Back At It
Training has restarted, it’s going to be a long road back it fitness (and slimness) its always easier to put on weight than it is to lose it, it takes hard work and determination. So training began on Monday with a bike session. I tagged along on a Team Cherwell ride and loved being back in the saddle, however I did not love the cold and the saddle soreness. A turbo session was added in on Tuesday as the weather was awful! Wednesday was long run day, well I say long run loosely, it was 40 mins slow and controlled but nowhere near my ideal heart rate zone. I will push on and work hard, still not made it to the pool yet, well I did say small steps
Highs & Lows
After the high of completing Challenge Barcelona, it was back to home and work, it’s always nice to have 2-3 weeks complete rest after the season has finished, and it allows your body and mind to fully recover after a prolonged block of training. This year it was going to be different.
A few days after being home relaxing I developed a chest infection with the usual symptoms. This delayed my planned return to training by 3 weeks, I aways plan a cautious route so I had another week to make sure it had gone completely and planned to resume the start of November, the schedule was set and I was ready to get cracking, however at work on November 5th I woke up with a tightness in my back, it was uncomfortable but bearable. Sunday morning it was the same, as the day progressed it was not loosening off and I decided to cancel the planned ride that morning.
Monday 7th November I woke to an intense pain like I have never known before, I could barley move, it was agony. So to cut a boring story short, I had pro-lapsed a disc L5. For the next 5 weeks it was a drug filled painful existence, I have to say thanks to Karen who looked after me so well, and also (in no particular order Dr Stephen Haynes, Gisela Payne and of course Sky+ with it I would have gone totally insane)
A few days after being home relaxing I developed a chest infection with the usual symptoms. This delayed my planned return to training by 3 weeks, I aways plan a cautious route so I had another week to make sure it had gone completely and planned to resume the start of November, the schedule was set and I was ready to get cracking, however at work on November 5th I woke up with a tightness in my back, it was uncomfortable but bearable. Sunday morning it was the same, as the day progressed it was not loosening off and I decided to cancel the planned ride that morning.
Monday 7th November I woke to an intense pain like I have never known before, I could barley move, it was agony. So to cut a boring story short, I had pro-lapsed a disc L5. For the next 5 weeks it was a drug filled painful existence, I have to say thanks to Karen who looked after me so well, and also (in no particular order Dr Stephen Haynes, Gisela Payne and of course Sky+ with it I would have gone totally insane)
Challenge Barcelona In Pictures
Challenge Barcelona
Well it fair to say it was a bloody hard day. My Wave started at 08:50 the 1st 200mtrs was manic but overall the swim went well, After T1 I got on to the bike with bad stomach cramps, I could not get heart rate to settle, everytime I tried to eat or drink it would reappear, I managed to get heart rate down but by then my stomach would not take any food or fluids on, so it became a grind just to finish, it was really hot and just trying to survive an ironman on a few mouthfuls of water was not ideal if it had not been for the support from Karen & Leo I would have pulled out before the run. So happy to have finished but not happy with anything else.
Ironman racing is all about 1 day, if that day goes badly you need to pick yourself up and look deep into what went wrong, look at what you can do to make to right next time
Lots of people have asked if im dissapointed about Challenge-Barcelona
Costa de Barcelona-Maresme, and my result.
At the finish line I would have said yes, but after a few days I have to be honest and say No im not
dissapointed,
I went sub 13,
I rode and swam well,
the run needs
improvment
but after the issues on the bike and with my Stomach, I could not have hope for better, I could not have done more, I prepared as best I could and on the day, it was not ment to be. So I have a new PB and im looking forward to the next one Fitter, Faster, And chasing the Dream
Ironman racing is all about 1 day, if that day goes badly you need to pick yourself up and look deep into what went wrong, look at what you can do to make to right next time
Lots of people have asked if im dissapointed about Challenge-Barcelona
Costa de Barcelona-Maresme, and my result.
At the finish line I would have said yes, but after a few days I have to be honest and say No im not
dissapointed,
I went sub 13,
I rode and swam well,
the run needs
improvment
but after the issues on the bike and with my Stomach, I could not have hope for better, I could not have done more, I prepared as best I could and on the day, it was not ment to be. So I have a new PB and im looking forward to the next one Fitter, Faster, And chasing the Dream
6 Weeks and counting
Week 6 is planned at 20 hours 45mins, this will consist of:
2 Swims
4 Bike
3 Runs
1 Weights & Core session
It was a hard week, the main project was to work on nutrition in all the sessions, the main difference was trying it work on 400 calories per hour in the long bike & long brick sessions, my hourly intake is
500mls Energy drink
1/2 Energy bar
1 Gel
this will equate to roughtly 400cals, this was the 1st ride that i have really stuck to this, i have to say it worked really well, there was no slump in the ride at any time and when i started the 30min run it felt great and i was in total control.
The only other issue i have is the position which i ride my TT bike its a fairly severe (see below). I cant say its a pain in the arse as it my Balls.
2 Swims
4 Bike
3 Runs
1 Weights & Core session
It was a hard week, the main project was to work on nutrition in all the sessions, the main difference was trying it work on 400 calories per hour in the long bike & long brick sessions, my hourly intake is
500mls Energy drink
1/2 Energy bar
1 Gel
this will equate to roughtly 400cals, this was the 1st ride that i have really stuck to this, i have to say it worked really well, there was no slump in the ride at any time and when i started the 30min run it felt great and i was in total control.
