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World Duathlon Champs...

  • 01-06-2010 9:43pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭


    Hey,

    I am planning on keeping a blog again for the summer as I have really been struggling with motivation and training the last three months.

    I had kept one before the 'Training Log' section was created but I cannot find it.

    I had a really good base built from about October till March with some really consistent training, but I moved over to London for work, and since then things have fallen apart. I decided at the end of last week that I am not going to give up hope for this summer and really try and put the head down. The last three months I have done F all training, apart from a couple of good weeks, but really just a swim here or a run there.

    Ill probably post up my races and goals here later on when I get a serious chance to think about what I can realistically achieve in a short time.

    For now I have done some races, including Fingal Sprint and West Wicklow ROAR Adventure Race

    Some thoughts on the races are:

    Fingal Sprint
    * Swim - dissappointed with my time, poor.
    * Bike - dissappointed with my time, felt like I didnt really get going and thought that I should have been a good bit quicker.
    * Run - Was ok but felt like I didnt give it 100% and really kill myself

    West Wicklow ROAR
    * Was a good race for me... but I made alot of mistakes and learnt so much
    * Should have finished well inside the top 10 if it wasnt for them, but fell just outside, and got schooled by my mate. Not going to happen again!
    * Kayak - had the fastest two person spilt without killing it
    * Bike times were excellent apart from the last spilt where I bonked... couldnt see on the decent without sunglasses
    * Run times - Uphills were excellent, I think top 5 for both, however I just threw easy time away on the downhills which is such a waste - really need to throw myself off the mountain
    * Bonked on the bike at the end / Wear sunglasses - the amount of flies in my eyes was not funny / Toe clips are the way forward.

    This Sunday is Athy - I had goals at the start of the season, however I have thrown them out the window now. I just want to go out and smash it, and be happy with my effort whatever the time, really feel that I am pooped after.

    I will start my training diary from last Monday, as it was from then that I decided I would get back to it, but some mates from OZ were over that week so there were some hiccups.

    Monday - Nothing, out on the town
    Tuesday - 35min run at lunch, 1hr swim
    Wednesday - Nothing, out on the town
    Thursday - Nothing, recovering from Wednesday night, stayed in work till 11pm that night on 3hrs sleep the night before, and was still pissed in the morning
    Friday - Nothing, out on the town
    Saturday - 25min run to swimming, 75min swim (3200m give or take), 35 min run home
    Sunday - 2hr 30min, 75km on the bike, easy 45min runs in the afternoon with some hill reps
    Monday - 5hrs easy on the bike, rolling hills, no big hills around London, 150km with cycling club, last 45mins were smashed though. Felt good. Suprisingly the back wasnt too stiff. Usually it gets abit uncomfortable about 2hr 30min in
    Tuesday - Swim (AM); 75mins; Main set 15 x 150m
    Run (PM) - 8 x 400m on 69/70s with about 1min 20 recovery. Lungs felt good, but the legs definately felt tired on the last straight.
    25km on the bike commuting

    The rest of the weak will probably be a bit easier. I was going to do a brick tomorrow night but not sure if it would be good for me - was thinking something like (6min bike interval + 4 min run) x 3. Swim on thursday morning.
    Fly back Friday night.


«13

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,830 ✭✭✭catweazle


    Could be another at the top end of the race log - good luck snack

    Whats the significance of the title........world duathlon champs???


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,131 ✭✭✭Bambaata


    I presume he's got a spot in Edinburgh in September?

    Ill enjoy reading anyway. Best of luck with the months ahead.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Wednesday - Didnt do anything apart from working late and commuting in and out to work, 25km total... legs are still feeling abit lethargic from monday's ride.
    Thursday - Commute by bike to work, Tube home, Swim for 50 mins with club...
    Set was 600 m, 6 x 50kick (legs probably didnt need this but you got to do whats on the board), 10 x 25 k/s alternative... main set was sprints... 4 x 50 max effort on 1.15, with 50 easy after... these were coming in anywhere from 36-40secs. hopped out then. About 2km total...

    Feeling pretty tired now... hope I feel good tomorrow and looking forward to Saturday, although I havnt swam in open water since dublin last year, or in a wetsuit. sure it's all fun and games i guess...

    over and out.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Friday I didnt do anything of Friday apart from work and then fly home after... Didnt get to bed till about 12.40 though and was up a 5.30.

    Saturday - Race

    Saturday was game day down in Athy... Really enjoyed the race although I probably wouldnt do it again due to the face that its so time inefficient, and too much hanging around before your start. Cracker of a day though.

    The swim was pretty uneventful, not much too report... found it difficult to sight due to my 2 year old googles which fog up after 200m but got new one now. Was probably snaking abit and I tend to always swim to the right in open water being my strong side.

    Onto the bike... felt good on the bike and pushed it pretty hard... Felt good and comfortable despite never being able to ride my TT bike. Had no one pass me and finished in 1hr 3mins. Was a bit dissappointed though not to be closer to 1hr 2 consider how I felt.

    The run was good, felt good when I got going and ran out of transition with a guy a race in my AG. I knew he was a strong runner and thought I would just sit on his shoulder which I did till 1km which I did, and then decided that I was going to push it hard and see if I could catch someone 2 mins and then see if could hang. I was happy with my run though, got caught 1km from the finish line Finished the run in something like 40.40

    Sunday Was just a recovery day - played golf

    Monday Easy 35 - 40 mins run along Thames, 12km commute home

    Tuesday Run Intervals on the track - 4 x 800 with 1.45 recovery and 4 x 400 with 1.45 recovery... Felt tired but was ok. More just lack of motivation. Times were 2.31, 2.30, 2.35, 2.40, 71, 72, 70, 69
    Commute to and from work - 25km

    Wednesday Swim in the morning with the swim club, was so tired but had to go as havnt been doing any swimming. 1hr 15mins, probably about 3km
    Then 5 x 5mins hard intervals with 2 mins recovery on the bike home from work, 45km total commuting.

    Will most up and coming races when I get a chance...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,208 ✭✭✭shotgunmcos


    Well done in Athy. 63bike and 40 run is good going.

    Whats the purpose of and target pace for that track sess? Seems like you were flat out based on those times, 69 for 400 on the last rep is motoring :eek:


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Hey,

    The tuesday sessions are always intervals... Intervals I believe are the key to getting faster... Qualtiy over Quantity... For me quantity is easy but doing the quality, and really pushing yourself, and suffering is more important - things which I dont believe I am the best at and really could improve immensely in my ability to suffer.

    The session was 8 x 800m with my local running club - I wasnt feeling great, and probably went out a little hard, so just 4 x 800m and 4 x 400m

    This week has been a decent week so far

    Thursday Didnt train in the evening as was having a going away dinner for my housemate and a few beers. Just commuted in and out from work.

    Friday Just a 35-40 min run at lunch, again out that eveninig so nothing else.

    Saturday Run - Swim Session - Run - Just an easy run out to swimming, about 25mins, Swim session was good. Felt ok but need to squeeze in a couple more next week - Easy run home, 25mins
    Swim session was for those curious...
    W/U - 4 x (100fs, 50k, 50drill)
    Did something after this but cant remember
    Main - 2x 250 on 4.15, 5 x 100 on 1.45, 10 x 50 on 60, 20 x 25 on 30s...
    Was ok session, 50's and 25's were a bit repetative but good to focus on technique and mix f/s with some b/k
    200 easy c/d

    Sunday The plan is tomorrow is to do about 120km with the cycling club, and then maybe a fartleg run in the evening...

    Races Planned for this year are so far...

    Dunmore East (19th June) - next Saturday - Looking forward to and just want to smash myself up good... Will be the first sea swim since last August
    Kilkenny Oly (25th July) - will be hoping to do pretty well in this race... will be really building toward testing myself at this
    Gaelforce West (21 August) - Will be aiming for a top 10 finish, but really need to improve my downhill mountain running, and might struggle to practice this in London
    World Duathlon Champs (4 September) - A race of the year
    London Duathlon (11 September) - 20km/80km/10km - Should be fun...

