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 12 July 2014

Rest day

The taper continues - Ella in London, i'm looking after Will and Rory. Rory screams for at least 50% of the time - it is hard work on the ears. Will's swimming lesson in the morning then took them for a cycle in the cargo bike. So not "rest" at all. Thought about doing something when Ella got back but watched football instead.

Friday 11 July 2014

Rest day

Well this is turning out to be a real taper - lots of rest. In the past chasing a good performance I would be doing lots of shorter speed work so it doesn't feel like a taper at all. I'm looking after the kids tonight after a 10hr day with no lunch break at work. Ella has gone down to London so it's daddy day care tomorrow. What with the hip and family life there is no way I will be doing another Ironman - just hope I can make it round next Sunday - i'm more unsure than i've ever been.

Thursday 10 July 2014

Swim

About 2.5km 60mins ish

Swam in London - just near Oxford street - a bit of a hidden gem. Killed some time till it was time for the train home. Quite congested at 6pm, became better later.




Wednesday 9 July 2014

Rest day

A busy few days ahead - train down to London this evening. Had hoped to have a nostalgic run when I got there but it was delayed. Didn't get in till midnight.

Tuesday 8 July 2014

Rest day

Long day today, no energy - decided to watch the football. Germany 7 Brasil 1!

Monday 7 July 2014

Weigh in 68.6Kg

Swim 3km

Easy pace as 4 sets on 30 seconds rest. Felt easy - goggles letting in water. Another purchase needed.
I've only been getting on the scales once a week but did cheat yesterday - I was 67.6 yesterday - somehow i've put on a Kg in 24hours. Sometimes I think it is tissue swelling after running i.e. water. There always seems to be a big drop in weight 48hrs after doing a high volume day.

Sunday 6 July 2014

Rollers 30min

Run 10km (65min)

I had planned to do a lot more today - more out of habit than anything. As usual lots of distractions - went to a water park in Telford with the kids in the morning. Then finally got round to the bike maintenance - Having slept on the crank problem I worked out a way to get them off without the special washer - I just undid the bottom bracket and that had the effect of pushing them off. Very pleased.

So changed the bottom brackets and chain sets over. I have created a shimagnolo bike or does campagmano sound better. The 30 mins on the rollers are with this new set up - it seems to work just fine - it's now a compact as well so I have some better gears for the hills.
These jobs take a long time though.

Forgot to say I got a kask bambino hat on ebay yesterday £140 which is pretty good providing it hasn't been crashed. I sold my other aero helmet.

The run went really well - very slow but relatively pain free which is a massive improvement. Just 4 times that for a marathon.