Monday
Zo
Swim and spin Monday. 2.8km swim with ECR, GF and DH. AB and GB joined in at the end. Very busy pool, hung around at the side of the pool until swimming lesson finished and grabbed that lane.
Jumped on a spin bike and had no-one around me again. This is becoming a bit of a worrying habit. Maybe I have lost the ability to talk to people. Certainly working and living on my own is driving me stir crazy.
Tuesday
Tough swim set, everyone was talking about the 8 * 100m after. The target times were tight. Swam so hard I had sore elbows by the end. 3.6km I think.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Thursday.
Back to the real world and back to work. Really horrible night and a major effort required to load the bike into the car to head for the club turbo session. No way was I going to do the post turbo run though.
Friday.
Rest day.
Saturday.
Swim time trial. Raced against Gordon Friel. I went for taking it steady and concentrating on big turns. I think we dead heated in 5m59, I need to up the effort level a bit. This was taking it too easy.
Club run, tough old run, out to Blairforkey Drive, up via 9th hole of BofA to do the ressy backwards. Then over the mtb course. I thought I had put in a good shift and then AB and JS came in 10mins later after doing Jennys run.
Sunday.
70km bike in about 2 1/2 hours. Wee Braes and Big Braes with AB Jools GF and ultra runner Phillip. Impressive seeing GFs legs spinning round on his fixie when descending the Braes.
Back to the real world and back to work. Really horrible night and a major effort required to load the bike into the car to head for the club turbo session. No way was I going to do the post turbo run though.
Friday.
Rest day.
Saturday.
Swim time trial. Raced against Gordon Friel. I went for taking it steady and concentrating on big turns. I think we dead heated in 5m59, I need to up the effort level a bit. This was taking it too easy.
Club run, tough old run, out to Blairforkey Drive, up via 9th hole of BofA to do the ressy backwards. Then over the mtb course. I thought I had put in a good shift and then AB and JS came in 10mins later after doing Jennys run.
Sunday.
70km bike in about 2 1/2 hours. Wee Braes and Big Braes with AB Jools GF and ultra runner Phillip. Impressive seeing GFs legs spinning round on his fixie when descending the Braes.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Fleeced
Zn
The life of a professional athlete continues. I could get used to the life of no work and lots of training.
Went out with APs cycle group for the first proper group cycle of the year. The group was AP, Jools, Brenda and whispering Geoff and I. Geoff was on a new bike which had a puncture, wheel and saddle issues. The initial plan had been to do the wee Braes but as we approached them the weather was looking a bit dodgy so instead we went strange side roads that AP knows which took in Thornhill and Kinbuck. All in all 50km in 2 hours.
Fleeced in the title refers to the fact that I decided to get my non latching front door fixed. I called a guy in, he was here for five mins advised me to just keep on using the dead bolts as he would not be able to get any parts for the lock and a new lock system would not look good. So £78 to be told just keep doing what you are doing.
Thankfully the swim session was a good one. 3.5km of solid hard work. I was bringing up the rear of the lane with Big John, Peter and Alistair Preiss. I initially did not feel up for this but the joy of getting through 5 * 100m with dead turns perked me up. Back to Bob's afterwards to eat his crisps and drink his beer.
The life of a professional athlete continues. I could get used to the life of no work and lots of training.
Went out with APs cycle group for the first proper group cycle of the year. The group was AP, Jools, Brenda and whispering Geoff and I. Geoff was on a new bike which had a puncture, wheel and saddle issues. The initial plan had been to do the wee Braes but as we approached them the weather was looking a bit dodgy so instead we went strange side roads that AP knows which took in Thornhill and Kinbuck. All in all 50km in 2 hours.
Fleeced in the title refers to the fact that I decided to get my non latching front door fixed. I called a guy in, he was here for five mins advised me to just keep on using the dead bolts as he would not be able to get any parts for the lock and a new lock system would not look good. So £78 to be told just keep doing what you are doing.
Thankfully the swim session was a good one. 3.5km of solid hard work. I was bringing up the rear of the lane with Big John, Peter and Alistair Preiss. I initially did not feel up for this but the joy of getting through 5 * 100m with dead turns perked me up. Back to Bob's afterwards to eat his crisps and drink his beer.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Spingo
Zn
On holiday for a few days to use up some days. Went for a big start to the week
Went for a run around the Uni loch prior to joining the gents who lunch for a swimsuit swim. Followed this up with the regular swim and spin sessions at night.
Over 5km of swimming today.
On holiday for a few days to use up some days. Went for a big start to the week
Went for a run around the Uni loch prior to joining the gents who lunch for a swimsuit swim. Followed this up with the regular swim and spin sessions at night.
Over 5km of swimming today.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Ice, Ice Baby
Zm
Damn, I need to pay attention to where I am in the alphabet thing.
Went for a cycle with A N Other. Coldest I think I have ever been if you exclude the time I cycled to Rainbow slides to shake Simmon Puttocks hand when it was -5c.
Did the Carron Valley route backwards. Some ice on the road and lots of ice in the water. I should have taken a picture, the frozen water in Carron Valley Reservoir was spectacular. I promise to take more pics.
Cycle was done at a leisurely pace.
Damn, I need to pay attention to where I am in the alphabet thing.
Went for a cycle with A N Other. Coldest I think I have ever been if you exclude the time I cycled to Rainbow slides to shake Simmon Puttocks hand when it was -5c.
Did the Carron Valley route backwards. Some ice on the road and lots of ice in the water. I should have taken a picture, the frozen water in Carron Valley Reservoir was spectacular. I promise to take more pics.
Cycle was done at a leisurely pace.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Saturday 29th January and catch up
Wednesday - 32 mile road bike up to Yetts of Muckhart and back to Stirling. Group run in evening, did not enjoy at all as no energy and constantly at back.
