Category: Marathon / Tri

Just to get a twelfth medal I did the Gloucester half yesterday – it wasn’t actually in Gloucester, more Gloucestershire.

Nike Marr attending with me, and after mentioning that he “just wanted to get around”  – then mentioned that fact he was looking at a 1:40. Buggar.

I set off like a whippet, which lasted all of one mile, then he overtook and kept that pace for the entire jaunt – coming in with an impressive time of 1:39 – and I was pretty pleased with a 1:51!

Not a bad course had a couple of bits that you re-ran, and had a small amount of hills, but all in all I quite enjoyed it, and now I have those dozen medals…

Well, I say Windsor, it was actually at Dorney Lake, which is apparently where the rowing for the Olympics was held.

Unusually it was at midday on a Saturday this time, which meant we could go up in the morning and have a decent evening out without having to worry about the run the morning – which was nice.

About a one and three quarters journey, so arrived at the cold, wet and windy venue around midday, went to check in and was actually shaking with cold. After a while we set off, and I ran with Mr 1:45 for the first 3 or so miles, which is about a 8 min mile pace, but then I found it increasingly difficult to keep the speed up, so slowly but surely they left me behind.

The course was around the lake four times, and it was quite good really, each lap was something I could focus on, trying to keep the pace up and knowing how far things were. I didn’t keep looking at the gps, as I knew I was still in front of the 1:50 dude, and a lady I kept up with seemed to be trying for a 1:50 also, so that helped.

The temperature was probably pretty ideal, there was a little wind now, and some rain, but all in all it pretty good conditions, and was really very flat – so I got it into my head that this was the one to get under 1:50 – push lad!

Got to about 11.5 miles, and I thought that if I kept in front of the other runner, I was in with a chance, so I left her closed my eyes and pumped those legs. At this point my legs were heavy, and every step was an effort, but I pushed and pushed not daring to look at the clock, just saying one more mile, one more mile. The last half mile seemed to take an age.

Just after half a mile to go I heard lots of footsteps and I knew MR 1:50 and his dudes were baring down on me, not far now, keep ahead. AT the bottom of the final straight, they caught me – and I thought I had another 200 meters to go, but luckily the finish was just around the corner, I think I yelped with joy, and sprinted the last 20 meters!!!

Looked at the watch, was it under 1:50? It was 1:49:36 – woohoo, did it!!!

I was pretty sure that my timing was slightly over, but it wasn’t until I got in the car that I had the official confirmation: 1:49:26 – That’s fast enough for me…

Back to the hotel, then on the train to Windsor for a half a lager and an expensive curry.

Tidy Darts.

Only a couple left to go, and this one shows that I don’t seem to be getting any faster!

Odd one this – they ran the marathon on the same day, so the half didn’t start until about 13:30, which provided a very long morning which encouraged a massive breakfast – not such a good idea…

We went up on te Sat afternoon, arriving into Brum at about 16:00 – checked in, then straight out to have a wonder around – as I was supposed to be a good boy, we didn’t really head into a specific bar, and although it was warm enough to sit outside we didn’t as everywhere was pretty busy, so we just walked for an hour. Then instead of getting a beer we went ot he cinema to have a massive coke and watch the new Blade runner – which was a little long, and a little boring.

After the film finished we found a reasonably quiet bar, and took each end of the bar to get served – the idea being we would get a drink quicker, the upshot was that we had two rounds!

After slurping these we went over to Cau for some steak – really pushed the boat out and had some tempura belly pork and calamari, then two top end steaks – was pretty tasty, but not the best ever (that was in Madeira).

Just had a little beer, and then we just went home to bed.

Bit of a lie in, although I was awake about 3 with music thumping from a nightclub a mile away. Walked around to a “local” place for breakfast which was massive and okay, then sat on the toilet for an hour before it was time to walk the mile to the start line.

Lots of people there as the marathon was finishing, and after mucking about for ages we finally set off. I had though the course was flat, and to be honest form the Strava track is wasn’t that hilly – but it felt it. I was tired from 4 miles in, and it was all a bit of a chore.

Sian came to see me at Edgebastan but I didn’t see her, not her me – although she saw the guy I was running behind I think. Finally saw her with 400 meters to go, last run to the line and I just about snuck in under two hrs – 1:59:56.

Walked the mile back to the car, then a couple of hrs to home.

Two to go..

Been very tardy is putting up posts, so here’s one from Sept.

I did the Bristol Half this month, just down in the morning, then home. It was 13 miles, I was tired but not too bad.

It went gently uphill for the first 3 miles, then gently down for 3 miles, then a little bit of up and down. I though I was very quick, official timing begged to differ – 1:54:39, my Suunto but it over the 13.1 mile.

So for Aug we all decided that rather than run over the bridge, we would instead run up and down dale in Narberth, for the NOBBLER!

It looks like it might be a bit hilly, but they had a half, and a ten K, so Becs/Barry/Sian/Kate/Ant did the 10K and I did the half – it was brutal.

We arrived to a full car park, and didn’t have long before it started, I nearly ran over Greg in the car park, then caught up with him and Peaky at the start line. Before I knew it we were off. Started having a conversation with Greg as we went around the houses and down the first wet track, which is never the best idea in the world – but as we got to the end I was not running at a natural speed, so left GD there and plodded off.

After about a mile or so, we left the road for a bridle track, which was used by cows by the looks of things – it was pretty steep, but also very very muddy. Up to your calf muddy, so after trying to get up there it settled for a while, then back on road, then up a long track. Then a big down, then you were in the woods. It was rutted and wet and muddy, and also quite busy with people in the way – it took me back to the ultra a year or so ago, not great.

After about 7 miles I was really feeling it, and at the bottom of a slippery, rocky slope old GD caught up with me, and I panted out some words to him for a mile, until he hared it up the hill, and I had to just walk it – too steep man!

After that I just resided myself in the fact hat I only had 4 miles left, and I almost do that in my sleep in the mornings – but my usual runs are not like this bad boy.

Anyway we went back down the route we had started some 2 hrs ago, and then a very long, gentle uphill with a final very steep grassy bit at the end.

It was knackering. Time was about Pembs half time: 2:15:18.

Peaky was back before me (he cheated and came in 10th) and I nearly caught GD but not quite (11 secs ahead!).

Went around the corner to a pub and sat outside and had three beers, then went back home.

So this month I did half of the Long Course Weekend Marathon, which was from Pembroke Castle to Tenby. It was long and hard and hot.

The long course is basically an Ironman, but over three days – swim 3.4K, cycle 112miles and a marathon, on each day you can do a shandy version, so I did the shandy half.

It was very hilly, they say it’s a hard one, but I had no idea quite how hard. I did only walk one hill (I think), but the time of 2:12:05 shows that it was the hardest to date (even though as I type this – 03/10/17 – I know there is a harder one, the nobbler is coming up)

I stopped and drank a lot, and was mega impressed by any of the guys and gals doing the long course – the marathon here will be tough.

Here we are at June then, doesnt time fly?

We went down around 4 on the Saturday, I had initially booked a room in the Holiday Inn about 3 miles out, but managed to change that to the “normal” Premier Inn we stay at in Swansea, which is just on the waterside, across the way from Wind Street. TRavel was fine, and we headed off into the city around 5ish to see where we might have food. The initial intention was just me and Sian, but both the boys were in town and at a loose end, so they joined us in the Piano and Pitcher for a couple before nosh.

The pub does cocktails, and after six they are two for one, which meant huge delays as all the numptees ordered these weird and wonderful concoction whilst I was waiting for a couple of pints and a voddy.

After four hrs of queuing we drank our drinks and headed over to the Maderia Resturant – which was pretty good. It was busy and we were put downstairs which was fine, and had some nice grub. I had the peri chicken, but the others mostly had pasta, which was very good indeed.

Back to hotel for kip – so not even a late one, I tried to be good this time.

Next morning we didn’t have top leave until 8:30 for the 10 min walk to the start – it was raining. I stood in a Pen and after a while realised it was the wrong one, so stood in another Pen for a very long, wet, cold time. First wave went, then about 10 mins after we went too.

