Week 9

So, only 2 weeks of the base phase left. Bit daunting but have purposefully not looked at what is in store day by day in the Build Phase. Crossing bridges when we come to it and all that.

Rest day on Monday was welcome and woke up on Monday morning with cold no. 2 of the IM plan. How annoying. It doesn't seem to be too bad and certainly not as bad as the December one. Have avoided the swim so far this week but tested the water with a run last night and felt OK. My friend and (old Ranelagh sparring partner, Jo, was over from Boston for a few days so we went for our first run together in about 6 years. It was great. The hour flew as we didn't stop talking and we think we did about 8 miles. Awesome. The really great news is that, after all this time, she is moving back to Blighty and is going to live in Windsor so am very excited about that. She's already talking about more triathlons so plenty of opportunity to lead her astray!

Off the beaten track

The Sunday run this week was wonderful in Week 8. Chris managed to get the day off (hurrah) so he stayed at home with Dora while she slept and then they both ran to meet me for a Starbucks.


Did a route that I discovered on the wonderful Green Belt Relay a few years ago. Started at Walton Bridge and ran along towpath and along Weybridge Lock. After about 5 minutes, I almost had the place exclusively to myself. Running felt good too. Struggled to keep heart rate in Z1-2 as was so fired up. Also experienced something that is starting to be a regular thing. On my Sunday runs, I always start off a bit sluggish but suddenly about half way through, I get an energy burst, shivers down my spine and can visualise the Finish Gantry on 4th July. With this week seeing the start of Week 9, that day of reckoning getting nearer and nearer!

The title of this post is 'monstrous' given how much I seem to have used it to describe the week.

The fact that the blog hasn't been updated since Tuesday speaks volumes. Despite more days off to look after Dora, it has been 100mph. But, am only 30 mins adrift on the planned training which was a run but probably not a bad thing as that stepper did monstrous things to my calves. It was in a totally different part of the calf from the niggle the other week but it was like the stiffness you get after running after a long lay-off.

Dora had her first sesh at the gym creche which went OK for her after she was reunited with bunny (bad Mummy left it in the bag). So, have done both my swims this week. First one was steady state 2.5k. Well timed out on doing it all but did about 2.1 in 37 mins which isn't too shabby. At Virgin that means 118 lengths (and a lot of tumble turns) but a London Irish player was pretty in awe so it can't be bad!

Mum came back from America yesterday and the ankle is in a pretty bad way. She's also getting used to crutches and being incapacited which isn't easy for her. As she was here though and Dora was in bed, I managed to escape for a run on the road without the baby jogger and felt strong.

As it's a recovery week this week, the Sat ride dropped back to 2 hours but I was determined that would be on the road this time. 2 monstrous Sat turbo sessions in a row are neither desirable nor fun. Fate was smiling on me, it seems, as the family offered to babysit and also woke up to blue skies and sunshine. The added bonus that an impromptu text to Alice meant I got a cycling buddy. Hooray!


We started off in Windsor and, even though neither of us could feel various extremities, we were bathed in sunshine.


I then managed to lead us onto a lovely dual carriageway towards Bagshot so we had our fair share of dealing with muppets devoid of spatial awareness.

1hr 20 in, I checked in with home and Mum was keen to get her ankle looked at the hospital so I headed back and Alice carried on for a bit. So, that left 2 options for the day: 1) Sack the planned training at 1hr 20 or 2)make up the time on the turbo after Dora's lights out. Being the model trainee that I am, I opted for 2) but lesson learned tonight, for God's sake give up 'Take Me Out'. It really is so painfully awful. I feel for all the people on there as the talent is absolutely pitiful. Most the blokes that are on it get their nails done (and wonder why they're single) and tonight some dude came on and did a Billy Elliot ballet number stumbling all over the place. Cringeworthy. So, DVD next week.

Right, monstrously long post and monstrously tired so time for hot powerbar drink, electric blanket and wondering which side of midnight I'll see my husband tonight. One more run to go and then rest day and SLEEP!!!!!!!!!

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

I absolutely promise this photo wasn't staged. What a legend that girl is.

Resourceful or mental?

All kit was laid out ready for a 6am run this morning but when Chris got home from work at midnight last night, he said he had to leave at 6.30 so that was out of the window. Had meetings all day at work so no chance for lunchtime run and no babysitter tonight so decided I would try and do an hour on the Reebok Step our friend Jane has lent me.