The only other issue i have is the position which i ride my TT bike its a fairly severe (see below). I cant say its a pain in the arse as it my Balls.
Bike Position
With Barcelona only 6 weeks away im having a few position issues, i just cant seem to get comfortable, any comments are welcome.
Holiday Time
After a Busy training period we managed to get away for a well deserved break, lovely. But now its back in to training mode. So another week another 20hrs complete. Bring on Barcelona 6 weeks to go!
Training Update
So having just begun another big training week, I wanted to put an update in about my previous week.
Last week was planned as another 15hr Training week, same sessions as previous week, but a small increase in my Long Bike and Long Run, so my Week Tally for last week was 15hrs 48mins. Legs are good, mind and Body also Good, next week i have 16hrs 30mins planned, but I’m looking forward to Saturday Which will be my next rest day! so below is a Video which will detail what i will be doing
Last week was planned as another 15hr Training week, same sessions as previous week, but a small increase in my Long Bike and Long Run, so my Week Tally for last week was 15hrs 48mins. Legs are good, mind and Body also Good, next week i have 16hrs 30mins planned, but I’m looking forward to Saturday Which will be my next rest day! so below is a Video which will detail what i will be doing
Training Update
Another week, another target completed Last week i wanted to complete 14hrs, But after a tally up i completed 15hrs, and my legs still worked!
So my week consisted of:
3 Swims
5 Bikes
3 Runs
2 Weight and Core sessions
I was tired towards the end of the week but really pleased with the progression and how my fitness seems to be improving every week, also managed to lose 10lbs since i have restarted training, only another 21lbs to go.
Here's to a bigger week next week
So my week consisted of:
3 Swims
5 Bikes
3 Runs
2 Weight and Core sessions
I was tired towards the end of the week but really pleased with the progression and how my fitness seems to be improving every week, also managed to lose 10lbs since i have restarted training, only another 21lbs to go.
Here's to a bigger week next week
Training Update
Training is progressing very well, im really pleased with how im coping with a big training load, i had bit of a set back last week due to Hitting a pot hole and losing my C02 delivery unit and blowing a tube and tyre, but luckly thats all, my wheel was ok!
this week (week commencing 9th) im looking for a solid 14hr training week.
Only other news was the Banbury Triathlon, it made a very welcome return after 8 years away, it was an excellent event, and the finish line marshal was excellent, (Me!) However, there is one thing to remember to all the athletes out there. DON'T DRIP YOUR BODY FLUIDS ON ME, Thanks
this week (week commencing 9th) im looking for a solid 14hr training week.
Only other news was the Banbury Triathlon, it made a very welcome return after 8 years away, it was an excellent event, and the finish line marshal was excellent, (Me!) However, there is one thing to remember to all the athletes out there. DON'T DRIP YOUR BODY FLUIDS ON ME, Thanks
Burr And Not So Burr
Today a planned 3 hour ride, became an epic adventure, included in my Barcelona Prep are Weights and Core sessions, now being fairly new to these types of sessions they are quite hard, not as in weight lifted but more in using and strengthening muscles that are not that strong. this brought a challenge in itself, a 3hr ride is not normally challenging (except in my private Areas) but after yesterdays gym session my legs were shot, from the off it was difficult to keep any type of cadence, so i called in my Team mates to keep my sprits up and take my mind of the soreness, bit of a mistake, Gary and Lisa were riding out of theie skins, it was a real effort to keep up, we went through some wonderful areas with some lovely views, and from the picture some not so nice views (but it was like sitting behind a bus) so the pull was excellent. the 3hr ride bacame 3hrs 20mins which i was pleased with, remember PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY. (I hope)
And the Wheels fell off
Week 2 was always going to be a big ask, just under 15hrs planned, mostly Bike and working at a AeT base level, so it was not hard efforts, but by Friday i was smashed, i was really looking forward to my rest day on saturday, then a session at work on Sunday, but Sunday morning i woke up feeling really tired, could not eat, just felt really crap, so after another RD my 15hr week had gone, so week 2 ended being 12hrs, which, i am pleased with but i really hate missing sessions. So i begin week 3 ready and rearing to go!
MId Week update
Week 2 has started, So far im really pleased with how my body has held up, the week started with Swim, Run & Strength execises, a 2hr bike on Tuesday, a Swim followed by a Brick session. it has been tough at times but it feels like my fitness is returning, everyday i feel stronger. the highlight of the week is my return to the pool, this is hard, swim fitness is so under-rated. Spiceball Pool is not quite Laznarote (See Pic) but its better than nothing.
Training Week 1
So my build up in training has begun, a slow steady measured build towards Barcelona, i have to be honest it will be really good to be training in the better weather as opposed to training for Lanzarote which is always done through the winter. after week 1 I have clocked up just under 9 hrs which was mostly from Cycling and a couple of runs, Tomorrow see's my return to the pool which will be intresting.
todays ride was a really nice ride except for Old Man Gary complaining about his Ageing pains
todays ride was a really nice ride except for Old Man Gary complaining about his Ageing pains
Easter Holidays & Training
Well it's the Easter half term, the schools are off for two weeks, it appears to me that they have much more time off now than when i was at school. Luckly Karen has been off so i was able to continue my training.
Yesterday i actually managed a 20 minute run, which was excellent, it was painful, not the injury but the lack of fitness.
