were lucky to get to see Stage 6 in Normandy. It was the longest stage of the race and we were based at teh high point of the day at St Michel de Moinjoie. There were a couple of early showers as I rode to the stage with Mel's Dad and his neighbour from their Normandy pad.
There was a real carnival atmosphere in this little hamlet, especially as the Caravane wound it's way past us. My goodness never get between a French person and a freebie. I picked up a hat which had landed by my feet only for it to be snatched from my hat by a French lady who was berating me because she saw it first. I politely let her take it... partly through fear mind you.
Anyway, the riders were about half an hour away by this time. How could we tell? The helicopters in the distance, but that was not all, the hugest black cloud I'd seen was rolling towards us. Seeing we had been standing there for 4 hours in the sunshine it looked like we were in for a soaking. As predicted teh heavens opened and thunder/ lightning surrounded us. Then, there he was, the first rider. It was the soon-to-be-thrown-into-a-barbed-wire-fence Jonny Hoogerland heading for the King of the mountains points.
Soon the rest of the pelaton came through looking decidedly soaked. It seemed the rain was following them along the route as no sooner had they passed then the rain stopped and it became sunny again.
So, through thunder, lightning, rain, beeping cars, cyclists, cheering spectators, did Georgie enjoy her first taste of Le Tour?
Nope, she slept through it... :)
Since being back the training hasn't really gone to plan so I've decided to pull out of the Olympic I was doing as I just wouldn't be fit enough. I still have two sprints at Dorney Lake coming up as well as Bristol Half Marathon. I raced Elmbridge 10k a couple of weeks ago and came in a rather disappointing 44,57. I was expecting a minute or two faster but felt exhausted by 8k. To make matters worse I got a slight tear in my right calf which until this week has excluded me from running since. Thanks to some patching up massage from Chris Bradfield I'm recovering well and hoping to crack on with training for Bristol.
I've a few busy weeks coming up with marshalling at the Hyde Park Triathlon and London to Surrey Cycle ride, chuck in 2 sprints, a family to see, training to do and work, and that's one busy me. So I'll write more when I can. That's all for now. Take care one and all
I suppose the highlight has been seeing Georgie grow up. She's 6 months old now and truely a wonderful little girl. It's not going to be long until she's crawling. She's getting very close, but usually ends up faceplanting into the map. She's enjoying swimming a lot more as well and had some underwater photos done. Just waiting to see them.
Le Tour is well and truely over, but what a race this year. It was wonderful, drama in almomst every stage. We were lucky to get to see Stage 6 in Normandy. It was the longest stage of the race and we were based at teh high point of the day at St Michel de Moinjoie. There were a couple of early showers as I rode to the stage with Mel's Dad and his neighbour from their Normandy pad.
There was a real carnival atmosphere in this little hamlet, especially as the Caravane wound it's way past us. My goodness never get between a French person and a freebie. I picked up a hat which had landed by my feet only for it to be snatched from my hat by a French lady who was berating me because she saw it first. I politely let her take it... partly through fear mind you.
Anyway, the riders were about half an hour away by this time. How could we tell? The helicopters in the distance, but that was not all, the hugest black cloud I'd seen was rolling towards us. Seeing we had been standing there for 4 hours in the sunshine it looked like we were in for a soaking. As predicted teh heavens opened and thunder/ lightning surrounded us. Then, there he was, the first rider. It was the soon-to-be-thrown-into-a-barbed-wire-fence Jonny Hoogerland heading for the King of the mountains points.
Soon the rest of the pelaton came through looking decidedly soaked. It seemed the rain was following them along the route as no sooner had they passed then the rain stopped and it became sunny again.
So, through thunder, lightning, rain, beeping cars, cyclists, cheering spectators, did Georgie enjoy her first taste of Le Tour?
Since being back the training hasn't really gone to plan so I've decided to pull out of the Olympic I was doing as I just wouldn't be fit enough. I still have two sprints at Dorney Lake coming up as well as Bristol Half Marathon. I raced Elmbridge 10k a couple of weeks ago and came in a rather disappointing 44,57. I was expecting a minute or two faster but felt exhausted by 8k. To make matters worse I got a slight tear in my right calf which until this week has excluded me from running since. Thanks to some patching up massage from Chris Bradfield I'm recovering well and hoping to crack on with training for Bristol.
I've a few busy weeks coming up with marshalling at the Hyde Park Triathlon and London to Surrey Cycle ride, chuck in 2 sprints, a family to see, training to do and work, and that's one busy me. So I'll write more when I can. That's all for now. Take care one and all
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
First ever win
Two weeks ago if you had glanced towards my assembled trophies that I had won, you would have seen a solitary rugby figure when I won Sittingbourne Rugby Club Under 8s player of the year in 1985. Since those halcyon days my little rugby player has been somewhat lonely.
So two weeks ago, much to my relief, I finally got something to ensure my books would stay upright. And it came in a triathlon!!
It was at the team relay at Henley Triathlon where I was joined by speedy friends Alex and Chris.
I was the swimmer of the group w(hich doesn't say much for the other two's swimming capability
). It was a 400m pool swim which I completed in 8 minutes. Not great but it was very crowded in there. A 30 second run and I handed over to Alex for his first competitive bike event. He got round the hilly 25k route in an excellent 48.04, handing over to Chris who stormed the run in 16.47. Finishing time 1hr13min27sec. As winners we all got a trophy each and a very full winners goody bag with lots of swimming accessories and Gatorade goodies.
Well done to Alex and Chris who did the lion's share of the work, and kudos to Chris who cut his hand open leaving transition on a rusty fence and still carried on.
Training has been a bit sporadic but I'm on track with 2 months to go until the Olympic race at Dorney. I've started to include 3 strength training sessions which include a 5k row on the ergo and a session on the suspension trainer. (Thanks to Stuart Amory @inkilterfitness on Twitter for the tip).
Thanks definitely has to also go to Kevin Draper (@kevdraper) who has offered to look at my training programme and has come up with recommendations. So grateful for all your input Kev.
I had a good TT at Maidenhead last week pbing over the 10 mile course in 25.53. Another go tomorrow night so looking forward to improving that.
