Last weekend I did the Stafford Half Marathon (13.1 Miles / 21km). I thought it would be a nice flat route after previously living in the area for 3 years. I couldn't have been more wrong.
I only recognised about 1.5 miles of it, this was mostly the start/finish area which was in the town center (my map of the route).
The route was nice and scenic and was out in countryside and was fairly undulating. From my GPS device it was about 45% ascents, 35% descents and 20% flat. I think the flat bit must have been at the end after you had already done a lot of undulating route.
As a result my time 1:45 was 5 minutes slower than planned plus my leg muscles felt a lot more tired than expected.
I also tried wearing new kit for the first time at the race, all recommendations advice against this. It was great for carrying my powerbar gels in its back pockets. However cycling tops where not designed for running and therefore kept riding up my torso.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
Continous Swim
Today I did my first continuous(ish) swim of the year, as the other swims where either 100m or 200m reps. I did have 2 stops, the first for adjusting my swimming cap and googles and then a comfort break half way through.
I did manage a mile and felt quite comfortable at that pace which was slightly quicker than normal. It may have helped being in a 50m pool so their was more room in the lanes.
I did manage a mile and felt quite comfortable at that pace which was slightly quicker than normal. It may have helped being in a 50m pool so their was more room in the lanes.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Venue last weekend
Last weekend I did some training and a race at the Ironman UK venue.
Included is the backdrop for the finish. In this race we ran up towards it but at Ironman you run down the road to finish.
This is a picture of the lake used for Ironman UK taking from where you come out looking towards the start in the distance. It will then be 2 laps of the lake to the right of this photo and then down this bit of the lake.
I'll be back at the venue for a weekend familiarisation camp in a couple of months time. Which will also include a couple of swim sessions in the lake hopefully it will be a lot warmer. Then next time I will be their will be for THE RACE which is now under 5 months away.
Included is the backdrop for the finish. In this race we ran up towards it but at Ironman you run down the road to finish.
This is a picture of the lake used for Ironman UK taking from where you come out looking towards the start in the distance. It will then be 2 laps of the lake to the right of this photo and then down this bit of the lake.I'll be back at the venue for a weekend familiarisation camp in a couple of months time. Which will also include a couple of swim sessions in the lake hopefully it will be a lot warmer. Then next time I will be their will be for THE RACE which is now under 5 months away.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Training Conditions
The cycle training on Sunday was interesting as it started and finished in spring sunshine but had hail and strong winds at the worst possible time. As I was starting descend a step hill (14%) on my bike when I was doing 32mph (45 km/h) without peddling and using my brakes.
I then did a 10km off road race which I was about 18 minutes late for the start due to the cycling being harder than expected. The run also had a few hills as well but I was able to make my target goal time for this event.
The cycle training was 1 lap of the IMUK course and the run was in the grounds of Sherborne Castle where the IMUK run first half takes place and finishes.
Then on Monday while out running it started to snow when we where half way round a 5 mile (8km) route.
Hopefully the rest of the training this week and will be in better weather conditions.
I then did a 10km off road race which I was about 18 minutes late for the start due to the cycling being harder than expected. The run also had a few hills as well but I was able to make my target goal time for this event.
The cycle training was 1 lap of the IMUK course and the run was in the grounds of Sherborne Castle where the IMUK run first half takes place and finishes.
Then on Monday while out running it started to snow when we where half way round a 5 mile (8km) route.
Hopefully the rest of the training this week and will be in better weather conditions.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Last Weeks Update
Last week may training was over 8 hours and timewise was fairly evenly spread out between the three areas, although swimming was slightly ahead. Which I had done 4 swim sessions 3 where 1 mile (1.6km) and another was 1.25 miles (2km).
My weight had increased from the previous week by 1.5 lb (0.7kg) and by % body fat increased slightly but my waist measurement had decreased.
My weight had increased from the previous week by 1.5 lb (0.7kg) and by % body fat increased slightly but my waist measurement had decreased.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Training Last Week
Last week's training was quite good, as I managed 7 hours with a good mixture of all three areas plus some gym time (class, weights and a bit of cardio). This training time also included a 8 mile run and a 40 mile cycle ride.
This week I will do about the same amount but plan to cycle part of the Ironman cycle route and also do an off road 10km at the Ironman venue.
This week I will do about the same amount but plan to cycle part of the Ironman cycle route and also do an off road 10km at the Ironman venue.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Weigh in and Training Update
This is the first weigh in for 4 weeks and I was pleasantly surprised that I had lost 5.5 lbs (2.7kg) during this time. As I had only been exercising for 2 hours per week and eating a more unhealthy food.
I have increased my training this week and even done an early morning pool swim of 1 mile (1.6 km) with more training sessions planned.
I have increased my training this week and even done an early morning pool swim of 1 mile (1.6 km) with more training sessions planned.
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