...ahem.
Despite having been back in training for a few weeks now, it wasn't until I took my bike out with Nom that I felt that the training season had really started. This is most probably due to Nom's uncanny ability to locate massive hills. -_- Still, it's good to get out on the road, especially with nice new gloves!
Afterwards, poorly Veg tried to poison me with wholemeal bread, but I'm made of stern stuff now, so I was able to laugh it off. And, in unrelated news, I've got the washing machine in! The world is a better place.
Until the alarm goes off at 7:20 tomorrow -_-
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Bleh
Veg has flu and I'm not allowed to exercise for two whole weeks! The last thing I did was a swim on Monday morning and I wondered why it seemed so difficult. Bleugh.
More veg please. :(
More veg please. :(
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Odd's Season in Review - Part 3 - The Future
Looking back is all well and good, but only if it can inform what we do going forward. For me, what we can take from the last year is: 1) We've got a decent level of aerobic endurance under our belts, and 2) we know now that we can go the (sprint) distance. Now we have to build on that.
This year, training is going to be a lot more scientific. A lot of heart rate training, a lot of intervals. A small increase in training hours, but mainly I'm going for more targeted training. The sort of stuff that you can't really do unless you can run for 45 minutes. ^_^
With that in mind, let's talk gear. Everyone loves lovely gear. My priorities this year are a turbo trainer and a HRM. Turbo trainer - this one looks OK. HRM - Garmin Forerunner 305. My god, this looks like the best thing in the entire world. Already earmarked as a Christmas present. Expect me to babble incoherently for months as and when I get one.
Other stuff - I've already picked up these lovely things, and if I'm a very good boy, I might end up with some nicer wheels before the season starts. Did a bit of research and my current wheels are very heavy. Something like these would be just lovely.
Last but not least, I've got targets. Nicked from my training plan, they are: 1) Break 1:05 for sprint triathlon, 2) Complete Ripon triathlon, 3) Break 2:45 for Leeds triathlon. If I manage all that, I reckon the year will have been a success.
This year, training is going to be a lot more scientific. A lot of heart rate training, a lot of intervals. A small increase in training hours, but mainly I'm going for more targeted training. The sort of stuff that you can't really do unless you can run for 45 minutes. ^_^
With that in mind, let's talk gear. Everyone loves lovely gear. My priorities this year are a turbo trainer and a HRM. Turbo trainer - this one looks OK. HRM - Garmin Forerunner 305. My god, this looks like the best thing in the entire world. Already earmarked as a Christmas present. Expect me to babble incoherently for months as and when I get one.
Other stuff - I've already picked up these lovely things, and if I'm a very good boy, I might end up with some nicer wheels before the season starts. Did a bit of research and my current wheels are very heavy. Something like these would be just lovely.
Last but not least, I've got targets. Nicked from my training plan, they are: 1) Break 1:05 for sprint triathlon, 2) Complete Ripon triathlon, 3) Break 2:45 for Leeds triathlon. If I manage all that, I reckon the year will have been a success.
Odd's Season in Review - Part 2 - The Race
This is what it's all about, I guess ^_^
Preparation-wise, I think it went pretty well, stopping overnight was a good idea, allowing the day itself to be relatively less stressful. We probably won't need it for Ilkley next year, but it was good to have everything sorted the day before.
I think we were all nervous leading up to the race, although Nom's nerves were slightly more externalised. The nature of the beast, I guess, doing something for the first time, something extremely tough, in front of crowds of people. Still, there were lots of lovely friendly people around, which helped.
It's funny how, as soon as you get into the water, all thoughts suddenly exit the mind. For all the planning to pace myself on the swim, my first 100m was a ridiculous pace. Luckily, after that, I managed to calm myself down and get into a sustainable tempo. It was still a pretty surreal experience, though, to be able to hear people cheering me on. (it must've been pretty loud, because as I got out of the pool, one of my lap counters commented on my 'fan club'!)
My swim time overall was tremendously fast, somewhere around the 10-minute mark. As to why this happened, I'm not quite sure, whether it was the adrenaline, the preparation, or simply the tri suit. One suspects a combination of several factors. Cost myself about 5 seconds struggling to get out of the pool, but you can't have everything.