And final race news was the aquathlon at Liquid Leisure last Saturday. It was a charity race for Mike and Reiko Tree's Tri4Japan (www.tri4japan.com). The race comprised of a 750m swim and a 5k run. I decided to try a new tactic in the swim and start further forward than I usually do with the view to go balls out (nothing to do with the rip in my wetsuit) and see how I go. Well for the first 75 metres all was good then For the first time ever I started hyperventilating. So I slowed down and tagged on to a passing swimmer's feet. Once round the top buoy and I was felling calmer so I pushed on again and exited the water in a seasons best 13.47. After a 40 second transition I headed out on the run feeling good. Three laps of the lake and I finished in 21.20. Overall time 35.54. The run was comfortable so I knew I would have been able to go quicker. Will try harder next time.
I did say that was the last bit of news but I've just got back from a club series 5k run in Maidenhead. It was a momentous occasion as finally I reached my holy grail of a sub 20 minutes 5k. Perfect conditions and fresh feeling legs combined for a 19.50 result. Happy and tired now. Until next time... all the best
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
So two weeks ago, much to my relief, I finally got something to ensure my books would stay upright. And it came in a triathlon!!
It was at the team relay at Henley Triathlon where I was joined by speedy friends Alex and Chris.
I was the swimmer of the group w(hich doesn't say much for the other two's swimming capability
). It was a 400m pool swim which I completed in 8 minutes. Not great but it was very crowded in there. A 30 second run and I handed over to Alex for his first competitive bike event. He got round the hilly 25k route in an excellent 48.04, handing over to Chris who stormed the run in 16.47. Finishing time 1hr13min27sec. As winners we all got a trophy each and a very full winners goody bag with lots of swimming accessories and Gatorade goodies.Well done to Alex and Chris who did the lion's share of the work, and kudos to Chris who cut his hand open leaving transition on a rusty fence and still carried on.
Training has been a bit sporadic but I'm on track with 2 months to go until the Olympic race at Dorney. I've started to include 3 strength training sessions which include a 5k row on the ergo and a session on the suspension trainer. (Thanks to Stuart Amory @inkilterfitness on Twitter for the tip).
Thanks definitely has to also go to Kevin Draper (@kevdraper) who has offered to look at my training programme and has come up with recommendations. So grateful for all your input Kev.
I had a good TT at Maidenhead last week pbing over the 10 mile course in 25.53. Another go tomorrow night so looking forward to improving that.
And final race news was the aquathlon at Liquid Leisure last Saturday. It was a charity race for Mike and Reiko Tree's Tri4Japan (www.tri4japan.com). The race comprised of a 750m swim and a 5k run. I decided to try a new tactic in the swim and start further forward than I usually do with the view to go balls out (nothing to do with the rip in my wetsuit) and see how I go. Well for the first 75 metres all was good then For the first time ever I started hyperventilating. So I slowed down and tagged on to a passing swimmer's feet. Once round the top buoy and I was felling calmer so I pushed on again and exited the water in a seasons best 13.47. After a 40 second transition I headed out on the run feeling good. Three laps of the lake and I finished in 21.20. Overall time 35.54. The run was comfortable so I knew I would have been able to go quicker. Will try harder next time.
I did say that was the last bit of news but I've just got back from a club series 5k run in Maidenhead. It was a momentous occasion as finally I reached my holy grail of a sub 20 minutes 5k. Perfect conditions and fresh feeling legs combined for a 19.50 result. Happy and tired now. Until next time... all the best
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Windsor Triathlon: report and reflection
Last Sunday was my key race for the year at Windsor. I was planning to beat last year's time of 2hr36. I was feeling fitter than last year so expectations were high.
When I started this training regime I planned to lose a stone, starting at 12st4. Come the morning of the race...
So that was the first challenge complete.
The alarm had gone at 5am and after the weigh in and breakfast Mel dropped our friend Ian and myself down near the start. The first Olympic waves were heading out. Our start was 7.45 so after setting up transition we headed over to the start.
Swim
After being slightly concerned about a shoulder twang a week earlier I was slightly apprehensive about the next 1500 metres. I set off at my usual pace and thankfully the shoulder didn't cause problems. I exited the water around the half hour mark and ran the 200m to T1. An ok transition and I was off on the bike
Bike
On leaving transition the mount line is always an area for comedy/ tragedy. The chap in front tried a flying mount and flew into the crowd bike and all!!
I got motoring and soon got onto a good rhythm. The Speedfil bottle on the bike made so much of a difference, and I was supplementing drink with Powerbar ride shots.
At this point the weather closed in and the rain and wind came down. I was heading on the only real incline when I realised something was not quite right. My fingers were so numb I couldn't change gear! It didn't help that traffic was heavy with horse boxes so I really needed to change up and down often. I was having to use the palm of my hands which meant coming completely off the aerobars. I managed to get back to T2 in about 1hr13 but had a transition nightmare as my cold hands fumbled with my bike helmet strap. It took over a minute to undo it
Run
My running had been going well in the preceding weeks so I felt I should be able to run about 45 minutes. I took a Hi5 gel as I started and soon got into a good rhythm. I saw Mel, Georgie, and other friends which was a welcome boost, especially as Georgie had made me a banner
......She's such a clever girl!
The first two laps went well in just under 30 minutes. As I rounded the last turn for the third lap, my hamstrings and quads just seized up. Game over. However, only 2 miles to go so I slowed down and enjoyed it.
I came over the line in 2hr37 and 24 seconds according to my watch. I add that as it soon became apparent that my chip had failed so I had no split times.
Reflection on the race
Initially I was gutted I hadn't hit my target sub 2hr30. It took a hot chocolate and bacon sandwich and some reflection time to realise that in the circumstances it wasn't that bad. On the day the conditions weren't great. Even Tim
Don "donned" a waterproof towards the end of the run.
My training had been concise and I have to admit I haven't done enough distance training for Olympic triathlons. For sprint yes, for oly no. I have my next oly race in 8 weeks, so I plan to sit down this week and plan a better programme including a focus on strength training and an extra weekly long slow run. I'll outline this in my next blog.
To sum up
This year is all about returning to health and fitness as well as having fun. I still want to target the GB age group squad but know it's going to be a tough time. But I'm ready to give it a bash over the next few years. And if I don't make it, then maybe the next generation might.
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
When I started this training regime I planned to lose a stone, starting at 12st4. Come the morning of the race...
So that was the first challenge complete.
The alarm had gone at 5am and after the weigh in and breakfast Mel dropped our friend Ian and myself down near the start. The first Olympic waves were heading out. Our start was 7.45 so after setting up transition we headed over to the start.
