Biggest bike ride to date.

So I'm out on my own today, I sort of have an idea of a different route I'm going to do. It will take in Bramley and then go out onto the A33 and then over towards Rotherwick and back to Basingstoke.

I suit up in my new bike shorts and top. The shorts are padded so make it a much more pleasant ride for my derrière.

The first 10k are straight forward and have me reaching the A33. This is the bit I wasn't looking forward to. The weather is nice but the 33 is a busy road and nobody obeys the 50mph speed limit. I know I only have to be on there for about 5 mins max so I put loads of effort to speed down it. I quickly make my right turn and find myself on a long climb up towards Rotherwick. The extra strain on the bike puts a bit of pressure on my ankle.. Must be careful I think, only a week to go.. :-S

So I'm about 20k into my cycle by now and I feel good.. I'm approaching the point to head back to Basingstoke and I decide to go on a bit further.. I know where I am and I cross the A30 and head towards Mapledurwell.. I crack on and see I'm reaching the 30k mark.. Nice.. Not got a clue about my time and I really don't care. I just want to start getting used to cycling for over an hour with maximum effort put in..

I finish my cycle and record a time of 1 hour 21 and a total distance of 33.6k which is just over 20 miles.. Not record fast but I do manage to beat my previous 20k pb by 20 seconds..

All arms no legs

So in order to rest my foot I will continue to swim but not use my legs.. The way to achieve this is by putting a float between your legs and then just using yours arms to pull you along. The first time I did this I only managed about 5-10 lengths as it puts a massive strain on your arms and shoulders.

So I have about two weeks to go before the triathlon at Blenheim and I decide I will just swim this week. No cycling, well maybe a little but at the end of the week.

I go swimming on Tuesday and Thursday and set off with my float. On Tuesday I manage 74 lengths and only 70 on Thursday. My arms were pretty sore by Friday but this is improving my technique no end as my upper body is getting stronger.

Big bike ride planned for tomorrow

My Trial Triathlon

So I have decided before the big day I need to see what it's like to do all three events. I have planned to go to the Reading lake and take it all on. The only problem is I have a double Birthday BBQ to host for me and Jakson. So I need to get up super early and back home before 10am in order to help Marie get the party ready..

The lake opens at 07:30am and I plan to get there for 07:00 and be ready to swim in the lake at 07:30. I have to get up at 5, shower and do my usual leg stretches. I then go downstairs and eat a double portion or porridge. Not easy to do that! I then boil up two eggs and go up and put on my tri suit. My ankle doesn't feel great so I take 800mg of Ibuprofen and slaver some Ibuleve Max strength on my achilles.
I'm getting nervous now and struggle to eat the two eggs and toast.. I keep sipping water and leave for the lake.

I have filled up my 750ml bottle with this special concoction, its meant to replenish lost salts but tastes very salty! I have also bought a few of these energy gel  packets and I tape them to my handlebars.. All set.

So I arrive at the lake nice and early and set my bike up. A few people are already there. I put on my wetsuit and swim cap and pay for my swim. The lake is a lovely warm 19 degrees. Some old boy is there and not even wearing a wet suit. I set my watch and jump in the lake. I push off, I feel a little sluggish. Probably all that early morning food, I tried to eat a few hours before.

I take the lake swim in and enjoy the warm water, I use the old guy as a pacer and soon realise how fast he is. As I approach the end I kick my legs hard trying to get the blood into my legs to avoid jelly legs when I get out. I get out of the lake at 15 mins, not my best but not bad. I run to my bike in a matter of seconds and pull off my wetsuit. I use the tip of holding my hat and goggles in one hand and pulling the sleeve of the wetsuit over them to keep them in place. My wetsuit comes off easy and I put on my trainers, helmet, gloves and glasses. I quickly run the bike out and jump on. It's a beautiful day and the weather is warming up so I want to get this done quickly. I have already mapped a 10k bike ride out from the lake and then I plan to turn round and come back. The ride is pretty easy and only takes in a few hills. I turn at 10k with a time of 21 mins. Well on course for a 45 min completion. I cycle back and decide to try the energy gel. It tastes absolutely disgusting. I try the special concoction and that too tastes like saltwater. Luckily I bought a powerade bottle with me which is nice.
I finish the bike in 48 mins, not great but that can be improved on. I jump off and put on my achilles strap. Note to self, put that on after the swim as I have to take my trainer off to put it on.

I run out on a pre planned route, I have mapped 2.5k to run to the M4 bridge. As I get to the bridge my achilles starts to hurt. Each step burns but I know I have to complete. I get to 4k and each stride kills, all I can think about is the sharp pain in my ankle. The last kilometre was agony and I have to pinch my nail into my thumb to take my mind off the pain. I complete in a really fast time of 23 mins. Not convinced that was 5k but the route map says it is so I wont argue.

All in all I complete the whole thing in 1 hour 30 mins which includes transitions. A very good time but the transitions were super quick and wont be that easy at Blenheim.

Broken goggles and planning the test Triathlon

So up in the pool tonight and I did a very good 750m in 13 mins (must get a proper swim watch). I then did my sets and as I was nearing the end I went to put my goggles back on and they snapped. Not happy. They cost £25! Got in to work and had to order another pair as I am up the lake Saturday to do a test triathlon.

Need to give the bike a quick clean and service prior and I'm refraining from running all this week to give my achilles the best chance to recover. I miss running so much and keep seeing people out running and wish it was me.. :-(

Will update on Sunday about my test Tri.. Aiming to finish in a good time. 1.40 would be nice.

A new PB on the swim

So I went up the lake tonight and I wanted to try and go around it twice. That is 1500 metres or 60 lengths in the pool. I know I can easily swim that but being in the lake changes everything as previously mentioned.

As I got there I noticed there were a lot more people.. Its getting close to Triathlon starting so lots of noobs like me trying on their wetsuits for the first time. Quite amusing watching them trying to squeeze into them. A few of them in my opinion had under sized themselves and struggled to get their frame into the suit. That should be interesting for them when they have to take it off during the transition.

So I get in the lake, the temperature is 15 degrees. A little bit warmer although it takes my breath away again. I decide this time to get my body used to the temperature so I dipped my head and shoulders under the water for a few mins. I looked at the clock (17:35) and pushed off. It was quite windy and overcast which made it less pleasurable.

I got round the first buoy in no time and swam on, my direction was awful again. I kept looking up at the far buoy and was way off course. I need to work on that. I got round the first lap and looked over at the clock. It had taken me 15 mins, not as good as last week. I pushed on and by now my body was well used to the water. As I got round the back of the lake I noticed my swim hat was riding up my head. I decided this week to put it over my swim goggles. I carried on but was very conscious it was riding up more and more. I decided to sort it and quickly trod water and pulled the hat down. I swam off and decided for the last bit I would go full on. I had another swimmer coming up near me so I used him to gauge my speed.

I got to the end in no time and was chuffed to see I had done two laps in 30 mins. I am really happy with that time. I'm not doing that distance this year but if I plan to go for the Olympic triathlon I would be well setup with a 30 min exit time from the lake.

I think I have now decided swimming is my game. I wish it was running or cycling but like my father I am more made for swimming.  I am upping my swimming more now just to give my achilles a rest. I'm looking at a 10k swim for next year. Takes about 3 hours apparently, should be a challenge.

Running again, sort of..

So I'm back into running again. I have managed to get used to the pain. I'm convinced I have several issues with my leg but none of them are critical. Achilles tendonitis and tibialis posterior.
I have a nightly routine of icing my leg and I have bought Extra Strength Ibuleve which is helping loads. The heel orthotics have also helped my heel pain.. I also do lots of stretches and certain exercises to aid in strengthening my calves.

Over the last week I have ran three times (every other day), I have been coupling this with half decent static bike rides (10 miles).
I am keeping the runs at 3k and so far there not too bad. I still feel the pain in my ankle/shin area but at least I'm getting used to running again. The last 1k is quite painful but I get home and ice the ankle/shin and the next day it feels OK..

Swimming in the lake

So on Thursday I'm going to swim in the lake, I want to get in the pool the day before so I can get my strength up for a long swim. With the house renovations on the only way I can get a swim is to get in the pool for 06.30. This proves very hard as I finished decorating late on Tuesday night but with determination I get out of bed at 05:45 and manage to be in the pool for half six. I have a great swim in the pool and manage to do 74 lengths (1850m).