Started well, running through the town, keeping at about 8:22 per mile, but after 2 miles took advantage of a queueless toilet, then back on track. We ran up along the main road on the front, right down to Mumbles – pretty decent run, slight incline at the end – but all good, feeling great we turned at half way after our second water stop and still on about 8:30/mile.

This stretch was beginning to get warm, and I soaked myself only to find that I was now even heavier than when I had started, and bumbled along the front toward the finish. There were quite a lot of cheerers, and music, so all in all a good event. Saw the boys at 10 miles (was running with my eyes closed around that point, so lucky to see them), and saw the rest of the crew at about 11.

It starts to get hard after about 10 miles on these runs – I think it’s slightly the pressure to keep some kid of pace up to get under 2 hrs, but it starts to be a little painful, and less fun around then. Around the front and crossed the 1 mile to go sign, with another dose of water, then uphill through Wind Street, where it really starts to hurt and around the back to the finish. Teeth gritted, it was keep that pounding now, I suspected it would be under 2 – but you o try to push that last half mile, it’s hard.

Just down the final straight, and over the line – 1:57:27, so quicker than the last one, but also flatter, and with less of a hangover.

Managed to sneak back to the hotel to have a shower before 12, then over the smoke haus for a couple of guilt free buds and a big pulled port sanga.

Swansea – done.

So, it’s actually the 5th of the 5th as I type this – it appears that I have been very remiss in my blogging over the last few months – so I intend to get at least a few words down around the things happening – better late than never?

So the continuation of the half a month continues with the “local” half – Newport. I seem to remember that we had an easy night on the Saturday, but did stay in Bristol on the Friday night – although I cannot quite remember why.

Into Newport just in time on the Sunday morning, and as I queued in the wrong place for the start I realised that I really needed a weewee. And they are off – I went pretty speedily at first, trying to catch the pacer for 1:55, but I started in the 2:15 camp, so he was a little ahead. After about 4 miles I was almost near him, but found a toilet stop, and just had to. About 2 mins later I was back on the hunt – unfortunately never to catch him again.

The route was pretty good, through some of Newport, out to Carleon and then back along the river to Newport. As I have found with all of these runs, I feel great until just before double figures, then it starts to hurt. This time it was back in Newport and across the bridge – it seems that there wasn’t far to go, as the finish was just back across the river, but in actual fact it was 3 miles – this is where, even on a half I struggle a bit, I think it must be partially mental, and I do try to kid my brain into the fact that I am really doing a marathon, and this is only coming to half way – but it seems to know I am lying somehow!

Anywy, struggled the final 3 miles and with  2hr marker in my head I failed to break 120 minutes. I blame the hills on the track ;o)

So, I didn’t make it. The second month was rubbish. Since the max insanity started I have been away a few times, in Cardiff a couple of times, had no carpet, had new carpet been to Swansea and been away for my birthday. So in all I have only really managed maybe 5-7 days of the course, and it sucks.

The problem with “max” insanity, is that it is like regular insanity, but it lasts longer, and you do a huge amount of exercises involving squatting. Which is doing my legs no favours. I know it is supposed to be no pain, no gain, but the sessions are really uncomfortable, and although they are so intense I have problems completing any of the sets, the shear physical pain from my legs make it not pleasant to do.

So the last session I did was back on last Saturday, when I did the old session, which was cardio and was a good one. Then I did the abs workout again, but now it is the following Thurs and I have done nothing in-between and gained around 5 pounds. Not good.

So the exercise will spill over into November now. I am going to run and do the old insanity and try to continue to keep a check on the food consumption. We’ll see how it goes.

Well I made it through the first bit of the insanity and mooched through the recovery week, then have been away and other things in the way, like no carpet and having to move the TV and stuff whilst on the MAX.

MAX insanity is like Insanity only longer. It is now tiring, and makes you max sweat – but isn’t really harder than the first part, it is just that things take longer – sessions are now about 45 – 50 minutes rather then 30. Its also getting really boring. I tried the MAX recovery today, because the carpets are supposed to be fitted, and we don’t have a TV – it was rubbish. There was a lot of squat type exercises, which do burn your legs, but also really knacker my knees up. So rather than stopping because of the no pain no gain mantra, it was because my knees were hurting enough for me to stop – that’s no good as an exercise regime.

Lost a stone in total so far, and the last couple of weeks have seen an increase on the beer, and last week I was away in Ipswich with work so had beers and burgers for two days – and a bit of a drink up on Friday. But will be good this week, then another normal week, then I am away for my birthday – but that is then the last week. So I will have to decide what to do next – I think run and do some of the Insanity workouts a couple of times a week.

So its still doing a job, but I feel the first round of insanity was the better one, but with another 3 weeks to go we will see.

Here we are then, thanks very much to SHAUN T – without him I would be still fat and unfit – he is the maaannn…

I have found it hard on a couple of days though, maybe because it is so repetitive, but maybe its just doing it in the early mornings – but at times I have felt like I have no energy, but then after the warm up I am still going, and getting through it better than I thought I would. It is surprising the difference having ShaunT on the screen makes to continuing the sessions – without him I wouldn’t bother.

So after the first couple of weeks we relax into a regime of fitness. The Insanity workout gets a little repetitive through these weeks, as there are only 5 different sessions and we have been doing them for four weeks by the end of this section. I hate the warm up now, it hurts my feet and I have pretty much done it for 30 days – that’s too much, but I have to admit – it works.

I am only doing maybe 40 mins a day, some of that rushing around as you have the stretch and faffing about, but I have  now lost 11 pounds in the first four weeks  – which isn’t too bad. Although to be honest, given that I am hardly drinking, and not eating shite I would have maybe lost it with just a few runs a week – who knows.

What  I do feel is a little more compact, and “tighter”. The exercises, if you actually do them really push your muscles, even though you will never bulk up, I can sense that under the layer of fat I really have a six pack and a little muscle definition. Just need to burn off that 2 inch layer of fat to see it..

Since last time I have had one session on the beer, which was out in the last of the sun and involved around 6 beers, and also as I type one quick pub visit of 4 beers which I just though would be nice. So in this 3 weeks only 10 beers and a can – not too shabby.

This week is the recovery week, so we do the same exercise every day – I got bored today (Weds) so went for a run instead, but you can easily tell that this session is slower and easier than the rest, once this week is over we are into the MAX sessions – so god knows what they will be like.. So just a couple more days of Cardio and Balance, long run on Sat, real honest day off on Sunday – then taking it up to the MAX – woohoo…

So, I’m too big, and have not done much in the way of exercise, so decided to cut down on nosh and beer over Sept and October, and to go with it I thought I would try “Insanity”. I had heard that it was okay, as a couple of other people had done it, and I also spent 15 mins watching the infomercial ;o)

So, I obtained a copy, and started last Monday, the 2nd Sept. I printed the calendar and the test sheet and away I went. First off was a quick chat with my new trainer “Shaun T”, the colossus, and we did a little warm up – which I couldn’t do ;o) Once that was out of the way, a few quick stretches then to the Fit Test. This is a way to seeing how much better you are, but the first one is there to show you just how crap you are. You do eight moves for a minute each, and you just see what you can do – they have names like Power Jumps, Low Plank Obliques, Globe Jumps and Suicide Jumps – which you have to say with a American WWF type dramatic voice over voice. It’s really bloody knackering. I was sweating my massive gut off.

This happens everyday, you “warm up”, which gets you really sweaty, then stretch, then the session, then a stretch again – each individual exercise seems easy, and it is, but you just keep going and going and going – obviously Shaun T is not actually there with you preparing to beat you if you don’t continue – so you could just put it on and sit on the sofa eating marshmallows, but if you push yourself its pretty intense.

Different sessions on the first week, which are then repeated on the second, and you get Sunday off – which is when I go for a little run. It is amazing just how hot you get doing this, it seems good – but no idea if it really is – will have to wait and see.

Along with this I have had one lot of beer in two weeks, which was last saturday, and am eating around 1500 calories a day (which is actually loads, I have not been hungry at all), which along with the exercise give around a 1200 calories intake, which should be good for weight loss.

