Sitting at home, feeling sorry and lazy for myself. I can't do any form of exercise due to my groin strain and it's really very difficult and frustrating.
I've got one week to the football tournament and I'm not sure it's enough so I spend my time going between the microwave (heat blanket magic) and the couch (when heat blanket works its magic).
Hope it works - before I lose all feeling in my leg.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
90 year old body back
Last night was all about the ow and the pain. Tonight it's the same story.
I went for some soccer practice this evening to try to run things off but within one stretch for the ball I was floored, doubed up in groin driven agony.
I sit here tonight, worried that my soccer tournament in 10 days time is in the balance. The groin is probably one of the most used muscles in soccer and without it I can't really do much.
It's quite disheartening. Body of a 90 year old rears its head again.
I went for some soccer practice this evening to try to run things off but within one stretch for the ball I was floored, doubed up in groin driven agony.
I sit here tonight, worried that my soccer tournament in 10 days time is in the balance. The groin is probably one of the most used muscles in soccer and without it I can't really do much.
It's quite disheartening. Body of a 90 year old rears its head again.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Sunday, August 20, 2006
food hangover
Managed to go for a run this morning but spent most of the time thinking I would throw up. It wasn't pretty but thankfully I didn't. It's the first time I've run feeling like that and not sure it's something I would like to repeat.
All weekend I've been consuming - food, alcohol etc and by this morning I felt rotten which was a shame 'cos it's all been lovely.
Is there such a thing as a food hangover?
All weekend I've been consuming - food, alcohol etc and by this morning I felt rotten which was a shame 'cos it's all been lovely.
Is there such a thing as a food hangover?
saturday night randoms
Sitting here tonight I am reminded how easy it is to do no physical activity at all. I've not done anything since the briefest of cycles on Friday morning and I miss it. It's not meant in an "I am hooked" kinda way, it's more because all I've done since Friday is stick food and alcohol down my throat and my body is recognising this and saying "hey, you need to do something to balance this out"
Whoever thought. Certainly not me and I'm not sure how I feel about it.
Anyway, it's now about seven weeks to the 10k run. The way I am right now it will be a mental run - from my couch.
Unrelated, one of the many nice things about today was the BBC's highlighted coverage of the London Triathlon. I've only seen a wee bit of it on the TV but for much of the day friends have been texting to comment that they saw it on Grandstand and now realise exactly what it was we did, they are very proud etc.
All very cool. The announcement that organisers are already accepting entries for next years race has not been lost on them. It's not lost on me either but for now August 2007 seems an awful distance off.
Whoever thought. Certainly not me and I'm not sure how I feel about it.
Anyway, it's now about seven weeks to the 10k run. The way I am right now it will be a mental run - from my couch.
Unrelated, one of the many nice things about today was the BBC's highlighted coverage of the London Triathlon. I've only seen a wee bit of it on the TV but for much of the day friends have been texting to comment that they saw it on Grandstand and now realise exactly what it was we did, they are very proud etc.
All very cool. The announcement that organisers are already accepting entries for next years race has not been lost on them. It's not lost on me either but for now August 2007 seems an awful distance off.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
sport dies a costly death
Had a swim this evening and think I might have jarred my neck a wee bit. Oops.
I've got a friend in town for the weekend so knew I would be doing nothing this weekend on the exercise front - expect there will be lots of lifting of my right hand but that doesn't really count - so I wanted to push myself a bit tonight so I can have guilt free fun all weekend.
Hope I haven't pushed too much. I did 1,000 metres which is fine.
I've decided not to pursue the idea of the London Duathlon on two grounds. The first is the timing of it. I think it's too soon for me to be able to manage 2 x 5k runs in the same day (let alone in a 10k cycle sandwich). The second is the money. I've no doubt it is well organised (same crew as the Triathlon) but at £49 it's a little more than I'm willing to do on a whim. I'm pleased I even considered it but realistically I don't think it's a clever thing. I want to concentrate on the running instead and really prepare for the Hyde Park event.
Look at me.
I tell you what though, this triathlon business is expensive. Actually, sport is expensive. There are the obvious big expenditures (bike, wetsuit etc) but the rest are almost insidious - a little bit here and a little bit there and before you know it you've got your own virtual money pit. It's like a teenage child - the hand is always out and the wallet is always getting emptied.
Am I having fun? Is it worth it?
I've got a friend in town for the weekend so knew I would be doing nothing this weekend on the exercise front - expect there will be lots of lifting of my right hand but that doesn't really count - so I wanted to push myself a bit tonight so I can have guilt free fun all weekend.
Hope I haven't pushed too much. I did 1,000 metres which is fine.
I've decided not to pursue the idea of the London Duathlon on two grounds. The first is the timing of it. I think it's too soon for me to be able to manage 2 x 5k runs in the same day (let alone in a 10k cycle sandwich). The second is the money. I've no doubt it is well organised (same crew as the Triathlon) but at £49 it's a little more than I'm willing to do on a whim. I'm pleased I even considered it but realistically I don't think it's a clever thing. I want to concentrate on the running instead and really prepare for the Hyde Park event.
Look at me.
I tell you what though, this triathlon business is expensive. Actually, sport is expensive. There are the obvious big expenditures (bike, wetsuit etc) but the rest are almost insidious - a little bit here and a little bit there and before you know it you've got your own virtual money pit. It's like a teenage child - the hand is always out and the wallet is always getting emptied.
Am I having fun? Is it worth it?
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
coming home
Tonight I played in familiar territory and it felt sooo good it must be illegal. For many years I played football (a.k.a. soccer) and this evening I got to don my shorts and long socks and blaze onto a pitch. I felt like I had never been away.