On to Transition 1, and the glaring hole in my preparations became clear. My transition training was virtually nil, and I think literally nil in the case of T1. If I had practised this, I might not have left my socks in my bag! Upon noticing this, my brain did about 4,000,000 calculations in a second, concluding to not bother with them for the bike.
Everything else went smoothly, and I set off for the bike leg. I think I started out too conservatively, hanging behind riders out of fear of drafting. What I should have done, as I did later, is crank through the gears and blow past them. I suppose I was a little surprised at being faster than other riders! Made another mistake coming onto Carter's Lane, changed gears down too soon, leaving me spinning like a loon on the fairly flat ground. Eventually, though, the gradient did increase, and though it felt tough for me up there, it seemed tougher for others, as I passed quite a few folks. The downhill was still terrifying, and someone actually passed me on there! He was clearly a good descender, he was about 5mph faster than me, disappearing out of sight on the first lap. (Got past him on the uphill afterwards, though!)
Really cool to be cheered as I passed the Lido, although I think I barely acknowledged people. Focus. ^_^ Lap 2 was fairly smooth, lap 3's uphill was really tough. Had virtually nothing left in the tank to be honest, got myself through by concentrating on riders in front, forcing myself past them by mental strength alone.
Transition 2 came, and body and mind were exhausted. This was made worse by a couple of cyclists in front of me as I pulled in, which weren't racing (yet). This caused my brain to break, and I was advised to calm down by a marshal, as I looked fairly lunatical. Lunatical enough to shout incomprehensibly about my socks to Nom, who was unlucky enough to have been in the transition area at the time. This did approximately no good whatsoever. Anyway, socks were discovered in my bag, and I set off running (having technically racked my back in the wrong position, and the wrong way round). Had a brief adventure finding my way out of T2 - it's a fairly long diversion. Also realised I still had my spare inner tube and tyre levers in my tri suit. Luckily, Mrs. Odd was coming across to take a photo, and I threw the tube in her general direction.
With that, off I trotted. At first, had a slightly dodgy stomach, think it was the fluid I'd taken on board during the bike leg. This had settled down by the time I got to Carter's Lane. I knew at this point that I basically had one mile of tough running before the downhill section. But my goodness, it was tough. Once again, my body wanted me to stop, and my brain had to overrule it. It was probably the hardest 10 minutes I've ever put my body through.
Finally reached the top, and the lovely family at the top who were having a picnic and cheering everyone on, and relief washed over me. Knowing that I had just a downhill and sprint finish to go gave me an extra burst of energy, and I absolutely flew down Curly Hill, certainly faster than I've ever run before. Middleton Avenue was quick (although not quite as quick), and, despite nearly missing the turn into Denton Lane, found a sprint finish across the line, where I promptly fell over.
Was kinda hoping to be mobbed by well-wishers, but instead the first person across to me was the guy after my timing chip. -_- Oh well.
1:11:18 was the time, then, good enough for a first effort.
Coming next - Part 3 - the future!
Preparation-wise, I think it went pretty well, stopping overnight was a good idea, allowing the day itself to be relatively less stressful. We probably won't need it for Ilkley next year, but it was good to have everything sorted the day before.
I think we were all nervous leading up to the race, although Nom's nerves were slightly more externalised. The nature of the beast, I guess, doing something for the first time, something extremely tough, in front of crowds of people. Still, there were lots of lovely friendly people around, which helped.
It's funny how, as soon as you get into the water, all thoughts suddenly exit the mind. For all the planning to pace myself on the swim, my first 100m was a ridiculous pace. Luckily, after that, I managed to calm myself down and get into a sustainable tempo. It was still a pretty surreal experience, though, to be able to hear people cheering me on. (it must've been pretty loud, because as I got out of the pool, one of my lap counters commented on my 'fan club'!)
My swim time overall was tremendously fast, somewhere around the 10-minute mark. As to why this happened, I'm not quite sure, whether it was the adrenaline, the preparation, or simply the tri suit. One suspects a combination of several factors. Cost myself about 5 seconds struggling to get out of the pool, but you can't have everything.