On Thursday I get myself all ready. I make sure I have some good carb foods before I go and Marie and the boys come along with me. I feel a bit nervous as the weather is pretty grim but the website tells me the water is 14 degrees. Sounds cold.

When I arrive it's very busy, and the lake looks cold. I decide to go and register and sign the waiver form. I have to buy a swim hat and the swim costs me £5. I can swim as many times round the lake as I want..

Getting in the wetsuit wasn't too bad and as I walked out Darran arrived. I walked down to the lake and checked it out. There were four large floating buoys which marked out a 750m course. After speaking with the lady at the side she told me about the safety side and said the water was lovely.

I jumped in and instantly got that out of breath feeling. Darran was wearing neoprene gloves and socks which help loads. He pushed off so I followed.. I really struggled for about 50 metres as the cold was making my breathing shallow. I swallowed some water and really had a bad time.. I soon got used to the cold and managed to get a good stroke going. Darran was by my side. The next obstacle was "direction". I'm used to seeing a nice blue line four feet down. Not the case in the murky dark lake water. I was swimming for about 3 mins and realised I had gone well off course. In fact this was the case for the whole 750m swim.
When I finished I got out and had recorded a time of 14 mins. Very happy with that considering my start. Darran was about 4 mins behin me. It's not his best event but he more than makes up for it on the bike..


After a quick chat with Darran I decided I would go again. I was ready for the cold this time and pushed off. On this swim the cold hit my head. It was really bad. I was considering stopping but I pushed on and again after a few mins I got used to it.. I was thinking in my head what the hell am I doing... A year ago I would of been drinking beers or playing computer games in my spare time..

I finished the last 750m in about 19 mins. Again not too bad and this time I got the hang of navigation. 6-8 strokes and then look up and adjust your direction if need be. I really enjoyed my first go in the lake. It was cold but it's only 3 weeks into the start of the season. I will try and get up there every couple of weeks and am aiming to do all three events as soon as I'm up to running 5k again.

Back into training

So although I still have issues with my leg I'm back into running. Am starting off with small distances and will then increase over the next few weeks. I went out today for a 20k bike ride around Bramley, it wasn't quite my usual route and my biking partner bailed on me at the last minute. This was my first bike ride out in about 2 weeks and I certainly felt it.. My time was about 6 mins slower than the last time but I was taking it easy. When I got back I went out on a small run.. It wasn't pleasurable but it went OK. Was only 1.6k (1 mile) but I'm being sensible (at last).

Have the week off this week and have my Dad down so I'm getting on with house renovations. Not sure if I'll get much training in..

Bike and a swim

So after day 1 of getting my leg sorted I decided to return to the bike and swim. The Doc said this wouldn't affect my leg so I went for it.

Went on the static for 30 mins and did 12k which is slow but I wasn't really focusing. Will plan to get out on my bike later in the week. Weather looks like it's getting better so no excuse. Would love to do a run after that bike but will see how it goes.

After my bike I did my press ups which are my latest new thing. This website claims if you follow the plan within six weeks you can perform 100 consecutive press ups. 100 press ups

So I finished off week 2 which had me doing about 60 press ups over 5 mins.. My arms ached after that.. Once the press ups were out the way I headed to the pool. I took my float in case my leg played up. I got there and noticed it was pretty busy. 2 lanes for social and two lanes for lessons. This left just two lanes for swimmers. Oh well, jump in and go. I went off and did 10 quick lengths using the board between my legs. Noticed my arms were aching from the press ups but pushed on. Once I hit 10 I chucked the board out and did 20 more which felt good. My foot felt a little weak but having my legs back kicking got me to 30 in well under 15 mins. I swapped lanes and started my swim training. One length really hard and one cruising, did that four times. Trust me doing these really get your heart beating, I do the 25m in about 15 seconds which is twice as fast as normal.  The next set is swimming 50m really hard and then 50 cruising. This is very tiring but you learn to control your breathing and as you cruise you learn how to carry on. This technique is crucial as everyone starts the swim fast and soon runs out of breath. Once I had finished 3 sets of 4 I then went onto the final sets which is two lengths hard and four cruising. A great night of swimming which I finished off with a 8 length cool down.. Just over a mile swam.

April Summary

So with my leg injury I didn't manage to get in as many training sessions. I had about 12 rest days in April which is more than double of March. Anyway not a bad effort..

127 miles cycled
20 miles ran
7 miles swam
13,292 calaories burnt

I haven't put any weight on, in fact I have lost more. Since I started all of this I have lost 24 lbs, I'm starting to eat more now as I don't want to lose too much, plus it's costing me a fortune in new clothes!

Leg getting better

So I went to the Drs today to get my leg/ankle checked out. It was really hurting at the weekend and I kept getting a dull ache in my leg followed by shooting pains in my heel. So after doing Marie's head in all weekend I went to see the Doc. I needed for him to check things out and make an assessment. So after giving him my many symptoms he came to the decision that I had a few issues. One was tibial posterior tendonitus which is swelling of the muscles down the side of the leg. The other and my Mother isn't convinced of this in Plantar fasciitus which is the swelling on the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
So what can be done, well lots really. Ibuleve gel rubbed into the affected area several times per day. Lots of stretches that focus on the heel, Achilles tendon and posterior muscles. The most important one is orthotic heel inserts I have bought. They cost £25 but straight away they felt better. They stop my heel hurting which is a big bonus. So the plan is to keep to the exercises and using the gel and he (Dr) reckons it will go within a week.
It's been almost 3 weeks since I run and it's 5 weeks on Sunday to my first Triathlon. Feel very worried that I need to get back running asap but at the same time I must let the injury heal..
My advice to anyone following a similar path, always stick to the 10% rule on running. If I hadn't of pushed my mileage that day I wouldn't have an injury now. It's costs me loads of treatments and caused a lot of stress.

Bought my wetsuit

Today I purchased my wetsuit ready for the Blenheim Tri in June. I need to start practising swimming in open water and in order to do this I need a wetsuit. The plan was to go to Kirtons Farm and buy the suit there but I thought I would check Wiggle out. Turns out they had a sale on and also would knock £15 off if I spent over £100. Means I got a £125 wet suit for £85. Bargain. I also purchase some snap on laces which are a must for the transition.. The Triathlon wetsuit is much thinner than a normal wetsuit allowing you to swim in them. Anyone that has swam in a wetsuit will know they are very tight and quite restrictive as you move your arms. These suits also have a polyester lining helping to protect it from chlorine and warm water.. All in all a lovely suit that arrives tomorrow.. Will try on and post a pic.. :-)

Injured but back in the pool

After a miserable six days with no training I got back in the pool last night. I have pulled a muscle/tendon in my ankle which made me make the sensible decision to stop training for a period of time. It was hell on earth and every day I kept thinking am I out for good.

I Googled every known ankle pain trying to ascertain what was wrong with my foot. It seemed to point to various injuries which had come together to develop a weakness in the tendons. I haven't run for two weeks now and wont I think for maybe another two. I want my foot to get strong again.

What I have done is return to swimming using a float between my legs. This proved very interesting as only my arms would propel me along. The first 20 lengths were very tiring but after a rest and a drink I completed another 20. I did feel odd and turning at the end was pretty hard but at least I did it. I tried a few lengths with no float but my foot didn't feel strong enough to kick and I didn't want to risk a relapse. I'm planning on working on my upper body whilst my foot takes a rest. I know why this has happened and its down to pushing my running too far and too fast and simply over training.

I need to remain positive and know that my foot although painful will heal in time. My Mum has been giving me massages and applying Reiki to my foot. She also lent me a Novosconic tool that sends sound waves through the muscles to aid with healing. All of this is helping to speed up my recovery but I must remain sensible and not push it.

I plan on a "real" cycle on Sunday and maybe I may try a static one tomorrow. The ankle should be OK on cycling as it's primary role is to take the weight when you run. Again I will be sensible and stop if it hurts too much..

Keep your fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for me..

Weekend of personal bests

So at the weekend I did a swim and a cycle and managed to beat my previous personal bests (PB).

On Saturday I went to the pool for 7am. I was the first there but within 15 mins there were about 4-5 swimmers in each lane. Had to keep swimming past a few people and they kindly let me through but it did get annoying. I was planning to do 70-80 lengths but I pushed on and in the end did 104 lengths (2600 metres) in under a hour. I never stopped and I reckon I could of gone quicker.. Really enjoyed it and felt amazing. I'm going to start a swim plan now that will improve my speed and stamina. I saw a great plan online by a Triathlon world champion. It seems pretty extreme to me and they say to do it only once every two weeks.