    *** Will be trying to add somemore 5/10km running races inbetween races, and do some timetrials too over here possible... Wil bring the TT bike over in the end of July to focus for the World Duathlon Champs


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,186 ✭✭✭El Director


    Good luck snack with the training, this log will make very interesting reading me thinks! That bike leg and run in Athy is up there with the best, well done. Looking forward to seeing how you progress. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Cheers man,
    I put in a good winter's training till about march and then completely feel off the wagon, but going to try and put the head down now for the rest of the summer. Looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully the blog will help with the motivation when I am feeling so good.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 871 ✭✭✭DULLAHAN2


    Whats your goal time for the world champ's?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Dont have a goal apart from trying to get around it as fast as possible... I will try and set myself some targets though when I get a chance to look at the course and previous times on it and what I realistically think I can achieve with smart training.

    Sunday Made it out with the cycling club at the unearthly hour of 7am for 4hrs... Was sluggish at the start but felt good at about 1hr 30mins... Showed a few how you go up the hills, and did some really good crushing it towards the end.. Was a solid ride... Felt very good.
    Easy 45mins run in the eveninig just to finish things off.

    Finished off a solid weeks training...
    *** Swim - x 2 Sessions
    *** Bike - Commuted x 4, Some light bike intervals, a hard ride (4hrs)
    *** Run - x 5, Intervals x 1... Need to fit in a 30mins threshold run though each week in the future

    The Plan for next week is
    *** 3 x Swim Sessions (Mo/We AM - 90mins, and Thurs 45mins easy)
    *** 1 x Intervals (10 x 400s on the track on Tuesday evening)
    *** Commute in and out to work, Monday - Thursday, and maybe 4 x 5mins intervals Wed night, if I dont feel to tired
    *** Friday - fly home, rest day before Saturday

    Enjoying training again now for the minute...


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Thanking it easier this week...
    The plan is just to try and get a few swims in, and do my intervals... on the way to achieving what I want of sorts...

    Monday
    I didnt get up at 5.15 for swimming unsuprisingly - I was far to tired to make it. Swam in the evening though, but the pool heating was left on and it was to warm to swim properly. Tried to make the most of it and did lots of sprinting and practicing dive starts.
    35km commuting on the bike to swimming/work.

    Tuesday
    Commute in and out of work, 24km and Intervals this evening on the track.
    Session was 12 x 400m, with 90sec recovery - the recovery is ideally too long for me but not sure I can quite hack it with the fast group just yet.
    Times were: 1.10, 1.10, 1.09, 1.11, 1.10, 1.11, 1.11, 1.11, 1.11, 1.12, 1.11, 1.10
    Pretty happy with the effort - much prefer 400s to 800s. Calves were getting very tight through out though.

    Not going to make it up for swimming in the morning as just not arsed but plan is to skip bike intervals tomo evening - not sure 4 x 5mins would be beneficial and, just swim 90mins on Thursday morning with the club.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Continuation from above...

    Wednesday
    I can barely remember to be honest. I think I just cycled in and out to work. 25km round trip.

    Thursday
    Cycled in and out of work. 25km. Swim in the evening, only about 45 mins... the main set was 10 x 150m f/s off 2.40, then I hopped out.

    Friday
    Just cycled into work, and then flew into Waterford for the race

    Saturday
    Race day in Dunmore East. An absolute cracking weekend and race. The weather couldnt have been better, unfortunately I cant say the same about my race. It just didnt happen unfortunately for me. I had a decent swim despite getting kicked about at the start, but came out ahead of the usual suspects which was good. Had a poor transition and onto the bike, but just had absolutly nothing. I dont know why I just felt like I wasnt able to push it unlike in Athy where I felt great. The same on the run. I had a huge stitch right in the middle, and had people streaming past me. I picked it up at the last 2km when I was feeling better. Overall it was very dissappointing, but to be honest I dont care so much about it. Try and build from here.

    The plan for trainin this week is something like this...

    Monday Just cycled in and out of work
    Tuesday Commuting 25km. Supposed to be 75 min easy run, but was in work till late so I did 40mins, with 20mins hard at threshold. Unfortunately I have lost my HR monitor so I dont know what HR I was trying to hold.
    Wednesday Commuting 25km. Easyish run at lunch. Bike Intervals - 4 x 10mins hard with 3 mins easy
    Thursday Commuting 25km, Swim 1hr 15mins
    Friday Commuting 25km, Swim 1hr 15mins
    Saturday Undecided...
    Sunday Undecided...

    The plan from now is to introduce a threshold run each week...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,186 ✭✭✭El Director


    Well done man for giving Dunmore everything you got even when you knew things weren't going your way...it's called character building in my book.

    Do you think it would help you if you set some specific training objectives/targets and maybe a date to achieve them. Has helped me greatly this year :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Cheers El Director...

    Yeah I am going to set a few goals...

    The planned races for this year include the following...

    5km Park Run (26th June) - This is gauge my fitness and to use as a benchmark for testing myself in a months time... Hope to go sub 17.30

    10mile Road Race (3rd July) - Try and get as close to breaking 60 as possible...

    10mile Time Trial (18th July) - Depends on entry, still trying to find out

    Kilkenny Oly (25th July) - will be hoping to do pretty well in this race... will be really building toward testing myself at this... I am hoping that the field is weak enough... not sure yet but find out soon... The aim is to finish top 10

    Finsbury Park 25mile Time Trial (8th August) - Sub 60mins

    Gaelforce West (21 August) - Will be aiming for a top 10 finish, but really need to improve my downhill mountain running, and might struggle to practice this in London

    World Duathlon Champs (4 September)
    - A race of the year

    London Duathlon (11 September) - 20km/80km/10km - Should be fun...

    The aim with my training for the next while is to...
    ** Swim - Min x2 a week, Squad Sessions
    ** Bike - Intervals x1, Commuting x5, Long Spin at the weekend but really pushing it when I can
    ** Run - Intervals x 1 on the track, a threshold run, Supplementary running.

    If anyone has any thoughts I would love to hear them...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Wednesday - Was just a 30mins run at lunch and man was it hot... 3 x 10min intervals with 3mins easy after work. I have to get my HR monitor sorted asap as its important for intervals.

    Thursday Swimming this evening, cycled 6km to and from.
    75mins, W/U: 600 (25f/s,25b/k), (100k, 4x25k sprint, 100 pull)x2, 50 easy
    Main: 6x(100f/s,100pull,4x25f/s sprints on 1.40/1.40/45s)
    C/D: 250 easy
    Total: 3300m


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Friday The plan was to get up early and to go for a run but that didnt materialise. Optimistically I brought my running gear in to go for a run at lunch but really wasnt motivated so I just left it. Cycled in and out to work (25km round trip). Swam in the evening. Bit of a mixed set with sprint/IM/200s and 300s f/s but I felt pretty good, about 70mins, roughly 3300m.

    Saturday
    The plan was to do a free 5 km run which is organised weekly in a park close by. Unfortuately it starts at 9am, and I wasnt quite sure how to get there by bike, as I couldnt find a map, so I just left it. It would have been good to use it as a benchmark.

    I might try and make this a weekly session as I think it would be good for GFW and I think the duathlon course is hilly (well I know it is on the cycle anyways).

    Instead I went to do a hills sessions with a local club. Unfortunately it was a poor turn out but still put in a decent session. Total running was about 1hr 20min, with 4 x 8-10mins reps of a 1.30-2.0min hilly loop. Was tired after.

    Got home around 12.00, had a quick bite to eat, and then it was off to the pool. Felt tired but did the whole set in the end.
    W/U: 200f/s, 200b/s, 200b/k, 200f/s, 4 x 50s drills,
    Main: 3x(200f/s,2x25,150f/s,2x25,100f/s,2x25,100 mix easy) off 1.45/100m pace. Was pretty exhausted starting this but was happy to finish, holding 1.45/100m easily enough.
    C/D: 200m easy
    About 3300 in total in 70mins

    Tomorrow its 3hr30-4hr ride with local cycling club - I hope my legs are feeling better than they were cycling home from swimming... or else it will be a long day.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Sunday

    Bike: 3hr15mins; 100km

    Unfortunately today I missed the group ride. I got where I was supposed to be for 7.15, at the pick up point, but the group had left already. I was pretty mad with myself to say the least as I had plenty of time to spare at home before.
    I ended up doing 3hr15min by myself so it wasnt too bad. I could still feel yesterday's effort in my legs, but was solid enough all the same. My back was really sore however after, it was sore on Saturday too but loosened out eventually.

