Slaying the Dragon - The Dragon Ride 07/06/2015

Yesterday Owain and I slayed the (medium sized) Dragon! 

Our official finish time was 9:08:19 in The Dragon Ride 2015 Medio Fondo Route.

At the start (approx 09:23) all smiles and feeling a bit sick with nerves!

It's easier just to let Strava do some of the talking so here is the summary:

And here are the hills: 

And the speed:

If you plan on getting to the end of this post, please get comfortable, this is one of my longer posts...

It was a tough ride. The single most hardest physical challenge I have ever accomplished and I am really proud that we did it. It was a fantastic experience and I'm pleased to have shared it with Owain, it would have been a different story doing it on my own and had the weather not been fine and sunny.  It was so lovely and encouraging having Ley and Mic meet us at the feed stops and being there for us (thanks guys!).

I personally found it very useful to have written and then be able to refer to my last blog post during the ride in particular the distance and mountain milestones. I find knowing what has been, what is and what is coming motivation for me. The same can't be said for Owain, so I am not to share this in future unless asked.

I must admit though I didn't really have any idea what was in store regardless of how much I analysed the route and elevation profile until we did start climbing that first mountain which was a learning experience not just about cycling in Wales (it's not flat by the way) but also the effort and fitness required to make it up this kind of accent - I just haven't experienced it before. Just as well though as I might have been a lot more nervous and had more doubt about my ability too should this have been the case. We had fresh legs for this first one and it was a great feeling to get over the hardest of the mountain climbs early on. 

I had nothing to compare this kind of climbing to based on my experience so far - I had done a bit over the downs, Devils Dyke, Bedham near Petworth and Box Hill.  This first hill was literally doing Box Hill 5.2 times over and at a slightly higher gradient. 

Box hill is 4.3km, 204m at 4% and this first hill was approx 22.5km and 522m high. The first half was steady at about 2-3% and then the second half was varying between 6-10%. The views at the top were amazing and then came the descent.  

Going down was amazing! So fast, so fun for so long on great roads! Going along at over 30mph for 20+minutes was so exhilarating, though had to stay alert and concentrate as there were lots of riders around and tight corners. 

The other hills came and were over come. The second was 2xBox Hills the third longer and about 3-4xBox Hills, most of the others blurred into the rest.  

There was one climb that particularly defeated me and I walked a lot of it. The Devils Elbow. Max gradient was 20%, average 10% and distance  1.5km/0.93m after a lot of climbing already and while I kept going for a bit initially I was averaging 5mph and using a lot of energy to do so. It hurt a lot, I don't get out the saddle much and when I do I get wobbly quickly so after a short spell out the saddle I decided to walk as I knew I could walk it nearly as fast and wanted to conserve energy. I underestimated this climb massively and hardly referenced it in my last post. I didn't research it or know it was going to be like this but I had allowed myself to walk yesterday if I needed too. I was walking it almost as fast as O continued to cycle it. He is good out the saddle and can continue out of it longer than I can, usually I can pass him while still seated mind not on this one. Regardless that was the first time I have walked since my first ride out with O over a year ago on our local Bonfire Hill (which is now llike a speed bump in the whole scheme of things).  I quite like hills, I am quite good at them and I like the achievement of getting to the top. I stay in the saddle, I can keep spinning in my smallest gear, it uses less energy than standing because I don't have to support my body weight and means I can maintain an even force for the full pedal rotation. It is more efficient, maintaining better momentum. There are of course advantages to getting out of the saddle but it just doesn't work for me. O did surrender to a walk too eventually, I think after realising I was walking as fast as he was cycling. I was power walking it up, I did get photographed twice too but I'm not bothered. I'm more annoyed that my new cleats that I put on a couple of weeks ago are now already battered. Credit to O for cycling as much of it as he did. I still made it up there quicker by 18seconds I think but he worked harder for his effort. That was the only walking undertaken by either of us yesterday I am pleased to say.

The feed stops were good milestones and was good to meet Ley and Mic, restock and eat proper food.