SWIM PLAN


1. Begin with a 400m warm–up, consisting of 100m swim, 100m legs only, 100m drill of choice (like catch–up, where your front arm stays out in front until the other arm comes through to touch it) and 100m swim.
2. Swim 50m with the first quarter of the distance flat out and the remainder cruising. Take 10 seconds rest and repeat three more times. Swim 100m at easy pace and then repeat the entire sequence.
3. Swim four lots of 100m, going as hard as you can for the first 25m and cruising for the remaining 75m. Take 15 seconds rest between each 100m and swim an easy–paced 100m at the end.
4. Swim three lots of 200m with the first 50m flat–out and the remaining 150m cruising. Take 30 seconds rest between each one.
5. Swim four lots of 50m using legs only, holding a float out in front of you. Do the first 25m of each one flat out and the second 25m easy. Take 10 seconds rest between each 50m.
6. Warm down with a gentle 200m swim.

On Sunday I went out with Tom for a bike race. We did our usual route which is about 25k. I intended on going hard and said this to Tom. Although it was a blue sky it must of been about 1 or 2 degrees. My feet was frozen and after 10 mins I couldn't feel my fingers but it wasn't raining so that was a plus. The wind was pretty strong too which for the first 10k slowed me up a bit.

I had Endomondo on and got to hear the lap times. As I hit 10k she said total time was 21 mins something. I knew my 20k PB was about 45 mins so that gave me a real boost to push on. Tom was doing really well too and only a few mins behind. As I got to 20k I heard her say 44 mins something. Spot on, really happy with that. If I can do that time on the day it will really bring me in close for a 1 hour 30 min time. No aching or anything after that too which means my muscles are getting better.

Did my weigh in this morning and have lost more weight, was quite shocked really. I have now lost 21lbs. I think I need to eat more carbs when I do my long training sessions..

Normal week of exercise

This week I have got straight back into it. On the Monday I went out with Tom for a very wet and miserable cycle around our usual Bramley route. I cycled from my new house to his and then out. Whole thing was 30k (19 miles) and although I was soaked from head to toe it was great.
Up swimming on Tuesday with Darran. Did a respectable 70 lengths in 37 mins, haven't swam for a few weeks so a little sore.
My ankle is still aching and I have been a little worried so on Thursday I decide I will do a 20k on the static bike and then do a small recovery run. I try and asertain what muscle it is, it feels like the muscles down the side on the ankle. Still not sure. I stretch it and put on the trusty Voltarol.
As I go off my ankle feels OK but after a couple of kilometres it starts to hurt. I finish a small 4k run and decide that's me out of running for at least a week. I need to rest it. Plenty of cycling & swimming and maybe get back on the weights again.
Am off for an early 7am swim on Saturday morning.

Booked another Triathlon

So I have just booked up for the Blenheim Triathlon on June 10th. It's meant to be the easiest one so it makes sense I do this one first. It does mean I have less than two months until my first Tri. Not feeling neverous but I would like to start doing triple disipline training. Need my ankle to get better first.

So I am now looking for sponsorship for my Blenheim one. Click here to sponsor me..

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JamesTidball

My longest ever run

So I'm back in my new house and decide I'll go out for a nice big run. My quad muscle is feeling much better and I'm feeling pretty strong. I set off and sort of know which way I'm going to go. I run down towards Eastrop Park which is about a mile. I continue on and feel really good as I hit the 3 mile mark. I'm now running over by Old Basing and I decide to cut up through Chineham. I run past my Mums house and at this exact moment my left ankle starts to ache a bit. I ignore and continue on through Popley and up towards our house.

I finish the run in 1 hour 1 min and it's a 11.6k run (7.2 miles). Really happy with that and I certainly didn't run it fast, I get a new PB of 10k in 51 mins 23. The only problem is my ankle is now aching, what have I done? Silly boy! Will I ever learn? I go from running regular 7 and 8k runs to a 12k run.. I think I have pulled a muscle.

Newquay has lots of hills

So I'm now in Newquay for the week with the family and already I'm thinking about what I'll be doing. I have brought all the gear so no excuses, I suspect I will drink more wine than usual and after coming back from the Brecons with 2lb weight increase I need to shed some weight.

So as we drove into the holiday park I noticed there were some fairly large hills. They should make for a new challenge on the run & bike. Day 1 was taken up with driving and packing/unpacking. I decided on day 2 I would go out for a run. I sort of knew my way into town and got Marie's Dad Leon to come with me on the bike. We set off and my quad was still giving me pain from the weekends hike. The strap was helping along with lashings of Voltarol. (Thinking of getting them to sponsor me for the Triathlon)

As I approached my first hill Leon stopped and had to push his bike up the hill, I went on at a steady pace. I started in my craghopper cut offs and by the time I got to the top I needed to remove the trousers and make them shorts. Leon caught up and we continued down a very steep hill (see pic) which is much harder running down than up. (More muscles used)
As I got to the bottom I continued running around the area. I went back up the same hill and home. During the return I had left Leon behind, he did well but needs to get his fitness up. Glad he came though as it's boring out there on your own.
In the afternoon we all went out on a bike ride into Newquay which also took in a stop at the beach. Was really nice, not really a training exercise but I logged it on Endomondo. :-)

Day 3 saw me go out for a decent bike ride on my own. The weather was grey and grim, not nice at all. I thought I would cycle towards Padstow which was about 15 miles away. After about 4k of cycling up and down huge hills I decided Padstow was not really achievable. The B road I was cycling was pretty busy and I didn't like how close some of them were getting. As I approached Magwan Porth I saw a huge downward hill, I got up to 60kph down the hill, that's 40mph. Very fast and very scary. I also realised that I would have to come up this hill.  As I got to the bottom my computer registered 8k so I decided to turn round at this point. I selected the lowest gear I had on my bike and started pedalling up the hill. It really wasn't as bad as I thought. I made sure I stayed on my seat and kept pedalling. When I got back towards the holiday park I continued onto Newquay. Big mistake, once in Newquay it started to hail. They were big ones too. I did have my high vis jacket but it provided little resisatnce from the hail. I decided to cycle back and it took a while as I had left my glasses at home so when I got speed up the hail was stinging my eyes. Great cycle with some monster hills. Total distance 22k in a hour and 22 mins.

Day 4 I went out for a run again, I knew what to expect now and also knew the area a bit better so I had planned a half decent circular. I took Leon with me again and set off. As I got down the bottom of the hill in Porth I took Leon to this very steep hill which I think was a 1 in 4. Anyway Leon couldn't make it up the hill so started pushing, I jogged past and shouted "Catch me up.." He shouted back that he would meet me after I had run the circular bit. I jogged on and as I came back I couldn't see Leon so I decided I would run out towards the cliffs. I looked really nice and although was a little treacherous the views were amazing (see pic).  I finished the run in 48 mins and it was 8.4k. A long run for me and also taking into a lot of elevation. That was the last of the exercise as we went home the next day. Definitely going to look for some decent hills to practice on when I get home.

March Summary

So March was a busy month but I clocked up some miles.. According to Endomondo I did

241 miles cycled

8.4 miles  swam

34 miles run

18 miles hiked

 27031 calories burnt

I am also now at my goal weight and that means I have lost 15 lbs since starting this at the beginning of February.

 I think March was a extreme month and with the new house I don't expect to beat that. I want to level things out now and continue to train but not as excessively.

Hiking the Brecon Beacons

So after moving house I'm off up the Brecon's with a 80lb bergen on my back. I'm carrying everything I need for a two night hike across the hills. The weekend was great, I got some nasty blisters because I borrowed Tom's old boots. We went on the SAS training route apparently. These guys run it in about 3 hours.. Madness. As you can see from the pic it was no small hill and with the added weight and beautiful weather it made the whole thing pretty tough.

We went up Pen Y Fan which is just under 3000 metres. The view was amazing and well worth all the blisters. We camped out in a forest of the first night at which point I decided to eat as much of my food and water to lessen the bergen weight the next day.

On day 2 it was much colder and me being me decided to wear shorts. The other lads were in full winter gear which did look nice. I moaned a bit, in fact a lot about how cold I was and my feet hurt. I love a good moan..