On to Transition 1, and the glaring hole in my preparations became clear. My transition training was virtually nil, and I think literally nil in the case of T1. If I had practised this, I might not have left my socks in my bag! Upon noticing this, my brain did about 4,000,000 calculations in a second, concluding to not bother with them for the bike.
Everything else went smoothly, and I set off for the bike leg. I think I started out too conservatively, hanging behind riders out of fear of drafting. What I should have done, as I did later, is crank through the gears and blow past them. I suppose I was a little surprised at being faster than other riders! Made another mistake coming onto Carter's Lane, changed gears down too soon, leaving me spinning like a loon on the fairly flat ground. Eventually, though, the gradient did increase, and though it felt tough for me up there, it seemed tougher for others, as I passed quite a few folks. The downhill was still terrifying, and someone actually passed me on there! He was clearly a good descender, he was about 5mph faster than me, disappearing out of sight on the first lap. (Got past him on the uphill afterwards, though!)
Really cool to be cheered as I passed the Lido, although I think I barely acknowledged people. Focus. ^_^ Lap 2 was fairly smooth, lap 3's uphill was really tough. Had virtually nothing left in the tank to be honest, got myself through by concentrating on riders in front, forcing myself past them by mental strength alone.
Transition 2 came, and body and mind were exhausted. This was made worse by a couple of cyclists in front of me as I pulled in, which weren't racing (yet). This caused my brain to break, and I was advised to calm down by a marshal, as I looked fairly lunatical. Lunatical enough to shout incomprehensibly about my socks to Nom, who was unlucky enough to have been in the transition area at the time. This did approximately no good whatsoever. Anyway, socks were discovered in my bag, and I set off running (having technically racked my back in the wrong position, and the wrong way round). Had a brief adventure finding my way out of T2 - it's a fairly long diversion. Also realised I still had my spare inner tube and tyre levers in my tri suit. Luckily, Mrs. Odd was coming across to take a photo, and I threw the tube in her general direction.
With that, off I trotted. At first, had a slightly dodgy stomach, think it was the fluid I'd taken on board during the bike leg. This had settled down by the time I got to Carter's Lane. I knew at this point that I basically had one mile of tough running before the downhill section. But my goodness, it was tough. Once again, my body wanted me to stop, and my brain had to overrule it. It was probably the hardest 10 minutes I've ever put my body through.
Finally reached the top, and the lovely family at the top who were having a picnic and cheering everyone on, and relief washed over me. Knowing that I had just a downhill and sprint finish to go gave me an extra burst of energy, and I absolutely flew down Curly Hill, certainly faster than I've ever run before. Middleton Avenue was quick (although not quite as quick), and, despite nearly missing the turn into Denton Lane, found a sprint finish across the line, where I promptly fell over.
Was kinda hoping to be mobbed by well-wishers, but instead the first person across to me was the guy after my timing chip. -_- Oh well.
1:11:18 was the time, then, good enough for a first effort.
Coming next - Part 3 - the future!
Odd's Season in Review - Part 1 - Training
2 weeks seems long enough to put the season into perspective. So, on the eve of the new training season beginning, I'm going to outline my thoughts on how the previous year went, and how I hope the next one will go.
It's amazing to thing that, a shade over a year ago, we were struggling across the Greenway with bikes made out of brick, barely swimming, and not running at all. Safe to say that our progress has been superb. Of course, that's due to the sheer amount of training we got through. It wasn't particularly scientific (apart from the periodisation, I guess) and it certainly wasn't technically the best, but I guess it was suited to a bunch of well-meaning novices.
Personally, I'm pretty pleased with my efforts in sticking to the training plan I'd created. It was spoilt a little bit in the summer by cricket taking over my Saturdays (for the last time...) and there was, of course, the odd little lapse, due to the weather or being under the weather, but I think I did pretty well. Documenting my training via MapMyTri helped with this, as did having strict weekly hours.
As far as the individual disciplines went, I think my running training went the best. Possibly not surprising, as running doesn't require much planning or forethought, and isn't a particularly technical activity. It also helps that it can be done in the freezing cold. ^_^
Swimming, not so much. However, I hadn't prioritised swimming highly, what with it only taking up 10-15 minutes of the race. That's definitely something to build on in the coming year.
