Hey all, so I've been pretty busy, and I've really struggled to find time to even sit down and write a blog. The good news is I haven't missed a training session in the last 6 weeks... approximately the same time since I wrote my last blog.
A quick overview then, otherwise I'll bore you senseless :-). As I said, training is going well and I've remained committed, work is ok, but the old social life has suffered, and my house looks like a bomb-site with kit everywhere. Importantly I did my first triathlon, I started training in October so it seemed strange that I was no longer a newbie at Absolute Triathlon Club, but I had no race experience. And what an experience it was... wet, windy and cold... therefore slow... but as I said afterwards, if that didn't put my off nothing will, as soon as the shivering had stopped and I was able to make sentences I was looking forward to my next event. It feels like I've hardly stayed dry in the last few weeks of training, hopefully some better weather is on the way.
Yesterday I did Half Iron-distance:
Swim 1.2miles - 00:40:04 (target 00:45:00)
Bike 56miles - 03:18:03 (target 03:30:00)
Run Half Marathon (13.1miles) - 01:44:34 (target 02:00:00)
Needless to say I was pretty happy, the thought process change from feeling confident to the realisation I have to go twice as far in just 8 weeks. The last couple of miles on the run were pretty tough. I was pleased though with my race strategy and fuelling.
I'm looking forward now to next Sunday when I'm doing a Sprint Distance Tri in Southwell. It should be a good event with lots of club mates there, and the weather can't be any worse than my first one. After that it's just time to focus on the main event.
I'm pleased to say I also have managed to set up an online donations page... any sponsor is greatly appreciated for a great cause and helps give me more motivation to succeed:
http://www.justgiving.com/Matto-W
Find out more about this great charity at:
http://www.karengreenfoundation.com/
Finally just a quick few thank you's... Steve and all the team at Absolute Triathlon Club, volunteers and friends alike, the club really helps me keep going and I wouldn't be where I am without you all... really looking forward to the open water as soon as it warms up.
Friends and family, thanks for your support, interest and sponsorship, looking forward to some good catching up already after July 1st.
And finally a special thanks to Sam for your support, understanding and tolerance. Not long now.
Matto_out xx
PS Some old school Biffy Clyro has been helping me out music wise, check out the you tube video...
Iron man, I return to you, to be the way you wanted
But I have no strength or the decency in me to be a hero
But we still fall down, yeah you'll still fall down
Iron man, I refuse to be the way that you would want me
Still I've got no strength but the sense in me to see I'm not a hero
But we still fall down, still fall down
And we'll still fall down, and we still fall
Monday, 7 May 2012
Sunday, 25 March 2012
The Clumber Park Duathlon and Wedding Bells...
Hello again, this has been the first week when I've not missed a scheduled training session. I'm absolutely shattered, but I'm starting to feel like every second counts with 14 weeks to go. It's roughly about the time I started running about a year ago. I started training for a 10k at Wollaton Park and haven't really stopped since, it's scary to think how far I've come but how far I've still got to go. Nothing out of the ordinary this week, except I substituted my long run on Saturday for the Clumber Park Duathlon.
This was only my second attempt at a multi-sport event and lets be honest, I need all the experience I can get. If it's possible I've come back even more addicted. I really enjoyed the event and the competition, and despite the 25 minute delay due to fog, it went pretty well. A quality school boy error as I came out of T2 still wearing my bike helmet and sunglasses, which I had to dash back to drop off but hey, it's all a learning curve :-). I came 64th overall and 30th in my category, under 40's. Not a bad start I guess, the running was ok but still a lot of work to do on the bike. I set out with a goal of going under 02:30:00 for the event.. I should quickly explain... Classic Distance Duathlon is, Run 10k, Bike 40k, Run 5k.
So it went some thing like this:
Run 1 - 39:14
T1 - 01:20
Bike - 01:18:47
T2 - 01:29
Run 2 - 20:46
TOTAL - 02:21:36
I was made up to run a sub 40:00 10k, but a little to disappointed not to go under 20:00 for the 5k, the bike took a lot out of me, but overall I'm satisfied, sub 02:20:00 next time :-).
It was great to see club mate Nick there too, we finished pretty close as well.
On Thursday I finally got my new bike set up, with a great bike fit with Mick at Langdale Lightweights. Delighted to get my Ribble out on the roads finally, so thanks to Mick. I'd highly recommend the bike fit, it makes such a difference, and the new bike is great.
