The loneliness of the long distance runner

Following the second football tournament in two days (won the first one, third in the second) the kids team return to base for some relaxation before heading home on Monday.  But not for me.  The kids head to the pool, the amigos the bar and I start out on my run although the thought of a cool pint was tempting.  Holland countryside is beautiful but heavy thunder restricts my run to an hour and I get in just before the heavens open.  Committing to Ironman means sacrificing many things but I did get back for a couple of beers and a steak as all training and no play could make me exceptionally boring!  On Tuesday it is back to building up my training as there will be little rest between now and August.

Sting in the tail

On Saturday I was carrying out some low altitude training in preparation for Copenhagen - away at my son's football tournament in Holland. To strengthen my will power I have brought along a bunch of beer swilling amigos to tempt me off my training. So far I have resisted and looking at them this morning it was the right decision!
On my early morning run I encountered a problem which required some quick thinking. A emergency poo in the woods was essential and the docken leaves not only cleared up the mess, but soothed my nettle stings acquired while making myself invisible!  No issue with the treaked back muscle.

Time out

Injury is the one thing that can destroy all your carefully prepared training and you are always advised to "listen to your body".  Well mine is shouting rest as I have tweaked a muscle between my shoulder blades which is uncomfortable and I do not want to risk prolonging the injury.  I am visiting the physio tonight so I will probably be taking it easy for a few days.  I'll keep you posted.

Visit to Buckingham Palace

Following a lovely meal with friends last night, an early morning start saw me running through Hyde Park via Buckingham Palace taking in the sites; joggers, swimmers in the Serpentine, people practicing Tai Chi, a herd of elephants (plastic) etc.  Plenty to keep you interested although the run is flat which meant I had to run faster than normal to reach my target heart rate - I am more used to hills.    A week of juggling work with family and training.  Being away meant I missed my son's football team winning their league - the first team in their club in 42 years to win a major championship, what an achievement.  Hopefully tomorrow on his sister's birthday he can win the cup as well which will be a double celebration and the whole family will be there.  Fingers crossed.

Baldy nae tufty

Mondays are normally a day off training but this weeks schedule is going to be mixed up and I did a good long hard swimming session, 2,700m , this morning before my day off tomorrow - I'm knackered and need a rest!  Sometimes when you are putting your body through a lot it takes a wee reminder to make you realise how lucky you are to be able to do the training.
My pal Tufty has shaved his head and is now officially known as baldy.  He posted a comment under the Support Tufty heading a few days earlier.  Give it a read because that is what it is all about - real people, real lives, real cancer, real hero's.  Go on baldy, you get through this and then you can join me on a wee triathlon!

Melting tar!

Today was hot.  So hot the tar was melting on the streets so this was great practice for Copenhagen in August.  A 65 minute cycle as a warm up,  I decided on a hilly route as this is what I will face in Wales in 3 weeks time.  Then a quick change of shoes and off for a 95 minute run.  The route was hilly and I tried not to frighten too many children in my one piece tri suit - for those of you who haven't seen one it's like a victorian swim suit, but in lycra.  This will be what I wear in Wales so you have to get used to it and make sure if any bits are rubbing, you slap lots of cream on - no more detail required just use your imagination!

Free fake bake!

What a glorious day.  In Scotland this might have been our summer.  Blue skies and sunshine meant I smothered myself in factor 30 before going out.  Unfortunately a lorry drove past kicking up a dust bowl and when I came out the other side the dust had stuck to my sun cream - free fake bake!  After 4 hours and 95km on the bike I went for my sport massage to help maintain my legs in working order - aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh thanks Grant, for stopping!
It's funny how your horizons change as you train.  4 months ago I could not have survived on the bike for that length of time never mind contemplate the "brick" session I have tomorrow; 75 min cycle followed by 95 min run and 20 minute walk.  However without the guidance of my coach Steve I wouldn't have a clue how to build up to this level of fitness but there is still a long way to go before 15 August.

Swimming in a birds toilet

I did a double session today.  I got the opportunity to take my first open water swim of the season in Strathclyde Park.  Stepping into the cool murky water with lots of "bits" floating in it wasn't pleasant.  When you swim you take water into your mouth so I let you work it out - a very hot curry followed so it should sort any internal problems out.  You can't see past your elbow in the water and the wetsuit constrains your breathing at the beginning until you get used to it.  You zig zag all over the place as there is no dark blue line below you to follow and this is why I will be putting in a lot of practice before 13 June when I compete in a half Ironman which is rated as in the top 10 hardest in the world - oh s**t! 

Support Tufty!

The thought occurred to me, as I was ploughing up and down the swimming lane at 7am, what do normal people do at this time in the morning?  Take my blue nose pal Tufty who is going through intensive treatment at the Beatson - he is probably getting a nice back massage but he deserves it for what he is going through.  His real pals are going to shave their heads to raise money for the Beatson once his last few strands are gone so well done lads.  Tufty, I'll stick to the Ironman and hopefully raise as much as I can for Maggie's from my pals while leaving my hair on.  Come on guys get online and support Tufty!

