Cool Runnings

After a few more weeks injured with my calf today was the day to start training again, now history says I seem to push myself to far most of the time so I need to think about what my goals are, what I need from training, and what my body can cope with. So here is my plan and no brownie points for anyone rolling there eyes after reading this bit, I am making an effort and thinking about what I am doing not just going out and running.

On the 10th March 2013 I have the first of three Duathlon's so that is my primary goal and something I have to work towards just so you all know this is a 3 mile run a 9 mile cycle and a 3 mile run. I have given some serious thought to want I want to do today without going overboard and on the flip side not doing enough. My plan is to run approx 1.5 miles cycle approx 4.5 miles and jog/walk approx 1.5 miles nothing to hard the cycling is the easy part but I have to be aware of the jog/walk afterwards.

The first think is the weather it has changed for the better so that's a great bonus to get out, I get my bike out ready for the cycle bit set my Garmin up for the multi-sport setting which is not good when downloaded as it takes three separate downloads to record the information and not as one race (minor irritation only) also the settings on the watch are different for this and I don't have any splits information only working out in head at miles markers again not a great problem as running distance is not to long.

Off I go trying to pace the first mile not wanting to run to fast I feel comfortable get to the Mountbatten centre and then turn round for home, I manage to run the whole distance which after a lay off is good going, If this bit makes sense all the better my calf feels good but I am aware I can feel the whole muscle group in my lower left leg as opposed to feeling nothing in my right leg.

I go in doors for transition 1 and get ready for the bike section, again off I go feeling really good the first mile is around cycle paths and narrow streets so is a nice steady start to any bike ride I just get onto the main road for the first time and start to wind up the legs I think I go down the gears instead of up the gears and I brake the bike the back wheel seize's up solid, I am lucky not to fall off the bike, I think the chain has just fallen off and got caught sadly that's not the case and my training is done for the day.

I keep the watch going in transition mode, surprisingly considering I have broken my bike and it will no doubt cost a few pounds to get fixed I am feel very pragmatic about the situation and work out I have to get home with the bike, boy am I glad I paid that little extra and had a light-weight bike as I am half a mile from home. This is were my pride in handling a tough situation in a great manner without feeling sorry for myself and throwing my toys out of the pram nor seeing any embarrassment in walking home with the bike on my shoulders. So below is my very own Cool Running's moment of carrying my bike back home. I love reggae music so I feel part Jamaican even more today.

I have a spare bike so I will out again on Monday morning to do this training session again slightly happier that my calf feel's good as tomorrow I will be in Brighton cheering on Becca Jones and Debbie Cox as the complete the half marathon.

Unsuccessful Application

Many of you may remember last year just after the cycling bug took hold of me I mention the Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100 and that I had entered the Ballot for a place to ride.

Well last week the letters were sent out and as you can see from the title of this blog I did not get a place. To say I am disappointed is an understatement and it helps no less than the book of failure which comes with the letter saying there are loads of charity places still available. Really if I thought I could raise that sort of money off my friends and family again I would already be signed up with a charity. Rant over!!!

Even with my new goals for 2013 doing a 100 mile cycle in the 9 or 10 hour limit whilst tough is doable and would not impact on my running needs as I am only planning running no longer than 10k distance. But to be honest it may be a blessing in disguise trying an endurance race of any kind this year may be silly and getting a place I would have taken part.

One of the reason's for being disappointed is this is the first year of this race, that would have been really cool to be part of a big race that hopefully will be run for many years to come. I will enter the ballot for next  year and hope to be successful.

On the injury front the calf is becoming tiresome I want to go out for a run but know if I do I will do more harm than good, that does not make it any less frustrating I now feel that for everyday I don't run it will be harder when I do start again. Not a feeling I like but something I have to bear at the moment my watch word is Patience and that is something I need in abundance right now having disappointment as well just make's this week a little tougher than normal.

Writing this blog has helped me deal with these issues, come to terms with them, and move on. I have an important job to do on Sunday at Brighton that I am so looking forward to, cheering on Becca Jones, Debbie Cox and Lorraine Albon (Dr) Giving back something that all three have given me in the past help support and encouragement. Then hopefully I will step out for a little run and prepare for my next big challenge my 1st Duathlon on the 10th March 2013 so looking forward to trying something different.

Year 3 January

I was not planning on writing a monthly blog but it seems you are all lucky and I'm going to!!! I have been thinking about what to right in this blog with it being the first update and thankfully the last couple of days have given me the material to right about, the slimpod works in many ways and I can see now how it has worked, making me think about the month when I was not even planning on writing a blog.

The first and most important decision I made at the start of the month was not my goals or resetting my goals but the one where I promised to listen to my pods for a minimum of 21 days just like someone new on a slimpod has to commit to. The difference for me is I know what the slimpods have done for me in the past I know what they can do for me in the future and I know nothing will happen in the first couple of weeks.

So I plug in and listen to Trevor (I too take him to bed with me sorry ladies) the bonus is I have complete trust in the pods so I do not panic when I still carry on eating as normal, this is very weird knowing its ago and that later in my journey this will settle down and I will start making subtle changes to my eating habits without realizing.

We come towards the end of the month I have done my 21 days I had a quick chat with Sandra Roycroft-Davis and we agree that I only need to listen 2 or 3 times a week now which makes sense as I am now starting year 3 of slimpod journey I am very comfortable knowing this makes sense and will still work.

I have a little confession to make now, I have been scale hopping not every day but normally once or twice a week still too much, I think it shows how important my weight loss goal is to me rather than the exercise training goals, its something to work on, its not a major problem just yet. It was great to remember how my first month on the slimpods went and how this month has gone.

My weight was 104.5kg or 16st 6lb at the start of the month My weight this morning is 101.5kg or 15st 13.7lb That is way better than I ever expected my weight to be. I would have been happy with any weight loss this month knowing that I have till October to reach my targets. I have not done a great deal of training this month due to my calf and I have my first Duathlon in March so hopefully my training will gear up slowly in February to get me fit and ready to complete injury free.