It hurt.
An increase of 2:02 on my previous best run, which was in February. It would be fair to say that the weather today was slightly less conducive to fast running, more to collapsing in a sweat-drenched heap. So I was pretty impressed once I came round.
Fans of numbers (so that's me, then) will note with relish that a run leg of 21:57 would rank as the 18th fastest in Ilkley last year. Of course, it's one thing to run that pace on a relaxed Saturday morning, quite another to pull it off after a swim and a ride. What it does, though, is give me some leeway for my 25 minute target.
I must sleep now.
*snore*
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Some maths...
Please don't run away. Not just yet, anyway.
I've been crunching some numbers regarding the Ilkley bike leg. Now, it's fairly well established that the circuit comprises three fairly distinct sections. I usually call them "the flat bit", "the up bit" and "the down bit", but let's call them M1, M2 and M3.
What I've been looking at is what speeds are required for each section, in order to make a certain time for the bike leg. This is what I came up with:
M1: 20mph
M2: 11 mph
M3: 25 mph
That gives roughly 32mins 30secs, add 2mins 30secs for two transitions, and magically we arrive at the 35mins mark. Which, coincidentally (not coincidentally) is what my target time for the bike leg is.
Looking at those speeds, M1 and M3 seem pretty easy (especially now we've had a "levelling" of bike speeds), leaving M2 as the only tricky spot. Which, seeing as it's the hill, is the case anyway. It's very clear to me that this is the part of the course where the time is gained or lost, so it's tremendously important that we do a whole bunch of hill training. Hooray! *sigh*
I've been crunching some numbers regarding the Ilkley bike leg. Now, it's fairly well established that the circuit comprises three fairly distinct sections. I usually call them "the flat bit", "the up bit" and "the down bit", but let's call them M1, M2 and M3.
What I've been looking at is what speeds are required for each section, in order to make a certain time for the bike leg. This is what I came up with:
M1: 20mph
M2: 11 mph
M3: 25 mph
That gives roughly 32mins 30secs, add 2mins 30secs for two transitions, and magically we arrive at the 35mins mark. Which, coincidentally (not coincidentally) is what my target time for the bike leg is.
Looking at those speeds, M1 and M3 seem pretty easy (especially now we've had a "levelling" of bike speeds), leaving M2 as the only tricky spot. Which, seeing as it's the hill, is the case anyway. It's very clear to me that this is the part of the course where the time is gained or lost, so it's tremendously important that we do a whole bunch of hill training. Hooray! *sigh*
Lovely day for it!
'It' being a brick, of course.
Really, I don't think it's possible to have a more ideal day for training - warm enough to ride in a tri suit, but not too hot to run comfortably, no wind to speak of, morale-boosting blue skies and enough sport on TV to reduce Greenway traffic noticeably.
The insects were out to play again, but luckily I had the rare pleasure of being able to breathe out of my nose. Otherwise I'd probably have tripled my protein consumption for the day.
Pretty happy with the workout itself too - 12.3mi in 50mins cycling, 2.3mi in 20mins running. That's not too far off race pace, and I didn't feel destroyed by the end. A nice way to finish off a 7 hour training week.
Finally, I would like to propose a brick session on the Ilkley course on 27th June (should be a Saturday). It'll be really useful to see exactly what times we can post with a couple of months to go. It has to be a few weeks away, so I can find an ingenious solution to the problem of where to put our helmets while we're running...
Really, I don't think it's possible to have a more ideal day for training - warm enough to ride in a tri suit, but not too hot to run comfortably, no wind to speak of, morale-boosting blue skies and enough sport on TV to reduce Greenway traffic noticeably.
The insects were out to play again, but luckily I had the rare pleasure of being able to breathe out of my nose. Otherwise I'd probably have tripled my protein consumption for the day.
Pretty happy with the workout itself too - 12.3mi in 50mins cycling, 2.3mi in 20mins running. That's not too far off race pace, and I didn't feel destroyed by the end. A nice way to finish off a 7 hour training week.
Finally, I would like to propose a brick session on the Ilkley course on 27th June (should be a Saturday). It'll be really useful to see exactly what times we can post with a couple of months to go. It has to be a few weeks away, so I can find an ingenious solution to the problem of where to put our helmets while we're running...
Saturday, 23 May 2009
53.03
Well, that wasn't too bad.