I had a great Saturday night, which I managed to get through by having a sneaky afternoon nap on the sofa, great food and great company, thanks ;-), and it was great to have a quick catch up and cuppa with Catherine today... trying not to neglect my friends too much, although the pressures of time just keep increasing and increasing.
Oh, I nearly forgot... Wedding Bells... not me :-) but my best friend Andy and Gabby finally got engaged. I've always said life isn't like TV or the movies but I'm pleased to say they've pretty much proved me wrong. I was pretty speechless when Andy called to tell me the great news, it'd be an honour and privilege to share there special day so when he asked me to be best man, I was well and truly over the moon. Great people, loads of love to you too, hopefully see you soon.
As for the rest of you, matto_w out xx
This was only my second attempt at a multi-sport event and lets be honest, I need all the experience I can get. If it's possible I've come back even more addicted. I really enjoyed the event and the competition, and despite the 25 minute delay due to fog, it went pretty well. A quality school boy error as I came out of T2 still wearing my bike helmet and sunglasses, which I had to dash back to drop off but hey, it's all a learning curve :-). I came 64th overall and 30th in my category, under 40's. Not a bad start I guess, the running was ok but still a lot of work to do on the bike. I set out with a goal of going under 02:30:00 for the event.. I should quickly explain... Classic Distance Duathlon is, Run 10k, Bike 40k, Run 5k.
So it went some thing like this:
Run 1 - 39:14
T1 - 01:20
Bike - 01:18:47
T2 - 01:29
Run 2 - 20:46
TOTAL - 02:21:36
I was made up to run a sub 40:00 10k, but a little to disappointed not to go under 20:00 for the 5k, the bike took a lot out of me, but overall I'm satisfied, sub 02:20:00 next time :-).
It was great to see club mate Nick there too, we finished pretty close as well.
On Thursday I finally got my new bike set up, with a great bike fit with Mick at Langdale Lightweights. Delighted to get my Ribble out on the roads finally, so thanks to Mick. I'd highly recommend the bike fit, it makes such a difference, and the new bike is great.
I had a great Saturday night, which I managed to get through by having a sneaky afternoon nap on the sofa, great food and great company, thanks ;-), and it was great to have a quick catch up and cuppa with Catherine today... trying not to neglect my friends too much, although the pressures of time just keep increasing and increasing.
Oh, I nearly forgot... Wedding Bells... not me :-) but my best friend Andy and Gabby finally got engaged. I've always said life isn't like TV or the movies but I'm pleased to say they've pretty much proved me wrong. I was pretty speechless when Andy called to tell me the great news, it'd be an honour and privilege to share there special day so when he asked me to be best man, I was well and truly over the moon. Great people, loads of love to you too, hopefully see you soon.
As for the rest of you, matto_w out xx
Sunday, 18 March 2012
The Karen Green Foundation, Training and Other Ramblings
Hi All, I've had a good few days training which I'll run through first. Friday I was off work so I managed a good run and a good solo pool session. Borrowed from the Thursday night session with Absolute Tri Club I did 48x50m off 75secs. Thats a total of 2400m in an hour, steady pace I know but notable as it's the furthest I've been in an hour... and over half race distance. I went for a steady long run saturday evening too, a nice steady pace sub 8min miles for 1hr30mins, not bad after only having 4.5hrs sleep Friday night. I finished off the weekends training today with a 4hr ride, 60 miles at 15mph, again the furtherest I've been... and again over half race distance. It's scary to think how much further I have to go and do it all together, but progress nonetheless, I need to remind myself I'm still a beginner. I'm doing the Clumber Park Duathlon next Saturday so it was good to take in the route today, I did 4 laps of the course so the distance won't be a problem, just need to remember not to get too carried away.
As things start to progress it's important to mention I'm doing the event to raise money for a great charity, The Karen Green Foundation. This is a new charity and one it's great to be involved with, even more so at such an early stage. I never met Karen Green but I'm proud to be raising money in her memory. From what I've heard about here she sounds like my kind of person, great resilience and truly selfless, very inspirational. Please take time to watch this weeks YouTube video which is Mick Green talking at the launch night of The Foundation. You can check out the website for further details here http://www.karengreenfoundation.com. I'll let you know sponsorship details at a later stage when I've got it all sorted, but needless to say I'd be grateful if you could all donate generously.