Swim
After being slightly concerned about a shoulder twang a week earlier I was slightly apprehensive about the next 1500 metres. I set off at my usual pace and thankfully the shoulder didn't cause problems. I exited the water around the half hour mark and ran the 200m to T1. An ok transition and I was off on the bike
Bike
On leaving transition the mount line is always an area for comedy/ tragedy. The chap in front tried a flying mount and flew into the crowd bike and all!!
I got motoring and soon got onto a good rhythm. The Speedfil bottle on the bike made so much of a difference, and I was supplementing drink with Powerbar ride shots.
At this point the weather closed in and the rain and wind came down. I was heading on the only real incline when I realised something was not quite right. My fingers were so numb I couldn't change gear! It didn't help that traffic was heavy with horse boxes so I really needed to change up and down often. I was having to use the palm of my hands which meant coming completely off the aerobars. I managed to get back to T2 in about 1hr13 but had a transition nightmare as my cold hands fumbled with my bike helmet strap. It took over a minute to undo it
Run
My running had been going well in the preceding weeks so I felt I should be able to run about 45 minutes. I took a Hi5 gel as I started and soon got into a good rhythm. I saw Mel, Georgie, and other friends which was a welcome boost, especially as Georgie had made me a banner
......She's such a clever girl!
The first two laps went well in just under 30 minutes. As I rounded the last turn for the third lap, my hamstrings and quads just seized up. Game over. However, only 2 miles to go so I slowed down and enjoyed it.
I came over the line in 2hr37 and 24 seconds according to my watch. I add that as it soon became apparent that my chip had failed so I had no split times.
Reflection on the race
Initially I was gutted I hadn't hit my target sub 2hr30. It took a hot chocolate and bacon sandwich and some reflection time to realise that in the circumstances it wasn't that bad. On the day the conditions weren't great. Even Tim
Don "donned" a waterproof towards the end of the run.
My training had been concise and I have to admit I haven't done enough distance training for Olympic triathlons. For sprint yes, for oly no. I have my next oly race in 8 weeks, so I plan to sit down this week and plan a better programme including a focus on strength training and an extra weekly long slow run. I'll outline this in my next blog.
To sum up
This year is all about returning to health and fitness as well as having fun. I still want to target the GB age group squad but know it's going to be a tough time. But I'm ready to give it a bash over the next few years. And if I don't make it, then maybe the next generation might.
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Catching up
It's been a couple of weeks since I last blogged so I'll try and include everything that's been going on.
Since starting this period of training toasted the end of March I've hit a few milestones. The weigh loss has gone well. Starting at 12st 4 I'm now down to 11st5. It's amazing what a difference carrying the less weight has helped my times. Last Saturday I ran my second fastest ever 5k in 21.04. I feel that a sub 20 isn't far off as my fitness gets better. I also raced my fastest 10TT last week in 25.55, near 2 minutes fastest than my previous and that included a wrong turn on a course that only had one turn (which was at the start of the course). In my defence... Nope I have none.. I just was daft and messed up going round the last roundabout. I'm back there this week so will see how I go.
The big news is.... It's Windsor Triathlon week!!!! At 7.45am on Sunday I will be jumping in the Thames for the 1500m swim, followed by 42km of cycling and a 10km run around the town centre. I'm targeting a sub 2hr 30min finish. Last year I completed it in 2hr36, and I feel fitter this year. The swim is the only area of doubt with a dodgy shoulder. Thankfully I had a visit today from personal trainer Cee Fee who sorted it out with a sports massage. Will be off tomorrow to do a test swim.
I competed in a warm up race last week at the Thames Turbo triathlon near Hampton Court Palace. It was a 426m pool swim, 21km bike and 5k run. There were 400 competitors going off at 15 or so second intervals I was about 380th. Cue a lot of waiting about. When I did get going I had a stinker of a swim. Shoulder issue and the little problem of a mouthful of someone elses hair didn't help, but exited in 8.55. The bike and the run went much better and I finished in 1 hour 12min and 58 seconds in 98th.
I'm hoping to take that form into Windsor. Looking forward to seeing my support crew of Mel and Georgie on the course, most probably at the chocolate cafe.
Sub 2hr30 here I come.
Since starting this period of training toasted the end of March I've hit a few milestones. The weigh loss has gone well. Starting at 12st 4 I'm now down to 11st5. It's amazing what a difference carrying the less weight has helped my times. Last Saturday I ran my second fastest ever 5k in 21.04. I feel that a sub 20 isn't far off as my fitness gets better. I also raced my fastest 10TT last week in 25.55, near 2 minutes fastest than my previous and that included a wrong turn on a course that only had one turn (which was at the start of the course). In my defence... Nope I have none.. I just was daft and messed up going round the last roundabout. I'm back there this week so will see how I go.
The big news is.... It's Windsor Triathlon week!!!! At 7.45am on Sunday I will be jumping in the Thames for the 1500m swim, followed by 42km of cycling and a 10km run around the town centre. I'm targeting a sub 2hr 30min finish. Last year I completed it in 2hr36, and I feel fitter this year. The swim is the only area of doubt with a dodgy shoulder. Thankfully I had a visit today from personal trainer Cee Fee who sorted it out with a sports massage. Will be off tomorrow to do a test swim.
I competed in a warm up race last week at the Thames Turbo triathlon near Hampton Court Palace. It was a 426m pool swim, 21km bike and 5k run. There were 400 competitors going off at 15 or so second intervals I was about 380th. Cue a lot of waiting about. When I did get going I had a stinker of a swim. Shoulder issue and the little problem of a mouthful of someone elses hair didn't help, but exited in 8.55. The bike and the run went much better and I finished in 1 hour 12min and 58 seconds in 98th.
I'm hoping to take that form into Windsor. Looking forward to seeing my support crew of Mel and Georgie on the course, most probably at the chocolate cafe.
Sub 2hr30 here I come.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Back up and running
After the disappointment of missing the Staines 10, my bug started shifting the early part of last week. I was down in my home town of Sittingbourne for a night, so next morning I decided I'll test out the body on a slow loop around the local countryside. My first surprise was the only other souls up at silly o clock was my friend Claire jogging past in the other direction (Claire is marathon training. Here's her blog http://marathontrainingfun.wordpress.com/)..... (Still not doing dancing Claire!!)
After a quick hello I carried on and looped round to to local church where my grandparents are buried. I stopped and cleaned up their memorial stones and just had a moment of reflection. I was very close to my grandparents and had to tell them that they were all great grandparents now.