A chorus of birds woke me this morning and encouraged me out into the smir (a particular type of Scottish rain - almost like a mist).  Before leaving I downed a gel which is a concentrated carbohydrate mix to give you energy - I can't run within 2 hours of eating.  When running I practice drinking a carbohydrate drink which will be essential to stop "bonking" on the bike (yes that's what they call it!) or hitting the "wall" in the marathon. The nutrition side is very important during training and the event itself and if you get it wrong you won't finish.  One question I keep getting asked is where do I find the time to train?  The answer is simple; get up an hour earlier, watch less TV, swap golf for the bike (there is 5 hours available with no beer as well) and most importantly have an understanding family!

Decided to have a long lie this morning and train in the evening which is not like me, but I wanted to give my legs and extra 12 hours rest after the run yesterday and the weekends event.  However it was home made curry for dinner and the thought of a long cool beer to wash it down was tempting as beer is liquid carbs after all!  I managed to resist but had to drag myself out the door and onto the bike as the couch and the telly were inviting.  Glad I did because it was a quiet summers night so I did get to "smell the roses" which I had promised myself yesterday.  Once I got back I finished with a quick work out and am now settling down with a cup of tea.  Only 8 hours till my run session tomorrow.

Following my rest day after the Etape, today involved a 2,500m swim and a 50 minute run.  However the feeling of satisfaction was dampened by a funeral of an ex-tabler taken too soon by cancer.   As I listened to stories of his life it made me reflect that we are only here for a short time so we should make the most of it.  I think it was a reminder to take time to smell the roses and going forward, I will make sure I do.  Why not try it to?

Etape Caledonia Race

What a weekend.  Sportsmans dinner on Friday night, charity concert on Saturday night.  Left for the Etape Caledonia race at 3am Sunday morning with 2 hrs sleep - ideal preparation?  This is the longest bike ride to date, 81 miles, and I increased my average speed from 14.5 mph to 16.3 mph for 4hr 58 min & 32 sec  losing 4,400 calories along the way.  The race was eventful with plenty of accidents - my friend and experienced cyclist Jacques went over the handlebars on a fast down hill stretch and did some damage to a tree and a dry stane dyke (wall).  Before the ambulance could get to him he dusted himself down and completed the race 16 minutes quicker than me!  After the race we did spend 4 hours in A&E but he'll be fine.  Andres led the 4 x 5 man teams, it must have been the biggest team in the event, and managed to cross the line with his son in a respectable 4hrs 34 mins.
As I crossed the line I reflected on the race. I am 89 days away from Ironman and have to swim 2.4 miles before getting on the bike and completing 31 miles (112 mile in total) more than this race before running a marathon.  Looking at my training schedule my coach understands what's ahead as it increases considerably from tomorrow.  Next target the half ironman in Wales 12-13 June.
Finally thanks to my wife Fiona for carrying the burden of watching our son in the cup final while also organising the rest of the family, I think racing 81 miles was easier and certanly less stressful!  The result went the wrong way but he has two more trophies to chase before the end of the month - I don't know where he gets it from!

Cracking swim this morning - 3 x 400m warm up, 12 x 50m main set and 6 x 50m warm down, now that sharpens you up for the day.  Got my rear wheel back from the unmentionable shop, the rest of my bike after its "tune up" from Willie Bains (thanks Willie great job), and had my Garmin replaced for the correct sex!!! I might run like a lady but I prefer a gents watch!
Long lie planned for tomorrow, 9am, then a 1 hour cycle before going off to film and interview Midge Ure, Marti Pellow, Paulo Nutini & Jim Diamond who are performing for the Tiger Tim Stevens Tribute night raising money for Tim who has MS.  The concert will be great and if you want to know why I am involved in this go to www.thegathering.co.uk .  Straight home after the gig, missing the party afterwards, and up at 3am on Sunday to travel to Pitlochry for the Etape 83 mile race - 7.04 start!  Just a normal weekend!!

Today is the 13th - I am not normally superstitious but...... Remember I said Ironman is all about planning?  Thanks to a bike shop with the same name as a muesli, my rear wheel still isn't repaired as promised (over 5 weeks) & my sports massage appointment some how wasn't in his diary.  My replacement Garmin watch that I picked up today isn't linking to my computer so back to the shop tomorrow.  Aaaahhhhhhhhhhh!
So the plan has to change.  Tomorrow morning at 7pm I will have a relaxing swim for an hour, pick up my rear wheel which hopefully will be repaired, pick up my bike from a real bike repair shop (thanks Willie Bain) after its service, get my Garmin sorted and take my bike out for a spin to make sure its working. Oh and fit in a days work.

Tollcross was quite this morning at 7am which is unusual, and my hard session wasn't as hard as I expected.  To give you an idea, 3 x 400m warm up, 9 x 100m timed with every 3rd length faster and a 4 x 50 m cool down.  Due to this being an easy week I came out feeling strong - however the open water training will start next week and I will have to increase the intensity and distance of my swimming.  This is all easy when compared to people battling with cancer and as you know I am raising money for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres.  If you can spare some cash for a fantastic charity then go to my just giving site via this blog.  Have a great day.