    I had planned to run tonight but was too tired after watching the England game. I thought it would be more determental to this week, and didnt really serve any purpose in my long term goals.

    The Plan for next week is:

    Monday PM: 75mins easy run with 3 x 7mins efforts with 3mins easy

    Tuesday AM: Swim, 90mins PM: Run Intervals 12 x 400m

    Wednesday Lunch: 40mins run at lunch PM: Bike Intervals: 3 x 10mins, 3 x 5mins with 3/2mins recovery between

    Thursday PM: Run 60mins easy

    Friday AM: Swim, 90mins or Easy spin on the bike

    Saturday AM: 10mile road race PM: Swim, 75mins

    Sunday AM: Bike: 3.5-4hrs PM: 60min run

    The Idea is too increase my running volume slightly for the next few weeks (incorporating one intervals session and one threshold sessions)
    Swim: x 2minimum, any extra will only be if I cant/shouldnt run
    Bike: Intervals x 1, Long bike x 1
    Core: 4 x 15mins sessions


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Monday
    Commute in and out from work
    Run - Was late out of work, and starving and wrecked during the run so only ended up doing 50mins. Very enjoyable all the same. Needless to say I didnt make it up for swimming on Tuesday morning.

    Tuesday
    Commute in and out from work.
    Run - Intervals on the track, 800 w/u, 12x400m with 75 sec recovery, 800 c/d
    Honestly suprised with my times as I didnt think I was feeling good.
    69, 70, 70, 70, 69, 70, 69, 70, 70, 71, 69, 70

    Thinking about getting up for swimming tomorrow but who knows what will happen when the 5.15am alarm goes off!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Wednesday
    Run - Ran home from work, 60mins easy. Calves were super tight and had to stop and stretch them out pretty often unfortunately.

    Thursday
    Commute in and out from work
    Swim - Around 3km set in about 75mins... Cant really remember the exact set but there was 24 x 50's on 60s with 8 x 25hard/25easy, 8 x 25easy/25hard, 8 x 50 hard... and (4 x 25 sprints on 30, with 100 recovery pull) x 4

    Friday
    Just commuted in and out from work. Didnt go swimming this evening as if I had I would have not gotten up at 06.15 for the 10mile race planned

    Saturday
    10 Mile Race / Swim Session
    Plan was for a 10mile race, which was to be my threshold run for the week.
    Cycled out to the race in Battersea Park, which is at least 20km away from my house, so a 40km trip there and back. Got out there easy, and registered as it was just a low key race with maybe 200 or so entrants.

    The plan was to try and stick to a 60min 10mile, however as I suspected I just couldnt. I found this race to be quite though in the middle. I wasnt feeling great with my stomach. In hindsight I ate 1hr 30mins before the start and had a cereal bar too about 15mins before, along with water. By mile 7 I was feeling better and pushed on. Overall I finished in 62.40. I accidently deleted my spilts off my watch but the only sub 6min mile was the first one which was 5.48, and the next one was 6.03 after that they went up in the middle and then came down again towards the end. I think mile 8 was maybe 6.12, and mile 10 something like 6.01.

    Cycled home after the race and had some more breakfast and then was out the door to swimming, 5km cycle each way.

    Swim - 75mins
    W/U - 200 f/s, 200 b/k, 16 x 25k
    Main - 2 x (4 x 25, 4 x 50, 6 x 100, 4 x 50, 4 x 25) the 100's were off 1.45 and 1.40 respectively for each set.

    Was pretty pooped, and was out with mates till 2am so unsuprisingly I didnt make it up for the club cycle the next morning.

    Sunday
    Bike - 2hrs 15mins, with 2 x 10mins intervals. The legs were feeling pretty tired and it was pretty windy out.

    My back is still very sore and tight, when cycling, although not nearly as bad as last Sunday, although I am hoping the sports massage on Wed this week will help things out.

    This week I managed
    Swim - x 2 Sessions,
    Bike - Commuted 4 days, 100km, and x 1 2hr 15mins Spin
    Run - Intervals, Threshold Run (10mile Race), x2 Other Runs
    Core - x 3 times (15mins)

    The plan for next week is:
    Swim - x 2 Sessions
    Bike - x 1 Long / x 1 Intervals
    Run - x 1 Intervals / x 1 Threshold Run / x 1 90min runs
    Core Work - x 4


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Monday
    AM - Swim - 60mins, Main set was 16 x 50 (on 60s 4 building, 4 hard), 20 x 25 (on 45/40/35/30/25), 16 x50(on 60s 4 building, 4 hard), 25 x 25 (on 45/40/35/30/25)

    PM - Run - Was an easy 90mins run - trying to do a couple of 2 hr runs in the build up to GFW and with a view to running the Dublin Marathon in October.

    Commute in and out to work - 25km

    Tuesday

    PM - Run Intervals - The legs were very tired so instead of 8 x 800s I only did 4 x 800 and 4 x400. Times were:2.30, 2.29, 2.30, 2.32, 1,15, 1.10, 1.13, 1.12

    Commute in and out to work - 25km

    Wednesday

    PM - 1hr Sport Massage

    Thursday

    PM - Run/Swim/Run - 30mins easy run to the pool, 1hr swim, 30mins easy run home

    Swim set was 50x50 on 55/50 with the 55 being 25 easy/hard and the 50 being even paced. Left after about 40 of the 50.

    The plan for the rest of the week is
    Friday - Run 30mins @ Lunch
    Saturday - Bike Intervals/Run Intervals Brick, PM: Golf
    Sunday - Long Bike, 3hrs PM: Golf


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Last weekend was all about the golf.

    I didnt really get to train over the weekend as my parents were over, so I played golf with them on the Saturday / Sunday.

    I did however manage to squeeze in some bike intervals on the Saturday morninig - 2 x 20mins, 5mins easy, 4 x5 mins with 3mins easy...

    This week the plan is:

    Swim: x2 Swim Sessions
    Bike: x2 Sessions (1xAfter Work, 1x3hrs +)
    Run: Long Run 2hrs, 10km race
    Core: x3mins

    Monday
    Commuting in/out of work - 25km
    Run - 65mins easy before work

    Tuesday
    Commuting in/out of work - 25km
    Run - Swim - Run - Easy run to swimming (6km 30mins), 60mins swim (2500m), easy run home (6km 30mins)

    Wednesday
    Commuting in/out of work - 25km
    Bike - Went for a spin after work for the first time. Probably did about another 2hrs, or 55km-60km more or so.

    Thursday
    Run - 2hrs before work easy run

    Friday
    Nothing planned for today... Probably a few beers after work

    Saturday
    AM - Cycle 20km out to 10km race and cycle home again
    PM - Swim 1hr 15mins, 3000km

    Sunday
    AM - 3hrs + with club (if I make it for once)
    PM - 60-75mins easy run


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    This week turned out to be a fairly solid week of training. Unfortunately the couple of beers on Friday night turned into many beers, and I didnt make the 10km race which was planned. I tried to make the most of the day by running to swimming and back again though I was exhausted afterwords.

    A mate of mine is over from America this week so not sure how much training I am going to get done. I am going to try and limit the alcohol intake, as I know I have a race on Saturday, which I will be doing either was as I have entered. Hopefully though I will manage a couple of swims, and a few lunch time runs.

    Monday
    Commuting in/out of work - 25km
    Run - 65mins easy before work

    Tuesday
    Commuting in/out of work - 25km
    Run - Swim - Run - Easy run to swimming (6km 30mins), 60mins swim (2500m), easy run home (6km 30mins)

    Wednesday
    Commuting in/out of work - 25km
    Bike - Went for a spin after work for the first time. Probably did about another 2hrs, or 55km-60km more or so.

    Thursday
    Run - 2hrs before work easy run

    Friday
    Ended up having a few too many beers on Friday night and missed the race the next day.

    Saturday
    Unfortunately missed the race this morning.
    Ran 30mins to swimming, swam for 1hr with club, ran for 30mins home.
    Was really exhausted after the night before

    Sunday
    AM - 4hrs, 120kms or so... was out with the club and was a really good ride... was pretty smashed after and I had to go for a nap once I got home. There was a guy out who used to ride with Sean Kelly when he was a junior. Your man was still an absolute beast considering he is 55 now. He had some interesting stories too.
    PM - 65mins easy run this evening, was feeling strong if not a bit bored and lethargic from running.

