Ride, run, ride, kayak, swim, kayak, swim, sleep.

After a good afternoon/evening out I was in bed by around 8:45pm last night with lots planed for today.  In summary after one too many bottles of Rosé I was still rather fragile this morning and probably could say that I still am, but I'm fine.  I'm not the sort of person to let that stop me doing what I want so everything happened as planned.

O, Ley and I set off on the MTBs to go to parkrun at about 8am. Unfortunately Jules didn't make it as he was up quite a bit in the night (not alcohol related mind) so passed.  Was good fun rolling down the hill into Horsham.  I stuck with Ley for parkrun and a finish time of 32:18 was awarded for my 33rd parkrun.  It's not great but I struggled and it was good to stick with Ley.  O finished his 20th parkrun in a respectable 24:49 (even himself claiming he only sobered up at 3am this morning after 24 odd hours of fun and games) and Ley her 25th in 32:52 (she wanted a sub 33min so all good).  Breakfast at the conservatory cafe and an easy ride home (well back to the pub to get the abandoned car) via a few geocaches.  So about 14.5km on the bikes and 5km run.  I am so out of shape but it's fun to be getting back into it.

Kayaking lesson #1

Then after a short breather O and Ley picked me up for my first kayak lesson early this afternoon at Southwater Country Park.  Jules was going to meet us down there, not to have a go mind, he is not so keen on the whole water based activity.

So in my true fashion, in preparation I ordered and have read a book on kayaking for beginners this week, not that I am going to claim to be an expert but it just means that I might have a bit more of an idea what O is on about when he is coaching me, I will probably keep consulting it and YouTube for the foreseeable future.  O is a 3* in various disciplines and Level 2 trained BCU coach and we have been talking about going kayaking for a while now (was postponed untill after the wedding) he has kindly offered to teach me all that he knows and we are aiming for me getting to 2* BCU award (which apparently won't take long).

First things first. get the kayaks out.  At this point I am completely out of my depth (no pun intended) but I have no idea what to expect. I was on my best behavior today, sometimes difficult around these two but I really wanted to learn and quickly and not piss my best friend and coach for the afternoon off which would surly have me in the drink. I get frustrated if i can't pick things up though I am completely prepared to put the effort in to practice and as a coach myself in other sports I understand the concept of being taught and listening this way round.

Ley came out too which was really nice.  I was trying to listen and action everything I was being told and relate it to the text and pictures in my book and the YouTube videos.  O really is very good at kayaking and teaching.  He is very patient and made me feel really relaxed and unpressured, just kept encouraging me and helping me out with a few pointers to improve technique here and there, he didn't bombard me but moved on to other lessons too.  I didn't put myself under pressure today, I just wanted to enjoy it and get out on the water.  This is the first time I have been in a boat on my own after all.

All started out well, got in the boat (a red dagger) and I didn't fall in.  Went round in circles quite a bit at first, but did start to get better at going forward (I am not going to say straight).  Need to remember to lean forward more to place the paddle and draw back from my core, not hold the paddle so tight and also need to keep my forward strokes closer and straighter along side the boat with a higher angle too.  One thing O kept telling me was to lift it out earlier in the stroke than I was as that what was causing me to spin out.  I was trying to use my legs, i.e. brace with the opposite but after reading about this again, I'm not gong to worry about that too much at this stage, or at least which one is bracing anyhow.  So much to take in though as well as unlearning this balancing thing.  We did back paddling, sideways and bracing.  Oh and then an unplanned capsized.  I had quite a bit of water in my boat again and so that seemed to make it more tippy. Anyhow I got out and actually other than drinking the lake water (must try and not do this), was quite nice to have a little swim as it was quite hot this afternoon.  So as a result of this I covered emptying the boat of water and getting back in again too.

It was really nice paddling around the lake, I wasn't under any pressure to master anything and I felt like had made some good progress but towards the end of our 1.5hrs on the water I did falter a little and everything seemed to be harder.  It was quite busy though at the country park today, the beach was heaving; they were opening the new dino land (kids play park) so there was live music and dragon races as well as other things going on but it was nice to escape the hubbub and observe from the water.

So seeing as I was wet, after some noted procrastination I did attempt another capsize and I didn't drown. Wasn't perfect but did some bits right and I didn't drown and O didn't have to rescue me.  I did drink quite a bit of lake water though which is odd as I don't normally struggle being underwater.  A bit more practice and I am sure that I will get used to the experience and what to do (and not to do).