To be clear, I am not, nor was I ever, Gods gift to ladies soccer. I do however have a decent kick and I'm not afraid to get stuck in. The fact that I am not a shrinking violet helps too.
Anyway, tonight I got out there on a pitch and felt alive. I felt fit, not because I've just done a triathlon (which when it comes to being match fit is about as useful as being able to wash up) but I knew how things worked, it was familiar territory and for those of the gang who are truly fit I watched them struggle and a part (a small part) of me felt comforted - weird I know.
The reason behind this whole footballness is we as a group will be playing in a one off competition in Ireland in September. I pretty much cajoled everyone into doing it and tonight was the first "practice" session.
[I feel I should qualify. Practice can be defined as doing more of what you are familiar with, re-introducing oneself to something or making friends with it in the first place. It's all good]
The session went far better than was imagined. Not only were the "ladies" in attendance, they were positively up for it and very very capable considering most had never kicked a ball before. A bonus indeed. We've decided to rename ourselves girls so there is no confusion - animals of course would be nearer the mark but hey.
The key thing tonight is I enjoyed the reunion with a football. I felt comfortable kicking the shite out of something and the challenge of preventing anyone else from doing the same thing was very much alive. Curiously.
Far from the delicacies of laps, lengths and cadence. This was warfare and I was home.
To be clear, I am not, nor was I ever, Gods gift to ladies soccer. I do however have a decent kick and I'm not afraid to get stuck in. The fact that I am not a shrinking violet helps too.
Anyway, tonight I got out there on a pitch and felt alive. I felt fit, not because I've just done a triathlon (which when it comes to being match fit is about as useful as being able to wash up) but I knew how things worked, it was familiar territory and for those of the gang who are truly fit I watched them struggle and a part (a small part) of me felt comforted - weird I know.
The reason behind this whole footballness is we as a group will be playing in a one off competition in Ireland in September. I pretty much cajoled everyone into doing it and tonight was the first "practice" session.
[I feel I should qualify. Practice can be defined as doing more of what you are familiar with, re-introducing oneself to something or making friends with it in the first place. It's all good]
The session went far better than was imagined. Not only were the "ladies" in attendance, they were positively up for it and very very capable considering most had never kicked a ball before. A bonus indeed. We've decided to rename ourselves girls so there is no confusion - animals of course would be nearer the mark but hey.
The key thing tonight is I enjoyed the reunion with a football. I felt comfortable kicking the shite out of something and the challenge of preventing anyone else from doing the same thing was very much alive. Curiously.
Far from the delicacies of laps, lengths and cadence. This was warfare and I was home.
Monday, August 14, 2006
running with the masses
Feeling good tonight. I went for another 3.5k run. My knees survived it fine and although I did the same five minutes running, one minute walking I felt stronger in parts than before.
I'm not kidding myself that I have this running lark cracked though, far from it, I'm really waiting for my knees to give in. Until then however I'm going to take things slowly and see if I can keep up the 3.5k a few times a week. If I can do that for two weeks then I've got six weeks to start pushing it out before the Nike 10k.
My thinking is the first two weeks stay at 3.5, then for the next two weeks push up to 5k. For the following two weeks move to around 7k and the last two weeks go to about 9k.
That's the plan. Eight weeks of running, pounding and hopefully getting somewhere.
This evening as I was running about, I passed so many different shapes and sizes it really brought it home to me how running as a sport has captured the imagination of the masses. It's easy to see why when all you need is a pair of runners versus other sports that require lots of equipment or facilities or other people even to be able to participate. The doing it of couse is where I struggle but that's another story.
There was definitely something very seductive about the groups of preppy looking boys in shorts and sweaty t-shirts pacing around like prized tigers. When they passed me out (which they did, often and easily) I could feel myself for a moment getting caught up in the "I'm in their gang" illusion. Seductive indeed.
It's a leveller. Running. For all it's complexity in training techniques and the gadgetry available at the end of the day it's simple. Run for as long as you can - whatever shape that may take. There were others out there, like myself, who make the preppy pack look good and they are the natural laws. We don't have the predatory cadence or stylish technique, we're all about the getting from a to b.
The longer I do this summer of 2006 sporting adventure the more I realise how much I'm learning about myself and my surroundings that I'd just totally and utterly missed. It's funny really how in this instance speeding up has helped to see what's been going on. Around me there are so many people, women in particular but not exclusively who do not have the shape or grace of traditional "athletes" yet they are out there day after day setting goals for themselves, taking up their own challenges and saying a right royal sod off to anyone who even thinks they don't have a right to be there because they don't match a warped idea of what "athletes" should look like.
I think it's fantastic and has been one of the unsought highlights of doing this.
Soap box over.
I'm not kidding myself that I have this running lark cracked though, far from it, I'm really waiting for my knees to give in. Until then however I'm going to take things slowly and see if I can keep up the 3.5k a few times a week. If I can do that for two weeks then I've got six weeks to start pushing it out before the Nike 10k.
My thinking is the first two weeks stay at 3.5, then for the next two weeks push up to 5k. For the following two weeks move to around 7k and the last two weeks go to about 9k.
That's the plan. Eight weeks of running, pounding and hopefully getting somewhere.
This evening as I was running about, I passed so many different shapes and sizes it really brought it home to me how running as a sport has captured the imagination of the masses. It's easy to see why when all you need is a pair of runners versus other sports that require lots of equipment or facilities or other people even to be able to participate. The doing it of couse is where I struggle but that's another story.
There was definitely something very seductive about the groups of preppy looking boys in shorts and sweaty t-shirts pacing around like prized tigers. When they passed me out (which they did, often and easily) I could feel myself for a moment getting caught up in the "I'm in their gang" illusion. Seductive indeed.
