Sorry to all for no updates for a while, but and I know this is a poor excuse, I have been so very busy at work.
Quarter 4 is always our busiest time of year and we have just signed a new deal with a major UK retailer that will take the company from 90 Million turnover to over 100 Million. I have been working very hard to deliver the new systems which need to be in place to enable the business to deliver for the customer. This will all be in place on time.
Anyway enough of business stuff
After not being sure about our plans for racing next year, I have some exciting news.
We have somehow managed to get Jo an entry into Ironman Florida, this wasn't in the plan but things moved quickly. Carolyn, one of our friends got an entry due to having done IM Canada this year and said she was going to do it, we said we would come and support, we talked about trying to get Jo an entry but as it is so very difficult to get an entry and always sells out in minutes we didn't hold out much hope. Well the tri gods must have been smiling on us that day, the event sold out in record time, under 1 minute and Jo is the very proud owner of a confirmed entry. We will be making this a family holiday.
As IM Florida is not til November 2013, this means that I can have the early part of next year for my plans.
Double Ironman is it.
I will post more on this sone
Onwards and Upwards as always.
SA
Wednesday 7 November 2012
Tuesday 9 October 2012
The need for speed
I did the Macclesfield half marathon, it was hard and it hurt and by 9 miles I was shot but I still kept running and completed it in a little over 2:08 and while I'm happy that I completed it I am a tiny bit upset by the time, now I know it was only 2 weeks after IM Wales and that told and I also know the new diet I'm on takes time for your body to adjust but that is 8 minutes more than I should be running.
So with this is mind I have set a goal of the 4 villages half marathon (Jan 20th) in under 2 hours.
I have not set any other goals until this one is achieved and I know with some run specific training I can do this time.
I have lost 10 lbs in 2 weeks so the fat is coming off. I will post about my diet at a later date.
Went to the wedding celebration of Des (Horse) and Sharon at the weekend and it was great to catch up with Horse, Razor and Cake.
Onwards and upwards as always
SA
I have not set any other goals until this one is achieved and I know with some run specific training I can do this time.
I have lost 10 lbs in 2 weeks so the fat is coming off. I will post about my diet at a later date.
Went to the wedding celebration of Des (Horse) and Sharon at the weekend and it was great to catch up with Horse, Razor and Cake.
Onwards and upwards as always
SA
Friday 21 September 2012
New challenges ahead
After all my previous Iron distance races I have always complete drained and needed an extended break from triathlon.
This time there is something different, I feel invigorated and can't wait to get back out there, so much so that tonight I will be doing 30 mins on the turbo followed by a run with Jo, so the question has to be whats the difference? why I am I not knackered this time?
I honesty don't know the answer but it is safe to say that I have trained so much harder for IM Wales than the previous events, maybe its because of this, maybe other factors.
So what to do for the next challenge
I have the local half marathon in 1 weeks time
We have the Stockport 10 (10 mile run race) early December
We have the 4 Village Half marathon in late January
These are all designed to make sure I'm out there keeping fit but what about the bigger challenges?
Well, no final decision made yet but I do want to do a double IM and have a couple of friends competing next year so maybe, also I really want Jo to experience an official Ironman event and there has been some talk of a smack down between us at IMUK which would be fantastic, could I do both? that's a big ask, but what a year it would be!
In other news, after seeing some of the pictures from IM Wales one of them had me looking a little tubby, so I got on the scales this morning and had a bit of a shock 14 stone 11 pound and I have lost quite a bit with the training for IM Wales, so first job is to try and shed some of this excess weight so have joined Jo and a certain Andy Holgate (Iron Holgs) on their diets after the results these two have seen.
Thanks to all for the nice comments after my race report.
Onwards and upwards as always
SA
This time there is something different, I feel invigorated and can't wait to get back out there, so much so that tonight I will be doing 30 mins on the turbo followed by a run with Jo, so the question has to be whats the difference? why I am I not knackered this time?
I honesty don't know the answer but it is safe to say that I have trained so much harder for IM Wales than the previous events, maybe its because of this, maybe other factors.
So what to do for the next challenge
I have the local half marathon in 1 weeks time
We have the Stockport 10 (10 mile run race) early December
We have the 4 Village Half marathon in late January
These are all designed to make sure I'm out there keeping fit but what about the bigger challenges?
Well, no final decision made yet but I do want to do a double IM and have a couple of friends competing next year so maybe, also I really want Jo to experience an official Ironman event and there has been some talk of a smack down between us at IMUK which would be fantastic, could I do both? that's a big ask, but what a year it would be!
In other news, after seeing some of the pictures from IM Wales one of them had me looking a little tubby, so I got on the scales this morning and had a bit of a shock 14 stone 11 pound and I have lost quite a bit with the training for IM Wales, so first job is to try and shed some of this excess weight so have joined Jo and a certain Andy Holgate (Iron Holgs) on their diets after the results these two have seen.
Thanks to all for the nice comments after my race report.
Onwards and upwards as always
SA
Wednesday 19 September 2012
IRONMAN WALES 2012
“Good afternoon ladies and gentleman, welcome to Ironman
Wales, the toughest ironman in the world!” This was the opening line from the
pre race briefing on the Saturday, this made me gulp a little, not sure if it
is the toughest as Lanza would have to up there with a shout, but as an official
Ironman race its one of the hardest.
Way back in January when I had to cancel my plans for the
double IM, I started looking around for something else to do and with Jo committed
to Outlaw, something latter on in the season looked to be the way forward and
Ironman Wales was selected.
Fast forward to Friday 14th September and a seven
and a half hour journey down to Tenby (stuck behind the Tour of Britain) saw us
checking into our hotel and a dash across town to register.
I got a nice shinny rucksack with the M. Symbol everywhere,
inside this was all my transition bags, lots of flyers for stuff and a small
ceramic brick, which I still haven’t worked out what it’s for. Quick look round
the expo and bumped into STIL who commented how fit I was looking!
Out for some food and meet up with Button Mushroom, Slagiatt
and Mouse. Back to the hotel to start sorting the transition bags and nutrition
out, slept quite well which is a little strange as I generally take a few days
getting used to a different bed, the hotel by the way was in the best possible
location as it over looked the swim start on North beach and the run passed the
hotel 3 times each lap, the hotel was a little dated but would recommend it to
all just for the location, Barley and Schmunkee also had booked the same hotel.
Saturday saw me getting lots of text and Face book messages
of support, which I have to say made me quite emotional. A quick wonder round
the town centre and you felt the atmosphere starting to build, having done the
Outlaw the last 2 years I thought I would be used to this but this was a
branded Ironman and the events just don’t compare, the atmosphere was way more
intense, the athletes looked far more fit and trained than usually, in fact the
whole town was behind this, all the shops had Ironman Wales flags either flying
outside or up in the shop windows, everything
around town just seemed to be adding to the atmosphere as people where milling
around town and you started to see people starting to take their bikes to
transition.
Popped over to the expo again to get some gels for the bike
and a quick chat to Cheerful Dave, nipped back to hotel to collect bike and
bags and then of to transition, took me ages to actually get to rack my bike
and bags as the entrance to transition had lots of people around and spotted
Rachel (Sprocket) so had a long chat to her and then moved further along and
stopped for a chat to Iron Pingu, then managed a quick chat to Jenny (who we
meet at Eirias Half) who also mentioned how fit I was looking, which shows the
last 3 months training have been pretty full on and the extra I was carrying
have shifted, anyway, finally managed to rack the bike after having to had it
photographed and then wrapped up in a plastic cover, backs put way in transition
and then back to hotel to chill and watch them towing the buoys out to mark the
swim course.
Had a bit of negativity but after Jo giving me a talking to
that went. Off to the race briefing and a chat to Iron Tractor Boy (sorry it
didn’t happen on the day for you), race briefing done, pickup up Jo and Jordy
and try to find somewhere to eat, it seems everyone competing and their families
where all in Tenby trying to find somewhere to eat, saw this chap running after
us waving frantically, who turned out to be Hokori, really great to meet you,
you day will come.
Back to the hotel and watched Dr Who (just for Jordy,
honest!), lights out at 9 and drifted off to sleep soon after.
Alarm wakes me up at 3:45, then again at 4 and once more at
4:15, quick bath (the shower in the hotel was crap), first layer of bodyglide
around nether regions and neck. The hotel had put on a light breakfast of
cereal, toast and coffee which was a welcome change from a ham, cheese and
pickle baguette. Picked up my iPod and went over to transition to unwrap and
check bike, quick chat to Slagiatt and Button mushroom and finally caught up
with Bobby Nobby then back to hotel to start the fight between me and my
wetsuit and have the final toilet stop, another layer of bodyglide on, wander
down to the start and put my hang my shoe bag up (there is a 1K run from the
swim exit to T1), last hug from Jo and Jordy and then onto the beach, spit into
the goggles, hat on, goggles on, listen to the welsh anthem, pee in wetsuit but
it doesn’t come out the legs, it just sits round my middle, fantastic.
Line up at the back, then the cannon goes and we all run
into the water, the levels gets to my thighs and I dive in, quickly into my
stroke, bang, take a kick to the face, swear, back to my stroke, take a punch
to my side, back to my stroke, to the first dingy at which we had a slight turn
and everyone stops front crawl to do breaststroke, why? Back into my stroke
again moving well can see the first buoy in the distance. I am swimming well
and in a group of people, which is a bit strange as usually my swimming is not
great, get to the first buoy and once again everyone seems to stop and do
breaststroke round the buoy, can anyone explain why, you then head for the life
boat station and this comes into view quicker than I thought it would, to the
next buoy, turn and head back to beach, out of the first lap, run along the
beach and back into the water, check my watch 40 minutes, oh my god, this is
good, bit quieter on second lap but still swimming well, sighting is brilliant
and no swimming off line, round the first buoy again and thinking about my time,
to the final buoy and then head back to the beach aiming for the blue Ironman
arch, get to the point when your hands are dragging the sand along the bottom,
try and get up, fall over, get up again run out, over the timing mat, check
watch 1:22:09 a swim PB by over 4 minutes, result, maybe the swim might have
been a bit short but conditions where perfect.