So after two weeks my fit test was dramatically better (approx a quarter to a third better) and I have lost 7 pounds. But these next  two weeks will really show whether it is working, as the first bit of weight loss is always the easiest.

So we are done, finally finished the event in 3:22 which was something I was very pleased with. I had initially thought about doing one way back on January 13th 2013. 1500K Swim, 43K Cycle, 10.6K run

Results:

Position: 197 / 240 – not exactly sure how many started, 268 were signed up

Bib: 174

Swim: 31:28.1, 186 Transition: 00:03:23.20, 212

Cycle: 01:39:09.95, 184 Transition: 00:01:44.15, 211

Run: 01:06:41.40, 202

Position:197  In age category (Veteran!!): 60 In Gender (I think): 155

Training:

Run: 203 miles, average of 8.5 miles a week

Cycle: 480 miles (plus the carten 106miles), average of 20 miles a week

Swim: 1279 minutes / 21.3 hrs, average of 55 minutes a week

Beers: 312, average of 13 a week

Costs:

WetSuit: 150

Wheels: 350

Pool Membership: 180

Entry Fee: 60

Misc: 100

Total: 840

It was great to be on the bike – really felt great at this point, as I took my first few peddles, saw the support staff, and was off up Broad Haven front – I took on some liquid and overtook a couple of people along here I was flying, then the hill came.

The hill out of Broad Haven isn’t massive, but it was today – down a gear, keep it spinning, down a gear, down a gear – no more gears… But I was catching a couple in front which helps with your mental-ness, but I was also passed by a couple who just breezed past me. After a while we were out on the open road and I really got down to it, luckily the roads were being marshaled and it was great to not have to stop at junctions, the pace was quick(ish) and the up and down was going well. I overtook a couple along here, but also a few overtook me. In all it was quite forgetful, I rememeber being 8 miles in and at half an hour so was outside of a 1:30 at that point, but I kept things spinning and really felt quite good for most of the cycle.

The hill up to Herbranston was a killer, but after that there were hills but nothing too terrible. I found the supporters at Tiers Cross, parked up at Stodds Tires, they really gave me a lift, and I nearly took their heads off by throwing my used water bottle at them. Before long I was back at Haverfordwest and at the turning up past the race-course the cheerleaders where there again, brilliant!

The road back into Broad Haven is usually a 20+ mph run, but today the wind was at me, and I was tired anyway, so it was a real effort to keep 16-18 mph, but the clock was ticking and I wasn’t going to make 1:30 which I had hoped. Eventually I got to the hill back into Broad Haven and could relax a little – as I got to the bottom of the hill, the winner of the tri was just coming out at the *end* of his run – he looked like a greek god as I cycled passed, the Adonis and the troll as we headed down to the beach together.

This transition should have been really speedy, but I felt a little weird at this point, and did a little day dreaming, then I couldn’t find the way out of the transition area, but after a couple of minutes I was slowly jogging down towards the beach.

RUN:

The start of the course was on the beach, passed the supporters again here, they were doing an excellent job, but the run started hard. I was barely moving across the beach, but after 500 meters the going got really tough.

The route took us out towards Druidston on the coastal path, which was narrow, and rocky, and steep. It was totally mental. To finish a race running 3K upwards along an awful clifftop path is just completely nuts – I was exhausted – I could barely jog. AT one point the path was so steep there were steps, which I had to walk up (there were only 4 mind). After a while a couple of people had passed me, and I managed to pass one bloke, it was his first tri also, and as he fell into step behind me he started to chat. I couldn’t so drove on and away from the nutter.

First water stop came and went, I managed to throw the entire contents of the cup down my neck – and I actually mean down my neck to attempt to cool me down. We were on tarmac now and the run started to feel okay, I was passed by some fresh faced folk, who may, or may not have been in a team, and passed a couple myself – some of these were really suffering. After about a mile the road turned off towards H’west and the hills start again – I could not believe how hilly it was – there must have been 6k of up and 3 k of down – although that probably doesn’t work out – but there was a lot of up I can tell you. At the second water station I paused for a drink and one on the head and the breeze came up – which was nice.

Final 3k now, and I knew from the timings that I had around 25 mins to complete it. Easy I thought, well I got to the last 1k and had around 10 minutes to finish, I was quite tired at this point ;o) Final hill up was short, but a killer, then I was in Broad Haven and running down to the beach. You turn back on yourself at this point, which is quite soul destroying and you have to run back to the end slip way before you can run the final 500 meters or so on the beach – it seemed never ending. The finish post never got any bigger, or closer. Keeping an eye on the time, I felt I had 5 minutes to make it – I knew I could walk it in that time, but the seconds were flying passed. Then I saw Kate, and she skipped alongside me for the last 100 meters, really putting me to shame, but I got there 3:22 – chuffed to bits.

HONK – went the horn, oh shit went me.

Around 270 people in skin tight suits with yellow, blue and red hats splurted into the sea. I was slow, I was last, I was scared. This would be only the second time in the whole 22 weeks of swim training where I did not have a nose clip, I almost wanted to just stop there and then, but I waded into the sea to be kicked and harassed by a number of other slippery black tri-ers.

Swimming into the waves is not easy, and within 2 seconds I was doing breast-stroke, I somehow managed to splash my way to the first buoy, around 150 meters out, and got caught in the mash at the turn – this was unpleasant – I had to stop here and was basically treading water, then I set off, catching a glimpse of the second buoy, a lifetime away. My swimming style could be classed as moronic, after all the weeks of training I was swimming with my head out of the water (well, when it wasn’t in a wave), gasping for breath at every chance – I had water down my throat and up my nose and I was the closest I have every been to quitting anything – I just could not believe I could possibly make it. I looked behind and there only seemed to be a couple of people, so I made it my aim to keep up with the person in front, who out of the whole sea seemed to take delight in kicking my face.

I got to the second buoy, and it was mad panic again, it was quite odd how so many people seem to congregate around the buoy, so I was having none of it, and kicked off and for the first time stuck my head under water and actually swam. Well what a revelation, I was actually moving well, I was blowing out through my nose with a hell of a force, then breathing every second stroke, and it was working. Sooner than expected I was around the third buoy and was on the home straight, the swimming just clicked big blow out, two strokes, quick breath and everytime I was getting a lungful of air before the sea hit me – I have no idea how or why, because I was breathing into the waves, but it just worked – I was flying. Sighting was a slight problem on this run, as there were two buoys ahead, so after some zig-zagging I was at the last one, managed to get tangled with a bloke next to me, who I raced back to the shore – after a time he just vanished, and as I looked up I realised he had just stood up and I was swimming like a maniac in 2 feet of water – I was finished, I was out, I managed the swim – woohooo!!!!!!!

Now I found that I should have practiced getting my wet suit off, as I couldn’t undo the top – more panic, I was knackered now and everyone else was sprinting passed me, I could barely walk. As i ascended the beach I managed to rip the velcro off and pulled the zip down – I was half free. My now the crowds were thicker, and I saw my supporters all looking quite pleased, so I felt I had to do a little shuffle jog up the slipway.

Got into transition, and went to the wrong bike, then the right one and struggled with what energy I had left in my arms to get the wet suit off, T-shirt on, feet dry, glasses on, gloves on, socks on, shoes on helmet on, pick up bike, head out, get on bike, pedal. At this point I saw the big timing sign – 35 minutes, thirty five blumming minutes and I was out of the transition and cycling amazed I was!

So here it was. The day of the triathlon, 22 weeks of “training”, 180 quid on a pool membership, 150 quid on a wetsuit, 350 on new wheels, 70 on a tri-suit and 2 quid on a tub of vasaline – I was ready.

Up early doors after the best nights sleep at my mums ever. Had a big portion of chips, sausage, fishcake, gravy and curry the night before and no beers what-so-ever. Event was to start at 12:30 and I had to be there for a briefing at 12:00, so looked at 11:00 to get going down the Haven. After multiple ablutions, I was ready for the breakfast to fuel my day – so bacon sarnies all round. Only managed 1 and a half sandwiches and two cups of tea, then it was an hour to kill. So after a number of extra stops at the white throne, I was in the trisuit and checked and re-checked the instruments of my day of torture.