    All in all it was a decent weeks training.
    Swim - x2
    Bike - x2
    Run - x5
    A total of about 17hrs (including commuting)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Its been a long long time since I last posted...

    I did write a post a good while back which I just email to myself...

    this is it below

    Its the week from 19th to 25th July 2010

    There wasnt much training done last week (30mins run was all!) as a friend of mine was over during the week. The week before my last triathlon I felt that I did too much training, and was left jaded for Dunmore East. This week all I did was a 30mins run on Tuesday for 30mins at lunch.

    I got about 5.30hrs the night before Kilkenny, but felt fine once I was up the next morning. I felt the race went pretty well for me all things considered.

    I was happy enough with the result, finishing in 2hr10mins, 9mins behind the winning time...
    Swim - I didnt particularly feel as strong as I have previously mainly due to the lack of swimming which I have been doing lately
    Bike - I felt I pushed myself pretty hard on the bike, but didnt feel that I over exerted myself. Unfortunately I never get to ride my TT bike as its in Dublin
    Run - I struggled for the first half of the run... it was the same problem which I tend to always have during triathlon... as opposed to my lungs and legs burning, I tend to find that it is more stomach cramps that is the problem

    Looking at my splits, based on the top 10, and ranking them from best to worst mine were
    Swim: 6/10
    Bike: 5/10
    Run: 7/10

    This Saturday I havnt done any training, and have been feeling really tired - I had a total of 15hrs sleep from Fri/Sat/Sun night.

    I had planned to do intervals tonight (Tuesday) but really feeling tired so just going to relax...

    The plan for the rest of the week is to get a fair bit of training done, as I have Friday and Monday off, and I am heading home for the weekend again.
    I hope to get a pretty solid block of training done over the weekend.

    Unfortunately I decided not to do the World Duathlon, as I havnt done nearlly as much training as I would have liked.

    26th July - 1st August 2010

    A combination of racing/nights out/lack of sleep left me sick during the week and I ended up getting little or no training done.

    I headed home for the weekend and managed to get some training done however. It was something like:

    Friday: Bike - 2hrs 45min, Blessington Lakes, 80km - Was feeling **** but didnt want to waste a day off work. Rained the whole way. Miserable
    Saturday: Bike - 3hrs - Up to Sally Gap - Again felt absolutely rank and had nothing in me
    Sunday: Bike - 3hrs 30min mountain biking - Great spin, lots of climbing and was feeling better

    Monday 2nd August - 9th August 2010

    Monday: Run - Dont know how I ended up getting after a seriously messy night out with the lads I got home a 6am and got up at 110am for a 1hr 30min run up the mountain - was still pissed when I got up but the run cleared it out of my system thankfully.

    Tuesday Run Intervals - First time back in about 4 weeks - was absolutely shockingly slow

    Can really remember what I did during the week, but it was probably just a few runs.

    Friday Nothing

    Saturday Bike Intervals (90mins total; 4x5mins with 2 min easy; 4x3.5min 10% hill climb), 1hr run an hour or so later

    My brothers were over this weekend so Saturday was a big night out - Sunday was a complete right off unfortunately

    Monday 9th August - 15th August 2010

    Pretty solid week - some good sessions but no crazy volume

    Monday 1hr 50min run home from work with backpack

    Tuesday Run intervals in the rain - Deleted my spilts without writing them down - 12 x 400m, 75sec recovery - they were all under 72 secs for each one - Really punished myself - good session

    Wednesday
    Commute in and out of work
    Supposed to be bike intervals after work but my legs were just 'goosed'. Only managed 3 x 5mins before pulling the pin on the session

    Thursday
    Commute in and out of work
    Literally legged it from work to a 10km race. Got number/changed etc, with about 30 sec to spare before the start (no warm or anything). Went out way to hard, through 2km in 6.30, 5km in 17.33 and finished in 5th (36min 50sec which is a new pb for me). I was in 3rd position at about 7km or so but dropped back to 5th.

    I knew before that this would really hurt and it was exactly what I was looking for - really felt the pain - felt really dehydrated from the race - I should have drank more water in work

    Friday
    Commute in and out of work
    My legs were goosed - no running for me
    Barbaquee and house party

    Saturday
    Run - Solid 90mins run in the pissing rain - some seriously nipple chafing issues now though

    Sunday
    Bike - Could not sleep on Saturday night after way to many coffees. Only got 4hrs.

    Out with club for a longish spin - 4hrs15min, 125km or so... Legs were ok to spin but had to juice of zip... I think the run took any zip from them... Good spin however before Gael Force this weekend

    This Week

    This week I am going to take it super super easy in preperation for GFW.

    Probably cycle in/out of work on Monday/Tuesday

    Monday - Swim - first time in ages

    Tuesday - Half an interval session purely on feel

    Wednesday - Nothing

    Thursday - Nothing


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    I took this week super easy in the run up to Gael Force West as this is what I find is usually the best approach for me.

    Monday - Nothing
    Tuesday - 2km w/u, 5 x 400m on 2.30-2.35, 2km c/d
    Wednesday - Nothing
    Thursday - Commute in/out of work, 25km
    Friday - Travelled home early, and spent most of the day getting ready for GFW and then heading down to Westport

    Gael Force West

    Super race, although an expensive weekend all in all but really enjoyed and found it a super challenge.

    Got there very late on Friday night and didnt get to registration till very late, and wasnt in bed till 11.30pm. Up at 4.30 for breakfast and the 5am bus.



    Stage 1 - Run One - 01:02:28

    I took the first stage easy enough, and it wasnt too taxing. The goal was to go out at a moderate pace but not to hurt at all.

    Stage 2 - Kayak - 00:09:29

    Eventless stage

    Stage 3 - Run Two - 00:15:23

    Felt good on the run and picked up a few people along this stage, especially on the road

    Stage 4 - Bike - 01:19:42

    I felt great coming out on the bike, and was really looking forward to pushing it, as I came out of tranition in a group of 5 people.

    However I am not sure what happened to my rear deraileur and I was stuck in the second smallest cog the whole way around. I was absolutely gutted as I lost so much time here. I tried to get off to fix it a few times but to no avail unfortunately. I went up all the hills in the 13, and it messed my legs right up.

    Stage 5 - Run Croach Patrick - 00:32:56/00:15:03

    Walk up as quick as possible - Cannot see how you can run this.
    I tried to push it coming down and fell and went over on my ankles a couple of times on the rocky sections, I think this held me back then on the heather where I should have been a lot quicker. I also felt pretty beat up from running down hill by this stage

    Stage 6 - Bike Two - 00:34:19

    I came off Croack Patrick in 18th spot, however I got lost on the last stage, missing a turn off and ended up taking a much longer route back to the finish, meaning I lost four spots.

    Was raging at the end of this.

    However all in all I was pretty happy.

    My goal beforehand was a top 20 which was easily achievable if I had not missed the turn on the last cycle.

    The bike mechancal was also a kick in the teeth as I believe that I could have been at least 10mins quicker on the bike, and a top 15 spot was easily achievable. All in all happy enough though...

    Cannot walk now though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,208 ✭✭✭shotgunmcos


    Sorry to hear you are not doing the worlds man, is this still the case? You have a high work ethic and I think you have plenty done. Perhaps planning your recovery strategy over the season will limit how often you feel goosed ;) Well done at GF man, that was a solid race and testament maybe to the level of fitness you have!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,186 ✭✭✭El Director


    Well done on GF dude, that was a solid performance. Tough luck on the bike problem and taking the wrong turn. After another year or two of tri's I am thinking of having an easy year, doing only 2/3 tri's and concentrating on something different like GF, it sounds and looks fun!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Cheers Lads,

    The main reason for not doing the Worlds Duathlons is cash. I havnt put the work into training that I would have loved to have done, so I can justify spending probably 500e just to take part. Unfortunately I dont have that sort of money burning a hole in my pocket at the minute. If i did I would probably go but I dont.

    Still happy with GFW, but was having a quick look at what I plan on doing over the next two months and still have quite a bit on the cards...

