Day 84 - Mud Mud Glorious Mud!

Well yesterday was such a fantastic lovely day with almost spring like conditions but today was out and out horror with wind and copious amounts of rain. The ground was sodden anyway but with last nights and this morning rain on top it was very very wet.

We all felt a bit groggy first thing and did the usual shiver when we started the run in the rain but we were soon into the running and all saying how we enjoy these wet runs. Riffhams field was practically under water and the water soon found my toes. That first feeling of wet is so horrible but they were soon to get very wet and as always warmer. The paths in Blakes Wood were practically rivers but it was so enjoyable to know that most people were inside and we were out splashing around.

I did make one school boy error by stopping my watch for Alice to tie her shoes lace and forgot to restart it. Consequently every time I looked at it we had completed only 29 min but in truth we had been running close to 47min - oops! and we were the furthest point from home - double oops! Weaved our way home along the tracks in the woods before battling with Riffhams field again. Up the hill and home only 5 min extra but four very wet and even muddier people arrived at home to look forward to a hot brew and a hot shower before lunch.

What a lovely weekend with great friends and lots of talk of Austria 2010. Can not wait. Better start swimming now!

Day 83 - Training Weekend Saturday Ride

What a fantastic day today was. The sun actually made an appearance and by the afternoon it was positively warm at one point I even thought I had even over dressed. This weekend was a lovely weekend as Sophie came over with Dora and later Alice arrived with Paul. After a quick lunch by Alice and Paul we were all changed and off out on our bikes. It was a lovely ride around the lanes of Danbury and later the reservoir of Haningfield. The roads were quiet but smooth and and like I said the sun was shining and it was beautiful to be out and about.

We stayed out for close to 2.5 hours and covered a lovely 34 miles. We were so lucky with the weather and we all commented how lovely it was to be out riding in the sun rather being stuck inside on the turbo. Alice and Sophie were whizzing along and all those hours spent on the turbo have obviously paid off as they were pedaling smooth and efficiently.

Got home and showered before tucking in to a lovely curry and some lovely company till late into the evening.

Happy days and went to sleep with a lovely smile on my face with many happy memories from the day.

Day 82 - Firday night off

Had no choice but had to have a night off as life got in the way and that is that, nothing else really to say.

Day 81 - Thursday Cycle to school

Ah life got in the way of training and so didn't manage to get anything done apart from ride to school and ride home from school. The ride down there was not too bad but the ride home was horrendous it was blowing loads and the rain was coming down in the style of North Wales horizontal. Oh yeah and both were battering me in my face.

By the time I got home I was covered head to toe in grit and crap off the road. Had to take everything off in the shower and had enough sand to build a sandcastle in there! But it was enjoyable and brought a smile to my face.

Day 80 - Wednesday Brick Session

I don't know why but i really enjoy these sessions now. I don't know if it was because it was a small session only 45 min and 15 min but really enjoyed it. Not a lot else to really say about it to be honest.

Day 79 - Striders

Went back to running club tonight for the first time since September. And I went straight back to a fartlek session - gulp. Over 7 miles in 1hour 3 minutes. So for me it was a fast session. we must have done at least 20 'fartleks' in that time some very short max of 50m and the longest lasting .84 of a mile. We spent most of the time up and down the Avenues in Chelmsford. It is very boring but good as there are gradual climbs that last for quite a long stretch.

I didn't go flat out but kept my head and I would say was steady for all my efforts and by the end and especially on the long effort was picking off the people which caused more of a bounce in my step.

Got a good feeling about training this week think its going to be a classic.

Day 78 - Day off

Well the program says day off so taking it. I trained the last one so this one is deserved or so I keep telling myself.

Day 77 - Cambridge and turbo

Came back from Olney and stopped at Cambridge. We had a lovely couple of hours there, especially seeing Freya's face going on a double decker and sitting in the front was a delight to see. When we got back I climbed into my training kit and jumped on my bike and began to turbo.

The 2.5 hour session was daunting and i just didn't get into it so after 1hr 20 I climbed off. What was the point I wasn't really doing anything and my heart just wasn't into it.

There we go still got lots of weeks left so not that big a deal.

Day 76 - Saturday and off

We went off to see friends so there was no chance of training. I was planning to get up and go for a long run really early but when the alarm went there was no hope of me getting out of my pit. Don Fink would have been cussing me but hey ho life is such. Even had two beers in the evening and it wasn't the end of the week! how very naughty!