I took the bike for a quick spin after pumping the tires and decided not to take my cycle shorts – which was a good idea. I then stuck some oil in the car which wasn’t. After I put the oil in, I somehow managed to knock the oil cap off the engine and through the fan into the depths of the engine bay – aarrggghhhhh PANIC!

Heart sank, as the family came rushing out to look at my stupidity, luckily Sian, who is always brave in the face of danger stuck her hand into the bowels of the car and somehow managed to rescue it, just as I was about to disassemble the bike rack. I don’t know how she did it, and she damaged all of her arm, but amazingly the oil cap was rescued – panic over.

Got down Broad Haven around 11:15, and the car park was packed, after being directed into a very odd parking space we managed to get unloaded, Kate had the bike and proceeded to wheel it through the debris on the side of the car park, with me flinching every meter. Got past the toilet and thought I might have a go, but crouching in the crab position trying to wee out of a trisuit didn’t work for me here, so I gave up and went to rack.

Having never entered, or seen a triathlon before I wasn’t too sure what was to happen, but I found a space and was given instructions as to how to rack up, and I laid my stuff under the bike – I had taken a small box to put the stuff in, which as it happened was what one does in a triathlon. I put things straight and tried to stick some energy tablets to the handle bars and failed – so I just ate a couple.

Hanging around now, so after a while I tried the toilet again, and there was quite a queue for the throne room, so I struggled and pulled and squatted and managed to get some more liquid out.

Nearly time for the briefing, so I struggled into the wetsuit, convinced that mine was the tightest there – everyone else looked tanned, and muscular and fit and powerful, I looked squished and fat. I took a walk down to the sea front at this point and felt quite scared. The waves which were breaking were around a foot of so, but you could see there was a swell behind them as the boats setting up the buoys where really wobbly. I looked at the distance, and the waves and the distance and me and the waves and once more at the distance and felt like I was going to cry…

Got vasalined up and helped to pour my top half  into the wetsuit and went to listen to the briefing. Also listened to the radio announcer who was waxing lyrical about how hard the course was, and that it was quite choppy. Time for a practice swim – earplugs in – check, stupid (but warm) yellow hat on – check, gogs on – check, nose clip on – check, and I waddled down to the water.

Had a quick swim out through the waves to the first (actually the last) buoy and panicked, then swam back and though – this is easy. As I got out of the water I attempted to adjust my nose clip, but got vasaline on it, and my nose. So, second panic of the day I looked in desperation for the supporters so I could towel it off or something. I had a short time before the start, and the stress levels were rising!!

I tried and tried and tried to get the nose clip on, it just wouldn’t, my heart sank to my knees, and then the hooter went off – my clip was tucked into my goggle strap and my first triathlon was starting.

So here we are, the last week and I am in Bristol for two days , and have to put the car in the garage, so who knows how much I will be doing this week – probably not a lot. Still have not looked at the transitions, have not really cycled for 2 weeks, barely ran – I am putting it down to tapering, but in all honesty its not great – although is it worth training now – no, it is worth keeping it up and not lounging around eating, which is what I seem to be doing. Received the final details for the tri, and had a look at the run course – holy shite!

Monday started as the week means to go on – too much eating, too much sitting and nothing achieved. Had to be in Bristol with work for today, so was up at 5:30 and got home just before 18:00 so really didn’t fancy anything.

Same again on Tues – no exercise other than a trudge up to St Nicks market to pick up a Pork and Black Pudding baguette. Full of Gammon and chips was going to go out, but just cannot be bothered – I feel really really tired.

Back to a little bit of exercise today, now that things are settled down. Got in the pool just before 06:00, couple of people there, but in I went and tried the two stroke breath for a bit – it was knackering. so moved back to a four stroke which was ideal, nice long strokes and it felt good, but I kept forcing a change of breath, which made the whole exercise harder. Didn’t try any sighting, but found that I do roll the body more now with each stroke, and it is becoming slightly more natural- but I just keep thinking of the difference that bloody sea makes. My sister sent me a video and picture of the sea at Broad Haven last night, and it was like a pancake – well, it wasn’t actually, but it was pretty still. If we have that then things look up, but looking at the weather, I don’t think the weather will hold for the weekend – as long as its not blowy I don’t care – but with my bloody luck it will be stormy… Straight out on a 3 mile run when i got back – which felt pretty good. So all set. Desperate for a beer today – probably just because I know I shouldn’t ;o)

Thursday was time for a little cycle. We should have the car in the garage for a service now, but when we took it down yesterday, the key told the service bloke that it only needed an MOT – stupid bloody technology, so although it has been moaning for weeks that it wants a *service* it actually just wants an MOT. Anyway, it didn’t go in in the end. So 16 mile cycle, up and down a little, legs were burning at the beginning, but managed to keep to 17 mph, which is about the speed I need for the main event. Went from Newport across through Llanewrn today, they have opened a road right through the old steelworks from the edge of Magor to Newport – only 3 miles, will probably save about 12 miles of travelling (if you want to go to Tesco!)

So this is it – back to Pembs tomorrow, then an early night (may have a couple of beers to calm the nerves!) and we shall see what it is like. Weather says it should be perfect, but that changes daily so fingers crossed. Had a quick test of the transition – seems easy, but I suppose I will regret saying that ;o) Just heard that Greg has been ill for the last two weeks and is not sure whether he will start – 6 months training down the drain if he doesn’t – which would be a terrible shame – here’s to hoping he is okay to at least tri the tri!!!..

So here we are some 22 weeks after I decided to do an Olympic triathlon, I have managed to be able to go from swimming two 18 meter lengths with great difficultly to doing 30 50m lengths in 35 minutes. I am still crapping it over the swim, but I am defo better than I was. In 22 weeks I have run a fairt distance, and cycled some more, and swam a fair few miles – but in all that I have not taken the care on the other elements like booze and nosh – but I am at least fitter, if not much leaner, than when I first started. I still get butterflies everytime I think about Saturday and whenever I see the sea, but I feel pretty good now – and just hope I make it.

If I can finish I will be pleased, and I would hope under 4 hrs, if I can get under 3:30 I will be chuffed to bits, and quicker and it will be an impossibility. Here’s to the 29th!.

Cycle: 17 miles

Swim: 1 hr

Run: 3 miles

Beer: None (yet)

Getting nervous now. One weekend before the tri, and although I am confident on the run and cycle, I am still not too confident on the swim. I also have tweaked my knee which isn’t good, but that will hopefully be okay by weds… Another crap try at being “good”, was okay for two days, then fell off the wagon ;o)

Monday – back down the pool, just the little one and tried to swim “gently” today, looking to improve technique now, its hard in the little pool, because by the time you have breathed four times you are at the end, but its obviously better than nothing. Reasonably quiet to start with, expect for two people in the pool, one bloke I think was trying to race me, but he had to alternate between backstroke and crawl – but I just plodded on. Like last week it started filling up towards the end, so I gave up after 32 minutes. Will do full sess in the poll in Cardiff tomorrow – assuming I get up on time…

Another early start, up at 05:00 in the big pool in Cardiff at 6:15, it really is chilly in there. Took it slow and steady for the first few lengths and tried to get the breathing going every four, seemed to be okay, but even in the pool I still get that automatic panic feeling that you are out of breath, even though I am not really. Think it is going to be difficult to do the whole thing with fours – just hope its flat. So 30 lengths (and maybe 100m extra for good measure) in 35 mins which was fine by me. Got home then went out for a bike ride late afternoon, only 16 miles and not very fast, but its good to get out and spin those peddles – felt pretty good all in all.

Weds and back for a little run, usual one up and over the motorway 4.2 miles just over 9 minutes mile – so slow and steady, even tough it felt a bit quicker than that…

Thurs was a crap day, was going to go swimming in the afternoon, then had a call I was needed on – so missed my window – so nothing today.

In the pool at 06:00 on Friday, nice and quiet, but I wasn’t really up for it, did 30 mins or so, but found it difficult to breath most of the session. I have been trying a four stoke breath, and its okay, but once I lose concentration its back to 3 stroke. Also was thinking about how to handle the sea and chop, and i think i panicked myself ;o) Oddly there was a youngish woman in our changing rooms today – cleaning up – well I think it was a she, certainly was aisan, and I think female. Just seems a little odd that she/he was just wiping things down and was there from before I started the swim and was still there afterwards… Got home and as it was early I nipped out for a two mile run just to keep things in check.