It leads nicely on to my ramblings, in the UK today is Mothers Day, a day when we remember our Mother, a person who is so often taken for granted. So Mum, thanks for everything, I know I'm not the most patient person but your the best Mum possible, I wouldn't swap you for the world :-). I also went to see my dear old Gran today too... luckily she's got very bad eyesight, or she would have had to look at me sat on her sofa in my underpants with a pack of frozen potato wedges on my knee (a precaution only). Luckily though, that's sorted tea out too. Anyways make sure you tell the people you care about how you feel, I'm not great at talking but hopefully mum will read this blog and get the message (she's actually sat opposite me now but this is the modern way) :-).
For now, Matto_w out x
As things start to progress it's important to mention I'm doing the event to raise money for a great charity, The Karen Green Foundation. This is a new charity and one it's great to be involved with, even more so at such an early stage. I never met Karen Green but I'm proud to be raising money in her memory. From what I've heard about here she sounds like my kind of person, great resilience and truly selfless, very inspirational. Please take time to watch this weeks YouTube video which is Mick Green talking at the launch night of The Foundation. You can check out the website for further details here http://www.karengreenfoundation.com. I'll let you know sponsorship details at a later stage when I've got it all sorted, but needless to say I'd be grateful if you could all donate generously.
It leads nicely on to my ramblings, in the UK today is Mothers Day, a day when we remember our Mother, a person who is so often taken for granted. So Mum, thanks for everything, I know I'm not the most patient person but your the best Mum possible, I wouldn't swap you for the world :-). I also went to see my dear old Gran today too... luckily she's got very bad eyesight, or she would have had to look at me sat on her sofa in my underpants with a pack of frozen potato wedges on my knee (a precaution only). Luckily though, that's sorted tea out too. Anyways make sure you tell the people you care about how you feel, I'm not great at talking but hopefully mum will read this blog and get the message (she's actually sat opposite me now but this is the modern way) :-).
For now, Matto_w out x
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Outlaw Triathlon and the Battle with Time
Hi guys, it's been a while I know, and until recently I literally haven't had a spare hour to write a blog. Working, sleeping and training has generally been the theme... plus a bit of socialising, it's important to remember your friends and have some sort of life outside triathlon. I found myself having to find time, and make time, difficult concepts, but with structure and sacrifice (and limited sleep) you can just about do what you want.
So the last few weeks have been a bit shitty training wise... I developed a knee problem which after a trip to the Physio last night, I'm happy to say isn't too bad. A lack of lateral movement in my left knee cause a build of pressure and swelling after long bike rides meaning I couldn't ride or run. With a bit of (painful) physio and some new pedals/cleats I'm going to be fine. I can't wait to get out running tomorrow and get back training!
Looking at the bigger picture though, things are great, as I look at the countdown to the race you can't help worrying a bit. But, as we stand we've got about 4 months to go, I've only been doing this sport 5 months and when I think how far I've come I know I can accomplish this. I had a "moment" when I went down to the lake at Holme Pierrepont last weekend, the lake is very long but my determination is great. "Do not pray for easier lives. Pray to be stronger men." [JFK]
It's a hectic weekend ahead, I'm off work tomorrow but still no rest for the wicked. My band is playing a gig in London, which is great, and I'd planned to stay at a friends and drive home Saturday. Unfortunately I have to work Saturday so I have to drive back tomorrow night :-( but hey ho, I'll find time. Checkout the youtube video this week, it my bands newest song Starting Fires.
I'm going to go, I need an early night as tomorrow is going to be a long day. Looking forward to next weekend now as I'm entered into the Clumber Duathlon, should be a good experience for a rookie. Wish me luck.
PS On the right there is a link to some other blogs... take time to read Cayci's latest entry... it's brilliantly written and a great read.
Bye x
So the last few weeks have been a bit shitty training wise... I developed a knee problem which after a trip to the Physio last night, I'm happy to say isn't too bad. A lack of lateral movement in my left knee cause a build of pressure and swelling after long bike rides meaning I couldn't ride or run. With a bit of (painful) physio and some new pedals/cleats I'm going to be fine. I can't wait to get out running tomorrow and get back training!
