A Rebels Marathon/Duathlon/Triathlon Dream

CorkonianRebel

Its the start of a New Year so I have decided to dream big and hopefully do at least one or hopefully all of the the above! I am in my 30s and only started running short races (4-5 Mile Ones) last year. I am fairly slow but like running a lot and managed to complete my first Half-Marathon last year even though I had a calf injury.It took me over 2 hours.It was annoying as I felt quite good but couldn't push hard and fast because of the calf injury.I was just glad I completed it!

I have only just learned to swim last year so my swimming will need a lot of practice!

I got a new road bike recently and a trainer so I am ready to go either indoors or outdoors!

I do Kung Fu 3 times a week already so it will be tough trying to do everything but my main goal is to do the Cork City Marathon.Anything else will be a bonus! It will be nice to log all my training here and hopefully keep me motivated.

All systems go for the coming year!!

insinkerator

All things going well, I'll be seeing you the start line for the marathon Good luck!:D

CorkonianRebel

I had a good night tonight. It was good to get back running after the Christmas break! I warmed up for 5 mins then ran a mile fast (well fast for me, crawling by other peoples standards!) and then jogged for quarter of a mile.I did this 3 times and then kept going until I did 4.5 Miles in all.It was tough as it was the first one of the year but a good thing is that I didn't stop at all.Then I went on to Kung Fu class for the best part of 2 hours so all in all it was a good start to the year.

So I did 4.50 Miles in 47 Mins with Avg. Pace of 10.25 Min/Mile.

KoemansCC

Best of luck, you're opening post sounds very like me this time last year...except for the Kung fu, I'll be following this log...

CorkonianRebel

I didn't get to go for any run tonight as I had a special class in Kung Fu where I had to do 500 Kicks and 1000 punches as well as regular class.So I think that will do well for leg strength anyway! I will normally go for a run before class but between late finishing work, tired from yesterday and a special class I decided to not do it. I don't want to push myself too much too soon after Christmas but tomorrow I will definitely be hitting the pavement!


Thanks KoemansCC and Insinkerator for the encouragement by the way!

CorkonianRebel

I went for a 6 Mile run tonight and feel great having done it! I decided to listen to my Ipod as I was running tonight as I find it good to have it sometimes and then not others.My legs were a bit heavy starting out but once I got into a flow they were ok, that is, until I finished !:D

Theres nothing like when you are feeling tired and then Voodoo People comes on to give you a lift! The good thing is that I didn't have to stop but I won't be breaking any speed records. A guy flew past me and it felt like I was on a conveyor belt going backwards!!!

So I did 6 Miles in 1hr 3 mins with Avg. Pace of 10.31

CorkonianRebel

I was out for my run tonight just settling into it when a car pulls up and a guy hops out and runs at me.I was focused on beginning my run and as he was a skinhead running at me, I thought it was going to be fight ! Then he explained he was late for an indoor football game and was looking for a local gym.I managed to give him directions which is hard when you are totally focused on running! So this little incident cost me time and I tried to pick up the pace from then on.

This seemed to make me go faster from my weird sense of injustice from being slowed up for a while so I ended up doing

4 Miles in 40 minutes with an Avg. Pace of 10.07.

Its good for my standards as I reckon I was about a minute maybe more talking to him.I "felt" better running tonight than the 2 previous times which I hope is a good sign.I was sprinting at the end and it was good to finish strong.

CorkonianRebel

Today was another day of Kung Fu with 500 Kicks and 1000 punches and regular clases which all took 3 hours so I decided today would be a rest day from running!

I got my new bike out for its maiden spin to get used to it and just went for a quick 10k/6 mile ride which took 30mins and the bike is great! Tomorrow I will go out for a longer spin on it.

I'm hoping to go for a run tomorrow too but it will depend on how I feel after the cycle. I hope to at least do a small bit of running even if I am tired to keep the great start to this week. I am finally going running more consistently and now I will be throwing in the cycling. It's been a good start so far to 2012!!

CorkonianRebel

I went out today properly on my new bike and went for a long ride. It was the longest ride I have ever done so that was good! I did 25.3 Miles/41 K and I was surprised i was able to do it.It was very tough but at least the weather was okay and I just kept on going.