Today Leo was placed in front of the TV with a DVD on, so i slipped in to the garage 60mins @ Aet with a cadence of 100, good session, lots of sweat, but it was made more pleasant by the Pussy Cats Dolls, for Motivation, of course
Yesterday i actually managed a 20 minute run, which was excellent, it was painful, not the injury but the lack of fitness.
Today Leo was placed in front of the TV with a DVD on, so i slipped in to the garage 60mins @ Aet with a cadence of 100, good session, lots of sweat, but it was made more pleasant by the Pussy Cats Dolls, for Motivation, of course
Back in Training
So my new journey begins... two main challenges stand in my way!
Lose all the excess weight i have gained since the injury and get my lazy arse back in to full training mode for Challenge Barcelona in Oct. So my training will be long and steady, working at my AeT level, the only things im looking at for the next few months are Duration-Cadence-Heart Rate. I need to be disciplined and focused, it will be a long and hopefully enjoyable ride!
Lose all the excess weight i have gained since the injury and get my lazy arse back in to full training mode for Challenge Barcelona in Oct. So my training will be long and steady, working at my AeT level, the only things im looking at for the next few months are Duration-Cadence-Heart Rate. I need to be disciplined and focused, it will be a long and hopefully enjoyable ride!
Success...Now it's up to me
Friday 8th brought the final post op meeting with the surgeon who performed my operation, his remarks were that the op was very successful, he removed three pieces of bone including a spur which was restricting movement in the joint, he also commented that he cut away a substantial ammount of damaged tissue, the bonus was that there is no damage to the cartalidge in the joint, he also said in another 4 weeks he felt that it would be better than before!
Recovery Time...Again
Its been nearly 4 weeks since the operation on my ankle and im so bored, in fact im more bored than i have ever been.
So my training for Monday is:
5 minute walk unaided Cant wait! Its a start and every journey has to start somewhere
So my training for Monday is:
5 minute walk unaided Cant wait! Its a start and every journey has to start somewhere
Its Done!
The Operation Day came and past, it now time to focus on Recovery, So as the drugs wear off and the pain starts to hit, what better way to take my mind off it by telling you all about it!
First I have to say it was a very smooth process in the Nuffield Hospital in Oxford, All the staff were excellent.
My day started at 6am a shower, no food or drink, in the car at 6:30 got to the hospital for 7:30 check in time, a nurse said there’s your bed, surgeon will be around to see you in a few minutes, as she was leaving the surgeon came in, drew a big arrow on my right shin, as he wanted to get the right one! i was concerned!
By 11am it was all over and done with, no pain, very relaxed, even got Toast and coffee! now a few days have passed we removed the bandages and I was very surprised by how neat the cuts were, I have 4 stitches two tiny cuts slight swelling and very small amount of bruising, what I did get however was some pain, even with the pain killers it never goes away, but that good as I don’t want to do more that I can bear so its been 4 days and I can’t walk, if I do its with crutches, but these are more dangerous than anything I have ever experienced before and i will only do myself more injuries.
I can’t finish this without saying thanks to all my family and friends for the good wishes and visits, also to karen who has been an amazing nurse.
First I have to say it was a very smooth process in the Nuffield Hospital in Oxford, All the staff were excellent.
My day started at 6am a shower, no food or drink, in the car at 6:30 got to the hospital for 7:30 check in time, a nurse said there’s your bed, surgeon will be around to see you in a few minutes, as she was leaving the surgeon came in, drew a big arrow on my right shin, as he wanted to get the right one! i was concerned!
By 11am it was all over and done with, no pain, very relaxed, even got Toast and coffee! now a few days have passed we removed the bandages and I was very surprised by how neat the cuts were, I have 4 stitches two tiny cuts slight swelling and very small amount of bruising, what I did get however was some pain, even with the pain killers it never goes away, but that good as I don’t want to do more that I can bear so its been 4 days and I can’t walk, if I do its with crutches, but these are more dangerous than anything I have ever experienced before and i will only do myself more injuries.
I can’t finish this without saying thanks to all my family and friends for the good wishes and visits, also to karen who has been an amazing nurse.
Memories
Below is a short film of me racing in Lanzarote, wonderful memories. Thanks to Brian, Annie, Richard, Debi and Karen, without them it would not have been possible
Things to do when you're bored
Turn Leo into a little Piggy
No More Excuses
Having just got back from today’s ride I was asked “how was it today” being very cold and very annoyed I very quickly I said shit.
But as I was stood in the shower trying to thaw out my body, despite the many layers I was wearing, I started to think back over the session, was it really as bad as I thought?
If you look back at the numbers then yes. If you look at the experience I have gained from what at first appears to be a non-event session then No – here’s why
Riding along the World famous Banbury 13 Time trial route starting my winter training an easy session planned today (60mins at 65% – 75% so Max heart rate of 141bpm) I came to the first small incline, I took a look at my Garmin 310xt my all singing all dancing training partner for today’s, session it said “ave speed 11mph, heart rate 160”, every time I tried to put power through the pedals my heart rate shoots up, every time I raise my cadence my heart rate shoots up all my thoughts went back to this time last year when I was ramping up my training for Challenge Roth in July. I was riding the 13 as a tag on to the end of a 4hr ride, on the same incline I was sitting on an ave speed for the ride of 17.5mph and my heart rate was a very comfortable 135 beats per minute. So what has happened to make this so poor today here came the excuses?
Well, in February I broke my ankle that kept me out of action for ages, yep good one
Well, I have been on lots of courses with work, also good
Family tragedies, good, well not good but an excuse anyway
Uummm Illness, it’s an excuse….hummm anymore?