Looking at the bigger picture though, things are great, as I look at the countdown to the race you can't help worrying a bit. But, as we stand we've got about 4 months to go, I've only been doing this sport 5 months and when I think how far I've come I know I can accomplish this. I had a "moment" when I went down to the lake at Holme Pierrepont last weekend, the lake is very long but my determination is great. "Do not pray for easier lives. Pray to be stronger men." [JFK]
It's a hectic weekend ahead, I'm off work tomorrow but still no rest for the wicked. My band is playing a gig in London, which is great, and I'd planned to stay at a friends and drive home Saturday. Unfortunately I have to work Saturday so I have to drive back tomorrow night :-( but hey ho, I'll find time. Checkout the youtube video this week, it my bands newest song Starting Fires.
I'm going to go, I need an early night as tomorrow is going to be a long day. Looking forward to next weekend now as I'm entered into the Clumber Duathlon, should be a good experience for a rookie. Wish me luck.
PS On the right there is a link to some other blogs... take time to read Cayci's latest entry... it's brilliantly written and a great read.
Bye x
Sunday, 19 February 2012
The Build Phase and the British Heart Foundation
Thanks to everyone for your kind words and words of encouragement after last weeks blog. It was a representation of how I was feeling but things always comes across a lot worse in print. I'm feeling ok in myself, and there's no way I'm not doing this. Back to focusing on one session at a time and lets see where it takes me. My life feels like a long ride at the moment, lots of ups and down and I don't really know where I'm going, I'm gritting my teeth and digging in on the inclines and hanging on for dear life on the declines.
Tuesday was an important day for me, February 14th. It was the 2nd anniversary of the passing of my Grandmother, the passing of someone close to you is always tough, I've always felt extra close to my Mamma. I was born on her 50th birthday and have always felt a special bond. I come from a close family and I'm lucky to have all there support in (almost) everything I do. I used the money that was left to me in her will to buy my bike and all the other associated gear when I started out last year. It felt good to spend the money on something that would enhance my life, I know she would approve. During my Outlaw training it is my intention is to raise £2000 for charity, the first £1000 will go to The Karen Green Foundation, and the second £1000 will be donated to the British Heart Foundation. My Mamma had two triple heart bypass surgeries in her life-time. The first one was in the seventies when the survival rates were much lower than today, so I feel lucky to have had her in my life at all. She was a great supporter of the BHF, they gave her the support she needed. I intend to carry on this support in honour of her. Mamma was very religious and had a strong faith in god, now I'm a staunch atheist but I always feel she's there somewhere and I look to her memory to keep me going at time when I need some inspiration, I know she would be proud.
This week was the first week of the Build Phase in my Don Fink program. It has gone ok actually, I think the few days off last weekend did me some good. Tuesday was the usual swim before work and run after. I had Wednesday off work so I enjoyed my transition session at my own leisure and went to the extra swim session I needed with Absolute Triathlon Club in the evening. Thursday I was back to the pool after work and then hit the Turbo when I got home. I skipped running on Friday as I had something far more important on. In the Build Phase the weekend long run and long ride now become brick sessions... Saturdays long run was followed by 30 minutes on the Turbo, and todays long ride was followed by a quick run, both felt good. I pushed hard on the bike today, my legs ache but I'm determined to get better.
This weeks music was good, a double Idlewild session on Tuesdays run, The Remote Part and Warnings/Promises, one of my favourite bands. Turn on the Bright Lights by Interpol, and Brothers by the Black Keys were the other albums I listened to this week. One of my favourite songs ever is Century After Century by Idlewild, but incredibly there isn't one version on YouTube!
Another week where I had to go solo on the long ride and not join up with my friends from the club for the Eakring ride. I just want to quickly mention Helen, she organises us on Sunday and is massive energy giver to most, if not all of us. She is such a warm and generous person, everyone loves her with good reason. She is the reason I, and probably a few others are doing Outlaw this year, she is an inspiration so Helen... thanks, and keep up your training, you're doing great xx
The reason I had to skip the ride was I needed an early start. It was my cousin Adam and his lovely wife Louise's babies 1st birthday and I really wanted to get over for the party. Everyone loves party food at kids parties right? Great for the training diet :-) Happy first birthday Edwin xx
Happy Birthday too to Gabby, hope you had a great secret holiday, hopefully see you and Lummo soon. Lets schedule in some time.
And a special Happy Birthday to Howy too, welcome to Club 30 squire, I also hope you enjoyed your secret weekend break with Hels.
Thanks again for taking the time to read this. Those of you who know me know I'm not much of a talker, so it's a bit weird putting all this stuff out there. If I was better at talking I probably wouldn't be where I am now... I probably wouldn't have even found triathlon, but here I am, on the way to Outlaw.
