Another week begins. And something very different this week. I am now officially a student again and I even qualify for a Student Union card at the ripe old age of 30something!
In 10 weeks' time I will no longer be a student however, but a fully qualified Personal Trainer! Exciting times ahead! And it feels great to be learning again and using the old noggin which had been lying dormant for the best part of the last 4 years!
I won't bore anyone with the details but there will be plenty of updates on the site and there might well be a lot more links on here to info about the world of Personal Training and fitness.
So training will have to be scaled down slightly over the next 10 weeks, but I will still be able to get in plenty of biking, probably have to drop one swim session and cut one short. The running will be impacted the most, so I'll sit down with boss man Harry and work out a plan. Aftet the 10 week course, that still leaves me with 7 weeks before Quelle Challenge Roth, so if I can stay injury free and at fighting weight then I still have a chance of doing well and posting a decent time.
As for the last 10 days, I've got in some quality and after an enforced rest, feel much better. I even won my first race, albeit a Poole Wheelers Club TT, 28 mile event on a tough course with a cold headwind for a large part of it. 1hr 8 mins and 59 seconds saw me ride solid and finish strong. I cycled hom afterwards and got 20 minutes quality running in, and finished off a very good week.
http://www.poolewheelers.com/htmlpages/RaceNews.html
Monday, 29 March 2010
Friday, 19 March 2010
End of an Era
Today is a happy day. It is my last working day in my present job! And what a relief. When I get more time to write I will post up what the future holds for Mr. Birtwistle.
I am back to training afgter a few days' break, and feels good. Looking forward to a good weekind, nothing massive, but a steady 3 hours ride with short run off and a 2 hour run on Sunday.
I am back to training afgter a few days' break, and feels good. Looking forward to a good weekind, nothing massive, but a steady 3 hours ride with short run off and a 2 hour run on Sunday.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
training books
Two new books I have purchased recently. Both excellent. Brain Training for Runners by Matt Fitzgerald and Getting Lean for Peak Performance by the same author. I ordered them from Amazon but you can get them anywhere I suppose! Time for me to shift a bit of weight once the weather improves. No harm carrying a bit extra while it's still a bitterly cold north wind blowing in. Damn those Scandanavians!!
March Update
I cannot believe it's 2 weeks since I last wrote anything. Where on earth time goes, no idea!
So what have I been doing then?
Answer, not a lot, but quite a lot. I dunno really, as far as training is concerned just cracking on with it, although to be honest I have not been feeling 100%, stuffiness and sniffles just lingering, but not enough to stop me, but then again just there enough to stop me pushing on like I would.
So since last post, 2nd place in 27km time trial, rode in 41' 44". Horrible headwind on the last 7k. Lost a lot of time there, and mentally switched off, not ideal, but another good test and something for me to learn from. I rode the course a second time after the ifrst effort, and despite riding at a lower intensity I found myself conentrating more and rode 44' 05". I was obviously more relaxed, I also knew the course, and the wet road had dried a little, and there was no horse to hold me up! I then pedalled the 8 miles home in the cold wind to don running shoes and do 45 minutes. I walked after 25 minutes, the cold really got into me and I sarted to cramp. Played it safe and jogged/walked the last 15 minutes home. No need to push on, the hard effort had been done and I had got out of the session what I needed, so all positive. There then followed an easy week, which didn't feel that easy, 4 swim sessions, 2 runs, a rollers sessions and a solid turbo, followed by a weekend of 100 mile ride in 5 hours 11 minutes, and a 2 hour run. This week has been 2 swims and an interval run sesssion. And as I write I should be on the turbo, but my body is telling me to rest.
My mind has also been tested for the last 3 weeks, as a bit of fatigue hs taken hold and thoughts of 'why am I doing this?!' have been racing round the brain! But some good sleep this week has got me feeling somewhat better, but just need a bit of a rest I think.
So the lesson learned so far this year - quality not quantity.
So what have I been doing then?
Answer, not a lot, but quite a lot. I dunno really, as far as training is concerned just cracking on with it, although to be honest I have not been feeling 100%, stuffiness and sniffles just lingering, but not enough to stop me, but then again just there enough to stop me pushing on like I would.
So since last post, 2nd place in 27km time trial, rode in 41' 44". Horrible headwind on the last 7k. Lost a lot of time there, and mentally switched off, not ideal, but another good test and something for me to learn from. I rode the course a second time after the ifrst effort, and despite riding at a lower intensity I found myself conentrating more and rode 44' 05". I was obviously more relaxed, I also knew the course, and the wet road had dried a little, and there was no horse to hold me up! I then pedalled the 8 miles home in the cold wind to don running shoes and do 45 minutes. I walked after 25 minutes, the cold really got into me and I sarted to cramp. Played it safe and jogged/walked the last 15 minutes home. No need to push on, the hard effort had been done and I had got out of the session what I needed, so all positive. There then followed an easy week, which didn't feel that easy, 4 swim sessions, 2 runs, a rollers sessions and a solid turbo, followed by a weekend of 100 mile ride in 5 hours 11 minutes, and a 2 hour run. This week has been 2 swims and an interval run sesssion. And as I write I should be on the turbo, but my body is telling me to rest.