Saturday and Sunday are days of rest this week. On Sat I ate a packet of Onion Rings, Bacon Fries, Salt and Vinager Sticks and a packet of handcooked cheese and something – all massive bags. Then a microwavable rack of ribs with southern fried chips and two baguettes with a variety of inserts (marmite, salmon and ham (not all together). And sat on the sofa to watch the Lions and the first eight episodes of The Sopranos. Now this is LIVING ;o)

Run: 6 miles

Cycle: 16

Swim: 1500 in 50m pool then two x 30 min sessions in little pool

Beer: 10 x Stella, 9 x Stella cans

Okay – so it has to get serious now. Unfortunately there are only 3 three weeks left, but I am not ready and I have been completly rubbish at taking this serious. The swim this weekend has really worried me, and I honestly thought, whilst in the sea, that I would have to call it a day and withdraw….

Started slowly with Monday spent in Cardiff again, so up at 5:30, home at 2:30 then calls until 5:30 – so no time at all fr any exercise.

On Tuesday I thought I might make amends for yesterday, so started off with a 4 mile run, first thing in the morning, reverse course. Then got over to the pool, and managed to get 35 mins in – it was quite busy again, but managed to struggle through until it got too packed. Then in the afternoon took a cycle up the “big hill” the boys had cycled on the weekend. It was tough, but a good route even though it was short it was a good workout.

Weds was a big run time, went at completly the wrong time, but had to squeeze it into the rest of the day so 6 miles up and down ( http://app.strava.com/activities/58341708 ) but it was very very warm. Almost too warm, and like a muppet I ran in my jacket – jeepers it was bad man. So had to console myself by going down the pub about 5 to pick up Kate – managed to sneak in 3 pints, but then had another 3 cans when I got home.

On thurs it was swim day again, very quiet in the pool and managed the full 40 mins around 84 lengths. All seems good!

Friday was just a quick 3 mile run as my legs were a little tender from earlier in the week.

Saturday was back in Pembs for another attempt at a sea swim – it was awful. Got down around 16:00 as the tde was on the way in, and although quite cold, I now have a hat and that helped a lot. I tried swimming and it was okay for 4 or 5 strokes then I just couldn’t get any breath. The waves were crashing over me and it was just impossible. I managed at most 2 minutes before having to stop – this is a real worry. I swam for perhaps 15 to 20 mins in total, but no more than 2 mins at a time. I just cannot get any breath. I can only hope that when the tide is completely in there are no waves and somehow, miraculously it will all just be fine. I honestly thought as I came out of the water than I would have to withdraw.

Back in Magor on Sunday, so took off for a 26 mile cycle, then a 4 mile run straight afterwards – around 2:15 to 2:20 for both, which is okay. Just another two miles to run – which I think I may have been able to do, so hopefully as long as I can do the swim I should make it round….

Have to hit the pool hard for the next three weeks and try to improve the technique and get used to less breathing perhaps – who knows. I am worried.

Run: 17 miles

Cycle: 40 ish

Swim: 150 lengths, 600m in the sea

Beers: 3 x Stella Pint, 3 x stella can; 1 x Carlsberg, 2 x Grolsh, 2 x Carling, 7 x Bud bottles, 2 x Stella bottles

Another week gone – really bad week for me this week, as I had expected to be a good boy, with no beer or anything else and lots of training – that didn’t happen!!!

Monday was Bank Holiday again so spent it recovering from the weekend and possibly having a beer or two. No fitness what so ever. Called into the Piercefield and had some lunch and a couple of Amstels, then had a few in the evening in the sun.

Tuesday I was ready to get back into the pool to at least be sure that I could actually do the distance – even if in the calm waters. Got there at normal time and it was full of guests (I assume because they were shitbags). I lasted 4 mins – 4 bloody minutes in the pool. I started when there was only one other person, then some girls were diving in my way, then more people arrived and thought they could just swim like spaz’s all around. 4 mins – I was not happy.

On Weds I was up early, thinking that I would go swimming again, but thought it might be full of the regulars getting in before the guest crush, so I went for a reverse run instead. 4.2 miles and 340 mins, I used Strava, but it didn’t seem to want to work this early in the morning so didn’t register the run accurately enough – so I didn’t get on the place board… Went out tonight for a meal and three beers, or maybe four.

Headed into Bristol on Thurs for work, so no exercise again – did get four pints of Amstel in on our planning session over at Graze.

Week almost over, so another run this morning – reverse normal again – its being done so often it is almost normal normal now? Usual(ish) time, got Strave working so I could see how poor  I in relation to the other runners.

Saturday was Toms birthday, so was out early and ran a 6 miler, in 55 mins – it was so warm I had nowhere to put my phone so couldn’t track it – it took 55 mins and in routebuilder it looked like 6 miles: http://routebuilder.org/c3a .   Tom bought us a beer or two, as is the expectation on an 18th, so had four in the sun, then one or two back at the house.

Felt okay on Sunday morning, so went out for a cycle – Strava’d it ( http://app.strava.com/activities/57658652   ) about 26 miles in 1:35 – not a bad run. The clicking seems to have stopped temporally – think it might be the peddle. Felt good, so straight after I went for a quick 2 mile run, which is just good to remind me how hard it is!!!!!!

What a week:

Run 2 x 4, 1 x 2

Swim rubbish 4 minutes

Cycle: 26 miles

Beers: 2 x Heineken, 4 x Amstel, 7 x Stella, about 12 Stella cans (perhaps more… Bad week)

Only around a month to go, and I am not ready. Not even half ready. This week has proven that this challenge has been taken too lightly, and it will be a struggle to finish.

Started badly on Monday where I did nothing at all, I feel really tired right inside – not tired to really stop me doing things, but a core tiredness which comes from doing more than my untrained body can cope with. I feel like I need more sleep and more “relaxation”, but actually I need to fuel myself better, and stop drinking those last four for the road pints and eat better.

So Tuesday meant into Cardiff day, so up at 5:30 and working by 07:00. Left the office at 13:30 to get to the pool at 14:00 ish. Reasonably quiet so started the session, then there was just me in the pool, so I did “laps” right the way around the outside edge of the pool, I think I did around 10 of these – so about 20-30 length equivalence but it was good to do a continual run without the turns at each end. I did feel like a big fat white goldfish going around and around though.. Then it got busy so I got out after about 35 mins. Then back home to continue work until after 5

Weds saw me back out on the running, usual route.

Thurs was another nothing day and Friday was back for a run.

Went back to Pembs on the weekend, so although I was rather hung over I went out for a 4 miler in the morning on Sat – which didn’t really do me any good.

Then to Sat afternoon, the sea swim…

To quote a famous American sit-com character – “Oh my God”

Wasn’t feeling 100% all day, so I hope this had something to do with it, but at around 15:30 I struggled into the wet suit and headed down to Broad Haven. Once arrived I jiggled my bulk into the rest of the wet suit and headed for the sea. This was to be my first attempt at a sea swim, in a wet suit. At the waters edge and loaded with goggles, earplugs and nose plug I waded in up to my waist and took off like a agile dolphin into the ocean depths. Shit me it was cold on my head, really proper freezing cold, the rest of me wasn’t too bad but with my head under water I managed about 15 seconds before I had mega serious “brain freeze”. As my brain was frozen I hadn’t really thought about the breathing process, so I thought I could just swim with my head out of the water – forgetting 18 weeks of training – it didn’t work – I spluttered and floundered like a big cold spas making no ground what so ever.

I cannot believe it was so hard, the tiny little gentle waves were gently splashing over and nearly drowning me I couldn’t breath, I couldn’t go forward, I was knackered. It was a little bit hard. But I persevered for a while, then I found that I could keep my head in a little bit longer if I came in shore a little where it wasn’t too cold, problem was it was too shallow. I also managed to take a breath every four strokes, so I was breathing on the same side all the time – this was better, but I still had a freezing nogging. One thing that surprised me was I had pretty good visability in the sea – I guess that would change the further out you go.