Thursday, MTB for 1.5 hours
Friday, nothing !
Saturday, early morning tri club swim session, short fastish sets for one hour. Followed by run from uni to rezzie. Nearly cancelled skiing holiday after loosing control of my running coming down a steep hill and tripping myself up, now have a nice bruised right leg and a tad sore if I sit down for too long.
Thursday, MTB for 1.5 hours
Friday, nothing !
Saturday, early morning tri club swim session, short fastish sets for one hour. Followed by run from uni to rezzie. Nearly cancelled skiing holiday after loosing control of my running coming down a steep hill and tripping myself up, now have a nice bruised right leg and a tad sore if I sit down for too long.
3 day catch up.
Thursday
Zm
Swim Lactate Threshold test number 2. More pretty graphs. I had my head much more together this time. Managed to maintain the 5sec increase in pace each 150m. The final all out set was controlled all out. Started with the thought of aim for 37s for first 50mkeep the pace up 2nd 50 and all guns blazing last 50m. Pretty happy with the time of 1m48.
Night time went to the Turbo session. I was really struggling to get my heart rate up at this. Until we did the out of the seat stuff the best I could manage was abround the 125bpm. Wimped out of the run afterwards, partly cos I would have had to run in my fleece. Must pack a second t shirt on Thursdays.
Friday
Rest day. Went to see Black Swan at myvue. Enjoyed the film, just weird enough.
Saturday
Swim session was very busy. Took a tow off Christian all morning. Session was all short stuff so probably quite a low total distance, I'd guess about 2km.
Picked up a parcel from the PO. Turns out it was a duplicate delivery of power gel starter kit, result.
Arrived at the run session as everyone was heading off. By the time I got out I could see the back of a runner disappearing up the hill and the back of another heading round the loch. Opted to chase the hill back. Turned out this was the easy group so I did my own thing until hooking up with everyone at the hole in the wall. Ressy run with new path and mine wood. Nice run.
Zm
Swim Lactate Threshold test number 2. More pretty graphs. I had my head much more together this time. Managed to maintain the 5sec increase in pace each 150m. The final all out set was controlled all out. Started with the thought of aim for 37s for first 50mkeep the pace up 2nd 50 and all guns blazing last 50m. Pretty happy with the time of 1m48.
Night time went to the Turbo session. I was really struggling to get my heart rate up at this. Until we did the out of the seat stuff the best I could manage was abround the 125bpm. Wimped out of the run afterwards, partly cos I would have had to run in my fleece. Must pack a second t shirt on Thursdays.
Friday
Rest day. Went to see Black Swan at myvue. Enjoyed the film, just weird enough.
Saturday
Swim session was very busy. Took a tow off Christian all morning. Session was all short stuff so probably quite a low total distance, I'd guess about 2km.
Picked up a parcel from the PO. Turns out it was a duplicate delivery of power gel starter kit, result.
Arrived at the run session as everyone was heading off. By the time I got out I could see the back of a runner disappearing up the hill and the back of another heading round the loch. Opted to chase the hill back. Turned out this was the easy group so I did my own thing until hooking up with everyone at the hole in the wall. Ressy run with new path and mine wood. Nice run.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Beep Burp Test
Zl
Tuesday:
Did the commute to work on the bike again thing. This means I have finally started a New Years resolution. The NYR was to cycle to work at least twice a week, I guess this means I am 5 cycles down.
Swim session started of well, I was in the lane with JC DS AP and OB. Everything was going swimmingly (sorry) until Ooona got out with half an hour to go. I had been shamlessly drafting off her. It was then a fight to keep going. Quick pub stop afterwards with Paul and Bob.
Wednesday:
Back of my knees are killing me. Maybe I should stretch sometimes. Swim Lactate test no.2 tomorrow so skipped the long run again and did the Bob John Laff beep test again. I made the novice blunder of eating a smoked Mackerel just over an hour before. Seriously fishy burbs during the test. I'm sure it wasn't a pleseant experience for neighbouring runners.
Tuesday:
Did the commute to work on the bike again thing. This means I have finally started a New Years resolution. The NYR was to cycle to work at least twice a week, I guess this means I am 5 cycles down.
Swim session started of well, I was in the lane with JC DS AP and OB. Everything was going swimmingly (sorry) until Ooona got out with half an hour to go. I had been shamlessly drafting off her. It was then a fight to keep going. Quick pub stop afterwards with Paul and Bob.
Wednesday:
Back of my knees are killing me. Maybe I should stretch sometimes. Swim Lactate test no.2 tomorrow so skipped the long run again and did the Bob John Laff beep test again. I made the novice blunder of eating a smoked Mackerel just over an hour before. Seriously fishy burbs during the test. I'm sure it wasn't a pleseant experience for neighbouring runners.
Tuesday 25th January
Tri Club Swim Session - Coach Coull
Really enjoyed this tonight, was trying out "new" stroke technique and it felt really good and powerful ! Simply stretching out my arm more before starting pull, though I do feel I have dislocated my shoulder this morning.
Really enjoyed this tonight, was trying out "new" stroke technique and it felt really good and powerful ! Simply stretching out my arm more before starting pull, though I do feel I have dislocated my shoulder this morning.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sunday 23rd and Monday 24th January
Did nothing on Sunday, too tired after last nights Burns Supper, which featured a spectacular rendition of "Address to a Haggis" by me, along with some other folk saying some things about Burns, etc. Well done Dave for hosting a great event.
It's Monday again, the start of yet another week in our journey to Ironman Austria, less than 160 days to go.
Lunchtime Swim Lactate Test, 7 @ 150 metres, with 200m warm-up
Evening swim with Coach Ramos crew, I think I may rename this as "follow the better swimmers, try not to drown and maybe in a 6 months time, I will as fast as them set" over 2k in about one hour. Gordon held out the hand of friendship to a lone chap who was swimming in our lane, he asked if he wanted to join our "swim", the chap politely declined and went into another lane, probably the cleverest thing he did all day, wish I had followed.