We pushed on. More mountains, more descents, more beautiful views, more pain. The last hill was one of the worst and it wasn't technically the hardest of the day height/gradient/distance wise compared to what we had done, but it was at 83miles in and we didn't have much left and things hurt. A lot. I think the skin came off a blister/chaffing sore that had worsened at the top of my leg, basically my bum. I was hurting so much, my knees were sore; my quads empty. I can't deny that I was pretty much sobbing before I got to the top to wait for O, he wasn't far behind. A hug and whatever he said made me feel better and I was back in the saddle now emotional because I could count down the last 10miles of descent to the finish. I tried to stay behind O as I kept getting ahead. He was done and I think he just wanted to roll in or he just wanted to not be in ear shot of me anymore and it was easier to keep back than go ahead maybe!

The kit we treated ourselves to was really cool, and the bib shorts comfy, even if a pain to get off to go to the loo!

I drank regularly (had about 5 x 800ml bottles) and we checked up on each other too. I ate enough I think, though sick of gels after 4 or 5 so stuck to other stuff. Had a ZipVit bar, dried apricots, couple of bananas, Soreen bar, salmon couscous salad thing, a few bites of a sausage roll, salted new potatoes, a couple of Jaffa cakes, few bites of a veg pasty (which I regretted for about an hour after the second feed stop) and a SIS bar shared with Owain. I used isotonic tablets in all my water, didn't use the energy drink at all. Feel more in control using gels and food for energy.

The last leg to the finish was tough, particularly for O I think, he said at one point his legs can't pedal anymore. We also had Grand Fondo and Devil riders speeding past us. I was counting down the miles on my Garmin, one of my last mile stones which I (shouldn't have) shared with O was one more parkrun left.

We finished together and got exactly the same finish time. The medal is awesome And for sure I can say I have worked hard for it, more than any and I am quite chuffed. We got pasta and noodles and headed back to the hotel for more food via room service.

Provisional results. 

I wouldn't have been able to do it without the training I/we did do but it's always easier to look back and say more could have been done.

The way home this morning we were were looking at what other rides we can do over the summer as our next ride together isn't until October, though I hope to do the Biking Belles Grand Prix at Goodwood with Ley and the girls in August (no boys allowed).

I'm writing this the Monday after and I'm stiff and sore as expected but not much different to the feeling after a half marathon but with extra sore bits that will mean I won't be sitting on the bike for maybe a week and my knees, neck and back are a bit sore.

I will be okay I think for an easy run and/or swim Wednesday.   I hope to get my running miles up and do a 13mile run next weekend as the next two big events are The Dorset Invadar Half in July and Race the Train (back to Wales) in August. There is a 10k summer solstice race Friday night Jules and I might do in one of my favourite places, Moors Valley Country Park in the New Forest and we are going to Alice Holt parkrun Saturday so will see how the week goes and how I feel. Most important thing now is to repair after this ride and come back stronger because of  it.  I'm already looking forward to the next event and still enjoying it! :-) 

The Dragon - What's it going to take?

I have just got back from Ley and Owain's.  Which has put me out a bit me because Owain was throwing around finish times in the 11 hour mark which I hadn't really considered and the thought of 11 hours in the saddle and that was a bit scary. But he's wrong and if he isn't then don't want to worry about that until the 10th hour.  He said he finished the Etape Cymru with an average speed of 16km/hr.  His actual finish time was 8:41:42 over 141.6km or 88 miles.  This is an average speed of 16.33km/hr so would include stops.  Based on completing the Dragon at the same pace as Owain in the Etape Cymru we would finish the 153 km in 9:23.  There are some differences but after some digging it appears that Owain is more crazy than I thought.  The Etape Cymru was shorter but had a whopping 3,000+m of climbing.  Wow my friend wear/hang that medal with pride where ever you came!

The route on Sunday

On Sunday we have 153km and 2,405m of climbing so it is longer but less climbing so I believe that our average speed will be closer to what we achieved on the LCS which was 18.6km/hr (105km and 5:38:310).

The elevation profile for Sunday 

Last year 1823 riders did the Medio Fondo; of them 45 DFF/Query; of those 1,777 that did finish the average finish time was 7:15:32.  This year there are 1,741 riders in the Medio Fondo and just FYI 15.8% of those are female this year compared to 11.7% of riders in the last year.

Quick overview of the event.  This helps me.  I don't think that Owain will want to know this bit, I might be wrong.

