Bealach Mor Preparation

Well the prep is all done.  Other than a wee spin on Wednesday and checking my bike and kit, I'm all set.  This morning I received a note from the organisers that made me smile.  Here are some of the key points:

1: Please note at sea level in may be warm but at the top of the mountain it may be snowing!  Dress accordingly - can I get my parka jacket into the back of my bike shirt?
2: No "alfresco" peeing or you will be disqualified - hmm, might need to try the real cyclists method but remember to take extra body spray for afterwards.
3:  There is an unmanned level crossing and a train coming through at 10.30 - if you don't stop for the flashing lights "you will be disqualified if STILL ALIVE"!

It's good to know the organisers have a sense of humour however I think all laughing will disappear when we start the 6 mile, 2000 ft climb in the middle of the 90 mile race!  Onwards and upwards as they say.  Bring it on or as my spin teacher used to say "it's only a hill, get over it".  I am sure those words will be ringing in my ears as I try and block out the noise on me crying.

Off road

Mountain biking is something I haven't really done before but today I went to Glentress with my eldest son Jamie. It proved a good workout although we kept it relatively short as Jamie wasn't prepared for the uphills - he thought we we're going on motorbikes so he got a bit of a shock!
I enjoyed the challenge and am looking forward doing much more in the winter as I won't be doing so much roadwork in the winter. I'll spin my legs on the bike on Wednesday but won't be doing anymore as I am tapering for Saturday.

Success all round

Today goes down as a very successful one for the Stewart family.  When I finished Ironman last year my wife picked up the "baton" and started a years training to be a yoga teacher and today she graduated!  I am so proud of her as it has been a long journey with a lot of work and dedication required.  So I am looking forward to my own personal yoga teacher to sort my tight muscles while I now pick up the "baton" for Lanzarote Ironman in May 2012.
The second success isn't as big as the first one but it is a step in the right direction.  I went out with a view to completing at least 70 miles without stopping, in preparation for next weekend.  It was about getting the pace right and the mental side.  So I chose a route that wasn't too hilly but towards the end provided some challenging climbs.  The weather wasn't kind with a tough headwind and three long showers but that's summer cycling in Scotland.  At 55  miles there was a big climb and I managed it with no problem except the local ned who thought he'd give me some verbals - what is it with these idiots?  If I hadn't been on the clock I may have conducted survey to establish the reason for his behaviour!  Then I took a slight detour to go up the "vertical mile", again no issue.  I was slightly short of my 70 mile target so I spent the last few miles going up and down the hills outside my house - character building i.e. going through pain when your house is in sight and you could easily stop.  But 71 miles in the bag and feeling good.
So, one yoga teacher and one cyclist who hated hills starting to get used to them.  However I know next week will be the biggest cycling challenge ever and I'll need to be prepared both physically and mentally.  It will be like cycling in the Alps.  Now I am tapering which means my training tails off.  Tomorrow is a rest day (except for watching my son play football) and I am going to mountain bike on Monday for my first time ever - can't wait!

No longer a happy hooker!

On Tuesday I played golf - badly.  I hooked everything off the tee.  No I really shouldn't complain as I don't invest any time in practicing and have hardly played this year but when you have a stationery object aiming to hit at a stationery target - how hard can it be?  Well today I played some more business golf and was delighted to be hitting the ball straight again.  What a joy.  In addition my objective was to get my host to agree to certain action which he did so it was a win win putting a bounce back in my step.
I know my fellow triathletes mock the game of golf but you'd need to go a long way to find a game that is played in between your ears!  As far as a decent drive and a five iron I'd say. 
Tomorrow back to the last serious training before I start my "tapering" for the following weekends event.

Early morning disco

Remember disco's? That word dates us all but my kids would laugh if they heard me use it. Anyway at 5.50 this morning I was boogying on down while sweating like a pig wearing tight clothing - just like a disco but I was on my turbo trainer. It's amazing the level of workout you can get up to in a structured hours training - that's the key, having a plan, sticking to it and monitoring the results.
Jumped in the shower and then made myself some porage (scottish spelling)and all done before the kids got up. Yes morning training definitely works for me. Now off to work.

