Day 141 - A Day of Rest

At last a rest day. Not only no exercise but also a day out of class as I was on a course so all I ad to do all day was listen - bliss.

I've added a few photos for the previous two entries and must get back to Woodham Walter in order to get a shot of the tow path. The profile of the run looks really impressive as well as I've put that up.

Now time to turn on the TV eat pizza and watch a few Ironman videos on YouTube.

Day 140 - Lovely bike

Following a late night and Soph not feeling 100% we decided that it would be better to reduce the ride from the targeted 4 hours to about 2 hours. In the end we rode 2hr 20 min. The ride was a lovely loop through Bicknacre, South Haningfield, Stock, Writtle and eventully through Broomfield and finally Sandon to home.

I rode again with the cycle cross tyres on and I really noticed the difference how I had to pedal hard downhill while Sophie could just cruise by my side. I need to buy a new set of wheels one for the cycle cross tyres and one for road tyres. Need to do a bit of investigating to find out how much they cost.

When I got home and everyone left I started digging out the tree stump at the corner of the garden. Ian, next door, came and helped and without him I would still be out there now. He was a machine the way he went about digging out then smashing the axe through those roots. With some rocking and more axe work the stump was soon out.

All in all a fantastic weekend training, with beautiful weather and more importantly surrounded by good friends.

Day 139 - The Long Run

Today the sun was shinning and the weather was beautiful. Aled came for weekend from Plymouth which was fab to see him and have loads of laughs. Sophie and Chris came later with their lovely daughter Dora. The plan was for Soph and I to do our 2 hour run together today and the 4 hour bike ride tomorrow.

We went on a new route and headed towards Riffhams lane then towards Toffs Chase before heading down to the river. The towpath was stunning and so picturesque. The slight tail wind helped but it was a particularly lovely run.

The bad thing with living in Danbury is that you must always finish all your runs with an up hill charge. My legs were tired but my lungs and head felt like I could have kept on running. Unfortunately, Sophie had a bit of blue spell when we returned and didn't feel to clever. After a rest and a little fool she soon felt a bit better.

Another highlight of the day was the BBQ was fired up for the first time this season and I loved cooking on it - fantastic may we have many more this season.

Day 138 - Whacked

Went for an early morning swim and session 12 was ticked off the list - happy days. However, when I got home after a very busy week in school I was just too tired to get changed and go and pound the streets of Danbury for 1'15''. Ah well I listened to my body and didn't go.

Day 137 - Turbo in the ally

I'm finding it hard to type this blog tonight as my hands are frozen from turboing in the ally. Despite the warm weather we are having as soon as the sun goes down it gets bloody chilly. With sweating and the top then getting wet and sticking to me it made my body really cold. Consequently I had to stop with 10 minutes to go, however I had a good session and cycled harder than I should have as I was listening to the football on the radio.

Good weeks training so far and swim early tomorrow morning before a long run after school.

Day 136 - Brick by Brick

Had a session yesterday that on paper seamed easy but 40 mins in to the bike part I was so hungry and felt really weak. I kept on going and instead of a quick change, as requested, I popped in to the house to grap some energy sweets. I had something new and man alive it was like rocket fuel, bits of jelly, best way to describe them, and I was ready for the off and felt like I was rearing to go and body full of formula 1 race go-go juice. The sweets were called Clif Shot Blocks. I must admit the texture was not that desirable but the outcome was amazing. I will definatly be taking these on the IM bike ride with me and instead of having a 1/4 bar every 15 mins I'll have 1 of these every 20 mins.

Neadless to say the run went really well and I really enjoyed it. Wore the Asics DS Trainers and it was like having feathers on my feet. It got me thinking of wearing them on my IM run as they will feel so light after tired legs but then they wont help suport my feet and knees as much. Mmmmm ponder ponder but I think I will end up in the Kayano and play safe.

Day 135 - All good intentions

Had a really early start and was out running at 5.30am. I really wanted to get this run in early so that I could get to Gosfield Lake for the first open water swim of the season in the evenning. I really hate running early in the morning and I felt totaly un-coordinated as I plodded around the course but I got it done.

