Well, in the name of consistency, last Wednesdays Day from Hell was again down-graded. This time, due to the impressive dust cloud providing for a lucifer-inspired atmosphere.
I'm not sure what contributed the most to the decision not to ride: the thought of being blown off my bike or the thought of having to pull my bike apart to remove all the dust. This would have to be a first for me: deciding not to ride to avoid making my bike dirty to avoid having to clean it. Definitely a low point for me, and not something I'm terribly proud of. Despite this, managed to swim about 3km with The Animal in the morning and get a solid running track session of ~8km in the afternoon. The times are coming down slowly for the 1 milers, however this stitch issue is not resolving. It is odd how these injuries don't just disappear despite refusing to stop training. I think I may need to see an allied health professional.
Thursday - after being fairly committed to running the normal BMMC Thursday run with The Animal, I must apologise for not showing up. The decision was based purely on the desire to remain in bed for those extra 90 minutes. What can I say...
Friday saw me miss the pre-arranged start of the usual morning ride with The Animal by approximately 1 minute, which might not seem like much but when you are chasing The Animal on the bike it is a reasonable length of time. It has to be said, his decision to not wait is in accordance with BMMC standards and is completely reasonable and expected given the track record I have.
Saturday was a 3km swim, 1hr45min mtn bike ride (bike computer didn't work and distance isn't all that meaninful on the mtn bike), 9km ride - 10km run - 9km ride session down to the Folks for a hit out around Sun Valley with the Welshman.
Sunday was the first 'triathlon' for the Panther's Tri Club season. The swim was unfortunately cancelled due to strong winds and the wind-chill factor that resulted. This did not play to my strengths, as the swim was replaced with a 5km run to make the event a duathlon. After a poor run leg to start, things went better on the bike and I managed to hold my position over the final 2.5km run.
Total time: 1:04:55
Breakdown:
5km Run: 20:33 (nice head wind for 2.5km and usual stitch issue resurfaced), overall not very happy with time.
Ride: 34:27 (incl. transition)
2.5km Run: 9:54 (stitch not an issue, final 1.25km with head wind, felt better)
Cycle Computer stats:
Distance: 19.62 km
Time: 32:53 min
Avg Speed: 35.7 km/h
Max speed 49 km/h
Again, the head wind proved troublesome on the bike, however with a loop track a head wind also means a nice tail wind. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
Monday was a day off.
Tuesday was morning run with BMMC, last one with Sleep Train before he flew out to Austria to compete in the World Mountain Running Championships. Looking forward to seeing what Ben can produce over there.
Day from Hell tomorrow... will this be the first one to go according to plan?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Port HIM fast approaching...
I am slowly and painfully learning what is required for training for a specific event, something I don't think I have ever done in my life. Albeit, this event is something I would never have thought I would ever need to be training for. At the end of the day, you do what you can in the time you have, and if you are persistent you will see improvement.
I am a little apprehensive about the half (I haven't even begun preparing myself for the full, one mistake at a time), and I am aware that I probably shouldn't build it up in my mind too much, else be bitterly disappointed. I think the training is going OK. However, compared to some other individuals I have the pleasure of being able to train with, there is training and then there is TRAINING.
The saturday before last, I managed to survive (only barely) a ride with The Animal (aka Running Man of Blaxland - follow link to latest blog in the BMMC collection). About 150km or so all up, the computer died when the flat tyre was fixed at 114km. This left me positively wasted for the next few days, which was spent mostly eating carbs and watching TV.
Did manage some cross training on Sunday with a touch of rock climbing at Clarence Dam with the bro and a mate. Was thoroughly embarrased by a couple of fit rock climbing ladies, who had to explain what it means to "second" and "clean" a route, and demonstrate how to tie a figure 8.
Monday and Tuesday were days off. These were genuine days off, unlike the "day off" theory Sleep Train subscribes to.
Wednesday saw plans of a Day from Hell downgraded to a day of leisure on the outskirts of hell, staying well away from the city centre. Managed a reasonable swim in the morning, followed by an easy ride-run session with the sis (~30km on the bike and 5km round the trails at the folks house). Wed PM was a 6km warm up from Glenbrook Oval to the causeway and back, followed by a shortened interval session of ~4km.