Turns out that the route to Ilkley isn't a bad one really, except mainly that hill at Silsden. Perception of that probably not helped by the downpours we encountered both going and coming back. It was nice to experience the route at a decent speed, and particularly to take Carter's Lane in one go. The times we took equate to about 40 mins for the bike leg (assuming that both transitions are included, which I think is the case), which is more or less bang on halfway from last year's figures. We've still got almost 4 months to improve, and we won't have ridden 25 miles just before the race (hopefully). We can, therefore, declare a success.
I'm putting my half of the achievement down to science - 2 energy drinks, an energy gel and an (extremely pleasant) energy bar. Mm, tasty glycogen. Seriously kids, refuelling is important. I believe Nom came around to this way of thinking around the 45 mile stage...
EDIT: Nicky Wire is a lovely bloke from what I've heard, a decent bassist and a passable lyricist. He should never be allowed to sing. Not even in his own shower.
Turns out that the route to Ilkley isn't a bad one really, except mainly that hill at Silsden. Perception of that probably not helped by the downpours we encountered both going and coming back. It was nice to experience the route at a decent speed, and particularly to take Carter's Lane in one go. The times we took equate to about 40 mins for the bike leg (assuming that both transitions are included, which I think is the case), which is more or less bang on halfway from last year's figures. We've still got almost 4 months to improve, and we won't have ridden 25 miles just before the race (hopefully). We can, therefore, declare a success.
I'm putting my half of the achievement down to science - 2 energy drinks, an energy gel and an (extremely pleasant) energy bar. Mm, tasty glycogen. Seriously kids, refuelling is important. I believe Nom came around to this way of thinking around the 45 mile stage...
EDIT: Nicky Wire is a lovely bloke from what I've heard, a decent bassist and a passable lyricist. He should never be allowed to sing. Not even in his own shower.
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Blub, blub, splash
Well, how wet was that? Answer: literally as wet as it's possible to be. I've managed to soak three pairs of footwear (including, somehow, my slippers) and one pair of socks will never be the same again.
Fun though, wasn't it?
Well, wet, mainly.
Fun though, wasn't it?
Well, wet, mainly.
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Extra protein on the brick...
It was greenfly-ageddon on the Green(fly)way this morning. In our eyes, in our mouths (see title) up our noses (I kid you not) and flying off us in a cloud when we stopped at the traffic lights in Heckmondwike. Yeugh!!
Despite this, a hard, but good cycle with the Corporal. Nom had a headache (no doubt overexcitement for his new bike - did I mention we're getting new bikes?) Biked to Heckmondwike on the Green(fly)way, then back on the road, removing greenfly from my person as I went. Averaged 13ish mph I believe (Corporal?) then back for a 1.5 mile (Corporal? You know me and numbers!) run, this time avec Nom.
Nom is making me do another run in three minute's time. People are trying to kill me...
Despite this, a hard, but good cycle with the Corporal. Nom had a headache (no doubt overexcitement for his new bike - did I mention we're getting new bikes?) Biked to Heckmondwike on the Green(fly)way, then back on the road, removing greenfly from my person as I went. Averaged 13ish mph I believe (Corporal?) then back for a 1.5 mile (Corporal? You know me and numbers!) run, this time avec Nom.
Nom is making me do another run in three minute's time. People are trying to kill me...
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Rah!
My bike...
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/10785/Giant-Avail-Alliance-W.html
Nom's bike...
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/road/2172/31841/
...but Nom's isn't green, it's black and grey.
I can't wait until Monday!!
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/10785/Giant-Avail-Alliance-W.html
Nom's bike...
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/road/2172/31841/
...but Nom's isn't green, it's black and grey.
I can't wait until Monday!!
Incredibly funky but expensive day
Well, Nom and Veg should not be allowed out on their own. What began as a perfectly innocent steady recovery-level cycle to Saltaire and back with lunch at Salt's Diner became a full-on bike-ogling fest!
Veg and Nom have bought new bikes. Rah! I pick mine up on Monday. Will I sleep this weekend? I doubt it.
Brick and swim tomorrow. Ow. At least I only have bendy lessons on Monday and rest on Tuesday.
Veg and Nom have bought new bikes. Rah! I pick mine up on Monday. Will I sleep this weekend? I doubt it.