Up the ramp grab my shoe bag, small bottle of water in bag
to rinse the sand from feet, dry feet, socks on shoes on, wetsuit top half
pulled down and begin the run to T1, see Jo and Jordy outside of hotel and
throw shoe bag at her, well caught, shouted “PB Swim”.
Arrive at T1, grab bike bag and my own transition angel
appeals (Iron Pingu) “what do you need?” take out from bag what I need and Iron
Pingu packs everything away for me and then puts my bag back. Pick up bike and
on mount line get a shout from Button Mushroom who is just coming in
transition, start the bike and straight away start getting shouts from crowd “Go
Pirates”. My T1 time was 15:16 which includes the run from the swim. Leave
Tenby and notice the wind has really picked up and the first 30 miles are all
into the wind, catch Slagiatt after a couple of miles, great swim from him,
quick chat and I’m on my way again, the words from a friend saying take the
first 60K easy ringing in my ears, past one poor bloke who had crashed and was
being treated by paramedics, this served as a reminder to me to not drop the
concentration.
My speed was going OK but was still trying to ease into it,
got to the first proper hill and up that no problem, past the army barracks and
the 2 tanks at the front, complete with the squaddies clapping and cheering us past;
signs out saying this are live firing range! Better keep moving quick, the road
condition here was not great but my new tyres performing well, you then get to
see the people a few minutes in front of you as they are coming the other way
and spotted Barley and a quick pirate shout between us, then cycle through the
dunes and the full force of the wind hits you as you crest the top of one of
the dunes and nearly takes you off the road, the road is very narrow and the
first proper climb that involves you getting out the saddle, up this no
problem, down to the first feed station, drop one bottle and pick a fresh one
up, then you are on the road and you came see the riders a few minutes behind
you, big shout to Button Mushroom and Hokori.
The wind is now at its best as its behind us the course is undulating
and I’m loving it, 37 miles comes around and I’m a third of the way in, still
riding well and enjoying it, one thing that I was starting to notice was that
on the down hills I was catching more people and I would be passing them still freewheeling
while they were having to pedal, just shows how good the Continental grand prix
tyres I had on where.
At approx 56 miles I made my first mistake of the day,
having read reports from last year and spoke to loads of who have done the
course, I was expecting a monster, I started to think the bike course isn’t all
that, how wrong I was. It also started raining at this time; I was cold and
very wet.
The bike course is one long loop of 72 miles and then a
shorter loop of 4o miles that joins the first loop for the last 20 miles, if
that makes sense, so the first 52 miles is OK undulating with a couple of hills
but really nothing to keep you awake at night, the last 20 miles of the loop is
hell on wheels, the hills just keep coming and are relentless, there are some
named climbs, Wiseman’s Bridge and Saundersfoot being the 2 that people know
but, it’s the other ones that take the toll, one after another after another .
After you have finished the first loop you know that the hills you have do
again and they start to get inside your head. That said the support on course
is fantastic, you pass through some villages and in them all it was party time
and through Saundersfoot it felt like a mountain stage on the tour de France
with the support, but also the quite country lanes that take you past a remote
farm house and there are people there supporting. Finished the first loop and
started the 2nd, the wind once again driving into us and making
progress hard, the hills this time seemed to be slightly steeper and slightly
longer, I know that this was in my mind but there you go, plus the thought of
having get up Wiseman and Saundersfoot again was playing on my mind, my average
speed was also starting to fall if only a small amount and I was starting to do
the maths to make sure I would beat the cut-off, hill after hill and I was
suffering but it’s not a knitting club, I got to 96 miles and I had just over 2
hours before the cut off and could afford to do 8 miles an hour and still make
it, got to 100 miles and still hurting but still moving, at 103 miles I had
under 10 miles left and loads of time in the bank but my speedo seemed to not
counting the miles any more but this could have just been in my mind, then
finally after the last climb out of Saundersfoot you start the descent back
into Tenby and ride down the side of the run course, then you see the sign pointing
you towards transition and what’s there? Another little pig of a climb, out of
the saddle again but this is for the last time. Into transition and as if by
magic my own transition angel appears again, “Great bike SA, what do you want
me to do?” Noticed Barley still in transition and wonders over “Hey SA, so are
we having a smackdown run then?” he asks, bring it on I reply, I ask Iron Pingu
to phone Jo and let her know I’ve finished the bike and just about to start the
run. Bike time was 8:07:37 and T2 time was 4:39.
Out on to the run, it’s a 4 lap affair with the first half
mile being in the run out of town, you start to climb for 2 miles then a flattish
mile, then 2 miles back down, then another mile zig zagging the small streets
in the town centre, the support in the town centre was the most amazing thing I
think I have every seem, with your name been printed on the number every was
screaming your name and supportive comments “go on Quinton” “ go Pirates” you
can do this Quinton”, problem I had was my legs didn’t want to, I had put so
much into the bike that my legs really didn’t feel like they wanted to run, so
I struck a deal with them, power walk the uphill’s (there are a lot) run as
much flat as I could and run all the downhill’s. I had worked out that if I
could each lap in 1 hour 30 minutes then I would be on for a 16 hour finish.
The run was hard but was helped by the smattering of pirates on the course and
the support and high 5’s we give to each other, I dug in when I had to and
ground out the run, you picked a coloured band up each lap until you had 4,
which then meant you could finish, so you start band envy of others that have
more bands than you, I think the run was a tad short but you can only race the
course put in front of you and then I had 4 bands and rounded the final turn
and started the run down the esplanade, there was a marshal at the start of the
finish cute and he said “There’s no one in front and no one behind you and this
lot are waiting for you to finish, give them something to cheer” the wall of
noise as you start on the carpet to the finish makes the hairs on the back of
your neck stand on end and I was in a different world the noise the lights,
people clapping cheering, shouting cameras flashing, it was like I had won the
Olympics, the Tour de France and the World cup all rolled into one, arms up
massive cheer from myself and I was finished, the mayor then put my medal round
my neck.
Run time 5:22:52
Total Ironman Wales time 15:12:29
Off to get my t-shirt and a hot pork roll, tasty.
Pick up bike, bags etc and walk back to hotel for massive
hug from Jo and Jordy, even though it still wasn’t 11 o’clock the hotel bar had
closed, so dumped all my stuff in reception and went to the nearest pub that
was still serving for a celebration pint!
I have a load of thank yous to people who have made this
possible
Gareth (STIL) – For the constant nagging to get me out on
the long hilly, I wouldn’t have finished without these.
Scot (Egoman) – For constantly challenging me to “make it
happen”
Iron Pingu – My transition angel, amazing what a friendly
face in transition can do.
Nick (Iron Rose) – The final race instructions and mantra
kept me sane on the day.
Andy (Iron Holgs) – for the always supportive text messages.
Dawn (Hope) – For the most amazing FB message, gave me the
strength and belief.
Sarah (Iron Muffin) – for popping up on the run course so
many times, you never stopped smiling
Des (Horse) Dave (Razor) – for the training ride up
Sheephouse Lane, unbelievable support.
My dad – for missing his birthday, because I was so wrapped
in IM and him saying the best birthday present I could give him was to race
well and safe.
Carolyn (Colourin) – Circles not squares, inspired.
Schmunkee and Mouse – for looking after Jo and Jordy for the
day
Gary (The Count/10” tall man) - for calling me a bucker when
I wanted to quit after my bike broke, making me think I’ll show him.
Jaffa, Horse, STIL, Dave TES, Slim Shady, Cake, Ridgeback
Max – who all offered me their bike or to pay for the repairs to mine when it
broke it looked like I might not make it.
Jordy - You know
Jo – you have always been there with the right words at the
right time – love you.
Onwards and upwards to the next challenge.
SA
Friday 7 September 2012
I am not a number, I am a free man
Well not quite right actually!
A prize to the first person who knows who said that
I am number 1023 for Ironman Wales
You should be able to track me on the day and I will hopefully be able to post the link you will need nearer the day.
Easy weekend of training planned (for a change)
Onwards and Upwards
SA
A prize to the first person who knows who said that
I am number 1023 for Ironman Wales
You should be able to track me on the day and I will hopefully be able to post the link you will need nearer the day.
Easy weekend of training planned (for a change)
Onwards and Upwards
SA
Tuesday 4 September 2012
2 updates in a week, I'm spoling you!
Don't know if I was pushing to hard last week, but my last long training ride came around and tried to move my backside out of the bed, epic fail, another hour cuddled up to Jo.
Eventually got out and felt tried, started off up the first big climb with the rain streaming down, as I climbed up to what felt like the heavens you get so high that the low cloud was making visibility very poor as I got higher it got worse, when it got down to 10 metres I thought I don't like this, to worried about cars not seeing me til to late, so sacked off the planned hilly 100 in favour of some different routes, so first 50 was around the leafy lanes of Cheshire and round Jodrell Bank
I never tire of riding past the radio telescope as I am filled with with awe every time I see it, maybe its the engineer in me, or the sci fi geek!
First 50 done and back home to get more fluid, then out again for the next 50, but this time throwing a few hills in for FUN!
I started to feel really tired and my backside was killing me, got to 90 miles and couldn't sit on the saddle any more and was also struggling to continue to turn the pedals, enough, put a fork in me; I'm done, made it home with 93.5 miles on the clock, completely drained and exhausted.