    The rough plan is

    11.09.10 - London Duathlon (20/80/10)
    25.09.10 - Wicklow Adventure Race
    17.10.10 - Austin, Texas 70.3 (1.9/90/21.1) Not certain yet though.
    Every other week I plan on doing a running race hopefully as my threshold session and to try and lower a few pb's in doing so. (mainly 10km from the look of runnerworld.co.uk but wouldnt mind squeezing in half marathon too)

    Things which I need to start doing are:

    * Start swimming again - AM sessions x 2 a week are a must to get fit again if I am racing the HIM in October (x2 min swims overall a week)

    * Running Races for threshold sessions, and learning how to hurt

    * Tuesday night Intervals (400/800s), Thursday night intervals/threshold - not sure what thursday sessions will be as I have to see what the other local club do on Thursdays

    * Long runs weekly (90-120mins)

    * Sunday morning spins with London Phoenix CC

    * Core work at home - 15mins x 4 days/week

    * Consistency throughout my training.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    If anyone has any adive, please post, as this is why I am keeping this blog - not just to log training cause I can do that myself - whether your a runner/cyclist/triathete I would love to hear from you. Thanks

    Its amazing how much those adventure races take out of you (or the mountain running element in particular). I could barely walk Sun-Tues this week, as my quads were completely blown. I could barely touch them.

    Needless to say I didnt get any real training done mid week, as was in recovery mode.

    Monday 23.08.10
    Nothing

    Tuesday 24.08.10
    Swim, PM, 45mins, first swim in 6 weeks. Not pleasant.

    Wednesday 25.08.10
    Cycle in/out of work, 25km, loosing the legs

    Thursday 26.08.10
    Nothing

    Friday 27.08.10
    Cycle in/out of work, 25km

    Saturday 28.08.10
    Bike - 2hr30mins very easy
    Run - 15min off the bike

    Sunday 23.08.10
    Bike - 4hr 15min with CC, 130km
    Run - 1hr easy

    *** The cycle on Sunday morning made me realise just how much GFW took out of me. I was really really struggling when normally I would consider myself one of the stronger ones. At times I was fighting to hold onto the back wheel, knowing that I was dropped that was me gone from the group. Was like a bike race I guess. Was glad once it was done as that was one tough spin.
    *** Easy 1hr run in the evening. Was tired, but more lacking any motivation, and its so hilly where I live that its very difficult to keep the HR low going up hills.

    Anyways. I have 3 big races (4hrs+ ish) in the next 7 weeks, and I know that to be honest I can only train and race one of them well. As these take so much out of you, and require so much time to recover.

    The calendar looks like:

    Sun 5 Sept 2010 - [B Goal]
    Either 10km race or 50mile TT

    Sat 11th Sept 2010 - [C Goal]
    London Duathlon - I entered this ages ago, and was stupid in doing so as it has no appeal to me, however I paid £100 in doing so, so I dont want to throw the money away. Its an 20km, 80km, 10 race. A friend of mine is over this weekend, and that Sat night will be a messy one for sure.
    My options are:
    * Man up do the race
    * Do first run, treat it as a half marathon, go hard and drop out at T1,
    * Do the 20km/80km and treat it as a tough training session, with the view to dropping out depending on how things go. Bearing in mind there will be no training on Sunday (possibly Monday!)

    Sun 19th Sept 2010 [B Goal]
    Hampstead 10km race

    Sat 25th Sept 2010 [A Goal]
    WAR Adventure Race
    Aim: Go hard and smash myself again: Min top 10 position

    Sun 3rd Oct 2010 [TBC]
    10km Race

    Sat 10th Oct 2010 [TBC]
    10km Race

    Sun 17th Oct 2010 [A Goal]
    Austin, Texas, 70.3 (HIM)
    Aim: sub 4hr 30mins (see how it goes! its hot in Texas!)
    Swim: <30mins
    Bike: <2hr30min
    Run: <1hr30min
    + loose change + T1/T2

    For this to be achievable I need to:

    * Start swimming again - AM sessions x 2 a week are a must to get fit again if I am racing the HIM in October (x2 min swims overall a week). Must start this week!

    * Running Races for threshold sessions, and learning how to hurt

    * Tuesday night Intervals (400/800s), Thursday night intervals/threshold - not sure what thursday sessions will be as I have to see what the other local club do on Thursdays

    * Long runs weekly (90-120mins)

    * Sunday morning spins with London Phoenix CC

    * Core work at home - 15mins x 4 days/week

    * Consistency/Perserverance/Dedication - Remembering the goal!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Monday 30.08.10

    Bank Holiday here. Just a long easy run during the afternoon. 1hr 30mins easy.

    Tuesday 31.08.10

    Commute in/out of work - 25km

    Run Intervals - I found my HR moniter strap after about 6 months there so I can start logging HR details again.
    My aim was not to go out to hard, and try to keep consistent throughout the session. Session was 8x800m with 1.30-1.45 min recovery. 800m w/u, c/d with stretching before.

    Time Avg. HR
    2.36 150HR avg.
    2.32 172HR avg.
    2.38 176HR avg.
    2.35 179HR avg.
    2.36 180HR avg.
    2.35 184HR avg.
    2.35 185HR avg.
    2.36 187HR avg.

    A 2.35.375 average for the 8 (Pretty happy with that - just under 3.15 km/min pace)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Wednesday 01.09.10

    Commute in/out of work - 25km

    Run - 45 mins easy

    Thursday 02.09.10

    Commute in/out of work - 25km

    Run - Swim - Run - 30min run to swimming, 60min swim (2nd swim in about 7 weeks or so. wasnt the most pleasant), 30min run home


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Friday 03.09.10

    Run - Run home from work, was pretty tough with a heavy backpack and felt it in the legs and the knees, 1hr, 12km or so.

    Saturday 04.09.10

    Bike - A solid 4hrs by myself, 120km. Legs felt decent - I didnt make it out for a run as was heading out that night.

    Sunday 05.09.10

    Plan was for 1hr 30min but was super tired so I just did a 40mins easy run

    All in all a decent week. Some thoughts:
    * I didnt get to a 10km race on Sunday unfortunately as I had to head out Saturday night
    * Swam - Got a swim in, although wasnt great, I know in a few weeks I will be close to where I was earlier in the summer
    * Bike - Commute 1hr x 3, 1 x 4hrs Spin
    * Run - 6runs, 1 x intervals (8x800) and 1 x long run roughly 70km
    * Need to start remembering to do core work - only did it once this week.

    Monday 06.09.10

    Run-Swim-Run - 30mins run to swimming, 60 mins squad session, 30mins run home.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Tuesday

    Commuting - 25km - 1hr
    Run - Intervals - Only abovut 5km or so - I was late as was stuck in work, and jumped in the third 400. I did 6 x 400 and 4 x 200 as I wasnt feeling great. Been pretty stressed with work the last fewe weeks. The first 5 x 400 were all 68/69s, and then 200 were 34/35 sec.

    Wednesday

    I was in work late so missed a session

    Thursday

    I had planned to run to work, but was too tired and had no motivation.

    75 mins run home, 15km or so.

    The plan for tomorrow is to swim in the evening and then on Sat I am either doing a 10km race, or if that is full a 10mile race. Hope to knock out a 36 something for the 10km, considering I did a poorly paced 37.09 on very tired legs a while back.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Friday 10.09.10

    Swim - 75mins in evening

    Nothing Saturday/Sunday/Monday

    Tuesday 14.09.10

    Swim - 60mins in Main Set: 100mod,50hard x 10 on 3mins

    Wednesday 15.09.10

    Run - 60min run home

    Thursday 16.09.10

    Run-Swim-Run - 30mins run easy to/from swimming
    Swim: 75mins
    w/u: 500 easy mix, 4 x 50 k/fs, 100 pull, 4 x 50 k/fs, 200 back
    main: (75 on 1.20 w/ 2nd 25 drill, 50 easy on 60, 25 hard on 35)x10
    Some other bits too... Total = 3200m


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Friday 17.09.10

    Was pretty tired after work so just took easy Friday night - no training

    Saturday 18.09.10

    Bike - 3hrs solid on the bike, 90km
    Swim - 1h15min; 3000m
    Run - Was tired and after a trip to Decathlon I didnt feel like running

    Sunday 19.09.10

    Bike - 3hrs 45mins on the bike, 100+km
    Run - Easy 40mins in the evenings

    All in all it was a decent weeks training...