Well, I managed 17 minutes and pretty impressed with that tbh. Calves felt like tennis balls so had to get on the turbo. Have decided to turn today's session into tomorrow's brick (even though it was in reverse).

Praying the boss man lets him go in normal time or later tomorrow as a swim and a run down. Failing that, I'm in the market for a treadmill (although I shall not be buying the manual ???? one from Tesco Direct).

Finishing the week off on a high

Well, the 5am start didn't happen! The training load took its toll and just took forever to get going on Saturday - even had to go back to bed when Dora had a nap which is pretty unheard of for me. Then the afternoon was spent with Dora and her little friends Cordelia and Josh at a kids show and had a lovely time. It did mean, though, that I had my 2.5 hour bike session hanging over me all day! Discussed swapping days with Chris to do the Sunday run but he reckoned it could be bad news for my shins. So, at 6.30pm I got on the turbo and turboed through Total Wipeout, So You Think You can Dance and Take Me Out (not having learned from last week). It actually wasn't as boring as I feared but that's because I think I'm getting used to repetition. Also followed 2 structured sessions within the time so that made it a bit more interesting. Also had the curry Chris had ordered to look forward to at the end and that went down a treat.

Then at lunchtime today, rounded off my week with a 1hr 19 min run. C and D joined me on the first lap and she fell almost straight to sleep so they left me and I carried on. Felt really sluggish for the first couple of miles but then felt great. Even did a little over what I was supposed to do.


So, all done and feeling good. That's not to say I won't enjoy my rest day and recovery week (ooh - a whole 1 hour less to do - wow!).

(Ooh edited to say that the other high of the weekend was getting into my favourite jeans - unworn since November 2007. BACK OF THE NET!!!!)

Burning the candle

at the beginning, middle and end. Friday night and 2 more big training days before a rest and already done about 6 hours training this week but am feeling it. Have also had 2 sessions with sports masseur and an osteopath which always makes me feel rough (all that nasty lactic being flushed out). Had another 2 days off this week as Mum still away but work is crazy at the moment so ended up on conference calls most of the time which is not good. Day off in lieu required if it ever calms down. Not sure when that will be though. The news Stateside is that Mum has broken her ankle which is a nightmare for her. It will also bring huge pressure on childcare front and the training to boot.

Need to do a long ride tomorrow and it's more than likely that Chris will have to work. Currently considering starting on the turbo at 5am but have about as much enthusiasm for that as I do for space tourism!

The brighter news is that I ran for 45 mins today. It was supposed to be 1hr 15 but I timed out so made the rest of the time up later on the turbo as Chris working. No major pain in shin or calf to report but will see how it feels tomorrow. Apparently it's caused my right leg being shorter than left and a weak sacrum. So there you have it.

Telly rubbish, Big Brother very childish (v disappointed in Vinnie Jones) and have no idea who half of them are so precious sleep and recovery for me. Thought about a glass of Chateauneuf du Pape but didn't even fancy that! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

"Remember childbirth....."

I'll get to the title of this post in a bit but first off, reporting so far a good week and pretty much following the plan to the letter for once! 2 swims done at dark o'clock on Tues and Thurs and a brick yesterday (also at dark o'clock). Only difference was a turbo instead of a run on Tues due to my ongoing shin and calf niggle.

Which segues me neatly into the explanation of the blogpost title. Have found a new sports masseur, Tom, who is great. He said he'd go easy on me as it was the first session and, largely, he did as promised. Until, that is, it got to the IT Band bit. Embarrassingly, when I got there I made the mistake of saying the ITB was "pretty OK at the moment". WRONG!! OMFG! I was biting my fist, was almost sick and almost in tears. Just as I was thinking to myself "come on, this isn't as bad as labour", Tom pipes up "you'll be OK - remember childbirth". And with that, those memories that I've shoved into a cupboard under my brain came flooding back. Was it as bad? No, certainly not and actually it's a good leveller.....Ironman race day pain just cannot be as bad as either of those events. And with that, I dried my eyes : )