Not sure if its the training taking its toll or my nutrition was wrong, but its done and now we are into tapir, so last night the nearest I got to training was the first part of bike cleaning, front wheel stripped, cleaned and new fast racing tyre fitted.
2 wonderful rest days and then a easy 6 mile run on Wednesday planned.
The nervous excitement is rising!
Onwards and upwards as always.
SA
PS: thanks to Scott Ragsdale for the message "MAKE IT HAPPEN" cheers Scott, I aim to.
PPS: I have to say Well Done to Sarah Storey, amazing performance to win 2 paralympic gold medals. Sarah is the patron of the swimming club Jordy goes to and I have had the pleasure of meeting and chatting to Sarah on numerous occasions. Her husband Barney Storey has also won a Gold and Silver medal, he is the seeing rider for a blind cyclist, well done both of you.
Eventually got out and felt tried, started off up the first big climb with the rain streaming down, as I climbed up to what felt like the heavens you get so high that the low cloud was making visibility very poor as I got higher it got worse, when it got down to 10 metres I thought I don't like this, to worried about cars not seeing me til to late, so sacked off the planned hilly 100 in favour of some different routes, so first 50 was around the leafy lanes of Cheshire and round Jodrell Bank
I never tire of riding past the radio telescope as I am filled with with awe every time I see it, maybe its the engineer in me, or the sci fi geek!
First 50 done and back home to get more fluid, then out again for the next 50, but this time throwing a few hills in for FUN!
I started to feel really tired and my backside was killing me, got to 90 miles and couldn't sit on the saddle any more and was also struggling to continue to turn the pedals, enough, put a fork in me; I'm done, made it home with 93.5 miles on the clock, completely drained and exhausted.
Not sure if its the training taking its toll or my nutrition was wrong, but its done and now we are into tapir, so last night the nearest I got to training was the first part of bike cleaning, front wheel stripped, cleaned and new fast racing tyre fitted.
2 wonderful rest days and then a easy 6 mile run on Wednesday planned.
The nervous excitement is rising!
Onwards and upwards as always.
SA
PS: thanks to Scott Ragsdale for the message "MAKE IT HAPPEN" cheers Scott, I aim to.
PPS: I have to say Well Done to Sarah Storey, amazing performance to win 2 paralympic gold medals. Sarah is the patron of the swimming club Jordy goes to and I have had the pleasure of meeting and chatting to Sarah on numerous occasions. Her husband Barney Storey has also won a Gold and Silver medal, he is the seeing rider for a blind cyclist, well done both of you.
Wednesday 29 August 2012
Is this an update I see
Wow, how long has it been since I last updated here?
Well, too long!
OK, so when we last looked in Manchester marathon was done and the DIY Half IM was a success, but whats happened since?
Well loads
Jo did 2 parts of the Outlaw iron distance tri (swim & bike) Me and Jordy had a great day at the feed station and then supporting, but had an even better day the day after at the pirate awards ceremony (much drink was consumed) and Jordy managed to bag himself 2 awards.
I did the 5K swim in Holme pierpoint lake, which was fantastic as the wind was up, creating a lot of chop in the water, the outward leg was fast and the homeward leg was slow but was real fun being bashed by the waves, reminded me of swimming in the sea as kid.
The Eirias Half Ironman race was done and completed but boy was it tough.
The swim was in the sea and whilst it was nice and calm the distance had to be long as my time was 1 hour 5 minutes, this is so outside what my time should have been (45 minutes)
T1 was got to by an 800 meter run up a hill (a theme that reoccurs thought the day) and into a sports stadium.
Bike, was long (67 miles) and hard as anything I have done before, 2 laps up the side of a mountain and back down. The fluid given on the bike was Accerade which is disgussting. I have to admit that the bike course hurt and I felt like giving up but I didn't and finished.
The run was an out and back aliong the sea front twice, it had turned into the hottest day of the year and I was strugling, but once again dug in and finished.
Ironman Wales is fast approaching (3 weeks) and while I know I haven't done all the training I should have, I have done a lot more than for my other ironman distance races, the swim should be OK, I now I can do the distance well with in the cut-off. The bike fills me with dread, the course is hard, I have been doing lots of hills on the bike. The run is OK, I know I can run, several 18 mile runs recently have proved that and as long as I can make the bike course inside the cut-offs I'm confident I can finish, but its all about making the bike cut-off.
I have 1 more long bike planned (100 miles) then hopefully a small run of the bike (6 miles) then thats me done and into the tapir.
It has started getting to the point of wanting it all to be over, gets like this every year just as your 'A' race gets near.
Like a friend says "Success or failure - its down to me!" (Scott Ragsdale)
Onwards and upwards as always.
SA
Well, too long!
OK, so when we last looked in Manchester marathon was done and the DIY Half IM was a success, but whats happened since?
Well loads
Jo did 2 parts of the Outlaw iron distance tri (swim & bike) Me and Jordy had a great day at the feed station and then supporting, but had an even better day the day after at the pirate awards ceremony (much drink was consumed) and Jordy managed to bag himself 2 awards.
I did the 5K swim in Holme pierpoint lake, which was fantastic as the wind was up, creating a lot of chop in the water, the outward leg was fast and the homeward leg was slow but was real fun being bashed by the waves, reminded me of swimming in the sea as kid.
The Eirias Half Ironman race was done and completed but boy was it tough.
The swim was in the sea and whilst it was nice and calm the distance had to be long as my time was 1 hour 5 minutes, this is so outside what my time should have been (45 minutes)
T1 was got to by an 800 meter run up a hill (a theme that reoccurs thought the day) and into a sports stadium.
Bike, was long (67 miles) and hard as anything I have done before, 2 laps up the side of a mountain and back down. The fluid given on the bike was Accerade which is disgussting. I have to admit that the bike course hurt and I felt like giving up but I didn't and finished.
The run was an out and back aliong the sea front twice, it had turned into the hottest day of the year and I was strugling, but once again dug in and finished.
Ironman Wales is fast approaching (3 weeks) and while I know I haven't done all the training I should have, I have done a lot more than for my other ironman distance races, the swim should be OK, I now I can do the distance well with in the cut-off. The bike fills me with dread, the course is hard, I have been doing lots of hills on the bike. The run is OK, I know I can run, several 18 mile runs recently have proved that and as long as I can make the bike course inside the cut-offs I'm confident I can finish, but its all about making the bike cut-off.
I have 1 more long bike planned (100 miles) then hopefully a small run of the bike (6 miles) then thats me done and into the tapir.
It has started getting to the point of wanting it all to be over, gets like this every year just as your 'A' race gets near.
Like a friend says "Success or failure - its down to me!" (Scott Ragsdale)
Onwards and upwards as always.
SA
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Not a race report
As the title says, not a race report, just my ramblings about the weekend
I had one the most enjoyable weekends for a long long time.
Jordy had an absolute ball meeting so many new faces
How much did it cost me to put on?
I recon £10 should cover it (2 lots of sausage butties, 2 bottles of coke, tea, coffee etc) plus 2 days off work
I was asked by someone “why don’t you charge people for this”
Because that’s the whole idea about doing a DIY Half IM
Would I run it again?
Definitely!
What would I change?
The course stays as it is, but measure it; better signs especially on the run, more people to help out on the Sunday, Mrs SA, Jordy and my dad did it all.
Thanks to all who made it what it was.
SA
So way back in December last year when I ideally posted up
on the forum about our DIY Half IM I fully expected it to be lost very quickly and maybe just maybe 1 or 2
would venture over for it, well the response was amazing and very quickly we
needed a list of who was interested, but then slowly one by one they all
started to drop out so we seemed to be left with 4 on the Saturday and just me
on the Sunday, but then about 2 weeks before hand more people joined up.
Got the Friday off work, and proceeded to drive round the
bike and run courses putting up signs, Friday night weathers was heavy rain
with high winds and then had to drive around again Saturday morning making sure
the signs where still up and putting them the right way round.
Saturday morning, Razor and Horse turn up followed by
Slagiatt and Slag’s mate Tony (they were doing it on Sunday but set off from
Essex at 4/5 o’clock Saturday morning to get here early to help out on the
Saturday, top blokes), next BBurn Plodder and then a text from Cake that he had
gone straight to the leisure centre plus with Mrs SA that made 5
Showed then on Google Street view a couple of nasty left
hand bends and then set off for the leisure centre.
Slagiatt and SMT kept watch over the bikes, while Jordy Razor
and I went off to one of the left hand turns that really could do with a marshal
on. Got a call from Slagiatt to confirm that the first 3 are on the bike.
Waited at the marshal point for all 5 to come through and then went to the bike
feed station. Really enjoyed the banter at the feed station (as well as the chips
that my mum bought out to us) and gave everyone a big shout every time they
went past, when Horse had done 9 laps, me and Jordy went home to get T2 ready
and then counted everyone back in. I did try and DQ Mrs SA for riding over the
dismount line can’t quite remember her comments back.
Back to the feed station so Slagiatt and SMT could go to T2,
everyone looked far too happy on the run, think I’ll have to make the bike
harder!
When everyone had had finished the run, Mrs SA did sausage
butties for all, very nice, I really enjoyed supporting everyone and told Mrs
SA that I would support tomorrow instead and she would have to do it again
instead, can’t quite remember her comments back.
And so to Sunday
Doner Kebab turned up first, followed by Slagiatt and SMT
after an eventful night in the hotel (told you, you have stopped at ours), then
Bobby Nobby, Colourin and Colourin’s BF, and last to arrive Marshallini.
Pre race briefing as Saturday, then whizzed Mrs SA and
Jordy up to the pool, then back home to ride back to the pool with everyone
else.