 As you can see from the pic I managed to borrow Tom's jacket (Yes I did bring some of my own things) which helped keep the cold out. My quad muscle hurt a lot that weekend. I went through a lot of Voltarol and ibuprofen to help manage the pain. I also bought one of those leg straps which seemed to help. I think my mind is strong but my body is starting to suffer from what I have put it through over the last few months..

As we walked out of the Brecons back into civilisations I felt an enormous sense of achievement. We had covered 20 miles in two days and my feet knew that. The last couple of miles killed and each footstep was a burning pain as my blisters hit the floor. We got to the pub and had some well earned drinks. That is when beer tastes the best! In the evening we went out for more beers and food. One more night sleeping in the tents (-4 apparently) and we went home. I was quite stiff but had to get back to pack ready for 5 days in Cornwall.. I was taking my running gear and bike so was planning some testing routes..

One busy week

So in the lead up to our house move I was getting anxious that I may not be able to fit in as many exercises.. As mentioned before I plan my whole week out and work out when I will be able to fit in a swim, run or cycle. Having the static bike helps enormously as I can squeeze in a quick 30 mins on the bike regardless of the weather..

This week is going to be very busy.

Monday - Marie and I are off to a hotel in Oxfordshire (pressie from my Dad) 
Tuesday - Back from hotel and pack remaining house
Wednesday - Full day of packing
Thursday - Move house.
Friday  - Early start and off 3 day hiking in the Brecon Beacons for friends stag do.

So squeezing in exercise is going to be tricky, none the less I'll do something.

Monday - I knock out 12.5k on the static bike and then go out for a 6k run. Marie and I take it in turns as we have the kids and Mare's Mum is coming over to look after the whilst were away. I had to get something in today as the plan is to go out and have a few drinks and a nice meal in the evening. Lots of calories..

Tuesday - We get back from a lovely stay at the Beetle & Wedge and pack our remaining clothes. I'm thinking I may jump on the static but Marie is feeling a little rough from the night before so when she has a snooze I jump on my hybrid bike and smash 28k in just over an hour. Almost beat my PB of 20k but I had to stop at the traffic lights.

Wednesday - I get up at 6am and to pack up the remainder of the house. I want to do a run but I will see how I go. The final packing takes most of the day, I decide to get on the static bike and knock out 20k. I wanted to do a swim tonight but my whole body aches from packing up.

Thursday - House move day so I decide that is exercise enough and take a day off

Friday - Brecon Beacon hike (Again enough exercise in that..)

The above is proof that no matter how busy you think you are there is always time to squeeze in training/exercise.

Let's try a swim and a run..

So it's Sunday and I have been planning doing a 1 mile swim followed by a 7k run this week. I'm a bit nervous as my legs feel like jelly after I get out of the pool swimming that sort of distance.
It's Daylight savings as well so I have lost an hour. Means I get up at 6am which is really 5am ready for the swim at 7am. I give my Dad a quick text as I know he is down and see if he would like to come to the pool. He happily agrees so I swing by and pick him up.
I jump in and push off with my 64 lengths. It goes really well and it feels much better swimming in the morning. Dad does quite a few lengths but as I hit 50 he is getting out. I stop quickly to arrange when I will be back after my run. He commends me on my fitness and says I have a good stroke. This gives me a boost and also means a lot as my Dad was and still is a powerful swimmer. When he was in the Navy he swam around the Rock of Gibraltar which is about 5-6 miles I think. Maybe more.

Once the swim is over I rush to get out and get in my running gear. I bypass the shower and quickly stick on my running gear. It takes me about 3-4 mins to get changed and I get outside. It's nice and cold which is lovely as I'm still sweating from the swim. I push off and notice my legs are a little jelly like. Totally different feeling to that of what I feel like after a big bike ride. I suppose it's because I'm using different muscles.
I don't know Tadley very well but have an idea of where I'm going to run. I turn on the voice on Endomondo so I can hear my lap times and also get an idea of how far I have done. It's a beautiful blue sky morning and I really enjoy running round Tadley looking at the different houses.. I get to the 5k running past the main Atomic Weapons Establishment gate. I know my way back from here so cut down through Tadley. I get back to the car having ran 7.2k in 37 mins. Really happy with that considering I had just swam a mile. Think I'll do more of that!

100 lengths

So it's Thursday night and I'm back in the pool. I did 96 lengths on Monday. I'm on my own as Darran is on holiday.. I squeeze in a quick 10k on the static bike before I leave. Have a good sized meal of pasta and chicken and make my way to the pool. I arrive 10 mins early knowing I need to be in the pool and swimming for 21.00 if I want to get to the 100 lengths. I know I can do it but I feel a sense of dread knowing that it's going to take a long time.

I wont bore you with the ins and outs of how I got there but I made it to 100. It took me 58 minutes to swim which was 8 mins longer than on the Monday swimming just 4 lengths less. I was feeling quite sore a few days later but it was good. I love swimming and am now looking at potential competitions I could enter.. Can't wait to get into the lake when it warms up and do some open water swimming.

How far can I swim?

I am now swimming twice a week. I have joined the pool (£16 per month) and know I have to go twice a week to make it worthwhile.
I get to the pool tonight and it's very quiet.. I have been thinking about increasing my distance. I would love to do 1.5 miles which is 96 lengths. Going by my previous times this will take my just under a hour and considering I only have a swim window of an hour I would have to be very efficient once in the pool.

I swim off and as usual it takes me 10-15 lengths to get my breathing right. A few more join the lane but soon leave as they are casual swimmers. I get to the 50 mark and feel pretty good. I push on and make 64 with no bother.. Onwards up to 80 and now my arms are beginning to ache. I lose count a few times so instead of going up I deduct one. As I reach the 96 I feel delighted with myself. My fitness has proven itself again. Now I wonder if I can do 100? :-)

I think I'm addicted..

So the last few days have been jammed packed with all the disciplines needed for the Tri. On Saturday I went out with my mate Tom and we did a 26k bike ride and then a run. This was Tom's first try at double exercise and he handled it pretty well. The cycle was really nice and took us out past Bramley with a return route through Chineham. 

26k round Bramley

We completed in a hour and 10. Not very fast but not bad. Had to stop a few times as Tom mastered drinking and riding. He hasn't been on his bike for long so I think his confidence needs to grow. We got back and transitioned ready for the run. We set off round Winklebury for a 5k jog. Went really well and I felt great. As we approaced the 4k mark Tom started to suffer a bit. He was getting pain in his leg and eventually we had to stop as he stretched it out. I don't think he had ever got cramp before so he was a little upset. We walked for a bit and then he managed to jog the rest of the way. Once completed he loved it, I think he was suffering (like me on my first) but he felt an amazing sense of accomplishment. He was already planning the next one with me.. :-)

When I got home I had some time to kill, knowing I was taking Marie out for dinner I fancied a bit more on the bike. I jumped on the static and knocked out 10k more. That will do I thought.. I think I'm becoming addicted to the feeling the exercise is giving me.. I am very focused at the moment on getting my body fit. I think as the need for the weight loss is nearly over I keep wanting to see how far I can push myself.. This is the fittest I have been in my life and I am loving it right now. I have the house move coming up next week so I suspect I will have less time to train which depresses me a bit.. I plan a week ahead now of when I can fit in training..

So the next morning I take Marie out on a 16k bike ride that takes in Farleigh Wallop hill. It was the same route I took Mark on a few weeks prior. She is a little hungover from the night before so the first 10 mins take their toll on her. As we approach the hill I cycle on at my pace and tell her to keep cycling and not stop. Once I reach the top I wait for Marie. Five mins later she comes round the corner, she did it! She managed to get up the hill without stopping. We continue on for the rest of the ride.. Felt great and almost got rid of the hangovers..

I went for my Monday night swim last night. I went on the static before I went out to loosen up my legs. My right quad muscle is still aching.. I keep doing daily stretches which seem to help. I get to the pool at 21.00 and the water aerobics is still going. I really wanted the full hour to see if I can get to 1.5 miles.. They finally clear out and after the floor is lowered I push off. 21.08.. Here I go.. The first 20 are nice. I have the whole lane to myself.. I hit 30 and another swimmer joins me.. He is OK speed. I catch him up within about 10 lengths and he lets me go through. As I hit 50 I feel good. My goggles are much better now and don't hurt. They let a little bit of water in but it doesn't affect my swim.
I reach 66 and think only 30 more to go.. That is a lot though. I count my strokes between lengths (something to do). I'm doing 30 strokes for every length. I decided to work out how many that would be over 96 lengths.  2880 strokes of my arms to complete 1.5 miles.. If I keep this up I reckon I should see results on my shoulders and arms soon..