Integration

The weekend's been fab. Done loads and caught up with Dad and Giles (I was the only one to avoid the alco-fest and subsequent hangover from hell though - gutting at the time but smug-inducing afterwards!) and also managed to finish off my week. Alas, woke up on Saturday with a pretty sore calf and shin so have decided to listen to the warnings and swap to bike until it eases. Also lining up treatments with masseur and an osteopath (free sessions I earned rescuing someone's dog!!). So, swapped Sat and Sun around and did a hour turbo as a replacement for the run whilst watching 'So you think you can dance' (toilet) and 'Take me Out' (double toilet) when I could have been out celebrating Alice and Paul's engagement instead : (

Then, as forecast, the sun put his hat on today and as Chris was finally released from his 36-hour working day so I did a two-hour ride which Chris and Dora joined me on with her on the bike seat. Had a lovely brew at Hampton Court and then did some 'through and off' (which translates as me being made to go on the front far too many times). Anyway, 2 hours 6 mins, 29.36 (Chris wouldn't let me round it up) miles and 1031 calories later, session and week were done. Felt great, didn't feel too depleted afterwards and Chris said I looked much stronger than before. Big smile on my face - still that might be the 2 glasses Oyster Bay that I've had to treat myself with : )

Hmm...

...can't work out if it is easier training for IM when working or when Mummying. Have had a couple of days off this week as Mum is away so have been looking after Dora. In my mind, I thought that working f/t was adding to the strain of training but I reckon it actually makes it easier. If I was a SAHM (Stay at Home Mum), I reckon I'd be less likely to do the training. I was so worn out after looking after Dora yesterday that I had to drag myself onto the turbo last night. Did it though and, boy, was it tough. An hour in Zone 1 Heart Rate but doing 100rpm. Are they serious? The two aren't compatible in my world. Turning the pedals at that rate just makes my heart rate go through the roof. Seriously needed my powerbar shake after that.

Then had to get up early doors to do an hour's run as working and off to a dear Aunt's funeral this afternoon and seeing the family tonight as my lovely Daddy and brother are back. Did a mixture of road and treadmill which was quite a good combo.

Other sessions this week including a slightly changed brick on Wed as there was beautiful fresh snow that I had to get out in. So ran in the morning and a turbo session later on.

Chris back working now so the pressure's on...

I have a following!

4 people are now following my blog. How cool is that?!

Started writing it as the 3-d version of my training log but happy that people are interested and care. Thanks guys!

Like the Weebles, I will wobble but I won't fall down.

Even though I had a solid week in Week 5/30 and that 2010 is about making the glass half full, I was beset my those horrible little voices in my head yesterday telling me I wasn't up to it.

It was scheduled a rest day and boy, I am in need of sleep but Chris goes back to work this week so who knows if I'll get the chance for a decent swim session. With that, I headed out to the Kingfisher session starting at 9pm (usually not far off my bedtime!!). They'd changed the lanes around so the first half was a little frustrating as kept seeing feet in my face but no-one moving over (not the sort of swimmer or person to ask people to get behind me). Second half was better though as said swimmer finally got the hint and it was then it clicked how improved my fitness is. I was absolutely flying and felt great and more to give should I have needed to.

It was also great as the guy behind me announced at the end he is in training for IMUK which is his first triathlon, as well as working f/t, having a baby and another on the way and not having started a training programme yet.

So, all in all, feeling more positive and ready to take Week 6 on the chin. With Chris back working and Mum away, i know it will be harder but will just have to plan better.

Job done

Was all set for another hour on the treadmill but couldn't face it so decided to risk the ice instead. Chris and Dora dropped me off at Walton and I ran along the towpath to Hampton Court. It was fine - lush in fact - and not too slippy at all. The shin niggle that had bothered me a bit in the last week also didn't seem to pose too much of a problem so hopefully I've managed that away (running without compression socks and in slightly old shoes will just never happen again).

Chris managed to get a coffee at Hampton Court while he waited and Dora got her nap in so all worked out beautifully.

Was one swim adrift last week so 7 hours total. Considered going last night but was so fatigued that it wouldn't have been a quality session. Way ahead of 'Just Finish' and just shy of 'Intermediate' and considering everything else going on, gotta be happy with that. Also feel good that it's all being worked around Dora's sleep. Know that won't always be possible but it is important to me that our precious time together isn't messed around too much.