Got into the pool with DK, Slagiatt and Marshallini in the
same lane, Marshallini I have to say is a genetic freak, I’m sure he has gills
and fins as he seemed to be passing me every length.
I must have miss counted because DK and me are the same
speed and neither of us passed each other but I got out 2 lengths before him,
through the changing rooms, Marshallini having a full change and then out onto
the bike, I could see Marshallini and Colourin’s BF in the distance and DK just
behind me.
DK soon caught and passed me, I to noticed the Sun paper and
the Macclesfield boobies.
I had completed 4 laps when Marshallini came flying past me,
I did check his bike afterwards but couldn’t find the engine he must have had
fitted to it.
Colourin caught me and we rode together for a lap or 2, then
all of sudden I was on the last lap and heading for T2
Change of shoes and cap on and out on the run, strange but 4
of us set off on the run at the same, Colourin’s BF who ran very quickly, DK
and Bobby Nobby, I was easily the slowest and settled into my plod. Managed a
full 3 laps before I had to have a little walk break and did the last lap with
DK for company, then through to the finish with a time of around 6 hours 20
mins which I am very happy with.
Big shout to Slagiatt who kept going for a finish, it would
have been very easy to not do the last lap, well done fella.
Sausage Butties for everyone again.
So reflections on the weekendI had one the most enjoyable weekends for a long long time.
Jordy had an absolute ball meeting so many new faces
How much did it cost me to put on?
I recon £10 should cover it (2 lots of sausage butties, 2 bottles of coke, tea, coffee etc) plus 2 days off work
I was asked by someone “why don’t you charge people for this”
Because that’s the whole idea about doing a DIY Half IM
Would I run it again?
Definitely!
What would I change?
The course stays as it is, but measure it; better signs especially on the run, more people to help out on the Sunday, Mrs SA, Jordy and my dad did it all.
Thanks to all who made it what it was.
SA
Friday 18 May 2012
i like to Do It Myself
Every year me and Jo do a DIY half Ironman as a training exercise, over a weekend Jo does one day and I do the other day, on the day your not doing it you go out and act as support person with Jordy.
This year we decided to open it up and ask if any pirates fancied joining us, thinking we might one or two.
There 6 people going on Saturday and 7 on Sunday
I have been busy putting direction signs up day
To say we have been blown away buy the interest is an understatement
Jo is doing the swim and bike on Saturday and I am doing it all on Sunday, stay turned for a race report
Onwards and upwards as always
SA
This year we decided to open it up and ask if any pirates fancied joining us, thinking we might one or two.
There 6 people going on Saturday and 7 on Sunday
I have been busy putting direction signs up day
To say we have been blown away buy the interest is an understatement
Jo is doing the swim and bike on Saturday and I am doing it all on Sunday, stay turned for a race report
Onwards and upwards as always
SA
Friday 11 May 2012
Finally - Race Report
Managed to get the Friday afternoon off work, so headed down to the expo to register and pickup running number, first problem of the weekend, couldn't find my name on the list, quick check with info desk and got my number, 7914, collected goody bag and received finishers T-Shirt!!!! strange I haven't finished it yet! Chip was checked and all was OK
The expo wasn't large but you tell that they are trying to make it like a big city marathon and if it grows then more companies will display at the expo, anyway bought some new socks, try something new on race day, it's the pirate way.
Home and out for a 4 mile leg stretcher, not good, shins hurting.
Maybe I should go back a day before and explain
Thursday night I had a race, Mow Cop Killer mile, I had decided that I would do this as a couple of guys from work had also said they would run. I had decided that I would take it very easy, anyway we walked the course before hand and walking down the hill seemed to hurt my legs, but too the race. The gun fired and everyone had different tactics to my nice and easy run, they all sprinted the first bit like a mad men, I managed to pick a few off towards the end of the race and finished just as I was starting to get warmed up.
So back to Friday night, the hurting shins was a bit of a worry but knew I had a full days rest on Saturday plus I was racing in calf guards which always help my shins, got a phone call from Matt (Cake) back from honeymoon and was running on Sunday, can he and his new wife Sarah (Booky) stay over the night before, no problem.
Went for a walk round town on Saturday to kill a bit of time and got Jordy some new clothes.
Roast Chicken salad with pasta and rice for tea and settled down.
Up at 5 Sunday morning, quick check on work, all orders in, great, breakfast done and all in car by 06:30, arrived at Manchester 07:15 £6 to park WTF!
Maybe it's now time to mention the weather
It was raining hard and blowing a gale, not the best conditions for running a marathon, but it was the same for everyone.
It was a mile and a half walk to the race village, the race village was in the middle of a park with no shelter from the rain other than a small little cafe which was by now absolutely rammed full of people, explained to Jo that I was going to go and get changed in the change tent. The change tent was far too small and it seemed that everyone was just using the tent to shelter from the rain including a lot of women and it was standing room only, no chance of getting changed in there, tried to blag an entry to the elite change tent, I did get as far as being asked if I was an elite Ha!.
I have to admit and I am not proud of my next step, but after complaining to a marshal about not being able to get changed in the change tent, I did throw my toys out of the pram a little and had a few erm choice words shall we say with some of the people in the change tent, it was at this time that I really started to lose it and marched back over to the small cafe and announced to Jo and Jordy "that's it, I've had enough we are going home" Jo as always had to bear the brunt and tried to calm me down, sorry Mrs, love you. I decide that maybe I could get changed in one of the portaloos, but in walking to them noticed an old house that workmen stored some stuff in one of the old barns, it was dry, no one else around and out of sight, all 3 of us jumped in there, sorted.
I do tend to waffle alot and the race hasn't even started yet!
Changed and ready to start, was about to go back and drop my bag at the storage area but Jo said she would take it to the car, this as it turns out was a very lucky escape, more on this later.
Found Matt at the start and after a few have a good race chats between us, the gun went and the race started
Success or failure, it's down to me (shamelessly nicked from Scot Ragsadale (egoman))
Managed to get a quick wave from Jo and Jordy who had stayed around the start, the rain was still falling, got up to the 4 hours 30 pacers and thought, great sit in here for the entire race.
After about half a mile I started to get away from the 4:30 people, so just carried on.
The first 3 to 4 miles are through an industrial estate, which is not nice, but after that we started to hit the suburbs and I have to say that the people of Manchester did themselves proud in that weather, the support out on the course was fantastic, up to 5 miles and spotted a familiar face, Suzie, who we used to run with 5 years ago, had a good catch up over a couple of miles and then lost each other.
The miles seemed to be passing by quite well and keeping an eye on the time I was running well, even with the bad weather conditions, through ten miles in 1 hour 33 minutes 21 seconds, I remember thinking to myself you're going to fast, but I was running well within myself, plus the wind for most of the first half was behind us.
At 10 and half mile got a massive pirate shout from Emma (Farnie), who ran out into the road and we had a hug, cheers chuck.
Got to half way and checked the watch, bloody hell!!!!!!! 2 hours 1 minute 36 seconds, that beats my previous half marathon times this year, proves that I'm in good shape.
The course then started to drift away from the main roads and before long we were running down a farm track and with the weather conditions getting even worse it started looking like an off-road race.
It then really started to become apparent just how much the first half we had had the wind behind us, because as we started to turn around you could feel the full force of the wind.
From mile 16 my time started to get slower but was still running well and feeling great, the support from the first half had disappeared and it was just us, the course and the elements. Through to 20 miles and was now starting to feel it, but still running.
At 22 miles a bloke ran along side me and asked "Are you a pirate?"
"Yes"
"Just read your mates book!"
"Holgs?"
"Yes"
"He's a fat poof who wears slippers!"
HAHAHAHAHA only joking Andy, good luck for Lanza, not long off now.
I did ask him if it had inspired him to give triathlon ago, yep but didn't like the swimming was his reply.
None of us do!
Got to mile 25 and knew not long now, but the last 1.2 miles seemed to takes ages, then the sting in the tail of the race, you had to run down to an underpass and back up the other side, ouch, hamstrings tightening.
Then to the finish, punched the air as I crossed the finish line.
I had run the entire thing, job done
I had run under 4:30 (4:20:06) job done.
Caught Jo and Jordy by the finish, space blanket on and walk mile and half back to car, it was now that it became apparent just how cold it was that day as I stated to shiver and needed warm clothes, luckily we hadn't left my bags at the baggage drop because the horror stories coming from there are truly bad and it's amazing someone didn't become seriously ill, just to let you know how bad it was, the police had to come and take over as it was so disorganised.
Got back to the car and drove home and climbed into a warm bath, extremely please with my days efforts.
The event will hopefully grow into quite a big marathon, but the organisers need to address some serious question raised from the day.
I have been for a few runs and bikes since and have been open water swimming twice, feel that the marathon is now out of my system and can start proper training again
Onwards and upwards as always
SA
The expo wasn't large but you tell that they are trying to make it like a big city marathon and if it grows then more companies will display at the expo, anyway bought some new socks, try something new on race day, it's the pirate way.
Home and out for a 4 mile leg stretcher, not good, shins hurting.
Maybe I should go back a day before and explain
Thursday night I had a race, Mow Cop Killer mile, I had decided that I would do this as a couple of guys from work had also said they would run. I had decided that I would take it very easy, anyway we walked the course before hand and walking down the hill seemed to hurt my legs, but too the race. The gun fired and everyone had different tactics to my nice and easy run, they all sprinted the first bit like a mad men, I managed to pick a few off towards the end of the race and finished just as I was starting to get warmed up.
So back to Friday night, the hurting shins was a bit of a worry but knew I had a full days rest on Saturday plus I was racing in calf guards which always help my shins, got a phone call from Matt (Cake) back from honeymoon and was running on Sunday, can he and his new wife Sarah (Booky) stay over the night before, no problem.