Matto_out xx
Tuesday was an important day for me, February 14th. It was the 2nd anniversary of the passing of my Grandmother, the passing of someone close to you is always tough, I've always felt extra close to my Mamma. I was born on her 50th birthday and have always felt a special bond. I come from a close family and I'm lucky to have all there support in (almost) everything I do. I used the money that was left to me in her will to buy my bike and all the other associated gear when I started out last year. It felt good to spend the money on something that would enhance my life, I know she would approve. During my Outlaw training it is my intention is to raise £2000 for charity, the first £1000 will go to The Karen Green Foundation, and the second £1000 will be donated to the British Heart Foundation. My Mamma had two triple heart bypass surgeries in her life-time. The first one was in the seventies when the survival rates were much lower than today, so I feel lucky to have had her in my life at all. She was a great supporter of the BHF, they gave her the support she needed. I intend to carry on this support in honour of her. Mamma was very religious and had a strong faith in god, now I'm a staunch atheist but I always feel she's there somewhere and I look to her memory to keep me going at time when I need some inspiration, I know she would be proud.
This week was the first week of the Build Phase in my Don Fink program. It has gone ok actually, I think the few days off last weekend did me some good. Tuesday was the usual swim before work and run after. I had Wednesday off work so I enjoyed my transition session at my own leisure and went to the extra swim session I needed with Absolute Triathlon Club in the evening. Thursday I was back to the pool after work and then hit the Turbo when I got home. I skipped running on Friday as I had something far more important on. In the Build Phase the weekend long run and long ride now become brick sessions... Saturdays long run was followed by 30 minutes on the Turbo, and todays long ride was followed by a quick run, both felt good. I pushed hard on the bike today, my legs ache but I'm determined to get better.
This weeks music was good, a double Idlewild session on Tuesdays run, The Remote Part and Warnings/Promises, one of my favourite bands. Turn on the Bright Lights by Interpol, and Brothers by the Black Keys were the other albums I listened to this week. One of my favourite songs ever is Century After Century by Idlewild, but incredibly there isn't one version on YouTube!
Another week where I had to go solo on the long ride and not join up with my friends from the club for the Eakring ride. I just want to quickly mention Helen, she organises us on Sunday and is massive energy giver to most, if not all of us. She is such a warm and generous person, everyone loves her with good reason. She is the reason I, and probably a few others are doing Outlaw this year, she is an inspiration so Helen... thanks, and keep up your training, you're doing great xx
The reason I had to skip the ride was I needed an early start. It was my cousin Adam and his lovely wife Louise's babies 1st birthday and I really wanted to get over for the party. Everyone loves party food at kids parties right? Great for the training diet :-) Happy first birthday Edwin xx
Happy Birthday too to Gabby, hope you had a great secret holiday, hopefully see you and Lummo soon. Lets schedule in some time.
And a special Happy Birthday to Howy too, welcome to Club 30 squire, I also hope you enjoyed your secret weekend break with Hels.
Thanks again for taking the time to read this. Those of you who know me know I'm not much of a talker, so it's a bit weird putting all this stuff out there. If I was better at talking I probably wouldn't be where I am now... I probably wouldn't have even found triathlon, but here I am, on the way to Outlaw.
Matto_out xx
Monday, 13 February 2012
10 Weeks Down... 20 To Go! A Moment of Doubt?
Training wise I'm probably at my lowest point to be honest. I've been taking it session by session and not been worrying about the event at all. The weather hasn't helped, but getting to a third of the way there has really struck home. I can't even comprehend 13 hours of exertion. I'm not sure I can swim for 1 1/2 hours + to cover the 2.4 miles, I don't know if I can cycle for 7 hours to complete the 112 miles, at the moment my average speed isn't high enough for shorter distance on my training plan at the moment let alone anything else. And when all that is said and done, I'm not sure my little legs will fancy running a marathon, never mind a sub 4 hour one at that.
On Tuesday I swam as usual, but in the evening I substituted my usual run with a Turbo session. Wednesday I had off work so I was really looking forward to my transition session... it didn't go well, after a steady 45 minute cycle the 30 minute run was awful. Thursday was swim and spin, spinning seemed even harder work than usual. I'd made plans Saturday evening so I decided just to do my long run Friday evening and skip a run session, the run was fine but it was freezing, evening more disappointingly I missed the first social event of the Absolute Triathlon Clubs calander. Hopefully everyone had a great time at the Dogs in Nottingham and plenty of money was raised for the Karen Green Foundation. And that's that, I skipped the Sunday ride, too tired etc.