It's a leveller. Running. For all it's complexity in training techniques and the gadgetry available at the end of the day it's simple. Run for as long as you can - whatever shape that may take. There were others out there, like myself, who make the preppy pack look good and they are the natural laws. We don't have the predatory cadence or stylish technique, we're all about the getting from a to b.
The longer I do this summer of 2006 sporting adventure the more I realise how much I'm learning about myself and my surroundings that I'd just totally and utterly missed. It's funny really how in this instance speeding up has helped to see what's been going on. Around me there are so many people, women in particular but not exclusively who do not have the shape or grace of traditional "athletes" yet they are out there day after day setting goals for themselves, taking up their own challenges and saying a right royal sod off to anyone who even thinks they don't have a right to be there because they don't match a warped idea of what "athletes" should look like.
I think it's fantastic and has been one of the unsought highlights of doing this.
Soap box over.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
running, hair and knee stuff
Yesterday was my first Saturday since race day so I decided it was time to get my hair cut. I had specifically not cut it before the race so I could keep it in a ponytail - made it easier to get into a swim cap / regular cap etc.
So, off I went to the hairdresser with a happy go lucky "usual cut please". Turns out it didn't quite work like that. I've been mauled and my reasoning for wearing a swim cap in the first place (because when too long my hair gets in my eyes) won't be valid for a while.
Ugh.
Anyway, I'm off to the pool for a swim now. I reckon from now on I'll do one weekend and one mid week session going for longer distances. After that, if the rain stays away I plan on going for a cycle home the round about way. My next few weekends are full so I want to take the opportunity to get out and about while I can.
One quick note about after effects from my run yesterday. Both knees are sore. A different type of sore than previously experienced. It's a new departure and difficult to describe so will have to wait and see. I had thought I would need to do three running sessions a week to get ready for the Nike 10K, leaving 48 hours between each one. Let's see how they feel tomorrow night when I go for the next one.
I'm hoping the pool and cycle will help them recover from the brutal pounding of a run 'cos I'm stuffed if not.
So, off I went to the hairdresser with a happy go lucky "usual cut please". Turns out it didn't quite work like that. I've been mauled and my reasoning for wearing a swim cap in the first place (because when too long my hair gets in my eyes) won't be valid for a while.
Ugh.
Anyway, I'm off to the pool for a swim now. I reckon from now on I'll do one weekend and one mid week session going for longer distances. After that, if the rain stays away I plan on going for a cycle home the round about way. My next few weekends are full so I want to take the opportunity to get out and about while I can.
One quick note about after effects from my run yesterday. Both knees are sore. A different type of sore than previously experienced. It's a new departure and difficult to describe so will have to wait and see. I had thought I would need to do three running sessions a week to get ready for the Nike 10K, leaving 48 hours between each one. Let's see how they feel tomorrow night when I go for the next one.
I'm hoping the pool and cycle will help them recover from the brutal pounding of a run 'cos I'm stuffed if not.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
first morning run
Just back from a run. I decided this morning was the best time to see if I could possibly manage the Nike 10K I insanely signed up to do. I've got to get over this -t-shirt thing I seen to have developed before I do something totally insane.
Anyway, I donned all the usual gear and headed out. Comfortingly I felt good. I had thought about it beforehand and decided to do a 5 minute on 1 minute off type run. Basically see if I could manage a 20 minute run and see how far that got me. I've not run 10k - or 5k come to think of it - so wanted to see exactly what it felt long to go longer than I've done before and 20 minutes seemed a decent place to start.
Twenty minutes turned out to be about 3.5k. It's a good place to start from I suppose. Three of those consecutively ... doable? Time will tell and I've got 8 weeks to race day.
Anyway, I donned all the usual gear and headed out. Comfortingly I felt good. I had thought about it beforehand and decided to do a 5 minute on 1 minute off type run. Basically see if I could manage a 20 minute run and see how far that got me. I've not run 10k - or 5k come to think of it - so wanted to see exactly what it felt long to go longer than I've done before and 20 minutes seemed a decent place to start.
Twenty minutes turned out to be about 3.5k. It's a good place to start from I suppose. Three of those consecutively ... doable? Time will tell and I've got 8 weeks to race day.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
back in the pool groove
Tonight I went back into the pool for the first time since race day and it felt wonderful. I was like a little kid getting there, I couldn't pedal fast enough. Once I got under the water I could feel my muscles just stretch out like they were saying a prayer, glorious indeed.
Anyway, I did about 1,200 metres. Probably the longest swim workout I've done in ages. The funny thing is I used to swim those longer distances before the 12 week "how to do your first triathlon" training plan. It worked clearly but not without losing alot of the pool time.
I think I will probably reduce my pool outings to twice a week but try to keep the distances up over the 1,000m mark each time, even try to expand it out from there. My times are consistent so if I wanted to spend 45 minutes swimming that would be about the 1,500 metre mark which would be great. Olympic great actually but I'll think no more about that for a little while.
This weekend marks the start of Nike 10K training. I'm undecided as to whether to start a seperate blog for it or not but it probably makes more sense to keep all the madness together here. We'll see. For tonight, me and the chlorine will head off to bed with a satisfied smirk. It's good to be back in a groove again.
Anyway, I did about 1,200 metres. Probably the longest swim workout I've done in ages. The funny thing is I used to swim those longer distances before the 12 week "how to do your first triathlon" training plan. It worked clearly but not without losing alot of the pool time.
I think I will probably reduce my pool outings to twice a week but try to keep the distances up over the 1,000m mark each time, even try to expand it out from there. My times are consistent so if I wanted to spend 45 minutes swimming that would be about the 1,500 metre mark which would be great. Olympic great actually but I'll think no more about that for a little while.