Coming next - Part 2 - the race!
It's amazing to thing that, a shade over a year ago, we were struggling across the Greenway with bikes made out of brick, barely swimming, and not running at all. Safe to say that our progress has been superb. Of course, that's due to the sheer amount of training we got through. It wasn't particularly scientific (apart from the periodisation, I guess) and it certainly wasn't technically the best, but I guess it was suited to a bunch of well-meaning novices.
Personally, I'm pretty pleased with my efforts in sticking to the training plan I'd created. It was spoilt a little bit in the summer by cricket taking over my Saturdays (for the last time...) and there was, of course, the odd little lapse, due to the weather or being under the weather, but I think I did pretty well. Documenting my training via MapMyTri helped with this, as did having strict weekly hours.
As far as the individual disciplines went, I think my running training went the best. Possibly not surprising, as running doesn't require much planning or forethought, and isn't a particularly technical activity. It also helps that it can be done in the freezing cold. ^_^
Swimming, not so much. However, I hadn't prioritised swimming highly, what with it only taking up 10-15 minutes of the race. That's definitely something to build on in the coming year.
Coming next - Part 2 - the race!
Sunday, 13 September 2009
We are not dead!
Well, we did it.
All 3 of us completed the Ilkley Triathlon without puncturing, crashing or falling into a skip. In some cases, by only a narrow margin, but we did it regardless.
I managed to get round in 1:11.18, which I have to be happy with really. Slightly annoyed that if I'd gone 19 seconds faster, I could say it was 1:10, but not bad for a first effort.
Splits: swim 10:25 (v.happy, might have been sub-10 for the swim itself), bike 37:08 (not terrible, but not the best, this is probably where I could have made an odd minute up), run 23:45 (good, especially if this includes T2, which I think it might have done, and the rather large detour to get out onto the road).
The only calamity I suffered was forgetting to get my socks out of my bag before the race, causing me large amounts of confusion, and forcing me to shout incomprehensibly at Nom, who was unfortunate enough to be in transition at the time. Thus, the new slogan of Having A Tri is "Aaaargh, socks!"
PS. it hurts.
All 3 of us completed the Ilkley Triathlon without puncturing, crashing or falling into a skip. In some cases, by only a narrow margin, but we did it regardless.
I managed to get round in 1:11.18, which I have to be happy with really. Slightly annoyed that if I'd gone 19 seconds faster, I could say it was 1:10, but not bad for a first effort.
Splits: swim 10:25 (v.happy, might have been sub-10 for the swim itself), bike 37:08 (not terrible, but not the best, this is probably where I could have made an odd minute up), run 23:45 (good, especially if this includes T2, which I think it might have done, and the rather large detour to get out onto the road).
The only calamity I suffered was forgetting to get my socks out of my bag before the race, causing me large amounts of confusion, and forcing me to shout incomprehensibly at Nom, who was unfortunate enough to be in transition at the time. Thus, the new slogan of Having A Tri is "Aaaargh, socks!"
PS. it hurts.
Monday, 7 September 2009
One week to go
Eek.
Actually, not eek - I think we've prepared pretty well, and I reckon we'll do decent enough. Assuming we don't get assailed by punctures, that is. Seems like I'm due *sigh*
Hope we can all have a relaxing week leading up to the race, my schedule is as follows:
Mon - Run 30 mins
Tue - Rest
Wed - Swim 30 mins
Thu - Bike 30 mins
Fri - Rest
Sat - Run 30 mins
Sun - Pizza 120 mins
After that, I'll be glad to get some rest, before starting the slow, long distance stuff over the winter. 10 mile runs FTW!
Actually, not eek - I think we've prepared pretty well, and I reckon we'll do decent enough. Assuming we don't get assailed by punctures, that is. Seems like I'm due *sigh*
Hope we can all have a relaxing week leading up to the race, my schedule is as follows:
Mon - Run 30 mins
Tue - Rest
Wed - Swim 30 mins
Thu - Bike 30 mins
Fri - Rest
Sat - Run 30 mins
Sun - Pizza 120 mins
After that, I'll be glad to get some rest, before starting the slow, long distance stuff over the winter. 10 mile runs FTW!