So I need to pick myself up, thanks everyone for your kind words and support, no-one said it was going to be easy, and it wouldn't be such an achievement if it was I guess. I've written out my next 10 week Don Fink plan and it terrifies me, I've no idea how I'm going to find time for everything, but I will. And I will do this.
This weeks long run was accompanied by the Deftones which I think tells its own story... see the YouTube player.
In other news I've booked my ticket to the Triathlon Show 2012 which should be a good day out with some fellow clubmates. If anyone is going let me know.
Just as I'm writing my great friend Julo has text to ask where this weeks blog is. I'm so out of sorts it's slipped and is a day late :-) She'd telling me to stop moaning and get on with it... so that's what I'm going to do. Another self indulgent post but I think it's important to document how I'm feeling on this journey. Thanks for taking the time to read.
Matto_out
PS Campbell and Peace Dentistry have pledged to give £1 to the Karen Green Foundation for every 'like' on there Facebook page. Please follow the link and hit 'like', you can donate £1 of someone elses money to a great cause. http://www.facebook.com/CampbellandPeace
On Tuesday I swam as usual, but in the evening I substituted my usual run with a Turbo session. Wednesday I had off work so I was really looking forward to my transition session... it didn't go well, after a steady 45 minute cycle the 30 minute run was awful. Thursday was swim and spin, spinning seemed even harder work than usual. I'd made plans Saturday evening so I decided just to do my long run Friday evening and skip a run session, the run was fine but it was freezing, evening more disappointingly I missed the first social event of the Absolute Triathlon Clubs calander. Hopefully everyone had a great time at the Dogs in Nottingham and plenty of money was raised for the Karen Green Foundation. And that's that, I skipped the Sunday ride, too tired etc.
So I need to pick myself up, thanks everyone for your kind words and support, no-one said it was going to be easy, and it wouldn't be such an achievement if it was I guess. I've written out my next 10 week Don Fink plan and it terrifies me, I've no idea how I'm going to find time for everything, but I will. And I will do this.
This weeks long run was accompanied by the Deftones which I think tells its own story... see the YouTube player.
In other news I've booked my ticket to the Triathlon Show 2012 which should be a good day out with some fellow clubmates. If anyone is going let me know.
Just as I'm writing my great friend Julo has text to ask where this weeks blog is. I'm so out of sorts it's slipped and is a day late :-) She'd telling me to stop moaning and get on with it... so that's what I'm going to do. Another self indulgent post but I think it's important to document how I'm feeling on this journey. Thanks for taking the time to read.
Matto_out
PS Campbell and Peace Dentistry have pledged to give £1 to the Karen Green Foundation for every 'like' on there Facebook page. Please follow the link and hit 'like', you can donate £1 of someone elses money to a great cause. http://www.facebook.com/CampbellandPeace
Sunday, 5 February 2012
It's all about the Bike and the other Gear, a blog about equipment.
I'll give you a quick update about this weeks training... Tuesday started as usual with an early morning swim, I decided to skip my post work run in order to go to watch the football. I have a season ticket at Forest so headed to the City Ground after collecting a large parcel which I'll come to later. Needless to say I shouldn't have bothered, it was cold and Forest were rubbish. It's one of my least favourite fixtures too as my brother in law is a Burnley fan, he didn't rub it in too much though. At least it wasn't as bad as the time I was with him in the home end at Turf Moor as we were getting hammered 5-0! Wednesday is my transition training day, 45 minutes on the turbo (a contraption that turns the bike into an exercise bike for my non-tri friends) followed by 4 cold laps around the village.
Thursday, ah Thursday, it's post work swimming and spinning day. I had a quick errand to run before work which was to be my downfall. I always pack my bag the night before so to save time and keep organised (another Don Fink tip), I was half way to work before I realised I'd left my bag. I'm not sure doing it in my underwear like at primary school would have gone down well with my clubmates. I did a turbo session when I got home, but a second session missed in a week, oh the guilt. Friday is a club track session, it was cold and felt rubbish so I won't dwell on that.
