Monday, 20 June 2011
Prepartion
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
Apathy
It has been a strange few days. Had a very strange combination at the weekend.
Firstly, went to see Take That last Wednesday, they were awesome and accompanied by a lovely meal at TGI Fridays. Can't really remember anything about Thursday or Friday except that I did no exercise, couple of nice lazy days.
Come Saturday and I had a great combined morning of a sub 59 min 10k and spectating at a triathlon at one of my local water parks. It was brilliant to watch and I really can't wait to participate in my own. It did, however, reinforce that I am going to need a wet suit for my swim as there was a lot of shivering going on.
Brick session on Wednesday afternoon then swimming in the evening. Nice rest day on Monday, not a planned one but still lacking energy from the weekends exertions. Back into it today with a 1200m swim early this morning before work and then an absolutely glorious run after work, 6.7km in 37 mins. That is my race pace. It was smooth, comfortable and very satisfying. Feel like I've got my mojo back!
The feeling of apathy comes from the rather hefty amount of motivation I had to give myself to actually get out there. Afterwards, especially after my run this evening, I feel better, but that feeling can be very hard to keep hold of.Gonna go for a swim again in the morning then go for a brick session after work. Let's see how that goes.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Meh
I know I've said there is no such thing as a bad run but yesterday was a bad run. I actually meant to talk about this yesterday but was distracted by other thoughts. The plan was a quality tempo 5K. As soon as I set off it didn't feel right. I just couldn't settle at a tempo pace. I felt agitated. I tried to stay focussed and positive but to no end. Then, 1 mile in, my tracker crapped out on me so I couldn't even focus on my pace that way. I was frustrated and wanted to stop. But I didn't. I kept going, kept running, finished at approximately 33 mins. I felt better for finishing but I still wasn't happy. I know everyone has bad days but this felt like more than that. The past few weeks, pretty much all my speed work has been done on a treadmill in the gym, leaving my long runs for outside. I think I've become acclimitised to running inside, have lost the touch to push my pace against inertia. Combine that with some loneliness running on my own and a severe boredom of my route and it is a perfect recipe for a miserable rin. Am gonna need to mix it up as I can't keep going on ones like that and I can't stay on the treadmill. uesterdays
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
The Three Goals
Good Intentions
The Importance of Rest
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Bricks
Today I learned that dual aspect training sessions are called bricks. Did 20k on the bike, 34:29, and 800m swim. Did it in some new small swimming shorts, not quite budgie smugglers but you get what I mean. Have got a 5K tempo planned for tomorrow, let's see if I can sub 26:59.
Also, sausage and chili omelette is a very satisfying post workout meal but shouldn't be eaten too late as it can give you terrible heartburn :(
Flexibile Progress
These are two unbelievably true statements.
Had a tempo session planned for yesterday, finished work at work to be accosted by the wife and forced to have a barbeque and spend some time with her. This was done and enjoyed so yesterday was taken as this weeks rest day.
Today was a long, slow, easy paced trail. 10 miles in 1 hour 54 minutes dead. 11:24 a mile pace. Was very happy with this. I could of kept going but have been warned by numerous people about over doing it distance wise. I also wasn't tired, especially seen as this is the quickest I've ever covered this distance, even though it was a slow, relaxed pace. Feet were hurting a little bit but I think that is down to my running shoes (they haver a plastic medial support post rather than foam due to my severe overpronating). Might have to look at investing in some different ones come September.
Tomorrow is cross training day, walk to the gym, 15km bike, 1 mile swim. Should be fun.
Edit: I should add this about today's 10 miler as I'm quite proud of it.
I started from a different point than normal, i.e. not at my house. 5 mins after starting it started to rain. A small part of me said 'Give up, go home, its miserable running in the rain'. The rest of me literally told that bit to Jog On.
It pissed it down. Twice. Further more, the long circuit I do has some redundancy built in. There are two points along the route I can cut it short, literally by at least half, still do a smaller loop and return home. I was soaked as I passed both and kept going. I thought that if it starts raining during a race, particularly the Conwy half (it is North Wales in November after all) or Brighton next year, I cant just think 'Nevermind, try again later'. It is very much now or never. If I can have that mindset during a race, I can use it during training too. It made me feel good, good and strong.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Towpath
More cross training tonight. 4.5 mile run, at just less than 10min/mile pace followed immediately by a fast 600m swim. Now I'm on the 2 mile stroll home down the canal. It's quiet and peaceful and pleasantly warm.
Had many triathlon based thoughts today, mainly considering my bike. I currently have a full suspension mountain bike. To my horror, today I discovered it is completely unsuitable for Cockerham. Been looking into the many possibilities re: purchasing a more appropriate bicycle, probably a hybrid. This is an expensive concept. Found one on ebay that may, just may, sell in my price range but I'm not hopeful.
I knew I was going to have to invest in a new bike eventually buy I hadn't banked, literally, on it being so soon. Thankfully, we have a cycle scheme at work so that is an option, just one I have to think about very carefully.
Definitely not looking forward to the time when I have to purchase a proper tri bike, they come with four figure price tags. Eeek.