This weekend we did an accidental 10 mile bike ride, then added on a jog at the end - why the heck not.
But now we hurt, but are secretly a bit pleased that we did the 10 miles without realising. That's the length we have to do on the day, and the reason we didn't know is because we didn't plan the distance before we went so we merrily biked along then looked it up online when we got in.
And I must say, it was alright! The problems began when the jogging did.
I got as far as the park (half a mile maybe?) then lay down on the grass, exhausted. Having re-gained some breath I managed to get my jog on and caught up with James who was a bit ahead. But then glory of glories, he said he couldn't go on, so I got out of finishing the circuit!
Unfortunately his shin pain had come back so we didn't think it was a good idea to continue. I was very happy to go back, as I was ready for a rest, so go back we did.
But now we have technically put two disciplines together, and although the second didn’t last long, it’s a step in the right direction.
Getting out for the run after the cycle made me want to quit the triathlon. There, I said it! It was really hard and I don’t think I am fit enough yet! Will I ever be fit enough? Ok, I have seen some improvements over the months but it’s difficult to measure.
A couple of days on and I seem to have pulled something in my lower leg, as it hurts a bit when I walk. Let’s hope it’s all ok by the weekend, as we have a triathlon training day at the actual venue on Saturday. Then we will really see what we are in for.
Wish us luck!
Monday, 6 May 2013
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Swimming hats and spinning.
Now the weather has started to pick up and I have had my puncture fixed on my bike, there is no excuse not to ride around town this weekend. But I need some cycling shorts! Essential kit for serious triathletes ... and me.
So far I have seen some expensive ones, some far-too-tight lycra ones, and some that are cleverly disguised as normal shorts. If those weren't £50 I would get those, but I am hoping to find some cheaper ones elsewhere.
Despite being away for the weekend last weekend, we managed to lug ourselves to the hotel pool for swims in the mornings. Feeling quite dedicated and pleased with ourselves, we even got swimming hats, which we attributed to the super quick speed we completed lengths in. It was probably more that it was a much shorter pool to the one we are used to, but let's stick to the hats.
The running has slowed up a bit recently. Admittedly I was too hungover to join James on a Saturday morning run this weekend, but endeavour to do better next week. I did however go spinning last week. It was really tough on the legs, but I felt good after. It was worth the pain and amazingly I didn’t ache too much after!
I think spinning is a good way to build up my legs before the triathlon, especially when I don’t seem to have time to get out for a proper bike ride. Now the weather has perked up, it is a lot more likely we will be taking to the saddle once more.
So far I have seen some expensive ones, some far-too-tight lycra ones, and some that are cleverly disguised as normal shorts. If those weren't £50 I would get those, but I am hoping to find some cheaper ones elsewhere.
Despite being away for the weekend last weekend, we managed to lug ourselves to the hotel pool for swims in the mornings. Feeling quite dedicated and pleased with ourselves, we even got swimming hats, which we attributed to the super quick speed we completed lengths in. It was probably more that it was a much shorter pool to the one we are used to, but let's stick to the hats.
The running has slowed up a bit recently. Admittedly I was too hungover to join James on a Saturday morning run this weekend, but endeavour to do better next week. I did however go spinning last week. It was really tough on the legs, but I felt good after. It was worth the pain and amazingly I didn’t ache too much after!
I think spinning is a good way to build up my legs before the triathlon, especially when I don’t seem to have time to get out for a proper bike ride. Now the weather has perked up, it is a lot more likely we will be taking to the saddle once more.
Friday, 29 March 2013
A confession
I confess it has been a few weeks since my last post. I could make some excuses- all of which are true, such as work has been hectic, the weather has been terrible, and weekends have been busy. This adds up to the sorry conclusion that our training has slowed a little since last month, for the reasons aforementioned. Sometimes, life gets in the way. Plus we still have six months, so plenty of time.
But you will be pleased to know that my ankle is completely healed. Taking it easy for a few days seemed to do the trick, as well as the ice and elevation jazz.
So far I haven’t had any other injuries just the odd aching muscle, touch wood.
Today was quite a momentous day in preparation terms. I got my bike puncture fixed! Now there’s no excuse not to go out riding, but I’m sure I’ll still be able to think of a few. I had been putting it off for months, then completely forgot to do it. I have no idea about bikes so I didn’t know what type of inner tube to get, or that I even needed an inner tube, but again thanks to James I finally got it sorted.
Getting it sorted involved wheeling it over a mile to Halfords, and the kind man there sorting it (for a small fee!)