I was hoping to do a run as I said yesterday but I thought I should quit while I am ahead as that cycle was very hard and I need time to recover for this week coming.

So I did 25.3 Miles/41K in 1Hr 47 Mins.

I am not sure if thats a good or bad time but I am happy as it was my first long ride and I feel good having completed it. I managed to do a top speed of 51km/h at one stage although that was on a downhill gradient!

Killerz

Best of luck with your goal. Might be worth building in a few shorter races as stepping stones towards the marathon in July. For example do a 10k in Feb, 10 mile in March and half marathon in mid April or something like that (Cork is June Bank Hol IIRC?). You can check on your progress at those intervals and plan for Cork accordingly. It will help your motivation having something to aim at through the darker nights of late winter too!

CorkonianRebel

Thanks Killerz! Yes I def intend to do shorter races as I will always naturally go all out in a race compared to a training session.I am already looking forward to a few races and planning which to do.

I didn't do any training tonight as I went for my cycle a bit late in the day yesterday and am still tired today.I plan to do it earlier in the day to give myself longer to recover in future.

I realised also that I did something every day last week so I deserve a day off! Though If I feel OK, I will train away as I believe in as long as I am able, I should do something. Its only on days like this where I am a bit drained that I will take a day off.I think If I had gone for the cycle in the morning instead of late afternoon, I would have been fine today to go for a run so its all about just tweaking my training times.

I should be ready to go at it again tomorrow night!!

CorkonianRebel

I finished work very late today which was annoying so I didn't get to go on my run.I would normally not run tomorrow so I will do todays run then instead.I did manage to get to Kung fu class so at least I managed to do that!

Mental note....Have to make sure I finish work earlier by making sure desk is cleared in future!!

CorkonianRebel

Today was a good day even though it started out bad as I had a slight twinge in my right hamstring so I was stretching it out all day at work.It felt better as the day went on so when I finished work, I was off out running.

I would normally do this session yesterday and it was the one where I jog for a quarter of a mile then go as fast as I can for a mile and I repeated this twice more.I am pleased because it was one of those days where I wanted to stay on the couch!

I was slow starting out as I was still not in the mood but then settled into my rhythm and just ran away. Its strange because every time I always start out slow and then seem to get more and more into my flow.My hamstring felt fine during it and I did 4 miles in all. Its a good feeling after completing the target and I was concentrating on going faster than I have been before on the mile section.I will only get better if I push myself hard each time.

So I did 4 Miles in 39m 25s with Avg. Pace of 9.52.

This is a 35s improvement on the 6/1 session and I am happy as I didn't even feel great starting out!

Then I went onto Kung Fu class where I had regular class then another special one where this week we up the amount and I had to do 600 Kicks and 2000 punches.I think the running helps it and it helps the running as the cross training is good when you use different muscles in each.

Today I was thinking about my swimmimg too and need to get that going soon so hopefully I will get that sorted out.The nights are getting brighter too which is good as it opens up the option of going for a cycle after or before the run although I will keep the main outdoor cycle for the weekend when I have more time. Putting lights on and making sure I am seen on the road seems like too much hassle and I have to start using my Cycle Trainer anyway. I am hoping to start using it tomorrow night or definitely next week.

My twinge in my leg is still there but I think it will go away in its own time as I felt fine running and didnt even notice it. I am looking forward to tomorrow nights training so thats a good sign!

CorkonianRebel

I decided to take a rest day as I think yesterday was a very tough day and the good thing is that my hamstring twinge has virtually gone away. Hopefully tomorrow I can get some more running and maybe cycling in if I finish work early.

Its weird as I got the runkeeper email saying a new record for running and its only when I think about it that I realised that its only now I am running consistently. Before I would go for a run up to 5 miles and then do nothing for a week or two and think I was doing great! I am only 12 days into the new year and barely done much yet I feel fitter already.

I am still thinking of my swimming and have to get that going soon as I said yesterday. I could run and cycle now and get by but swimming would be extremely weak so I want to try and address that in the coming weeks. I need to be doing it a couple of times a week to get more relaxed doing it.