Although the run had gone well I was still not feeling 100% so opted to not open water swim. I did however have a refresher lesson with the lovely Christina from my Tri club. I know my swim stroke isn't good with a weak kick but an ok entry, catch, pull etc. Well, so I thought. Christina thought the complete opposite. My hand entry was too far in front of me and the catch especially on my right arm was poor. And I was breathing too early as well. So we set about doing drills to correct and before long I was feeling a lot better in the water. Will keep you updated on how I progress.
Saturday morning is generally Parkrun morning at Black Park. Without much training the prior week I wasn't expecting miracles but with my improvements from
March I was hoping to get close to my time 3 weeks prior. I again focussed on cadence. Well, I surprised myself coming over the line in 21.09! My 4th fastest 5k ever. Even though it's not a priority I've always wanted to break 20 minutes and now I feel I'm not too far off. My pb is 20.32 in October 2008.
Monday next week is my first Tri of the season, the Thames Turbo Sprint near Hampton Court. It's a
pool swim so need to get in the local pool to practice turns... not the tumble variety just yet but every second counts. I haven't come up with a race plan yet so lots to do. It's only just over 2 weeks until Windsor as well. Still hoping sub 2hr30 is doable. I haven't done enough cycling but feel confident.
In other news, Georgie has had enough of formula milk and has found something far more tasty....
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
After a quick hello I carried on and looped round to to local church where my grandparents are buried. I stopped and cleaned up their memorial stones and just had a moment of reflection. I was very close to my grandparents and had to tell them that they were all great grandparents now.
Although the run had gone well I was still not feeling 100% so opted to not open water swim. I did however have a refresher lesson with the lovely Christina from my Tri club. I know my swim stroke isn't good with a weak kick but an ok entry, catch, pull etc. Well, so I thought. Christina thought the complete opposite. My hand entry was too far in front of me and the catch especially on my right arm was poor. And I was breathing too early as well. So we set about doing drills to correct and before long I was feeling a lot better in the water. Will keep you updated on how I progress.
Saturday morning is generally Parkrun morning at Black Park. Without much training the prior week I wasn't expecting miracles but with my improvements from
March I was hoping to get close to my time 3 weeks prior. I again focussed on cadence. Well, I surprised myself coming over the line in 21.09! My 4th fastest 5k ever. Even though it's not a priority I've always wanted to break 20 minutes and now I feel I'm not too far off. My pb is 20.32 in October 2008.
Monday next week is my first Tri of the season, the Thames Turbo Sprint near Hampton Court. It's a
pool swim so need to get in the local pool to practice turns... not the tumble variety just yet but every second counts. I haven't come up with a race plan yet so lots to do. It's only just over 2 weeks until Windsor as well. Still hoping sub 2hr30 is doable. I haven't done enough cycling but feel confident.
In other news, Georgie has had enough of formula milk and has found something far more tasty....
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Blip
After Marlow 5 I was on a high. Running going well, cycling going well and I'm starting to swim a bit better than normal. However after a busy week travelling up and down the country, my body started feeling tired. Saturday morning was open water swimming at Liquid Leisure. Half way round the first lap I was struggling with a lack of energy. The swim back down the lake was even worse. I knew something wasn't right so as soon as I reached the end of the lap I promptly got out. I still had a group ride to go on around the Windsor which went well, but subsequently I started feeling drained. After last years illness I was very conscious not to overdo it so I decided to pull out of Sundays Staines 10k. Didn't like doing it but in the grand scheme of things it wasn't an important race for me.
So as this week has progressed I've managed one 3 mile run and thats it. I think I've just caught a bug that's slowly working it's way through the system. Just wish it would hurry up. That coupled with a very busy workload has restricted me to do more.
I did have one positive experience. Last night I had the swim coach at my Tri club look at my stroke as I knew there were aspects of it that weren't quite right. My kick has always been weak but the front portion has always been ok.
Well guess what? My kick is good and the front portion needs work. My hand entry was too far in front of my body and I was breathing too early. After a few drills and tweaks I started to adapt my stroke. Just got to keep practising.
Weight loss for this week was 2lbs so now down to 11st6lbs. That's a whole 10lbs in 7 weeks. Only 2lbs to go and I'll be where I want.
Next week I'll be preparing for my first Tri: the Thames Turbo sprint near Hampton Court on Bank Holiday Monday. Heard good things about the race.
Off to feed Georgie now. She's got a little cold as well so we're all bunged up. Her highlight this week is she's found out her feet are attached to her and can now put them in her mouth. Daddy does this all the time.
That's it for now. Off you all go and have fun
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
So as this week has progressed I've managed one 3 mile run and thats it. I think I've just caught a bug that's slowly working it's way through the system. Just wish it would hurry up. That coupled with a very busy workload has restricted me to do more.
I did have one positive experience. Last night I had the swim coach at my Tri club look at my stroke as I knew there were aspects of it that weren't quite right. My kick has always been weak but the front portion has always been ok.
Well guess what? My kick is good and the front portion needs work
. My hand entry was too far in front of my body and I was breathing too early. After a few drills and tweaks I started to adapt my stroke. Just got to keep practising.Weight loss for this week was 2lbs so now down to 11st6lbs. That's a whole 10lbs in 7 weeks. Only 2lbs to go and I'll be where I want.
Next week I'll be preparing for my first Tri: the Thames Turbo sprint near Hampton Court on Bank Holiday Monday. Heard good things about the race.
Off to feed Georgie now. She's got a little cold as well so we're all bunged up. Her highlight this week is she's found out her feet are attached to her and can now put them in her mouth. Daddy does this all the time.
That's it for now. Off you all go and have fun
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Monday, 9 May 2011
It's starting to come together
I had a major boost in training this weekend racing at the Marlow 5 mile race.
This is a race I've done for the past four years that starts down by the banks of the Thames. It always attracts a good crowd.
I decided to use it as a brick session so set out to cycle the 14 miles from home to the start. The rest of Team Elliott followed in the car with my running kit arriving with plenty of time for me to change and get to the start.
Last year I ran 36.33 and this year I wanted to be closer to 36 minutes based on my 10k pace of about 7.10 miling.
Despite early rain when leaving on the bike, by the time the run started the sun was out and the temperature had warmed up.
The start of the race is always congested for the first 3/4 miles but then the field spread out allowing me to get into a good rhythm. I focussed on a good cadence and keeping my posture which helped significantly. There's a slight incline at mile 3 and for the first year I didn't really notice it. I think I posted my fastest 5k time this year during the run as well.
Coming past mile 4 I still felt good, one of my team mates had been on my heels the whole race an with a few hundred metres to go he made his move. I let him go. Today was about pacing not racing. I went over the line with the clock stopping on exactly 36.00. Job well done.