One hour spin with DJ Coolio followed our swim, class was boiling hot and managed to drink 2 litres of water and half litre of energy drink.
It's Monday again, the start of yet another week in our journey to Ironman Austria, less than 160 days to go.
Lunchtime Swim Lactate Test, 7 @ 150 metres, with 200m warm-up
Evening swim with Coach Ramos crew, I think I may rename this as "follow the better swimmers, try not to drown and maybe in a 6 months time, I will as fast as them set" over 2k in about one hour. Gordon held out the hand of friendship to a lone chap who was swimming in our lane, he asked if he wanted to join our "swim", the chap politely declined and went into another lane, probably the cleverest thing he did all day, wish I had followed.
One hour spin with DJ Coolio followed our swim, class was boiling hot and managed to drink 2 litres of water and half litre of energy drink.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Graph Time
Zk
Got the results back from last Thursdays swim Lactate Threshold test.
Finally done a bike commute to work.
Then a swim then a turbo session. Tell me why, I don't like Mondays.
Got the results back from last Thursdays swim Lactate Threshold test.
Finally done a bike commute to work.
Then a swim then a turbo session. Tell me why, I don't like Mondays.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Catch up as well
No internet at home Thursday/Friday. Apparently you need to pay your ISP....oops.
Friday was a rest day, Saturday was club swim and club run. Then spent the rest of the day getting ready for a Burns Supper at mine. It was a great night if I say so myself.
Sunday was a bit of a lie in cos I couldn't face doing the tidy up. Eventually roused myself and got the house back in order. Ground out another 2 hours of spin at winter legs.
Friday was a rest day, Saturday was club swim and club run. Then spent the rest of the day getting ready for a Burns Supper at mine. It was a great night if I say so myself.
Sunday was a bit of a lie in cos I couldn't face doing the tidy up. Eventually roused myself and got the house back in order. Ground out another 2 hours of spin at winter legs.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Saturday 22nd January - also Thursday and Friday
Thursday 20th - 2250m in pool at lunchtime, 20 miles at Turbos in evening.
Friday 21st - rest day, easy 10 lengths of Highland Hotel 17m pool, followed by sauna, steam room and a few laps of the jacuzzi. 1 hour run in evening, over to Bridge of Allan and back to house.
Saturday 22nd, First time in months out on road bike, steadyish ride with Christian over to Aberfoyle and back (46miles). A tad cold but roads OK and not too busy. Stopped for coffee in Aberfoyle, nearly came off bike on road back, as had gone out fast in order to warm up and suddenly felt queasy and light headed, slowed down and dranks lots, same thing happened again before Stirling, stopped in layby to eat Christians food and water. Never really suffered like this before, hopefully won't be repeated, blaming on cold and lack of food or maybe it was just the excitement on being on road bike.
Friday 21st - rest day, easy 10 lengths of Highland Hotel 17m pool, followed by sauna, steam room and a few laps of the jacuzzi. 1 hour run in evening, over to Bridge of Allan and back to house.
Saturday 22nd, First time in months out on road bike, steadyish ride with Christian over to Aberfoyle and back (46miles). A tad cold but roads OK and not too busy. Stopped for coffee in Aberfoyle, nearly came off bike on road back, as had gone out fast in order to warm up and suddenly felt queasy and light headed, slowed down and dranks lots, same thing happened again before Stirling, stopped in layby to eat Christians food and water. Never really suffered like this before, hopefully won't be repeated, blaming on cold and lack of food or maybe it was just the excitement on being on road bike.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Swim Test
Zk
Yesterday was the beep test with Bob and John Laff. The cd that was being used was a duffer though, it skipped and jumped so the timings were all over the place. Ended up with Bob shouting out the beeps but I'm sure he skipped and jumped all over the place too.
Passed the men who lunch on the way to swim Lactate Threshold Test #1. The tes was initially very easy and then suddenly got really hard. Probably means the times I was trying to hit were spot on. Looking forward to getting another pretty graph.
Did the club turbo session as well. Bob was taking this and reported back to me that I was looking tired and jadded. :(
Yesterday was the beep test with Bob and John Laff. The cd that was being used was a duffer though, it skipped and jumped so the timings were all over the place. Ended up with Bob shouting out the beeps but I'm sure he skipped and jumped all over the place too.
Passed the men who lunch on the way to swim Lactate Threshold Test #1. The tes was initially very easy and then suddenly got really hard. Probably means the times I was trying to hit were spot on. Looking forward to getting another pretty graph.
Did the club turbo session as well. Bob was taking this and reported back to me that I was looking tired and jadded. :(
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday 19th January - which Garmin ?
Lunchtime run, started from house up to uni and round loch three times and once round Duathlon course. Forgot to put watch on, estimated time on feet about 1 hour or so, Distance about 8 miles.
Will need to buy a Garmin, which one should I get ?
Will need to buy a Garmin, which one should I get ?
Too many hand thoughts
Zj
Yesterday was a pretty quiet day. Only the Tuesday night swim session to report. In the lane with JC GF and DS. Generally bringing up the rear. Got a couple of coaching points tonight. Hands a crossing centre line and fingers are splayed on my right hand. Also still trying to remember to work on ECR advice that I am angling my hand upwards before start of catch.
No post swim pub.
Yesterday was a pretty quiet day. Only the Tuesday night swim session to report. In the lane with JC GF and DS. Generally bringing up the rear. Got a couple of coaching points tonight. Hands a crossing centre line and fingers are splayed on my right hand. Also still trying to remember to work on ECR advice that I am angling my hand upwards before start of catch.
No post swim pub.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday 18th January
80 mile road bike cancelled today, due to icy roads. My campaign to move to hot country continues.
