I was reflecting today about the journey I am on as an "athlete" as I was swimming in the warm up pool at Tollcross. There was a competition on in the main pool and the young athletes were in the lane beside me moving at a considerably faster pace. I wonder if any of them will make it to major events such as the Olympics? As a kid I'd always wanted to be a professional sportsman but although I had the desire, I didn't have the ability. The nearest I got was becoming a professional tennis coach but that wasn't a full time position 30 years ago, there were very few positions available.
The reason I'm writing about this now is that I realise that working towards Ironman is as close as I'll get to being a full time athlete. Obviously I'm part time (very part time!) but it's following a proper training schedule and being monitored and motivated by a coach that gives me the feeling of preparing properly for a serious event.
The Frankfurt Ironman is the European Championships which means I'll be mixing with the top pros. The bike circuit involves 2 loops so at some stage they will come flying past but as its a staggered start with the "oldies" going off last, they will be finished before I start my run.
Anyone who is involved in sport will watch their heroes and imagine what it would be like to be "that good" but us weekend warriors should be proud whether we are trying to break an hour for a 10km run, swim your first mile or tackle your first triathlon. The important thing is we're out there doing the best we can and getting fitter at the same time. If your prepared to get out their then be proud of what you are doing. I guarantee that someone will be motivated by seeing you out there. Enjoy the journey.
Sunday, 7 February 2016
Sunday, 31 January 2016
The wet month
January has been a wet month in more ways than one. The weather has been atrocious and outdoor training outside has been miserable. But the weather isn't the wet I'm referring to. It's become fashionable for January to go "dry" however a stag weekend, 70th birthday party and a family wedding meant there was an overdose of "liquid carbs" which made the training even harder.
The last session of the month was a 3,200 m swim today and I was happy to have finished it.
There is 153 days to go and I've got a slight hamstring niggle but a bit of tlc and it will be fine. It's a fact that 80% of runners are always running with some sort of niggle / injury. The key is how you deal with it.
I'm missing the group swims, runs and bike rides as having company helps the motivation but this will happen in the coming months. For ironman distance you do have to train on your own in order to prepare your mind to handle the boredom of the distances you have to complete. In one swim session this week I got 10 seconds of chat before we started , 15 seconds between one of the sets however we did get a coffee afterwards.
I'm looking forward to the lighter nights and mornings which hopefully will coincide with better weather. I'll also be planning a training camp in the sun in order to get some big miles in on the bike and open water swimming. Before I know I'll be putting in 4 & 5 hour bike rides and practicing eating on the bike - can't wait!
The last session of the month was a 3,200 m swim today and I was happy to have finished it.
There is 153 days to go and I've got a slight hamstring niggle but a bit of tlc and it will be fine. It's a fact that 80% of runners are always running with some sort of niggle / injury. The key is how you deal with it.
I'm missing the group swims, runs and bike rides as having company helps the motivation but this will happen in the coming months. For ironman distance you do have to train on your own in order to prepare your mind to handle the boredom of the distances you have to complete. In one swim session this week I got 10 seconds of chat before we started , 15 seconds between one of the sets however we did get a coffee afterwards.
I'm looking forward to the lighter nights and mornings which hopefully will coincide with better weather. I'll also be planning a training camp in the sun in order to get some big miles in on the bike and open water swimming. Before I know I'll be putting in 4 & 5 hour bike rides and practicing eating on the bike - can't wait!
Sunday, 24 January 2016
Back on the road!
Have you missed my chat? Apologies for missing last week but I was on a long stag weekend! I know, I'm too old for that stuff but it was my nephews stag and both my sons were going so I had to "do my bit". We had a great weekend but it meant the week before was a heavy training schedule as was the week after.
If I needed any proof that alcohol wasn't good for you it came on Monday when my turbo results weren't good. I was tired and my heart rate was higher than normal. The following day I died in the pool. But the results for the rest of the week got better and better. On Friday I had a great turbo session and a strong 10k run. On Saturday I was out on the road with the boys on the bike as there was a weather window. 2hrs 45 mins and my stats looked great. The turbo training really is making me fitter and it's showing - still a lot of work to go.
Today, after a few glasses of wine at a 70th party the night before, I swam 3,200 metres a bit slowly. It wasn't helped by my leaking goggles and the need to constantly adjust them. I got home and fuelled up as I then headed out for a 1hr 50 min run in preparation for a half marathon next month. This was tough after a long week but it was as much about the mental training than the physical. I ground it out and it looks like I am set for a reasonable half marathon if the training goes to plan.