This weekend marks the start of Nike 10K training. I'm undecided as to whether to start a seperate blog for it or not but it probably makes more sense to keep all the madness together here. We'll see. For tonight, me and the chlorine will head off to bed with a satisfied smirk. It's good to be back in a groove again.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
new beginnings
I've reached the stage where I'm missing training. I miss getting into my runners or togs and just zoning out. It strikes me as funny now looking back on how much I dreaded or had to talk myself into running where as now it's one of the things I miss.
There is such a psychology to training for something and I've realised that having a goal is vital to succeeding in what you want to achieve. I just need to find a new goal so I can kick start myself back into a rhythm.
Little did I know 18 weeks ago I was signing up to something far greater than 400m swim, 10k cycle and a 2.5k run.
There is such a psychology to training for something and I've realised that having a goal is vital to succeeding in what you want to achieve. I just need to find a new goal so I can kick start myself back into a rhythm.
Little did I know 18 weeks ago I was signing up to something far greater than 400m swim, 10k cycle and a 2.5k run.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
post race blues
It's now a few days since the race and I've been basking in post race glory and putting together some of the things I had forgotten about on the day. Many photos have surfaced and in general the attention has been nice.
Thing is, I keep being asked if I'm ok because I'm being extra quiet and maybe there's a follow up post race of flatness now that it's all over and things are no longer all about me or the big adventure I was part of and that makes perfect sense if you think about which is what I'm trying not to do because it all feels a bit odd, the thinking about it in that way bit.
I guess I must be flat on some level because the training sessions that had become such a feature are no longer so pressing. And, the sense of achievement in doing the sessions in pursuit of a tangible goal is no longer such a goal. I feel good about doing the triathlon, there is no doubt about that but I also find myself looking to the future in a "what's next" fashion. It's done, I did it, moving on.
Thing is, I keep being asked if I'm ok because I'm being extra quiet and maybe there's a follow up post race of flatness now that it's all over and things are no longer all about me or the big adventure I was part of and that makes perfect sense if you think about which is what I'm trying not to do because it all feels a bit odd, the thinking about it in that way bit.
I guess I must be flat on some level because the training sessions that had become such a feature are no longer so pressing. And, the sense of achievement in doing the sessions in pursuit of a tangible goal is no longer such a goal. I feel good about doing the triathlon, there is no doubt about that but I also find myself looking to the future in a "what's next" fashion. It's done, I did it, moving on.
Monday, August 07, 2006
race day
Saturday started with the alarm clock and an instant adrenelin burst. It was London Triathlon day and I was (strangely) looking forward to it. I took the opportunity of a quiet flat to shower and catch my breath before waking the others for a ridiculously large and early breakfast. While I am a breakfast person I'm normally up about an hour before having one so eating that early in the morning felt forced and my tummy didn't quite know what to make of it.
We had packed the night before so once fed, there was nothing else but take a photo of us leaving and then out the door. We knew we could travel with our bikes on the tube so made our way across London while I tried to convince myself this was just a normal Saturday morning.
[the power of denial is immense, I am reminded]
We got as far as West Ham before changing to the Jubilee line and down to Canning Town. The DLR doesn't like bikes so instead we cycled the few minutes down to Excel from there. It was very easy to find, once we figured out which way to go out of Canning Town tube station that is - to right or to left was the big question of the morning.
We arrived in Excel and even though it was early there was already a hive of activity. TV cameras were milling about dangerous with intent trying to capture the buzz and bikes were being pushed about like prams. It reminded of me of the first day of a new school year. Many know exactly where to go and what to do while those of us who were new walked with gawping mouths and anxious looks at other to make sure we were still all there.
[Buffy came flooding into my head weirdly]
One of my race numbers was missing from my race pack so I had to queue up at the Help Desk to get a replacement one. It was one of the more surreal moments of the day reaching the desk to be greeted by a familiar (but very out of place) face. We spent the next few minutes listing out things and people we knew to trace how we recognised each other. We decided it was either rugby or a friend but I'm not convinced. Either way he wished me well and with all numbers accounted for proceeded to the next step of registering.
All along the registration route we passed stewards. I felt like I was running the ultimate Shakespeare & West End gauntlet as the chorus of stewards whispered words of encouragement to the random passers by.
Excel is ginormous, think of an aircraft hangar and you get the picture. Having collected our chips and official stuff we got to the row set aside for our race. It was open racking so we put our bikes together towards the end of the row for ease of access after the swim. I was conscious that I might not be able to find a friend of mine who was going to mind my glasses during the swim so in case I needed to use my spare pair the swim to bike transition needed to be blind dummy proof.
Once our stuff was racked we headed off to find toilets, friends, escape routes and generally freak out. One friend turned to me as we walked past the steward chorus again because they had addressed us as athletes. Things were getting odder by the minute, we definitely weren't in Kansas anymore.
I wanted to find friends to say hello and have a quiet minute with them before the race momentum kicked in. I found them getting bacon butties (so unfair) but it was just so cool seeing familiar faces to share the madness I didn't mind that much. Being that far down in East London early on a Saturday morning was tough on them too so they had earned it.
The sejourn was short lived and the three of us competing left the safety of the bacon buttie table and headed back up to the transition area to put on our wetsuits. Race mode has kicked in, we were no longer there as spectators, it was time to participate.
With wetsuits donned we headed over to the competitor gathering area. Crossing the walkover bridge was probably the sorest thing I've done in ages and definitely not one of the things on my pre race prep list ! We got to the gathering area eventually and collected our wave hats. Bright orange. Yum.