Decided to go for run instead, from house to Dunblane via back walk from Bridge of Allan and back, I think its about 9 miles, time 1 hour 45 minutes. Nice easy pace and lost 2lbs !, my weight is starting to come off, will hopefully start to get faster at this swimming, cycling and running lark as I get lighter !
Decided to go for run instead, from house to Dunblane via back walk from Bridge of Allan and back, I think its about 9 miles, time 1 hour 45 minutes. Nice easy pace and lost 2lbs !, my weight is starting to come off, will hopefully start to get faster at this swimming, cycling and running lark as I get lighter !
Monday 17th January - swim testing
Volunteered to participate in Craig Neals lactate threshold swim test today. This was defintely easier than the bike and run versions. 200m warm up, followed by 7 @ 150m. Started very easy and got progressively harder, with last set being as fast as possible.
Great info, as found out what pace and heart rate was most comfortable, last set was pointless as exhausted after 150metres and only 5 seconds quicker than easy pace. Also stroke rate was way up, so lots of extra effort for no real gain.
Didn't do anything else today.
Great info, as found out what pace and heart rate was most comfortable, last set was pointless as exhausted after 150metres and only 5 seconds quicker than easy pace. Also stroke rate was way up, so lots of extra effort for no real gain.
Didn't do anything else today.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Blue Monday
Apparently today is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. It's certainly a quiet one.
After spending the day working in an empty room I went to swim and spin. The swim was fairly hard going so not a great deal of chat. Ended up in splended isolation at the spin class.
Maybe they were right.
After spending the day working in an empty room I went to swim and spin. The swim was fairly hard going so not a great deal of chat. Ended up in splended isolation at the spin class.
Maybe they were right.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Coach earns his corn
Zi
Eventually roused myself after the excesses of the night before. Ceilidh was fantastic, I turned into Mr Exceedingly sweaty man.
The weather outside was frightful and I was too late to hook up with the club cycle anyway so I steeled myself for another bash at Darrens spinerval cd, workout 2. Had just finished the warm up when I got a text from Bob suggesting going to winter legs. I was struggling to get my heart rate up so cut the spinerval in half and did just 40mins of torture. Went to winter legs and did 110mins of even more torture. I was ready to jack it in 10 mins from the end but Coach Bobs words of encouragement got me through. Thanks Bob.
Eventually roused myself after the excesses of the night before. Ceilidh was fantastic, I turned into Mr Exceedingly sweaty man.
The weather outside was frightful and I was too late to hook up with the club cycle anyway so I steeled myself for another bash at Darrens spinerval cd, workout 2. Had just finished the warm up when I got a text from Bob suggesting going to winter legs. I was struggling to get my heart rate up so cut the spinerval in half and did just 40mins of torture. Went to winter legs and did 110mins of even more torture. I was ready to jack it in 10 mins from the end but Coach Bobs words of encouragement got me through. Thanks Bob.
Sunday 16th January - meet the new captains / generals
Didn't blog yesterday.
Saturday training, a very wet 6 - 7 mile run from uni up to rezzie via mtb trail. Coach Prentice (now to be known as Wee Stu, i'm Big Stu as we are both fed up the confusion when we are training together and someone shouts Stuart) made us run to golf course for a few extra miles since we are training for an ironman.
Today's training continued with Tri Club ceilidh, i'm sure this should be counted as training as it was a tough aerobic session for about 2 hours after prize giving. On the subject of prize giving, my aim for 2011 is to recognised for my triathlon achievements and win something this year. I completely deny I tried to bribe the new team captains today in order to achieve this aim.
Sunday training, was supposed to go road biking today, but got as far as Toast coffee shop (approximately 1 mile from house and had two cappucinos).
Made up for it later and went to Winter Legs and followed Alison's endurance programme for two hours. Covered about 50k.
Finally congrats to bob, who competed in a MTB Duathlon yesterday and came in 3rd in his category.
Saturday training, a very wet 6 - 7 mile run from uni up to rezzie via mtb trail. Coach Prentice (now to be known as Wee Stu, i'm Big Stu as we are both fed up the confusion when we are training together and someone shouts Stuart) made us run to golf course for a few extra miles since we are training for an ironman.
Today's training continued with Tri Club ceilidh, i'm sure this should be counted as training as it was a tough aerobic session for about 2 hours after prize giving. On the subject of prize giving, my aim for 2011 is to recognised for my triathlon achievements and win something this year. I completely deny I tried to bribe the new team captains today in order to achieve this aim.
Sunday training, was supposed to go road biking today, but got as far as Toast coffee shop (approximately 1 mile from house and had two cappucinos).
Made up for it later and went to Winter Legs and followed Alison's endurance programme for two hours. Covered about 50k.
Finally congrats to bob, who competed in a MTB Duathlon yesterday and came in 3rd in his category.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Days and days to go.
Quite an easy swim set today. The highlight was the 6 * 100 IM. How quickly a swimming pool can go from flat calm to storm in a tea cup. I had the total distance all counted out and now can't remember it. Lets say 2.5km.
Run was up to the reservoir via a new route. Other than bringing back memories of the coast 2 coast race the new route was good. Totally misjudged my clothing though. It was wet so I added an extra layer to run with 4 layers on. I hadn't noticed that it was actually quite warm. I think I will need to change Stuart P's job title from manager to chief Psychologist. He has a long and tricky job ahead of him. Guess we did around 6miles in an hour.
Crashed out all afternoon but am now ready to go for the club xmas Ceilidh. Orcadian strip the willow here we come. I believe someone is going to wear a gps and hrm to track wwhat they do tonight.