All day I was looking forward to getting to the lake and swim. My thirst for getting there was fueled even more knowing Sophie had already been and got her wetsuit wet. Luckily, just before leaving school, and after checking their website I decided to give them a call to double check they were open. Gutted they are not openning Tuesday evenning swims untill May 2nd. So off to the swimming pool for me. Double gutted I realised I had not got a padlock, after umming and ahhhing for a while I decided to chance it and leave my clothes in the locker unlocked. I thrashed about for about 15 lengths not enjoying it and always thinking of my kit unlocked. It suddenly dawned on me to put in some effort and swim a 1K TT.

Job done and left the pool with all my kit, nothing stolen, and more importantly really enjoyed the session instead of leaving feeling down hearted. Make note to self to turn all situations to a positive one.

Day 134 - Monday Blues

First day back at work today and felt so tired and was really struggling to stay awake during the whole school assembly. I decided to get off home and drag my sorry backside for a run. A very heavy plodding hour later and I was back home again. The run was not the best. I felt really flumpy and didn't really enjoy it that much but it was still training and all adds up towards the goal of completion of the Ironman.

Day 133 - Sunny Sundays

Today I was planning to do the bike spin and then the Friday night run. But after 5 hours of digging in the allotmant and the garden I decided that today was going to be a rest day and that tomorrow (the official rest day) will be a work out day.

I garden is looking better and a lot less 'stuff' in it after digging out loads of roots and trees. It's hard work but certainly good for the core with all that shoveling and spade work.

However, I did have double helpings of Spagetti Bollognaise as I was so hungry oh and a cheeky beer. A lot to work off tomorrow night then!!!

Day 132 - Long Run

I went out early-ish with Dave. We headed towards the golf course and created a big loop all the way back to the house. When we first started it was really quite chilly with a thick fog around everywhere. But after a while it began to burn off and reveal a beautiful sunny 'summer' day. I'm sure the rest of the Striders tri boys from had a glorious ride as they were meeting at 9.30am.

The loop we did was very undulating with lots of ups and not so much downs. But when I downloaded the Garmin on returning it stated that we had climbed 931m and descended 931m. Either the watch has gone cookoo or by pure fluke we managed to actually do this, find it hard to believe but wont know until next run.

Since it was my second run out I was really pleased with progress 1.5 hours at an average pace of 8:46 min/mile. But by the end my right thigh was very tight and felt full of lactic acid. But if that's it after a long lay off fantastic news.

Will try and squeeze in a turbo session tonight but don't know if this will happen as so wont be too disappointed if I don't get it done. So far a fantastic weeks training = tired legs now. One day to go before a well earned rest day.

Day 131 - No Train Today

The cousins were over and we had a lovely time digging in the garden so unfortunately I didn't get out to run, swim or bike to train. Gutted a bout that but had a lovely day with the children so can not really complain too much.

Day 130 - Nice Day, Nice Lanes = Tired Legs

I managed to get today for the 4 hour bike ride. Susan was meant to be off on Friday and didn't fancy getting up at silly o'clock on Saturday morning so went out today instead. I started off by going a new route and then decided since I had the off road tyres on to go along the tow path to Maldon.

Since it was still early morning I had the path to myself and it was gorgeous. Only one butt clenching moment when the path takes a sharp right, drops down and then a sharp left, slight miss judge of timing and I would have had my first open water swim of the season!!! but skidded my way around it. Dam those disc brakes are good.

I found my way back on to an old familiar route that I have ridden many times for previous ironman training. Then I remembered why I always rode it other way around. A constant up hill struggle from Maldon to Black Notley and the wind mainly in my face. But good training all the same. At Great Leighs I decided to experiment and go some new routes and make it up. I got where I wanted to get to but around some beautiful lanes that were traffic free and smooth tarmac. The other bonus was passing some amazing homes. What do these people do to afford these places - obviously not teachers!!

I suddenly saw the time and decided I needed to put the hammer down and get my tiring backside home. Despite trying my hardest I couldn't get my average speed up that much. Of road tyres are hard work and the amount of effort i was putting in I was not getting the speed as a reward. But having said that when I do get back on the race bike it will feel like a dream in comparison.

All in all a fantastic day out and really feel pleased with the effort, speed, distance and especially loving the new smooth lanes and can not wait to go and explore some more.

Day 129 - Tripple effort and loved it

Today has been a monumental day for me. In the morning I went out for my run that I was meant to do yesterday. It felt odd to be out and about and felt the knee 'itching' to begin but soon found a rhythm and settled down. looked at the old Garmin and saw I was clicking along very nicely. The big question was could I keep it going for the rest of the run. The answer, I'm pleased to say is YES it did - yippeeeeeeeee.