In other news, James ordered himself a triathlon suit. I admit to being very unsure about it. I haven’t seen it on yet, but I am sure it looks great. The thing I worry about with a female version is how unforgiving it is. I imagine the lycra doesn’t do one any favours, but it seems like a practical thing to get. Another problem is when else would I have cause to wear it after the event? A fancy dress party? Unless we go on to take on other triathlons of the world, it may be an investment too far.
I will hold off on getting one while I peruse the options. What are everyone else’s thoughts on what to wear?
Lastly, we had more than 420 hits last time, so thanks for reading, and good luck with your own training!
But you will be pleased to know that my ankle is completely healed. Taking it easy for a few days seemed to do the trick, as well as the ice and elevation jazz.
So far I haven’t had any other injuries just the odd aching muscle, touch wood.
Today was quite a momentous day in preparation terms. I got my bike puncture fixed! Now there’s no excuse not to go out riding, but I’m sure I’ll still be able to think of a few. I had been putting it off for months, then completely forgot to do it. I have no idea about bikes so I didn’t know what type of inner tube to get, or that I even needed an inner tube, but again thanks to James I finally got it sorted.
Getting it sorted involved wheeling it over a mile to Halfords, and the kind man there sorting it (for a small fee!)
In other news, James ordered himself a triathlon suit. I admit to being very unsure about it. I haven’t seen it on yet, but I am sure it looks great. The thing I worry about with a female version is how unforgiving it is. I imagine the lycra doesn’t do one any favours, but it seems like a practical thing to get. Another problem is when else would I have cause to wear it after the event? A fancy dress party? Unless we go on to take on other triathlons of the world, it may be an investment too far.
I will hold off on getting one while I peruse the options. What are everyone else’s thoughts on what to wear?
Lastly, we had more than 420 hits last time, so thanks for reading, and good luck with your own training!
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Not sure what to call this one
I am currently sat on the sofa with my ankle resting on a chair and it has an ice pack on. Yes, I have a sports injury - a real one! Does this make me a proper athlete now?
Last Monday when I went running I twisted my ankle and for a few days afterwards I had pins and needles in that part of my ankle. This didn't ring any alarm bells because I thought I wasn't being active enough, and pledged to go out for a walk on my lunch break, or at least go for a lunch break. After some advice from someone who knows about these things I put it on ice and elevated it and it was fine. Until tonight.
Another run and although I didn't twist it again, the pins and needles have come back, so now so has the ice pack. Brilliant in this freezing weather. Not.
Holler to my friend Mike who has just done a 31mile ultra marathon with Tendonitis. Now I feel lame...
But it hasn't all been doom and gloom. Swimming is going well and we're looking forward to getting out on the bikes when the weather gets better.
Last Monday when I went running I twisted my ankle and for a few days afterwards I had pins and needles in that part of my ankle. This didn't ring any alarm bells because I thought I wasn't being active enough, and pledged to go out for a walk on my lunch break, or at least go for a lunch break. After some advice from someone who knows about these things I put it on ice and elevated it and it was fine. Until tonight.
Another run and although I didn't twist it again, the pins and needles have come back, so now so has the ice pack. Brilliant in this freezing weather. Not.
Holler to my friend Mike who has just done a 31mile ultra marathon with Tendonitis. Now I feel lame...
But it hasn't all been doom and gloom. Swimming is going well and we're looking forward to getting out on the bikes when the weather gets better.
Saturday, 9 February 2013
Transition pondering
Velcro trainers or no Velcro trainers. Now there's a dilemma I didn't think I would have past the age of six. But I have been weighing up the benefits of the former for The Day, as Triathlon day has now become known. Apparently there have been many books written on the transition from one discipline to the next, and although I have never seen let alone read such a volume, I figure that Velcro will knock off a few vital minutes of tying shoelaces, surely. Do they even make adult trainers with Velcro? No idea.
What I also have no idea about is whether it is acceptable to swim breast stroke in the swim stage. After another swim today where we managed almost one kilometre (one kilometre!) in the pool, I found it a lot easier than front crawl and a lot more relaxing.
Front crawl often resulted in being a lot more worn out after a length, as well as getting the odd mouthful of water along the way. Others in the ‘medium lane’ managed it a lot more gracefully than we did – arms dipping smoothly into the water and the fish-like flicks of their legs hardly rippling the surface.
On the run front, a bad cough is preventing me from going out, but James has been a few times.
A quick thank you to the events team at Leonard Cheshire Disability who have been promoting this blog on their Facebook and twitter pages.
As a reminder, here's what we're doing:
TriTogether. The triathlon is in aid of Leonard Cheshire Disability. It is on Sunday 1st September 2013 at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London.