As always there are scheduling problems and it seems that since mid December I've had a social life! It doesn't mix with the training but you've got to live as well as train. This week will be a lighter weeks training as I'm away for a few days at a wedding - more socialising! But the constant reviews of my stats and my programme mean that with 22 weeks to go, good progress has been made. Just need to keep healthy and injury free. Till next week - cheers.
If I needed any proof that alcohol wasn't good for you it came on Monday when my turbo results weren't good. I was tired and my heart rate was higher than normal. The following day I died in the pool. But the results for the rest of the week got better and better. On Friday I had a great turbo session and a strong 10k run. On Saturday I was out on the road with the boys on the bike as there was a weather window. 2hrs 45 mins and my stats looked great. The turbo training really is making me fitter and it's showing - still a lot of work to go.
Today, after a few glasses of wine at a 70th party the night before, I swam 3,200 metres a bit slowly. It wasn't helped by my leaking goggles and the need to constantly adjust them. I got home and fuelled up as I then headed out for a 1hr 50 min run in preparation for a half marathon next month. This was tough after a long week but it was as much about the mental training than the physical. I ground it out and it looks like I am set for a reasonable half marathon if the training goes to plan.
As always there are scheduling problems and it seems that since mid December I've had a social life! It doesn't mix with the training but you've got to live as well as train. This week will be a lighter weeks training as I'm away for a few days at a wedding - more socialising! But the constant reviews of my stats and my programme mean that with 22 weeks to go, good progress has been made. Just need to keep healthy and injury free. Till next week - cheers.
Sunday, 10 January 2016
Back to the routine
Having played at full time athlete over the festive period; train,eat and rest I've now returned to normality. That means early morning and early evening training sessions, on the same day. It's never easy getting back into the routine so it's been a busy and tiring week. On Wednesday the only way I could stick to the schedule was by being on my turbo trainer by 5.30am. Once I'd finished my day I had another session to do. The reason for mentioning this is to show what's required if you have have a goal that you are determined to achieve. This is a 9 month journey and every day counts - only 173 to go.
So on Friday I had a key session that was interrupted by the total incompetence of Tollcross Swimming. I wasn't happy and the session had been going so well. So tomorrow it will be repeated because the results are important.
The weather on Friday was horrendous with deep snow and followed by heavy rain which has flooded the roads and anywhere to run. Today I was up to my knees in water trudging through the forest. It wasn't a great run as I was suffering from a gloopy throat but I got through it and then headed off for a long swim. The results weren't great as I tried to pace myself but, rightly, got my butt kicked by my coach as she reminded me that I should have given 100% in each session and that she designs them with my fitness level and goals in mind. Point taken coach!
Next week will be challenging as I am travelling and then have a stag party at the weekend - yes I know, at my age! My nephew is getting married and this weekend coming I'll be there with my two boys but I have permission to have a few days off. However I will be taking my running shoes and am looking forward to some fresh air to blow away the cobweb! Life gets back to normal!
Sunday, 3 January 2016
A goal without a plan is just a wish
It's that time of year again. Where many of us "commit" to a new year resolution. Gyms will be heaving with new members and regular gym goers will have to wait till the end of January before the burst of enthusiasm disappears and they can get back to training with no queues. Signing up for a gym means nothing if you don't have a meaningful goal and a plan. The key is putting in place controls that make sure you are following the plan and hitting the milestones.
For me, I haven't made a new year resolution. My goals were set months ago and the plan with controls was put in place. Ironman Frankfurt is 181 days away and my last thought before I go to bed is what my plan is for the following day and my first thought in the morning I have to do and how it fits with my personal and work life - this point was built into the plan however things don't always work out the way they were planned.
During the holidays I have enjoyed time with my family and time training with the ability to relax and recover afterwards. All goals were met over the festive period including a double training session on new years day! The running miles are starting to build and I've had 2 sessions at Chatelherault where I've run 2 consequitive laps (15km) in a reasonably fast time which I am happy with. With the Strathaven half marathon in February the training mileage will increase.
After months cycling on my turbo trainer today I got out for a solo ride on the roads for 2 hour 15 minutes which was refreshing! It was windy, the roads were in terrible condition but it was good to be out again. I managed to get home just before the rain started so that was a bonus. The bikes been cleaned and set up again for my turbo sessions this week.
So if you've set a new year resolution or target remember a goal without a plan is just a wish. All the best for 2016 - go make it an amazing year!
For me, I haven't made a new year resolution. My goals were set months ago and the plan with controls was put in place. Ironman Frankfurt is 181 days away and my last thought before I go to bed is what my plan is for the following day and my first thought in the morning I have to do and how it fits with my personal and work life - this point was built into the plan however things don't always work out the way they were planned.