Oh I really did not have the time to train today, clutching at straws now.
Ahh yes the Weather always a good excuse…Or was it
At this point I started to think should I be looking at excuses why I did not train or should I look at why I’m making these excuses.
We are all good at listing reasons why we do not do something and we are all good at finding ways of ways to explain why. But if I really wanted to do I could.
I wanted to look at these excuse a bit more in depth –
Broken ankle – yes could not train, but did I really have to sit around eating crap all day? No but did I YES, so my fault – not an excuse.
Courses with work – I was down in Kent at RAF Manston, they have a well equipped Gym with a treadmill, spin bikes a gym which runs Circuit classes – did I use it No – so my fault – not an excuse.
Family issues – Never a good time, but when your head is spinning with problems, does a Swim, Bike, Run make these thoughts worse, do they help to give you some time for yourself, do they allow you to think more clearly. Yes – did I, No my fault – not an excuse.
Time – just don’t know where today went did not have a chance to do anything, oh so after I woke up at 06:30 and had a couple of cups of coffee watching Breakfast TV before anyone else got up, Could I have used the turbo in the garage for 30 mins, could I have slipped out for an hour in the afternoon or just after evening meal? Yes – Did I? No my fault – not an excuse
Weather – Oh we have loads of snow on the ground its -5 I can’t train in this, Ok so maybe not a great idea to run out side, do I have a turbo trainer? Umm yes, did you use it? No my fault – Not an excuse
By this time the hot water had started to thaw, my saddle soreness had declined a little, I caught a glimpse of the M-dot tattoo I have, and I thought about the reason I had it done, to me it represents the journey I have had and the highs and lows during my time as a Triathlete, there will always be times when it’s hard, the will be times when it’s easy, what counts is how you react to the hard times. Consistency in training is something that’s earnt it’s not given, you have to use the time you have, and use it well,
Not every session can be a epic event but sometimes the small ones are just as important to the bigger picture. I have just started a new part of my Journey.
Today’s session:
Duration 1hr 3mins Dist 15.2miles
Ave Spd 14.3mph
Ave Hr 157
But as I was stood in the shower trying to thaw out my body, despite the many layers I was wearing, I started to think back over the session, was it really as bad as I thought?
If you look back at the numbers then yes. If you look at the experience I have gained from what at first appears to be a non-event session then No – here’s why
Riding along the World famous Banbury 13 Time trial route starting my winter training an easy session planned today (60mins at 65% – 75% so Max heart rate of 141bpm) I came to the first small incline, I took a look at my Garmin 310xt my all singing all dancing training partner for today’s, session it said “ave speed 11mph, heart rate 160”, every time I tried to put power through the pedals my heart rate shoots up, every time I raise my cadence my heart rate shoots up all my thoughts went back to this time last year when I was ramping up my training for Challenge Roth in July. I was riding the 13 as a tag on to the end of a 4hr ride, on the same incline I was sitting on an ave speed for the ride of 17.5mph and my heart rate was a very comfortable 135 beats per minute. So what has happened to make this so poor today here came the excuses?
Well, in February I broke my ankle that kept me out of action for ages, yep good one
Well, I have been on lots of courses with work, also good
Family tragedies, good, well not good but an excuse anyway
Uummm Illness, it’s an excuse….hummm anymore?
Oh I really did not have the time to train today, clutching at straws now.
Ahh yes the Weather always a good excuse…Or was it
At this point I started to think should I be looking at excuses why I did not train or should I look at why I’m making these excuses.
We are all good at listing reasons why we do not do something and we are all good at finding ways of ways to explain why. But if I really wanted to do I could.
I wanted to look at these excuse a bit more in depth –
Broken ankle – yes could not train, but did I really have to sit around eating crap all day? No but did I YES, so my fault – not an excuse.
Courses with work – I was down in Kent at RAF Manston, they have a well equipped Gym with a treadmill, spin bikes a gym which runs Circuit classes – did I use it No – so my fault – not an excuse.
Family issues – Never a good time, but when your head is spinning with problems, does a Swim, Bike, Run make these thoughts worse, do they help to give you some time for yourself, do they allow you to think more clearly. Yes – did I, No my fault – not an excuse.
Time – just don’t know where today went did not have a chance to do anything, oh so after I woke up at 06:30 and had a couple of cups of coffee watching Breakfast TV before anyone else got up, Could I have used the turbo in the garage for 30 mins, could I have slipped out for an hour in the afternoon or just after evening meal? Yes – Did I? No my fault – not an excuse
Weather – Oh we have loads of snow on the ground its -5 I can’t train in this, Ok so maybe not a great idea to run out side, do I have a turbo trainer? Umm yes, did you use it? No my fault – Not an excuse
By this time the hot water had started to thaw, my saddle soreness had declined a little, I caught a glimpse of the M-dot tattoo I have, and I thought about the reason I had it done, to me it represents the journey I have had and the highs and lows during my time as a Triathlete, there will always be times when it’s hard, the will be times when it’s easy, what counts is how you react to the hard times. Consistency in training is something that’s earnt it’s not given, you have to use the time you have, and use it well,
Not every session can be a epic event but sometimes the small ones are just as important to the bigger picture. I have just started a new part of my Journey.