I did come over ridiculously tired and a fuzzy/light headed about 5-10 minutes before we got out.  Maybe it was because I knew we were heading in and my body was getting ready to stop. I think dehydration, tiredness and being out in the sun most of the day caused this.  Was a pain as I couldn't even lift myself out of the water and then some how fell back in again.  Felt a bit stupid.

Anyhow a great time had and can't wait to go again.  Not sure how much of a  rush O is to take me back out but he said I can go in a different boat next time and as soon as he doesn't think I will fall out at any moment we can go further afield than the lake which will be fun.

Headed home and spent a few hours with the hubby dozing out in the cooler evening sun which was nice.  I never sleep during the day but resting enough has giving me this second wind of energy and I am still up at 11:30pm.  Though still feel a bit lightheaded and my ears are still full of water which I hope a good nights sleep will resolve.

Today was good fun. Plan for tomorrow will depend on how I feel in the morning.  Will attempt some kind of run/ride/swim/gym/tennis and also do my training plan for the next 5 weeks.

Starting over

I am writing this after a busy month.  This is my 2 week anniversary as a married woman.  What with the preparation for, the big day, the aftermath and our minimoon there is lots to report but not much actual training has taken place although lots of fun has been had for sure.  Back to work and reality/normality Monday though, with the promising outlook of my Husband starting a new job soon after a few months of no work following redundancy (which also has added to the challenges we have faced recently) but fingers crossed an offer will come his way soon.

Anyway, I finally took my road bike out for the first time since the Dragon last night, off road (it coped but I don't want to do that too often).  It started off as an afternoon cleaning and oiling the bikes at Os which resulted in us being in the sunny pub garden with the Boss (Ley) before 5pm.  My hubby and some of my other favorite people H and Z also joined us later.  O was still probably drunk from the night before and I missed lunch and then proceeded to drink way too much in the sun.  I have been informed of my embarrassing resulting actions by husband (still getting used to that) but it was still fun and I still insisted on cycling home.  Well we walked the last bit.  Probably shouldn't have cycled home.  I am recording this merely to remind myself to avoid doing this again for a while.  This was not conducive for the planned activities for today.

Over the past month I think I have mostly managed one or two easy runs a week (parkrun usually) and have been out on the mountain bikes a bit too while on holiday in Cornwall for a few days.  Although I didn't manage parkrun on my wedding day as planned, O and I (albeit somewhat worse for wear) did manage a 7km run the morning after. Jules and I visited Lanhdyrock parkrun on our minimoon (2nd hardest parkrun in the country apparently, we aren't going to disagree) and back to it now as of today.

I also messed about in the sea and went kayaking for the first time on the river Fowey while away which was great. We had a great time, and been looking forward to my first lesson with O since.  Even having done the Dragon about a month ago now, I haven't done half enough to keep my form so I have a lot of work to do as well as a half marathon (Dorset Invader) next weekend.  Eeek!.

So now I have brought you up to speed.  I am married, I have put on loads of weight, I am rather unfit, I have a half marathon next weekend, I am still hungover and I have taken up a new sport.

Now I have done a half mara or 2, 96miles on the bike, 10k and 5ks can just happen, I am really looking for something that is going to make me train and motivate me to get out there.  At the moment the next biggest event is Race the Train in Wales in August which is 14odd miles which will be the furthest I would have ever run.  I need to put a training schedule together I think to take me to that then we'll see beyond that.  I also need to shift some fat and tone up again and my parkrun times are suffering so that needs to be addressed as well.

Jules has set his sights on and signed up to the Barns Green Half in September so it will help that we can train together too depending on his work schedule.

I know I can do it.  I need to set my mind to it, put a plan in place and take bloody control. It's happening.

Run, bike, swim, kayak, gym, My Fitness Pal.  Beep beep beep Go!

2 Days until the Dragon

With a little over 2 days now until the Dragon ride (had an email reminder!), tonight I/we need to pack and do a bit of planning.  I am a bit nervous but I don’t think I am worried really.  I have full confidence in Owain and I and I enjoy riding and know how my body best deals with hills as long as we just take it easy and drink and eat regularly we will be fine.  I have a wedding in 3 weeks and I am worried about this and the amount still to do more.  This ride will be hard, but fun.  What’s a challenge if it doesn’t test us?