One of the stewards gathered us in to give the final instructions (you know the ones - if you're going to drown, tell us). He asked those doing their first triathlon to put their hands in the air. There was an audible sigh of relief when about 99% of hands went up. It was just the thing to put us all at ease and with a clapping of hands we were off down the stairs through the double doors and into the sunshine. Picture gladiators pounding up steps into the Roman Colisseum wearing wetsuits, that was us.
We were due to start at 11.40, second wave of the day. The first wave (Mens' Super Sprint) had already started and as we watched them power off I found myself in a Matrix like time slowing down moment watching them, taking in the crowd, sunshine, shouts of support and weirdly wondering how people got up onto one of the walkways that went over the water.
Once in the water we had to swim about 50m into the middle of the basin. I wasn't expecting this but it was nice as it gave me a chance to check my goggles were secure and just bascially get wet and comfortable in the new environment. We bobbed about for a few short minutes before the oggie oggie oggie went out followed quickly by the claxon. We were off.
I found myself towards the back in the middle. I managed to get stuck behind two swimmers with no room to get in front of them so had to keep slow. In many ways that was probably a good thing to make sure I didn't go out too fast in all the excitement. In general I didn't experience any of the close quarter thrashing I'd expected, it was the getting into a rhythm with clear water that was tough. Eventually I got away from them though and was free more or less until I got to the first turning point. This was about 200m up and it went by so quickly I remember thinking to myself as I passed the second one that I must enjoy the experience because it will be over soon and after four months of training I wanted to feel it all.
I was tiring towards the end of the swim and found myself moving towards the edge of the course, where the ropes were. I was in a nice rhythm though so didn't mind too much, I knew I was almost there. Then the thrashing began, I got cut up by a swimmer coming from the left, completely lost my rhythm and had to almost stop. I was pretty locked in so didn't really have much of an option. I could feel the frustration rising and it felt good because I knew it meant I had lots left in the tank for the cycle and run.
Getting out of the water I managed a quick look at my watch, about 11 minutes which was great given the thrashing about. I felt like an oompa loompa in my glamour devoid wetsuit and catching my breath in front of thousands of people isn't fun so all I could was walk up towards the main building to give my jelly legs time to recover. I found my friend with the glasses so with wetsuit wrapped in the bag (came off easily) I shuffled on up the steps back to transition. It's quite a ways and I was happy to just walk there. Lots of others were running, off with them, I was a tourist.
I found my bike easily, dumped the wet stuff, donned the socks (yes sacrilege, I wore socks) and other bits before unhooking bike and heading off. The bike bit was enjoyable. I liked the wind in my face and there was a real sense of freedom being able to cycle in the middle of the road. I knew I would be fine if I stayed around the 20kph mark so with that in my head I got a bit of a shock when we reached our first hill.
[there were not supposed to be hills]
I ended up right down in first gear at one stage and 20kph was a very long way away but with up hills come down hills and 35kph is great fun. The course brought us back under Excel at about the 5k mark and I spotted some friends high up on the walk way.
[don't ask how, I normally can't see a thing]
After some grandstanding (which I was reliably informed was what I was doing) I did the other 5.8k before the last cruel hill into transition and dumping the bike. At this stage I attempted to have a few bites of my energy bar - not sure why but it seemed liked a good idea at the time, suffice to say it wasn't.
I started back into the race in my just above a walk running style and after about 5 minutes got out of the transition area back into the sunshine. I was feeling comfortable in that I knew I had done a good swim and a good cycle - although timewise I wasn't really paying attention - so all I needed to do was complete the run with all my dodgy bones intact.
I turned the corner, went down the hill and turning left came to a big hill up. I hadn't banked on there being hills on the run too. My face must have dropped because one of the women coming back in the opposite direction shouted at me that it was the only hill on the course and to keep going. I knew it probably wasn't the only hill but appreciated the shout out and kept going. I kept going at the same neolithic pace until the first water station where in my delirium I managed to turn around, water in hand, to head back to the transitiion area. People in the crowd starting shouting at me that I had gone the wrong way so I had to correct myself and trundle on. Another (what felt like forever) couple of thousand paces forward came the run through showers. I saw friends waiting there and so figuring it was the half way point I went through the left shower, then the one on the right refreshed for the homeward journey.
Turns out it wasn't the halfway point either and as my friends screamed at me I had to turn around again (really beginning to dislike the run now) to head down a promenade that seemed to go on forever.
[I'm thinking the fact that I twice found myself prematurely turning for home speaks volumes about my natural running ability]
The never ending promenade eventually turned into another one and eventually I saw the halfway mark in the distance. It was at this point that my heart sank and I remember thinking as I was nicely away from prying eyes (it was just competitors now) I'd have a sos beag. So I did. I walked for a few minutes, took some water, drank it leisurely and with my composure renewed cranked myself back into first gear.
After about 500 yards I decided another glass of water would be just the trick. Rejunventated I headed back towards Excel and the finish line. I had passed the other two on the never ending promenade so I knew they would have finished by now which was great. I also knew that I would finish, I never doubted that all the way through the run - I just wasn't interested in pushing myself much more which is funny when I look back on it.
The run back went by in a bit of a blur, there was lots of cheering, lots of clapping and before I knew it I was up that final hill and turned left into the transition area for the finish line. My brother was the first person I saw, camera in hand he was clicking away. Then my friends came into view, again cameras in hand I took the cue and broke into Chariots of Fire before crossing the finish line in 1 hour 9 minutes.
Someone gave me a medal and bottle of water and we all gathered, my fellow triathletes and I (best said outloud in BBC newsreader voice) hugged, laughed and generally beamed. Friends gathered around us to do the same and more camera action - there was one point where we lined up and got battered with flash, papperazzi style. We loved it.