Sometimes life can get in the way

With all the best intentions I was going to train today.  I usually train in the early morning but I took the extra sleep.  Following the blues yesterday today was much better.  I got through so much work today but had to leave early for my son.  That's when it all started.  From 4 - 9.30pm I was involved in shopping, making the dinner, sorting my sons CV and helping apply for his first job, picking him up from a friends house - all normal activities for most people.  But bang went the scheduled training which had been postponed from the morning.  Then my wife and I had a glass of wine and off to bed as tomorrow I WILL get up early and put in my training session.  That explains why it's better for me to train at 5.30am because sometimes life can get in the way!  This lackadaisical approach will change come October when the Ironman training starts and then there's no excuses.

More blues

I had the pleasure of playing golf on The Carrick on Loch Lomond. A beautiful course in one of the most scenic parts of Scotland.  The service from the minute I arrived was 1st class but unfortunately that didn't rub off on my golf - it was poor.  I shouldn't complain as I haven't exactly had the time to practice and looking at it positively I was consistent - I hooked everything so the error was the same one.  Better that than spraying them every where.  But I still had fun and won a minor prize which is better than a slap in the face with a wet fish.
I left early, before the prize giving, to rush to watch my sons 1st league match of the year.  That is when the blues set in watching them play way below their potential.  Standing on the sidelines isn't easy and you feel totally out of control.  Add to this the opposition parents shouting abuse at us and the referee being a great advert for specsavers and was on remote control to the opposition coaches and you get the drift.  In the end our team, and our coaches, just weren't good enough but when the breaks go against you, you have to brush yourself down and make sure you don't find yourself in that position again.  I'm not saying you need to win everything, just give yourself the best chance.  Back to training tomorrow and I think I will feel better, more in control.

Monday morning blues

I am writing this blog while holding for the Garmin Help Desk to answer their phone - I've only been holding for 25 minutes and hope by the time I finished typing I won't be listening to plinky plonk piano music that makes me think I'm in an elevator!
It's been a terrible start today.  I woke with my ham string threatening me with divorce if I went swimming so I decided to take the rest.  That proved costly as knocked out of my routine I stopped for diesel at a different garage and proceeded to fill my car with petrol!  Full marks to The Cross Garage in Stonehouse who were there in minutes and gave me a courtesy car to let me get on with my day - now there's service.  Not like Garmin who I am still waiting for!
But I need to apply an Ironman attitude and amend my plans and get the best result out of the day possible because that wee repair will cost, even at Davie's rates.  As for Garmin, wait they've answered the phone.  Well it's fixed and in total that took 42 minutes and no apology - should have known better.  Hopefully I won't need to do that again for a long time!  Onwards and upwards.

Company on the run

Today was the Strathaven 50 cycle (and run!) race.  However as I was attending Ali's golf club championships I didn't have enough time to take part so I decided to sneak in a quick 9.5 mile run.  I've only run once in the last month and that was only 3 miles so stepping up the mileage on legs that has 59 miles of cycling in the day before was going to be tough.  I'm delighted to say I was happy with the pace although the last mile was sore and I think my left ham string is going to need some tlc over the next couple of days.  I cheered on the riders as they went past and I am sue some thought I was running in the race but that's not on my agenda for a few years yet, if ever.
So a good hard weekends training and next week will involve some swimming which will help loosen of my ham string, some cycling and two games of golf (business golf you understand)!  As for Ali he did reasonably well but had there being a prize for brightest golf outfit he'd have one it hands down as he looked like he'd been tangoed!

...and the hills get bigger!

Today I was out with the Bat Fasterds Cycling Group that are preparing for the Bealach Mor with me.  They took me through some nice countryside, then down the coast where we got lost of verbal abuse from ar**hole drivers who had no patience.  Then we hit "the monster hill".  The Dalry Moor Road.  Every time you think you've reached the top you turn a corner and the hill continues.  It was an excellent work out.  So 59 miles in the legs today at a good pace. 
Later I went for a sports massage with "Grant the torturer"!  He took it reasonably easy as I had been cycling that day but I enjoyed watching my son Ali have his first sports massage.  Surprised that the police didn't turn up with the screams that came from him - even got it on video.  It turns out he needs to do some more stretching - point proven and money well spent!