I have tried to taper this week, as per Owains advice and everything else to do with training on line. So what I have done:

• Horsham parkrun last Saturday and 35km on the MTB
• Sunday gym and swim
• Monday I rode with Beck (easy as first time out on her new and first road bike, at dusk and it was windy)and 30 day challenges
• Tuesday my 30 day challenge exercises (Plank, squats, push ups, sit ups, crunches, side and front leg raises)
• Wednesday morning I ran 6km and then fitted in 25 minutes in the pool at 21:35 just before it closed (but I did have the whole pool to myself!)
• Thursday I had all the intentions of running, carrying my gym kit everywhere but it didn’t happen except for a 10minute kick about with the football at the Farm (my childhood home).
• Today I hope to get a ride in after work but I also have to pack for Saturday and will do 30 day challenge exercises.
• Tomorrow, easy parkrun
• Sunday 153km Wales – Dragon Ride!

A good tapper week I think, no endurance work, but kept my body and mind active.

I have had a bit of bother with my tummy last couple of days, not helped by eating too much to relieve stress, or at least I think eating will make me feel better but instead it makes me fat.  I have IBS and follow a no wheat/bread diet.  I am not allergic or diagnosed with anything that requires gluten free, I have chosen it because I feel better for not eating it and I can be quite poorly if I do.  (To get a diagnosis of anything or even be tested in the first place I have to return to a full wheat and gluten diet for 3 weeks or so and I tried but it was too horrible so I just do this instead).  This just means that I am not going to rely on the feed stations for all my energy needs.  We have support crew Leyla and Mic so fortunately can ask her to take along a suitable meal for one of the stops, the rest I can carry.

What I need to pack (according to the email and race pack from Human Race):

• Bike – Specialized Allez Comp (aka Ali)
• Helmet – New Specialized top
• Jersey – New Dragon kit
• Shorts - New Dragon kit
• Jackets/Gilets – Castelli waterproof if needed (will decide on the day if I take it or not)
• Gloves – Specialized white ones
• Cycle Shoes – Specialized with new Shimano Cleats
• Sunglasses – Altura ones
• Spare Tubes – I have 4 (got a few new ones yesterday for the support car)
• Tools – have all need though would prefer a new set
• Puncture Repair & Pumps – have pump on bike and CO2 as well as repair kit and patches
• Saddle Bag – New expandable Specialized one (Also bought a new Topeak Tri Top Tube bag yesterday as my one is frayed and doesn't fit as well as it could to the top tube)
• Tyres – on the wheels, will check – may consult O if we should get support crew to carry a spare
• Lights/Reflective – On bike, might not take full on front lights, just the little rubber hook around one so am seen.
• Bottles & Hydration – SIS 800ml x 2 for bike and x2 1L for journey and post-race.
• Nutrition – SIS gels, banana’s, dried apricots, chocolate rice cakes, Soreen bar, Hydration tablets and SIS Go! powder and suitable lunch for support car – probably M&S salad or John West Tuna Light Lunch.  Will have some stuff at feed stations too.
• Cycle Computer/GPS – Garmin Edge and iPhone 6.

In addition to their list (Which conveniently correlates with items you can buy from Wiggle and they even link to them directly from the email!); also need:

• Chamois Cream – D’nuts Bliss (and couple extra little sachets I acquired)
• Socks – my Favourite race socks (Hilly)!
• Race pack – mustn’t forget this!
• Snood – black one
• Arm warmers – only ones I have
• Mobile battery pack and cable
• Tissues
• Quadlock kit and poncho for phone
• Contact lenses - (old trial ones not new ones)
• Emergency cash and ID
• Emergency event contact number for the day
• Crash pack

Then just need wash bag and stuff for 2 nights’ hotel, bikini and swim stuff for spa at hotel, MP3 player maybe and speaker, glasses.

Also need Bike rack to put on O’s car and bungees.

 

I wonder if I have missed anything….Will send to O for review.

Introducing myself, running and cycling

So you find me 5 months into 2015 with an impending huge challenge of 153km/95miles and 7,892ft/2,405m climbing on 7th June. Just 10 days away.

I will use this first blog to bring you up to speed and tell you a bit about me and my journey.  I am going to keep this blog focused as the title suggests but I like to talk so I wouldn't be surprised if it get's side tracked at times. This is also my first ever so bear with me if you catch me rambling.