So I break down the last 30 needed in to 3 sets of 10. It makes it easier to count and also doesn't seem so daunting. I go past my previous PB of 84 lengths and look at the clock. 21.50.. Come one James the pool closes in 10 mins. Amazingly I manage to speed up and come in on 96 lengths at exactly 50 mins. So happy. What an achievement. Only been swimming 10 sessions now and I have managed to get up to swimming a mile and a half in less than an hour.. That has to be good? This is what pushes me on. The realisation that I can achieve goals that I would never of thought I could. I plan to try a swim and run on Sunday.. Heard they are pretty hard as all the blood goes to your arms and head as you swim and when you get out your legs are like jelly.. I will do about 50 lengths I think and then get out and run 5k round Tadley..

Swimming like a dolphin...

I went for my swim last night. I was a bit late so I rushed through. Felt ready for it. Had a nice high carb dinner and showered down ready for a long swim. Fast lane had about four people doing slow breaststroke.. Come on guys move over. Brimming with confidence I jump in and push off "fast". I soon catch up with the first slow coach.. I brush my fingers on his feet, he quickly looked round and knew I was on him. By the time he reached the end he let me go through. I nodded my appreciation. Within two lengths another slow one was in the way. I used the same technique and they quickly moved. This went on for about 20 lengths and they all decided to get out. Good, I'm glad. I'm not being a big head but there are three lanes for different speeds. Not one of these swimmers was fast. I know when I arrive I quickly assess the speed of the swimmers in the fast lane. If they look similar I join, if faster I downgrade myself to the medium lane. I think some people like to think they are quicker than they actually are.

Anyway I reached 40 lengths and felt good. I was really focusing on my stroke, my right arm is strong and makes loads of bubbles as I pull through the water. The left arm is weaker and makes little effort. So I made sure when I took a breath my left arm goes in and I focus on pushing it hard through the water. I also really need to kick more. I do kick but not hard enough. All these improvements will speed me up. So I did 30 lengths in 14 mins. May of been less. I need to get a waterproof watch to do some proper timings. I then pushed on and finished the mile in 32 mins. I wanted to go for a record so I carried on. No breaks so far. My arms were aching but I wanted to see how far I could swim. I stopped at 45 mins of non-stop swimming and had done 84 lengths. So amazed with my improvement. I struggled to do 20 lengths at the start. I felt great after and had to make myself get out of the pool. Next time I want to hit 96. That is 1.5 miles. I really need a good hour to get that done and also a quiet night. Monday night it is!

Weigh in this morning and I was shocked to see that I have lost yet another 2lbs. Quite taken back by the loss.. That is 13lbs in 7 weeks. I reckon I will hit the stone mark by next week.

Planning a big cycle and run with my mate Tom tomorrow, he may not come on the cycle if it rains.. I will still go!

Intensifying the training...

No I haven't done all three in one go yet.. Will be trying that next month but over the last few days I have done them all. The swim on Monday was great. It was very quiet and I had the whole lane to muself. Managed to do 20 lengths without even thinking about it. Got to 50 comfortably and decided to push onto 64. Had a quick rest and then did 6 more allowing me to reach an all time high of 70 lengths. It took me 42 mins and the only reason I stopped was because the pool was closing. Going tonight so will aim for the 64 again but plan to speed it up. Was watching professional athletes on TV last night doing the triathlon. What I did notice was how good their stroke was. It was perfect everytime. Need to work on that. What was encouraging was some of the guys were taking a breath every two strokes and not three like I've been told I should do.. Each to their own I suppose.

The next day I did my cycle and run. Decided to do the same as last week but in the different direction. This made it much easier as I didn't have to battle the one way traffic system through town. Within five mins I was out in the countryside. As I approached the Mapledurwell turn I missed it and carried on for a kilometre. I then realised and turned round. The rest of the cycle was great and I knew I was making good time. Completed in 1 hour dead and the distance was 24.67k (15.4 miles). This was an improvment for me and I got a new PB for my 1 hour distance. Got off the bike and ran my usual 6k route. Found it really tough going. Didn't want to continue but I pushed through the fatigue and finsihed in a slow 31 mins. Still that would of been 26 mins for the 5k so not too bad. All in all a very good few days of exercise.. Off for a swim tonight and then weigh in tomorrow. :-)

A run with Molly

So I have been chatting with Molly for a few weeks about taking her for a small run. The weather looks lovely on Sunday so we decide we will all go up the memorial park and take it in turns running round.

We get there and I explain the route to Molly. She is very excited to get going. I teach her about pacing the run and breathing steadily. I plan on taking us one kilometre round the park. Shouldn't be too hard for Molly but we will see.

We kick off and she is doing really well. We get to 500 metres and she is starting to puff a bit but I tell her to pace it out and breathe easy. As we approach the 1k she is red cheeked but seems to be handling it well. I suggest we push on and maybe go for the 1.6k which is a mile. She agrees and we push on. The last bit is all up hill and I reckon had it been more flat Molly would of reached the one mile. We stopped 100 metres short but I was very proud she made it that far. I said "Next time we will reach the mile.." To which she nodded. You could see how happy she was and proud that she managed to run that far.
I'm going to try and encourage more of that, I would love to see my kids being more active. Molly is like me and very competitive. She was already asking me how quickly I can run certain distances.

After this I wanted to see how quick I could run the 2k loop in. I ran about six weeks ago in a time of 10.30.  I set off and start at a good pace. I know I have the uphill bit at the end but I proper leg it any case. I glance down at my watch and see I'm making a good time. This pushes me on even more and I complete the 2k in 8 mins 32 seconds. Wow.. That is two minutes off my time six weeks prior. I also notch up a new PB for the mile in 6 mins 31s. Be nice if  could keep that pace up.. That's what I will aim for by September. Means I will be able to do the 5k in under 20 mins..

I've done a Triathlon in 24 hours!

So after last nights 64 lengths I decided I would take a half day and try for the other two stages today.

I map the original 23k route which takes me out towards Hook and swinging back round via Mapledurwell. This was the one where I got a flat.. I'm kitted out now but really don't want to be stopping today.

Marie has to go to our friends kids party so the plan is to complete the cycle and then run over to their house which is about 6k from ours. All sounds good.

23k cycle route

Kick off and the slow start through town annoys me but I'm soon out towards Old Basing and my mind starts thinking about getting a puncture.. All looks good and I'm making good pace. Hitting 10k and it's taken me 26 mins. The route up towards Newnham is nice, lots of downhills and then a long winding up hill which I attack well. My fitness is improving greatly. I think the sessions on the static bike are paying off.
I cross the A30 (scary stuff) and continue towards Mapledurwell. Been studying the route and was nervous I may get lost but as I approach the turns my bearings kick in.. A long hill that takes me down to about 9kph takes me back towards Basingstoke. I complete the cycle in 56mins which is OK.. I want to do that in 45 mins so I reckon without the slow Town start I can shave minutes off.

I chuck my bike in the garage and set off towards Winklebury. He lives up on a new estate near the Hospital. I decide to run down by the Bowling alley and cut up through. Up to that point it was going well. Then I had about 3k of uphill running. I was proper panting and swinging my head but determined not to stop. I make it in a slow time of 35 mins for 6.3k.. Still not bad after doing the full cycle route.

6.3k run

After all of this I have decided that I will probably do an earlier Triathlon than the one in September. I just can't wait that long now to get it done. I have looked at the Blenheim Tri and its on June 10th. I'm going to wait to the end of this month and look to book it up. Good news is that it's one of the easiest Triathlons as the whole thing is contained within the grounds of Blenheim Palace and also the bike route is 3k less than the Reading one.. Watch this space.

Swim and weigh in

Swimming tonight and I have decided I will join the pool at Tadley. Only £16 per month which means I just need to swim more than 5 times per month to get my moneys worth.
I turn up 20 mins earlier (20.40) and the lady at the desk panics as she has never done a membership. Fifteen minutes later and I'm still still there. I suggest I'll go for a swim and complete the registration after my swim.

