Welcome

I started this blog in 2010 when there were 11 weeks to go before my next Ironman triathlon. People have found it interesting (mainly my Mum!) so I continue to write.
The Ironman is a long distance triathlon; Swim 2.4miles, Cycle 112miles, Run 26.2 miles (marathon). I have competed in one every year since 2004. I hope this blog can help others see what is involved. I find the process of writing it makes me more accountable and motivates me to do the harder sessions when i'm not feeling like it!

Saturday 21 April 2012

Rest

Hopefully last day of the cold. Plan for long run tomorrow.
Working on my bike position exercises (left piriformis etc)

Friday 20 April 2012

Rest

Still got cold!
I did get seen by Ben Hallum today (bespoke cycles) - he made up my cycling insoles about 6months ago. An expert in bike biomechanics he watched my cycling and we tried to get to the bottom of my feeling wonky when fatigued. At last I have something to work on;
I do indeed have a tendency to rotate to the right.
This is due to a tight piriformis on the left
To compensate my short right adductor and right TFL have to internally rotate my right leg at the top of the stroke to bring the right leg into the midline.
This also makes me sit towards the left side of the saddle.

Solution
1. stretch the left priformis
2. stretch right short adductor and TFL (IT band)

When cycling shift to the right to stay in midline.

The expensive bike fitters would shim the left cleat, and wedge the right but this doesn't really fix the problem.

As always a lot of this should start with "probably" as I now know different "experts" have different opinions - at least I have something to work with now though.

Thursday 19 April 2012

Swim

My cold is almost gone. An easy swim today in the medium lane.
250 warm up, 250 Kick, 250 single arm, 250 fists, 250 5 strokes/breath, 250 swimming on side arm out, 250 backstroke. Cool down
Total = 1750m

Did as much as I could to get to the bottom of the marathon issue - at least it made me go through all my bank statements etc, Still no luck though

Wednesday 18 April 2012

Rest (cold)

Went to the London marathon registration (10mile cycle)- it was 50:50 as I hadn't heard anything back despite applying for the good for age slot and sending the special form off. My name wasn't down! I now need to go through all my bank stuff to see whether the cheque has been cashed. It's starting to look like a no go this year, good job I didn't taper.

Otherwise my cold is still with me so taking it easy. Looking back at the training diary the cold came on the back 3 hard days in a 5 day period - threshold run, 5x20min turbo, 6km swim. I will try and put more time between these in the future.

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Rest

I've picked up the kids' cold so backed it off today. I also don't think my sinuses get on with the pool that well and two hours yesterday has taken its toll.

Monday 16 April 2012

Swim

6km straight

Went to the pool not knowing what I was going to do. I thought i'd give it an hour and see how it panned out - didn't have any problems so kept going. Tumble turns every end which is not bad, i've only been doing them for a couple of weeks.

The biggest observation was my left shoulder got better and better. Only to be replaced by a similar pain on the right! The left seemed to improve as my rotation on that side (left side down) improved, and the right pain came on when I could no longer keep my right arm straight on extension. No lower back pain either which I had got on these longer swims - I think that is due to trying to rotate to breathe rather than lift my head.

10km still feels like a long way!

Other things going on - I am starting to worry that I haven't had my acceptance for the marathon through. No luck on the phone - just a recording. Apparently they sent them in March. I filled it all out and paid so can only hope I have a place.

Sunday 15 April 2012