Today’s session:
Duration 1hr 3mins Dist 15.2miles
Ave Spd 14.3mph
Ave Hr 157
Same Old, Same Old
MRI appointment today, so judgement day if you will, I'm looking forward to it as a final resolution to the ankle problem, hopefully they will look inside and say "yes there is an issue we can fix it so you will be back to 100%" at the moment all i have is a "well we can do this and normally it helps". its been a very long road is the end in sight?
so looking on the brightside, my new Kit has arrived, and i have to say im really really pleased.
so looking on the brightside, my new Kit has arrived, and i have to say im really really pleased.
Slow, Slow, Slow...
Just as it was going well, it has not really got any better, the ankle seems intent on ruining another season, the doctor wants to operate, after an MRI scan to see if there any other issues going on? we are well into the summer holidays now so the training would always be on a back seat, but it has given me time to work on www.lifeperformancewellness.com
Coaching and lots of other services which myself and two friends can now offer. please feel free to check it out.
Coaching and lots of other services which myself and two friends can now offer. please feel free to check it out.
She Is A God
Well I have not posted for a while mainly because I have been in a bit of a downer, the ankle was still bad, Tried to cycle, but ankle just kept giving up, so resigned to surgery, when I booked in to see my very good friend (and rehab sports therapist – Gizela Payne) After some very painful manipulation around the joint Giz is confident that with some more treatment and the rehab exercises. The future is looking up. As a last note Good Luck to Richard Hughes, Emma Osenton & Simon Day who will race Ironman Lanzarote tomorrow (Saturday 22nd May 07:00) Remember Normal Limits Do Not Apply........
Pick yourself up
The Rehab is finished, Im back at home ready to continue my recovery. I am using this time to re-invent myself as an athlete, i know im over weight, i put on 2stone since the injury, this will drop as soon as i can restart training, so looking at a blank canvas.
My training regime at the moment is 1hr cycle (then ankle swells up) Rehab exercises (until Ankle swells up) this is my never ending circle until im fit to go back to work.
My training regime at the moment is 1hr cycle (then ankle swells up) Rehab exercises (until Ankle swells up) this is my never ending circle until im fit to go back to work.
The Sun Comes to the rescue
As posted before, Im of to Devon for two weeks rehab and it's Easter in the midddle weekend, so being in lovely Devon I thought Karen and Leo could come down for a few days, so looking for somewhere to stay looked everywhere no spaces anywhere. Cheapest accomadation I could find was £229 for a caravan at Devon Cliffs, so I was prepared to drive home..
Then Friday evening an e-mail drops in from the Sun newspaper, as we have been on a Sun £9.50 holiday they were offering the last few spaces, So in a sprint to get through the booking process I find Devon Cliffs for £35 a saving of £194 Amazing....
Then Friday evening an e-mail drops in from the Sun newspaper, as we have been on a Sun £9.50 holiday they were offering the last few spaces, So in a sprint to get through the booking process I find Devon Cliffs for £35 a saving of £194 Amazing....
Rub Me Down, But Please Be Gentle
Injury update -
it has now been 5 Weeks since the Accident at work, the swelling and bruising has gone, but I have a ridge of Scar tisue along the ankle joint which is really tender to touch, And what looks like a deformed ankle bone, its pretty Horrible.
I can walk for 5mins before it starts to swell up and become to painful to get about on, its really hard to know when I wil be able to get around as normal.
On a good note I am off to Devon for two weeks for some intensive rehab thanks to the Fire Fighters Charities for this chance to speed up my recovery. I am really looking forward to this experience. Oh had to ditch the crutches they were not helping.
it has now been 5 Weeks since the Accident at work, the swelling and bruising has gone, but I have a ridge of Scar tisue along the ankle joint which is really tender to touch, And what looks like a deformed ankle bone, its pretty Horrible.
I can walk for 5mins before it starts to swell up and become to painful to get about on, its really hard to know when I wil be able to get around as normal.
On a good note I am off to Devon for two weeks for some intensive rehab thanks to the Fire Fighters Charities for this chance to speed up my recovery. I am really looking forward to this experience. Oh had to ditch the crutches they were not helping.
Thanks....
So I have withdrawn from Roth 2010, it was useless trying to kid myself that i would be ready for the race in July, But i would like to say thanks to all my friends and Athletes who have phoned, text, visited you have all been amazing, but especally thanks to Karen who has really looked after me, even when i was feeling low she was always there to lift me up, love you Honey!!
Bored!!!!
It has now been 2 weeks 1 day... And I'm offically BORED. I have watched nearly every film on Sky, caught up on 24, NCIS, seen some good and some not so good films, been missing my wrestling matches with Leo, But one good thing has come of this silly injury and thats how much I love and care for the Friends and Family who have texted, rang, Visited all to offer words of support. It has also given me time to re-assess my targets for Roth 2010. I'm still going to give 100% but is the magic 10hr target gone?? only time will tell...Oh I'm even growing a beard,
It Had to Be Me!
At work on Tuesday had a small mishap, I fell and sprained my Ankle, very painful and very swollen. So now the new challenge is to learn how to use Crutches, never actually realised how difficult they are I'm sure i will break my leg if i keep using these damn things.
One bit of good news I have been offered a place on a training camp in Poland at the end of June with John Newsom (One of the best Coaches in the business) only question now is how long will i be out for?
One bit of good news I have been offered a place on a training camp in Poland at the end of June with John Newsom (One of the best Coaches in the business) only question now is how long will i be out for?