Run was up to the reservoir via a new route. Other than bringing back memories of the coast 2 coast race the new route was good. Totally misjudged my clothing though. It was wet so I added an extra layer to run with 4 layers on. I hadn't noticed that it was actually quite warm. I think I will need to change Stuart P's job title from manager to chief Psychologist. He has a long and tricky job ahead of him. Guess we did around 6miles in an hour.
Crashed out all afternoon but am now ready to go for the club xmas Ceilidh. Orcadian strip the willow here we come. I believe someone is going to wear a gps and hrm to track wwhat they do tonight.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Still lots of days left
Zg
Stuart has already written my entry for today. Don't worry eager followers, it will pick up. It better or I will be a body in Austria. Must, must must do a long bike and a long run sometime soon.
Stuart has already written my entry for today. Don't worry eager followers, it will pick up. It better or I will be a body in Austria. Must, must must do a long bike and a long run sometime soon.
Swim fishy, swim
I've been looking at some numbers (as ex-accountants sometimes do)...
The swim part of IM Austria represents about 2% of the total IM distance
The swim leg of the race should take me about 12.5% of my estimated total time for the whole race
The difference between my best possible IM swim and worst (assuming no drowning) is probably no more than 10 minutes and possibly a bit less.
Even accepting that a good swim will help later on in the race, I think my training split between the disciplines will need to reflect the above.
That said, I had a very satisfying 10x200 main set with the LwL yesterday so swim smugness is the order of the day probably until my next swim session.
PS. Accidentally found a good way to make it hard for Stuart W to draft me, but ruined it with nail scissors later
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Thursday 13th January - House Swap next winter anyone
Men and Kerry who lunch swim.
Swim today with Jules, Billy, Stuart P and Kerry.
500m warm up, followed by 10 @ 200m off 4m 15 sec, 50 warm down. Total distance 2550m.
Really enjoyed this as draughted the whole session, felt really good, tried my new PDF fins in warm up but don't think I gave them a chance as took off after 150m, Billy and Stuart thought they were great so will have another go.
Not sure whether to go mtb later or turbos ?
Went to turbos as MTB cancelled due to weather, I am getting really fed up of this winter, have started looking at house swap wesbites for next winter for two / three months, do you think anyone from a hot country will want to live in Stirling over the winter ?
Turbos was good with a hard session set by Keith, 20 miles in 1 hour 20 mins.
Swim today with Jules, Billy, Stuart P and Kerry.
500m warm up, followed by 10 @ 200m off 4m 15 sec, 50 warm down. Total distance 2550m.
Really enjoyed this as draughted the whole session, felt really good, tried my new PDF fins in warm up but don't think I gave them a chance as took off after 150m, Billy and Stuart thought they were great so will have another go.
Not sure whether to go mtb later or turbos ?
Went to turbos as MTB cancelled due to weather, I am getting really fed up of this winter, have started looking at house swap wesbites for next winter for two / three months, do you think anyone from a hot country will want to live in Stirling over the winter ?
Turbos was good with a hard session set by Keith, 20 miles in 1 hour 20 mins.
172 and 171 days left
Never got a chance to Blog yesterday. If I remember right it was Zf and tried out the circuits at night. Circuits seemed to consist entirely of running. Was what I needed though. The beep test was hard going. Apparently in 4 weeks time we will be able to go about 5 yards further in the same time. Sounds impossible to me.
Spent the remainder of the night trying to sort out some form of Immortal Memory for a Burns Supper. Think I just about have it but where did the time disappear to? Packed it in at about 2am.
Today I tried out a spin class at the Alloa Leisure Bowl. I can confirm that we are spoiled at the Peak. The bikes were very low tech, rotating screw thing that you rotate to increase resistance. Not overly impressed but did managed to work up a sweat so not all in vain.
Spent the remainder of the night trying to sort out some form of Immortal Memory for a Burns Supper. Think I just about have it but where did the time disappear to? Packed it in at about 2am.
Today I tried out a spin class at the Alloa Leisure Bowl. I can confirm that we are spoiled at the Peak. The bikes were very low tech, rotating screw thing that you rotate to increase resistance. Not overly impressed but did managed to work up a sweat so not all in vain.
Wednesday 12th January
Lunchtime swim at uni, easy 1500m. 500m pull, 100m kick, 400m pull, 100m kick, 300m pull, 100m kick.
Thought I would go to the new Bob and John's circuits class in Bridge of Allan, not quite what I was expecting ! After usual circuits warm-up was expecting to do sit ups, squats, jumps, etc, however John had other ideas. We did a 24 minute beep test, first 8 minutes was a demanding warm-up with Dave shouting "encouragement", I definitely was not struggling. Next 8 minutes was main set, this was tough and i zoned out and just got on with it, the last 8 minutes was a very easy warm down. Total session time with warm up, stretches, run was 50minutes.
Thought I would go to the new Bob and John's circuits class in Bridge of Allan, not quite what I was expecting ! After usual circuits warm-up was expecting to do sit ups, squats, jumps, etc, however John had other ideas. We did a 24 minute beep test, first 8 minutes was a demanding warm-up with Dave shouting "encouragement", I definitely was not struggling. Next 8 minutes was main set, this was tough and i zoned out and just got on with it, the last 8 minutes was a very easy warm down. Total session time with warm up, stretches, run was 50minutes.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
173 days left
Had thought about varying my titles a bit more, well a bit. Think I am stuck with the countdown motif now though.
Had an epiphany swim tonight. Tried doing the really annoying splashy turn, omg, its amazing. You can tumble from virtually the t and still hit the wall at pace. I pity the person that is timing me at the next time trial I do, they are going to get soaked. For the record 3.2km swim.
Had an epiphany swim tonight. Tried doing the really annoying splashy turn, omg, its amazing. You can tumble from virtually the t and still hit the wall at pace. I pity the person that is timing me at the next time trial I do, they are going to get soaked. For the record 3.2km swim.
Tuesday 11th January
Easy day so far !