• First 9km (5.5miles) mild descent
• To 31.5km (19.5miles) increasingly graduated incline with gradients as much as 15%.  The last 4km to 31.5km are going to be tough.
• Descent to 40km (25miles)
• To 48km (30 miles) a nice long up hill at about 7% I think that this can compare to Box Hill, but longer I think.
• Descent to 56km (35miles)
• First feed station at 58km (36miles) (ETA 03:18-03:48)
• Long <5% incline to 73km (45.5miles)
• Descent to 87km (54miles)
• Short steep climb to 90km (56miles)
• Feed station 2 at 97km (60miles) (ETA 5:32-05:57)
• Fast rolling descent to 106km (66miles)
• Easy (in comparison to what has been) hill to 110km (69 miles)
• Descent to 132km (83miles), one more rolling hill to climb (148m) but will be a nice last effort to enjoy an easy 20km down hill home to 153km or 95.6miles. 

If we average Owain's Etape Cymru pace then Dragon finish time will be 09:23

If we average our LCS pace then Dragon finish time will be 08:14

So I should also say that although I am discussing this,  it doesn't really matter when we finish, as long as we finish together and not last.  If we are the last two, it would have been a long day and I will happily be the last behind Owain.

So if we go half way between Owain's effort in 2013, and our LCS effort last month we would average 17.5km/h and would give us a finish time of 8:44.  If we did achieve that there would still be over 100 riders behind us and potentially up to 45 DNFs.  If we finish in less than 8:30 we will be just about outside the slowest 10% of riders (if based on the 2014 results)

Owain estimated 9:30 I gave 9:00. We shall see.

As long as we take it easy for the first half, we can enjoy the second.  Need to make sure we drink and eat regularly which is what I am now off to figure out.  The worst thing to happen would be to bonk.  Leyla is meeting us at the support stations and the help restock us if needed. What we would do without her I don't know.

Our start time is 09:27 but Medio Fondo riders will be setting off from 09:15 so hopefully we can slip into an earlier launch slot.

I am sure that we will finish, we won't be the last and we will finish together with a time to be proud of whatever that will be. It will be fun too :-) and I know it will hurt after.  We will be taking home a medal that will be awesome.

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.

Back to parkrun

I had a good active weekend. I am pleased I got out and fitted lots in. That is more that can be said about reducing the wedding to-do list (though we have chosen our wedding rings which are going to be ordered tomorrow which is something). 

Saturday I returned to Horsham parkrun after a short period away (last parkrun was 4th April!) because of a number of things including events, broken toe, work and cycling taking priority too. All the same it was good to get back and with a 25:29 minute time; less than a minute off my 24:39 5k PB so I was happy with that. Less happy after running with Owain to then have him overtake me on the sprint (and it was a reverse uphill sprint this week too). Even though I caught back up he still beat me by 1second and just had a bit more left than I so I'll give him that. We are often evenly matched which makes things fun and it helps me be better too - though I have more parkruns and a better age grading at the moment, he is still faster on the 5k events at the moment but even on 10k and half marathon distance we are usually less than a minute apart. Leyla did really well too on Saturday, first run for her in ages (I think march?) due to injury (boo!) and still got a respectable 33:16 (and she has more parkruns than O - just saying ... not that Ley is quite as competitive is some of us others not too far away).

 

I think I could have maintained a faster pace on Saturday but playing football for the first time in ages Friday night (literally went to Tesco to buy a football at 21:30 and came home to play it as part of resolving a dispute with my future husband - I won I hasten to add of course), my broken toe had flared up. I broke my toe about 4-5 weeks ago accidentally kicking the base of the bed going to draw the curtains - nothing exciting except it bloody hurt and is still continuing to bother me every now and then however, it hasn't stopped me entirely. I still ran the Southampton 10k a few days after doing it (though I was meant to run the half marathon) and it doesn't bother me cycling.

So if you haven't heard of parkrun and are either a runner or like the idea of running or just a means to get fit (or you can even walk them!), check it out: www.parkrun.org.uk it is the best! In summary they are free 5km timed runs all over the country, it is a great community to get involved in if you haven't already. I run and I volunteer at them when I can't run or shouldn't (i.e. race) and I know I should volunteer more and I hope to. My regular parkrun is Horsham but my friends and I also frequent Tilgate and Cranleigh and try and tourist to others too if we can. There is no medal but there is a t-shirt and the kudos of joining the 50 club once you have done 50 runs and 25 for volunteering. I am at 28 parkruns now since last August so I hope to achieve my status by the end of the year at the very latest.

