A new year and a new post

So much has occurred since the last time I posted on here, water has most certainly passed under that bridge and the coup has been flown, but I still have those same dreams and desires from when I first started this blog. The only difference now is that I am an ironman and I know that I can do anything that I put my mind to.

To be honest, after completing IMUK, I did have quite a major "down" period. Nothing really quite matched the euphoria of that day and the achievement. As I had felt that I achieved it relatively easily, I began to beat myself up about the time. Coming in at just over 15 hours, I thought to myself, wasn't all that good and that it was just an average result. But... as I  gradually found the times of other's around me, others who I got to know through various social media outlets, I realised that I did just fine. So many other people around me finished an hour or two later and some didn't even finish. I really must keep that in my mind and remember what an achievement it is.

Unfortunately though, that thought doesn't stay with me for too long. I think that somehow, and for some reason, I am the type of person how easily forgets past achievements (as well as what I actually have now) and needs something to strive for.

Having completed the marathon part in just under 5hrs30, I wanted to complete another marathon and go sub 4hrs30. I went straight into training and didn't really let my body rest. What a mistake! Almost five months later and I'm still feeling the aches. Sitting still for longer than 10 minutes makes my knees ache/hurt and running is more about getting by rather than enjoying the flow.

I'm back on the case though. I'm eating far better than before (even trying for three proper meals a day), rolling my quads out as much as I can and have my sights set on new targets. There is a two or three year plan in place for me. This year I want to sort my run and swim. I'll still do a half iron distance race but will also get a couple of marathons in and a great East swim. After that will then come an ultra. I'm not sure just yet what distance it'll be, but I know I want to go long, really long. I want to do something that even fewer people around me have done. After that, it's a channel swim (as part of a relay team).

So, things are back on track again... I just need these legs to heal and lose the truck load of weight I've put on recently.

Ironman UK

Watch this space

Day 121 of 210

6.7 miles - 1 hour

These runs of an hour are just becoming the 'norm' now it seems. The great thing, is that they appear to be getting easier. I remember that only just a few years ago, my heart rate would be through the roof doing the same time and pace. This is good.

Day 118 of 210

Long Run - 1hr15 - 7.95 miles - 147HR

An early start, which was hard to do, but I'm so glad I did get up as the run was great.

I spent the majority of the run in low Z2 but the pace was pretty good at around 9:40/mile. I even managed to up the speed for the last 0.95miles of this 7.95mile run in order to gain my fastest mile pace of 7:20/mile. Okay... so I nearly slowed down to a normal pace after about 0.25miles but then I saw my neighbour walking his dog so I just had to keep going.

I may just be able to fit in a swim later.

Day 117 of 210

This was the first time I've actually cycled in and back from work and it panned out quite well. The cycle in was easy going (you don't want to get too sweaty before work) and allowed time to concentrate/experiment on technique whilst the journey back was for proper training. This means that it's now not even 6:30pm and my training for the day is done. Awesome! The extra cycle in will be good extra training as well, I'm sure.

D116 of 210

What else can I say other than that it was a great run. 40 minutes in zone 2 followed by 12 in Z4 and a jog to bring me home & take the time to a round hour. After leaving the heavy rain/hail thunder storm at work I was glad to see that it was dry at home with clear skys. This just made the run all the more worthwhile and seeing some fairly late 'Mad March Hares" box & fight each other it was soon time for the 12 minute sprint. This went extremely well and produced my fastest mile time to date of 7:22. Unfortunately though, it also meant a bit of a sore right nip. All is good though. I'm still smiling.

Day 115 of 210

Today's session was a brick session. I was meant to be swimming in the morning as well but I just couldn't get out of bed.

The ride felt really good to start with, I was all refreshed, the speed was good and it looked like there was going to be a good sunset... Then the puncture arrived.

For some reason I seem to get these a lot although this is my second on this new bike which,  when I think about it, maybe isn't that bad. The change took just over 10 minutes to complete and then I continued on. Because of the puncture, I made the ride time longer as the plan did say for a 45 minute ride and I think I completed this. As for the average moving speed, this turned out to be about 16mpg but I'm hoping this doesn't happen on race day.

An awesome run off the bike made up for it all though. Yes, the back of my knees felt tight but the HR stayed down and the pace kept increasing. Overall, I covered 2 miles and managed a pace of under 9min/mile. Awesome. I'm happy.