Back to reality
Sunday morning, Long bike ride with some friends, aimed for 2 1/2 hrs, managed 3hrs 15mins Good ride but left me feeling a bit deflated, legs were sore neck ached and don't even mention my undercarriage. But after some thought, this was the longest ride since last May so maybe it was not such a poor effort after all.
Boys Day Out
After a long week on a course sat in a class room all day, I really wanted to spend some quality time with Leo, So as Karen was working and Jade was Horse riding we decided to have a day out.
Part 1. Drive to Tesco's to stock up on sweets and treats for the long day ahead.
Part 2. Cineworld in Northampton for a early morning show of Astro Boy, My review was Better than expected.
Part 3. Swimming at Towcester Pool, Wave machine, Slide, Inflatable assualt course, 2hrs later very wrinkled, very tired but a brilliant day.
Part 1. Drive to Tesco's to stock up on sweets and treats for the long day ahead.
Part 2. Cineworld in Northampton for a early morning show of Astro Boy, My review was Better than expected.
Part 3. Swimming at Towcester Pool, Wave machine, Slide, Inflatable assualt course, 2hrs later very wrinkled, very tired but a brilliant day.
It Has Finally Gone!
The snow has left the roads, it was one of the happest day's of my life, I could remove the bike from the Turbo trainer and head out on to the open roads - feel the breeze in my hair take a nice deep breath aaahhhh lovely.....
So what really happened, I went for ride, 45mins later got home frozen solid, coughing my guts up, my face had become a big red blotch, still better than being at in a garage looking at a blank wall.
So what really happened, I went for ride, 45mins later got home frozen solid, coughing my guts up, my face had become a big red blotch, still better than being at in a garage looking at a blank wall.
Running In The Snow
As a child I would always look forward to the snow. Mainly as it would be a day off school. As time goes by, now it's my kids that look forward to the snow, I love watching it fall, I love how the countryside looks, when there is a fresh layer of snow on the ground. But after a day or two, it just becomes a big inconvenience. As an Ironman in training for Challenge Roth, I felt I had to try to run. It was Amazing the Views were beautiful (I did not take the camera, I did not want to fall and break it) So after an hour and 3 slips here I am on my way home very cold but very pleased.
Update and rants
As you may be aware, I have not posted for some time; this was due to problems with my PC. So no Internet, no Training Diary, no ITunes, no nothing, it’s amazing I had no idea that a PC played such a big part of my life. But due to an amazing friend and computer boffin (Simon Byrch) everything is back running again!
So Christmas is fast approaching, tomorrow to be exact. This is my favourite time of the year, seeing Karen, Jade & Leo opening their presents is always a wonderful sight, so Merry Christmas to you all.Oh, my wrist has been operated on, all was excellent, bit painful but after 24hrs it was all well, full mobility, no pain, amazing – so I feelconfident about Challenge Roth now I can really push on with the training (after Christmas) BRING IT ON!
So Christmas is fast approaching, tomorrow to be exact. This is my favourite time of the year, seeing Karen, Jade & Leo opening their presents is always a wonderful sight, so Merry Christmas to you all.Oh, my wrist has been operated on, all was excellent, bit painful but after 24hrs it was all well, full mobility, no pain, amazing – so I feelconfident about Challenge Roth now I can really push on with the training (after Christmas) BRING IT ON!
To train or not to train?
So a very brief period of training it has been stopped due to a very major event. After 8 years in our house it’s time for a complete re-model.
We have gone for a Kitchen/Diner instead of the Lounge/Diner, we currently have. So in comes the builders and lots of mess & dust, but the main inconvenience has been the interruptions to the training schedule. So I have cancelled all training until the house renovations have been complete allowing me to focus all my attention on helping Deano (builder Highly recommended) to get finished as soon as possible.
We have gone for a Kitchen/Diner instead of the Lounge/Diner, we currently have. So in comes the builders and lots of mess & dust, but the main inconvenience has been the interruptions to the training schedule. So I have cancelled all training until the house renovations have been complete allowing me to focus all my attention on helping Deano (builder Highly recommended) to get finished as soon as possible.
That’s finished, now let’s go!
Even Fire-fighters need hero’s... That’s the U.S.A.R (Urban Search and Rescue) Motto, or was it just made up to annoy someone? Either way I like it.
Anyway two weeks of breaking concrete and shoring up unsafe buildings, that’s the real USAR, two weeks at the Fire service college Morton –in- Marsh, two words to sum up the course – TOTALLY AMAZING.
Below are some pictures.
So as for training, it had to be put on hold, during the two weeks, I did a tiny bit of running and swimming. Wrist update – Had MRI scan last week and I get the results and hopefully a date for surgery on the 14th Nov.
Anyway two weeks of breaking concrete and shoring up unsafe buildings, that’s the real USAR, two weeks at the Fire service college Morton –in- Marsh, two words to sum up the course – TOTALLY AMAZING.
Below are some pictures.
So as for training, it had to be put on hold, during the two weeks, I did a tiny bit of running and swimming. Wrist update – Had MRI scan last week and I get the results and hopefully a date for surgery on the 14th Nov.
How can a wrist hurt so much?
My Winter training phase has officially begun, with only one planned interruption, which is a course with work. everything is going well, except for my wrist, I have to be honest, I really do not think I will be able to compete in the Ride 101 event which is planned for Oct 11th. I have my surgical appointment on the 14th and I have to be honest, I really think I will be having an operation at some point. The sooner the better, but on a good note, new LPW t-shirts have arrived, pictures coming soon. Oh congratulations to Brian & Annie who finished Challenge Barcelona this past weekend. WELL DONE.