In the afternoon I went on the bike and since I had the off road tyres on I decided to loose my off road virginity. Wow what fantastic fun that is. Realised I had to change riding position when going up hill as I had a few wheel spins. But when your going down hill it was just like skiing and really really enjoyed it such a exhilarating rush that is. But it is very tiring and certainly teaches you good bike handling skills.

In the evening I went to a body balance which is mixture of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates. It was tougher than I thought but certainly worth doing as the stretches were really good and I realised I need to do more.

Hope the video plays ok.

Day 128 - Swimathon

Went early to the pool and completed the set I was meant to do. Found it hard, not so much the amount I had to swim but the keeping my concentration on my stroke and making sure the effort is there and the stroke was good and not lazy.

Played golf in the afternoon, which was a nice break and almost a 6 mile walk! It is only a short course but my hitting was so way-ward I spent lots of time walking off to the left, then the right, then the left again.

Day 127 - All Clear To Go

Went for physio today and got the all clear to start running again. She did finish off with the classic words "take it easy" - yeah right I feel like I have my licence back and ready to go and run like a mad man all over the place.

So I celebrated by going for a swim. As I had a good weeks training and my legs had just been worked on I decided to us a pull boy and give them a rest. But then this question popped into my head and I was wondering if anyone knows the answer. Do you swim faster with a pull boy or slower? My initial thought was faster, as you are more stream lined but then I thought by kicking you're providing propulsion but your legs hang down more and therefore cause more drag. Anyone got any ideas. (I'm taking endurance swimming not sprinting here) Answers on a comment below please.

Day 126 - Running Again

Another sunny day so got really pi**ed off with this lack of running so decided to go for it. Took out the big double buggy and bribed Freya with the promise of chocolate when we got to the shops to get in - and it worked! After a very quick shop decided to come home via the woods.

To start with the knee was awfully tight and felt like it didn't belong to me and I had no control over it but slowly the old oil started to get in the joint and it loosened a bit. However the biggest fun was pushing the buggy through the woods and the the hearing the girls laughing their heads off whilst being bounced around. Freya was leaning forward and shouting "faster daddy faster" and Millie spent most of her time being bounced and her feet above her head. At one point we hit a big root and the three wheels of the buggy and myself were all airborne like the car park attendants in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

Loved it, it was like a big shot of happiness to my heart hearing the girls laughing and strangely during the moments of panic with buggy bouncing around I didn't feel the knee once.

When I got home Nicola was there with the cousins and took the girls for a walk so I could go on a run. Three miles later I dragged my very tired legs back to the house but it was fantastic to get out there and run.

Day 125 - The Magical 84 days

Today is the start of the magical 84 days to go until the event. According to the article (mentioned in previous blog) this is the critical phase for training for endurance events. Susan was away tonight so I hitched a lift to where she was going and decided to cycle back. It was really windy with it swirling around all over the place but mainly came from the side.

It was really good to be out on the race bike and certainly felt the difference. It just felt so easy cycling this lovely bike. However, I stupidly put a race head on and started really hammering it around the roads. 60 minutes in to the ride i had covered 21 miles!!! No wonder my legs were screaming at me. But boy was it good fun to be zipping around the lanes of Maldon. I decided, no absolute lie there my legs decided, that enough was enough and headed for home. By the time I got home I had been out and about for just over 2 hours and covered just under 36 miles.

I didn't stay out as long as I wanted but with Grandma baby sitting I really needed to get back.

Tomorrow I am going to try and run. Put the girls in the double buggy and off I go.

Really enjoying my training again and can not believe only 84 days to go.

Day 124 - Fri-didly-day

Got to Friday and training has been going well for the week really pleased. Went to the allotment this morning. We hadn't been there for ages so there was about 2 hours worth of digging and it doesn't look too shabby now - well 1/3 of it isn't.

In the afternoon we went for a walk to Bradwell to the beach and have a look at this ancient church, which was origionally a Roman place of worship from 625 AD.

Was so tired when we got home with all that digging over the last 2 days I was almost asleep by 8pm!

It's good to have break every now and then.

Day 123 - Swim like a brick

Well I had a tough day in the garden today. What was meant to be a little digging and change to the garden turned out to be a full on monster dig the took almost 5 hours. No need for core exercises tonight then!