CorkonianRebel

Well, thankfully my hamstring twinge has completely disappeared so as it was Friday and work over for another week I prepared for a good run! I decided that tonight would be a hill run as I wanted to test myself and make a change from the usual gradients that I run. It usually has a slight gradient but tonight was going to be one that had steep hills.From runkeeper the elevation goes from 120 feet to 262 feet!!

As usual I started out not wanting to do it which is the way I seem to start evey run I do!! Then I got going and off I went.It turned out out to be a great run as I felt very good throughout it.It might have been that I did nothing yesterday as I only meant to do 6 miles but ended up doing 6.5 miles.I felt like I could have kept going which is great as I was doing these hills and didn't have to stop at all going up them.

I had to will myself to stop as last year in preparing for the half marathon I over did it one day and did way more than planned.Then I had to rest for a few days and it threw all my plans out.I realised that its vital to stick to the plan that you have and not over do it.

So I did 6.5 Miles in 1hr 10 mins with Avg. Pace of 10.47 which I am very happy with as it was all hills.Roll on the weekend now!

CorkonianRebel

Another good day today!

I started out with Kung Fu class where I had to do 600 Kicks and 2000 punches yet again and then regular class after that.It will be going up in amount again next week.......Uh oh!

Then later on I went for another run. My legs felt very tired before I started and I think it was a combination of all the kicks from class and the hilly run the day before. It was very windy and cold and made me want to go back to a warm fire! This was a different route to the ones I have used this year and I thought it might be good to change up the routine and I wanted to try and do a fast time.

So off I went and I don't know why but there were a lot of cyclists around. Not all together but all individually riding along which is always nice to see.I was thinking that when halfway through the run, a cyclist stopped and asked me for directions.This is the second time this year its happened ....I must have that kind of friendly face!!

My goal today was to do 6 miles in under an hour. I know this is very slow for most(if not all!!) people but I am normally just over an hour if I do 6 miles.I think I am getting into the habit of running now as I feel a lot fitter than I have been before and its only been 2 weeks! I am happy to say that I did the run in under an hour so its a little win for me!

So I did 6 Miles in 59m 36s with Avg. Pace of 9.55

On 5/1, I did 6 miles in 1h 3 mins so it means I knocked off 3 and a half mins since then which is a good improvement. Its good as well as I felt tired doing it but still improved!

CorkonianRebel

As today was a sunday and I had the whole day to use, I decided to try and test myself a bit more.I had a lovely lie in as it beats getting up at 5.30 in the morning for work! So I was rested, ready to get going and felt good.I got out my bike that I love riding and decided to ride out as far as I could get in 30 mins and then ride back home.It was still very cold and I made sure I was ready to venture out in it.

This time though the wind was against me going out but I think thats better as I was fresh.It felt nice to get out on the bike again as even though it was cold and windy it was nice to be outside.I was surprised how far I got in 30 mins and then immediately turned around to go back.The good thing is that the wind was with me going back but the route seemed steeper.There was a hill that I had to stop on while going up last week and I was determined not to let it beat me so I managed to keep going! It took me a little longer going back too from the hills.

So I did 14.04 Miles/22.6Km in 1hr 6 mins.

When I got back home I got ready to go out running.I wasn't rushing as I didn't have everything ready but I didn't delay in the transition either.I might start having everything ready in future so I can go straight away but this was only to test me in cycling and running outdoors on the same day.

I went off running and again it was bitterly cold with a strong wind.It was very tough as I was tired already but I kept going without stopping and ended up running 4 miles/6.4km and it felt good to finish!

So I did 4 miles/6.4km in 42m 34s with Avg. Pace of 10.38

All in all a great day in my own mini-duathlon It was good to push myself and do both in the same day.I had a good weekend!

bobster453

Hi CorkonianRebel,
What style of Kung Fu are you doing?

CorkonianRebel

Hi Bobster453,
We do a bit of everything really.Animal styles,Empty hand,internal and weapons.Its tough training in it as well as doing all the running and cycling!