We had set ourselves a real challenge and four months later were standing together with medals around our necks. It was fantastic and we were going to enjoy, nay savour every minute of it.
It's now two days later and I don't think it's really hit home yet. Physically I'm tired although mercifully not sore and my knees, back, hips and ankles are intact. I think it will take a few more days before the experience really sinks in there was so much going on.
For now though the thing that stays in my mind was the support we got from our friends and family and how much it helped on the day. It was such a wonderful feeling being able to share the day with them and watch them enjoying it too. We were all very proud of ourselves on Saturday and late into the night the guys could be heard talking about how they will take part next year.
As for me, well, my alien signed me up to do the Nike 10K in Hyde Park in October so I have no clue where the adventure will land me.
We had packed the night before so once fed, there was nothing else but take a photo of us leaving and then out the door. We knew we could travel with our bikes on the tube so made our way across London while I tried to convince myself this was just a normal Saturday morning.
[the power of denial is immense, I am reminded]
We got as far as West Ham before changing to the Jubilee line and down to Canning Town. The DLR doesn't like bikes so instead we cycled the few minutes down to Excel from there. It was very easy to find, once we figured out which way to go out of Canning Town tube station that is - to right or to left was the big question of the morning.
We arrived in Excel and even though it was early there was already a hive of activity. TV cameras were milling about dangerous with intent trying to capture the buzz and bikes were being pushed about like prams. It reminded of me of the first day of a new school year. Many know exactly where to go and what to do while those of us who were new walked with gawping mouths and anxious looks at other to make sure we were still all there.
[Buffy came flooding into my head weirdly]
One of my race numbers was missing from my race pack so I had to queue up at the Help Desk to get a replacement one. It was one of the more surreal moments of the day reaching the desk to be greeted by a familiar (but very out of place) face. We spent the next few minutes listing out things and people we knew to trace how we recognised each other. We decided it was either rugby or a friend but I'm not convinced. Either way he wished me well and with all numbers accounted for proceeded to the next step of registering.
All along the registration route we passed stewards. I felt like I was running the ultimate Shakespeare & West End gauntlet as the chorus of stewards whispered words of encouragement to the random passers by.
Excel is ginormous, think of an aircraft hangar and you get the picture. Having collected our chips and official stuff we got to the row set aside for our race. It was open racking so we put our bikes together towards the end of the row for ease of access after the swim. I was conscious that I might not be able to find a friend of mine who was going to mind my glasses during the swim so in case I needed to use my spare pair the swim to bike transition needed to be blind dummy proof.
Once our stuff was racked we headed off to find toilets, friends, escape routes and generally freak out. One friend turned to me as we walked past the steward chorus again because they had addressed us as athletes. Things were getting odder by the minute, we definitely weren't in Kansas anymore.
I wanted to find friends to say hello and have a quiet minute with them before the race momentum kicked in. I found them getting bacon butties (so unfair) but it was just so cool seeing familiar faces to share the madness I didn't mind that much. Being that far down in East London early on a Saturday morning was tough on them too so they had earned it.
The sejourn was short lived and the three of us competing left the safety of the bacon buttie table and headed back up to the transition area to put on our wetsuits. Race mode has kicked in, we were no longer there as spectators, it was time to participate.
With wetsuits donned we headed over to the competitor gathering area. Crossing the walkover bridge was probably the sorest thing I've done in ages and definitely not one of the things on my pre race prep list ! We got to the gathering area eventually and collected our wave hats. Bright orange. Yum.
One of the stewards gathered us in to give the final instructions (you know the ones - if you're going to drown, tell us). He asked those doing their first triathlon to put their hands in the air. There was an audible sigh of relief when about 99% of hands went up. It was just the thing to put us all at ease and with a clapping of hands we were off down the stairs through the double doors and into the sunshine. Picture gladiators pounding up steps into the Roman Colisseum wearing wetsuits, that was us.
We were due to start at 11.40, second wave of the day. The first wave (Mens' Super Sprint) had already started and as we watched them power off I found myself in a Matrix like time slowing down moment watching them, taking in the crowd, sunshine, shouts of support and weirdly wondering how people got up onto one of the walkways that went over the water.
Once in the water we had to swim about 50m into the middle of the basin. I wasn't expecting this but it was nice as it gave me a chance to check my goggles were secure and just bascially get wet and comfortable in the new environment. We bobbed about for a few short minutes before the oggie oggie oggie went out followed quickly by the claxon. We were off.
I found myself towards the back in the middle. I managed to get stuck behind two swimmers with no room to get in front of them so had to keep slow. In many ways that was probably a good thing to make sure I didn't go out too fast in all the excitement. In general I didn't experience any of the close quarter thrashing I'd expected, it was the getting into a rhythm with clear water that was tough. Eventually I got away from them though and was free more or less until I got to the first turning point. This was about 200m up and it went by so quickly I remember thinking to myself as I passed the second one that I must enjoy the experience because it will be over soon and after four months of training I wanted to feel it all.
I was tiring towards the end of the swim and found myself moving towards the edge of the course, where the ropes were. I was in a nice rhythm though so didn't mind too much, I knew I was almost there. Then the thrashing began, I got cut up by a swimmer coming from the left, completely lost my rhythm and had to almost stop. I was pretty locked in so didn't really have much of an option. I could feel the frustration rising and it felt good because I knew it meant I had lots left in the tank for the cycle and run.