Half hour on treadmill at uni gym as too slippy / icy to run outdoors. Distance 5k
Followed by half hour swim, Distance 1400m
Further followed by evening tri club swim, 1700m in 45minutes, Jules tried to get me to do another 300m to get up to 2k, informed him my total for the day was 3.1k, Jules you'll need to try harder.
Have just read Dave's email, must learn how to tumble turn, have tried before but thought i was going to drown, anyone want to teach me ?
Half hour on treadmill at uni gym as too slippy / icy to run outdoors. Distance 5k
Followed by half hour swim, Distance 1400m
Further followed by evening tri club swim, 1700m in 45minutes, Jules tried to get me to do another 300m to get up to 2k, informed him my total for the day was 3.1k, Jules you'll need to try harder.
Have just read Dave's email, must learn how to tumble turn, have tried before but thought i was going to drown, anyone want to teach me ?
Monday, January 10, 2011
174 days left
Zf
Swim and spin Monday. Swim with GF, We swam so fast that we finished the hours session in 50mins.
Swim and spin Monday. Swim with GF, We swam so fast that we finished the hours session in 50mins.
Rule of Ten and Yazoos
Today was scheduled for a Lads who lunch swim and treadmill reps. The LwL went pretty well besides only doing the lunch bit as the 10x200 at 3.45 was a bit intimidating for a Monday, but that will get done later in the week.
The treadmill session was a Yazoo one. Yazoos were named after an American Bert Yassoo who claimed that running 10x800m with 2 mins recovery at a certain pace was a good predictor of marathon potential eg. if the 800s are all at 2mins 40sces then you could predict a 2hrs 40mins marathon (assuming you've done the endurance bit too). My 800s at 1% treddy gradient were 2:55 with a walking 2 min recovery, but I'm guessing that a 2:55 marathon is afairly lkong shot in Austria off the 112 mile bike.
As the LwL swim got ditched, my guilty conscience dragged me to the peak for a penance swim set including 10x100 so that'll do for a start to the week.
Monday 10th January - will it fit !
I have agreed to do some swim lactate threshold testing with Craig Neal at the university over the next few weeks. The testing is to be done wearing a wetsuit in uni pool.
As Craig needs a wetsuit 400metre time trial time before the testing starts, I decided that I would do one today with Christian. Was a little worried that since i'm carrying a little festive weight that I may be struggle to get wetsuit on !, rather than finding out it didn't fit in uni changing rooms, had a trial fit this morning and it was OK, thank god, must be carrying more muscle than fat.
Got up to uni before noon and did a warm up, completed 400m in 6 minutes 53 seconds, only mildly annoyed that Christian gave me a head start and he completed 400m before me and he wasn't wearing a wetsuit.
I am not doing any more training today, I am now on a rest day.
As Craig needs a wetsuit 400metre time trial time before the testing starts, I decided that I would do one today with Christian. Was a little worried that since i'm carrying a little festive weight that I may be struggle to get wetsuit on !, rather than finding out it didn't fit in uni changing rooms, had a trial fit this morning and it was OK, thank god, must be carrying more muscle than fat.
Got up to uni before noon and did a warm up, completed 400m in 6 minutes 53 seconds, only mildly annoyed that Christian gave me a head start and he completed 400m before me and he wasn't wearing a wetsuit.
I am not doing any more training today, I am now on a rest day.
Sunday 9th January - REST DAY
REST DAY !
After all my hard work this week, decided to do nothing today and have a rest to let my body recover from the strenous effort I have put in.
Rest day kind of went wrong, when Bob texted to advise winter legs was on at the Peak. 2 hours of sitting on a spin bike followed, with Bob, Dave and Alison also spinning away. Managed to cycle 50k, whilst chatting to Alison about dreams. We won't go into details, but apparently Alison has quite graphic dreams........I leave to your own imaginations as to what she is dreaming about.
After spin had a nice coffee and then off to Bob and Viv's for Sunday roast, just want to say that Viv makes a very nice roast chicken and veg, cheers Viv.
Sunday Summary of the week:
Swim - 11750m in 5 hours 30 mins
Run - 27miles in 4 hours 20 mins
Cycle / Turbo / Spin - 122k in 5 hours
Total training time: 14 hours 50 mins
Still no weight loss but i'm putting that down to still finding xmas treats / wine in the cupboards. I think I have now finished them all off, so expect to loose a few lbs this week.
After all my hard work this week, decided to do nothing today and have a rest to let my body recover from the strenous effort I have put in.
Rest day kind of went wrong, when Bob texted to advise winter legs was on at the Peak. 2 hours of sitting on a spin bike followed, with Bob, Dave and Alison also spinning away. Managed to cycle 50k, whilst chatting to Alison about dreams. We won't go into details, but apparently Alison has quite graphic dreams........I leave to your own imaginations as to what she is dreaming about.
After spin had a nice coffee and then off to Bob and Viv's for Sunday roast, just want to say that Viv makes a very nice roast chicken and veg, cheers Viv.
Sunday Summary of the week:
Swim - 11750m in 5 hours 30 mins
Run - 27miles in 4 hours 20 mins
Cycle / Turbo / Spin - 122k in 5 hours
Total training time: 14 hours 50 mins
Still no weight loss but i'm putting that down to still finding xmas treats / wine in the cupboards. I think I have now finished them all off, so expect to loose a few lbs this week.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
175 days left
Ze
Went to the RPM spim class at the Peak this morning. The girl taking the class is very sexy which probably accounts for the remarkably high percentage of guys at the class. I struggled to make out what she was saying though but successfully reduced myself to a puddle of sweat anyway. Only about 50mins done so far today though. I will need to figure out what else to do as Sundays should be big days. This snow is becoming a pain.
No takers for giving massages, I had such high hopes for that blog.