Saturday, 5 September 2009
Lost the Nom...
Went for a run last night (about 3 miles in average 6.9mph unless you're the Corporal charging off ahead like a charging thing a mile before the end). Returned to Veg/Nom Towers to find that Nom had gone AWOL. Hence another 20 minute run round the park and along park of the Green(fly)way in search of the Nom, who had gone the long way round and turned up in Veg/Nom Towers shed.
Note to self, tag my Nom.
One week and one day to go. Eeeeeek.
Note to self, tag my Nom.
One week and one day to go. Eeeeeek.
Thursday, 3 September 2009
No luck in getting to Ilkley, episode 311...
Last night's swim-bike in Ilkley had to be cancelled due to a lack of Nom. Confusion and two cakes has led to a lack of Ilkley swim-bike tonight. Last week's Ilkley swim-bike had to be cancelled due to my appointment at the garage with a broken car. And we've just learned that there are no trains home on Sunday 13th September. Hmmm...is this a plot to keep us away from Ilkley? Or is fate looking after my health?
:( no Ilkley.
:( no Ilkley.
Thursday, 27 August 2009
*insert strangled running uphill noise here*
Hmmm...a busy week. 1,000m swim on Sunday at Spenborough, one on Wednesday at Boiling Pool, then a 7.1 mile cycle followed by an uphill stagger tonight. I'm fine now, but aaargh! The Corporal showed us both up: Nom had to retire to the bath after the cycle due to cramp, but I, foolishly followed the Corporal for the Run of Doom.
Ilkley tomorrow - swim/bike. Yay!
Ilkley tomorrow - swim/bike. Yay!
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Oooo!
Running tonight! Although probably not wise to run after tea (thank goodness there wasn't a reunion of the Corporal and his fish and chips) we did 3.913 miles in 35 minutes. And some of it was uphill. I'm pretty happy with that. I could have gone further (but don't tell the Corporal!)
Nom has broken glasses so he can't cycle and he had to run blind. Bless. Ten days until new eyes.
In other news, tonight was the first night of recovery drink sampling. Bleugh. Chocolate or strawberry? Now most people would expect me to choose strawberry as being the most 'natural' but in fact the opposite is the case. I tried the strawberry one - I must say, I think I'd rather not recover!
Can't wait for my first gel > <
Mmmmmmmmmm, lovely. U
Nom has broken glasses so he can't cycle and he had to run blind. Bless. Ten days until new eyes.
In other news, tonight was the first night of recovery drink sampling. Bleugh. Chocolate or strawberry? Now most people would expect me to choose strawberry as being the most 'natural' but in fact the opposite is the case. I tried the strawberry one - I must say, I think I'd rather not recover!
Can't wait for my first gel > <
Mmmmmmmmmm, lovely. U
Friday, 31 July 2009
Brick of win!
I feel much better now.
After a faintly disappointing training week so far (no swimming on Wednesday, less than stellar bike ride on Thursday), I'm really very pleased with the brick session I just completed. After doing a 50 minute Greenway circuit on the bike, I got round a hilly 3 mile run course in an extraordinary 23:30! Rather impressed with myself, it has to be said. Although it was probably the energy drink, rather than me...
After a faintly disappointing training week so far (no swimming on Wednesday, less than stellar bike ride on Thursday), I'm really very pleased with the brick session I just completed. After doing a 50 minute Greenway circuit on the bike, I got round a hilly 3 mile run course in an extraordinary 23:30! Rather impressed with myself, it has to be said. Although it was probably the energy drink, rather than me...
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Another run.
I'm lonely...
Anyway, Nom and I ran for 22 minutes on the greenfly-free Greenway tonight. A really enjoyable run (!) with lovely sun, a nice breeze and enough swallows and bunnies to keep me entertained!
Unfortunately I should not be put in charge of the GPS as I accidentally set it to Chrono Mode, which means that it only records time, not distance. Sob!
So now we have to do the same run again very soon.
