Not even 24 hours after moaning yesterday about the low energy levels I had on Friday I have resumed the position to rave about how good I feel. God I'm a fickle runner !
Anyway, it is pissing rain here - hardly inviting - but I was determined to put the 15 minutes Friday fiasco behind me so donned rain jacket and headed out. I still found the first 10 minutes or so tough but was definitely feeling better and managed to focus on other things for those thorny minutes.
Before long I was on my second circuit and feeling strong. In the end I managed my first proper 5k in ages and that just felt great.
There is something about running in the rain that I love. It's a clean experience and once you're wet , you're wet, right. I passed quite a few other runners and walkers. Nods and wry smiles were exchanged and I was pretty chuffed with myself that I walked out my front door.
Just under two weeks to go to the 5k I've signed up to that's ok, I feel I can manage that. About 5 weeks left to the 10k which I'm definitely less sure of. And all of that means there's about 10 weeks left to Tri Day.
OK, deep breath time.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
low energy levels can lead to unusual things
Friday was a bit of a downer. I went running but after only 15 minutes felt like I needed to stop. Can't really explain 'cos nothing was broken or injured or rushed etc but it just didn't feel right. I walked anohter few k's instead so at least felt like I'd done something. Odd though.
As it turned out, I was giving blood later that day and felt rightly unwell afterwards so I was definitely low on energy for some reason. I decided to take today easy as a result and at this stage even if I'd like to do something the weather has gone and thrown a wobbly so there's no point really.
Anyway, perhaps as a result of weird energy levels I found myself trawling through Runners World (as you do) and came across this. So I've entered. It's on in a few weeks time and should be a good barometer of how I'm doing both for the 10k in July and my 5k component of the Triathlon. Speaking of the 10k, this morning my very white, blue and red t-shirt from the folks at the British 10k arrived in the post. I'm building up quite the collection of race t-shirts now.
As it turned out, I was giving blood later that day and felt rightly unwell afterwards so I was definitely low on energy for some reason. I decided to take today easy as a result and at this stage even if I'd like to do something the weather has gone and thrown a wobbly so there's no point really.
Anyway, perhaps as a result of weird energy levels I found myself trawling through Runners World (as you do) and came across this. So I've entered. It's on in a few weeks time and should be a good barometer of how I'm doing both for the 10k in July and my 5k component of the Triathlon. Speaking of the 10k, this morning my very white, blue and red t-shirt from the folks at the British 10k arrived in the post. I'm building up quite the collection of race t-shirts now.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
mid week check in
It's Thursday and I've returned home from the pool after a half hour session achieving 1000 meters freestyle. I'm tired but smelling of chlorine and pleased with the effort.
I don't really remember how much I was doing this time last year but part of me wonders if I'm doing ok and another part thinks I'll be fine. It's funny how you forget the basics.
Anyway, so far this week I have swam, run and cycled a few times -the morning half hour running sessions are killing me but I know I have to do them. After the marathon session on Sunday I took Monday off completely and swam 1,000m on Tuesday evening. Wednesday was running and today back to the pool. This evening I will do a bit of a cycle and tomorrow morning another run.
Not sure if I mentioned but I've got a 10k coming up in early July so I need to get my running up to a decent level before then. Given it's about 6 weeks away I do need to get beyond the 30 mins I struggle through today.
Slowly, slowly etc etc
I don't really remember how much I was doing this time last year but part of me wonders if I'm doing ok and another part thinks I'll be fine. It's funny how you forget the basics.
Anyway, so far this week I have swam, run and cycled a few times -the morning half hour running sessions are killing me but I know I have to do them. After the marathon session on Sunday I took Monday off completely and swam 1,000m on Tuesday evening. Wednesday was running and today back to the pool. This evening I will do a bit of a cycle and tomorrow morning another run.
Not sure if I mentioned but I've got a 10k coming up in early July so I need to get my running up to a decent level before then. Given it's about 6 weeks away I do need to get beyond the 30 mins I struggle through today.
Slowly, slowly etc etc
Monday, May 21, 2007
bionic Sunday
Can't remember if I mentioned but I've started rowing. It's a recent development but one that I'm both enjoying and still finding my feet in.