I'm happy!
1st week of my Winter training phase managed to clear 8 hrs which for week 1 is excellent, I will be aiming for double figures next week.
Had a horrible run on Friday, did not enjoy the session at all, but on the bright side, it was lovely weather.
Had a horrible run on Friday, did not enjoy the session at all, but on the bright side, it was lovely weather.
Ooohhh the Pain…
Training Week 2 started really well, I had a fantastic run, felt really strong, then Tuesday evening I started to feel sick, a headache started pounding me relentlessly. So what a crappy week, no training, no work, no nothing. Well except TV. (Thank god for Sky +) started to feel better on Sunday but this really wiped me out. So now I have 2 weeks to Ride 101, not really feeling confident about it but as ever will always give it a good go.
Yippee!
Well the Kids are back at school I have 6 weeks until I am away on a course (which has a pool and a gym on site). Its time to start Winter training Phase, I have 4 weeks of solid build until Ride 101, I’m really looking forward to testing myself over the 100mile as this will be the first ride of this distance since March.
My attention is totally focused on Roth 2010 and it will be a really hard winter if I’m going to achieve my time.
Oh Have a follow up appointment with the Orthopedic Surgeon on 14th Oct so fingers crossed, my wrist is really painful and it hurts whenever I ride my bike, but looking on the bright side I have been riding in the Aero position a lot more.
My attention is totally focused on Roth 2010 and it will be a really hard winter if I’m going to achieve my time.
Oh Have a follow up appointment with the Orthopedic Surgeon on 14th Oct so fingers crossed, my wrist is really painful and it hurts whenever I ride my bike, but looking on the bright side I have been riding in the Aero position a lot more.
Wow - Top Video
Quelle Challenge Roth 2010
This morning I received confirmation that I have a place for Roth 2010; I am really pleased as this is always a complete sell-out. This race also doubles up as the Fire-fighters long course championships, but as a taste I found this video have a look at how awesome this is…I can’t wait.
Knockout Punch
Received some really bad news yesterday, got a call from the Doctor, ref the wrist injury. He said the X-ray shows excessive wear and tear in the joint with some Arthritis, now I don’t know a great deal about Arthritis but I know it’s not good. So feeling very down about the whole thing, just waiting for the Surgeons appointment... So below is a motivational speech from Rocky.
Good News…Bad News
Bad news - My Right wrist really painful now, not sure what the problem is – hope to get some answers next Friday when I get the X-ray results, only able to ride for 3 hrs max as pain is to severe, and Bloody annoying.
Good news – the Open air swimming pool in Banbury has reopened after a prolonged closure, its amazing swam 3 times this week 50mtr pool in the fresh air, It could almost be Club La Santa, Lanzarote…Well maybe not.
Good news – the Open air swimming pool in Banbury has reopened after a prolonged closure, its amazing swam 3 times this week 50mtr pool in the fresh air, It could almost be Club La Santa, Lanzarote…Well maybe not.
Revenge of the Bugs..
At work I'm lucky enough to be able to fit in some training sessions, today I had a 2hr turbo ride, nothing special a tempo effort – get my heart rate to 75% and hold it. 75% is my Ironman Bike section limit. So the theory is to get as fast as I can whilst being able to hold 75%. Anyway I completed the session, after a shower felt a bit cold, then hot, add to that a headache, things were not good. The bug I have had does seem to be very persistent and is really trying to grind me down. Will it win? It did today.
Back In The Saddle
Fed up with the sore legs, I decided to get out on the bike to try to ease the soreness out of the legs - it was raining but I can cope with a cold, I just wanted rid of the sore legs - nice steady 2hrs, few hills few efforts and the DOMS have subsided only a little, but enough for me to be able to get upstairs to the toilet. Back on duty tomorrow so easy turbo session followed by an easy treadmill run. But a bigger problem is on the horizon - Summer Holidays Kids at home for 6 weeks - Will I survive? Or more importantly will they?
Will I ever learn?
From top of the world to bottom of a well – that’s my summary of training for this week. Felt excellent after the run on Wednesday, But as usual too much to soon - Revenge of the DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) and yes I hobbled everywhere, even taking Leo to school was painful! Will I ever learn?
Kick up the ASS
Woke up feeling very tired, feeling unfit and Fat - needed a big kick - so got changed, got the IPod, even had to change the battery in my foot-pod - ready to go
1hr 3mins later 8miles – ave. speed 7mph - hilly route - FEEL GREAT ON TOP OF THE WORLD.... .
1hr 3mins later 8miles – ave. speed 7mph - hilly route - FEEL GREAT ON TOP OF THE WORLD.... .
From Bad to Worse
After a Fantastic holiday, I was really looking forward to kicking back in to training and I had a really good 6 week block planned before a mini break with Karen. Unfortunately plans do not always work - Whenever I have a sustained break from training I always pick up some sort of Bug, this time was no different, but this was horrible - ear ache and blocked sinus, feeling wobbly and totally de-motivated, so after another weeks break, back to training.
Scarborough Pictures
Holidays
After a disappointing block of training (Disappointing due to hours complete) it’s holiday time, off to sunny Scarborough which will be Fantastic we are expecting a heat wave, but as this is England I will believe it when I see it.
So when I get back red and sore (unless it rains) I will get some pictures uploaded.