It scared me a bit – for the first time since I signed up I honestly thought I might not be able to make this – its a long bloody way in the sea, and I cannot, at the moment, imagine swimming for 40 mins like this, I barely made anything longer than about 4 minutes in this taster session. Once I got out I also noticed that the wet suit had rubbed my neck so I will deffo need to tape that up and get me some vas – I think I also need a hat for the next time. So, I will be back in two weeks – just two weeks before the event to try again – super, super hard this sea swimming….

Sun – back from Pembs, so took a quick cycle – only 13 miles and it was click, click bloody click – will change the peddle again and if that doesn’t fix it it’s back to the bike shop again.

Swim – 35 mins in pool, 15 mins in the sea

Run – 3 x 4 miles

Cycle – 13 miles

Beers – 11 pints, 10 cans

Any nothing week which was not too great on the training ability thanks to work again.

Mon – was a normal working from home day which led to a lot achieved and a chance to get down the pool in the afternoon. Got there around 14:00 and the place was really busy. Normally go on a Tues or Thurs and it is a lot quieter, but today a load of oldies, then a couple of youngies came also. Lucjily I was tucked in against the lane marker and it wasn’t too bad, but I didn’t really compl;ete as much as I wanted to, but it was a good session – at least 1000meters so okay really.

Tues – Had to go to Bristol to met with HP today, so left the house at 6:30, then got back around 6:30 – so no time for anyting today unfortuntaly.

Weds – back at home today, so out for a run this morning, as I had not run for a while, and still seemed to be feeling the remnents of the long cycle I took it easy and just did a 3 miler this morning.

Thurs – back in the bleeding office today – 1.5 hr commute as I didn’t have the car – so left the house befotre 7:30 and had my computer on ready for work at 9:10 – crazy. As I had to pick the car up it also meant I was working at home with my computer still on at 6:00

Friday – another run, did the old hill route today – usual time, tired.

Sat – nothing

Sun – another mini triathlon, although this one was quite close the the real thing. First off down the pool for 7:00, Although they only open at 7:00 there were already 3 guys getting changed. Got in and got my lane and did 40 mins of swim, which should be enough to cover the 1.5K. Finding it very tiring at the start now, but once you get into a rhythm its not too bad. Got busy again, but I was okay. Snuck a quick Maccy D’s on the way home, but only had a fiver so got me a bacon roll and a sausage McMuffin for Sian. Once back I fitted the saddle and got sorted for the cycle/run.

Have downloaded Strava to check the distances etc – so got that sort and set off on the bike – the tw@ is clicking agian and doing my bonce it!. So around 25 miles of cycling, which is pretty damn close to the triathlon distance in an hour and a half, then immediatly (well I needed some fluid) into the run – which is my normal run up and down 4.2 miles which I managed in 40 mins which is about the time I would expect. It was hard, the run is especially difficult after the cycle, even though I didn’t feel too tired the run is really difficult. But in realisty, although I didnt go from swim to cycle immediatly I effectivily (other than 2 miles of runing) did the tri today. And don’t I know it!

Swim: 3K – 80 mins

Run: 11Miles, 9 minute miles

Cycle: 25 miles average about 15 mph

Beers: 2 x Heineken, 8 x Stella, 8 x Stella cans

Very quiet week this week as it was the run up to the CarTen

Monday was a Bank Holiday, so after the few shandies on the Sunday I took it “easy” today and lounged around doing, “not a lot”.

Tues I booked the bike in to be sorted with the clicking noise, so I cycled down to Chepstow which is only about 12 miles away then I met Sian in Tescos for a lift home.

Weds was swimming day, so managed to squeeze in 35 mins, which should be approaching the 1.5K mark – I deliberatly did not check the lengths, but didn’t stop.

Thurs I had to go into Cardiff because work has decided to do this stupid “colo” mandate where you have to attend a central office. Its a real pain in the behind, so I was there for the majority of the day, then I had to drive all the way back and pick my bike up – then reset up at home to do another couple of hours to get on the right calls. So no workout at all.

Friday I also did nothing, as Sat was the ride.

Sat – rode from Cardiff to Tenby as part of the CarTen. 106 miles, 8hrs 20 mins on the bike. Full write up is on this blog somewhere..

Cycle: 120 miles

Run – none

Swim – 35 minutes

Beers: 1 x Bud, 1 x San Miguel, 1 x Carlsburg, 4 x Stella cans, 4 x San Miguel bottles

Yet another week flies by, the weeks are going so fast, the weight isn’t – this week is a prime example why not!

Monday – I was going to have a day off today after the exertions of Sunday, but I felt okay this morning, so thought I would keep the legs in a do an old 3 miler. Its flat and I tried to push the pace, but actually was more tired than I thought – so only a 9 min mile pace.

Tues – The swimming day, I am not really doing enough swimming, but due to the timings it’s difficult to get down there as often as I want, from after the CarTen I will have to swim a bit more. But got down today and it was reasonably quiet, so swam and swam and swam – not much quicker I don’t think, but managed 84 lengths, which I think is a combined distance of around  1512 meter – so in the pool, with turns every 18 metres – I can manage the 1.5K

Weds – feeling good, back into the normal run, which is the 4 and a bit miler up and down dale. However, because I am such a crazy character I decided to do it backwards!!! Man I am mad. I don’t mean I ran backwards, I ran the course the other way round. I nearly didn’t because the start of the backward is the start of the old 3 miler, so I nearly just did that – but, gotta be tough, gotta be strong and I plodded around. It was quite good, obviously not with the big hill at the start, but more uphill running over time. Quite enjoyed it, forgot my watch so didn’t know if it was quicker or slower.. As the day turned out so nice, and Sian was off on the afternoon, we took a quick spin out to Redwick and sat in the sun, having lunch – and very nice it was too. An “omlet” (sic) at the rose with a beer went down very well thank you very much.

Becs came around later and showed us where some tw@ had run into her car when parked down the station (although not in the station carpark where there are CCTV, but over the bridge which is now the overflow) – didn’t leave a note or anything the tosser.

Thurs – work means I have to be in Bristol on a Thurs, so no training at all today.But I did some planning the sun with a beer – great.

Friday – 4 and a bitter, backwards again, with a watch. And whatya know, its the same time. Bully for me. We snuck back to Pembs this evening to surprise my Mum for her birthday, which was nice.

Sat – In Pembs so did nowt.

Sunday – Got home earlish, so went for a cycle, out for around 28 miles – not too many hills, but not flat either – clicking still there and making me mental, got Sian to click it whilst I sat on the ground, just couldn’t see where it was coming from – will have to try and book it in next week…

Once back from cycling I spent the entire day drinking Stella in the sun.

Swim – 1.5K

Cycle – 28 miles

Run – 12 miles

Beer: 3 x Amstel, 2 x Stella pints, 1x 1664, 15+ cans of Stella.

14 weeks of “training”, and two months to go – picking up the work a little now ;o)

Monday was back into the running, usual route up and down (http://routebuilder.org/bi7) around 4.2 miles, around 40 mins – nice and easy – the hill at the start is getting no easier, but its worth it. Knee’s hurting a little today from the giant hill session yesterday, but still nothing like when I was training for the marathon – so no worries. Daughter was stopped by the police on the way back from school today because she didn’t have her helmet on – she’d 11 and the PCSO’s was not pleasant to her, threatening a visit to the house and that she might not pass Cycle Proficiency – I was completely furious, but by the time I got down there they had buggered off. So I did what anyone in the internet age does – I wrote a strongly worded letter to their Sergeant! (I did try the police station and the Caldicot police station, but there was no one there and the Sgt was on a “rest day”..

Tues was swim day and was a bit of a shambles – got there in the morning and it was packed – have never seen it so busy, so had to get down again in the afternoon – didn’t have much time but at least it was quiet and I managed around 50 lengths.

Weds is mystery pub day, so needed to get out and run in the morning – normal route up hill and down dale again – mystery pub was down Mathern – which is where that blue light you can see from the Severn Bridge lives. Its a navigation aid – did you know?