I mention this by way of introduction to my weekend. On Saturday I ran to my office to collect my (abandoned) bike and then cycled the long way home. All in all the roundtrip took about an hour and I was relatively pleased with the session. I wasn't out of breath and no ambulance / equipment was required at the other end.
Sunday was a more ambitious affair 'cos I wanted to cycle out to Richmond, row and then cycle home. The overall session took about three hours and by the time I made it home (for the Heineken Cup Final) I probably looked more like a boxer who had been poleaxed. I knew I was tired (that good tired when your body can no more but it's the middle of the day and the sun is shining and you're comfortable and it's ok) but I had no clue I was THAT tired. For the first time that I can remember I fell asleep on the couch. Did I mention the Heineken Cup Final was on?
Today I woke up tired and with definite shoulder aches but as a friend of mine noticed I was on a happy endorphine high. The rowing was fun but my God it may all just kill me in the end.
I mention this by way of introduction to my weekend. On Saturday I ran to my office to collect my (abandoned) bike and then cycled the long way home. All in all the roundtrip took about an hour and I was relatively pleased with the session. I wasn't out of breath and no ambulance / equipment was required at the other end.
Sunday was a more ambitious affair 'cos I wanted to cycle out to Richmond, row and then cycle home. The overall session took about three hours and by the time I made it home (for the Heineken Cup Final) I probably looked more like a boxer who had been poleaxed. I knew I was tired (that good tired when your body can no more but it's the middle of the day and the sun is shining and you're comfortable and it's ok) but I had no clue I was THAT tired. For the first time that I can remember I fell asleep on the couch. Did I mention the Heineken Cup Final was on?
Today I woke up tired and with definite shoulder aches but as a friend of mine noticed I was on a happy endorphine high. The rowing was fun but my God it may all just kill me in the end.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
noticing changes from last year
Today was a cycling day so I took the long way home and although I only did 10k it was really easy and when I came through the front door felt like I could have gone on much, much longer.
Bonus eh.
Without actively thinking about it, I'm beginning to notice what I'm doing differently to last year. I mean last year I was all about the swimming and then the cycling and the running pretty much scared the shit out of me so much I put my head in the sand and hoped a combination of a few soccer pitch laps and crowd power on the day would be enough. As it turns out it was ok and 2.5k in 18 minutes through a mixture of "running" and walking got me through.
This year I've been running consistently and can feel how that fitness level is spreading to benefit everything else. It wasn't something I'd factored in but it's really nice all the same. With 2 and a half months to go to tri day I have to say I'm alot more confident than this time last year even though I've not spent the time in the pool and it's double the overall distances.
Tomorrow morning is swim morning so hopefully I can get myself back into a pool habit. So far it's not happening but if I keep plugging along something will happen surely.
Bonus eh.
Without actively thinking about it, I'm beginning to notice what I'm doing differently to last year. I mean last year I was all about the swimming and then the cycling and the running pretty much scared the shit out of me so much I put my head in the sand and hoped a combination of a few soccer pitch laps and crowd power on the day would be enough. As it turns out it was ok and 2.5k in 18 minutes through a mixture of "running" and walking got me through.
This year I've been running consistently and can feel how that fitness level is spreading to benefit everything else. It wasn't something I'd factored in but it's really nice all the same. With 2 and a half months to go to tri day I have to say I'm alot more confident than this time last year even though I've not spent the time in the pool and it's double the overall distances.
Tomorrow morning is swim morning so hopefully I can get myself back into a pool habit. So far it's not happening but if I keep plugging along something will happen surely.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
running for breakfast
Yesterday morning I went for a run. It was one of those get out of bed and dressed and out the door before you realise you're awake and talk yourself out of it runs.
Anyway, I ran for about 25 minutes before my heart attack really kicked in. There was a point when I was running (breathing was laboured) when I thought of people who run marathons. Not just the 2 hours 5 minute marathons, the 5 hour 2 minute marathons. Anyone who can put their body through that type of turmoil has my complete admiration. Unbelievable.
So I finished my run (was about 4k) and shuffled home pleased that I had been a good little soldier. Today is a day off but tomorrow morning I'll be back in the pool.