Ok, went to the winter legs session as well. 3 hours of spin class in the one day, I think I should get a job there. Also there was BH, SW and AL. Managed to undo all the good work by going back to Viv and Bobs for tea. Thanks guys.
Looking forward to reading SWs next entry. He has pomised dream sequences.
Went to the RPM spim class at the Peak this morning. The girl taking the class is very sexy which probably accounts for the remarkably high percentage of guys at the class. I struggled to make out what she was saying though but successfully reduced myself to a puddle of sweat anyway. Only about 50mins done so far today though. I will need to figure out what else to do as Sundays should be big days. This snow is becoming a pain.
No takers for giving massages, I had such high hopes for that blog.
Ok, went to the winter legs session as well. 3 hours of spin class in the one day, I think I should get a job there. Also there was BH, SW and AL. Managed to undo all the good work by going back to Viv and Bobs for tea. Thanks guys.
Looking forward to reading SWs next entry. He has pomised dream sequences.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Saturday 8th January
Went to bed early on Friday to ensure I got a full 8.5hours sleep, recommended by Triathlete Europe magazine as the minimum amount required to enable your body to recover after tough training sessions, of which I have had many this week.
Got up early to get to swim on time, unlike Dave who was late and missed the warm up (some excuse about a light snow shower and having to defrost his car, I suggest you use your garage)
6th swim this week, have covered 11.6k since Monday.
Swam with the girls plus Hans, felt a tad tired and technique was so bad that the coach commented on this, must do better next time. Did I mention i was tired ?, think I had too much sleep.
Next up, morning run from university. Slight technical error ! Had forgotten to wash outdoor running gear and did not want to wear after it had been festering in the washing basket for a few days (you will be happy to hear that it has now been washed). Used treadmill for 40 minutes and practiced sprints, glad i stayed indoors as heard the run was more of a slide on the ice.
I am not happy that Manager Prentice has taken on another athlete, I thought he was going to exclusively manage me, I may ask Abbott to manage me as he is currently Scotttish Champ and I don't recall that Prentice chap winning anything, so he can't be that good.
Not sure what i'm doing on Sunday, but may go to peak for two hours of spin. Also big week next week, need to do a wet suit time trial on Monday and also new set of cycling "experiments" starts on Thursday, testing lactate and recovery.
Got up early to get to swim on time, unlike Dave who was late and missed the warm up (some excuse about a light snow shower and having to defrost his car, I suggest you use your garage)
6th swim this week, have covered 11.6k since Monday.
Swam with the girls plus Hans, felt a tad tired and technique was so bad that the coach commented on this, must do better next time. Did I mention i was tired ?, think I had too much sleep.
Next up, morning run from university. Slight technical error ! Had forgotten to wash outdoor running gear and did not want to wear after it had been festering in the washing basket for a few days (you will be happy to hear that it has now been washed). Used treadmill for 40 minutes and practiced sprints, glad i stayed indoors as heard the run was more of a slide on the ice.
I am not happy that Manager Prentice has taken on another athlete, I thought he was going to exclusively manage me, I may ask Abbott to manage me as he is currently Scotttish Champ and I don't recall that Prentice chap winning anything, so he can't be that good.
Not sure what i'm doing on Sunday, but may go to peak for two hours of spin. Also big week next week, need to do a wet suit time trial on Monday and also new set of cycling "experiments" starts on Thursday, testing lactate and recovery.
176 days left
Beautiful snowy morning. Took me a bit of time to clear the snow off the car so missed the initial warm up at the pool. In the lane with Gordon, Neil and Christian, where have all the girlies gone! 2.8km with only the two lengths of fly. Gordon Freil is a bad influence.
Up to the Uni for a run. The scene looked lovely but people were falling like 9 pins. The trick was to avoid the path which was just solid ice. The plan was amended to just running along the roads. Quite a crowd there despite the conditions, a quick name check of AH, JH, AF, JC, FM, SP, DP, PB, OB, NS, JL, NH, CP, DM. Probably missed a few but can confirm that SW was definitely not there. Rumour has it that he is feeling 'a bit tired' after a weeks training. Worried that he is pushing himself too hard. My gps recorded that I went 17 steps and burnt 2 calories. The lesson to take from this is don't switch it on 5 mins before the start. I'm just going to have to guesstimate that it was an hour and 10km.
I now have a manager, Mr Stuart Prentice. Apparently I will need one, if only just to mess with my head. The backroom team is building up. I think the next requirement must be a physio/masseuse. Any volunteers?
Up to the Uni for a run. The scene looked lovely but people were falling like 9 pins. The trick was to avoid the path which was just solid ice. The plan was amended to just running along the roads. Quite a crowd there despite the conditions, a quick name check of AH, JH, AF, JC, FM, SP, DP, PB, OB, NS, JL, NH, CP, DM. Probably missed a few but can confirm that SW was definitely not there. Rumour has it that he is feeling 'a bit tired' after a weeks training. Worried that he is pushing himself too hard. My gps recorded that I went 17 steps and burnt 2 calories. The lesson to take from this is don't switch it on 5 mins before the start. I'm just going to have to guesstimate that it was an hour and 10km.
I now have a manager, Mr Stuart Prentice. Apparently I will need one, if only just to mess with my head. The backroom team is building up. I think the next requirement must be a physio/masseuse. Any volunteers?
Friday, January 7, 2011
177 days left
Zd
Today was a rest day. I signed up to do the Swimming Lactate threshold tests. The main drawback with doing these tests is that you need to have two easy days prior to the test and do a second test the next week. So that is a big chunk of easy days coming up. I will need to try and persuade Stuart that he needs to do this test too.
Today was a rest day. I signed up to do the Swimming Lactate threshold tests. The main drawback with doing these tests is that you need to have two easy days prior to the test and do a second test the next week. So that is a big chunk of easy days coming up. I will need to try and persuade Stuart that he needs to do this test too.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
178 days left
zc
Tomorrow the alphabet thing will be done in upper-case. I know, surprisingly exciting.