Brick and swim tomorrow. Ow. At least I only have bendy lessons on Monday and rest on Tuesday.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Death Hills Part II
...someone let Nom plan the route.
I haven't Mapped my Tri yet because I'm scared of the elevation, but it felt um...good. It certainly feels good now, healthy tea, one glass of red wine and a mega-deep hot bath away.
Thank you Corporal Odd for those kind comments about yesterday. I think it's really taking a hold now and I think we're going to do pretty well. Although that could just be my brain trying to convince me...
In fact, I'm a little worried that now, three hours later, the Corporal may still be circling the streets playing with my heart rate monitor. I'm going to have to keep an eye on him as it may have to be confiscated for the sake of his internal organs not exploding.
I haven't Mapped my Tri yet because I'm scared of the elevation, but it felt um...good. It certainly feels good now, healthy tea, one glass of red wine and a mega-deep hot bath away.
Thank you Corporal Odd for those kind comments about yesterday. I think it's really taking a hold now and I think we're going to do pretty well. Although that could just be my brain trying to convince me...
In fact, I'm a little worried that now, three hours later, the Corporal may still be circling the streets playing with my heart rate monitor. I'm going to have to keep an eye on him as it may have to be confiscated for the sake of his internal organs not exploding.
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Keep on running...
Does Monday count as Day 1? If so, day 3 went well for all concerned.
25 mins for Nom and 30 for Veg (both approx.) was a top effort, especially bearing in mind that that's basically the full distance required. I don't think anyone was particularly destroyed by the distance or the pace, either, which was a respectable race pace. We were helped, of course, by the flat course and the temperate weather conditions, but it was still very reassuring.
As for me, I stopped after 45 minutes, out of concern for my connective tissues, feeling that my muscles at least could have carried me further. Seems that there's something to be said for not running up a great big hill at the beginning of every session...
25 mins for Nom and 30 for Veg (both approx.) was a top effort, especially bearing in mind that that's basically the full distance required. I don't think anyone was particularly destroyed by the distance or the pace, either, which was a respectable race pace. We were helped, of course, by the flat course and the temperate weather conditions, but it was still very reassuring.
As for me, I stopped after 45 minutes, out of concern for my connective tissues, feeling that my muscles at least could have carried me further. Seems that there's something to be said for not running up a great big hill at the beginning of every session...
Running!!
Now I've had a bath and a sit down, some steak and veg noodles and a glass of wine, I can say that I enjoyed that run.
No, actually it was really good fun, although I forgot to cool down everywhere and have now strained my shoulder taking off my socks :(
I seem to now be living in a bit of a bootcamp; Corporal Odd being my personal trainer, or rather personal kick up the bottom. I'm cycling tomorrow night, so I'm told. Yay, back on the bike!
No, actually it was really good fun, although I forgot to cool down everywhere and have now strained my shoulder taking off my socks :(
I seem to now be living in a bit of a bootcamp; Corporal Odd being my personal trainer, or rather personal kick up the bottom. I'm cycling tomorrow night, so I'm told. Yay, back on the bike!
Monday, 4 May 2009
Death in September
Now there's a good name for a band. *goes pale* Hang on, I'm doing a triathlon in September. Aaargh.
Yes, we're now booked in. Thanks Corporal Odd.
And if Map My Tri recovers from the Corporal's efforts to destroy it, I'll map what we did today round Halifax on bikes. What a hill, I'm glad I was going down it, although going down it behind Nom with duff brakes may have been a bad idea.
Yes, we're now booked in. Thanks Corporal Odd.
And if Map My Tri recovers from the Corporal's efforts to destroy it, I'll map what we did today round Halifax on bikes. What a hill, I'm glad I was going down it, although going down it behind Nom with duff brakes may have been a bad idea.
Monday, 13 April 2009
First 1,000 calorie day
So there. Hope everyone's been putting their Easter Monday to good use (I keep forgetting that everybody's off today). 12 miles cycling (thanks to IB) and 3.9 miles running. And some Ralgex on my (mild) groin strain. Mm, warmth.
I assume that y'all are back to work tomorrow - if not, there's a ride to Steeton on the cards. Yup, that's about 30 miles...
In other news, might IB be joining the merry triathlon gang? Watch this space!
(actually, you can probably stop watching for a bit, at least)
I assume that y'all are back to work tomorrow - if not, there's a ride to Steeton on the cards. Yup, that's about 30 miles...