Anyway, I ran for about 25 minutes before my heart attack really kicked in. There was a point when I was running (breathing was laboured) when I thought of people who run marathons. Not just the 2 hours 5 minute marathons, the 5 hour 2 minute marathons. Anyone who can put their body through that type of turmoil has my complete admiration. Unbelievable.
So I finished my run (was about 4k) and shuffled home pleased that I had been a good little soldier. Today is a day off but tomorrow morning I'll be back in the pool.
Monday, May 14, 2007
I'm back !
So kids, today was day one but before I go into any of the gorey details I must first start with an apology. Who knew when I sat here in good faith a few weeks back I would go and break my baby toe and put myself out of action for a few weeks.
Not the glory glory start I was hoping for. The good news is the toe has recovered. The bad news is my weight took a hammering. Oh well. Food for .. etc. so apologies for the false start.
A few little updates first. Remember last year when I was all gung-ho about my little alien and the type 2 triathletes? Turns out I was not immune (like I was ever going to be) and have acquired myself a new shiny little number ... it's a beauty. My trusty hybrid bike is no more (respectful moment), I have joined the ranks of the specials ones and am the proud owner of a Specialized. Light as a feather, swift as an arrow and just enough damage to the bank account to make sure you check in on it regularly and add it to your house insurance.
The other big news is I went and had eye surgery so no more of this glasses on / glasses off / glasses where did I last leave them nonsense. I am free I tell you.
Free but also committed to two events - the British 10k on July 1st and the London Triathlon Sprint on August 4th. We are the same motley tri crew as last year but the 10k throws up a host of new characters. God help us all.
So, at the top of the hour I mentioned today was Day 1 of the new training schedule. This meant I had to go to the pool and splash about a bit looking like I knew what I was doing. Turns out all I managed to do was generate a purve factor. My swim suit no longer fits me and while I'd love to think it's entirely due to the weight I've lost and the "sculpted figure" I've acquired through all this hard work I think it's got more to do with jaded fabric going oh no, not that crap again and flopped in an anti viagra pout.
[ever have one of those moments on holidays when you're half way down the water slide in your bikini and it dawns on you this may not have been one of your smartest moves ... ]
Anyway, I managed my 400 metres and sit here now (a) making mental note to buy new swimsuit (b) making mental note to book massage (c) making mental note to never sign up for a triathlon again (d) setting my alarm for a run in the morning.
Welcome back cruelty.
Not the glory glory start I was hoping for. The good news is the toe has recovered. The bad news is my weight took a hammering. Oh well. Food for .. etc. so apologies for the false start.
A few little updates first. Remember last year when I was all gung-ho about my little alien and the type 2 triathletes? Turns out I was not immune (like I was ever going to be) and have acquired myself a new shiny little number ... it's a beauty. My trusty hybrid bike is no more (respectful moment), I have joined the ranks of the specials ones and am the proud owner of a Specialized. Light as a feather, swift as an arrow and just enough damage to the bank account to make sure you check in on it regularly and add it to your house insurance.
The other big news is I went and had eye surgery so no more of this glasses on / glasses off / glasses where did I last leave them nonsense. I am free I tell you.
Free but also committed to two events - the British 10k on July 1st and the London Triathlon Sprint on August 4th. We are the same motley tri crew as last year but the 10k throws up a host of new characters. God help us all.
So, at the top of the hour I mentioned today was Day 1 of the new training schedule. This meant I had to go to the pool and splash about a bit looking like I knew what I was doing. Turns out all I managed to do was generate a purve factor. My swim suit no longer fits me and while I'd love to think it's entirely due to the weight I've lost and the "sculpted figure" I've acquired through all this hard work I think it's got more to do with jaded fabric going oh no, not that crap again and flopped in an anti viagra pout.
[ever have one of those moments on holidays when you're half way down the water slide in your bikini and it dawns on you this may not have been one of your smartest moves ... ]
Anyway, I managed my 400 metres and sit here now (a) making mental note to buy new swimsuit (b) making mental note to book massage (c) making mental note to never sign up for a triathlon again (d) setting my alarm for a run in the morning.
Welcome back cruelty.
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