Went for a walk round town on Saturday to kill a bit of time and got Jordy some new clothes.
Roast Chicken salad with pasta and rice for tea and settled down.
Up at 5 Sunday morning, quick check on work, all orders in, great, breakfast done and all in car by 06:30, arrived at Manchester 07:15 £6 to park WTF!
Maybe it's now time to mention the weather
It was raining hard and blowing a gale, not the best conditions for running a marathon, but it was the same for everyone.
It was a mile and a half walk to the race village, the race village was in the middle of a park with no shelter from the rain other than a small little cafe which was by now absolutely rammed full of people, explained to Jo that I was going to go and get changed in the change tent. The change tent was far too small and it seemed that everyone was just using the tent to shelter from the rain including a lot of women and it was standing room only, no chance of getting changed in there, tried to blag an entry to the elite change tent, I did get as far as being asked if I was an elite Ha!.
I have to admit and I am not proud of my next step, but after complaining to a marshal about not being able to get changed in the change tent, I did throw my toys out of the pram a little and had a few erm choice words shall we say with some of the people in the change tent, it was at this time that I really started to lose it and marched back over to the small cafe and announced to Jo and Jordy "that's it, I've had enough we are going home" Jo as always had to bear the brunt and tried to calm me down, sorry Mrs, love you. I decide that maybe I could get changed in one of the portaloos, but in walking to them noticed an old house that workmen stored some stuff in one of the old barns, it was dry, no one else around and out of sight, all 3 of us jumped in there, sorted.
I do tend to waffle alot and the race hasn't even started yet!
Changed and ready to start, was about to go back and drop my bag at the storage area but Jo said she would take it to the car, this as it turns out was a very lucky escape, more on this later.
Found Matt at the start and after a few have a good race chats between us, the gun went and the race started
Success or failure, it's down to me (shamelessly nicked from Scot Ragsadale (egoman))
Managed to get a quick wave from Jo and Jordy who had stayed around the start, the rain was still falling, got up to the 4 hours 30 pacers and thought, great sit in here for the entire race.
After about half a mile I started to get away from the 4:30 people, so just carried on.
The first 3 to 4 miles are through an industrial estate, which is not nice, but after that we started to hit the suburbs and I have to say that the people of Manchester did themselves proud in that weather, the support out on the course was fantastic, up to 5 miles and spotted a familiar face, Suzie, who we used to run with 5 years ago, had a good catch up over a couple of miles and then lost each other.
The miles seemed to be passing by quite well and keeping an eye on the time I was running well, even with the bad weather conditions, through ten miles in 1 hour 33 minutes 21 seconds, I remember thinking to myself you're going to fast, but I was running well within myself, plus the wind for most of the first half was behind us.
At 10 and half mile got a massive pirate shout from Emma (Farnie), who ran out into the road and we had a hug, cheers chuck.
Got to half way and checked the watch, bloody hell!!!!!!! 2 hours 1 minute 36 seconds, that beats my previous half marathon times this year, proves that I'm in good shape.
The course then started to drift away from the main roads and before long we were running down a farm track and with the weather conditions getting even worse it started looking like an off-road race.
It then really started to become apparent just how much the first half we had had the wind behind us, because as we started to turn around you could feel the full force of the wind.
From mile 16 my time started to get slower but was still running well and feeling great, the support from the first half had disappeared and it was just us, the course and the elements. Through to 20 miles and was now starting to feel it, but still running.
At 22 miles a bloke ran along side me and asked "Are you a pirate?"
"Yes"
"Just read your mates book!"
"Holgs?"
"Yes"
"He's a fat poof who wears slippers!"
HAHAHAHAHA only joking Andy, good luck for Lanza, not long off now.
I did ask him if it had inspired him to give triathlon ago, yep but didn't like the swimming was his reply.
None of us do!
Got to mile 25 and knew not long now, but the last 1.2 miles seemed to takes ages, then the sting in the tail of the race, you had to run down to an underpass and back up the other side, ouch, hamstrings tightening.
Then to the finish, punched the air as I crossed the finish line.
I had run the entire thing, job done
I had run under 4:30 (4:20:06) job done.
Caught Jo and Jordy by the finish, space blanket on and walk mile and half back to car, it was now that it became apparent just how cold it was that day as I stated to shiver and needed warm clothes, luckily we hadn't left my bags at the baggage drop because the horror stories coming from there are truly bad and it's amazing someone didn't become seriously ill, just to let you know how bad it was, the police had to come and take over as it was so disorganised.
Got back to the car and drove home and climbed into a warm bath, extremely please with my days efforts.
The event will hopefully grow into quite a big marathon, but the organisers need to address some serious question raised from the day.
I have been for a few runs and bikes since and have been open water swimming twice, feel that the marathon is now out of my system and can start proper training again
Onwards and upwards as always
SA
Monday 30 April 2012
Nailed it!
Really pleased
4 Hours 20 minutes 6 seconds
Will do a full race report soon as lots to put down
SA
4 Hours 20 minutes 6 seconds
Will do a full race report soon as lots to put down
SA
Tuesday 24 April 2012
Sucess or failure
Its down to me.
The Manchester Marathon Sunday 29th April 09:00
Did 8 miles on Sunday - hated it
Did 6 miles Monday - loved it
Hoping to get out for easy spin tonight for 1 hour
Rest on Wednesday
Thursday I have a race - The Mow Cop Killer mile, its only 1 mile but its 1 mile on a very steep hill, don't quite know why I agreed to do it so close to the marathon but there you go, have entered and a couple of people from work are doing it, will treat it as a fun event and not go mad, well until stood on start line that is.
Its time to nail my colours to the mast!
I have several goals for Sundays run
1. Run it all. This is the important one, the reason I'm doing it. I have done 4 marathons plus 2 marathons at the end of Ironman distance races and I have only managed to run the whole thing once, which was my second one, there are various reasons why I haven't been able to run them all. First marathon, didn't really know what I was doing and had done enough training. Second one ran it it all. Third one and my personal worst, had something to eat the night before that didn't agree with me and had a bad tummy, had to make 5 toilet stops on the way round, if I hadn't been running with Jo (her first marathon) I would have quit, I felt that bad. Fourth one, only had 4 weeks training. So running it all has become very important to me.
2. Time, I know if I manage point 1 then the time will follow, but I am looking/hoping for between 4 hours 15 mins and 4 hours 30 mins
3 As always enjoy it
The weather for Sunday doesn't look particularly good rain with strong winds but hey its the same for everyone.
Have got the Friday afternoon off work so can go and register then which will give me Saturday to relax and take some food on board.
Onwards and upwards as always, here's to a great race on Sunday!
SA
The Manchester Marathon Sunday 29th April 09:00
Did 8 miles on Sunday - hated it
Did 6 miles Monday - loved it
Hoping to get out for easy spin tonight for 1 hour
Rest on Wednesday
Thursday I have a race - The Mow Cop Killer mile, its only 1 mile but its 1 mile on a very steep hill, don't quite know why I agreed to do it so close to the marathon but there you go, have entered and a couple of people from work are doing it, will treat it as a fun event and not go mad, well until stood on start line that is.
Its time to nail my colours to the mast!
I have several goals for Sundays run
1. Run it all. This is the important one, the reason I'm doing it. I have done 4 marathons plus 2 marathons at the end of Ironman distance races and I have only managed to run the whole thing once, which was my second one, there are various reasons why I haven't been able to run them all. First marathon, didn't really know what I was doing and had done enough training. Second one ran it it all. Third one and my personal worst, had something to eat the night before that didn't agree with me and had a bad tummy, had to make 5 toilet stops on the way round, if I hadn't been running with Jo (her first marathon) I would have quit, I felt that bad. Fourth one, only had 4 weeks training. So running it all has become very important to me.
2. Time, I know if I manage point 1 then the time will follow, but I am looking/hoping for between 4 hours 15 mins and 4 hours 30 mins
3 As always enjoy it
The weather for Sunday doesn't look particularly good rain with strong winds but hey its the same for everyone.
Have got the Friday afternoon off work so can go and register then which will give me Saturday to relax and take some food on board.
Onwards and upwards as always, here's to a great race on Sunday!
SA
Friday 13 April 2012
Still going
Well the consistency still isn't happenin,g but since my last blog entry the long run happened, 21.5 hilly miles done and dusted, my longest run without having to walk for a good few years, the run took me 3 hours 25 mins and a handful of seconds, which is a couple of minutes inside my target time, I had given myself 3 hours 30 minutes for the run. While the run its self was OK it completely wasted me for the next 3 days and was unable to get out for anything until the Thursday.
Last Sunday I ran 18 miles and this was my best run to date, I ran a 6 mile loop, 3 times and timed myself each lap, my times are what follows
Lap 1 58 mins 2 seconds
Lap 2 58 mins 12 seconds (1 hour, 56 mins, 14 seconds)
Lap 3 56 mins 53 seconds (2hour, 52 mins, 53 seconds)
This shows not only consistent pacing but the fact that I was getting stronger as the run went on, great news for the marathon that is now only just over 2 weeks away. Really enjoyed the run as well. Once again though, after this run didn't get out for 3 days, 2 days to recover and the last day was due to huge volume of work going on which had to completed from home.
Won't be able to get much training in this weekend as we going away to see Cake (Pirate) getting married. Hoping to be able to get a run (13 miles) on Sunday after getting home.
In other news Jo has had to re think the Outlaw as her sciatic problem is not getting any better, meaning that she still can't run without pain. We contacted the organisers and they have agreed to let us change her entry from a solo effort to a relay team with Jo doing to the swim and bike leg. A doff of the hat to the power of RW Forum / Facebook / Twitter as within 2 hours of putting up the request for a runner we had one. Viking (Pirate) who should have been doing the whole thing himself but was finding the bike and swim difficult and was on the verge of pulling out has agreed to do the run for Jo as this will at least keep him and Jo involved.