Swim: 400m
Bike: 15km
Run: 5km
What I also have no idea about is whether it is acceptable to swim breast stroke in the swim stage. After another swim today where we managed almost one kilometre (one kilometre!) in the pool, I found it a lot easier than front crawl and a lot more relaxing.
Front crawl often resulted in being a lot more worn out after a length, as well as getting the odd mouthful of water along the way. Others in the ‘medium lane’ managed it a lot more gracefully than we did – arms dipping smoothly into the water and the fish-like flicks of their legs hardly rippling the surface.
On the run front, a bad cough is preventing me from going out, but James has been a few times.
A quick thank you to the events team at Leonard Cheshire Disability who have been promoting this blog on their Facebook and twitter pages.
As a reminder, here's what we're doing:
TriTogether. The triathlon is in aid of Leonard Cheshire Disability. It is on Sunday 1st September 2013 at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London.
Swim: 400m
Bike: 15km
Run: 5km
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Swim drama.
Stepping out onto poolside, I was glad that splashy and crazy arms weren't there this time. Annoying kid, over-zealous father and bored spectators were all on cue however, even at 9am on a Saturday morning.
Yes, my alarm clock today was James, possibly saying 'get up, we have to go swimming', but that doesn't seem like something he would say. But today, bizarrely, it was, and off we went, sleepy and keen. (I was sleepy, he was keen.)
It seems that the public swimming pool is worthy of some sort of sitcom - you have them all, the kids, heads squished into tight shiny hats, enthusiastically having lessons at one end, while the bored parents sit on the sidelines, books in hand. There is splashy man, who has less technique than the aforementioned crazy arms, both of which got in my damn way last week when I went swimming in an actual pool for the first time in many years.
Last week I managed two lengths before collapsing puffed out in the shallow end, trying to look like I wasn’t about to drown. This week, I pushed on and am pleased to announce I managed five- FIVE in a row. Our technique has gone to s***. It’s not just breathing patterns, my legs go in the wrong direction when trying to kick evenly, and I get a mouthful of water when trying to do front crawl convincingly. I blame Judy, my swim teacher at the Leisure Centre back in the day.
But anyway, two swim training sessions down and innumerable ones to go. Wish us luck.
Yes, my alarm clock today was James, possibly saying 'get up, we have to go swimming', but that doesn't seem like something he would say. But today, bizarrely, it was, and off we went, sleepy and keen. (I was sleepy, he was keen.)
It seems that the public swimming pool is worthy of some sort of sitcom - you have them all, the kids, heads squished into tight shiny hats, enthusiastically having lessons at one end, while the bored parents sit on the sidelines, books in hand. There is splashy man, who has less technique than the aforementioned crazy arms, both of which got in my damn way last week when I went swimming in an actual pool for the first time in many years.
Last week I managed two lengths before collapsing puffed out in the shallow end, trying to look like I wasn’t about to drown. This week, I pushed on and am pleased to announce I managed five- FIVE in a row. Our technique has gone to s***. It’s not just breathing patterns, my legs go in the wrong direction when trying to kick evenly, and I get a mouthful of water when trying to do front crawl convincingly. I blame Judy, my swim teacher at the Leisure Centre back in the day.
But anyway, two swim training sessions down and innumerable ones to go. Wish us luck.
Friday, 18 January 2013
Snow (almost) stops play.
Well as you all know it has been pretty freezing in the UK this week, and today the heavens opened, covering everything in a thick blanket of snow. The heating is on, and so are the gloves and scarves. The country is in chaos, as we all know a bit of the white stuff drops and everything grinds to a halt.
So sadly, snow has stopped play this week. To sum up, there is no bloody way I was going out running in minus four degrees! Last week I braved the cold weather and even went out running on my own in the dark as James was working late, but it was a struggle to catch my breath in such cold air and I didn't enjoy it at all.
But don't worry, since my last update we have been running several times, and I am pleased to report that we have managed to get to about two miles in 20 minutes. Trust me, this is a major improvement.
So instead of pounding the streets, we will start swimming this weekend instead. I'll let you know how that one goes.
So sadly, snow has stopped play this week. To sum up, there is no bloody way I was going out running in minus four degrees! Last week I braved the cold weather and even went out running on my own in the dark as James was working late, but it was a struggle to catch my breath in such cold air and I didn't enjoy it at all.
But don't worry, since my last update we have been running several times, and I am pleased to report that we have managed to get to about two miles in 20 minutes. Trust me, this is a major improvement.
So instead of pounding the streets, we will start swimming this weekend instead. I'll let you know how that one goes.