Back pain

Things happen for a reason is my take on life.  Last nights training session was called off and I was pleased as I felt tired.  Later on in the evening my lower back started to go into spasm which was uncomfortable but not sore.  It just made me think before moving.  When I woke this morning it was slighly better but still "there" so I am going to skip the running session tonight to make sure I am fit enough for the weekends big cycle.  Disappointed as I wanted to try out my new technology (my Garmin 310 watch/computer) but that can wait - always listen to the feedback from your body.
I hope I can manage a swim tomorrow morning but it will depend on how I feel in the morning.

Unexpected rest

Busy day today. My Garmin watch had to be returned due to faults and I have to thank Run4it in Tiso for giving me a full refund having had 2 replaced before - great personal service. As a result I have opted to ware a computer on my wrist - the Garmin 310. It even makes your breakfast so watch out for some amazing Management Information / key data.
The brick session was called off tonight and I'm pleased because I am feeling the effects of yesterday's APR (Australian Persuit Race)and have pains in my lower back. So a day off should do me some good. Big hilly bike ride on Saturday so I need to be fit.

A reminder about goals being relative

Tonight I was invited to an APR with the EK Roadies - serious cyclists that I had been with in Lanzarote earlier in the year. The theory is the race is handicapped and you go off in groups. I was in the first (slowest) group giving me a 10 minute start. The group is meant to "work together" I.e. Taking turns at the front and drafting behind. The group lasted 10 seconds and the APR turned into a straight race - every man for himself.
The race was over 26.44 miles and 33 minutes in the fast group who'd given me a 10 minute start, flew past. On my own I worked as hard as I could but the fast guys disappeared over the horizon. I've always said that I wasn't a cyclist and finishing 2nd last (the last person got lost!)didn't feel good but they had a big chequered flag at the finish and that brought a smile to my face. The other cyclists had finished their tea and cake but welcomed me home.
On checking my data I was delighted to see I had managed my fastest average time ever at 18.37 mph. This is a major break through so there are a few lessons to learn:
1 - Without measurements you can't tell how you are progressing.
2 - your goals should be relative to you. Comparing my 18 mph against the fast boys 25 mph isn't a fair comparison.
3 - However, being in the company of the fast boys stretches your own performance.
I've said it before but it's worth repeating - goals are relative. I'm getting there but it's a long hard road.

Head on crash

After a busy weekend pounding my legs on the bike, they need a lot of pounding, today was the first time back in the pool in a month.  I knew it wasn't going to be easy and decided to ware fins to make it slightly easier until I was more "swim fit".  After 200 metres I wanted to give up, and every 100 metres thereafter.  We did some drills and the main set was 3 x 300 metres.  In total we managed 50% of a normal session - everyone was suffering from lack of time in the pool.
The most exciting part was when one of the swimmers moved out to over take a slower swimmer and met me head on.  That was a first for me and we were lucky not to have hurt each other.  She did apologise and explained she had looked behind her before pulling out!  I'd hate to see her drive!  But at least the first session is over, it's always the worst.  I'm only "ticking over" in the pool till October anyway but will be working on my technique (or lack of) to try and become a more effecient swimmer therefore exiting the water after 2.4 miles not too knackered to cycle 112 miles which includes 9,400 ft of climbing before rounding it off with a marathon.  Oh I forgot to metion this will probably be in 30 degrees in Lanzarote where the wind will destroy me on the bike - work to be done I think!

Hill training

Better weather today although blustery wind did affect my training. I decided to take advantage of the fact my house is at the bottom of 2 big hills. So for one hour and twenty five minutes I cycled up and down one the up and down the next one. To make it slightly harder I did so in the big ring and stayed in the saddle. My glutes are suggesting tomorrow I'll know all about it so some yoga is in store for later.
You may think this would be boring but training your mind to handle boredom is part of ironman training. The blustery wind also gave me a few high speed wobbles so you need to maintain your concentration.
I think this will become a regular session for me in my preparation for the Bealach Mor.

Wet, wet, wet

Weather forecasts. Why do we bother? I left the house at 8am and the forecast was a less than 20% chance of a shower. Try 3 out of 4 hours of rain! Soaked to the skin but you just have to get on with it. Despite the weather we did some good hills and I completed the whole route in the big ring on the front - that is much tougher as I knew we were only doing 54 miles.
So it was a good session and I felt the benefit of The Arran trip last weekend.
Straight home and off to watch my son play football. Good win for him then pick up the shopping and then my daughter from horse riding. Back to make the tea and while it's in the oven, write the blog. My reward is a glass of red wine and I'll be putting my feet up tonight - I'm knackered.