I love park run for all the stats it give you too. I can see how much I have progressed and how effective my training has been too. A screen shot shows this best:


I often like to include parkrun at the end of a long run to make it up to 13miles or more. I really enjoy those too. We have talked about running to Cranleigh parkrun which is 10miles up the Downs Link and meeting the less crazy amongst us there, or cycling it.

I was talking about goal setting and I suppose this is a good opportunity to set one, or 3:

#1 Achieve a parkrun 5k PB of <24:00 by the end of July and a <23:00 PB by the end of 2015 (location irrelevant).

#2 Earn my 50 club t-shirt before the end of 2015 (The earliest I could do this would be 24th October as I need a further 22 parkruns under my belt. This could happen but is unlikely so end of 2015 it is (and hopefully before any of my other friends too ;-) )

#3 Visit and run/volunteer at a further 8 new parkrun locations before the end of 2015.

To achieve a PB I think I need to invest in some new technology to help me pace myself. Owain and Beck (a fellow parkrunner and new to road cycling friend) both have the Garmin Vivoactive. I keep looking and have been for months and for the price there really doesn't seem to be anything better (and now that O has learnt to use his and doesn't stop singing its praises I am inclined to think that it is quite good). The one I was considering (TomTom multisport I think) Beck has just replaced with the Vivoactive. I need more information closer to hand. Like on my wrist. Another TBC...

At this point I realise that I write a lot. I have a lot to say. (I am also terrible at grammar and spelling which has already been pointed out to me) parkrun does indeed deserve its own post but I also had a great 35k ride on Saturday on the MTB as part of a risk assessment for a Breeze ride I still need to set up on the system as well as my 30 day challenge app. Yesterday (Sunday) I also made it to the gym for row/arms strength and core session and swim and would love to write about that, the good aches today and the blisters on my hands. But I am not, for now at least. After an evening meeting later at work I am riding tonight with Beck, weather pending (her first time out on her first and new road bike), but with the Dragon at the weekend this really does need to be a reasonably easy week.

Velodrome fun - track taster session at Lee Valley Olympic Park May 2015

Several months ago I booked for Owain and I to go for a track taster day at the Lee Valley Velo Park on the indoor track/velodrome as part of one of their taster sessions and we finally went a few weeks ago and it was finally soon us. We had considered taking the bikes there and then riding back but weather l forecast was poop.

The boss dropped us off at the station after a short 10min drive from home in which I managed to make Owain even more nervous in the process of trying to help reassure him it would be fine by reading other people's blogs about their experiences of the taster session we were heading for, he also continued to wind me up as per usual.  Leyla was pleased to drop us both off it was fair to say after just 10minutes of an over excited me and a nervous-excited him.  With tea in hand we made our way into the city, both of us having commuted before we can survive in London but O was happy to let me get on with navigating. Well, until we got to Stratford. Last time I was at the QEOP it was still being built whereas O has been back and had a race here recently. "That's it, let's go this way" he said.... Umm okay..... But google maps says.... "It's wrong! This way..." 

So it was the wrong way and it was the Athletics Stadium he had is eye on. Me back in the driving seat we made it to the velodrome with loads of time to spare. The sun was shining and oh wow.  What an awesome structure; a beautiful work of architecture. Owain still seemed nervous, still not helped by me bouncing around like a toddler on Haribo. After registering and getting orange wrist bands we sat up in the stalls to watch the previous taster session group.

The building is equally impressive on the inside! We were offered the additional hire of cleats for the track bikes and that was a unanimous decision for us both to get those. We can do clipless. Trainers don't go well with Lycra!

We got changed and headed trackside. This place was more and more impressive from every which angle and we weren't on the track yet. We got helmets and shoes and waited for the last session to finish to get a bike.

The thing about these bikes is that they are fixies so they have one gear which is also the break.  There are no breaks on the handlebars. This is a little unnerving as you can't just stop, you have to use a reverse force to gradually reduce your speed and stop alongside the bars.