Thursday AM run was missed as Mr Donges and myself arranged to pick James (aka Baz, aka ShitKicker - who now needs a more creative and more child friendly nick name) up from the airport, after his 9 month training camp in the welsh countryside. He has returned to the home of the BMMC for some intensive training and coaching in the lead up to Perth for the ITU World Long Course Championships in a month. Thursday PM was a run around the Tues AM S/Valley loop at the request of the Welshman who wanted to run some hills.
Friday PM was a swim. This was also the first training session missed by James.
Sat AM was a leisurely ride down to the river and back with Mr Donges and Thomo, yet to be convinced of the benefits of physical exercise outside of sitting in a Kayak. Sat arvo was a run from Woodford down to Bedford Creek and up Anderson's for a bit before turning around. Over 3 hours total time, about 25km covered, so nice pace with plenty of breaks.
Sun AM was a good little hit out with James on the bike, heading down to the M7 and back for about 75km. I must say, the new Orbea machine and the Zipp 404s made it hard to pay attention to the road in front of me. Found it very hard coming back up the mountain (quite unexpectedly as the ride wasn't particularly long), but realised with about 3km to go that my back tyre was almost completely flat (enough air to make it hard to notice). A top up with the pump got me home. I am getting tired of all these flat tyres, and hope that the more flats I have in training means I will avoid them during races.
Sun PM managed to get a swim in, only logging about 2.5 km, before taking Andeline into the kids pool for a bit of a swim.
Not a bad stretch of activity. Perhaps more intensity required over the next couple of weeks.
Day from Hell planned again for tomorrow, which is going to start on the right foot, as it is now almost 12am and I will be starting on 6 hours sleep.
I am slowly and painfully learning what is required for training for a specific event, something I don't think I have ever done in my life. Albeit, this event is something I would never have thought I would ever need to be training for. At the end of the day, you do what you can in the time you have, and if you are persistent you will see improvement.
I am a little apprehensive about the half (I haven't even begun preparing myself for the full, one mistake at a time), and I am aware that I probably shouldn't build it up in my mind too much, else be bitterly disappointed. I think the training is going OK. However, compared to some other individuals I have the pleasure of being able to train with, there is training and then there is TRAINING.
The saturday before last, I managed to survive (only barely) a ride with The Animal (aka Running Man of Blaxland - follow link to latest blog in the BMMC collection). About 150km or so all up, the computer died when the flat tyre was fixed at 114km. This left me positively wasted for the next few days, which was spent mostly eating carbs and watching TV.
Did manage some cross training on Sunday with a touch of rock climbing at Clarence Dam with the bro and a mate. Was thoroughly embarrased by a couple of fit rock climbing ladies, who had to explain what it means to "second" and "clean" a route, and demonstrate how to tie a figure 8.
Monday and Tuesday were days off. These were genuine days off, unlike the "day off" theory Sleep Train subscribes to.
Wednesday saw plans of a Day from Hell downgraded to a day of leisure on the outskirts of hell, staying well away from the city centre. Managed a reasonable swim in the morning, followed by an easy ride-run session with the sis (~30km on the bike and 5km round the trails at the folks house). Wed PM was a 6km warm up from Glenbrook Oval to the causeway and back, followed by a shortened interval session of ~4km.
Thursday AM run was missed as Mr Donges and myself arranged to pick James (aka Baz, aka ShitKicker - who now needs a more creative and more child friendly nick name) up from the airport, after his 9 month training camp in the welsh countryside. He has returned to the home of the BMMC for some intensive training and coaching in the lead up to Perth for the ITU World Long Course Championships in a month. Thursday PM was a run around the Tues AM S/Valley loop at the request of the Welshman who wanted to run some hills.
Friday PM was a swim. This was also the first training session missed by James.
Sat AM was a leisurely ride down to the river and back with Mr Donges and Thomo, yet to be convinced of the benefits of physical exercise outside of sitting in a Kayak. Sat arvo was a run from Woodford down to Bedford Creek and up Anderson's for a bit before turning around. Over 3 hours total time, about 25km covered, so nice pace with plenty of breaks.