I basically discovered a pond that was complete running under the flower bed and lawn. It measured about 3m x 2m and was at least 1m deep. The problem was the concrete sides were still intact and they had to be knocked out and the cover was intact as well which meant the soil was very wet and the stink was horrific.

I really wanted to swim 3k tonight but my back and shoulders were so tired from all that digging I could only manage 2k. Managed in 44 mins so happy with that all things considered. Had my new pool counter on but I know on a few laps I had switched off so much I forgot to press it and then over compensated and pressed too hard causing the device to pause! arhhh

Lesson learnt and feeling good with how all the training is going so far this week.

One last funny thing was reading my friend Sophie's blog and decided to post a comment on it, check out the classic verification word I had to type. Mad me laugh loads. hee hee

Day 122 - Bratt 21

So due to the much talked about running problems so decided to turbo again. Had to put the turbo in the kitchen as the disadvantage of having solid walls is the baby monitor doesn't work in the garage. But my god it was hot in there and there was almost a swimming pool on the floor after I finished. I decided to take it nice and steady today so put it in gear and just pedaled. Still managed over 18 mph so happy with that.

What I wasn't happy with is I turbo'd longer than the battery on the lap top so the film I was watching just cut out. Gutted. Once that had gone I lost all motivation and climbed off. Job done and felt good about it.

Day 121 - Turbo time

Back on the old beast with the ipod. It is amazing how much rubbish I have on that. I was going up a gear every time the song changed, did this for 3 gears and then on fourth went back down for one. I was chinned but needed a hard session to get my arse back in to gear again and blow some cobwebs away.

Felt good and had a good hard talk to myself about the whole Ironman project whilst I was doing it. Honestly before this set back i really wanted to break 12 hours but no I'm just going to be happy to get around the course.

Read an interesting article in 220 last night about how the last 84 days are the most important for an endurance event. This really helped me regain my focus as well.

Lets go Jona lets go!

Day 120 - Runing in the pool

Managed to get to the pool this morning. Swam a few lengths first and then ran 50. Looked like a complete turkey going up and down. Started in the slow lane but was lapping people swimming!!! So moved to the fast lane where I kept my place and wasn't lapped.

I started off by pushing my legs back and sliding my feet on the ground. This was ok but didn't feel correct so ended up almost vertical like the Pose method of running and found this was great apart from the odd time when my foot slipped and head almost went under. Much to the amusement of the teenage lifeguard and a few people swimming lengths. Stuff them they don't have an Ironman to train for.

Felt really weird but good to get going and training again. The knee felt good as well. I remember that my achilles was sore and only stopped hurting in Feb after two months of training on it so really tempted to go and run but I am going to wait until after Monday next week and physio to see what outcome she says.

Day 119 - Blooming Weather

I know this should not make a difference but it does and yes i didn't go out. The reason was I needed to get new tubes and fix others and we got home late last night so didn't get act into gear ready to go in morning.

Lesson learnt = get act into gear and stop mopping around and get training!!

Day118 - What the f***

Well you know what they say - Red sky in the morning (whatever job you want to say) warning. Did I heed the God's warning - no. Despite saluting every Magpie I saw disaster struck again when I was only 40 mins into my ride. Another bloody puncture!!!!


I'm really starting to believe that there is someone somewhere telling me to stop, don't carry on just give up your dream of doing IM AUS and go back to bed. I have since realised that Boardman bikes are fantastic the tyres they have are crap. So after a quick spending spree at Wiggle and two Contador Grand Prix 4 Season 700 x 28 tyres ordered at nearly £60!!! my wheels should be bomb proof. In the mean time I now have my off road cycle cross tyres on and what a difference that makes to the friction on the road. On the plus side I will hopefully fly when it comes to riding my race bike with 23 ml slicks on. It will be like running with racing flats after training with lead boots!

Day 116 - 117 - Still oiling the old knee

Well Thursday didn't manage to get out as was running around and getting stuck in a lot of traffic. Last day of term and all. Happy days love the Easter Hols. However the weather was awful. On Friday I was trying my hardest to get out and do something. I was itching to go for a run I don't know if this is a sign of the knee at last getting better or just frustration. Really tempted but waiting to get to physio on week Monday before getting the all clear.

But I have packed my stuff and set the alarm for another early start on Sat morning to go and get the 3.5 hour cycle. I planned my route and was really looking forward to it, but not the 5.30 alarm!