    Thoughts:
    * Swim - x3 times; starting to feel better again
    * Bike - x2 spins; feeling solid on both and good running sunday evening
    * Core - Some core work although need to start doing more
    * Probably close to 14hrs with 2 days off, and over 8hrs on sat/sun and still feel fresh

    Next week is just going to be a super easy week in the run up to WAR on Saturday. Really looking forward to smashing myself. There has been some OK training between GFW and WAR, but did miss a couple of races unfortunately.

    The London Duathlon turned out to be on a Sunday not a Saturday as I had previously thought, so I couldnt do it as some friends were over and were having a house party... Wasnt to dissappointed to be honest, more annoying though when you pay for an entry and then dont show up... I dont like that!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    I didnt do any training this week, as I was working late most nights.

    Monday 20.09.2010
    Nothing

    Tuesday 21.09.2010
    Nothing

    Wednesday 22.09.2010
    Nothing

    Thursday 23.09.2010
    Cycle in/out of work, 25km

    Friday 24.09.2010
    Nothing

    Saturday 25.09.2010

    Saturday I was racing WAR. I borrowed a bike for the event but due to not having an allen key I couldnt get the saddle up, and I only got it done about 5mins before the start of the long race. I wasnt changed or have any of my nutrition ready so I decided that I would just do the Sport instead.

    This was starting to look like GFW all over again.

    Anyways I felt a bit lame doing the sport, no offence to anyone but shouldnt have been doing it as it wasnt a real challenge for me. Having said that however I did manage to get lost running down the first run, and ended up at the top of Shay Elliot climb, and ended up running down the road and back to transition that way. I had a wicked stitch and stopped a fre times (probably because of the sandwich I had before the race which was stupid!).
    I went from 1st to 15th, but had caught the lead man by the river crossing but I didnt know till I got back to transition.

    I win is a win however, and this is the first race which I have won.

    Sunday 26.09.2010

    Bike - 2.5hrs mountain biking

    Monday 27.09.2010

    Nothing

    Tuesday 28.09.2010

    Wednesday 29.09.2010

    Run - 1hr run home from work in the rain, 12km.
    My hamstring is a little funny after the race on Saturday.

    Hopefully going to have a sit down and write some goals for the next few weeks or so.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,208 ✭✭✭shotgunmcos


    well done on the win champ, you set top10 as an A goal and smashed that! Yeah you can only race who shows up even if its well within you. Kudos for getting the lead back after getting lost! Hows the prep going for Texas?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Thursday 30.09.10
    Commute - 25km on the bike.
    Run - Swim - Run - 30mins run to and from swimming (1hr session). For the life of me I cannot remember the set but I was there. Still swimming like an absolute brick.

    Friday 01.10.10

    Run - 1hr run home from work

    Saturday 02.10.10

    Bike - AM - 3hrs by myself
    Swim - 1hr after cycle - 1hr 15mins - Lots of 1 arm Fly/Back/BS. Still felt like a complete brick in the water.

    Sunday 03.10.10

    AM - 1hrs swim/1hr 10min run. Swim m/s 200f/s pull, 8x25 build/sprint, 200f/s pull, 4x50 build on 3.30,45,3.30,60 x 2

    * It was a solid enough week training wise considering I missed Mon/Tue. Starting to feel like winter with it being dark heading home in the evening now. Only session which I didnt do this week was the club 7am cycle this morning which I do and dont regret. The rainfall radar lied and I went swimming instead but realistically my bike/run are not going to improve before Austin 70.3 on Sunday week.

    * Looking forward to winter training now, and getting back into things. I really need to start hitting the specific sessions and not just runs here and there home from work but intervals sessions for example. Going to start setting spefic goals and weekly training and stick it up on my wall, otherwise I am just going to be staying still when I want to be moving forward. Hoping to try and make getting out on the bike Sat/Sun a weekly thing from now on (after my holiday and weather depending of course). I will also always do at lease 1 x swim a week to avoid what I am experiencing now.

    * The plan for this week is (hopefully!):
    Mon - Bike In/Out Work; Run-Swim-Run
    Tues - Bike In/Out Work; Run Intervals (Maybe try a new club)
    Wed - Bike In/Out Work; TBC
    Thurs - Bike In/Out Work; AM: 1.45 - 2hr run
    Fri - Bike In/Out Work; Swim
    Sat - Bike In/Out Work; Bike, Swim, Run (maybe 10km race)
    Sun - Bike In/Out Work; TBC

    * Entered Austin 70.3 in two weeks. To be honest I am just doing it to enjoy it. Dont even have a bike sorted for it but hoping to rent one. Should be good!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Good start to the week so far:

    Monday 04.10.10
    Commute In/Out of Work - 35km
    Run-Swim-Run: 30mins run each way to & from swimming.
    Starting to feel better in the water again now:
    w/u: 500 mix, 8x25 k/fs, 2x200 pull breathing every 4/5th stroke
    m: 15x100 off 1.45

    Tuesday 05.10.10
    Commute In/Out of Work - 35km
    Went running with a new club this evening and paid a visit to the hurt box. It was only myself and another lad doing a threshold session, as some of the other were doing a 10mile 7min/mile pace run.
    We did 20min/15mins/10mins @ threshold with 3min jog recovery. I wasnt wearing a HR monitor but I was nearly hallocinating on the last rep. Fupped now, but this is what I need and what is in store from now on.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Wednesday 06.10.10
    Commute In/Out of Work - 25km

    Thursday 07.10.10
    Commute In/Out of Work - 25km
    AM - Was supposed to be a 1hr 30mins + run before work but I just couldn't get up. Really really need to start pulling the finger out, and harden up.
    PM - Decided to go to the new running club again tonight (Mornington Chasers), and did 15-20min w/u & c/d and 5x1km on the track with 2min jog recovery (Times: 3.19,3.24,3.15,3.21,3.27).

    * The legs were feeling tired especially after Tuesdays session. I dont think that I can handle two full hard sessions per week just yet, but will try and build up to it.

    Friday 08.10.10
    Commute In/Out of Work - 25km
    PM - Swim - 70mins - 3000m
    w/u - 200fs, 200bk, 200fs
    main - 12 x 75 on 1.20 (25drill, 25 Distance Per Stroke, 25 swim)
    24 x 50m on 65 in blocks of 3 (50 easy, 50 medium, 50 hard)
    c/d - 300 m easy

    * The swiimming is starting to get back there but probably need another few weeks before Austin 70.3 which I dont have.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Saturday 09.10.10
    Toyed with the idea of a 3hr bike ride, but was too tired and just decided to sleep in and go for a 45min swim later on.
    Out drinking most of the day/night - not a good taper for Austin next Sunday

    Sunday 10.10.10
    Hungover most of the day, or more exhaustion.
    PM - Run - 45mins very easy run to try loosen the limbs up.
    10min of core work/push ups.

    * Overall a solid enough weekend even if there wasnt much training done over the weekend. It wouldn't matter either way as all the work is done now, and all that is left to do is to try and get myself in as good as shape as possible for Sunday morning 7.55am when my wave is off.

    * Plan for this week is: Swim x2, Easy Run, Cycle in/out to work


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Ironman Austin 70.3

    Well I cannot remember exactly what I did in the week in the run up to Ironman Austin 70.3, but I know that I cycled in and out to work, swam maybe once and ran once too in preparation for the race.

    I was only ever doing this race for fun since I was in Austin when it was on and had no real expectations for the race itself, only to try enjoy it and experience racing overseas which is something new to me. I know I set times before but these were long since thrown out the window in my head.

    Friday 15.10.2010

    Flew out to Dallas on Friday afternoon and then onto Austin, Tx. I got into Austin around 10pm and got picked up by my mate at the airport where we headed to a friend´s of his apartment for some pre drinking or pre gaming as they say in the US. Although I only had a few beers on Friday night, I didnt get to bed till 3am US time, which translated to 9am UK time, meaning I had been up for 24hrs straight before falling asleep on one of my mate´s friend´s couch.

    Saturday 16.10.2010

    After 5 hours sleep I headed out to register for the race, and after that picked up the bike which I was borrowing for the race. Unfortunately I quickly knew that this race was not going to be much fun with the heat. At night it tends to be cool, but once the sun is up its just HOT!