In other news, might IB be joining the merry triathlon gang? Watch this space!
(actually, you can probably stop watching for a bit, at least)
Sunday, 12 April 2009
A good weekend
Just concluded what I'd have to call a pretty solid weekend. Started on Friday (as weekends often do) with a big breakthrough run (4.1 miles in 35 minutes, yes), returning just in time to watch the Bulls beat the dirty, dirty Rhinos (very dirty).
Saturday, of course, was the Ilkley trip. After a false start (albeit not quite as false as last time), myself and Fromage managed to actually board a train and everything, and magically (not magically) arrive in Ilkley some 30 minutes later.
The course, then. It's basically what I thought it would be - Denton Road is pretty much flat and boring. Carter's Lane is the biggie, it's pretty much a mile, and it isn't quite as horrible as I might have built it up as. Don't get me wrong, it's still a solid hill, but it pales in comparison with Cliff Hollins Lane. I suppose the hill training we've been doing (thanks, Nom) has made it feel a bit more normal. Curly Hill is genuinely very steep indeed and fairly terrifying, yet fun. It's very easy to miss the turn onto Middleton Avenue, which is also downhill, but dead straight, and hence not as terrifying. And that's the whole course, really. Fromage certainly was less concerned about it having completed a lap.
After that, we bombed up and down Denton Road for a while, and that was more or less that.
Sunday was pretty standard, cycling to Spenborough (passing Veg and Nom, except I was in the zone so I just mumbled weakly, sorry), putting in a stint in a fairly deserted pool, and riding back in some very pleasant sunshine indeed.
And now I'm going to inhale a big pile of pork and chips, have some cake, and settle down for an evening of baseball. Rah!
Saturday, of course, was the Ilkley trip. After a false start (albeit not quite as false as last time), myself and Fromage managed to actually board a train and everything, and magically (not magically) arrive in Ilkley some 30 minutes later.
The course, then. It's basically what I thought it would be - Denton Road is pretty much flat and boring. Carter's Lane is the biggie, it's pretty much a mile, and it isn't quite as horrible as I might have built it up as. Don't get me wrong, it's still a solid hill, but it pales in comparison with Cliff Hollins Lane. I suppose the hill training we've been doing (thanks, Nom) has made it feel a bit more normal. Curly Hill is genuinely very steep indeed and fairly terrifying, yet fun. It's very easy to miss the turn onto Middleton Avenue, which is also downhill, but dead straight, and hence not as terrifying. And that's the whole course, really. Fromage certainly was less concerned about it having completed a lap.
After that, we bombed up and down Denton Road for a while, and that was more or less that.
Sunday was pretty standard, cycling to Spenborough (passing Veg and Nom, except I was in the zone so I just mumbled weakly, sorry), putting in a stint in a fairly deserted pool, and riding back in some very pleasant sunshine indeed.
And now I'm going to inhale a big pile of pork and chips, have some cake, and settle down for an evening of baseball. Rah!
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Yippee
I can't believe it, I managed to hit my target 20 lengths (500m) without stopping once. Not only that I did it in 15 mins which I think is a very respectable time all things considered.
Monday, 30 March 2009
The wind subsides...
It's going to be a decent week of weather, so my advice is to take advantage of it and get training. Makes a change from my feet almost falling off with the cold last Saturday, anyway.
Managed to run 3.5 miles in 30 minutes today, which I'm very happy with, especially bearing in mind the lovely hills I prepared for myself. Stark contrast to Friday's run, which was frankly appalling. The difference is in the rest beforehand, I guess.
Also hyped about Good Friday - as well as the first day of my holiday, it's the first official Having A Tri trip to Ilkley! (This may be news to some of you.) Can't wait to test myself against the allegedly fearsome Carter's Lane and fly down Curly Hill.
Rah.
Managed to run 3.5 miles in 30 minutes today, which I'm very happy with, especially bearing in mind the lovely hills I prepared for myself. Stark contrast to Friday's run, which was frankly appalling. The difference is in the rest beforehand, I guess.
Also hyped about Good Friday - as well as the first day of my holiday, it's the first official Having A Tri trip to Ilkley! (This may be news to some of you.) Can't wait to test myself against the allegedly fearsome Carter's Lane and fly down Curly Hill.
