Watch out Lance!

Dropped off Neil's bike to him tonight and he took to it like a duck to water!  Garreth from the tri club kindly supplied a slick road bike and they can be a bit twitchy to a less experienced rider.  So now Neil has one month to finalise his training for the big day so I'll be drawing up a revised programme to help him.  He has managed most of the training on his own which shows he is determined to succeed.  This is helped by the support from the head coach Maz (his wife) and everyone who has sponsored him - he's raised over £900 so far for Friends of the Beatson http://www.justgiving.com/neil-sutherland .
Tomorrow I'm back in the pool having taken a few days off to recover from the Highland Fling.  I have a lot of work to do between now and the UK IM 70.3 .

New experience

Yesterday was an unbelievable day in every sense.  This was the sunniest day without a cloud in sight.  The race followed the West Highland Way route from Milngavie (north of Glasgow) to Tyndrum which includes going along the side of Loch Lomond which I have never seem more beautiful.  As expected my Garmin watch gave up before the start so I had nothing to judge my progress.  I went off too fast but had to stay up with the group as it was easy to get lost in the beginning
The first leg was only 12 miles but cross country with lots of uneven footing.  A previous years winner tripped, required 10 stitches and had to retire.   Another runner was airlifted out with a suspected heart attack after stage 2 - I'm sure the heat was a factor.
I was happy with my time of 1hr 40 mins but felt a "cheat" as people congratulated us as we went past thinking we were fast but this is in comparison to the "ultra" runners that were completing the 53 miles on their own so therefore taking slower.  I was amazed at the age of a large majority of the ultra runners i.e. 40 + and they came in all shapes and sizes.  It made me think what a wimp I was being knackered after 12 miles but then I had given 100% knowing that was the finish, for me.  Being part of a 4 man team was great as we all mucked in support each other through the race.  Finished with fish and chips and headed home for a "wee dram" to send me off to sleep.  Rest day today, back training tomorrow as the etape 81 mile bike race is only 2 weeks away!

MIS

My Management Information System (MIS) is down.  With 13 hours to go I am finalising my preparations for tomorrows Highland Fling - cross country half marathon.  My foot pod which gives vital information to my watch about my pace had been playing up and I was hoping to sort it but it's beyond fixing.  Well at least I've got my watch and heart rate monitor but the read out on the watch is fading in and out......bugger.  Looks like I'm going to have to run a route I've never run before, off road which I've never done before and pace myself based on how I feel.

I have mentioned in the past that measurements are important as they help you measure your progress.  But occasionally you need to ignore the readings and feel how you are doing and tomorrow I don't have any choice.  So I will be entering new territory with a positive frame of mind.  It's only 13 miles so I'm going to give it my very best.  I'll report back on Sunday as I am away all day supporting my three team mates who are doing the other stages.

Anyone for a Highland Fling?

Yesterday I spent 17 hours in hospital with my son who was getting an operation on his ankle - so he's now out of action for 3 months.  I was thinking how frustrating that must be not being able to take part in exercise when I jumped out of bed this morning for a quick and short run, just to make sure the legs were working for the weekend - more of that in a minute.  At 6.06am it was 4 degrees outside but the sunniest day this year, it was beautiful.  But the last couple of miles were slightly uncomfortable as I'd forgotten to go to the loo before leaving.  Palates on the move (cheek clenching!) I call it but fortunately I made it, just!
I also received a call yesterday to say my services were needed for the Highland Fling on Saturday.  This is a 53 mile ultra marathon on the West Highland Way, Milngavie to Tyndrum.  I am part of a four man relay team therefore doing a half marathon cross country.  Not exactly the preparation I would have put in had I known I was definitely doing it but it should be fun.  I am running the last section (Ben Glas to Tyndrum) which is stunning scenery so I am really looking forward to it.  So another easy day tomorrow to conserve my energy.

Mans best friend?

Yesterday I skipped training and played golf with my son as its his last game for a few months as he is going in for an ankle operation tomorrow.  It was fantastic weather again and the golf was slightly better than the day before which shows the benefit of practice!  So when the weather continued I took the opportunity to go out for a couple of hours on the bike in the early evening - the benefits of this time of year.
I avoided the busy roads and travelled 50 km through beautiful countryside.  The birds were singing, the lambs running riot in groups and then there was a bloody sheep dog.  I was approaching the top of the hill when I was ambushed by the dirty mutt.  It chased me for 200 yards and my heart rate shot up from 150 to 165 in an instant.  I suppose practicing sprints is good for the fitness but I don't want teeth marks on my ankle or to crash and get injured.  I'll be ready for it next time although I think it will be tougher than the Jack Russell I had a run in with before.

Golf - a mind game

Longish lie as it was my day off training and we had been out for a very late dinner with loads of liquid carbs - if you get my meaning!  Watched the Old Firm match and if I was in a habit of biting my nails, which I am not, I'd be down to my elbows by full time.  It's difficult to explain.  Then on to my first game of golf of the season.  Best described as mixed and the intriguing thing about golf is that it is a game played between your ears.  My triathlon friends don't understand it but aiming at a stationery target can be very difficult.  If you don't believe me then try it.
Now off to eat birthday cake as my son Ali is 14 today.  Chocolate cake and double cream, now that is  good carbs which will help me in training tomorrow.  Yum, yum

Rainy Easter

Should have know better that the good weather wouldn't last.  A rainy 12km run was the order of the day.    Felt lost without feedback from my Garmin but my overall time was in line with expectations.  Once I stepped out the shower the sun came out - that's Scotland for you.  Out tonight so long lie in the morning and no training.  Watching the Old Firm match and hope that everyone behaves themselves, then off for my first game of golf of the season - that should be fun!