Saturday is long run day, I had to nip to Mansfield post work, so planned to run from Berry Hill. It was a mixture of glorious and horrendous. The snow was coming down and it felt great to be running whilst people looked at me like I was insane, the pleasure was matched by the pain of the last few miles running up hill into the wind looking and feeling like an abominable snowman (Catherine). The drive home was long and slow as the snow continued to fall. I woke to a good covering of snow, inevitably meaning there would be no long ride from Eakring, sadly missed again. It meant a tortuous 2hrs 45mins on the turbo, my longest turbo yet, I procrastinated for as long as possible before taking to the saddle and grinding it out.
As for music this week, on Saturdays long run I hit shuffle and pressed play, there was no way I was fumbling around selecting music in the freezing cold. Highlights included Dry the River, Idlewild, Sonic Youth, Smashing Pumpkins, Crystal Castles and Interpol. Todays long turbo was ably assisted by a great film, Gran Torino, here's hoping I don't have to spend too many long rides in the kitchen, good films or not.
So... back to my parcel and something most the triathletes I've met like to talk about... the gear. On Tuesday I went to my local parcel force depot to pick up my new bike. It started with a combination of two things, a friend on one of our Sunday long rides suggesting the need for a winter bike, and wanting a bike that may make the Outlaw ever so slightly easier. So my starter bike, a very reliable entry level Giant has become my winter bike, and I'm the proud owner of a carbon fibre Ribble Sportive Bianco. I ordered it a few weeks ago when I went to visit my sister in the Northwest. I took my Dad and my credit card to Ribble and placed the order in the shop. So I know I'm a little premature for a summer bike, but I couldn't resist. It's in need of a proper set up, for which I'll be visiting Mick at Langdale Lightweights in Mapperley, Nottingham. But to give you some spec, gun metal grey Shimano 105 groupset, Deda seatpost, handlebars, stem and aero bars. And a lovely pair of Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, which almost cost as much as the Giant :-/ The bike is white and silver which is great... it looks good, but mostly because it goes with all colours. Every triathlete nows how important it is to colour coordinate :-)
I've come to terms that as long as I'm doing triathlon I'll never have any money. I like the joke about the triathletes car doubling in value when he puts his bike in the back. I'm going to go through some of my good and interesting purchases for you... I know you triathletes will be interested so thoughts and comments are appreciated :-)
I recently got a Garmin 310XT, GPS sports watch and heart rate monitor. It is amazing, I love downloading the data, seeing the maps and analysing the data. Another purchase I blame on the person who told me I'd need 2 bikes, but a great recommendation. I wonder if they know who they are and if they will step forward :-) ?
Calf guards... 2XU ones to be precise. I thought they were quite expensive but I wouldn't be without them now. I've always suffered with calf/achilles problems (ask Lummo) so after my first Duathlon when I felt some cramp in transition they were my next purchase. Along with a number belt... I made the school boy error of trying to pin my number to my very tight tri-suit. The tri-suit was a bit of an early un-nessecary purchase I guess, but as I got into triathlon at the end of last season there were plenty of bargains to be had online.
I was mostly gutted not to get out on the bike today because I received a Castelli windproof gore jacket all the way from Italy on Thursday, crazy I know, especially bearing in mind I ruin my last cheapo one after falling off (See Man Down post). As for bike accessories, geez, it's never ending... helmet, inner tubes, pumps, lights, saddle bags, hydration accessories, endless lycra/clothing etc etc etc. Not to mention the aforementioned turbo.
Now the running isn't so bad, but I did just invest in two new pairs of Asic Gel Cumulous 13's, who ever thought you needed two pairs! I also have two pairs of swimming goggles, but to be honest, swimming you're mostly naked.
The next endless expense is the sports drink and energy bars... I'm currently using SIS psp22 energy drink, SIS Rego protein recovery drink, High 5 Zero electrolyte drink, Powerbar energy bars and protein bars, as well as ride gel sweets, I've also just bought some GU chocolate outrage gel shots which taste amazing chocolate fans.
So all that is really left to buy is a wetsuit... and I really want to get myself some wonderful Absolute Triathlon club kit too. I'm sure I'll find other things to keep spending money on, I'm already eyeing up a TT bike ;-)
Matto_out tri fans xx
Thursday, ah Thursday, it's post work swimming and spinning day. I had a quick errand to run before work which was to be my downfall. I always pack my bag the night before so to save time and keep organised (another Don Fink tip), I was half way to work before I realised I'd left my bag. I'm not sure doing it in my underwear like at primary school would have gone down well with my clubmates. I did a turbo session when I got home, but a second session missed in a week, oh the guilt. Friday is a club track session, it was cold and felt rubbish so I won't dwell on that.