During the holidays I have enjoyed time with my family and time training with the ability to relax and recover afterwards. All goals were met over the festive period including a double training session on new years day! The running miles are starting to build and I've had 2 sessions at Chatelherault where I've run 2 consequitive laps (15km) in a reasonably fast time which I am happy with. With the Strathaven half marathon in February the training mileage will increase.
After months cycling on my turbo trainer today I got out for a solo ride on the roads for 2 hour 15 minutes which was refreshing! It was windy, the roads were in terrible condition but it was good to be out again. I managed to get home just before the rain started so that was a bonus. The bikes been cleaned and set up again for my turbo sessions this week.
So if you've set a new year resolution or target remember a goal without a plan is just a wish. All the best for 2016 - go make it an amazing year!
Sunday, 27 December 2015
Long shadows and short days
Merry Christmas to everyone who reads my weekly rambles as I head towards another milestone in my journey to Ironman Frankfurt (188 days) and beyond (Grand2Grand in 2017). Christmas has come and gone and I had a wonderful time with my family. Over the holiday period I will continue training but I won't be working so I'll get more time to refuel and rest.
In the last week I've been training hard and the results are starting to show. Most pleasing is the increase in my strength is showing on the tougher sessions allowing me to perform better. There have been some bum and brain numbing sessions on the turbo however as I can see results, I can put up with this discomfort and it's only temporary anyway.
People often as me what "mad" challenge I am up to but those are people who don't train for ironman. If they did they would consider what I and many people like me do is relatively normal. No one I train with thinks this is an impossible task. They all have a desire to complete it as best they can and the 6 days a week training is what gets them to the start line, hopefully.
The highlight of my week, from a training perspective, was running today in the sunshine in Chatelherault Country Park with friends. The sun was streaking through the forrest and created these amazingly long shadows. I'll carry that image in my head forever. We've past the shortest day so over the coming months we will have more daylight which I can't wait for. 5.30am training is hard enough in the dark and cold so a little bit of light would bring a smile to my face. In the meatime I am going to take advantage of the days when we have long shadows and be greatful for everything I have in my life. Speak to you again in 2016. Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous new year - and a few PBs (personal bests) as well!
In the last week I've been training hard and the results are starting to show. Most pleasing is the increase in my strength is showing on the tougher sessions allowing me to perform better. There have been some bum and brain numbing sessions on the turbo however as I can see results, I can put up with this discomfort and it's only temporary anyway.
People often as me what "mad" challenge I am up to but those are people who don't train for ironman. If they did they would consider what I and many people like me do is relatively normal. No one I train with thinks this is an impossible task. They all have a desire to complete it as best they can and the 6 days a week training is what gets them to the start line, hopefully.
The highlight of my week, from a training perspective, was running today in the sunshine in Chatelherault Country Park with friends. The sun was streaking through the forrest and created these amazingly long shadows. I'll carry that image in my head forever. We've past the shortest day so over the coming months we will have more daylight which I can't wait for. 5.30am training is hard enough in the dark and cold so a little bit of light would bring a smile to my face. In the meatime I am going to take advantage of the days when we have long shadows and be greatful for everything I have in my life. Speak to you again in 2016. Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous new year - and a few PBs (personal bests) as well!
Sunday, 20 December 2015
May the force be with you!
It's been a big week in the cinema with many adults reliving their youth and some are even introducing their kids to Start Wars! It's breaking box office records and Santa will be well stocked up with lightsabers. Stragely it has inspired me in my training this week as I have thought about "the force" within that drives me on.
Every training session is carefully mapped out with targets such as heart rate, cadence whether it be my legs when cycling or my arms when swimming. But it's the force that keeps you going when it gets tough. Unusually on Saturday when running in Chatelherault, the force left me at the end! I'd ran well and at a good pace when we decided to add a little loop on at the end. My breathing became heavy on a couple of hills and with less than half a km to go, I stopped running a walked the rest of the way. This just doesn't happen to me but it was a conscious decision. I'd worked out that the return for the additional pain wasn't worth it - the force wasn't with me.
Today has involved a long swim and a long turbo session and I'm feeling good. The sessions are getting harder and longer and I'm looking forward to training while off during the holidays. I was given the option to train on Christmas day but decided to make it my rest day - really don't think getting into lycra when the relatives are heading over for lunch would be well received by Mrs Claus! What ever your doing on Christmas day, give your loved ones an extra big hug and enjoy this special time with your family and friends.
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