Rah.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
A new Fromage
Well actually the same Fromage as always, but I have made a new commitment to my training regime.
No longer will I be training adhoc, the new plan goes as follows.
Tuesdays:- Swim
Thursdays:- Run
Weekend:- Bike
Plus any extra training I can be bothered to do in between.
Wish me luck
No longer will I be training adhoc, the new plan goes as follows.
Tuesdays:- Swim
Thursdays:- Run
Weekend:- Bike
Plus any extra training I can be bothered to do in between.
Wish me luck
Sunday, 15 March 2009
6 months to go
Well, 26 weeks, which probably makes more sense as a measure of time, anyway.
Nonclemature aside, it's about time to step the training up. Especially as the weather has become jolly amenable (and is forecasted to remain so for a while, at least). There's no excuse. Unless, for example, you've knackered your ankle. (Can still work on core exercises though, eh?)
Today was a lovely brick session, if such a thing can exist. Basically due to the weather, which was lovely with the sun out, and acceptable when it wasn't. In fact, I did the run in just my tri suit (er, and trainers), presenting my bare shoulders to a disbelieving world.
The best thing, though, is that I was done, showered and changed by 12:30. That really does rule.
Nonclemature aside, it's about time to step the training up. Especially as the weather has become jolly amenable (and is forecasted to remain so for a while, at least). There's no excuse. Unless, for example, you've knackered your ankle. (Can still work on core exercises though, eh?)
Today was a lovely brick session, if such a thing can exist. Basically due to the weather, which was lovely with the sun out, and acceptable when it wasn't. In fact, I did the run in just my tri suit (er, and trainers), presenting my bare shoulders to a disbelieving world.
The best thing, though, is that I was done, showered and changed by 12:30. That really does rule.
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Riding in the wind
I think the wind speed must've been in excess of 450 mph this afternoon. Massively strength-sapping, even though it was mainly a cross-wind (it also seemed to be blowing a bit down the hill, which is the worst possible direction). In fact, it nearly blew me clean off the bike a few times. Although I'm clipped to the bike, so I suppose I couldn't really be blown off.
I can console myself with the fact that it must be really good exercise. Bit of a shame, then, that the first thing I did after returning was eat a juicy pork pie (508 calories, egads.) Reduced to 22p in Asda, like. I'll be needing to do a bunch more core exercises this evening, methinks.
I can console myself with the fact that it must be really good exercise. Bit of a shame, then, that the first thing I did after returning was eat a juicy pork pie (508 calories, egads.) Reduced to 22p in Asda, like. I'll be needing to do a bunch more core exercises this evening, methinks.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Should've waited until the afternoon...
Seriously.
Rain, hail and snow to contend with this morning. Not amused. Cycling when you basically can't see is the very opposite of fun. I was fortunate, I suppose, that everyone else was more sensible than me and stayed away from the Greenway, hence I didn't need to pass that many people.
Oh, and my hands got so cold that I had to stop twice to warm them up. That's never happened before, even when I was riding in -2 degrees last year.
All in all, tremendously dispiriting, even more so when, 5 minutes after I got back home, the sun came out. Bah.
Saturday was much more pleasant, however. Those scary hills aren't quite as scary anymore. In fact, at the moment, the downhills are probably scarier, especially when combined with a strong crosswind. My old bike was resistant to wind (and, indeed, all other attempts at propulsion), my lightweight lovely not so much. Still haven't fallen off yet, mind. Or, amazingly, forgotten to clip out of the pedals (had some close calls, though).
Rain, hail and snow to contend with this morning. Not amused. Cycling when you basically can't see is the very opposite of fun. I was fortunate, I suppose, that everyone else was more sensible than me and stayed away from the Greenway, hence I didn't need to pass that many people.
Oh, and my hands got so cold that I had to stop twice to warm them up. That's never happened before, even when I was riding in -2 degrees last year.
All in all, tremendously dispiriting, even more so when, 5 minutes after I got back home, the sun came out. Bah.
Saturday was much more pleasant, however. Those scary hills aren't quite as scary anymore. In fact, at the moment, the downhills are probably scarier, especially when combined with a strong crosswind. My old bike was resistant to wind (and, indeed, all other attempts at propulsion), my lightweight lovely not so much. Still haven't fallen off yet, mind. Or, amazingly, forgotten to clip out of the pedals (had some close calls, though).