Thursday I was tired again, too many cans, hopeless. So I took the bike out for a 7 mile spin. Had taken the peddles off and replaced them with the old one to see if the annoying clicking would go – it didn’t. And it was odd cycling without clipons. Bike will get hit with a hammer if it doesnt watch it.

Friday – another run, and Sat was a day off….

Sunday – big day on Sunday – got down the pool at 7:00 and swam 85 lengths (40 mins), then came home and took the bike out for a 1hr, 17 miles cycle ( http://routebuilder.org/bi8 ) – then immediately got my shoes on and ran the usual morning route (and in the same time amazingly). Really felt it on the start of the run, I find breathing for the first mile the hardest thing with the transition, but made it okay. And amazingly haven’t really felt too bad after. Did get down a few pieces of bread and a great bacon sarnie though, then feat up to watch the footie in the afternoon – Arsenal gave Man U the honor guard – but I think Man U have probably given up now they know they have won the league – can’t imagine Fergie is too pleased with that tho…

Run: 16 miles

Cycle: 25 miles

Swim: mile and a half

Beer: 1 x heiniken, 2x Amstel, 4 x Stella Cans, 1 x Strawberry Blond, 5 x Stella pint

Another week in the life of a weak trainer.

Back to it this week though, even though I still had the remnents of a cough on MOnday, and I was shattered for some reason, so started anew on Tues..

Did’nt feel like running in the morning, so set off for a cycle around 9:30 into the cold and wind. I have been wearing my tights under my cycling shorts whch keeps we nice and toasty and it really helps when you dont have freezing knees. So set off on a 14 mile route I have devised which takes me down five lanes and to Caldicot and back, taking in a the hills on the way. It was very windy today, going down five lanes there was a gap in the hedge and the wind nearly blew my helmet off. Nice run though and it was good to get back into things. Have a clicking from the bike which is not nice.

Weds was out running the new course, up Dinch hill to start then over the motorway and back to Rockfield. This week I have extended it a little and am running down the back of Undy past the church and where Ders used to live. The old shabby house which was next door to him when he lived there looks like it has finally been bought as the outside is beginning to get cleared – I think that will make a great house.. As I ran past “Zion” I saw Bec’s mate standing in the street, I thought perhaps Becs was taking him to the station, but then realised that Becs was off this week. Next thing she trundles past in he newly fixed car and I remembered that they were off up to Thorpe Park for the day – no wonder she was up and out  at 7:15 on a day off. New route is a little over 4 miles I think, so I’ll keep this for a couple of weeks before moving up to a fiver. Went for a walk down toward Shirenewton and nipped into the Carpenters which was far better than I had imagined.

Thurs was a cycle again – same route very very gusty today – luckily you don’t notice it for most of the route, but today the wind was so bad turning on to the main Caldicot road I had to stand up to peddle. Coming back I nearly ran over a couple of ladies taking their dogs for a walk down the lanes – three abreast and my dinger obviously isn’t loud enough. Then I saw Paul at the shop and he seemed a little confused as to who this sweaty, fluorescent person with a stupid cycle hat on was.

Friday was another run day, same old same old – same route as Weds, no Becs today…

Saturday was a day off as I had a pathetic hangover from drinking too many cans at the quiz on Friday (we lost – badly)

Sunday was a big cycle, planned a 40 mile route over Wentwood to Usk, then across and down to Devauden then through to Tinten, back to Shirenewton and home. There was surely more up than down on this I was pooped. 40 miles in 3:10 ish – I think around 13 mph average. It was hilly – very.

Run: 3x 4.3 miles average 40 mins

Cycle: 70 miles in total, average around 13-14

Swim: None

Beers: 2xCarsberg, 8 cans of Stella

My goodness three months into the training. It is not going well – I have another cough again, started last Monday, got medicine yesterday and it may be mostly over. Had a sore throat, a little on Mondays night then a bit of a cough, then by Thurs it was a keep you awake cough – bloody thing.

So only managed to get out for a couple of runs this week, maybe three I think, no swimming, no cycle. Rubbish.

Made myself get out on Sunday for a normal up the hill run, just managed to get round as the rain and wind has been bad this week, way too much rain and wind to cycle this weekend. Although that is a crap excuse for training.

Really need to get things going tomorrow, maybe a swim, but slightly worried it will make my cough worse.

Cycle: None

Run: 3 x 4 miles

Swim: None

Beers: 2 1664’s, 4 stellas, 2 Amstels, 8 Stella cans

Well on the way for the training, but am i getting better? I just don’t know.

So this week, had the Bank Holiday Monday off, as I was coming back from Pembs. So went out on Tues and took the hilly route – which is so knackering, but really the right thing to do – unfortunately it is not quite long enough, so I will have to extend the course a little, which shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Went down the pool on Weds, I was a little late, and got there about 7:00, and it was quite quiet, then after 5 minutes some fat twat came in and started splashing about between me and the guy swimming next to me. Then about 3 mins after that another bloke pitched up, and it was people everywhere, so I got out, after doing just 11 mins… By the time I had a shower the fat rubbish swimmer (not me) had got out anyway. Crap day.

Thurs – had a lie in for some reason, just tired perhaps? But took to the bike around ten and went for a hilly 12 mile run. It was cold, and so windy – but luckily the wind was from the East, so out was hard, but reasonably sheltered, back was okay. It actually started to snow whilst I was out and it was cold man.

Friday was a swim, a good one this time. Got there slightly earlier, but it was reasonably quiet. Did 80 lengths, which is approx: 1440 meters, so I should have done another three lengths for the 1.5K. But it was okay, I only stopped twice, to re-adjust the nose clip – I think that might cause me problems on the real day. Took me about 40 minutes, which is not bad, although the pool is a different proposition to the sea – from one point of view it might be better in the sea because you don’t have to turn around all the time – the bad side is that there will be 250 people trying to kick my face off…

Sunday was a brick session. Sian was away, and I was up early and got on me bike with tights and shorts and headed off for an easy run past the brewery. Kept up a 15 mile an hour average around and back home – 8 miles and 30 mins later I arrived, where I took just over a minute to change into running shoes, and I was off for a four mile run. Wobbly legs, but not too bad, the worse things is being so out of breath for the first mile. Wasn’t fast and about 40 mins later I was home. Felt good.

Run: about 8 miles

Swim: about 2K

Cycle: about 20 miles

Beers: 6 pints of Stella, 2 cans.

10 weeks – already…

Another odd week, as it was a very short working one, with Easter at the tail end and a day off at the beginning. So once back from being away I did a run, a swim and a run – on the Tues – Thurs. Run was up and over the back of Magor and over the motorway – real big hill at the beginning (route here: http://routebuilder.org/b5u ) less than 4 miles, but a good session for the morning.

Swim was quick a “normal” 60 lengths, 30 minutes and one pause really. Getting fed up with the swimming as it seems to be getting busier in the mornings even though I leave the house at 6:30 now – I might have to get back to 10:30 swims I think.

For the cycle this week, I did the Tri route down in Pembs – well we didn’t bother going down to the Haven itself, but started in H/west (well I had to cycle up to Shipmans lane to meet Greg first – and that hill past the Glen was a killer, before we even started ;o) Once I got to Gregs we hung around for a couple of minutes waiting for Liam – Bradleys son, who does Triathlons all the time (well, junior ones at the moment – but he could wipe the floor with us).

We set off just after 9 and Liam led the way up the start of the route towards the Haven road, we had told him we were slow, but he was plodding along at 9 mph, so I over took and set what I thought was a good pace of around 18. Once we had passed Portfield Gate, and was about a mile out, Greg took the lead, at a hell of a pace! He was pushing us out there at around 20/21 mph, it thankfully it was quite downhill. First hill just before Broadway and we re-bunched and set off on the rest of the route. I found the hills grinding, and felt my legs really burn on some of them – but they were not hard – I was especially surprised at the route out to Dale, as it was “easy”.

The way back wasn’t. We had the wind in our faces and it was quite uppy, and unfortunately the downy bits had steep bends at the bottom so it was difficult to keep the momentum (although mental case GD hurtled down them with no concern for his own safety!! ;o) There was also a large, very steep section, which Liam breezed up, I didn’t.