So when I get back red and sore (unless it rains) I will get some pictures uploaded.
3 Course Lunch
Riding in summer is the best, its always something I look forward to, getting out into the open country side its amazing. Now as a Triathlete, nutrition on the bike is something I take seriously, but whilst riding the other day I had a lunch, which I really did not choose.
Starter: several midges at the top of Epwell hill.
Main: Nice juicy Flies along Edge hill
Desert: as an athlete I skip pud's but I was still peckish, so I had another Fly YUMMY!
Starter: several midges at the top of Epwell hill.
Main: Nice juicy Flies along Edge hill
Desert: as an athlete I skip pud's but I was still peckish, so I had another Fly YUMMY!
Sore Bits
Over the past few days I have had bit of a dodgy tummy, But on Tuesday morning felt much better, So time for Big Run number 1. So headed off on a hilly 13mile route really looking forward to the challenge ahead, did not take long for me to stop looking forward to the challenge, one word..Hills. the route covers some big climbs, and I was really suffering but i made a promise to push myself and decided if I walked up any part of the hill I would descend back to the bottom and start again, so after running all the hills and I managed to keep smiling, I returned home, very sore legs very tired but pleased with myself.
Memories
Sat at the Fire Station the other day we were talking about how gutted we are that we are on duty on Xmas day. But with our limited attention span, thoughts soon turned to secret Santa gifts and which ones were the best. Last Year someone brought me wax strips, We wanted to test them but I’m always cleanly shaven.... Dave, However, was not. (Oh just to be sure, don't adjust your screen - he really is that white and boney).
Stratford Triathlon
Stratford Sprint Triathlon, what can I say? Well after a 3yr break to pursue my Ironman Adventure. The first thing which hit me is they hurt..a lot. It is a race that lasts for just over an hour, you Swim, Bike And Run as fast as your legs can go. After being involved with Ironman Racing for so long you forget what an achievement finishing any triathlon is, Seeing the smile of some of the first-timers was brilliant the support on the course is excellent, if you aspire to race - Stratford is an excellent choice.
Party Time
Surrounded by screaming kids, nowhere to run. But a great time was had by everyone, We played Musical Bumps, Musical chairs, Corners and to top it off we had a Dragon Piñata. The kids battered the poor thing, it spilt its guts everywhere Lollies and treats were devoured in seconds. End result i was tired, I had a headache, Leo was happy which is all i hoped for. so my attention turns to Stratford..Time To Race.
Intervals...Vomit Inducing Level 4
So one last interval session before Stratford Triathlon at the weekend. I decided to brave the taunts of Kids and passer-by's and go for the Full tri-short and compression sock look but a must have accessory is an iPod to potentially stop any fights..if i cant hear them I cant react..
Session went very well Compression socks really make a difference, any calf pain was banished, however the sessions did introduce something, a new scale to work with, I saw this phrase on the Team BB site from one of their pro athletes, vomit inducing level, so I only reached a level 4 which means close but no show. Only 1 more day to the race, however I last event to get past before race day...Leo's 5th birthday party and I’m chief entertainer..
Massages
I have come to terms with the fact that a sports massage is essential for an athlete. Massages help with Recovery, Injury prevention and keep you feeling good, but bloody hell do they hurt, Pain! You have not known anything like it. I really think that the Government should employ these Sports massage therapists as interrogators; there would never be any secrets..
I Spoke too Soon
So the Weather Gods were reading my blog about my panda eyes and how I suffer in the sun, so they decided to test my resolve and change the weather for the rest of the Epic week, suffice to say it was very wet and very cold.. As expected the training volume dropped, so they won, this time!!
Mini Epic Update..
So it's Day 4 of my mini epic week all is well, and having completed just under 12hours of training, and i have to be honest I’m pretty pleased with myself, yes there is a certain glow about me, Pride or Sunburn, Whatever I don't care..wanted to hit 14hrs by today but made a school boy error on the bike today, lets just say it may have looked like summer but it was bloody freezing....the thing about cold toes is they go numb, which you may think is good, but as they re-warm its not a pleasant experiance..more to follow..
Panda Eyes Return
Panda eyes !!
So the kids are back at school, and after 2 weeks of poor training its time to push things forward...So mini Epic week..and the sun is shining..well looks like my Panda eyes will be making another appearance very soon, let me explain, being of the fairer skin colour. I go very red in the sun then back to white the next day even with Sun factor balaclava smothered all over (note the picture, after Ironman very red and sore) anyway.. Its time to give myself a little push, so I’m planning a big training week, let the fun begin..
Hummm, running in the rain!
April and its raining, I know the saying is April Showers, but April down pours are not fun! Have Limited training time, so rather than being sat on my Turbo trainer tucked away in the garage I decide to do a track session. So heading up to the local running track, seems almost funny that today I have to run in circles around a track not the most interesting session I’ve done, but luckily I have Lance Armstrong and Chris Carmichael as my personal coaches for today’s session...well a podcast...Do coaches stand in the rain shouting times and motivational slogans at you?? Well all I had was 2 workmen looking at me as if I’m totally crazy to be out in this weather, Laughing every time I ran through the muddy puddle they created. And it was only thing they had done well..Ha I don't care. When I’m the next Ironman Triathlon Superstar I'll be laughing.
Time to unleash the Beast
So it's been confirmed, all signed up for Stratford Sprint Tri on May 10th. I have raced this 3 times before and it promises to be a fast day in the saddle especially if I remember to bring my legs this year!