I get ready and jump in the pool. I have on my new goggles that my lovely wife bought me (see pic) and I jump in. Instantly I notice how much better these goggles are. I can hardly feel them on. I do notice a little water seeping in after a few lengths so think I may need to adjust a bit more. As I reach 10 lengths I see the manager waving at me. I reluctantly pull up and he ask me my bank account number for the direct debit setup. This is for an account I don't use much and I can't remember. I say I need to carry on and will tell you at the end of my swim. I crack on and feel annoyed I have been stopped so early on. The fast lane is very fast tonight. I share it with three very strong swimmers. This pushes me a lot more as I'm conscious of them creeping up on me. I crack on and hit 30 comfortably. I do 10 more and then move into the next lane as it just has one swimmer. Its getting late now (21.40) so I decide I will just do 50 tonight. Once I get to 50 I think I can do a few more. I try swimming a length under water. Get about 70% of the way and my lungs give in. Will work on that!

So I'm on 54 and I think only 10 more and you have done a mile. I check the clock. The pool closes in 10 mins. I can do it in 5. I push on and reach 64 (1 mile). Very happy with that effort. So after all that when I get back to the reception the system has crashed and they cannot setup my membership. He tells me to come back the next day.. I will come back next week. Plan to swim twice a week. Swimming is one of those exercises I personally dread but absolutely love it when I'm there. I have no muscle ache the next day like I do with running or cycling. (Am I pushing myself hard enough?)

So the next morning I weigh in. Not feeling very confident this week for some reason. Think I have worked out less than previous weeks.. I jump on and amazingly I have lost another kilo. That's 2lbs. I'm now 12st 8lbs. I have lost 11lbs in 6 weeks. Almost on course for 2lbs per week. (My original target). What's more is I'm only 8lbs off my goal weight. My BMI has gone down and I find out once at 12st I will be in the "Healthy" category for my weight/height/age. Amazingly I can go down to 10st and it still classes me as healthy. I can only imagine how scrawny I would look at 10st!!

Running cold

So I need to get out running tonight. I get home and quickly change.. I'm concerned I haven't run cold like this much and worry I may get an injury. I do a few stretches (probably not enough) and set off. I've been thinking on the way home I may push the distance.. I have been doing 6k for the last 6 weeks and know I can do that in 28 mins. I always said I would not push the distance too far as I only have to do 5k on the day and that is exactly what caused my achilles tendonitus last year when I quickly increased my distance to 10k runs.
I set off and feel good. The weather is pretty cold and I'm thinking shorts and short sleeve top may not of been the best choice. I soon warm up and reach the halfway mark in good time.. As I approach the 5k which is mainly uphill my achilles aches a bit.. Hope it's not starting again and I think it might be best to stick with the normal 6k.
As ever my mind pushes me on and I reach the last 500m and decide to run off a different way. This new way is mostly uphill and it takes more of a strain on my calves.. I reach the end and clock in at 7k in a time of 34.21. Not brilliant but I think the GPS was a little out and the distance was further. Not going to worry about it as was just happy to run a little bit further..
Planning a proper bike and run for Friday.. I'm fully ready now and have all the spare inner tubes so no worries about punctures this time!

Cycle & Run with my brother

So I managed to get my brother to come out on the cycle with me. I mapped a 16k one which took in Farleigh hill. Couldn't convince him to come on the run with me.. Give it time!

So the cycle started well, Mark came along with Julie's brother Mark. They were both on mountain bikes. They had cycled a couple of miles so they were nicely warmed up.

My bike felt so much better since the freewheel had been greased up. No slipping of gears anymore..

We all started well but within 5 mins I had built up quite a lead. I wasn't racing too fast but it was clear my bike was better for the roads than their mountain bikes. As we approached Farleigh Wallop Hill I warned the lads to keep pedalling.. "Don't stop" I shouted.. The hill climbs for about 2k and I was keeping good pace. As I approached the last bit my speed went down to 6kph. Need to improve on that. I looked round and the 2 Mark's were way back.. I got to the top of the hill and waited for them. I started my watch so I could deduct the time from my end time. Five mins later and they're at the top looking a lot sweatier than when they started. They both commented how unfit they felt.

Farleigh Wallop Hill

We pushed on and the next bit was a welcoming downhill sprint towards Beggarwood.  Got up to about 55kph.. Was getting a little nervous thinking how bad my legs would look if I came off..  The rest of the ride was great, mostly downhill and at a good pace. The boys were a lot slower but I think a combination of fitness and bike style would help them no end.

Got back in 53 mins and deducted 6 mins off for waiting time. 47 mins for 10 miles. Not great and need to be doing half again in the same time. Set out for my 6k run and felt really good. The weather was beautiful and as I approached the half way mark I checked my time and was encouraged to see I was doing the same time as earlier in the week. I ran on and finished at a 28.38. That was 9 seconds faster than the Tuesday one.. Really happy with that. Felt amazing, no tired legs and reckoned I could of gone back out on the bike..

This is what it takes....

So 'weigh in day' today and I have managed to lose another 3lbs. That is a total of 9lbs in 5 weeks. I'm feeling fitter and people are starting to comment that I look better. Well worth all the effort. As I write this two days later I have now lost another 2lbs. Wasn't my official weigh in day but I was worried I had put on after my Saturday drinking session. Bit scary really and I think at some stage soon I will have to return my diet to a normal 2500 calories per day..  I currently weigh 12st 8lbs. I was 13st 5lbs when I started.

I gave away some of my "large" clothes to my Brother at the weekend and have started wearing what used to be "tighter" items of clothing.. Think I may need to get some new clothes soon. So looking back over February I see what has enabled me to lose weight. The image below comes from the software I use to monitor my workouts.

As you can see I have done quite a bit and I intend to keep that up and at the same time increase distance and speed. I also want to do at least 2 swims per week. Stats for February are below;

Running: 58.66k (36.6 miles)
Cycling: 190k (118 miles)
Swimming: 4.35k (2.7 miles)

Aim to increase that in March...

Can I really swim a mile?

So tonight I would like to see if I can swim a mile. That's 64 lengths of the pool. To date the most I have swam is 54 but that was with two stops.. I fuel up and set off. Its pretty hard counting lengths when you know you have so many to go.. I'm always analysing things, I get to 20 lengths and think can you do that two more times.. At 30 I'm feeling good. Really busy in the pool tonight and lots of old women doing the usual one length and then rest.. Grrr

So when I reach 32 I see Darran and say "Half a mile done..." I carry on and get to the 54 mark.. I haven't stopped now and my goggles are starting to hurt my eyes.. They are total rubbish.. Need a new pair. I reach 60 and my arms are now feel heavy.. I push on and do the final 4.. Wow.. I did it.. Feel really great and what's more after a few mins rest I know I could do more. (I didn't)

I get home and tell Marie about my acheivment and explain that the goggles caused me more pain than anything else.. The little sweetheart has only gone and bought me a pair of triathlon goggles.. Love her.

So now I have reached a mile I think I'll leave it there for the distance challenge.. Now to improve technique and speed. I did the mile in 38 mins without any stops. I'm sure with a bit of training and better goggles I can smash that. Watch this space.

Bike & Run day

I'm now in week 5 and feeling fitter than ever. Today I'm going to do two stages of the Triathlon. That is a 16 mile bike ride and then a 4 mile run. (Triathlon is only a 3 mile run).
I get myself all ready and fuel up on pasta and chicken with an energy drink thrown in. I plan my route which takes me towards Hook and across to Mapledurwell. I set off driving through town, nightmare. I try and cut through roads and end up on kerbs. My bike doesn't like this. I end up cutting through Memorial park and have to take the bike across some rough ground.

So now I'm about 7k out by Old Basing and I look down to see my front tyre is flat.. Oh no.. I knew this would happen. Guess what? I don't have anything to repair it with. I was planning to get all the gear in the evening when I dropped the bike off.. Silly boy. That will teach me. I call Ma on the off chance she is about but she is working. So I begin to push my bike back towards the bike shop 6k away.
After an hour I arrive at the bike shop and check the bike in for the wheel issue and ask the guy to kit me out with all I need to repair punctures. They don't bother these days with kits as inner tubes are much cheaper. I get some of the stick on patches just in case.

I get home feeling really deflated that I didn't get to complete my cycle and run. I really cannot be bothered to go running now.. I wait an hour and then decide I must go out... Right.. That's it I'm going to run my usual 6k as fast as I can.. Go for a good PB. I run off with power and know within 10 mins I'm making good time. I worry I wont be able to keep the pace up but by the half way mark I feel good.. I've ditched the jogging bottoms now as it's warming up and more short weather. I finish the run at 28.47. More than a minute faster than my time on Sunday.. Well happy.. Not sure if I could do that time after a 16 miler on the bike but none the less it's early in my training and anything is possible.