    After registration I had time to kill while waiting for my mate to come and pick me up. I found it interesting to observe how people in the US behave compared to those back home. Most people were fully kitted out in the Ironman branded gear, possible the most conspicuous clothes you could imagine. Personally I have no interest in anything like that, and the only thing which I would wear would be my club gear. Prehaps I am just more humble, but I have no interest in telling anyone that I do Ironman, or even triathlons etc or what not. I do it as a challenge and that´s that, simply out of my own interests. Also everyone, of all sizes racing seemed to shave their legs!

    Sunday 17.10.2010

    I got out to the race site nice and early and had plenty of time before the start. The organisation of the race, and busing the competitors and spectators to the start was a smooth operation.

    I was pretty impressed though that when they were playing the US national anthem before the start of the PRO waves, they had some skydive in and then parachute with a massive USA flag behind him, floating over the lake. Awesome music as well, with an equally impressive commentator rallying all the troops. The male pros were just exiting the swim, as we were entering, them starting 25mins before our start time.

    5123666212

    Swim 43:12 - Not my best effort!

    I borrowed a wetsuit from a mate of mine before the race, and he warned me about the zip of his wetsuit and to be careful zipping it up. Despite me telling this to the guy who zipped my wetsuit up 5 mins before the start he still managed to rip it clean off.

    Unfortunately it meant I had to man up and swim without a wetsuit. I didnt help that I was wearing a real loose cycling top underneath. All I was thinking about that was the lovely big pockets acting like parachutes through the water. I knew I was slow while swiming, and slow I was. Just happy as always to get out of the water as soon as possible though.

    5123666264

    *** I know now from stopping swimming competely in July to starting again in mid September that I need to swim minimum 3 per week for 6-8 weeks if I am to get swim-fit or as good as I can really get!

    *** I need to practice open water - apart from the races which I did this year, I didnt swim once in open water - I zig-zag-ed most the swim, swiming more to my stronger side as always, which I must remember for future

    T1 03:40

    I took my time as always. I need to invest in some triathlon shoes. A must for this year. Putting your feet in cycling shoes is just daft and a waste of time.

    Bike 02:40:47

    I went to hard in the first hour of the bike and suffered at the end big time. I probably drank too much and needed to stop for a pee twice, as for a race just for fun, I definately was not going to try and pee while cyling or down my leg.

    I found the heat too at the end of the bike, taxing and probably dehydrated myself a little too towards the end, as I found myself without any liquids for a while. Also my bike was killing me, from riding a new bike and a slightly different position to my own road bike.I was also bored out of my mind! Texas countryside is a boring as it gets. Give me Co.Wicklow anytime.

    5123666334

    *** I need to ride my TT bike more, I have only ridden it during races this year due to the fact that I have been racing at home, and it too expensive but mainly too much of an effort to bring it over and back again.

    *** Get out on more cycling club spins more... stop being so lazy, and do more. I used to be out like clockwork on our Saturday morning club spin, one of about maybe 4 people who would always be there rain, hail or snow, but since moving to London I have gotten lazy. Things are going to change from 1st November I tell you!

    *** Buy triathlon shoes

    T2 02:23

    Run 01:49:15

    I suffered big time on the run. I found the heat immensely difficult to run in, and found to difficult to take in fluids while running without getting a stomach cramp. I walked through a lot of the aid stations which were amazing and tried to eat some cookies and take on some fluids at most.
    Most of the run was cross country however there was no shade, and no cloud cover. The temp was over 30 degrees and I really suffered. I also had to stop for a **** on the 2nd lap, and had to walk before as I thought that I may actually **** myself, which wasnt much fun.

    The support on the run was simply amazing. There were so many people out cheering you on, like nothing I have ever experienced in Ireland. I think that is because so many more average, larger, or people who come from a non sporting background race, and bring out there families and friends, as this is such a massive achievement for them. Alot of the races at home I just rock up with some friends and race. This sort of thing keeps you going when you felt ****, and also kind of made you feel like a rockstar. The cheerleaders at the aid station were a welcome bonus also, and encouraged you to pick it up while running through!

    5123666498

    *** If I am going to race longer races, I need to stop fupping about and traing properly for them. I think that I may have done 2-3 long runs at most since Gael Force West, and even only 2 long runs in preperation for that

    *** Need to practice starting running slightly empty and practice taking in fluids and food while on the move (if I were to do HIM/IM in the future)

    *** Longer intervals: 1mile to 2 km reps are really important as well as strength work from running hills.

    Total 05:19:15

    Photos would not upload but the links are:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/43931090@N00/5123666212/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/43931090@N00/5123666264/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/43931090@N00/5123666334/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/43931090@N00/5123666498/


    My observations

    *** I had ambitions of racing longer at some stage, but during the race all I could think of how boring this was for me, and unenjoyable. Athough I did find it boring, and I do think that I prefer adventure races out of everything, I still think that I want to race IMs at some stage in the future.

    I didnt apply myself fully toward this race, I didnt set goals for myself to work towards, I was only doing it, in my head as a new experience racing overseas and that it coincided with where I was going on holidays whether it was on or not, and importantly I knew no-one else racing this race adding to the lack of motivation.

    I think its this combination that made me think that this was boring and unenjoyable, where as if factors were different I know I would have a different ideology. After all I didnt find the two other previous HIMs which I have done unenjoyable or boring.

    *** I know need to learn to suffer and hurt more, which I already know. I didnt feel as fupped after this race as I have previously have in the past, and this how I want to feel after ever race. The above reasons would also have impact on this however.

    *** I know what I would like to achieve, I know what I need to do to get there, and I am now starting to get annoyed at myself for not fully applying myself and trying to do this. I feel that I am ready to turn a new leaf in this respect.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,830 ✭✭✭catweazle


    Good report Snacks, I have been told that I had to try an American Ironman once as no-one does them better. Certainly sounds like a showbiz event anyways


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,186 ✭✭✭El Director


    Well done man. It's gas the lack of prep and training you put in and yet you still post a very reasonable time. I wouldn't beat yourself up too much or get too annoyed. You are a very good runner and cyclist, so loads of potential, best of all you know it too-no need for me to tell you. Nov 1st is the date I start back serious training too, and the big thing for me is making sure I get in 3 quality swim sessions per week.

    Sometimes when I am low on motivation I just think of those who cannot do what we do and I think how lucky I am and that I should push myself to be the best I can be. A bit corny I know but it usually works!

    Good luck with the training dude.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Cheers Lads,

    It was certainly an experience, but was also steep in price at $300 compared to races at home. Something to be considered. I am not sure what European events are like but I imagine that they are equally special.

    2nd of November is day I am back training after two weeks holidays R&R.

    There is fire in the belly and I am looking forward to it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Its been tough going since I started back training, and didnt really get into it till mid November. A couple of mates were over the first two weekend in November and carnage ensued.

    The last two weeks however have been solid though, and I just need to keep the consistency now

    Week - Monday 15th November

    Monday - Run/Swim/Run
    I tend to run a lot to swimming as the only other option is to cycle. This tends to be efficient with my time though, as alot of my commuting is dead time and I dont consider to benefit me unless it a reasonable lenth of distance
    Run-25mins,5km; Swim-60min,2500m; Run,7km,35mins
    Commute - 12.5km, 30mins

    Tuesday - Run
    Back running with my new club. Probably not my ideal session but an easy one to introduce me back into running.
    Main: 30s h, 30s e, 30s h, 30s e, 60s h, 60s e, 60s h, 60s e, 2m h, 2m, 3m h, 3m e and back down again
    Run - 60mins, 12km
    Commute - 12.5km, 30mins

    Wednesday - Run
    Run home from work - 1hr 20mins, 16km

    Thursday - Nothing
    Working late
    Commute - 25km, 60mins

    Friday - Nothing
    Working late

    Saturday - Run/Swim/Run
    Similar to Monday's session, main set was 12x50 on 60s, 5 x 200 on 3.45, 12 x 50 on 60s; 3200m total

    Sunday - Bike
    Out with my club for an early 7.15am spin. Good spin though as first time I have been on thee bike in a while. Lots of practice chasing the breakaways, hill sprints, race etc... all good fun