Anyway, Nom and I ran for 22 minutes on the greenfly-free Greenway tonight. A really enjoyable run (!) with lovely sun, a nice breeze and enough swallows and bunnies to keep me entertained!
Unfortunately I should not be put in charge of the GPS as I accidentally set it to Chrono Mode, which means that it only records time, not distance. Sob!
So now we have to do the same run again very soon.
Monday, 6 July 2009
Run around the block...some more numbers
Poor Nom arrived home from work and was almost immediately whisked out for a run. In the rain. Not a bad little trundle, 2.102 miles in 19:58 averaging 6.3 miles per hour, which isn't a bad old whack. Felt fine, if soaked on the return home, but I was pleased to discover that I could easily have done more.
Bendy lessons tonight though, so didn't want to overdo it. Another run tomorrow night, this time on the Greenway. It's run week!
Bendy lessons tonight though, so didn't want to overdo it. Another run tomorrow night, this time on the Greenway. It's run week!
Having a Tri's official visit to Ilkley (and some numbers)
Numbers first, or I'll forget.
Last Monday's second cycle: 10.96 miles in 54.39. Average speed 12mph.
Yesterday was the my first view of the Ilkley course. It's about one third flat, one third uphill and one third of amazing downhill. Thank everything that the course isn't the other way round because Curly Hill is a SERIOUS slope. We got up to (and in the Corporal's case above) 40mph on the steep bit, officially the fastest I've ever travelled on a bike.
Got round the nine mile bike in 39 minutes, then went for a trundle around it on foot. Next trip's a swim-bike as we haven't done one of those yet.
We actually cycled 22 miles yesterday, then replaced the calories with chicken and sausages. Oh, and Doritos.
Last Monday's second cycle: 10.96 miles in 54.39. Average speed 12mph.
Yesterday was the my first view of the Ilkley course. It's about one third flat, one third uphill and one third of amazing downhill. Thank everything that the course isn't the other way round because Curly Hill is a SERIOUS slope. We got up to (and in the Corporal's case above) 40mph on the steep bit, officially the fastest I've ever travelled on a bike.
Got round the nine mile bike in 39 minutes, then went for a trundle around it on foot. Next trip's a swim-bike as we haven't done one of those yet.
We actually cycled 22 miles yesterday, then replaced the calories with chicken and sausages. Oh, and Doritos.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Last minute amendment.
Make that 21 miles cycle yesterday. Hmm. Cramp in hip? Now that's a new one...
Of course I couldn't be missed out of Nom and the Corporal's 45 minutes yesterday so went out again in the evening after my morning journey. Yay! Ouch... Yay! Ouuuucccchhhh...
Of course I couldn't be missed out of Nom and the Corporal's 45 minutes yesterday so went out again in the evening after my morning journey. Yay! Ouch... Yay! Ouuuucccchhhh...
Monday, 29 June 2009
Veg's solo bike ride
...And I've just noticed that 'someone' changed the title bar. How long ago was that?
I went for a solo bike ride this morning. Unfortunately I branched out from my usual fail of not pressing 'Start' on the sports watch to entirely forget it! Still, 10.7 miles of texture ain't bad. And just under 30 minutes for 3.2 miles textured running yesterday.
So here's this week:
Sunday: 30 minute run
Monday: 10.7 mile hill bike
Tuesday: 30 minute run
Wednesday: 45 minute swim
Thursday: rest (I'm going out)
Friday: Death hill cycle
Saturday: Try to cram in a brick
Sunday: Ilkley day of pain
Hmmm. Can you tell it's 10 weeks to go? Eeek!
I went for a solo bike ride this morning. Unfortunately I branched out from my usual fail of not pressing 'Start' on the sports watch to entirely forget it! Still, 10.7 miles of texture ain't bad. And just under 30 minutes for 3.2 miles textured running yesterday.
So here's this week:
Sunday: 30 minute run
Monday: 10.7 mile hill bike
Tuesday: 30 minute run
Wednesday: 45 minute swim
Thursday: rest (I'm going out)
Friday: Death hill cycle
Saturday: Try to cram in a brick
Sunday: Ilkley day of pain
Hmmm. Can you tell it's 10 weeks to go? Eeek!