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
I have access again
Seems I have access to the blog again, so expect my usual lack of updates on my progress to recommence.
In other news, didn't go swimming tonight, intend to make up for this by swimming Thursday night. This does ofcause mean that I'll be swimming twice on Thursday, oh dear.
In more humerous news, I fell off my bike yesterday. What isn't humerous is the fact that my handle bars are now bent a funny shape.
In other news, didn't go swimming tonight, intend to make up for this by swimming Thursday night. This does ofcause mean that I'll be swimming twice on Thursday, oh dear.
In more humerous news, I fell off my bike yesterday. What isn't humerous is the fact that my handle bars are now bent a funny shape.
Monday, 2 March 2009
Phase 2, day 1
Got bored of not exercising. This is, without doubt, a Good Thing.
Nothing much exciting to report, though, just a 10-mile ride. I have, however, started doing press-ups. Hilarity ensues. Albeit not as much hilarity as a quick sweep of Facebook might elicit.
You should watch this.
Nothing much exciting to report, though, just a 10-mile ride. I have, however, started doing press-ups. Hilarity ensues. Albeit not as much hilarity as a quick sweep of Facebook might elicit.
You should watch this.
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Lost weekend
I have officially been rubbish for the last couple of weeks. Especially last night, when the wine flowed freely.
Healthy starts again tomorrow though. I do need to collect my bike from my parents' garage before I can cycle tomorrow afternoon, but never mind. Bendy lessons in the evening.
And most importantly, no wine.
P.S - I now have officially the slowest bike of all of us. Bah. I also have the shortest legs. :(
Healthy starts again tomorrow though. I do need to collect my bike from my parents' garage before I can cycle tomorrow afternoon, but never mind. Bendy lessons in the evening.
And most importantly, no wine.
P.S - I now have officially the slowest bike of all of us. Bah. I also have the shortest legs. :(
Saturday, 21 February 2009
Testing Week #1
Looks like I'm the only one here, so I should probably do another post. Luckily, I've got some info to share, as I just finished the time trials for my first training cycle (or, really, about 1/3 of a training cycle).
Swim - 500m in 11:26 (could've been better tbh)
Bike - 9mi in 34:19 (mm, lovely new bike)
Run - 3mi in 23:59 (very happy with this, used every ounce of energy available to me, and didn't get a stitch)
That's a combined time of 1:09:44, which is so close to my target time that it looks like I've made it up (I haven't). However, I'll probably have to shave at least 10 minutes off somewhere to finish inside 70mins on the day. Still, there's 7 months to go, so I guess that's plenty time.
I've also been very good and not ridden my bike today. Instead, I ate malt loaf for the first time in years. It's still nom-a-licious. The nutritional information is pretty terrifying though, more than 100 calories per slice? Ouch. I suppose that's why it's ideal for long rides and the like.
I also have an exclusive review of "coffee bags". Like tea bags, except with coffee. I got one free through the post today. It was quite nice. Although really quite large. Nicer than instant anyway. It surprises me that it's not been tried before actually, there can't be that much difference between normal filter coffee and the stuff in coffee bags...
Swim - 500m in 11:26 (could've been better tbh)
Bike - 9mi in 34:19 (mm, lovely new bike)
Run - 3mi in 23:59 (very happy with this, used every ounce of energy available to me, and didn't get a stitch)
That's a combined time of 1:09:44, which is so close to my target time that it looks like I've made it up (I haven't). However, I'll probably have to shave at least 10 minutes off somewhere to finish inside 70mins on the day. Still, there's 7 months to go, so I guess that's plenty time.
I've also been very good and not ridden my bike today. Instead, I ate malt loaf for the first time in years. It's still nom-a-licious. The nutritional information is pretty terrifying though, more than 100 calories per slice? Ouch. I suppose that's why it's ideal for long rides and the like.
I also have an exclusive review of "coffee bags". Like tea bags, except with coffee. I got one free through the post today. It was quite nice. Although really quite large. Nicer than instant anyway. It surprises me that it's not been tried before actually, there can't be that much difference between normal filter coffee and the stuff in coffee bags...
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Well, I've had a decent ride now, and... (EDIT! With slightly rubbish pictures!)
...it's well awesome.
