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.