Only training was turbos at Cambusbarron. Stuart has out trained me today. Very good session. Possible an all time high HR on a bike of 160. Thanks coach Bob. Heard that there is a spin class on at lunch time at the Alloa Leisure Bowl so might make next week a double spin/turbo session.
Stuart was pressing me to post my weight on this thing, the man is weight obsessed. Rather than post my weight I'm going to give you my BMI. Apparently 25.6 is overweight.
The aim of this whole procedure is to get a better finisher picture than this.
Thursday 6th January
More swimming with men that lunch, 850m warm up, followed by 3 @ 450m set, then 3 @ 50m fast 25, easy swim back. Total distance: 2350m.
Comfortable pace as Christian is unfortunately working down south, so no need to try to keep up with him !
Evening club turbo session, 21 miles in 1 hour 20 minutes. Tough set by Bob.
Weighed myself at end of day, I have lost no weight. Dave I am not obsessed.
Comfortable pace as Christian is unfortunately working down south, so no need to try to keep up with him !
Evening club turbo session, 21 miles in 1 hour 20 minutes. Tough set by Bob.
Weighed myself at end of day, I have lost no weight. Dave I am not obsessed.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Wednesday 5th January
Easy training day. One hour night run up to rezzie behind Cambusbarron, used new head torch, only one error, no time to put contact lenses in, so glasses steamed up and it was very foggy, so could see f... all !
Also, hear is some advice to people who have trail shoes, don't wear them when running on icy tarmac surfaces as I discovered the hard rubber sole makes ice splippier.
Also, hear is some advice to people who have trail shoes, don't wear them when running on icy tarmac surfaces as I discovered the hard rubber sole makes ice splippier.
179 days left
zc.
Work is initially getting in the way of training today. Hopefully I will pound the slippery streets of Stirling tonight.
Ran with my personal coach aka Bob. Was indeed getting pretty slippy by the end but eeked out a little over 11km in a little over an hour. Even threw in some stretches while waiting on the post run haggis.
Work is initially getting in the way of training today. Hopefully I will pound the slippery streets of Stirling tonight.
Ran with my personal coach aka Bob. Was indeed getting pretty slippy by the end but eeked out a little over 11km in a little over an hour. Even threw in some stretches while waiting on the post run haggis.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
180 days left
Tried out Darrens spinerval dvd. It was called Lactate Threshold. Not a great deal of variety in there, just put it into a hardish gear and turn the legs over.
Feel in need of a mid-day nap now zzzzzzzzzzzz
3.5km swim at the club session. Trying to hang on at the back of the lane, suspect it is not long until I am found out and demoted. Xmas resolution of no snacking after 10pm has now been adjusted to no snacking after 10:15.
Also never mentioned the 10mins of core workout, don't think the core workout will ever make very exciting reading so will need to come up with some kind of a shorthand code to signify that it has been done.I'm tempted to use letters to indicate how far through the write the alphabet with your toes I get so today the code would be zb. If it doesn't make sence don't worry it just means there should be a two letter code word at the start of some posts.
Feel in need of a mid-day nap now zzzzzzzzzzzz
3.5km swim at the club session. Trying to hang on at the back of the lane, suspect it is not long until I am found out and demoted. Xmas resolution of no snacking after 10pm has now been adjusted to no snacking after 10:15.
Also never mentioned the 10mins of core workout, don't think the core workout will ever make very exciting reading so will need to come up with some kind of a shorthand code to signify that it has been done.I'm tempted to use letters to indicate how far through the write the alphabet with your toes I get so today the code would be zb. If it doesn't make sence don't worry it just means there should be a two letter code word at the start of some posts.
Tuesday 4th January
Run for 1 hour 20 mins with Dave McDonald from house up to M & S Dunblane and back to Stirling via Cornton. Legs a tad tired from yesterday's training !
Tri Club swim, did Graham's 1500 metre 1st session, followed by 500 metre warm down in 2nd.
Followed by coffee and chat with John S, gave him marital advice that he needs to give up doing DIY that wife he insists he does and employ people to do jobs round house in order to concentrate on preparing for Ironman Austria. I suspect Angela isn't happy with my advice !
Tri Club swim, did Graham's 1500 metre 1st session, followed by 500 metre warm down in 2nd.
Followed by coffee and chat with John S, gave him marital advice that he needs to give up doing DIY that wife he insists he does and employ people to do jobs round house in order to concentrate on preparing for Ironman Austria. I suspect Angela isn't happy with my advice !
New Year training starts
Monday 3rd January. Xmas and New Year parties are all finished, time to loose festive weight and get training for Ironman Austria.
Day 1, only 181 days until the start line.
Today's training:
Lunchtime swim with Coach Prentice: 1700 metres
Evening swim with Coach Ramos: 2300 metres
1 hour spin class with DJ Coolio, this was tiring after todays swim
Today's weight, a very scary 12 st 12 lb, only 1st 12 lb to target weight !!
Day 1, only 181 days until the start line.
Today's training:
Lunchtime swim with Coach Prentice: 1700 metres
Evening swim with Coach Ramos: 2300 metres
1 hour spin class with DJ Coolio, this was tiring after todays swim
Today's weight, a very scary 12 st 12 lb, only 1st 12 lb to target weight !!
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Training Starts
This blog is to record the journey of some Stirling Tri club members towards the goal of doing the Karnten Ironman Austria Race on 3rd July 2011.
181 days left.
Todays training felt mega but will pail to nothing by the end. Day 1 for me was:
1 10mins core work
2 90min run - 15km
3 60min swim - 2.9km
4 60 min spin - Lets call it virtual 20 miles
Beat that Suart!
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