I picked up my substantial goody bag and met up with Mel and Georgie, who Wifey told me had been so excited that she'd slept through the whole race. Ah well, she enjoyed having Daddy's medal as a present.
So I feel all the work I've been doing is paying off. I'm down to 11stone 8lbs now so only 4lbs to go. What I really need to focus on now is strength and flexibility to complement the endurance work. I am looking in to incorporating more Pilates and resistance work. I've been lent a Concept II which I'll also get working on more. The open water swimming has been fun and I've managed to get there a couple of times a week. This Saturday I'm swimming then riding the Windsor Tri route. All welcome to join in, just let me know.
This coming Sunday I'm at the Staines 10k so looking to finish around 44 mins. I don't know much about the course but hear that it's relatively flat.
Have a great week!
(Here's Daddy's little supporter)
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
This is a race I've done for the past four years that starts down by the banks of the Thames. It always attracts a good crowd.
I decided to use it as a brick session so set out to cycle the 14 miles from home to the start. The rest of Team Elliott followed in the car with my running kit arriving with plenty of time for me to change and get to the start.
Last year I ran 36.33 and this year I wanted to be closer to 36 minutes based on my 10k pace of about 7.10 miling.
Despite early rain when leaving on the bike, by the time the run started the sun was out and the temperature had warmed up.
The start of the race is always congested for the first 3/4 miles but then the field spread out allowing me to get into a good rhythm. I focussed on a good cadence and keeping my posture which helped significantly. There's a slight incline at mile 3 and for the first year I didn't really notice it. I think I posted my fastest 5k time this year during the run as well.
Coming past mile 4 I still felt good, one of my team mates had been on my heels the whole race an with a few hundred metres to go he made his move. I let him go. Today was about pacing not racing. I went over the line with the clock stopping on exactly 36.00. Job well done.
I picked up my substantial goody bag and met up with Mel and Georgie, who Wifey told me had been so excited that she'd slept through the whole race. Ah well, she enjoyed having Daddy's medal as a present.
So I feel all the work I've been doing is paying off. I'm down to 11stone 8lbs now so only 4lbs to go. What I really need to focus on now is strength and flexibility to complement the endurance work. I am looking in to incorporating more Pilates and resistance work. I've been lent a Concept II which I'll also get working on more. The open water swimming has been fun and I've managed to get there a couple of times a week. This Saturday I'm swimming then riding the Windsor Tri route. All welcome to join in, just let me know.
This coming Sunday I'm at the Staines 10k so looking to finish around 44 mins. I don't know much about the course but hear that it's relatively flat.
Have a great week!
(Here's Daddy's little supporter)
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
It's been a while
Lots happening recently so I haven't had much time to blog. So I'm going to try and get everything down in a nice short way so not to bore you all.
Georgie: she's wonderful. 13 weeks old now and is developing a beautiful character. We're always greeted in the morning with big gummy smiles. She's booked in for swimming lessons later this month. Probably faster than her Dad
Wifey: we recently celebrated 9 years together. Love her more than ever.
Training: I've been getting more regular training in. It's not very structured. I've managed 2 bike, 2 swims (now open water) and a run at Black Park Parkrun each week. My run times have dropped by 3 minutes since I started training again. Partly due to training and partly due to losing 7lbs in 6 weeks. Really happy with the weight loss and on track to get to where I want by Windsor Tri next month.
I recently had my metabolic test results back and they showed that last year I was training at too high a heart rate for too much of the time. So this year it's more of the long, slow stuff. Must admit I'm not finding it easy as to keep my HR down I have to run really slowly. Still, a few of you guys and gals have said this works so I'll continue and report back.
Cycling has involved some long slow rides interspersed with a couple of local time trials which I've loved doing. Can't make one for the next couple of weeks but have plotted a 10 mile course from home which is a great benchmark.
Up next for me is Marlow 5 mile run this Sunday. Planning to cycle over and. Run as a brick session. Got to do more of those in the coming weeks.
That's all for now. Apologies for those of you who read the unsaved version. Blimmin' technology beat me again.
Until next time.
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Georgie: she's wonderful. 13 weeks old now and is developing a beautiful character. We're always greeted in the morning with big gummy smiles. She's booked in for swimming lessons later this month. Probably faster than her Dad
Wifey: we recently celebrated 9 years together. Love her more than ever.
Training: I've been getting more regular training in. It's not very structured. I've managed 2 bike, 2 swims (now open water) and a run at Black Park Parkrun each week. My run times have dropped by 3 minutes since I started training again. Partly due to training and partly due to losing 7lbs in 6 weeks. Really happy with the weight loss and on track to get to where I want by Windsor Tri next month.
I recently had my metabolic test results back and they showed that last year I was training at too high a heart rate for too much of the time. So this year it's more of the long, slow stuff. Must admit I'm not finding it easy as to keep my HR down I have to run really slowly. Still, a few of you guys and gals have said this works so I'll continue and report back.
Cycling has involved some long slow rides interspersed with a couple of local time trials which I've loved doing. Can't make one for the next couple of weeks but have plotted a 10 mile course from home which is a great benchmark.
Up next for me is Marlow 5 mile run this Sunday. Planning to cycle over and. Run as a brick session. Got to do more of those in the coming weeks.
That's all for now. Apologies for those of you who read the unsaved version. Blimmin' technology beat me again.
Until next time.
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Monday, 28 March 2011
The Ultimate Training Aid
Week one of training completed and in general it has been a good one.
In a nutshell:
My aim to get back to my racing weight by losing 1lb a week which I achieved this week.
Managed to finally get out on the road bike three times for some short sessions including a hills session. Great to be back out riding again.
Took part in the Human Race Kingston Breakfast Run 8.2 miler on Sunday. Hadn't run that distance since the marathon part of IMCH. Now it was rather silly of me to attempt this without training so I decided to take it slowly. With the amount of people on the course this wasn't hard. To highlight, the first mile was a 10.28. My dodgy leg started letting me know at mile 2 that it wasn't happy. Despite this I was feeling good. As the run went on I was getting faster and ran the last mile in 8.08 finishing the race in 1:16.39. Not earth shattering, but testament to what I can achieve when I put my mind to it.
It's now for me to take a slight step back on the running to get this leg right. Already started glute activation exercises which I hope will benefit. I need to get swimming again as I haven't been for a while...... I can't wait for open water season to start!