Reading a triathlon diary first timers should aspire to be doing the 750 swim in 15 mins, bike in 45 and the run in 25. That would bring you in for a time under 1.30. Obviously you have the transition times to add to that. I reckon I will have the swim time within the month and I am already running 5k in 22 mins (best time not average) so I just need to focus on the bike. Should be averaging 19 mph. Currently averaging about 14 mph so quite a way to go.

Burn off those calories

So after a night of wine and beer I wake on Sunday morning determined to burn off those calories. I go out on my normal 6k run and really go for it.. The weather is gorgeous, has to be about 10 degrees and its only 9am.. I see this woman running with her elderly father.. How nice is that.. In fact loads of runners are out that day and we all give each other the customary nod.. So approaching the last K I'm heavy breathing knowing I have done a good time. I finish in under 30 mins (29.28), great time. This was the best I did last year and the height of my running..
Still sticking with the 6k as the max distance. May push it up to 7k but no more.

Out with Molly

Got Molly a new bike so we pick it up and after a clean and some greasing we go out towards Halfords. I'm teaching Molly road sense and she learns really quickly. The bike is sooo much better than the last one and she seems to be handling it well.
Once we get what we need at Halfords we decide to go on, we drive through buckskin, Winklebury, town centre, black Dam and then home. We have a few stops so Molly can play at parks.
Distance was 17k (10 miles) and took us about 2 hours. Molly feels very happy about the distance we did..

Double exercise time...

So my plan today was to cycle out for at least 16k and then come back and immediately run. I'm going to try Cliddesden again but been told of an easier hill.. So the hill is much longer but less gradient. It takes me a while to get up but I push on. Better than the previous hill.

I continue past Beggarwood and then down through the back of Kempshot. Not the best route, very off roady and not good for my bike I finish the ride in 45 mins which was a 20k ride. About 13 miles. I arrive back at my garage and take off my gloves, helmet and readjust Endomondo and run my usual 6k route. Instantly my legs feel like concrete. I push on knowing this is going to be a slow time but at the same time feeling surprising good considering the exercise I have done. I mean I was only swimming 54 lengths last night and now I'm running after a 13 mile ride. This gives me a good buzz and pushes me to the finish line in a respectable 32.11. 3 mins slower than my usual time but happy to finish with no major injuries.

Weigh in today and I have gone below the 13st mark. I now weigh 12st 13lbs. 6 pounds weight loss in 4 weeks. Not bad.

Swimming

Will keep this one short. Swimming tonight. I'm going to push my distance but I need to fuel up. Eat a massive bowl of pasta and chicken .
Get to the pool and start off in fast lane. First 15 lengths feel good. Breathing is heavy but that soon settles. I struggle keeping count but I hit the 30 lengths at 18 mins. Not bad. Can go much quicker than that. Move to the medium lane I decide to rest for about a minute and then carry on. I'm not quite sure how many I wanted to do but as I approach 50 I feel delighted my body is still allowing me to continue. I have another short rest and do 4 more. 54 lengths, the most I have ever swam and it all took about 32 mins. I go home knowing that just 10 more lengths is a mile. Wouldn't that be great to achieve??

First big cycle & run

So I decided today I would go out on my first big cycle.. I headed out towards Cliddensen and the plan was to do about 16k.. As I got into the village I took what I thought was the right turn.. Up ahead I could see a large hill.. It was a monster!! It took me about 10 mins to climb and at points I was only going about 7km/h (walking speed). Bike was playing up too slipping in and out of gear. Must get that in the shop.

So after my wrong turn I'm reading signs of villages that I have never heard off.. Getting a bit worried at this stage.. I finally come up on a sign that reads Alton. That will do. My pace is picking up and I'm coasting along at 25-30 km/h. I then hit the A340 Alton road. Not good. This is a very busy road but I come out at Herriad Mills and think I'm only a few miles from home. How wrong I was! It's funny when you drive these roads in cars how little you notice. After cycling 7k down the A340 I make it to Basingstoke and home 5 mins after that. My original 16k turned into 26k. It took me 1 hour and 10 mins.. I was planning to come back and run but thought I better rest. I waited about an hour and then ran a 6k route in a cracking time of 29.48. Really happy with todays exercise, Endomondo says I burnt a massive 1500 calories.. I also weighed myself before and after and I had lost 1lb.. :-) Great day.. Just need to go for the run straight after the bike next time

Family Cycle - Virginia Water

Sunday and were off with the family to Virginia Water for a bike ride. Been there loads walking but never cycled. Loaded up the car with mine and Marie's bike and the trailer. No Molly this weekend. Looking for a replacement bike for her at the moment.
Mum, Mark & Daisy also joined us.. As ever it takes us ages to get things ready, we me rushing about since 07:30 and Marie trying to get the kids ready we just made the 10:00 meet time. Fitted my bike with a new computer so I can track the distance and speeds.. I now how my phone and this so should get accurate readings.

Its a lovely sunny day and Virgina Water was absolutely packed.. Never seen so many people there. I suppose if you get these good weather days in Feb people take advantage..

Anyway after I have the bikes off and built the trailer were off, I did ask Marie to get a photo for the blog but she forgot.. Will be going out this weekend and will remember to do one.

So as it was so packed the first couple of K were very slow. We had to weave in and out of people. It's funny that we were all moaning about the walkers getting in the way but I bet if we were walking we would of moaned about the cyclists..? :-)

After a while the path cleared and the rest of the cycle was great. A really nice wide road that took us down a large hill for about 5 mins. I got up to 49km/h on the bike.. At this point I noticed my chain is sagging. Might need a good oil I have been told.. The route took us all the way back to the start past the waterfall.. In total it was at 10k cycle which we all did at a leisurely pace of 1 hour 30 mins.. Need to find more routes like that.. Can't wait for it to warm up a bit..

First proper Run & Cycle

So I'm picking my bike up today and the plan is to do a 5k run and end up at the bike shop and then go off for a cycle..

I have just bought myself a new phone so I can use this running software "Endomondo". It uses GPS to map where you have run and gives you detailed stats on your split times. I kicked it off and began my run.

I run to the park and don't stop. I complete the 2k loop and then half way round again.. I'm estimating I'm at 5k now so I run to the bike shop. I stop running just before the shop and buy one of these lucozade sport drinks. £1.50!! Seems a lot for some orange squash..

When I get into the bike shop they haven't done my bike and ask if I can come back later, I'm mid way through my workout and feeling totally gutted that I wont be able to do the bike part. I explain to the guy and he says they'll do it now.. 10-15 mins. I don't want to cool down so I decide to run out for 15 mins. I check my phone and it appears the software hasn't worked. It had my last run at 4.16 miles in 19 mins. I wish!! I reset it and start it again. I run back up the road and do another circle around the park. Whole thing takes about 15 mins and this time the software has worked. Ran another 2.3k on top of the 5.3k I did before.
The bike is ready so I pop my helmet and push off.. First thing I notice is with the road tyres you really feel the bumps in the road.. The bike does feel good however and I soon get up a good speed. Its very busy in town and I soon learn to navigate through the traffic. Darran was telling me I need to get out into the countryside to really practice, he was right. I keep having to stop or slow down. I push on up Pack Lane and then back round. Endomondo is now working on the "Cycle workout" and it tracked me doing 8k. The whole thing took 24 mins and my top speed was 44km/h. For my first real cycle I was happy with it. I need to get out to back roads though.. Thinking maybe Dummer way or over by Bramley..

So to summarise I did 8k run and then a 8k bike ride.. Took me about an hour and 20 but I had to stop a few times. Really enjoyed it..