Sun AM was a good little hit out with James on the bike, heading down to the M7 and back for about 75km. I must say, the new Orbea machine and the Zipp 404s made it hard to pay attention to the road in front of me. Found it very hard coming back up the mountain (quite unexpectedly as the ride wasn't particularly long), but realised with about 3km to go that my back tyre was almost completely flat (enough air to make it hard to notice). A top up with the pump got me home. I am getting tired of all these flat tyres, and hope that the more flats I have in training means I will avoid them during races.
Sun PM managed to get a swim in, only logging about 2.5 km, before taking Andeline into the kids pool for a bit of a swim.
Not a bad stretch of activity. Perhaps more intensity required over the next couple of weeks.
Day from Hell planned again for tomorrow, which is going to start on the right foot, as it is now almost 12am and I will be starting on 6 hours sleep.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
W2G By by Moonlight
Mainly for Sleep Train's benefit, I have decided to post some of the photos from last Friday Night's Woodford to Glenbrook FatAss run organised by Scambullant. Sleep, take note, it is 10:30pm, and if I am late to meet The Animal in the morning as he drags me up Hawkesbury Hill, we all know why. I have to put my alarm forward by 20 minutes to cater for some slow bodily functions, and that eats into my already too short sleep time.
Nonetheless, here are some of the photos:
The evenings proceedings went well.
Running at night turned out to be very enjoyable, and for some reason seemed to be easier.
The hills weren't so big, and the temperature was near perfect.
Moon was a little subdued due to the cloud cover, however this made it warmer, so it was a fair trade off. Grade of the track was super smooth, and in what moonlight there was, fairly bright.
I don't know what time we headed out, as I stayed to the back and got some photos/movies as people ran past to the start of the trail. Took it easy running with Scam and some guys for a minute or two before deciding there only needs to be one sweep, and I was going to go enjoy myself. Sorry Scam, I'll do it next time, promise.
Ran up past Rob (vstaR), then Rod, then Colin and MisterG, then GPB, a few other individuals, and settled in with Kieron and Connor (on the MTB). Stayed with them for about 5km and then decided to push on just before the helipad. I said this on CR, but can say it again, I was impressed with Kieron. Not only was he managing to push his son who was on the MTB up each hill, but as I worked out he was also "JustdidIt" who ran 6Ft Track carrying/pushing/dragging his other son with the 12 footers.
It was the next section, that although lonely was very enjoyable. Being dark you can't really tell how fast you are going. It is good training I believe, as you run more to feel than you would in the daylight. Managing to push that little bit harder as the heart rate dropped. As I did in the W2G race, I pushed it quite hard on the downhill sections from the helipad. A few occasions my footing would slip, and I would have to remind myself to ease off a little, it doesn't take much for my ankles to roll, and despite the track being relatively smooth I didn't like my chances.
To the helipad my watch showed 11:03, at the gate at the end of The Oaks it showed 11:29, and I was at the gate at the end around 12:08ish. I would normally be able to run from gate to gate in the low 30s, so I probably lost a few minutes here. At least 3 occasions where I had to stop due to a stitch in my right side. These were very frustrating as I felt like I had energy left to come home strong, but every time the leg speed quickened the stitch would return.
Kieron caught me around Iron Bark, and we ran together to the causeway, where he was required to push Connor up the hill one last time. Was 4th back to the finish (excl. the early starters), missing out on a medal. But, as my car had the esky with the beer I was guaranteed something to drink.
I was impressed by how many people were hanging around, most of which happy to stay and chat as runners came home. It wasn't until close to 1:30am that I headed off home.
Big pat on the back to scam (like he needs more congratulations) for putting it out there and making sure everyone finished safely. The atmosphere was great, as all runners enjoyed themselves and were eagerly awaiting the next moonlight W2G. We even managed to restore the reputation of the BMMC to its former glory... well almost.
Can't remember what other stuff I have done. Some swim sessions, not much on the bike, and some solid runs (no long ones).
Generally I am managing 2 sessions on most days, and at least one every day, the exception being Saturday I guess, however I was running after 12am so technically...
Wed was meant to be a session to hell and back with the Animal (as opposed to every other session with him), however work commitments meant I could only do the swim and running sessions. The run was another attempt at intervals, this time on the track (if you can call it that - I have run on smoother trails than glenbrook oval). After 1 400m lap struggling to keep up with The Animal running (what was only later explained) on 5:20 or less pace for 5 1-milers, I soon settled in to my own pace. Felt horrible for the first 2 or 3 miles, and would have given up if I wasn't that little bit proud. Started feeling good for the 4th and 5th sets, but as I wasn't timing myself or measuring my heart rate I don't know how well I was running. The stitch demon was back again sticking his little pitchfork into my side every couple of laps!