The 80-20 rule

pretty much applies to everything in life, I reckon. And I reckon I've decided that Ironman is 80% mental and 20% physical. My friend and training buddy, Jona, warned me about the need to overcome the mental wall. Think I've started to experience it this week. On Friday, I needed to run for an hour and the ice was so chronic, I had to do it on the treadmill. Amazingly, it wasn't that bad. Broke it down into bitesize mental chunks and varied the entertainment sources (including a half hour Sky special on the Consumer Electronics Fayre in Vegas - hmm, interesting. Not.).

Then yesterday was a 1hr 45 min turbo - again due to ice. As we were visiting friends and their new baby, it meant a 6am start which was a really toughie. I pretty soon realised I hadn't recovered or fuelled enough from the treadmill session so I sacked it at 1hr 15 and decided to do the other half an hour after the visit (and scoff). We got back home at 9pm so had to summon the resolve from the depths. Did it though and had much more energy so it worth breaking it in two to get some quality out of my planned session.

Sun morning now and another hour to run today. Feeling really tired so far as Madame Dora decided it would be fun to wake up at 6.30. Typical when yesterday it was 8 after my early start!

However, Chris is constantly on hand with hot chocolate and Powerbar recovery shakes so being well looked after.

Training through bizarre-ity

Life got bizarre last night. Mum has been trying to fly out to stay with brother now for the last couple of days but the airport is seriously disrupted due to snow. Finally her flight was cancelled so she returned to ours. However, Mother being Mother, not only did she turn up but she brought a German lady she'd befriended at the airport with her for the night!

Notwithstanding, I needed to train so did a 45-min turbo and went back indoors to find Susie, the German lady and Chris, deep in conversation about anything and everything while Mum was in the shower. Then we all sat down to dinner together.

Curioser and curioser, said Alice (well, Sophie).

All for the cause

According to the Media, we are in the midst of the 'Big Freeze' but there's a job to do so did my brick as I should have done. Soon warmed up on the turbo in the garage and then headed out into the powder. It was lovely running in it - bit like running down the beach (with some obvious exceptions...). So, with yesterday's run and 150 lengths in the bag, on track so far this week which is cool.

6 months today...

Jan 4th means only one thing. 6 months till D Day. Just as well then that I have woken up with legs of steel!! Am slowly beginning to realise that the 'Intermediate' training programme might have been slightly ambitious so currently somewhere between 'Intermediate' and 'Just Finish'. But, hey, that's OK.

Yesterday had a bit of deficit to make up so managed 2 garage turbo sessions and a run with Dora in the jogger. Slept like a log and this morning, my quads feel like rocks. I could also eat my own bodyweight in basically anything but currently craving a cheese and onion pasty (hmm - perhaps nutrition needs some work). Luckily, I will be saved from myself as the kiosk at work is undergoing a refurb. So, Ginsters will have to wait a while!!

Best laid plans of mice and (iron)men...

As the title suggests, things haven't exactly gone according to plan. What a forgettable experience Christmas 2009 will be.

Anyway, it meant training took a very back seat for a few days but got back on the horse tonight. Had to switch days around a bit and was supposed to do a 45 min brick. Decided I needed to blow some cobwebs away though so it ended up being 1 hour 17. Felt great although tough after not having been on the bike for a few days.

Focus is back and I am going to achieve my goals in 2010. Some way. Somehow.

No more false dawns

Illness over so back on the horse we go. Did a swim session down at Kingfisher last night. Took a while to get going and it's amazing how quickly swim fitness goes but got into it after about 20 mins. Late though - the session isn't till 9pm. Luckily, Chris had gone out and bought an electric blanket earlier in the day so getting into that with my post-swim hot chocolate made it all worthwhile.

Then did a 45 min treadmill session this morning as the slush has iced over so still quite treacherous out there. Wasn't as boring as I thought but I must remember to take Dora's nursery rhymes off my iPod playlist. Try as I might, I can't get that many endorphins out of the Grand Old Duke of York....

Turning into an ailment

So was back Thurs and Fri and did turbo and run sessions. All set to do my 1.5 hour bike session (indoors due to snow and ice) but woke up feeling terrible. It seems like this thing has turned into gastric flu. Have spent most of the day asleep or worse and feeling very very sorry for myself. Have done no Christmas shopping, missed out on a night away at friends', mince pies and the park with Dora and Chris and the 4 July date is just looming larger and larger.

Hope it's not the virus Harriet had as that lasted 3 weeks.