Sunday, 6 January 2013
We're back.
Despite my best efforts at delaying tactics, we finally made it out the door for our first run of the new year.
And it wasn't as bad as I feared! I really wasn't looking forward to it, mostly because save for a few brisk Devon walks, I will admit to having been relatively inactive over the last few weeks - but that's what Christmas is all about right? So now it's back to it, with a healthy eating plan (by plan I mean, eat lots of salad and veggies) and brand new jogging trousers and tops that have now made it out of the cupboard and into the fresh air.
When we got back from our usual two mile route we picked out tips from my Beginner's Guide to a Triathlon magazine (thanks to Pete for that one!) and realised that by the summer we will need to be doing an epic cycle, getting back, running 5k then stopping off at the pool for the final bit. This seems to be a good way of combining all the training, even if it is in the wrong order. Plenty of time yet though. I'm going to put the kettle on ...
And it wasn't as bad as I feared! I really wasn't looking forward to it, mostly because save for a few brisk Devon walks, I will admit to having been relatively inactive over the last few weeks - but that's what Christmas is all about right? So now it's back to it, with a healthy eating plan (by plan I mean, eat lots of salad and veggies) and brand new jogging trousers and tops that have now made it out of the cupboard and into the fresh air.
When we got back from our usual two mile route we picked out tips from my Beginner's Guide to a Triathlon magazine (thanks to Pete for that one!) and realised that by the summer we will need to be doing an epic cycle, getting back, running 5k then stopping off at the pool for the final bit. This seems to be a good way of combining all the training, even if it is in the wrong order. Plenty of time yet though. I'm going to put the kettle on ...
Friday, 21 December 2012
Merry festive season.
Well I guess this is me admitting defeat, at least for Christmas anyway. We had one terrible run last week and have not been out since! After the success of the previous week I was feeling good about the running bit, but the next time we went out I couldn't go as far, I was getting a tight chest and struggling to do much at all. I blame the weather.
Actually I don't, it's just I don't have anything else to blame it on except myself, and it's OBVIOUSLY not my fault.
So with all the Christmas parties, socialising and merriment of the festive season I'm going to cool it off for a bit and resume with added gusto in the New Year. I will do my best not to stuff myself with chocolate although I don't envisage that going well either.
Thanks to everyone for reading, we've had nearly 300 hits, so I'm really pleased!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Actually I don't, it's just I don't have anything else to blame it on except myself, and it's OBVIOUSLY not my fault.
So with all the Christmas parties, socialising and merriment of the festive season I'm going to cool it off for a bit and resume with added gusto in the New Year. I will do my best not to stuff myself with chocolate although I don't envisage that going well either.
Thanks to everyone for reading, we've had nearly 300 hits, so I'm really pleased!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Monday, 10 December 2012
A good excuse.
I would like to say that this weekend was a non-stop, action-packed blur of running, riding and er, swimming, but alas it was not to be. Instead I was struggling to breathe as I was blocked up with a horrible cold, and everyone knows exercise makes it worse right?
But drinking and going out for dinner is fine, so I still managed plenty of that instead.
Our Wednesday run went pretty well last week, so that's something. We managed to run further than last week without stopping as much, so in between getting our breath back, bent double on street corners, I felt quite pleased. This isn't that hard!
Let's see if I'm still saying that after Christmas turkey, roast potatoes and wine galore.
To make up for the lack of running at the weekend I managed to get out to my last kickboxing session tonight before I hang up my boxing gloves for a festive break. I am sure we can squeeze in some more training before Christmas, especially since James was meant to go running tonight but I found him on the sofa full of pizza instead. His shins hurt, or at least that was his excuse. :) (He made me add that he went running on Saturday without me...)
Just over nine months until the triathlon. Visit the website on www.lcdisability.org.
But drinking and going out for dinner is fine, so I still managed plenty of that instead.
Our Wednesday run went pretty well last week, so that's something. We managed to run further than last week without stopping as much, so in between getting our breath back, bent double on street corners, I felt quite pleased. This isn't that hard!
Let's see if I'm still saying that after Christmas turkey, roast potatoes and wine galore.
To make up for the lack of running at the weekend I managed to get out to my last kickboxing session tonight before I hang up my boxing gloves for a festive break. I am sure we can squeeze in some more training before Christmas, especially since James was meant to go running tonight but I found him on the sofa full of pizza instead. His shins hurt, or at least that was his excuse. :) (He made me add that he went running on Saturday without me...)
Just over nine months until the triathlon. Visit the website on www.lcdisability.org.
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