Back to Training

It's been WAY too long. I'm embarrassed to even write how long. But finally I am back to doing some physical exercise. Ok, it was only 15 minutes on a cross-trainer, but it is a start. I have January all worked out and it will just be a matter of ticking off each activity. I'm also hoping to shift at least a stone and a half which I have put on over the last 6 months. Shameful!!!

Hard bike session

Headed out on the bike for an intensive spin on a short but hilly route from Dromore to Moira and back. Very tough and I got soaked. It really is a leg-killer, but hopefully will pay off for the next triathlon which goes up into the Mourne mountains.

Back to the pool

Headed to the pool with a new training programme. Was kicked out of my lane by a member of staff who was bringing in a class or something. Grrr!!!!

Managed the following:
200m warm up
200m breathing drills
600m speed training
150m stroke count

Didn't get to finish the stoke count or do a 200m cool down.

But was happy enough with what I got done. From now on, training is going to be more focused on performance rather than just putting in the laps.

Official Timings

Official times:

Overall time: 1:25:26
Swim: 17:47
Transition 1: 3:07
Cycle: 39:17
Transition 2: 1:49
Run: 23:25


Definitely can improve overall by about 5 minutes in the swim, T1 and the cycle. Roll on the next one!

First one down!

Today was the first of four triathlons I plan to do this summer. It was the shortest of the four, and went really well. Even though it was a very warm day, I survived it all. Thanks to all my family for coming out today and supporting me...and for Sophie who shouted the loudest while waving her 'Go Daddy Go' banner!

Swim
Although I had already been to the lake a couple of times to practise, having 400 other people there at the same time is a bit daunting! The first 200 faster swimmers set off first, then I was in the 2nd wave of 200.

The first couple of 100 metres were a bit frantic as people fought for their bit of water. People basically swim over the top of you if you're in their way. But once that frantic bit was over, the swim went ok. The water was actually very pleasant and I just settled into my steady pace.

My split time for the 750 metre swim was around 19 minutes.

However, once out of the water I had real problems getting my wetsuit Velcro strap undone at the back of my neck. Eventually (after a bit of help!) I manged to get the suit off and into my cycling gear.

Bike
Out of the 3 disciples, this was the one I dreaded the most because I had driven around the route a couple of times and it was hilly! But after the initial few climbs, the bike leg actually was quite enjoyable. I passed more people than passed me and completed the 20km in around 40 minutes.

Run
The run was only 3 miles, but I was a bit nervous because over the last few weeks I have realised how unprepared I was for running straight after a hard bike ride. However, my legs didn't have that 'jelly-factor' today, although it was a tough enough little course with a leg-sapping hill at the start of each of the 2 laps. However I did the run in a time of 24 minutes, which I was happy enough with.

Summary
So that's the first one done! The next one is on the 25th July and is a good bit longer: 1500m swim, 28 mile cycle and a 6 mile run. Lots of work to be done between then and now. But at least a lot of the unknowns have been removed.

Cycle then run - wrecked!!

Last night I  headed out for a hard cycle, similar to what it will be like at next week's triathlon. Very hilly, about 12 miles. I pushed hard and was seeing bright flashing lights at one point! It was tough going.

With about 1 mile left to the finish, I took a real bad cramp in my troublesome right calf muscle. Ouch! Got home ok and then headed out for a run.

This is my first real run straight after a cycle - and boy was it weird. The legs just were like jelly and running was very difficult. I ran about a mile, as my calf was still giving me bother.

With one week to go, this has shown me that even though it is a short triathlon, it is still going to be very tough! Oh boy...

First open water swim

I headed out along with a very, very good triathlete this evening to Camlough Lake for my first ever proper open water swim! Peter has years of experience and is one of the top in the sport here in Ireland and I have to say that his calmness and encouragement were greatly appreciated.

I was quite nervous - not so much of the swimming part but more so of all the unknown. How much will I be able to see? How cold? How will the wetsuit feel? How will I cope with sighting and staying on course.

Peter took me around for my first lap (750m). It wasn't as cold as I expected, but cold enough to affect my breathing. Visibility is basically zero in the water - you can barely see your hand in front of you. It's just green. I really struggled the first lap and had to stop quite a few times. Breathing, currents, sighting, the cold, getting used to the wetsuit etc all took their toll.

I took a breather while Peter went on to do his second of three laps. Then I went in and did a whole lap myself without stopping once - well, I had a brief pause just to get lined up with the buoy marker again. I felt much more comfortable this time around - breathing and sighting improved a lot. I still am quite slow compared to most others but I'm happy to have got around - twice.

Thanks to Peter and Paul for their advice - it was greatly appreciated! Although, I wish they hadn't taken me around the bike course....I think I was better off not knowing how hilly it is!! :)