I had yesterday off due to various issues such as work and stuff I had to take care of! Maybe it was just as well because I was tired after sunday.Today I went for a run where I tried to run as quick as I could for 3 Miles to see if I am improving my speed.It felt like i had never ran before and I think it was due to my unscheduled day off and it was also wet and windy (like a baby! ) It was very tough but I was glad when i had done it and ended up doing 3.25 miles so I was very happy. I had meant to do a system of jogging for 0.25miles then running for a mile like I did last week but I decided to see how I would do, going all out.

I was hoping to get my pace down under 10mins a mile and I did! Again once I got going it felt like I could have continued if I wanted to.

So I did 3.25 Miles in 32 mins with Avg. Pace of 9.53.

Then I went on to Kung Fu class which took around 2 hours so a good day again.I still ran fast (for me!) when I felt very tired/lethargic starting out so its a good sign that I am used to running even when not in the mood!! A good tuesday session done.

bobster453

Good stuff
Is it a Club you go to in Cork for the kungfu and if so where is it?

CorkonianRebel

Today was my regular rest day from running so its good to recover.I will get back into it tomorrow.I did make it to Kung Fu class and then there was another special class where I had to do 750 Kicks and 3000 punches.These were done as quickly as I could and I think my endurance is going up! As I said before I think the running helps it and it helps my running.I am looking forward to running tomorrow already so its a good sign that I have the bug!

CorkonianRebel

I was still tired today from yesterdays kicking and punching but I am happy to say I got out and went running! It was really cold,windy and wet and I had to really "will" myself out the door.I have decided that one run a week should include hills so tonight was this weeks hill run.I find the worst thing about the bad weather is getting out and starting off because once I am running I couldn't care less about the bad weather.I got going and settled in nicely to the usual groove of running.

My goal doing hill work is to not stop as I am doing them, no matter how hard it is so I keep pushing myself on.I was on my last mile when a guy ran past me and I could see he was clearly a better runner than me.He was going along at a rate faster than me so I decided to try to keep up with him.It was my last mile and I thought it would me good for me.He ended up like a pacemaker for me and I kept behind him.Not close enough to hassle him but just to track him along.

Its amazing how my ego wouldn't let me give up as I was determined to keep up! I went way faster than I have ever done just by having him kind of "pull" me along.He eventually turned off a different direction and I started sprinting to the finish of my run.Just having someone else ahead made me feel like race situation and I am glad that I finished going very fast (for me!) It was a great end to my run as I pushed myself as hard as I could!

So I did 6.50 Miles in 1hr 7 mins with Avg. Pace of 10.18

This is a very good time for me as I was doing steep hills where it goes from 120ft to 262ft and I kept the Average pace just over 10 mins a mile.I feel a lot quicker already and I have only been running properly since the start of the year.I felt good at the finish so my endurance is definitely improving.

insinkerator

Great to see you're making progress Did you compare your last mile/sprint with the other runner, to your average?

I totally get what you are saying about your ego not letting get left behind. I remember a time maybe around September last year, where any running I did was sporadic at best. I went out with a friend of mine, who was infinitely fitter than me. Set off at an easy enough pace, and he kept increasing the speed, and I stayed with him until I had cramps in both sides and my back was spasming :rolleyes: (of course he still continued to speed up, and tore off :P )

CorkonianRebel

Hi Insinkerator, I think the guy was going about 8 mins per mile which was probably a slow cruise for him but very quick for me.I was happy I managed to keep up even for the small while!

I didn't do any running today and I was in two minds about going out.I wanted to but I decided that I needed time to recover and I have Kung Fu classes in the morning anyway. Hopefully I will do more running tomorrow afternoon once the load of Punches and kicks are out of the way! They really took a lot out of me on wednesday and I am preparing for another tough few days tomorrow and sunday.Sunday I hope to go for a cycle in the morning so we will see what happens!

CorkonianRebel

Today I started out with 750 Kicks and 3000 punches in Kung Fu class again and was extremely tired after it again.My legs were like jelly!

I was at home after it trying to summon up the energy to go out running.I felt fine but my legs felt dead! I said lets do it and off out I went.I decided to make it a bit different and do a different route than I normally do.This was to just try and "fool" my legs as I thought they might give up early on the regular route! :rolleyes: I was also doing "deals" with myself as I just started the run.I was telling myself to just do 2 or 3 miles and leave it at that.My legs were fighting the rest of my body.They were screaming to give up and go home!