I realise these sessions will go along way to improving my running so, I guess I will have to persist. I have now learnt that it does no good comparing one's self to The Animal as well as The Sleep Train.
Felt OK for the Thursday morning run, although you know you're in trouble when the guys dont event bother to hassle you about being late to another training session.
Nonetheless, here are some of the photos:
The evenings proceedings went well.
Running at night turned out to be very enjoyable, and for some reason seemed to be easier.
The hills weren't so big, and the temperature was near perfect.
Moon was a little subdued due to the cloud cover, however this made it warmer, so it was a fair trade off. Grade of the track was super smooth, and in what moonlight there was, fairly bright.
I don't know what time we headed out, as I stayed to the back and got some photos/movies as people ran past to the start of the trail. Took it easy running with Scam and some guys for a minute or two before deciding there only needs to be one sweep, and I was going to go enjoy myself. Sorry Scam, I'll do it next time, promise.
Ran up past Rob (vstaR), then Rod, then Colin and MisterG, then GPB, a few other individuals, and settled in with Kieron and Connor (on the MTB). Stayed with them for about 5km and then decided to push on just before the helipad. I said this on CR, but can say it again, I was impressed with Kieron. Not only was he managing to push his son who was on the MTB up each hill, but as I worked out he was also "JustdidIt" who ran 6Ft Track carrying/pushing/dragging his other son with the 12 footers.
It was the next section, that although lonely was very enjoyable. Being dark you can't really tell how fast you are going. It is good training I believe, as you run more to feel than you would in the daylight. Managing to push that little bit harder as the heart rate dropped. As I did in the W2G race, I pushed it quite hard on the downhill sections from the helipad. A few occasions my footing would slip, and I would have to remind myself to ease off a little, it doesn't take much for my ankles to roll, and despite the track being relatively smooth I didn't like my chances.
To the helipad my watch showed 11:03, at the gate at the end of The Oaks it showed 11:29, and I was at the gate at the end around 12:08ish. I would normally be able to run from gate to gate in the low 30s, so I probably lost a few minutes here. At least 3 occasions where I had to stop due to a stitch in my right side. These were very frustrating as I felt like I had energy left to come home strong, but every time the leg speed quickened the stitch would return.
Kieron caught me around Iron Bark, and we ran together to the causeway, where he was required to push Connor up the hill one last time. Was 4th back to the finish (excl. the early starters), missing out on a medal. But, as my car had the esky with the beer I was guaranteed something to drink.
I was impressed by how many people were hanging around, most of which happy to stay and chat as runners came home. It wasn't until close to 1:30am that I headed off home.
Big pat on the back to scam (like he needs more congratulations) for putting it out there and making sure everyone finished safely. The atmosphere was great, as all runners enjoyed themselves and were eagerly awaiting the next moonlight W2G. We even managed to restore the reputation of the BMMC to its former glory... well almost.
Can't remember what other stuff I have done. Some swim sessions, not much on the bike, and some solid runs (no long ones).
Generally I am managing 2 sessions on most days, and at least one every day, the exception being Saturday I guess, however I was running after 12am so technically...
Wed was meant to be a session to hell and back with the Animal (as opposed to every other session with him), however work commitments meant I could only do the swim and running sessions. The run was another attempt at intervals, this time on the track (if you can call it that - I have run on smoother trails than glenbrook oval). After 1 400m lap struggling to keep up with The Animal running (what was only later explained) on 5:20 or less pace for 5 1-milers, I soon settled in to my own pace. Felt horrible for the first 2 or 3 miles, and would have given up if I wasn't that little bit proud. Started feeling good for the 4th and 5th sets, but as I wasn't timing myself or measuring my heart rate I don't know how well I was running. The stitch demon was back again sticking his little pitchfork into my side every couple of laps!
I realise these sessions will go along way to improving my running so, I guess I will have to persist. I have now learnt that it does no good comparing one's self to The Animal as well as The Sleep Train.
Felt OK for the Thursday morning run, although you know you're in trouble when the guys dont event bother to hassle you about being late to another training session.
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