Back to the pool

The word "should" is an interesting one.  When I typed it last night on my blog saying I "should" do a turbo session I knew than meant I probably wouldn't be doing it - and I was right!  I couldn't be bothered as I am in a rest phase.  However it's not mean to be complete rest as if it was then I'd be slow to get started in October when my Ironman training starts.
I also said I "may" go for a swim and as I was consumed with guilt over staying I "should" do a turbo session and didn't, I made sure the "may" swim became a reality.  So early to bed and up at 5.30 for porage and coffee to kick start the engine.  It's been at least 6 weeks since I have done that and it's now very dark at that time in the morning.
I wasn't surprised to find my swim fitness had gone completely.  So I worked on technical drills and would be lucky if I managed 1,200 metres.  It was extremely tough even though I was taking it easy.  This is an area where I want to improve my technique to ensure I get out of the water after 3.8km in the sea (152 lengths of an ordinary 25 metre pool) feeling fresh and ready for  180 km on the bike followed by a marathon.  So I will sneak in a few more sessions on my own before swimming with the club otherwise I will "die" trying to survive!

Calm before the storm

That statement refers to my training.  I was going to run yesterday but the weather was terrible.  Now wish I had because going out today isn't possible due to the gale force winds - I almost got blow away tethering my daughters trampoline to stop it going cross country!
I should go on my turbo later as tomorrow looks like it will be blown out.  On Friday I am away to a 3 day running camp which will probably be very tough - especially if I haven't trained!  First though I'm off to make dinner for the family and once that's settled down get on the turbo and work up a sweat.
Tomorrow I may venture into the pool and learn to swim again as it's been a while.  This "down time" will be ending at the end of the month.

Hurricane coming

The weather today is best described as "filthy". I was filming this morning so was going to go out running this afternoon but in this weather I wouldn't be doing myself any favours. As I drove back from filming I was listening to the radio which of course was replaying 9/11 ten years ago. Some of the stories were heartbreaking and it brought back the memories of that tragic day 10 years ago. It also made me reflect on life and what's important. My blog is based around achieving stretching goals, motivating others and raising money for charity. But certain events remind you how precious life is and how wars solves nothing. In the words of the late Edwin Star; "war, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing, say it again"! How true.
Tomorrow I'll get out for a run but the tail end of the hurricane may change my plans. On Friday I am away to a three day running camp and that should be fun / tough! No matter what, life must go on.

Rusty

As promised in my earlier blog today, I went out for a run when I got home tonight.  As I've been concentrating on my cycling I haven't been running.  It's amazing how quickly your specific fitness can drop off.  However I was expecting that and set my goal accordingly.  I was a minute a mile slower than my race pace for 6.2 miles but hey, this was the start of my running programme although I am officially taking it easy till beginning of October.
However at the end of October I have a 16 mile race so I need to build up the mileage and the pace.  Once again having key milestones motivates me to get off my bum and get out there.  How about you?

Exhausted doing nothing!

I never thought doing nothing would be so exhausting - but it is.  Now I know part of it is tiredness from the weekends event but it's the lethargy than saps your strength.  Last night I almost made it out for a short run but ended up having a glass of wine and watching telly with my wife.  What's going on?  This isn't normal or is it and what I've been doing isn't?  Anyway it was very enjoyable but will need to stop.
So tonight I AM going out for a short run as I need to retrain the legs for running as I have a three day training camp the following weekend.
I also need to build the running up for my 16 mile run on 30th October around the 6 public parks on the south side of Glasgow.
It's great having milestones on which to monitor your performance as it motivates you to get ready.  Perhaps I need a milestone for relaxing on my time off?  I'll work on that one as I know the recovery is important.  As is the glass of wine with my wife!

Air display

So I have some time to try different exercise for the rest of the month as a break before the real training starts in October.  So today was corporate golf at a plush course.  Normally the host provides a goodie bag for the guests but today was a first for me.  A private aerobatics display with 2 stunt planes over the 18th hole while we watched munching our bacon roll and drinking coffee.  They were unbelievable and the level of skill required to pull off the stunts was incredible as the wind was extremely strong.  This is only achieved through years of dedicated and focused training - just like Ironman.  However a bad race would be a lot better than a bad flight!

Race reflection

I use a 5 stage process to plan my goals and stick to it.  The 5th stage is essential and that is "Review", something we don't do enough of in life or business.  So although I am technically taking "September off" it doesn't mean I won't be thinking about what I've done and what needs to be done to achieve my goals.
If you are interested here is a link to the output from my Garmin computer  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/112031681 .  I had set a goal of 14 mph average speed and as you will see I beat this however this was partly down to getting into a fast group in the fist half of the race and also not knowing the course so under estimating my speed.  That isn't to detract from what was a gutsy performance that was mentally tough.
As I look towards Lanzarote in May next year I know that the bike section will be every bit as tough as Bealach Mor and possibly harder, however I will have a 2.4 mile swim before it, an extra 22 miles on the bike with a small matter of a marathon as a "warm down".  A bit of a challenge but based on my experience in the last 18 months I know that with the right plan, which will start in October, the right application of the plan and the right mental attitude the challenge is achievable.  So the plan will be built including a nutritional plan, core muscle exercises, yoga for stretching and strength, off road running and mountain biking in the worst of the winter weather, swimming, cycling and running.  There will also be a bike training camp in March in Lanzarote which will also include swimming in the sea as this is the open water swim in the event.  I hope you continue to follow my progress and thank you all for your support to date.