I ran off out and just kept going as long as I could and between all the "deals" with myself I suddenly decided to do 6 miles in total and ploughed on.I had to stop halfway through for a few secs as my legs felt like they were going to collapse under me but then got going again determined to finish.I had the 6 miles done and then my ego kicked in again and decided I had to do another half a mile as penance for not training yesterday!

I managed to do it and couldn't believe I managed to do 6.5 miles as I nearly didn't go out at all.It feels like a little win for me and hopefully todays tough day will stand to me in the future.I have been on a running high since I got back although I have been slumped on the couch!

So I did 6.51 Miles in 1hr 10mins with Avg. Pace of 10.44

The route was what I call fairly hilly too.Not totally hilly but not totally flat either so I am happy with my days work.I am hoping to have another good day tomorrow too but I will have to see after a good nights rest!

CorkonianRebel

After a good nights rest I hoped to do a long run today to keep the momentum from yesterday going.I did 6.5miles yesterday and wanted to do a bit better as its a sunday and I have a bit more time. I went out to a different route that I usually use just for weekends and got going.I wanted to go fairly fast for me but not all out and just kept going and going. I ran out of footpath eventually but I turned into a football pitch and ran around that around 4 times to make up half my distance. It was nice to run on grass for a while!

Once I hit my half distance, it was just a case of doing everything in reverse! So 4 times back around the pitch and then back the way I came.Once I hit halfway I seemed to get quicker and I have noticed that I tend to run better the further I do which hopefully is a good thing.I just tend to get in a rhythm and just keep going.I have noticed from runkeeper that I was slowing way down just before I finish and today I was determined to keep going until I actually finish because of that.

I felt very strong finishing and thats a good thing! This was the furthest I have ran this year and it felt good to complete it.

So I did 8.02 Miles in 1hr 27 mins with Avg. Pace of 10.10

A good end to this week where I have ran 24.25 miles in this week alone

CorkonianRebel

Unfortunately personal stuff made me unable to go out running until tonight since last week.I did manage to get to Kung Fu class last night where I did 1000 kicks and 5000 punches.Thank god its the last week of it!

I knew I had to get things going again tonight because the longer I left it, I was worried the dream may end! I said I would do a simple 3 miles as having 3 days off I knew it would be tough.I think the anticipation of a hard run is worse than the run itself!

I set off a lot later than I wanted to and my legs felt very heavy.Between the days of no running and all the kicks last night I thought I was barely moving.One of those nights!

I wasn't worried about speed but I wanted to make sure I did the 3 miles and then my phone froze up.It got going eventually and I was able to do 3.25 miles.The timer seemed to reset somehow so I am not sure how long it was.It was just as well as it was a slow run!

So I did 3.25 miles and actually felt better near the end.I think everything was getting going again after the small break.Hopefully I can will be able to run the rest of this week!

CorkonianRebel

Ok, I had another tough week where I couldn't go running.This was due to unforeseen personal issues that hopefully are finished now.I am getting back on track as from now on.

Today I got out and wanted to have a good run and wanted to do at least 3 miles to get back in the swing of things.At least I felt very fresh and full of energy for a friday! I got going and was running very well (for me!!) There was another runner on the opposite side of the road and it seemed like we were in a duel to see who got to the end of the road first!

My determination to keep training has not ended even though I have had a hard week and it was good to get out on the road again.I am glad to report that I ended up doing 5 Miles!

So I did 5.01 Miles in 47 mins with Avg. pace of 9.20

This was one of the quickest runs that I have done so its good to get back to running and then do one of the fastest runs so far! I can see that I am improving!!!!

CorkonianRebel

Well, I am back! I had a long break due to being sick for around 2 weeks then up the walls at work after that.Then its hard getting going again after losing the bit of momentum.Then whats worse, I have to travel away for a week for work just when the Cork Marathon is on! So I have decided to do the Waterford one on 30th June instead and as well it gives me a little more time to train.I wont be able to train when I am away at the start of June but theres nothing I can do about that.