So, that brings me to the title of the blog. What is my ultimate training aid?
I admit I'm a bloke when it comes to the must haves; GPS watches, carbon framed bikes, performance clothing, you name it. However there is one training aid that transcends all this which I didn't get from Wiggle.
And that would be my lovely Wifey. Despite Georgie only being 8 weeks old, Mel allows me time to go and train. So I better bloody do well at Windsor.
In a nutshell:
My aim to get back to my racing weight by losing 1lb a week which I achieved this week.
Managed to finally get out on the road bike three times for some short sessions including a hills session. Great to be back out riding again.
Took part in the Human Race Kingston Breakfast Run 8.2 miler on Sunday. Hadn't run that distance since the marathon part of IMCH. Now it was rather silly of me to attempt this without training so I decided to take it slowly. With the amount of people on the course this wasn't hard. To highlight, the first mile was a 10.28. My dodgy leg started letting me know at mile 2 that it wasn't happy. Despite this I was feeling good. As the run went on I was getting faster and ran the last mile in 8.08 finishing the race in 1:16.39. Not earth shattering, but testament to what I can achieve when I put my mind to it.
It's now for me to take a slight step back on the running to get this leg right. Already started glute activation exercises which I hope will benefit. I need to get swimming again as I haven't been for a while...... I can't wait for open water season to start!
So, that brings me to the title of the blog. What is my ultimate training aid?
I admit I'm a bloke when it comes to the must haves; GPS watches, carbon framed bikes, performance clothing, you name it. However there is one training aid that transcends all this which I didn't get from Wiggle.
And that would be my lovely Wifey. Despite Georgie only being 8 weeks old, Mel allows me time to go and train. So I better bloody do well at Windsor.
Monday, 21 March 2011
Windsor Triathlon training: Week One
I went to support the runners at Reading Half Marathon yesterday. It was a lovely day, perfect for running. Once again my entry lay unused back home.
Now I don't want to take it away from any of the runners as there were some awesome performances especially Mel's brother in law who after injury last year is well on track to his goal at the Brighton Marathon.
Factoid: I've DNS'd more running races than I've started in the past 3 years. On occasion it's not been entirely my fault, but the majority of the missed races have been because of injury. I never see to do well in winter training.
After getting a sports massage from Cee Fee Dunn (@ceefeedunn on Twitter: for all your PT and sports massage needs... Hey I must be on commission by now :-).... Maybe not) she noted that all the work I'd done pre Ironman had unravelled due to my inactivity when I was ill in the autumn. I need to work to get my glutes firing properly and get my thoratic region working again.
I also realised that it was 12 weeks until my main race of the year Windsor Triathlon. So now's a good time to put the official training plan together. Here's the lowdown:
I plan to finish in less than 2 hours 30 minutes. Last year I did 2hr36. Let down by the run, I plan to practise more running, but obviously need to be injury free.
Other factors include:
- Weight. I'm at 12st2 (77kg) and want to be 11st4 by Windsor. Is this possible while increasing strength? 1lb a week max should be doable.
- Diet. Not reducing anything but I'm cutting out cake and similar, and swapping coffee for green tea.
- Training: I've a wonderfully understanding Wifey who does let me train, but the other girl in my life is rather demanding so it's all about short sharp training sessions.
So week one, I'm planning two runs, two cycles, a swim and lots of stretching and foam rolling. One run is this Sunday I'm jogging around one lap of the Kingston Breakfast run. That should be enough for this week.
As the weeks go by I'll blog updates. Any tips, advice would be greatly appreciated.
Now I don't want to take it away from any of the runners as there were some awesome performances especially Mel's brother in law who after injury last year is well on track to his goal at the Brighton Marathon.
Factoid: I've DNS'd more running races than I've started in the past 3 years. On occasion it's not been entirely my fault, but the majority of the missed races have been because of injury. I never see to do well in winter training.
After getting a sports massage from Cee Fee Dunn (@ceefeedunn on Twitter: for all your PT and sports massage needs... Hey I must be on commission by now :-).... Maybe not) she noted that all the work I'd done pre Ironman had unravelled due to my inactivity when I was ill in the autumn. I need to work to get my glutes firing properly and get my thoratic region working again.
I also realised that it was 12 weeks until my main race of the year Windsor Triathlon. So now's a good time to put the official training plan together. Here's the lowdown:
I plan to finish in less than 2 hours 30 minutes. Last year I did 2hr36. Let down by the run, I plan to practise more running, but obviously need to be injury free.
Other factors include:
- Weight. I'm at 12st2 (77kg) and want to be 11st4 by Windsor. Is this possible while increasing strength? 1lb a week max should be doable.
- Diet. Not reducing anything but I'm cutting out cake and similar, and swapping coffee for green tea.
- Training: I've a wonderfully understanding Wifey who does let me train, but the other girl in my life is rather demanding so it's all about short sharp training sessions.
So week one, I'm planning two runs, two cycles, a swim and lots of stretching and foam rolling. One run is this Sunday I'm jogging around one lap of the Kingston Breakfast run. That should be enough for this week.
As the weeks go by I'll blog updates. Any tips, advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sunday, 6 March 2011
Windsor Triathlon
With only 14 weeks to go until my main race of the year I'm starting to map out my training.
I'm in the Windsor Triathlon for the third year running on 12th June. It's a great race, With a lot of local support.
This year there will be one extra little supporter, so I've got to put on a good show for her.
So here's the target. Sub 2hr 30. There, it's in black and white now.
At this point in time I have my long term wafty leg/ glutes problem that I have to address. And about 3/4 of a stone to shift.
I've not been out on the bike for a while so that's the first port of call, I've been running twice a week and improving. This Saturday's 5k was 24.08. Still 3 1/2 minutes off my pb, but heading in the right direction.
So, plan for this week is twice on the bike, two runs and a swim with core strength and stretches especially for my glutes.
Any tips, advice, abuse greatly received.
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
I'm in the Windsor Triathlon for the third year running on 12th June. It's a great race, With a lot of local support.
This year there will be one extra little supporter, so I've got to put on a good show for her.
So here's the target. Sub 2hr 30. There, it's in black and white now.
At this point in time I have my long term wafty leg/ glutes problem that I have to address. And about 3/4 of a stone to shift.
I've not been out on the bike for a while so that's the first port of call, I've been running twice a week and improving. This Saturday's 5k was 24.08. Still 3 1/2 minutes off my pb, but heading in the right direction.