Fast, fast, fast and fast (not sure how fast, as I don't think I'll be able to get my speedo to work on it), pretty, nice handling, fast, good brakes, and did I say fast? Thing is, it retains speed very well, which has a super bonus benefit of you don't have to pedal so much, meaning there's ample energy left for the climbs etc.
Pretty good timing for the day after receipt to be the first day for the Greenway to have thawed, as well. Hopefully I'll be able to do the 9 mile time trial to see how much faster it really is.
Also need to master the whole 'pedalling all the way round' thing now my feet are adhered to the pedals. I'm guessing that's worth a whole bunch of speed.
SO! If any Stonehouses are reading this, and I haven't rung you yet, I really really want to ride on Monday. I suppose this is entirely predictable. Oh well.
UPDATE: Here are the pictures. They're not that good. Sorry. I shoulda checked the quality setting on the phone camera. Hm.
Fast, fast, fast and fast (not sure how fast, as I don't think I'll be able to get my speedo to work on it), pretty, nice handling, fast, good brakes, and did I say fast? Thing is, it retains speed very well, which has a super bonus benefit of you don't have to pedal so much, meaning there's ample energy left for the climbs etc.
Pretty good timing for the day after receipt to be the first day for the Greenway to have thawed, as well. Hopefully I'll be able to do the 9 mile time trial to see how much faster it really is.
Also need to master the whole 'pedalling all the way round' thing now my feet are adhered to the pedals. I'm guessing that's worth a whole bunch of speed.
SO! If any Stonehouses are reading this, and I haven't rung you yet, I really really want to ride on Monday. I suppose this is entirely predictable. Oh well.
UPDATE: Here are the pictures. They're not that good. Sorry. I shoulda checked the quality setting on the phone camera. Hm.
Saturday, 14 February 2009
NEWBIKENEWBIKENEWBIKENEWBIKENEWBIKENEWBIKENEWBIKENEWBIKE
Yes.
Today though, not Friday. Needed the chainrings swapping out, like.
It's nice. It's silver. It's light as flip.
It's got clipless pedals.
Egads.
It took ages to get used to them. But now they're second nature. In fact, it took about 30 seconds to go from "aaargh, this is impossible" to "wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!". That's life, I guess.
One sausage sandwich (Gas Mark 7, 15 mins, jolly nice) later...
It has 24 gears. I haven't quite got around to changing gear yet, though. So yes, I rode all the way from the shop in the same gear. It has a bit for attaching a pump, which I haven't really looked at yet (also, Paul still has the pump...). It's Valentine's Day, after all, I was already super fortunate to be allowed out to the shop :-)
The first review of the 880 (actually the second, but the one in 220 doesn't count for some reason) said:
"TheMerida Merida
That.
(Will do a picture if I can, it's v.pretty.)
Today though, not Friday. Needed the chainrings swapping out, like.
It's nice. It's silver. It's light as flip.
It's got clipless pedals.
Egads.
It took ages to get used to them. But now they're second nature. In fact, it took about 30 seconds to go from "aaargh, this is impossible" to "wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!". That's life, I guess.
One sausage sandwich (Gas Mark 7, 15 mins, jolly nice) later...
It has 24 gears. I haven't quite got around to changing gear yet, though. So yes, I rode all the way from the shop in the same gear. It has a bit for attaching a pump, which I haven't really looked at yet (also, Paul still has the pump...). It's Valentine's Day, after all, I was already super fortunate to be allowed out to the shop :-)
The first review of the 880 (actually the second, but the one in 220 doesn't count for some reason) said:
"The
That.
(Will do a picture if I can, it's v.pretty.)
Sunday, 8 February 2009
6 hours
That was my training volume this week. In retrospect, this is pretty insane. Although Bill Black would approve. And he should know. As I type, it's snowing again, which bodes ill for my swimming tomorrow (I'll have to cycle, most probably).
However, next week is my last hard week for a while - 6.5 hours, followed by 3.5, 0, 0, 4, 4, 4 and 4. So I should be able to deal with it, snow or no snow. No point having a training plan if I'm not going to follow it, after all.
In other news, Ilkley Tri won the 220 Magazine Readers' Poll award for Race of the Year (<500 competitors). Which is nice. Semi-relatedly, I checked when entry opened for the 2008 event. T'was May 1, however the race is two weeks earlier this year, which would suggest mid-April. There's a good chance that I'll be in foreign climes at that time, but knowing me, I'll still be checking...