I grew up on a farm as a tomboy and love being outdoors and I have always been a sporty person, playing pretty much everything and anything (football, hockey, tennis, rugby ... everything) and I also have a 2:1 BSc in Sports Therapy (sports physiology, biomechanics and injury treatment and rehabilitation etc). I love a challenge and competition and love encouraging others to get involved.

I have been running for a few years now but cycling has taken over more so recently. I invested in a road bike (a 2011 Specialized Allez Comp) in 2012 when I was employed in my first non-profit job as an events manager at Access Sport, mainly to organise the now London Cyclosportive (previously Ride Around London), a job that I hugely enjoyed and introduced me to road cycling and sportives. I also became a Breeze Champion through British Cycling, however I am yet to (although planned) really commit to this.  I didn't come to find the love for cycling until 2014, after I met Owain late in 2013. Now with someone to share my rides with and a little (understatement) competition with, Owain has become one of my most dearest friends, we have been on quite a journey so far, running and riding our way to fitness, (injury), segments (Strava), medals, memories and of course friends. 

Me on my bike earlier in the year, making the most of the sun being out!

We went out for the first of many rides in January 2014 and I found myself walking up our local 'Bonfire Hill'. Nearly a year an a half on, I haven't found myself walking up any hills since! In fact last time we did Bonfire, even after Owain drafted me up to it and overtook me early on and got 30-40m ahead, I pressed on staying in the saddle, I overtook him on the kick and can now say I absolutely thrive on hills.  This is no reflection on O, he is and continues to be an incredible inspiration, it is just a reflection on how proud I am with my training. When I first went out with O my ambition was to just keep up with him and so this was a huge milestone for me.  

It's not just about cycling of course. I am a runner; a parkrunner too. Getting into to full swing of parkrunning from August 2014 and I love it! It is great that whether just one of us can go or all of my friends and family can join, we have a great time either running or volunteering.

All of us at Tilgate parkrun in August last year. One of our first.

So with the running and cycling and a conversation that I am almost sure happened in a pub, I signed up to do my first half marathon, the Heartbreaker Half back in Feb 2015 and Dragon Medio Fondo ride as afore mentioned. I was questioning Owain's ambitions for 12 medals in 12months when he spoke of them last year but it seems I have caught the bug for a bit of race bling myself and am 8 medals in already his year with at least another 9 more in the diary.

I should also point out I am getting married to my lovely fiancé Jules in 4 weeks so it is all go!

Jules and I after our Southampton ABP 10k (I was meant to do the half but broken toe prevented this-not an exciting mechanism of injury in afraid).

My friends mean everything to me and I love sharing the company of others for riding, running, swimming or whatever. I am a busy person and nothing makes me happier than filling my time with as much as I can with others who I love as well as making others happy. 

Owain and I after finishing the LCS in May 2015 medium route (65miles/105km) at Herne Hill Velo. One of my best days cycling to date.

So the Dragon is in 10 days. Based on completing the 65mile London Cycle Sportive back in early May in 5:30(ish) I am confident that we will complete the Dragon and not be last hopefully in I estimate 7:45-8:30 though the target is to just complete the distance. But also confident that it will be tough and we will both be broken after it! There is some serious hills that we just don't have here in the south which has me nervous. A bit more training would have helped my confidence and a bit less eating too (recent 5kg weight gain!). I would have loved to have done a 75-100mile training ride as planned by now but with running events, injury and wedding organising it just hasn't happened.  I have a strong mind when it comes to exercise and thrive for a challenge so I am sure if the fitness doesn't get me through, my mind will. 

It will be fun for sure! Up to a 9 or so hour day out in the saddle with O. In Wales. With 2,405m of hills. Ten days away. Yea no bother. Thank goodness for our support crew!

This isn't a full reflection on my running and cycling being my life though it is not hard to notice that it is a huge part nowadays. Jules and Leyla (Owain's wife) play a huge part in all this too as some of my nearest and dearest, and of course putting up with Owain and I. I am blessed with wonderful friends and family who I am sure I will introduce you too later on too. 

I am a proud runner and cyclist. Join me! Cycle, run, jog or walk, crawl if you have to. Do what ever makes you happy as often as you can. I exercise for fun, friends, health, happiness, sanity, for the love of the activity, oh and did I mention biscuits!