So, plan for this week is twice on the bike, two runs and a swim with core strength and stretches especially for my glutes.
Any tips, advice, abuse greatly received.
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
One month on
Wow, I can't believe it's been a month since Georgie was born. It's been a huge learning curve. There seemed to be a dearth of information and knowledge when we left the hospital. It's a case of learning as you go.
Georgie is starting to become more aware of her surroundings especially taking an interest when sport is on TV. That's my girl.
In training news, not much to report. However I now have 3 months until Windsor Triathlon so have to sit down and work out a training plan this weekend.
I've been to Black Park Parkrun these past two Saturdays and run consistent 25 mins for 5k. Way below what I used up be capable of, but building back up was always going to take a while. Now to get my glutes firing properly and get on with business.
Until next time...
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Georgie is starting to become more aware of her surroundings especially taking an interest when sport is on TV. That's my girl.
In training news, not much to report. However I now have 3 months until Windsor Triathlon so have to sit down and work out a training plan this weekend.
I've been to Black Park Parkrun these past two Saturdays and run consistent 25 mins for 5k. Way below what I used up be capable of, but building back up was always going to take a while. Now to get my glutes firing properly and get on with business.
Until next time...
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Friday, 18 February 2011
Start of a new chapter
So, two and a half weeks in and I can say that my life has changed completely.
At 10.55 on Monday 31st January I became a Dad to a beautiful little girl. Here's the story of her birth:
She was originally due on the 17th Jaunary and there we were waiting for that day for the previous 9 months. That day came and went. Then a week had gone past and after a visit to the midwife it was suggested we tried a membrane sweep. To cut a long blog shorter, that didn't work so on Saturday 29th, Wifey went into hospital to be induced. Initially this seemed to get things going and everything was looking positive, but progress slowed down into Sunday.
By Sunday evening nothing much was happening so the next intervention was scheduled which was syntocin. (hormone drip). We were moved to the labour ward and the drip was set up. What folowed was probably the worst night of both our lives as initially the drip started without Mel having the right pain relief. She got an epidural after suffering for an hour and a hlaf of painful contractions. I felt so helpless seeing the girl I love there in pain knowing there was nothing I could do. I camped down on the floor for a sleep on the room.. well on one of the bean bags they use to help someone in labour get comfy.
Several tests were performed through the night and by daylight we were not much further forward so it was decided that a C-Section was the only way baby was going to come out. So after 38 hours of contractions, it was into theatre.
It wasn't long until Mel had received her anaesthetic and asked me to talk to her. I managed to get her to agree to me getting a new TT bike and Sky Sports. (She says she didn't remember......). Now one thing we were taught in our antenatal classes is that the ceiling light in the theatre is mirrored, and if you look up you can see everything over the other side of the divide. Well, I knew I shouldn't look, but I had the urge just for a quick peek. Well, that's a side of Mel I've never seen before.
Then there was a cry and suddenly there she was. My little girl. And hell she had a good set of lungs.
I was shaking as they asked me if they would like to cut the cord. Looking down at this little body with blue hands and feet....... I'm dad to a smurf!!!!
We left hospital on the Wednesday, and that evening sat looking at her thinking. "What the bloody hell do we do now?" Cue lots of fumbled nappy changes and terrible Dad dancing to get her to sleep.
So two weeks later, the sleeping isn't getting better, likewise the dancing, but I'm a dab hand at with the nappies now.
So she's here, noisy but truly love. Welcome to the world Georgina.
At 10.55 on Monday 31st January I became a Dad to a beautiful little girl. Here's the story of her birth:
She was originally due on the 17th Jaunary and there we were waiting for that day for the previous 9 months. That day came and went. Then a week had gone past and after a visit to the midwife it was suggested we tried a membrane sweep. To cut a long blog shorter, that didn't work so on Saturday 29th, Wifey went into hospital to be induced. Initially this seemed to get things going and everything was looking positive, but progress slowed down into Sunday.
By Sunday evening nothing much was happening so the next intervention was scheduled which was syntocin. (hormone drip). We were moved to the labour ward and the drip was set up. What folowed was probably the worst night of both our lives as initially the drip started without Mel having the right pain relief. She got an epidural after suffering for an hour and a hlaf of painful contractions. I felt so helpless seeing the girl I love there in pain knowing there was nothing I could do. I camped down on the floor for a sleep on the room.. well on one of the bean bags they use to help someone in labour get comfy.
Several tests were performed through the night and by daylight we were not much further forward so it was decided that a C-Section was the only way baby was going to come out. So after 38 hours of contractions, it was into theatre.
It wasn't long until Mel had received her anaesthetic and asked me to talk to her. I managed to get her to agree to me getting a new TT bike and Sky Sports. (She says she didn't remember......). Now one thing we were taught in our antenatal classes is that the ceiling light in the theatre is mirrored, and if you look up you can see everything over the other side of the divide. Well, I knew I shouldn't look, but I had the urge just for a quick peek. Well, that's a side of Mel I've never seen before.
Then there was a cry and suddenly there she was. My little girl. And hell she had a good set of lungs.
I was shaking as they asked me if they would like to cut the cord. Looking down at this little body with blue hands and feet....... I'm dad to a smurf!!!!
We left hospital on the Wednesday, and that evening sat looking at her thinking. "What the bloody hell do we do now?" Cue lots of fumbled nappy changes and terrible Dad dancing to get her to sleep.
So two weeks later, the sleeping isn't getting better, likewise the dancing, but I'm a dab hand at with the nappies now.
So she's here, noisy but truly love. Welcome to the world Georgina.
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Tough Guy 2010 - even tougher a year on
A year ago I took part in the Tough Guy race up near Wolverhampton. It was -5c and a blizzard at the start. 3 and a bit hours later I trundled over the line. It was hard.
A year later I'm sitting in a hospital while my wife has suffered contractions for 15 hours now. I now know what expectant fathers mean when they say they feel helpless. You just want to stop their pain. This is the girl I love going through this.
I know which is tougher....
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
A year later I'm sitting in a hospital while my wife has suffered contractions for 15 hours now. I now know what expectant fathers mean when they say they feel helpless. You just want to stop their pain. This is the girl I love going through this.
I know which is tougher....
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Jon's soapbox - Child Health issues
I rarely get on my soapbox, but there are some issues that really do make me dust off my soapbox. This morning one such topic was on TV.
