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!).
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.
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!
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!
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