Onwards and upwards as always
SA
Last Sunday I ran 18 miles and this was my best run to date, I ran a 6 mile loop, 3 times and timed myself each lap, my times are what follows
Lap 1 58 mins 2 seconds
Lap 2 58 mins 12 seconds (1 hour, 56 mins, 14 seconds)
Lap 3 56 mins 53 seconds (2hour, 52 mins, 53 seconds)
This shows not only consistent pacing but the fact that I was getting stronger as the run went on, great news for the marathon that is now only just over 2 weeks away. Really enjoyed the run as well. Once again though, after this run didn't get out for 3 days, 2 days to recover and the last day was due to huge volume of work going on which had to completed from home.
Won't be able to get much training in this weekend as we going away to see Cake (Pirate) getting married. Hoping to be able to get a run (13 miles) on Sunday after getting home.
In other news Jo has had to re think the Outlaw as her sciatic problem is not getting any better, meaning that she still can't run without pain. We contacted the organisers and they have agreed to let us change her entry from a solo effort to a relay team with Jo doing to the swim and bike leg. A doff of the hat to the power of RW Forum / Facebook / Twitter as within 2 hours of putting up the request for a runner we had one. Viking (Pirate) who should have been doing the whole thing himself but was finding the bike and swim difficult and was on the verge of pulling out has agreed to do the run for Jo as this will at least keep him and Jo involved.
Onwards and upwards as always
SA
Tuesday 27 March 2012
Consistency - Not
Saturday 17th March, pool closed again, so had an enjoyable couple of hours ride with Jo.
Sunday 20 mile run, legs felt heavy from ride day before, but started well, pace stayed OK till 16 miles when it started to drop slightly but carried on and completed my longest run (without walk breaks) for about 4 years.
Monday, Jordy was at bowling with his sports club so missed the recovery run.
Tuesday, major case of CBA (Couldn't be arsed!)
Wednesday and Thursday, manic at work and didn't get home til late, I know its a poor excuse, but its the best I've got, hangs head in shame.
Friday, back to it, 30 mins turbo 4 mile run (felt like a runner i.e. very quick)
Saturday 4K in the pool, really pleased as haven't been able to get to the pool for a few weeks and can still crack out a 4K, OK so it wasn't quick, but then my swimming isn't quick at the best of times.
Sunday had a bit of problem, alarm goes off 5 o'clock, downstairs to get breakfast, check work orders (every Sunday important orders come in and if I check them and if every things good, I know the rest of the day work won't call), big problem, no breakfast stuff, wake Jo, decides Jo will take the plum early morning training slot, while I go and get stuff for my breakfast (Jo has porridge, I hate the stuff) this left me with me starting my run just after midday, great hottest day of the year, felt like I was loosing a stone every mile in sweat, decided that a 20 miler in that heat would only cause me problems later in the week and I want to get a lot more consistency with my training so felt that 12 miles would be OK but tried to up the intensity level a bit and ran faster than I have for a good while clocking under 1.55 for 12 miles.
The calf guards I have bought are really starting to help, I get very little soreness the day after my long runs now, which is why after a fast 12 miles on Sunday, last night a good 6 miles and felt strong all the way.
Commute to work on the bike tomorrow.
I just have get some more consistent training in and I am really going to see some great improvements as I can feel myself getting better/fitter/faster/stronger.
I have my longest run in training for Manchester Marathon this weekend, a planned 22 miler and then I will start cutting back.
I also have 2 followers to my blog (at last), both pirates
Ironholgs - top bloke and great blog, that turned into a best selling book
ironholgs blog
Egoman - the most positive man I know, has an amazing can do attitude and has completed some crazy challenges, channel swim, 7 ironman in 7 days to name a couple and is now training for a jungle marathon
egomans blog
I know ironholgs quite well and have competed at several events with him but with egoman we have never meet (he lives in Dubai) but we swap emails encouraging each other and take an interest in what each other is doing.
So onwards and upwards to a more consistent week, a great weekend run.
SA
Sunday 20 mile run, legs felt heavy from ride day before, but started well, pace stayed OK till 16 miles when it started to drop slightly but carried on and completed my longest run (without walk breaks) for about 4 years.
Monday, Jordy was at bowling with his sports club so missed the recovery run.
Tuesday, major case of CBA (Couldn't be arsed!)
Wednesday and Thursday, manic at work and didn't get home til late, I know its a poor excuse, but its the best I've got, hangs head in shame.
Friday, back to it, 30 mins turbo 4 mile run (felt like a runner i.e. very quick)
Saturday 4K in the pool, really pleased as haven't been able to get to the pool for a few weeks and can still crack out a 4K, OK so it wasn't quick, but then my swimming isn't quick at the best of times.
Sunday had a bit of problem, alarm goes off 5 o'clock, downstairs to get breakfast, check work orders (every Sunday important orders come in and if I check them and if every things good, I know the rest of the day work won't call), big problem, no breakfast stuff, wake Jo, decides Jo will take the plum early morning training slot, while I go and get stuff for my breakfast (Jo has porridge, I hate the stuff) this left me with me starting my run just after midday, great hottest day of the year, felt like I was loosing a stone every mile in sweat, decided that a 20 miler in that heat would only cause me problems later in the week and I want to get a lot more consistency with my training so felt that 12 miles would be OK but tried to up the intensity level a bit and ran faster than I have for a good while clocking under 1.55 for 12 miles.
The calf guards I have bought are really starting to help, I get very little soreness the day after my long runs now, which is why after a fast 12 miles on Sunday, last night a good 6 miles and felt strong all the way.
Commute to work on the bike tomorrow.
I just have get some more consistent training in and I am really going to see some great improvements as I can feel myself getting better/fitter/faster/stronger.
I have my longest run in training for Manchester Marathon this weekend, a planned 22 miler and then I will start cutting back.
I also have 2 followers to my blog (at last), both pirates
Ironholgs - top bloke and great blog, that turned into a best selling book
ironholgs blog
Egoman - the most positive man I know, has an amazing can do attitude and has completed some crazy challenges, channel swim, 7 ironman in 7 days to name a couple and is now training for a jungle marathon
egomans blog
I know ironholgs quite well and have competed at several events with him but with egoman we have never meet (he lives in Dubai) but we swap emails encouraging each other and take an interest in what each other is doing.
So onwards and upwards to a more consistent week, a great weekend run.
SA
Friday 16 March 2012
So what was the worry about
So Sunday came around and after a quick swim on Saturday, that was meaning I wasn't in the pool for long, not that I was swimming quick, we all know that's never gonna happen, I wanted to swim longer but with 4 people to a lane and one bloke doing tumble-turns its hard to make any progress.
Got up at stupid o'clock, breakfast, dis-assemble the bikes load them into the car, get Jordy up, felt bad getting him up so early (he doesn't do mornings), dropped him round at my mum & dads, back home to pick up Jo.
Arrived at start, loads of cars already there, registered and started to re-assemble the bikes.
Muffin-Top came came over and introduced herself, we would be riding some of the way with MT, meet up with Cona who was also making an appearance but we wouldn't be riding with him, he is far to fast for us to even think about that, think his average on the day was something around 23mph, which I can only dream about.
Then saw ironHolgs (top bloke and a best selling author) with his mate Andy H. We managed to set off round about 8:15 but took a while to get into it.
We found ourselves in a nice little group of me, Mrs SA, Muffin-Top, ironHolgs and Andy H which gave me a chance to catch up with Holgs and chat about his training for Ironman Lanza and how he gets only 5 weeks rest between Lanza and Outlaw.
We made it to 35 miles at which point there is a feed station, so stop, refresh the bottles and take on more food, then stopped quarter of mile up the road for a <cough> erm, comfort break. I think that it was this stop and start again when Jo started to find the going getting harder and she seemed to be labouring up the hills, which is no surprise as the amount of training she has missed with her bad back, this is where Muffin-Top pulled away and we didn't see her again for the rest of the day, apart the note she left on our windscreen when we got back. Through Macclesfield and I asked if Jo wanted to bail and go home as we had done over 50 miles " No way" was the sharp reply, well done Mrs.
Into Bollington and I knew this is where the climbing was going to kick in and I wasn't wrong, a couple of kickers through Bollington then a little pig of hill on the way out, through to Pott Shigley when we started a 2 and a half mile climb which just seemed to keep going and keep getting steeper, but I dug in and eventually got to the sumit, some more little kickers and then onto the main A6 towards Stockport. The event organisers are obviously evil as we then turned off the main road and back towards Pott Shigley for more hills, till eventually we turned back towards Poynton and the finish, we rolled in with a time of 6:13 which given a few stops and Jo's lack of training, is I think a damn fine performance.
Dis-assemble the bikes again and load into the car, grab food at the end, pie, food of the gods, set of home.
Quick change, pickup Jordy get to swimming pool, somehow we had agreed to take part in the local swimathon for the Seals, who are a swimming club that Jordy goes to on a Friday night. We didn't expect to be able to do much swimming after the days biking but we manged between the whole team to get 106 lengths, which is brilliant as the previous best was 54.
Then off to the pub for tea and you tell we had all had a long day as we where almost falling asleep while eating.
Yesterday (Thursday) saw the first commute to work on the bike.
Have a 20 mile run planned on Sunday as the continuing training for Manchester Marathon really takes hold.
Really please with where my training is at the moment, if I can keep this up and remain injury free, I am hoping for a great year.
Onwards and upwards as always
SA
Got up at stupid o'clock, breakfast, dis-assemble the bikes load them into the car, get Jordy up, felt bad getting him up so early (he doesn't do mornings), dropped him round at my mum & dads, back home to pick up Jo.