My mind has also been tested for the last 3 weeks, as a bit of fatigue hs taken hold and thoughts of 'why am I doing this?!' have been racing round the brain! But some good sleep this week has got me feeling somewhat better, but just need a bit of a rest I think.
So the lesson learned so far this year - quality not quantity.
Friday, 26 February 2010
Time Trialing
Well, it's that time of year again, where those brave few don weird looking helmets and fashion large flat pieces of card to their rear wheels in attempt to break the sound barrier!
Yep, Time trial season gets underway on Sunday in this neck of the woods.
Poole Wheelers 27km. For more info http://www.poolewheelers.com
Also for TT info in the South of England go to http://www.southdc.org.uk
And for general TT info go to http://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/
Legs in pretty good shape after a relatively easy week. I wouldn't say I was 100%, as still a bit stuffy and a little more tired than usual but certainly more than fit enough to ride on Sunday. Long bike ride on Saturday, but pretty easy 3 hour ride. And then I shall be riding the TT course twice, and then back home with a 45 minute run straight off. Oooh me legs!!
Yep, Time trial season gets underway on Sunday in this neck of the woods.
Poole Wheelers 27km. For more info http://www.poolewheelers.com
Also for TT info in the South of England go to http://www.southdc.org.uk
And for general TT info go to http://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/
Legs in pretty good shape after a relatively easy week. I wouldn't say I was 100%, as still a bit stuffy and a little more tired than usual but certainly more than fit enough to ride on Sunday. Long bike ride on Saturday, but pretty easy 3 hour ride. And then I shall be riding the TT course twice, and then back home with a 45 minute run straight off. Oooh me legs!!
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Speed Distance Time Calculator
Here it is again, really handy little calculator for working out times.
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~gazzanic/distance.html
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~gazzanic/distance.html
Rollercoaster
I just keep thinking of that Chilli Pepper's song that was used on the Beavis and Butthead film a few years back! Great cover of an old track by R&B legends The Ohio Players. I know it's called Love Rollercoaster, but it's kind of what triathlon training is like! Well, mine anyway!
So, Boscombe 5k went well, felt good and strong. Come Saturday morning, I got my race bike together and fitted wheels on and drinks sorted etc, ready for a 30 minute warm up followed by 2 hours at 70.3 race pace. And within 5 minutes I knew I was gonna be fried. Just not on it at all. It was bitterly cold out, riding slow was cold coz my body wasn't generating enough heat, and riding quick was cold because of the air temperature! Couldn't win. Gritted my teeth and pushed on. I covered 46 miles in the two hours and 8 miles in the warm up. Got back home with no feeling in my left foot and proceeded to set off on a 40 minute run. As many that have expereinced the off the bike running sensation will know, it's hard enough as it is, but with no feeling in one of your feet, things can get a little strange. The run was actually ok in the end, as it was just an easy one off the bike, so felt reasonably comfortable.
But later in the day as tiredness kicked in, boy oh boy did I feel rubbish! Mentally frazzled! Roth was off, I wasn't going to do this long distance stuff any more and I just had no time for anything or anyone!
I woke up this morning feeling tired and snotty still, but mentally a bit better. But I am not going to ride my bike outdoors today, I am absolutely sick to death of this cold weather! Big training sessions I can handle and it's all making me stronger, but the cold weather really takes it out of you and recovery time is much longer. A week in a Meditarranean training camp would be ideal about now!!! I wish!
So, Boscombe 5k went well, felt good and strong. Come Saturday morning, I got my race bike together and fitted wheels on and drinks sorted etc, ready for a 30 minute warm up followed by 2 hours at 70.3 race pace. And within 5 minutes I knew I was gonna be fried. Just not on it at all. It was bitterly cold out, riding slow was cold coz my body wasn't generating enough heat, and riding quick was cold because of the air temperature! Couldn't win. Gritted my teeth and pushed on. I covered 46 miles in the two hours and 8 miles in the warm up. Got back home with no feeling in my left foot and proceeded to set off on a 40 minute run. As many that have expereinced the off the bike running sensation will know, it's hard enough as it is, but with no feeling in one of your feet, things can get a little strange. The run was actually ok in the end, as it was just an easy one off the bike, so felt reasonably comfortable.