However, next week is my last hard week for a while - 6.5 hours, followed by 3.5, 0, 0, 4, 4, 4 and 4. So I should be able to deal with it, snow or no snow. No point having a training plan if I'm not going to follow it, after all.
In other news, Ilkley Tri won the 220 Magazine Readers' Poll award for Race of the Year (<500 competitors). Which is nice. Semi-relatedly, I checked when entry opened for the 2008 event. T'was May 1, however the race is two weeks earlier this year, which would suggest mid-April. There's a good chance that I'll be in foreign climes at that time, but knowing me, I'll still be checking...
Monday, 2 February 2009
WTF???
...was my first thought on passing the gateway of Odd Towers this morning and seeing cycle tracks in the snow. Yes, the Corporal, by his own admission, is mental. Even I was snowed off, and I hold the record for the most bike fails yet.
Missed bendy lessons tonight as my car has the stability of a roller skate in the snow. Bah.
Missed bendy lessons tonight as my car has the stability of a roller skate in the snow. Bah.
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Crunch!
Was approximately the sound made by my left foot this afternoon. Officially my first fall off the bike as far as I can remember. Was on the pavement about to cross Yorkshire Drive when I was mildly surprised to encounter a car exiting. (On a Sunday? Grr.) Seems like a pretty difficult junction to see round, which didn't help. Anyway, slammed brakes on, and, due to the dominance of my front brake at the moment, tipped me out onto the road. Not far enough on to endanger anyone, but far enough to startle the (by this time stationary) driver. Hurt like all hell. Still does, I guess.
Anyway, being mental, I remounted and continued my cycling. With a smashed foot. In the snow. For another 40 minutes. I worry myself sometimes, I really do.
In other news, 12pm Sunday is a really rubbish time to go to Bowling Pool. Luckily, I have no consideration for anyone other than myself, so I still managed a decent extensive endurance (a.k.a. plodding up and down) session. Primarily by swiming straight through people.
(Slight digression: I always feel faster in Bowling Pool than anywhere else. Not sure if I am or not, but I always feel it. I assume the temperature of the pool is key.)
Lastly, it should be noted that the first phase of the Greenway closure is in effect, although the diversion is relatively entertaining.
I lied about that being last. I worked out a rather nice 20-miler for this weekend (for me, at least), which involves going to Shipley, and from there, taking the Aire Valley Towpath to Bingley. Basically no hills at all, excepting Bowling Park on the way back. And not much traffic to speak of, either. Potential epic win.
Anyway, being mental, I remounted and continued my cycling. With a smashed foot. In the snow. For another 40 minutes. I worry myself sometimes, I really do.
In other news, 12pm Sunday is a really rubbish time to go to Bowling Pool. Luckily, I have no consideration for anyone other than myself, so I still managed a decent extensive endurance (a.k.a. plodding up and down) session. Primarily by swiming straight through people.
(Slight digression: I always feel faster in Bowling Pool than anywhere else. Not sure if I am or not, but I always feel it. I assume the temperature of the pool is key.)
Lastly, it should be noted that the first phase of the Greenway closure is in effect, although the diversion is relatively entertaining.
I lied about that being last. I worked out a rather nice 20-miler for this weekend (for me, at least), which involves going to Shipley, and from there, taking the Aire Valley Towpath to Bingley. Basically no hills at all, excepting Bowling Park on the way back. And not much traffic to speak of, either. Potential epic win.
Saturday, 31 January 2009
Has the Corporal exploded yet?
...we hope not. That would be extremely messy.
I had a major handlebar fail this afternoon! After being told that hairspray would fix my duff handlbars, in the absence of said spray in my cupboard, I tried L'oreal Manga Head. Result: fail. The grips were even slippier than usual. So, I had to turn back or risk losing teeth in a handlebar /grip/speed fail. Bah.
I need to buy hairspray. :(
I had a major handlebar fail this afternoon! After being told that hairspray would fix my duff handlbars, in the absence of said spray in my cupboard, I tried L'oreal Manga Head. Result: fail. The grips were even slippier than usual. So, I had to turn back or risk losing teeth in a handlebar /grip/speed fail. Bah.
I need to buy hairspray. :(
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