So we are in the middle of the track and we are trying to configure the saddle height required (which basically means that you have to have it as high as is comfortable with almost a completely straight leg to the pedal when seated). Passing O my phone for capturing some photos I promptly pretty much fell off as elegantly as possible, thank fully Owain wasn't quick enough with the camera and there was no mud to kick in my face. Everyone now looking at me and slightly red faced I sorted myself out and tried to look like I had some idea what I was doing.

It is worth noting here that no watches or any devices at all are allowed on the track with us. Owain tried to get away with his watch (Garmin Vivoactive) so it could be strava'd but no. Nothing. It's not on Strava so technically we weren't here and it didn't happen.

So a group of about 10-15 of us lined up along the railings track side and we had a briefing and then we got to head off and started on the flat bit going round and then coming to a stop which we repeated several times to make sure everyone can stop and start and stop etc.  We then went onto the lower blue part of the track. This is the bit that you go on to to transition to being on or off of it. 

All the while we were all picking up speed, and working our way along and further up the lines on the track, red, black then blue (I think). Getting faster and faster getting higher and higher. It was so much fun! O was behind me so I couldn't really see what he was upto and if he was okay but I hadn't cycled past him yet in a pile on the floor so I figured he all was good. It wasn't long before we were let loose and could zoom around go up the banking and overtake and oh my it was fun. As soon as I got some speed I went as high as I could which was the top of the Lee Valley Park logo painted on the track. 42degrees of banking and maybe 10-15m high, speeds of 18-25mph maybe. O might have a better idea of the speeds we were going, but felt it fast.

It wasn't long before Owain over took me and I could see all was okay. The nerves had gone and he was smiling. We are both somewhat competitive so this was a great forum to play in and more overtaking was had. We span round for quite a bit longer going up the banking as high as we could. My legs stared to tire though after going round at the top and had to drop down to recover for a bit. It was nearly over and some people were calling it a day but there was still time for a bit more so made sure my legs were well and truly blasted before the last of us were called in. 

That. Was. Awesome. We both had huge smiles on our faces - mine didn't really leave all day and I was still excitable for the rest of the day until we got home. We were sweatier than we thought we would get so if you are reading this wondering what to take I recommend shower stuff, the facilities are great. Some shower gel from a fellow rider and drying myself with my arm warmers ensued.

  

So it is probably worth a mention, ladies, the track bikes are not comfortable to sit on. The pressure caused quite some discomfort while riding, the excitement was a distraction and wouldn't stop me going again but the seat position is high and overall riding position very racy with hands low, neither are the saddles designed to relieve any pressure from anterior soft tissue areas.  I am going to read into women track bikes and riding positions and see if there are any simple modifications or changes that I could make to improve comfort without getting my own track bike at this stage. 

So yes.... We are going back. We have already spoken about it and it's happening. It was so much fun I would hugely recommend it!

After we changed we had a look round the cycle shop on site, and refrained from buying anything and headed for lunch as were both hungry.

I had told O that lunch was a surprise and he didn't know where we were going. We made our way across the city and eventually came to (as planned) Look Mum No Hands. One of the best cycling cafés in London. Lots to look at (and buy if you wanted) while having a beer and waiting for lunch (which was lovely even if I did finish Owain's salad). It was a good stop for our cycling themed day and O didn't disapprove. 

We wandered on to the Specialized Concept store and a few bike shops en route, just to look. I don't think either of us bought anything. A quick café stop and we headed to Waterloo for the train home. Standing all the way was not so much fun as it was rush hour. But we made it back, stocked up on some wine and got a taxi home. Collapsed on the sofa and watched a movie until Jules swapped me for Leyla (they were all at a quiz). I slept well that night!

Quality Miles

I have a medal hanger on my wall at home.  It is perfectly hand made for me by my friend Owain which I got for my birthday in March and it proudly displays my memories. My unique tag line written for me is 'Quality Miles'. I love this. It got me thinking how important quality miles are.  Especially if miles represent time and that time could be running, cycling, socialising, shopping, working etc. What is a mile if there is no aspiration to make it count? It needs to count, be memorable, be worthwhile. Miles, or time as I am translating this to, spent on my own or with others and whatever I am doing needs to be good quality time spent.  We only have so many miles we can go, and so much time to spend, so I am using this as inspiration and motivation to improve the quality of my time, my miles, and hopefully this will result in achieving more.