Monday, 15 June 2009
Sunday, bloody Sunday
Actually, it was a pretty good Sunday, but I'm currently unaware of any well-known songs reflecting those sentiments. Pretty tough going at times, though.
Started off with a rather odd cycle, 90 minutes and 22 miles worth, requiring 2 toilet stops, a forgotten debit card, and (eventually) a whole load of bargain fresh bread. And a lovely pizza. 8 minutes cooking time is definitely the way forward.
(Which reminds me to mention that earlier, I'd lucked out and found www.discountsupplements.co.uk, a site which sells window blinds (not really). For some non-obvious reason, it sells those High5 packs which I've been relying on for some time. £2.99 including shipping, and you can order multiple packs - it's a nailed-on winner, especially as we near the heat of midsummer. Even earlier than that, I'd wandered off to Wiggle and bought this lovely item, positively reviewed by Bikeradar and with which I'll be pumping my tyres to exactly 120psi this coming week. All in all, a good weekend of bargain-hunting.)
A few hours, 2 mowed lawns and an England cricket victory (yes, really!) later, I headed out to jog in the last of the evening sun, a time which I'm really starting to enjoy. A shade over 5 miles in 45 minutes, it turned out. And again, it turns out that I've got an ideal distance circuit around my house - up Shetcliffe Lane, across Tong Street, over to Bierley Lane, down to Spen View Lane, up home, up Ferrand Avenue and across to Bierley roundabout and back is exactly 5 miles. Spooky.
So I managed to salvage my 6.5 hours from the problems of Saturday (briefly: I'm too hot and I want to claw my eyes out, oh hey a free monitor! Let's cart that back home instead of finishing my cycle...)
Coming next: 7.5 hours this week! The longest week of the lot, in fact. Which is apt, as this is the week with the longest days of the year (ish.) If I can get through without hay fever and high temperatures wrecking my training, I'll be a happy bunny.
In fact, if I can make it through the week without dying of breakfast overdose, that'd help...
P.S. Exactly 3 months to go (despite what the little tracker thing says). Anyone who's not been quite keeping up with training, now's the time to step up. You know who you are...
Started off with a rather odd cycle, 90 minutes and 22 miles worth, requiring 2 toilet stops, a forgotten debit card, and (eventually) a whole load of bargain fresh bread. And a lovely pizza. 8 minutes cooking time is definitely the way forward.
(Which reminds me to mention that earlier, I'd lucked out and found www.discountsupplements.co.uk, a site which sells window blinds (not really). For some non-obvious reason, it sells those High5 packs which I've been relying on for some time. £2.99 including shipping, and you can order multiple packs - it's a nailed-on winner, especially as we near the heat of midsummer. Even earlier than that, I'd wandered off to Wiggle and bought this lovely item, positively reviewed by Bikeradar and with which I'll be pumping my tyres to exactly 120psi this coming week. All in all, a good weekend of bargain-hunting.)
A few hours, 2 mowed lawns and an England cricket victory (yes, really!) later, I headed out to jog in the last of the evening sun, a time which I'm really starting to enjoy. A shade over 5 miles in 45 minutes, it turned out. And again, it turns out that I've got an ideal distance circuit around my house - up Shetcliffe Lane, across Tong Street, over to Bierley Lane, down to Spen View Lane, up home, up Ferrand Avenue and across to Bierley roundabout and back is exactly 5 miles. Spooky.
So I managed to salvage my 6.5 hours from the problems of Saturday (briefly: I'm too hot and I want to claw my eyes out, oh hey a free monitor! Let's cart that back home instead of finishing my cycle...)
Coming next: 7.5 hours this week! The longest week of the lot, in fact. Which is apt, as this is the week with the longest days of the year (ish.) If I can get through without hay fever and high temperatures wrecking my training, I'll be a happy bunny.
In fact, if I can make it through the week without dying of breakfast overdose, that'd help...
P.S. Exactly 3 months to go (despite what the little tracker thing says). Anyone who's not been quite keeping up with training, now's the time to step up. You know who you are...
Saturday, 30 May 2009
21:57
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*
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*
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.
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