Ironman training is all about planning.  With the next event on Sunday this is a relatively easy week.  Today was a 40 minute run which gives my legs plenty of rest time.  If I can juggle my family commitments then I will have a hard swimming session tomorrow at 7am and a sport massage on Thursday (not a pleasant experience but the after affects are worth it).  On Friday when my bike is back from its service I will have a 1 hr spin with Saturday being a rest day.  There are no short cuts but with proper planning you stand a chance!

Sunday started with a battle.  Ali's dynamos are top of the league and were playing their nearest rivals.  They came back from 3 - 0 down at half time to draw 4-4.  After that I relaxed over the next 3 hours on a 71km bike ride without my buddies - a lot of the training needs to be done on your own to get the mental side right ( I know you think it's all mental!).  My focus is getting enough protein and carbohydrate in me during the ride so I will be able to complete the marathon as after 112 miles I may have dipped into my reserves.  Getting the wrapper off the protein bars can be fun while dodging the pot holes and the car drivers.  After that the kids wanted to play golf so off we went for 9 holes - don't ask who won!  Next week will see the training reduce to get ready for the Etape on Sunday.

Inspiration comes in many forms.  While cycling a quick 60km with my two pals Jacques and Andre (French nick names as they are real cyclists) I was inspired to a personal best over 400 yards by two dogs that mistook me for a bone - cycling can be dangerous!  On my way home a lady in the bakers told me she was walking the women's 10k in Glasgow next week but her 1st attempt at the distance had left her very stiff and sore for a few days.  Well done her for pushing the boundaries and competing in her own "personal ironman" - what's your personal ironman this year?  Remember the journey getting to the start line is every bit as important as crossing the finishing line.

After the agony of my sports massage yesterday, a 2,200m swim at 7am was just what my legs needed.  Some think swimming is boring but you'd be amazed at what you can think about while trying not to take in too much water - hung parliament, Greek debts crisis, how far will I cycle over the weekend and will my son win his vital possible league decider football match on Sunday?  You should try it some time as life is too busy and we don't get time out to reflect - just remember not to breathe when you are under the water!

Thursday 6 May
Today was a real adventure - for the first time ever (and last) I biked from Hamilton to Glasgow and back combining work with a work out.  What I hadn't banked on was the bus's trying to wipe me out!  I'd have been safer on the M8.  Racing between the lights was fun but I think I will stick to the country roads.  I then went for my sports massage - if you heard any high pitched screaming today around 3.30, it was me.  Grant, who I am sure doesn't mean me harm, has brought forward my next session by 2 weeks to help me survive the 83 mile etape caledonian in 9 days.

Wednesday 5 May
It was intended to be an easy 10km run this morning but the legs were tight from the weekends activities so it was a bit tougher.  Going for a sports massage tomorrow and that only means one thing - PAIN and lots of it.  Unfortunately it is essential to keep the legs working due to the amount of training but it cannot be described as relaxing or pleasant!

IntroductionIf I had a £ for everytime someone told me I was mad taking on an Ironman triathlon .....The next question usually is why to which I reply why not!  But how do you prepare for a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run?  This blog will give you an insight to my training schedule which has been building up since October 2009.  Hopefully you will find it inspiring and get yourself kitted out in some lycra, but if not perhaps you will support me by joining my blog and also by sponsoring me - I am trying to raise £10,000 for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres.

With 100 days to go till the Copenhagen Ironman I have a long way to go before I will be physically and mentaly ready for the challange.  The training hours are really starting to mount up and my family are supporting me all the way - your support would help me in the darker, usually colder and wetter moments.
Saturday 1 May

I am entering May hoping for better weather as my cycling & running schedule builds up.  However on Saturday I foolishly believed the weather forecast and went out on the bike for 4 hours covering 90km in my summer gear.  Approaching Tinto hill the heavens opened and apart from being difficult to see, I got soaked, was freezing cold and the roads were tricky.  Still felt good after 30 minutes in the shower when I got home!

Sunday 2 May
I was better prepared although again the forecast was for dry weather.  After a warm up covering 22km on the bike which took an hour, I went off for a 90 minute (16 km) run with strict instructions about my maximum heart rate (155 on hills).  At the furthest away point in the run hail stones started to pelt down and fortunately I had a baseball cap which shielded my face as they stung when they got through!  I just kept repeating to myself that "this is what it takes to be an Ironman - bring on the worst weather you can throw at me it will only make me stronger" (also colder, wetter and miserable to be honest!).

Monday 3 May
Monday is my rest day, but only from the swim, bike and run.  I have to complete my core strengthening exercises.

Tuesday 4 May
On Tuesday I completed 2,200 metres in Tollcross pool making the changes my coach Steve had suggested.  I obviously did something different as my left arm is sore but I'll check with Steve if I am completing the technique correctly and the pain is a sign I was working the right muscles today, for a change.  Swimming is very difficult for me and my aim is to complete the 2.4 miles open water swim without using too much energy - time will tell but lots of work to do!