Day 75 - A nice long run

Nothing really to report apart from it was a lovely long run with lots of ups and a few downs but on the whole a very lovely long run that I felt good with at the end.

Day 74 - mmmmmmm no training

It was Thursday the dreaded spin session and Susan and I had a chance to be together without the girls so we took it and had a lovely day. In the afternoon started building a place to put all our recycling and in the evening had a lovely time with some good friends so no training for me today.

Day 73 - Longest Brik Yet

45 min on the turbo and 30 min run. I was really happy with this session not because it was a 1.15 hr of effort but for what went on when I was doing it.

Firstly, the bike was fun I decided that every time my iPod changed tune I'd crank up to another gear for four and then back down. A mini pyramid session but it kept it interesting and some crazy songs were coming on through the shuffle! In fact the last song was The Eagles song that starts with 'I've been running down the road.....' how I smiled, too tired to laugh, when I realised this was on and 45 min were up.

Secondly, the run is always tough I can never get used to the wobbly leg feeling I get after a bike session. I don't think I ever will either. However, after not long one or two strides start to feel good then some more and more until you realise your in your running style and happy. I ran a lovely loop that I didn't think was possible in 30 min but managed to get around it so that was a buzz.

Finally, what I am most pleased with is before the session started I went to the toilet and noticed I was slightly dehydrated so made up a litre drink of High 5 4:1 energy drink. Whilst on the bike I drank constantly so when running I had a large amount of water sloshing inside me. This caused a stitch and sharp pain in my left shoulder but I didn't stop - that's what I'm happy about. I carried on, previously I would have stopped and had doubts etc. I happy as well because I enjoyed the pain and realised I'm getting mentally stronger and overriding little doubts that pop into my head. May this new mental toughness continue all the way to the finish line in Austria on July 5th.

Day 72 - Chelmsford 10k and 2 more miles

The weather today was horrendous and the wind and the rain didn't stop all day. Despite this I still went out for a very good run in the monsoon conditions. I went with Dave and he certainly kept me ticking along at a very tidy pace. The first 3 miles were not that bad but it wasn't until we turned for our way home that the wind and rain drove into our faces with stinging sleet. What a school boy error!

The sides of the road were underwater now and there was no point trying to jump puddles as they were across the road and 10 meters long! There were some amazing houses on the way or maybe they were just ordinary but the rain was causing me weired vision?

After all that we ran for 1.07 and covered just over 8 miles so I was really happy with that and it was so nice to go running with a good friend in weather that most people would prefer to stay at home and turn on the heating. Loving that glowing cheek feeling from being out in awful weather.

Day 71 - Day Off - ish!

Today was meant to be the start of the build phase and therefore a day off. However, I had to do yesterdays hour and half run. So when Grace arrived off I plodded. I felt so bad to begin just felt like I couldn't get going but looking at the Garmin I noticed I was doing 8 minute mile pace. So then the battle of the brain versus the Garmin started. It's faulty, it's shit, overcast is giving it funny times etc. The usual mumbo-jumbo going around my head. Then I started laughing as this is the same argument I had with myself in IMUK about my watch there. But that time I listened to my brain and had a depressive 3rd lap on my bike, thinking I was near the back and was going too slow and will be picked up etc. So this time I looked at my watch and took it for gospel and turned my doubting brain into a positive one.

Suddenly I was thinking about why this happened and then I realised that is the power and the beauty of Don Fink's book. The training has been building up so slowly I hadn't noticed and going from struggling to complete an easy 20 min sun to charging around for 90 minutes doing 8.45 pace. But more importantly felt like going further. - Lush!

Got home and Susan had put the water on for me, very hot shower and lying on the bed after had a lovely couple of hours kip. How fantastic and lovely is that, train during the day and an afternoon sleep. Fan-bloody-tastic!

Day 70 - Valentine Croup

So today is St Valentines Day so I wanted to train but was not that fussed if I didn't get out there. We were off to spend the day with friends (Freya's little boyfriend!) and had such a lovely afternoon we ended up staying till after 6.30pm. By the time we got home and put kids to bed and I was so full from over eating I really couldn't face going out into the cold again.

I wimped it!