Arrived at start, loads of cars already there, registered and started to re-assemble the bikes.
Muffin-Top came came over and introduced herself, we would be riding some of the way with MT, meet up with Cona who was also making an appearance but we wouldn't be riding with him, he is far to fast for us to even think about that, think his average on the day was something around 23mph, which I can only dream about.
Then saw ironHolgs (top bloke and a best selling author) with his mate Andy H. We managed to set off round about 8:15 but took a while to get into it.
We found ourselves in a nice little group of me, Mrs SA, Muffin-Top, ironHolgs and Andy H which gave me a chance to catch up with Holgs and chat about his training for Ironman Lanza and how he gets only 5 weeks rest between Lanza and Outlaw.
We made it to 35 miles at which point there is a feed station, so stop, refresh the bottles and take on more food, then stopped quarter of mile up the road for a <cough> erm, comfort break. I think that it was this stop and start again when Jo started to find the going getting harder and she seemed to be labouring up the hills, which is no surprise as the amount of training she has missed with her bad back, this is where Muffin-Top pulled away and we didn't see her again for the rest of the day, apart the note she left on our windscreen when we got back. Through Macclesfield and I asked if Jo wanted to bail and go home as we had done over 50 miles " No way" was the sharp reply, well done Mrs.
Into Bollington and I knew this is where the climbing was going to kick in and I wasn't wrong, a couple of kickers through Bollington then a little pig of hill on the way out, through to Pott Shigley when we started a 2 and a half mile climb which just seemed to keep going and keep getting steeper, but I dug in and eventually got to the sumit, some more little kickers and then onto the main A6 towards Stockport. The event organisers are obviously evil as we then turned off the main road and back towards Pott Shigley for more hills, till eventually we turned back towards Poynton and the finish, we rolled in with a time of 6:13 which given a few stops and Jo's lack of training, is I think a damn fine performance.
Dis-assemble the bikes again and load into the car, grab food at the end, pie, food of the gods, set of home.
Quick change, pickup Jordy get to swimming pool, somehow we had agreed to take part in the local swimathon for the Seals, who are a swimming club that Jordy goes to on a Friday night. We didn't expect to be able to do much swimming after the days biking but we manged between the whole team to get 106 lengths, which is brilliant as the previous best was 54.
Then off to the pub for tea and you tell we had all had a long day as we where almost falling asleep while eating.
Yesterday (Thursday) saw the first commute to work on the bike.
Have a 20 mile run planned on Sunday as the continuing training for Manchester Marathon really takes hold.
Really please with where my training is at the moment, if I can keep this up and remain injury free, I am hoping for a great year.
Onwards and upwards as always
SA
Monday 5 March 2012
Worring about next weekend
Good weekends training.
Saturday 40 miles on the bike.
Sunday 18 mile run, very wet and windy, couldn't believe how cold I felt when I got back home, took most of the day to warm up.
Legs feeling it today, tonight's run will be painful
The coming weekend sees Jo and I doing the Jodrell Bank Cycle sportive, for those that don't know its an 80 mile ride through the lanes of Cheshire and rides past Jodrell Bank (hence the name), we did it last year but the route has changed this year and its still fairly flat until 50 miles when they have put some nasty hills in (Pott Shrigley) we are both no where near as bike fit as we should be, so am fearing a long painful day at the office, on top of that we have agreed to be part of a team for the local swimathon in the afternoon, gonna be a busy day.
Saturday 40 miles on the bike.
Sunday 18 mile run, very wet and windy, couldn't believe how cold I felt when I got back home, took most of the day to warm up.
Legs feeling it today, tonight's run will be painful
The coming weekend sees Jo and I doing the Jodrell Bank Cycle sportive, for those that don't know its an 80 mile ride through the lanes of Cheshire and rides past Jodrell Bank (hence the name), we did it last year but the route has changed this year and its still fairly flat until 50 miles when they have put some nasty hills in (Pott Shrigley) we are both no where near as bike fit as we should be, so am fearing a long painful day at the office, on top of that we have agreed to be part of a team for the local swimathon in the afternoon, gonna be a busy day.
Monday 27 February 2012
The brick session cometh
Trained very well last week.
Felt completely drained on the Wednesday so took a full rest day, but other than that all sessions done.
Saturday was Matt's stag do but still managed an hour on the turbo.
Sunday was 1 hour turbo followed by 15 miles run, thankfully I didn't have to much to drink on Saturday, I had forgotten just how hard running after biking is, my legs felt like lead for the entire 15 miles.
Hopefully can get out on the bike with Jo this Saturday so we can see just how bad its going to be at Jodrell Bank Sportive
Felt completely drained on the Wednesday so took a full rest day, but other than that all sessions done.
Saturday was Matt's stag do but still managed an hour on the turbo.
Sunday was 1 hour turbo followed by 15 miles run, thankfully I didn't have to much to drink on Saturday, I had forgotten just how hard running after biking is, my legs felt like lead for the entire 15 miles.
Hopefully can get out on the bike with Jo this Saturday so we can see just how bad its going to be at Jodrell Bank Sportive
Wednesday 22 February 2012
moving forward
The title should probably read moving forward, going sideways, backwards before going forwards again.
Its been a little while since my last post.
Snow came and stopped me running and riding, did 4k swim on Saturday and Sunday
On following Saturday very dry so got out for second ride this year, 27 miles in and chain decides to jump off cogs, with the result of me lying in the middle on the road, no broken bones but very sore and got bruises in places I just could understand getting bruises in.
Bike went back into shop again for looking at and straighting out of handlebars.
Birthday came and went, had a great day.
Jo not to happy, has got sciatic problems and can't run at the moment, so she is having to re tune her training, but Jo has just been able to get back on the bike, so lots of biking and swimming.
As I had 2 weeks with very little done with the weather and bike crash, got out on Sunday and ran 18 miles, backed this up with 6 miles the day after, so running going well and all set for Manchester Marathon and have found out my good friend Cake is also running.
Talking of Cake, its his stag night this weekend and I'm going but hopefully only for a few hours as need to kick on with training and just can't face getting drunk and staying away from home, plus really need to get out on the bike this weekend as the first event this year ( Jodrell Bank Cycle Sportive) is looming large on the horizon and haven't done anywhere near enough, but at least its a chance to catch up with a couple of pirate buddies that are doing it as well
Onwards and upwards as always
Its been a little while since my last post.
Snow came and stopped me running and riding, did 4k swim on Saturday and Sunday
On following Saturday very dry so got out for second ride this year, 27 miles in and chain decides to jump off cogs, with the result of me lying in the middle on the road, no broken bones but very sore and got bruises in places I just could understand getting bruises in.
Bike went back into shop again for looking at and straighting out of handlebars.
Birthday came and went, had a great day.
Jo not to happy, has got sciatic problems and can't run at the moment, so she is having to re tune her training, but Jo has just been able to get back on the bike, so lots of biking and swimming.
As I had 2 weeks with very little done with the weather and bike crash, got out on Sunday and ran 18 miles, backed this up with 6 miles the day after, so running going well and all set for Manchester Marathon and have found out my good friend Cake is also running.
Talking of Cake, its his stag night this weekend and I'm going but hopefully only for a few hours as need to kick on with training and just can't face getting drunk and staying away from home, plus really need to get out on the bike this weekend as the first event this year ( Jodrell Bank Cycle Sportive) is looming large on the horizon and haven't done anywhere near enough, but at least its a chance to catch up with a couple of pirate buddies that are doing it as well
Onwards and upwards as always
Monday 30 January 2012
Tenby here we come
Well still no missed sessions.
Weight same as last week, which is good as one or two chocolate puddings eaten.
I have my bike back (thanks mum)
Weather was OK on Saturday, so got out for a hilly 15 miles, it felt great to be back in the saddle.
Big news
IRONMAN WALES entered
Really fallen lucky with a hotel, its on the run course overlooking north beech, so if the swim is from north beech again, Jo and Jordy can wave to me while there having their breakfast and it gives them the ability to keep nipping back with somewhere warm and dry if the weathers not great.
Manchester Marathon entered
Jodrell Bank Cycle sportive entered for both Jo and I, 80 mile option.
Hotel booked for Outlaw
Hotel booked for Flat Out in the Fenns
New goggles and trunks ordered, had a kit malfunction last time I went swimming, my goggles kept leaking and I couldn't understand why as I seemed to have a good seal, until I examined them and the lens fell out.
There is a Half IM which I like the look of, a sea swim (good practise for IM Wales), hilly bike (good practise for IM Wales) but the date is causing a bit of a problem
Saturday 21st July
One its a Saturday, two and more importantly its Jordy's birthday.
Its in Colwyn Bay so hotels become expensive at over £100 per night, we would have to go down after work on the Friday which would mean Jordy missing seals swimming club or go Saturday morning but its a 2-3 hour drive and its starts at 8 o'clock so that would mean a 4 o'clock start, so still investigating the best way to go forward.
Onwards and upwards
Weight same as last week, which is good as one or two chocolate puddings eaten.
I have my bike back (thanks mum)
Weather was OK on Saturday, so got out for a hilly 15 miles, it felt great to be back in the saddle.
Big news
IRONMAN WALES entered
Really fallen lucky with a hotel, its on the run course overlooking north beech, so if the swim is from north beech again, Jo and Jordy can wave to me while there having their breakfast and it gives them the ability to keep nipping back with somewhere warm and dry if the weathers not great.
Manchester Marathon entered
Jodrell Bank Cycle sportive entered for both Jo and I, 80 mile option.