Once we got to Tiers cross the going was okay for the final couple of miles, then 1:35 later we were back, having covered about 25/26 miles.

I had thought we had further to go than 25, but I think that will be about it – I am very happy that I did it, it doesn’t hold as much fear as it did previously.

Run: 2 x 4 miles

Swim: 1 x 60 lengths

Cycle: 1 x 30 miles

Beers: not too sure, around 10 pints and 6 bottles

Another odd week – where I am not really doing enough.

Started running a little extra, and up some hills – so I start off up dinch hill then over the motorway and around the back – takes around 35 mins and seems to be around 3.5 miles. Ran that on Tues and Friday – although on Friday I had to turn back around the half way point because the road was so water logged. Probably did a little more then too. Also ran on Sat, because it was wet and I wasn’t going to bother doing anything, then had a twinge of regret and went out around one of the “old” routes and ran about 4.5 – 5 miles.

Did swim, I suppose must have been Weds and Monday maybe, cannot really remember – been having some problems with my nose clip, so ordered a variety which I will try out this week – just the 60 lengths or so this week. I was tired.

No cycling at all this week – but hope to do the Tri course on Good Friday. Did managed to get some beers down on Weds, Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week. We went away for a day, and it was Dawn’s birthday.

Cycle: none

Run: 3 x 4 miles (ish) 35,38,46 minutes

Swim – 2x 60 lengths ~ 30 mins

Beer: 12 Stella, 5 x Amstel, 14 Stella cans (ish)

Two months in – bludy hell…

So after a couple of months and I am still here, getting better, stronger, fitter, faster, fatter. Was a little ill this week yet again, but not as bad as before, so had Monday and Tues off. On Tuesday I had to go into work as they were interviewing graduates and I was playing a role of someone they had to have a meeting with to discuss ideas. It was fun. My lot were a little nervous, one in particular – but they did a reasonable job – it is interesting seeing how naive they are. Was in Bristol on Weds, so took the early train and had no time to go out, also accidently had five Amstel’s (or was it six) whilst running our planning meeting. Good day.

Thurs saw me in the pool, and was there for 45 mins  and managed to get 1.5K swim done a little slow, but at least I seem to be able to do it, 45 lengths of my little pool. Although I didn’t really stop for breath but did stop because my silly nose clip kept coming off – so I have ordered a new couple – for checking out this week i hope.

Went for a run on Friday, nothing on Sat but out for a big 34 mile cycle on Sunday – which was a lot easier than last week. Still plenty of hills, maybe not quite so many as last week. But a good run – out to Caerleon, Newbridge-on-Usk back passed Celtic Manor into Newport, through Goldcliff and back home.

Cycle – 1 x 34 (28miles in 2hrs)

Run – 1 x 3mile (27)

Swim – 1 x 1.5 k – 45 mins

Beer – 6 Amstel, 4 Stella, 8 Stella tins

It’s Mother’s day again today. Got all my stuff sorted mid-week, and luckily the children have sorted things for Sian. My treat was McDonalds in bed which I picked up after my swim this morning – was there as they opened at 7:00, only 60 lengths today, as I am not too well again. I have been taking vitamins for 6 weeks now, and I have been ill for four. I am very rarely ill, so I blame them.

Good week this wee, been out running three times and swimming, got up to 70 lengths now which is 1260 meters so another 13 lengths and I’ll be cracking the 1500m target. Not particularly speedy, but on target for 40 mins or so – but this is in the pool – the sea will be a different ball game all together…

Also went for a long cycle on Saturday, 33 miles to Usk and back – very hilly route which I hope is something like the tri route – 28 miles took me around 2hrs, by the time I got back I was wacked. It was chilly out, and up in the hills the fog/mist was so bad you could barely see 30 yards ahead. There is a bit, once you have climbed to the top which takes you back down over around 3 miles – sounds great – but when its freezing I could barely peddle when I got to the bottom. So after that cycle I would have needed to run six miles – a scary thought….

Going to extend the runs this week to a four mile route if I can find one, with some hills in it – its getting ever closer.

Run – 3 x 3miles (27 mins)

Cycle – one 33 mile – 2hrs 20

Swim – 3 x 60, 70, 60 lengths (around 30 – 35 mins)

Beers – 6 Stella, one strawberry blond (which was lovely)

Oh yeah – Tom got smashed on Rose, and managed to get to work the next day! ;o)

Been ill for a week – not any more, although I do still have a bit of a cough and a little short of breath. But after doing nowt for a week, was itching to get out and do something. Plus I am off for a beer later so it makes me feel better to get a run in.

So a run, this morning at 6:40 – its getting light early now, 28 mins. Done.

Week 5, already…

Really bad week for me, been a little poorly.

Went running on Monday, then was in Bristol on Tues so didn’t do anything, then swam on Weds morning and went for a quick cycle Weds night, just around Redwick. Went for a run on Thurs, but felt a little ill in the evening. Then missed out on Friday, Sat and Sunday – so poor show.

It was Kate’s birthday this weekend, so took 8 children out to Cardiff Bay, for bowling and Nando’s. Then walked over to the barrage  which didn’t go down brilliantly, but also spent time in the park. It was freezing with a little snow, and I didn’t have a coat. It was quite chilly.

Sunday was Kate’s birthday proper, but I spent some of it wrapped up in bed – until Pizza time ;o)

Swim – 2 x over 50 lengths in 30 mins

Run -2 x 3 miles, 27 min pace

Cycle – 1 x 7 mile ~15 mph pace.

Beer: 7 Stella, 1 Fosters.

Here we are again, in the fourth week of the training – slightly odd week this time with being in Cardiff one day, and picking up the bike on Thurs. Still managed to get 3 runs (I think) in and 3 swims – one of the swims was with my sister in H/west 25 meter pool.

The H/west swim was at the end of the week, and we were down there at doors opening – they have a great set up there for changing rooms, its all in together with little cubicles for everyone, and two shower blocks – its a great way of doing it I think, although my sister said the cops are up there quite often due to “pervs”!!.

Got in the slow lane to start with, but by the time we had done two lengths it started getting busy – so we moved to another lane, which had a b0d already in and we started the anti-clockwise swim session. I think we did 40 lengths in the end, I had some problems with my nose, and did a fast length for one which really knackered me out, all in about 30 mins. Also saw GD getting his practice in, had a quick chat but had my ear-plugs in so couldn’t hear anything – did suggest we could meet up after but had to get back once dry so missed him.

Picked up the bike on Thurs as it had been down for the new wheels to be put on – I bought some Shimano RS80’s, so cycled back from Chepstow at around 16:30 on Thurs. Not sure how good the wheels are yet – seemed okay, maybe better – will really need to get out and give it a real good go over the next few days.

When I was out in Pembs I deliberately tracked the cycle route to see what it looks like – its bloody hilly! I hope to get around it over Easter when we get down there, because I think the route is quite challenging.

Swimming – 3 x 1000 meters in 30 mins each time (ish)

Running – 3 x 3 miles

Cycle – 1 x 15 miles

Beers – 10 stella

Wanted to create a specific entry for the swimming because I cannot believe the difference three weeks make.

In total I have been around 10 times to the pool, and every time it is a scary experience, but once in the water it is amazing the improvement one can make. First time I could barely do two lengths – I was huffing and puffing way too much. It also helped a lot when I got a nose clip, the feeling of water  up the nose was not pleasant.

After the first week things didn’t seem to improve too much, it was very difficult to keep a breath whilst swimming, I think it must be all about gaining a rhythm. I seem to be lucky in that I started to swim from scratch and have made myself do “bilateral” breathing, which for me means I breath on every third stoke – either side, which seems to be doing me fine.

The real improvement was noticeable when I went to Ipswich, in the big pool the stoke started coming together and although I was only really do one length at a time due to traffic, it did seem easier. The the last two times have really taking it up a gear. Sets of six, with 40 second breathing breaks are very do-able now, and last time 16 lengths with no stop and this time 20. So I was up to nearly 1000 meters in the pool today, in around 30 mins.

Really pleased with how this is going, I feel a lot more confident in the swim now, although I do realise just how difficult putting them together will be.