However, I did have an endurance training session to do because at 10pm ish Millie started barking like mad a real strong rasping cough that was horrible to hear. We thought she might have something in her windpipe stopping her from breathing. She starting going all droopy in my arms. Talk about a rush to the heart. Then as quickly as it came it went. She was fine and happy and then fell asleep and within 5 minutes she was really coughing again louder, raspier and stronger than before. Decision made A and E for it. Arrived there by 11.30 pm and saw the nurse within 30 mins and she was the one who said it sounded like croup. 4 hours later we see a doctor and she simply said there are no symptoms so go home! What the f**k. Apparently the nurse who sees you prioritises cases for the doctor to see and as Millie had perked up by the time we got to see the nurse we were deemed to be last! What is even more gutting is that there were only 10 people in the unit and of those only 4 had to see a doctor. Average 1 patent per hour!!!! if you ran a business like that you would go under instantly.

Anyway got home at 4am and finally got everyone to sleep by 4.30ish. Grandma phoned at 8am to see how we got on and duly woke us all up! Great!

Ironkid and Ironbaby

Am I training too much and is my training starting to influence the girls a bit too much?








This is genuine and not planted in her hands, she picked it up and started 'reading'.

This one however is totally rigged, of course she can not read and very surprised it wasn't ripped and eaten within 30 seconds of being on the floor!

Day 69 - Thank God for the iplayer

As the rugby was on and it is still not light enough to get the 3 hr bike ride in and back home before the swimming lessons I decided I will turbo it and watch Wales play against Scotland. So settled down on the saddle at about 1.30 pm to get the big match build up and then time was flying and the kick off had started. By half way through the first half I wanted to kick off the turbo and head out as we were awful, terrible and getting hammered! Kept going till half time and decided we need a come back so what happens Wales conceded a penalty instantly! Argggg

But the end was worth waiting for and my legs were spinning like a mad man as Wales kept on running and running. Got the win but only just.

Very tired now after a hard day in the saddle so off to bed for me.

Day 68 - Poor Lady

I decided to do the same loop as I had done so successfully on Tuesday night but this time a lot more conservatively considering I had a three hour bike to do tomorrow. But when I got to the Co-op there was a lady calling for her lost dog. She asked if on my run I would keep an eye out for the dog who was brand new. She had literally just picked him up and on the way home decided to stop to get something to eat. Opened the door and out bolted 'Badger'. Poor lady was in pieces so I decided to detour and put in a few laps around the playing fields to see if I could see him. Tried hard but couldn't so carried on my way. However, all the way around all I could think of was this poor dog.

The other downer was I couldn't take it easy as I had spent time looking and now needed to get a shifty on in order to get home close to the hour mark. Came back in 1hr 4 min so not too late.

Hope she finds her dog.

Day 67 - Parents Evening Part 2

I was so tired after parents evening tonight as well I could not be bothered to train. My hip is starting to bruise quite nicely and certainly hurts if someone touches it but apart from that not too bad considering the force I hit the floor with it. Back on it tomorrow.

Day 66 - Parents Evening

It was the first of 2 parents evening today and it doesn't finish till 8pm so I decided to ride my bike to school and ride home after. No problem getting there but major problems when trying to get home.
1 Whilst chatting away for 3 hours about progress and attainment to parents it had been pinging down with snow outside!

2 My front light is totally inadequate! perfect for roads with street light but awful for small lanes and Graces Walk

3 28mm street tyres slide all over the place in snow and ice.

I was like a duck on a frozen lake. I managed to stay up right for the majority but not all. I had a 1mph flop in Chelmer Park and then just before getting home went flying - truly slam dunked on my left hip. Both feet clipped in and slipping across the lane.

What is gutting is I really enjoyed myself until then listening to the snow under the wheels it was just like Ice Road Truckers! What caught me out was the bloody camber on the road as it dropped to the side and with my inadequate lights didn't notice.

I need to change my tyres for mt cycle cross ones. Harder to pedal but at least I will have some grip - I hope! as I'm getting fed up sliding along ice on tarmac!

Day 65 - Thanks to the 80's

Went for my run tonight and decided to go around the Ridge and back along Riffhams and I know it is mainly down hill apart from the start and the end. I was enjoying listening to the Ministry of Sound Electric 80's so much I forgot about staying in zone 2 and just bounded along and took a clean 4 mins off my pb for that route. What is even more nuts on certain songs I'm sure I was singing out loud and clapping my hands in beat. I must have looked like an demented escapee from a local loony asylum. But who cares I loved it. Shame can not have ipod on for ironman.

Day 64 - Start of week 10

This is the last week of the base training before moving on to the full on training. Today is a rest day even though last week was such a poor effort for me I really don't think I deserve on I took it and really enjoyed it. Looking forward to getting back on the miles again this week and switch my head in to gear to train.