So one of my weaknesses is that although I am busy I can sometimes use my time inefficiently, and ultimately that weakness is in part Facebook and my phone.  I hate to admit it but I am a slave to it sometimes and I know some time spent on it could be spent doing other things more productive. Particularly in the morning so I am aiming to use my mornings more efficiently for productive exercise or non exercise activities that give me a sense of achievement.

To be continued....

Me and my blog.

At the moment, when I am out and about and particularly when exercising I keep thinking which direction I want to take this blog; What I want to write and what people might want to read or have any interest in reading and what I want to get out of it myself in doing so.  It might be worth noting here that I think to much and I worry too much.  Not the most efficient time spent sometimes but I put it down to caring a lot; maybe too much.  But this is me.  My blog will probably be a cross between scientific analysis and reporting and evidence based planning and problem solving but quite thoughtful and feeling lead.

• For the moment I want to keep the focus on fitness, nutrition, medals/events (including parkrun) and well being.  It might help save my friends the extensive running/cycling/medal/swimming etc talk that I'm sure that I often bore them with and give me motivation to keep working hard and focused.
• Being a Sports Scientist, I like tests and statistics,  amongst other thing, I find them useful in creating goals and monitoring progress. I hope to try and use these more to aid my motivation.  I also want to get back into using My Fitness Pal (MFP).
• I need to identify my health and fitness goals to help define my training.  I am prone to trying to do too much and taking too much on.  The thing is I want to do everything; running, cycling, swimming, sports and anything new, including kayaking which I have never done but I am being introduced to soon, goodness knows how I will do at that but as always I will give 200% effort
• Did I mention yet that I am a British Cycling Level 1 ride leader? I want to get back into leading Breeze (women only) rides too.

In summary.... Fitter, faster, stronger, happier.

I love taking part in events, and new experiences; medals often come with them but they aren't everything to me. I do it for the challenge and overcoming it, the memories and the fun.  If it comes with a medal, it is a bonus and helps keep the memory. A bit like a photo, I can hang it on the wall.  Selfishly, I am doing more events and new things and working harder for me; I made a promise to myself a few years ago to do more of what makes me happy.  It has been hard in the past sometimes for me to put myself first, but I am getting better at it.  It still makes me happy by making other people happy and I love finding a way of putting that little bit extra thought into something that I know will make someone smile or just know that they are loved. Probably sounds silly but to know me is to know that is what I get the most joy from.  

So I said that I worry.  I worry that some of the people I love have taken this personally, and that I am not about as much for them as I was before I started taking myself and training seriously (which I wouldn't do if I didn't enjoy).  Some people have even said things to me things like "perhaps after the next event you can have a break for a couple of months" as I was talking about being busy (which isn't anything new). It made me upset to hear that on more than one occasion.  I want the people I love and care about to understand and want as much for me to be happy as I do them and I was then worrying that it might come across that I am not happy in these ventures to others but I really am.  At the moment running, cycling, being fit and healthy etc. is what makes me happy so to suggest that I have a break from that for a few months is like saying have a break from being happy.  I think that it is because I have always lived my life around others and now I am living my life around me, it is noticeable.  It doesn't meant that I don't love or care about anyone any less than I did before.  I am just learning to love and care about myself a bit more and in doing so I have less time to go out of my way as much for others and their needs, but I still love everyone and if anyone was to ask anything of me in need and I could genuinely help I would.

This is in part a bit of a rant; a frustration that I feel misunderstood by some at the moment for wanting these things for myself, I think that it is exasperated by some other external factors that are causing me to suffer with stress at times (wedding, work, home etc but this is not going to be a forum for those challenges) and I am guilty of using exercise as a distraction from some important things I need to deal with, but it also relieves my stress.  I hasten to add that I don't blame anyone I love for any miunderstanding I belive they have for me, it is me who is not communicating this in general, in a poor and ineffective manner for this to be the case.

Hopefully you won't get too many of these posts....I also expect my stress to reduce after my wedding and a a much needed holiday and a relative normality to return soon.

My first goal is to review my current state of fitness with some tests to get some data I can use to set some goals and later monitor progress.  I was going to ask the gym instructor to set me a gym programme but I am qualified enough to do my own so I will work on this over the coming month or two.  This isn't a priority until after my wedding but if I can I will.