Watching BBC Breakfast this morning there was an article about high cholesterol in families. While I agreed with the GP being interviewed that children of such families should be tested for high levels, I was surprised for her then to say that they should be treated with statins She followed this up by saying. "they could also try healthy eating and exercise, you know.. all the boring stuff!" Now this was said flippantly, but people put their trust in GPs. Educating parents into healthy eating and exercise should be the first port of call for GPs presented with children with high cholesterol, not giving them statins.It's a case of treating the symptoms without getting to and treating the root cause.
And in other news I'm still a Dad to be (no Baby Elliott). Wifey is being very positive still, but over a week late now. Come on youngster......
I'm exercising more now as well. Since the bout of chronic fatigue last October I've not really pushed myself I guess in the fear that it's still lingering. I've been pottering along. Thankfully after a nice muddy mountain bike ride on Sunday I met up with Tim, a top lad who I last saw when we raced Ironman Switzerland in Zurich last July. It was the longest I'd been in a pool since last October. I realised that I hadn't been pushing myself enough. It's always good to train with people, and especially people who'll make you push your own perceived limits. You soon find out you can exceed them.
Well that's all for today. Let me know your thoughts on the statins issue.
Catch you all soon..
Watching BBC Breakfast this morning there was an article about high cholesterol in families. While I agreed with the GP being interviewed that children of such families should be tested for high levels, I was surprised for her then to say that they should be treated with statins She followed this up by saying. "they could also try healthy eating and exercise, you know.. all the boring stuff!" Now this was said flippantly, but people put their trust in GPs. Educating parents into healthy eating and exercise should be the first port of call for GPs presented with children with high cholesterol, not giving them statins.It's a case of treating the symptoms without getting to and treating the root cause.
And in other news I'm still a Dad to be (no Baby Elliott). Wifey is being very positive still, but over a week late now. Come on youngster......
I'm exercising more now as well. Since the bout of chronic fatigue last October I've not really pushed myself I guess in the fear that it's still lingering. I've been pottering along. Thankfully after a nice muddy mountain bike ride on Sunday I met up with Tim, a top lad who I last saw when we raced Ironman Switzerland in Zurich last July. It was the longest I'd been in a pool since last October. I realised that I hadn't been pushing myself enough. It's always good to train with people, and especially people who'll make you push your own perceived limits. You soon find out you can exceed them.
Well that's all for today. Let me know your thoughts on the statins issue.
Catch you all soon..
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
A watched kettle and all that...
Yep, 2 days after the due date and still no Baby Elliott. Now statistically only 5% of women have their baby on their due date so I read somewhere. I know that within the next two weeks I'll be a Dad. That still seems very surreal. Exciting, but surreal.
So I'm trying to keep as much of a sense of normality as possibly. My exercising has continued:
A nice 5km run with Chris at the Black Park on Saturday in a little over 27 minutes. Unbeknown to me at the time, a little slip on the way to the run has resulted in a now rather sore knee. Last night's club run left me in agony last night.. ok, maybe not agony but darn it was sore. I'd booked in for tri club spinning tonight and was rather tentative. However, by the time I got going in the class I felt great.
I've still a long way to go, but every little step. Finally got a new battery for the bathroom scales and weighed myself; 12stone 5. That's a stone heavier than I was a year ago, so I know I've got a bit of work to do there starting with better and more sensible eating. I'm going to lay off the running for a week and concentrate on cycling and swimming (baby permitting). I've a feeling they may be slightly scuppered.
So on to what will be an amazing few days!
So I'm trying to keep as much of a sense of normality as possibly. My exercising has continued:
A nice 5km run with Chris at the Black Park on Saturday in a little over 27 minutes. Unbeknown to me at the time, a little slip on the way to the run has resulted in a now rather sore knee. Last night's club run left me in agony last night.. ok, maybe not agony but darn it was sore. I'd booked in for tri club spinning tonight and was rather tentative. However, by the time I got going in the class I felt great.
I've still a long way to go, but every little step. Finally got a new battery for the bathroom scales and weighed myself; 12stone 5. That's a stone heavier than I was a year ago, so I know I've got a bit of work to do there starting with better and more sensible eating. I'm going to lay off the running for a week and concentrate on cycling and swimming (baby permitting). I've a feeling they may be slightly scuppered.
So on to what will be an amazing few days!
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Playing the waiting game
D-day is approaching (Monday) and Wifey is nesting. She loves her DIY and is planning to build all the baby furniture before mini Elliott turns up.
I'm loving exercising again. I've no set plan yet, just to get out and do something most days. This week that has included a few short swims, bodyweight exercises and a couple of runs. Trundled around Black Park parkrun in a comfortable 27.13. It isn't easy to hold back but I know I have to just to give my body a chance to recover. Active recovery I think the call it.
If you've not heard of Parkrun they are free 5km runs for all abilities held every Saturday at 9am in several locations. All you do is sign up on www.parkrun.com then download your barcode, turn up and run. When you finish you are given a number which corresponds to your finish time. Later in the day, the results go up on their website. It's a fun friendly morning out.
Go on, give it a go. You won't be disappointed.
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
I'm loving exercising again. I've no set plan yet, just to get out and do something most days. This week that has included a few short swims, bodyweight exercises and a couple of runs. Trundled around Black Park parkrun in a comfortable 27.13. It isn't easy to hold back but I know I have to just to give my body a chance to recover. Active recovery I think the call it.
If you've not heard of Parkrun they are free 5km runs for all abilities held every Saturday at 9am in several locations. All you do is sign up on www.parkrun.com then download your barcode, turn up and run. When you finish you are given a number which corresponds to your finish time. Later in the day, the results go up on their website. It's a fun friendly morning out.
Go on, give it a go. You won't be disappointed.
"Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it."
T. Alun Armstrong
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
New Year, New Challenges
2011 is going to be one amazing year. Rewinding to 2010 I completed a 2 year journey to complete Ironman Zurich in 14 hours 24 minutes and 30 odd seconds. And more importantly I found out I was to become a Dad.
To my detriment I also found that due to my overtraining I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which by October had made me stop all forms of exercise.
Fast forward to now and baby is due any time and I'm starting to exercise again. This blog will document being a new Dad and training as I embark on my next challenge which is aiming to get good enough at triathlon to make the GB squad by my 40th birthday in 2016.
So here goes.....
To my detriment I also found that due to my overtraining I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which by October had made me stop all forms of exercise.
Fast forward to now and baby is due any time and I'm starting to exercise again. This blog will document being a new Dad and training as I embark on my next challenge which is aiming to get good enough at triathlon to make the GB squad by my 40th birthday in 2016.
So here goes.....
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