Swim Night

So my third time in the pool.. I know I did 30 lengths last week so the plan is to do the same and maybe push a few more out. We get there at 21.00 and notice the car park is looking more empty than previously.. When we get in there the fast lane is pretty full but I decide to swim in it anyway.. The first few lengths go well, I swim fast. After about 6 lengths I start to feel tired.. The thought that I have another 24 lengths to do makes me feel deflated.. Also all the swimmers in my lane are very strong and I sense they're catching up on me. I get to 10 and decide to go to the medium speed lane. There are about 6 swimmers in this one. A few new faces. This is much better, more my speed. The next 10 come easy but these newbies do a couple of lengths and keep stopping at one end. This makes my turns almost impossible. At one stage all three of them were blocking the end having a chat. This wound me up and I looked to the life guard to see if he noticed. He didn't. I carried on and made it to 30 and did 2 more just to see if I could.
A few mins of rest and I did 12 more lengths. Darran wanted to do two more so I joined him and asked if he wanted to race, he didn't. I still went for it though and did two lengths in 45 seconds.. Good speed. Love to be able to keep  that pace up.. Good swim tonight. :-)

Memorial Park Run & Cycle

Had a day off today, Molly went home and the boys went to nursery/child minder so Marie and I planned a park run. My bike was still being fixed so the plan was for Marie to cycle to the park whilst I ran and then we would do 2k loops and take it in turns on the bike. The run to the park was just under 2k. We then stopped and Marie did the 2k loop around the park whilst I cycled. Her bike seat was too low so I found it hard to get a good cycle going. I timed Marie and she did the first 2k loop in about 12-13 mins.. I then took over and wanted to see how quick I could run 2k. I went off at a good speed, there is about 1/2 K on the loop that is continuously up hill.. Very tiring. Made it round in 10.12. Was proper knackered after that one. Marie took over and I did a few laps on the bike. We then ran home and felt great.. Nice exercising together.

Run & Cycle

It's half term so I have Molly. Off to the cinema with them today and then planning on repeating Friday's session of a cycle and run. I have my new bike now but it needs a service so I stick it in the shop.. It looks really good but I need a few adjustments to get it ready for a half decent road bike. I know its not a racing bike but it's a hybrid and it only cost me £150. If I enjoy the Triathlon then I'll go out and buy myslef a proper racing bike.

After the cinema we walk home, its warmer today but the wind is cold. I walk home with the kids and am really not feeling like going out for a run. First time since I started exercising that I haven't felt motivated to go out. This makes me feel bad.. I'm in my third week now and I knew that having some time off would change my routine a bit.

I get home and have some chicken and a small bit of rice. I then go up and change for my bike ride. Can't wait to go out on a proper bike, feel the static bike is a cheat. Finish about 12.8k in 30 mins. Get layered up and go for run. I decide I'm going to try and see how quick I can do 5k. Marie ran a 5K at the weekend in about 36 mins. I am currently running them in about 32 mins. I know before Xmas I was doing them in 30 mins and under. So I go on my normal around Brighton Hill run but I reverse it as I'm worried about the up hill bit that is all on grass. The snow is long gone but I imagine it's wet... The first 2k go well, I'm past Asda in 10 mins. Thats 5 minutes a K.. As I approach the 1k across grass I see how muddy it is. My trainers are mid range and have little grip. 1 min in and I'm slipping already. I struggle to stay up right. The downhill bit is even worse. I keep slipping. Half way through the 1k my legs are killing. I'm huffing and puffing and feeling like its time to stop.. Not even half way. I become deflated..

I make it to the end and the final 2k are all on the pavement.. A good track comes on my mp3 player and adrenaline kicks in.. I kick up the pace.. Half way down and feeling good. As I approach the 5k mark I check my watch and I'm at 27 mins. Wow... Done really well.. Just then a huge stitch hits me, I try to massage it out but it stops me breathing... I just reached the 5k.. Maybe a few hundred metres off.. Was 28 mins. I'll take that. I walk home the 1/2 km and feel very tired but happy with my new PB.. Tell Marie but she tells me I'm silly for pushing myself so early on. She is right of course but I can't help it..

Getting bored of that route, must change it. Marie has suggested a 5k run round Memorial park on Wednesday.. Sounds good to me. :-)

Circuits

So it's Sunday morning and after a whole day of rest (that was very hard) I have woke at 06:00 (Jakson's fault). I tell Marie we need to do something so we both decide to try some circuits in our room. We chat about the logistics of the whole thing as we have both Keston & Jakson with us. We stick Jakson in the baby bouncer and put Spiderman on for Keston. Sorted..

So the circuits are basic but we both do 5 mins on each. They consist of;

Sprint on the bike (At least 2.5k in 5 mins)
Sit ups and press ups
Weights (Curls and lifts)

It all starts well, We use Marie's new Ab machine which is pretty poor but after a few sessions Marie works out the proper way to do it and we both feel the benefit. The weights were fun, I have loaded my dumbell with about 28lbs of weight. I'm know I lifted more than that in my gym days but it feels pretty heavy for me now, plus I don't have any more than that! :-) I have this exercise with the one dumbell where I do a curl and then lift above the head. I then take back down. I repeat this on both arms. By the 15th I was shaking but pushed it too hard. My neck was making funny clicking noises as I pushed it up. I think that might hurt tomorrow..? 30 mins of circuits.. Felt like I had done a workout, not sure. At least I did something. The whole thing was complete by 07:25.

Need to do lots more sit ups and press ups..

Weigh in day

So it's Friday and my weigh in day. I'm feeling confident that I have lost some weight as this week has been full of exercise and also I feel that I haven't eaten much. I weigh in at 1kg less than last week. Very happy. I'm now 13 stone and 3/4 pound. That is 5lbs weight loss in two weeks. Feeling great about that.
Today is my cycle and run day and given that I have lost some weight I'm really looking forward to it.
It has snowed but I'm hoping by after lunch the snow melts. Come 14:00 the snow is melting on most of the paths so I decide to go for it. I do 13km on the static bike which takes me 30 mins. That bike is OK, I'm pretty sure once I get my real bike at the weekend I wont be doing 13k in 30 mins..

I put on three layers and head out for the run. Its pretty cold, must be about -3 as my face hurts. This is about a 5.6k run and takes me round Brighton Hill area. The first part is quite nice and a 2km run down a long road. The next 1k has no path which means I have to run on grass.. Fine in the summer but no good when its wet or in this case has snow. My feet kept slipping making the climb up the hill twice as hard. By the time I got to the top I was done in. Determined not to stop I carried on. By the last 1k I was feeling ready to stop, the little voice in my head chipped in and told me not to be a pussy and keep going.. Made it to the end and although my achilles was aching again I felt good.. Did some stretches and felt pretty good.. Looking forward to the time when I can do the 5k without feeling knackered. I have to remind myself I'm cycling for 30 mins before this run..

Start of the swim training

So I'm back at Tadley pool for a swim and I have decided to try and swim 30 lengths without stopping. This is how many I will have to swim on the big day. Granted it will be very different, it will be in a lake, with 49 other guys wrestling to get in front. Darran was up with me and brought his float as he needed to concentrate on improving his kicking. I chose the fast lane which only had the one swimmer in and went for it.

I decided that I wouldn't count each one as I reached the end but would count every two. The first 5 (10) went well. I think I lost count but as I hit 10 (20 lengths) I was feeling OK. My goggles are rubbish, only 1.99 from Soccer Sport in town. Must get some new ones. They kept letting water in which didn't make the last 5 (10) much fun. As I hit the 30th length I checked the time and I think I did the whole thing in about 15 mins.. Not sure. Will time next week. I think I need to be pushing for a much quicker time than that.

Had a 2-3 min rest and then did another 10 lengths.. All in all a good night for swimming, Think I might join that pool. Only £16 per month.

It all starts from here....

Today I signed up for the Reading Triathlon which takes place on September 9th. I know that is currently 7 months away but this is huge for me as I have never done anything like this in my life.. The plan is to blog about my training over the next 7 months, not sure how this will pan out but I think it might be good.. We'll see!

So last night I did 12k on the static bike and then went out on a planned 4k run. I started running my old route which takes me around Brighton hill and then the adrenaline kicked in and I decided to do he old route which was 5.6k. considering I have only been back running for two weeks I was really impressed how easy I found the run. so when I got back I thought if I can do that cycle and then that run I should be able to do a triathlon. I googled the Reading one and read the details. 750m swim, 26k cycle and then a 5k run.

I slept on it and this morning I got to work and booked it. got home tonight and although it was a rest day I did 20 mins on the bike. Was easy, I must keep this constant fitness up but the plan is spread the running out. may sort out a proper training plan.. been eating very healthy this week, lost 2 1/2 pounds last week, want the same again this week. Weigh in is on Friday.

Next step is to get a bike, my friend Darran who is a triathlon pro is looking for me. Was reading the best thing to improve on is the bike ride so I'm eager to get out on the road. That will do for now, off swimming with Darran tomorrow...