But later in the day as tiredness kicked in, boy oh boy did I feel rubbish! Mentally frazzled! Roth was off, I wasn't going to do this long distance stuff any more and I just had no time for anything or anyone!
I woke up this morning feeling tired and snotty still, but mentally a bit better. But I am not going to ride my bike outdoors today, I am absolutely sick to death of this cold weather! Big training sessions I can handle and it's all making me stronger, but the cold weather really takes it out of you and recovery time is much longer. A week in a Meditarranean training camp would be ideal about now!!! I wish!
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Latest News
Lots of food, drink and rest has seen me get back on my feet and I ventured out for another 5k down at Boscome last night. And well worth it. I ran very well, felt strong and in control and posted a PB, by about 15 seconds, my first time under 19 minutes. I'm no speed merchant, but it felt good to get the legs moving a bit quicker than normal!
Then today out for a 2 hour 70.3 race pace session with a 40 minute run off the bike. Tired, heavy legs and just not on it, but got the session done and nice to recover with the gang and watch Star Wars whilst the hailstones are bouncing down outside!
Long easy recovery ride tomorrow and back in the pool next week, normal training week resumes.
Then today out for a 2 hour 70.3 race pace session with a 40 minute run off the bike. Tired, heavy legs and just not on it, but got the session done and nice to recover with the gang and watch Star Wars whilst the hailstones are bouncing down outside!
Long easy recovery ride tomorrow and back in the pool next week, normal training week resumes.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
inevitable
Well, had to happen, I've gone all winter without a sniffle, and then woke up this morning. Bang!!!! Felt like a bunch of morris dancers were rehearsing(badly) in my head, and like I had lead weights tied to all limbs. So was phone call in to work and back to bed. Have slept, rested and ate most of the day, even when no appetite, I have forced myself to get solids down me. Drunk lots of water and juice. Still ropey, but I'm hoping a decent night's sleep will fix me up.
See how we go tomorrow, I could do with getting back on my feet asap, just while the going is getting good at the moment.
Back to bed, news to follow later in the week.
See how we go tomorrow, I could do with getting back on my feet asap, just while the going is getting good at the moment.
Back to bed, news to follow later in the week.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Sunday legs
Well, I was very tired after yesterday's efforts, but the legs are in pretty good shape.
Had a solid ride, was great to meet Dave Woodgate at last, seen him at many races and just never had the chance to meet and greet. He is an excellent athlete, finished top 10 at Ironman UK 70.3 last year and was 17th at Ironman UK. He also won Winchester triathlon last season as well, and has been a podium finisher at most races he has done over the years in the South of England. So I was in good company with him and James Gilfillan, and having met them at Ringwood after 34 miles in the legs, we set off and soon the tempo was up, nothing manic but strong. And I had to just sit in and try and hold on up the hills! Flat and into the wind, not too bad, but they are both small and light and powerful riders, any hills and I was fighting to hold a wheel. But I stuck it out, and even managed to get to the front after 80 miles in my legs! After 3 hours with them and with me rapidly losing ground on any small incline, we went our separate ways and I headed home for a nice hot bath. The weather was dry, but a very cold northerly wind tried its best to dent our progress!
So 105 miles altogether, ridden in 5 hrs 45. Nothing spectaular, but very steady for this time of year. Feeling good this morning, and after a bike clean and a walk with the boys, I'll be out for a nice 2 hour run round Wareham Forest.
James and Dave if you are reading this, many thanks. Look forward to riding out again. Hopefully will be a bit warmer, and watch out if there are no hills!!! ;-)
Had a solid ride, was great to meet Dave Woodgate at last, seen him at many races and just never had the chance to meet and greet. He is an excellent athlete, finished top 10 at Ironman UK 70.3 last year and was 17th at Ironman UK. He also won Winchester triathlon last season as well, and has been a podium finisher at most races he has done over the years in the South of England. So I was in good company with him and James Gilfillan, and having met them at Ringwood after 34 miles in the legs, we set off and soon the tempo was up, nothing manic but strong. And I had to just sit in and try and hold on up the hills! Flat and into the wind, not too bad, but they are both small and light and powerful riders, any hills and I was fighting to hold a wheel. But I stuck it out, and even managed to get to the front after 80 miles in my legs! After 3 hours with them and with me rapidly losing ground on any small incline, we went our separate ways and I headed home for a nice hot bath. The weather was dry, but a very cold northerly wind tried its best to dent our progress!
So 105 miles altogether, ridden in 5 hrs 45. Nothing spectaular, but very steady for this time of year. Feeling good this morning, and after a bike clean and a walk with the boys, I'll be out for a nice 2 hour run round Wareham Forest.
James and Dave if you are reading this, many thanks. Look forward to riding out again. Hopefully will be a bit warmer, and watch out if there are no hills!!! ;-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
