An unexpectedly long run

This evening I headed out for run, not really expecting to make it that far 'cos I didn't run over the weekend as I'd hoped to.

Turns out I was wrong. I managed approx 8.5k in 55 minutes and then walked another few k to give me a very handy total and surprisingly good work out.

I'm doing a 10k in a few weeks time so tonight was really great to get me back into the groove of it. Also, part of me felt I could have continued running if I really needed to. I chose to stop 'cos I'd not run that far in ages and didn't want to overdo things. I've got another 5k on Wednesday that I need to be able to manage without resorting to crawling.

It was a lovely surprise though.

what to do next?

It's now about 2 weeks since the London Triathlon and I'm still doing the swimming and cycling and running. I'd like to keep it going for as long as I can so we'll see. I haven't entered any other events 'cos I'll be away so no point really.

I have entered another 10k though in early September. It should be interesting to see how I get on. Walking home this evening I got a lovely blister on the sole of my foot - about the size of a 10p coin. No idea what caused it but it's bloody sore !

I'm toying with the idea of doing something a bit athletically reckless. Need some time to think about it though. Not having specific goals is dangerous.

swimbikerun without the pressure

I'm trying to keep myself on the swim bike run theme even though I'm not entered into any upcoming event. I feel like having put the work in it would be such a shame to lose it at this stage.

This evening I went for a long cycle on my way home. Over the weekend I ran 6k in 40 minutes and then walked another 30 minutes all in the steaming heat and Friday evening after work but before going to the pub I had myself a nice little session in the pool.

It all felt good.

weeks getting away

Sorry I've not written about the London Tri yet. It's been an odd and crazy week. I'll have more time over the weekend to get to it.

In other news, I'm torn between three events all taking place on Sunday 2nd September. Two are triathlons (Newbury & Seaford) and the third is a 10k between Chiswick and Hammersmith bridges. I'd like to enter one of them because it gives me something to aim for over the next few weeks and also sends me off to France in good fettle.

Never thought I'd get to this point. It feels good, if somewhat bizarre.

London Triathlon completed safely

Sprint distance completed in 1 hour 53 minutes, I think. Now for some well earned beers.

I am spartacus !!

the night before

At last, the night before the big day has arrived. I sit here full of pasta, full to the brim and getting tired. It's not late but I think the combination of heat, food and Fridayness is combining to send me off. I'm not complaining.

Because our race doesn't start until 2.30 we're pretty relaxed about the sequence of events pre race. Wetsuits, bikes, runners and our various bits and bobs are all here. We'll do the form filling over breakfast and make sure to leave plenty of time.

We've decided to take the District line tomorrow, as we did last year. I imagine it will take about an hour, hour and a half to get there, depending on trains.

It all feels a bit surreal to me as I sit here. Part of me is looking forward to it and part of me, the nervous part, just hopes I don't let myself or anyone else down. Mostly though, I want to be able to complete it and enjoy the trip.

Here's hoping for a restful and substantive sleep. Here's looking forward to a glorious waking up and positive outlook. Here's praying for a not as hot as forecasted (at least until 4.30) kinda day and finally, here's to everyone who will line up this weekend and the people who have supported them in getting there. This is the good stuff.

genius and a few looseners

Managed a small swim this morning. It felt fine and I tried out my new new goggles in the water. Again a small dribble was let in but I think on the day they'll be fine.

I cycled to and from work, again though just mere fancies at 10 minutes a pop. It's all about keeping loose. For lunch I managed pasta and breakfast was all about the superfood fruits.

All good so far.

This evening however was where things took a turn down the wilder side. Remember the way I mentioned I was cutting down / out the booze. Well I've been dong pretty well but this evening broke slightly free with two pints of genius. My rationale at the time was a Dougal like "aren't they lovely" but I can perfectly rationalise it now with I'll need iron and protein anyway so it's all fine.

hotting up

Just in the door from Heathrow. No exercise for me today, unless walking 10 minutes counts.

That wasn't the plan. I was due to be back earlier, with time to spare for a frolic in the pool to loosen up. Guess I'll have to do it tomorrow morning instead. God, alarm clocks are not my favourite thing these days.

Finally, I draw your attention to this and this and finally this. I may scream and then cry.