Getting out of the water I managed a quick look at my watch, about 11 minutes which was great given the thrashing about. I felt like an oompa loompa in my glamour devoid wetsuit and catching my breath in front of thousands of people isn't fun so all I could was walk up towards the main building to give my jelly legs time to recover. I found my friend with the glasses so with wetsuit wrapped in the bag (came off easily) I shuffled on up the steps back to transition. It's quite a ways and I was happy to just walk there. Lots of others were running, off with them, I was a tourist.
I found my bike easily, dumped the wet stuff, donned the socks (yes sacrilege, I wore socks) and other bits before unhooking bike and heading off. The bike bit was enjoyable. I liked the wind in my face and there was a real sense of freedom being able to cycle in the middle of the road. I knew I would be fine if I stayed around the 20kph mark so with that in my head I got a bit of a shock when we reached our first hill.
[there were not supposed to be hills]
I ended up right down in first gear at one stage and 20kph was a very long way away but with up hills come down hills and 35kph is great fun. The course brought us back under Excel at about the 5k mark and I spotted some friends high up on the walk way.
[don't ask how, I normally can't see a thing]
After some grandstanding (which I was reliably informed was what I was doing) I did the other 5.8k before the last cruel hill into transition and dumping the bike. At this stage I attempted to have a few bites of my energy bar - not sure why but it seemed liked a good idea at the time, suffice to say it wasn't.
I started back into the race in my just above a walk running style and after about 5 minutes got out of the transition area back into the sunshine. I was feeling comfortable in that I knew I had done a good swim and a good cycle - although timewise I wasn't really paying attention - so all I needed to do was complete the run with all my dodgy bones intact.
I turned the corner, went down the hill and turning left came to a big hill up. I hadn't banked on there being hills on the run too. My face must have dropped because one of the women coming back in the opposite direction shouted at me that it was the only hill on the course and to keep going. I knew it probably wasn't the only hill but appreciated the shout out and kept going. I kept going at the same neolithic pace until the first water station where in my delirium I managed to turn around, water in hand, to head back to the transitiion area. People in the crowd starting shouting at me that I had gone the wrong way so I had to correct myself and trundle on. Another (what felt like forever) couple of thousand paces forward came the run through showers. I saw friends waiting there and so figuring it was the half way point I went through the left shower, then the one on the right refreshed for the homeward journey.
Turns out it wasn't the halfway point either and as my friends screamed at me I had to turn around again (really beginning to dislike the run now) to head down a promenade that seemed to go on forever.
[I'm thinking the fact that I twice found myself prematurely turning for home speaks volumes about my natural running ability]
The never ending promenade eventually turned into another one and eventually I saw the halfway mark in the distance. It was at this point that my heart sank and I remember thinking as I was nicely away from prying eyes (it was just competitors now) I'd have a sos beag. So I did. I walked for a few minutes, took some water, drank it leisurely and with my composure renewed cranked myself back into first gear.
After about 500 yards I decided another glass of water would be just the trick. Rejunventated I headed back towards Excel and the finish line. I had passed the other two on the never ending promenade so I knew they would have finished by now which was great. I also knew that I would finish, I never doubted that all the way through the run - I just wasn't interested in pushing myself much more which is funny when I look back on it.
The run back went by in a bit of a blur, there was lots of cheering, lots of clapping and before I knew it I was up that final hill and turned left into the transition area for the finish line. My brother was the first person I saw, camera in hand he was clicking away. Then my friends came into view, again cameras in hand I took the cue and broke into Chariots of Fire before crossing the finish line in 1 hour 9 minutes.
Someone gave me a medal and bottle of water and we all gathered, my fellow triathletes and I (best said outloud in BBC newsreader voice) hugged, laughed and generally beamed. Friends gathered around us to do the same and more camera action - there was one point where we lined up and got battered with flash, papperazzi style. We loved it.
We had set ourselves a real challenge and four months later were standing together with medals around our necks. It was fantastic and we were going to enjoy, nay savour every minute of it.
It's now two days later and I don't think it's really hit home yet. Physically I'm tired although mercifully not sore and my knees, back, hips and ankles are intact. I think it will take a few more days before the experience really sinks in there was so much going on.
For now though the thing that stays in my mind was the support we got from our friends and family and how much it helped on the day. It was such a wonderful feeling being able to share the day with them and watch them enjoying it too. We were all very proud of ourselves on Saturday and late into the night the guys could be heard talking about how they will take part next year.
As for me, well, my alien signed me up to do the Nike 10K in Hyde Park in October so I have no clue where the adventure will land me.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
survived !
Actually, more than survived, positively done well. Which is more than I can say for the state of me versus the hangover I'll have when I wake up. Oh well, it's not like I do a triathlon every day.
It's been a good day. Friends & family came, texted, supported, clapped and positively screamed their way through.
More tomorrow. For now I'm tired, medalled and on my drunken way to bed.
It's been a good day. Friends & family came, texted, supported, clapped and positively screamed their way through.
More tomorrow. For now I'm tired, medalled and on my drunken way to bed.
Friday, August 04, 2006
the night before
Checking in. Pasta eaten. Nerves reasonably ok. Texts incoming.
The momentum for tomorrow has started, I just hope I can sleep with everything going on. I hope the public transport getting to the location is pain free and that I don't forget anything.
At the end of the day as long as I go wearing what I will cycle & run in and remember I must have a bike and wetsuit nearby I'll be doing ok.
I should mention someone in our group starting singing the wombles from wimbledon common earlier this evening. Now, it's the only fucking tune in my head. If I swim 400 metres, cycle 10k and run 2.5k with it in my head I will be not be responsible for what I do to him afterwards.
The momentum for tomorrow has started, I just hope I can sleep with everything going on. I hope the public transport getting to the location is pain free and that I don't forget anything.
At the end of the day as long as I go wearing what I will cycle & run in and remember I must have a bike and wetsuit nearby I'll be doing ok.