5km Time Trial

Tonight was a 5km time trial with ATHelite Triathlon Club.  It's amazing how an event like this focus's you.  I hadn't really run since Portugal so I had to work hard but was reasonably happy with my time of 23:16.  So now I am concentrating on the bike for 3 September.  Simple really so no excuses now, I need to get a move on.  More to follow so keep tuned in.

Catch up

Excuse the lack of news.  On Sunday I had a rest due to appauling weather and tired legs.  On Monday morning I went out for a fast 3.62 mile run in preparation for the 5km TT race on Thursday night.  A TT race is where you are timed against the clock and go full out leaving nothing in the tank.
So tonight I will be warming the legs up with a run, but not tiring them out.  It's great having these key milestones which I know I have to prepare for.
After Thursday the attention focuses once again on the bike and this will remain until the event is over on 3rd September.  Then, in theory, I take a month off swim, bike, run which allows my body to recover before the Ironman training begins.  I said in theory because in the middle I have a 3 day running training camp.  So with the exception if that I'll be resting for a month.

Arran - Scotland in minature

Today I cycled round the Isle of Arran in a figure of 8. Arran is a beautiful island off the west coast of Scotland and is known as Scotland in minature as it has the highlands in the north and the lowlands in the south. Doing it this way is about 70 miles and it involves some serious climbs, long undulating stretches and some scary decents due to the condition of the road.
I was cycling with 3 pals who will all be doing the Bealach Mor and managed to hold my own until the last 4 miles when they left me for dead. I was pleased with my performance but it shows I need more hill work over the next month.
If you haven't visited Arran then make sure you do. It has everything and I loved the experience.
Have just finished dinner and having a couple of glasses of wine to ease the pain!

"Calm down dear"

That's a phrase that caused a few problems recently in Parliment but one I should listen to.  I visited my coach following my blog yesterday to be reminded it wasn't that long ago I had completed the UK 70.3 Ironman and my body was still recovering.  Hense the calm down dear comment!
I am tacking Arran on Saturday on the bike and looking forward to that, assuming it's not snowing - you never know.  It should be a reasonable test and when I get back I will keep my focus on the bike.  A friend of mine has completed the course on a number of occassions and says the BIG CLIMB (2,000 ft in 6 miles) takes him about 45 minutes and that the hairpin bends are steep - now that's going to be a real test!
It is vital that I don't train too hard when trying to recover as this only sets you back.  Once the Bealach Mor is over I am having a month off training before I start my Ironman training for Lanza in May 2012.

Struggling

Yesterday I still didn't feel 100% so I did nothing, other than feel guilty about doing nothing! Today I had another long lie but at 7.15 I was trying to persuade myself to get up and get on the bike. I didn't want to but knew that missing another days training was a slippery slope.
I dragged myself up and onto the turbo trainer, the first time in about 6 months. It is an implement of torture but you have to block that thought out. I did a hill rep set due to my event in September. The sweat was pouring off me and at the end I felt light headed but was glad not to have turned over in bed.
Maintaining motivation for long periods of time is difficult and this underlines why I need to get my plan formalised with my coach for Lanza in May. That way I will have the focus required to reduce these periods of laziness and negativity but at the same time I appreciate that my body needed the rest. Just have to make sure I don't overdo the rest!

Shattered

Today was my first 5.30 am rise to go swimming in at least 3 weeks. The pool was empty as Ironmen take their well earned rest. I was joined by another triathlete who needed some help with his swimming and this suited me so we just did some drills. I wasn't wanting to put my shoulder under too much pressure and even with this easy session I could feel a slight amount of discomfort.
It turns out Gareth, who will be doing Lanza Ironman with me, was in another lane but by the look on his face he's back in the pool too soon - more rest required. I was going to run tonight as it was a light session this morning but I feel shattered and rest is the order of the day so I avoid further injury and be fit for training tomorrow. Must listen to our body is fundamental to making it to the start line fit to compete.