One week left of term before a week off school - fab. Downside is the two parents evenings in the middle. Not meeting the parents as such but their such long days 13 hour jobies so thinking of riding to school and back on those days just to get some training in.

Day 63 - Total Eclipse

From the high of the sun yesterday to the low of the eclipse today. I woke up or rather I didn't wake up and stayed in bed for ages and then when I did I was like bear just come out of hibernation. I really couldn't get going at all. I really wanted to do two sessions today the bike in the am and the run in the pm. But I ended up doing neither I really couldn't get going all day and the thought of getting out there and changed into kit and pedaling for a few hours made me want to cry (not really but you get what I'm saying!)

Basically - sacked it!

Day 62 - Sunshine

When you were in the sun today it felt like a lovely spring day so much so that for the first time since last year I ditched the tights and got on the shorts and went for a fantastic run through all the woods in the area. I was pleased as pie as well because I did over the hour and felt really good and strong. The conditions were ideal wet under foot but in true Essex clay style very sticky which does have the advantage of meaning you can descend very quickly because you through your foot in the ground and you sort of aqua plane for a few centimetres before your other leg comes through and your surfing on that one. I never really used to enjoy trail running and off road running I was always paranoid about my knee popping again. But these runs this year I have thoroughly enjoyed. Enjoyed even more since being fitter as well.

Day 61 - No Strikes

Had a surprise meeting after school which turned into a usual talking shop of which I must admit I contributed to as well. But the result was I didn't get out and back to my class to tidy up in time to go for a run and back home and then back out again for seven o'clock at the bowling alley. So hey - ho once again life got in the way of training. Will have to make up the time.

Day 60 - Turbo-tastic

Well I sort of morphed two sessions in to one. Instead of doing the Thursday spin session I did a flat out turbo for an hour with no run at the end. I really didn't want to as I didn't getting started till 8.50pm but forced myself out there and thought I would only do 45 mins but once I was on it and started peddling then there was no point in stopping I might as well go all the way till the end.

I felt good with strong legs all the way but was ready to get off by the end. I'm writing this at 4.45 am as one child has just been fed and the other needed the bed changed and I was lying there thinking of the Ironman and going through all sorts of different scenarios of what could happen on the day. This immediately woke me up and that was that cup of tea and blog entry to do then sit down and finish reading Rosie Swale Pole 'Just a little run around the World'. Loving it and a few classic quotes.

"If it's important enough, it's possible to carry on no matter what."

" When times are difficult, think of something very special to keep you going."

Two that will certainly be going through my head in Austria for sure.

Day 59 - On the road again

Well I decided to go for it and went for an hour run and the knee was tick-a-dee-boo. Which is a big relief but the rest of my legs felt really tired. But, when I checked my watch I was only a minute slower than my PB for that course so I was amazed.

I had one scary moment on the run a bloody huge massive badger came flying across my path! it scared the living s**t out of me. I have never heard a badger make a noise before but some weird sound came out of his mouth as he went through my head-torch beam. Very strange but also lovely to think that there are wild badgers living just 3 minutes run away from the house.

I think that apart from the little injury I think I also went through my first little training blues downer, but after tonight I feel so much better and ready for my next session already.

Day 58 - Physio day

Well I went for physio today on the old achilles and the calf muscles but asked for the physio to look at my knee. The verdict is good some slight soft tissue damage and inflammation that should clear up over the next couple of days. So I think I will rest it again today and then start back on the training schedule tomorrow. I wont do both session one after the other but will try and mix the match the two. Maybe do the bike first for 30 minutes and then do an hours run. We'll see how it goes I'm sure that it will be ok.

Day 57 - Day off

And here it is again a day off. The week before was a rest training week and it certainly felt like it. The knee is feeling better at least.

Day 56 - no go day

It is just too stiff and painful to try and run on it today following yesterdays crash. I wont try and make up the time on Monday as I have physio already booked for Tuesday. Fingers crossed that not too much damage has been done and it might be just a bit of swelling.

Day 55 - Ice Road Biker

What a very scary bike ride today was. It was cold but very clear and the sun was starting to get above the clouds. However, there was quite a lot of ice about. I managed to avoid it all until right towards the end whilst entering East Hanningfield and going over a large patch of ice and when getting to the end I was suddenly upside down and sliding and spinning on my back across the road. I went down hard on my right knee and it was hurting to start with but managed to ride back ok. As the day wore on it was getting stiffer and stiffer. I'll rub some arnica cream on it to hopefully help with the bruising but we will see.

Will have to wait and see how it is before going for a run tomorrow.