I should mention someone in our group starting singing the wombles from wimbledon common earlier this evening. Now, it's the only fucking tune in my head. If I swim 400 metres, cycle 10k and run 2.5k with it in my head I will be not be responsible for what I do to him afterwards.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
almost there day
Quiet time. It's my last night before triathlon visitors arrive. Once that happens the tempo of everything will change to preparation and energy and alarm clocks.
Not now though. Now it's about tapping on a keyboard and a glass of whiskey but that's pretty much it.
I've done all I can do. I've enjoyed it. I've survived it. I've raised some money. It's all good.
Tonight is almost there night, bring it on !
Not now though. Now it's about tapping on a keyboard and a glass of whiskey but that's pretty much it.
I've done all I can do. I've enjoyed it. I've survived it. I've raised some money. It's all good.
Tonight is almost there night, bring it on !
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Seb Coe eat your heart out
I had a great run tonight and I'm so pleased, so totally chuffed with myself.
[how I never thought I would hear myself say that]
I did 15 minutes straight, at the same speed, on hard surface and sit here feeling good with both knees intact. That 15 minutes equates to a fraction under the race distance and that feels fucking fantastic. It's the first time I've run the race distance all in one go.
This week is all about the tipping along rather than all out training. I was pretty sure it was the best approach for me to make sure I'm fresh on Saturday and having done so well tonight I believe even more that I am right. Last time I ran that far I was 25.
I'm now a happy camper and knowing the triathlon is only round the corner I've taken the edge of the fear of running tonight and that's really very cool.
[how I never thought I would hear myself say that]
I did 15 minutes straight, at the same speed, on hard surface and sit here feeling good with both knees intact. That 15 minutes equates to a fraction under the race distance and that feels fucking fantastic. It's the first time I've run the race distance all in one go.
This week is all about the tipping along rather than all out training. I was pretty sure it was the best approach for me to make sure I'm fresh on Saturday and having done so well tonight I believe even more that I am right. Last time I ran that far I was 25.
I'm now a happy camper and knowing the triathlon is only round the corner I've taken the edge of the fear of running tonight and that's really very cool.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
solomon browne
I caught the end of a documentary on TV tonight about the Penlee Lifeboat and Union Star coaster. They both went down off the south west coast of England twenty five years ago with the loss of all crewmen. It was a heartwrenching account.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/tv/wk31/tue.shtml#tue_thesea2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penlee_lifeboat_disaster
Earlier this evening I had thought about how I would actually complete the triathlon, trying to visualise it in my head aswell as what I should eat and when and what to wear on the day etc. It popped into my head at one point that I was doing this for a reason, the RNLI.
I didn't expect to find myself back here at midnight with the whistle of the sea in my ears. I am drawn back to what it feels like when you're in a pub and a murmour of "the lifeboat has gone out" sparks around and everyone gets lost in their own thoughts for a few moments before picking back up where they left off.
I am glad I chose to raise funds for the RNLI and when I hit a low patch on Saturday, which I'm sure I will, I know I'll get through it. It's horribly sentimental but what they willingly do takes my breath away so if the hop, skip and jump I'm doing helps them I am chuffed.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/tv/wk31/tue.shtml#tue_thesea2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penlee_lifeboat_disaster
Earlier this evening I had thought about how I would actually complete the triathlon, trying to visualise it in my head aswell as what I should eat and when and what to wear on the day etc. It popped into my head at one point that I was doing this for a reason, the RNLI.
I didn't expect to find myself back here at midnight with the whistle of the sea in my ears. I am drawn back to what it feels like when you're in a pub and a murmour of "the lifeboat has gone out" sparks around and everyone gets lost in their own thoughts for a few moments before picking back up where they left off.
I am glad I chose to raise funds for the RNLI and when I hit a low patch on Saturday, which I'm sure I will, I know I'll get through it. It's horribly sentimental but what they willingly do takes my breath away so if the hop, skip and jump I'm doing helps them I am chuffed.
down falls the rain
I had the oddest thought last night as I was going to bed. The rain had finally arrived and it was rightly bucketing down outside. It occured to me in my exhausted state that some of the rain water falling will probably still be in the Docklands basin I'll be swimming in on Saturday morning and it felt strangely comforting.
Definitely one of the oddest things that have ever popped into my head - it may even end up being true.
This evening I went for a swim. I cycled down there from work and did the bare 400m crawl. I think at this point I'd be better off swimming with a frontal lobotomy. Every twist and twinge is being analysed ad nauseum and there's no sense of relaxation or enjoyment going on at all.
I remember when summer Tuesdays involved a trip into town with a camera. Almost there, almost there.
Definitely one of the oddest things that have ever popped into my head - it may even end up being true.
This evening I went for a swim. I cycled down there from work and did the bare 400m crawl. I think at this point I'd be better off swimming with a frontal lobotomy. Every twist and twinge is being analysed ad nauseum and there's no sense of relaxation or enjoyment going on at all.
I remember when summer Tuesdays involved a trip into town with a camera. Almost there, almost there.
head wreck continues
Knowing that the triathlon is around the corner and being a crammer by nature I'm tempted to just go for a run or swim or cycle every day. I did all three yesterday evening and although I enjoyed it and am glad that I did it I can really feel it in my legs today, my thighs especially.
I suspect the next few weeks will be tricky from the perspective of over training. I need to be fresh, I need to not pick up any injuries but I also still need to prove to myself that I can do it.
The head wreck is never ending.
I suspect the next few weeks will be tricky from the perspective of over training. I need to be fresh, I need to not pick up any injuries but I also still need to prove to myself that I can do it.
The head wreck is never ending.
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