    Totals:
    Swim: x2, 5700m,
    Bike: x1, 110km, around 75km commuting
    Run: x4, around 50km

    Week - Monday 22nd November

    Monday - Run/Swim Run
    2hrs
    Commute: 25km, 1hr

    Tuesday - Run
    Run w/2 lads from the club, threshold around regents park, 4.4km, in about 16.30, and 2 x 1km reps afte Pretty shattered after
    Commute: 25km, 1hr

    Wednesday - Nothing
    Quite tired so I took it easy, roughly 15mins of core work

    Thursday - Run
    Run with club, 2 x 12mins of hill reps, about up 8 times in total and jog down after each one
    Commute: 25km, 1hr

    Friday - Run
    Run into work, 12km, 1hr
    Pints after work and Burger King

    Saturday - Run/Swim/Run
    Similar to last week
    Swim main: 3x(200 off 4min, 100 off 2min, 50 hard, 50 kick, 100 easy), bringing the 200 in, in about 3.15-3.20 and similar for 100's

    Sunday - Run
    Unfortunately it is was too cold for a spin, and I nearly died of finger frost bite just cycling down to the running club
    Easy 1hr 35mins run, mainly on concrete unfortunately, around 18km or 11miles
    Commute: 15km, 35mins

    Another decent week, just unfortunate about thee weather no allowing me to get out on the bike.

    Totals:
    Swim: x2, 5500m,
    Bike: around 100km commuting
    Run: x6, around 70-75km

    The plan is to try and keep the training just ticking over till XMas, and hopefully the weather will be OK over thee break and allow a big bike bonanza, and a decent training week otherwise it will be the turbo once more.

    Hopefully will do a couple of race before XMas to keep my focus.
    12 December - 12km - Possiblee Trail Run Race
    18 December - Stevenage XC Race
    21 December - T30 Swim Test - Aim is 1800m or, sub 1.40m/100m


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Alittle bit of disjointed training week with the weather playing some havoc, and a trip home at the weekend.

    Week - Monday 29th November

    Monday
    Commute in/out of work - 25km
    Run/Swim/Run - 1hr running total, 12km & roughly a 2800m swim set.
    Main was 3x300 on 3.30, 3x100 pull on 1.50, 2x200 on 3.30, 2x100pull on 1.50, 1x200 on 3.30, 100pull on 1.50. Probably the first time that I felt OK in the water again and getting back towards swimming of 1.45 comfortably again

    Tuesday
    Run - 1hr - 60mins - Tuesday was pretty horrible weather size so I decided to take it easy, and I also had to be home early to help out my housemate so skipped intervals as I didnt feel like hanging around work to wait for it.

    Wednesday
    Run - Missing one of my planned 2 per week hard running session I decided to do a hills session. 15min jog w/u, 2x15min hills reps w/2min recovery, 15min c/d jog
    Working hard on these an HR reaching 185 at the top and recovering back to 135 by start.
    Felt like a good session, and something I will try do a least fortnightly to keep the form up.

    Thursday
    Swim - Skipped the run this evening as I want to keep up minimum 2 swims a week so that I can get my form back again
    1hr15min total; main: 8x50 on 60s, 400f/s on 7.15, 6x50 on 60s, 300 f/s 5.45, 4x50 on 60s bringing these in under 45s, 200 f/s 4x25 sprints on 40s, 100 f/s. Felt good and strong today, and importantly could feel it in my lats after, as I really wanted to push myself.

    Friday
    Nothing
    Realistically if I was organised I probably could have left my stuff in work and run in, but it wasnt to be and still very icy.
    Flew home

    Saturday
    Bike - 3hrs on the mtb on the roads around Dublin - nearly 60km, and 650m of climbing. Going to build up a new mtb and bring it over to London to train on for something different hopefully in the new year.
    Cycling back down from Viewpoint at the end of the spin, was probably the coldest my feet and hands have ever been on a bike. I couldnt take my own shoes off once i got home and spent 20mins trying to warm my hands and feet up after.

    Sunday
    Hangover after the club party, 1.30 clearing ice and snow from the drive way.

    Got my session in tonight again, with the usual 1hr swim/1hr run


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Monday 6th December 2010

    Monday
    Run/Swim/Run - Typical Monday night session for me, 12km running, 2500m swimming. lots of sprints and threshold of swimming - 400m tt, 4 x 100 spr on 2.30, 8 x 50 on 75s, 16 x 25 spr on 35s. The 400m was brought in in about 6.30, and the 100's on 1.30-1.32

    Tuesday
    Commute in/out 25km
    Run Intervals 5x1km efforts with 90secs rest.

    I should not have trained on Tuesday, and didnt listen to my body after a tiring weekend and an early start on Monday morning. I as a result (although not suree if not training would have resulted in me being OK) I picked up probably on of the worst cold/flu I have had in a long time. I have a had terrible cough all week, and still no sign of it clearing!

    Just desperate to get back traininig now, after my extended break/holiday, and then this flu!

    Lesson to be learnt - which I should already know by now - Listen to you body


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Monday 13th December 2010

    This week has been a complete write off unforunately!
    This is probably the worst cold I have had in a long, but I guess it would have been worse if it came over XMas.

    No training of any kind this week, and still carry a cough although it is getting better, but I really struggle to breath without coughing while outside. It will probably be Wednesday before I get back to some sort of training, which will be two weeks exactly of no training. I feel like I have done nothing the last two months really, and just wasted any fitness I had built up before that. Hopefully get a good 10 days training in while at home over XMas/NY.

    The only light is that, I guess it reminds how much you miss the training and racing, that there is still fire in the belly, and when you do get back to it, for your goals are there if you want it!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Unfortunately I was sick right up until Christmas with the worst cough I probably ever have had, which annyoyingly meant no training.

    I did however manage some training over Christmas however I didnt get as much in as I would have hopped for to be honest. Still is was a start however.

    Friday 24.12.2010
    Flight was 7hrs delay, no training

    Saturday 25.12.2010
    45min easy run, 9km

    Sunday 26.12.2010
    45min easy run, 9km
    30mins core

    Monday 27.12.2010
    40mi easy run, 8km
    30mins core
    2hr turbo

    Tuesday 28.12.2010
    2hr 45min mtb around phoenix park

    Wednesday 29.12.2010
    2hrs football - this really messed me up for the rest of the week, as I seriously could not run or really lift my legs after. Different muscules used in a different way is not good!

    Thursday 30.12.2010
    3hrs on mtb, focusing on lots of hills
    20mins core

    Friday 31.12.2010
    3hrs bike around the lakes
    20mins core

    Saturday 01.01.2011
    Such a bad hangover
    20mins core

    Sunday 02.01.2011
    2hr mountain run, 20km
    20mins core

    Towards the end of the week I picked up yet another cold. I actually did my long run on Sunday with the cold, as I said fupp it, I am not missing anymore days.

    I have a thought about my goals and plans for next year, but not a serious chance to put them all down on paper, bar jotting some ideas here and there. Come Sunday I will hopefully have planned out the season, and how I plan on achieving my goals and will post up come then. I am looking forward to it, but I am not feeling great or too confident that I am heading in the right direction at the minute, but I just got to remember "that its there if I want it."


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 438 ✭✭snack_ie


    Just a quick update... Been sick the last week again so training hasnt been to good.

    Monday 03.01.11
    Nothing too much to do, and slept in to late... Had to striip down my MTB.
    Also feeling **** - hence the reason I did not get up

    Tuesday 04.01.11
    Nothing - Feeling Sick, Cough

    Wednesday 05.01.11
    Run - Very Easy 1h15mins, very bad coughing episode after

    Thursday 061.01.11
    Nothing, feeling like ****

    Friday 07.01.11
    Nothing, feeling like ****

    Saturday 08.01.11
    AM: Bike - 3hr15min easy, as slight cough
    PM: 30mins easy run

    Sunday 091.01.11
    AM: 2hr30min easy bike
    PM: 45mini easy run

    Monday 10.01.11
    Cycle in/out to work - 25km
    Run-Swim-Run, 1hr run, 1hr swim (2800m)

    Tuesday 11.01.11
    Swim/Run, 1hr,30mins (2800m)

    Wednesday 12.01.11
    Nothing

    Starting to get back into the swing of things although still not feeling super... still have a slight cough unfortunately though.


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