Hotel booked for Outlaw
Hotel booked for Flat Out in the Fenns
New goggles and trunks ordered, had a kit malfunction last time I went swimming, my goggles kept leaking and I couldn't understand why as I seemed to have a good seal, until I examined them and the lens fell out.
There is a Half IM which I like the look of, a sea swim (good practise for IM Wales), hilly bike (good practise for IM Wales) but the date is causing a bit of a problem
Saturday 21st July
One its a Saturday, two and more importantly its Jordy's birthday.
Its in Colwyn Bay so hotels become expensive at over £100 per night, we would have to go down after work on the Friday which would mean Jordy missing seals swimming club or go Saturday morning but its a 2-3 hour drive and its starts at 8 o'clock so that would mean a 4 o'clock start, so still investigating the best way to go forward.
Onwards and upwards
Saturday 21 January 2012
Its the weekend
Still no missed sessions
Still no alcohol (more on this later)
3 pounds lost, I have just dipped under 15 stone, whoop, whoop
Pool closed Saturday and Sunday, damn swimming clubs, you would think they could find somewhere else to do it!!! So no swimming this weekend
Jordy our special son is going for 2 taster days at Petty Pool College Monday and Tuesday, so have booked these days off work, so hopefully can get a swim in one of these days.
As no swimming today got an extra rest day as bike still in shop getting repaired and get 4 hours with my gorgeous wife Jo and as I have planned a 15 mile run tomorrow, so keeping of the legs today, so I have a feeling that the first alcohol of the year might just get consumed today.
Onwards and upwards
SA
Still no alcohol (more on this later)
3 pounds lost, I have just dipped under 15 stone, whoop, whoop
Pool closed Saturday and Sunday, damn swimming clubs, you would think they could find somewhere else to do it!!! So no swimming this weekend
Jordy our special son is going for 2 taster days at Petty Pool College Monday and Tuesday, so have booked these days off work, so hopefully can get a swim in one of these days.
As no swimming today got an extra rest day as bike still in shop getting repaired and get 4 hours with my gorgeous wife Jo and as I have planned a 15 mile run tomorrow, so keeping of the legs today, so I have a feeling that the first alcohol of the year might just get consumed today.
Onwards and upwards
SA
Thursday 19 January 2012
But which one
Training still going well, not missed a session so far this year.
Still no alcohol this year.
Might have slipped a bit with the no snacking this week as just so hungry.
Bike in the shop getting repaired.
So the big question is Ironman Wales or Challenge Henley
Both are IM distance, both are on 16th September, both have approx same amount of traveling, both will cost approx the same for accomodation.
I was really looking at IM Wales until it was announced that Activity Wales (last years organisers) are not doing it this year, but the people from IM UK are. There is history between these people and the Pirates.
More Pirates are doing IM Wales than Challenge Henley and its always good to have some company, so still undecided.
Still no alcohol this year.
Might have slipped a bit with the no snacking this week as just so hungry.
Bike in the shop getting repaired.
So the big question is Ironman Wales or Challenge Henley
Both are IM distance, both are on 16th September, both have approx same amount of traveling, both will cost approx the same for accomodation.
I was really looking at IM Wales until it was announced that Activity Wales (last years organisers) are not doing it this year, but the people from IM UK are. There is history between these people and the Pirates.
More Pirates are doing IM Wales than Challenge Henley and its always good to have some company, so still undecided.
Monday 16 January 2012
Ouch
Got up Saturday morning, weigh in day, 1 pound less for me to haul around everywhere
Put bike in car and drove to bike shop, problem, bike shop not there!!!!!!!!!!
Stood outside with frame under one arm and wheels under the other, when lady from Florist next door comes out and asks "are you looking for the bike shop?"
Wanted to come out with a really witty comment, but was in to much shock, bike shop closed and everything gone.
Had to change Saturday and Sunday training round as pool closed on Saturday for swimming gala, so did 13 mile run on Saturday, it was very cold, don't think I had eaten or drunk enough water throughout the day as when got back started to feel decidedly unwell, so reached for the drink of gods and had a coke as this has always helped before, big mistake, it was 02:30 before I got to sleep.
Did the swim on Sunday and then found out that the pool is closed next Saturday and Sunday for yet more galas, will have to find another pool.
So this morning took the bike into the shop near work £197 to get back on the road, hence the title of this post.
Put bike in car and drove to bike shop, problem, bike shop not there!!!!!!!!!!
Stood outside with frame under one arm and wheels under the other, when lady from Florist next door comes out and asks "are you looking for the bike shop?"
Wanted to come out with a really witty comment, but was in to much shock, bike shop closed and everything gone.
Had to change Saturday and Sunday training round as pool closed on Saturday for swimming gala, so did 13 mile run on Saturday, it was very cold, don't think I had eaten or drunk enough water throughout the day as when got back started to feel decidedly unwell, so reached for the drink of gods and had a coke as this has always helped before, big mistake, it was 02:30 before I got to sleep.
Did the swim on Sunday and then found out that the pool is closed next Saturday and Sunday for yet more galas, will have to find another pool.
So this morning took the bike into the shop near work £197 to get back on the road, hence the title of this post.
Friday 13 January 2012
New Update
Training has been good this week
Friday 4miles run with Jo
Saturday 2800m swim
Sunday 11 mile run
Monday 6 miles with Jo
Tuesday Rest
Wednesday 9 mile run
Thursday Rest
Tonight will be standard 4 mile run with Jo
At the moment I'm taking 2 rests days a week, this is because I'm lazy, no, its just because at the moment no bike and my legs cant take running 5 times a week (its called getting old)
On the subject of the bike, I have got the new rear hanger, can't get it to fit onto the bike, taking the bike in tomorrow to see how much its going to be for the rest of the stuff and can they fit the new hanger.
Weigh in day tomorrow, day 13 of no alcohol and no snacking, hoping to a have shed a couple more pounds
On wards and up wards as always
Friday 4miles run with Jo
Saturday 2800m swim
Sunday 11 mile run
Monday 6 miles with Jo
Tuesday Rest
Wednesday 9 mile run
Thursday Rest
Tonight will be standard 4 mile run with Jo
At the moment I'm taking 2 rests days a week, this is because I'm lazy, no, its just because at the moment no bike and my legs cant take running 5 times a week (its called getting old)
On the subject of the bike, I have got the new rear hanger, can't get it to fit onto the bike, taking the bike in tomorrow to see how much its going to be for the rest of the stuff and can they fit the new hanger.
Weigh in day tomorrow, day 13 of no alcohol and no snacking, hoping to a have shed a couple more pounds
On wards and up wards as always
Saturday 7 January 2012
It's just falling off me
I have lost an amazing 7 pounds this week.
Living like a monk seems to work
That's the good news
The bike shop rang yesterday, the rear hanger is going to be 7 weeks FFS, but they do have anyone but it is made from a higher grade aluminium and is therefore more expensive, joy.
Living like a monk seems to work
That's the good news
The bike shop rang yesterday, the rear hanger is going to be 7 weeks FFS, but they do have anyone but it is made from a higher grade aluminium and is therefore more expensive, joy.
Thursday 5 January 2012
The world endth here
Well a fantastic Christmas was followed by a truly awful New Year.
To top it off, was out riding on New years day and going OK apart from the weather being cold, got into Tatton Park just outside Knutsford (it was rammed full of rich people), BANG, back wheel locked, bike started going sidewards, just managed to hold it and stopped, unclipped, checked bike.
Snapped Chain, rear derailleur broken in 2, derailleur hanger sheared off, 2 spokes gone on wheel, wheel now bent.
A nice man cycling behind me, stopped and said "oh we can repair you chain", showed him the broken derailleur and hanger, "OK, we can make it single speed, so you can get home", showed him the bent wheel "Do you have someone who can pick you up?"
At which point it started the pour with rain, so I started shaking my fist towards the heaven's, as this is proved to make a difference.
An emergency phone call to get myself picked up.
In the cold light of a new day/week, the bike can be repaired, but as I have just spent £600 getting the car through an MOT, I don't have the cash to get the bike fixed just yet.
I can't miss a month worth of biking and still compete at the double.
I have had a long think and after throwing the toys out of pram and spitting my dummy out, I have decided that this year will have a re-focus.
Manchester Marathon on April 29th
Ironman Wales on September 16th
Providing they don't both sell out before I get the cash to enter.
On a slightly better note
No alcohol since New Years Eve
No snacks since New Years Eve
Got to weigh myself on Saturday and hope that I'm below 220 pounds
To top it off, was out riding on New years day and going OK apart from the weather being cold, got into Tatton Park just outside Knutsford (it was rammed full of rich people), BANG, back wheel locked, bike started going sidewards, just managed to hold it and stopped, unclipped, checked bike.
Snapped Chain, rear derailleur broken in 2, derailleur hanger sheared off, 2 spokes gone on wheel, wheel now bent.
A nice man cycling behind me, stopped and said "oh we can repair you chain", showed him the broken derailleur and hanger, "OK, we can make it single speed, so you can get home", showed him the bent wheel "Do you have someone who can pick you up?"
At which point it started the pour with rain, so I started shaking my fist towards the heaven's, as this is proved to make a difference.
An emergency phone call to get myself picked up.
In the cold light of a new day/week, the bike can be repaired, but as I have just spent £600 getting the car through an MOT, I don't have the cash to get the bike fixed just yet.
I can't miss a month worth of biking and still compete at the double.
I have had a long think and after throwing the toys out of pram and spitting my dummy out, I have decided that this year will have a re-focus.
Manchester Marathon on April 29th
Ironman Wales on September 16th
Providing they don't both sell out before I get the cash to enter.
On a slightly better note
No alcohol since New Years Eve
No snacks since New Years Eve
Got to weigh myself on Saturday and hope that I'm below 220 pounds
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