Saturday is long run day, I had to nip to Mansfield post work, so planned to run from Berry Hill. It was a mixture of glorious and horrendous. The snow was coming down and it felt great to be running whilst people looked at me like I was insane, the pleasure was matched by the pain of the last few miles running up hill into the wind looking and feeling like an abominable snowman (Catherine). The drive home was long and slow as the snow continued to fall. I woke to a good covering of snow, inevitably meaning there would be no long ride from Eakring, sadly missed again. It meant a tortuous 2hrs 45mins on the turbo, my longest turbo yet, I procrastinated for as long as possible before taking to the saddle and grinding it out.
As for music this week, on Saturdays long run I hit shuffle and pressed play, there was no way I was fumbling around selecting music in the freezing cold. Highlights included Dry the River, Idlewild, Sonic Youth, Smashing Pumpkins, Crystal Castles and Interpol. Todays long turbo was ably assisted by a great film, Gran Torino, here's hoping I don't have to spend too many long rides in the kitchen, good films or not.
So... back to my parcel and something most the triathletes I've met like to talk about... the gear. On Tuesday I went to my local parcel force depot to pick up my new bike. It started with a combination of two things, a friend on one of our Sunday long rides suggesting the need for a winter bike, and wanting a bike that may make the Outlaw ever so slightly easier. So my starter bike, a very reliable entry level Giant has become my winter bike, and I'm the proud owner of a carbon fibre Ribble Sportive Bianco. I ordered it a few weeks ago when I went to visit my sister in the Northwest. I took my Dad and my credit card to Ribble and placed the order in the shop. So I know I'm a little premature for a summer bike, but I couldn't resist. It's in need of a proper set up, for which I'll be visiting Mick at Langdale Lightweights in Mapperley, Nottingham. But to give you some spec, gun metal grey Shimano 105 groupset, Deda seatpost, handlebars, stem and aero bars. And a lovely pair of Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, which almost cost as much as the Giant :-/ The bike is white and silver which is great... it looks good, but mostly because it goes with all colours. Every triathlete nows how important it is to colour coordinate :-)
I've come to terms that as long as I'm doing triathlon I'll never have any money. I like the joke about the triathletes car doubling in value when he puts his bike in the back. I'm going to go through some of my good and interesting purchases for you... I know you triathletes will be interested so thoughts and comments are appreciated :-)
I recently got a Garmin 310XT, GPS sports watch and heart rate monitor. It is amazing, I love downloading the data, seeing the maps and analysing the data. Another purchase I blame on the person who told me I'd need 2 bikes, but a great recommendation. I wonder if they know who they are and if they will step forward :-) ?
Calf guards... 2XU ones to be precise. I thought they were quite expensive but I wouldn't be without them now. I've always suffered with calf/achilles problems (ask Lummo) so after my first Duathlon when I felt some cramp in transition they were my next purchase. Along with a number belt... I made the school boy error of trying to pin my number to my very tight tri-suit. The tri-suit was a bit of an early un-nessecary purchase I guess, but as I got into triathlon at the end of last season there were plenty of bargains to be had online.
I was mostly gutted not to get out on the bike today because I received a Castelli windproof gore jacket all the way from Italy on Thursday, crazy I know, especially bearing in mind I ruin my last cheapo one after falling off (See Man Down post). As for bike accessories, geez, it's never ending... helmet, inner tubes, pumps, lights, saddle bags, hydration accessories, endless lycra/clothing etc etc etc. Not to mention the aforementioned turbo.
Now the running isn't so bad, but I did just invest in two new pairs of Asic Gel Cumulous 13's, who ever thought you needed two pairs! I also have two pairs of swimming goggles, but to be honest, swimming you're mostly naked.
The next endless expense is the sports drink and energy bars... I'm currently using SIS psp22 energy drink, SIS Rego protein recovery drink, High 5 Zero electrolyte drink, Powerbar energy bars and protein bars, as well as ride gel sweets, I've also just bought some GU chocolate outrage gel shots which taste amazing chocolate fans.
So all that is really left to buy is a wetsuit... and I really want to get myself some wonderful Absolute Triathlon club kit too. I'm sure I'll find other things to keep spending money on, I'm already eyeing up a TT bike ;-)
Matto_out tri fans xx
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