Tonight I finally got out running and it felt good to get out.I managed to do 5 miles and after such a break I am happy with that.I was only going at jogging pace as I didn't want to go too hard too soon. I ended up being 6 min slower than the last time I did 5 miles on 3/2/12.

So I did 5.01 Miles in 53 mins with Avg. Pace of 10.39

CorkonianRebel

Today I was out again running and just did 3 miles. I am trying to get used to running most days again and as long as I do something most days then I will be happy.I tried to go quicker than yesterday and it always seems harder the second day I run!

The good news is that I have joined a pool so I can start swimming again and trying to practice it more.

So I did 3 Miles in 28 mins with Avg. Pace of 9.22

insinkerator

Good to get back into it! Which pool did you join? Did you end up getting lessons in the end?

CorkonianRebel

Yeah i joined a pool in town as it wont take me long to get there and I think thats a very important thing ! Otherwise I would end up not bothering if it was far!

This week is the first week of my 'proper' training for the Waterford Marathon and theres 17 weeks 4 days until it begins. So tonight I began with yet another 3 Miles again and I think now I am getting used to running again.

I should have taken more fluids on board earlier in the day as I felt very weak today.I am going to run once I am finished at work most of the time and it will take me a while to get used to this. If I go home and rest before I go out, I tend to not want to do it and then it feels like the whole night is taken up. Doing it straight away after work lets me have the rest of the night for anything else I want to do.

So tonight I did 3 Miles in 29 mins with Avg Pace of 9.37.

Its a bit slower than before but I think its because I was a bit dehydrated and should be drinking earlier in the day. In future, I will have this sorted so I am more up for it and have more energy!

CorkonianRebel

Tonight was yet another 3 miles and I tried to do it as fast as I could.I was more hydrated before I began and so I felt a lot fresher and had more energy.I feel like my body is getting back into the running mode and it doesn't seem to mind so much now! Little and often is my motto to begin with!

I did the run then went off doing Kung Fu for around an hour and a half with a weight vest.It was very tiring but then I went for a swim afterward. I use the word swim loosely as it was more of a paddle! I spent around 25 mins in the pool and I was only getting used to swimming again.From now on I will start working on my acual technique but I will probably get lessons in the future.Then I was in the Jacuzzi for a while and it was great for tired muscles! It was a good night!

So I did 3 Miles in 28 mins with Avg Pace of 9.19 which is a bit quicker than before but not much!

CorkonianRebel

I felt good today and got out for a good run.Yesterday was my usual 'day off' from running and I felt fresh today.I wanted to run more than the 3 miles that I have been doing this week.I went on a slightly different route that I found and it has a steep hill that has a type of path/track on it. It winds up the hill like an 'S' and is very hard on the legs but worth it when I get to the top!! In my mind I like to think I am Rocky at the top

So I decided on doing 6 miles and was hoping to try and do it in one hour.It is slow for most runners but tough for me! I met a good few runners out tonight so its always nice to see other people doing the mileage too!

So I did 6.02 Miles in 1 hour exactly! with Avg Pace of 9.58

BTW In the 1000 Mile challenge I have done 87.57 Miles so far this year so I hope to really put in more miles from now on.

CorkonianRebel

After I finished work today, I went for a short rest to get ready for a run and it was a good help.I would normally be tired anyway from work never mind the running! I went off again a bit later than I wanted to but it was not too bad.I went on my new trail and actually found out thats its a small park with several trails goiing around it.Its perfect for running as there wouldn't be loads and loads of people around.The only thing is that when I was leaving there, there was a group of young lads gathering with bags of drink around a bench so it was definitely time to leave! This is why I dont want to go there too late.

I am happier that the weather is getting a bit warmer too as its hard to go outside when its freezing.Running doesn't feel as bad now because I think my body is getting used to it and its helping make it all easier.I did another 6 miles today and again I was trying to do it in an hour.I did more hills today and as I was running I felt a sharp pain near my toes.I was wondering what is was and just thought it was a toenail that was catching the side of another toe.Thats what it felt like.I just kept going!

I did do the 6 Miles in an hour again so I am very happy with that.There was a lot more hills today in the paths I was running and I didn't think I would make it in the hour.

So I did 6.02 miles in 1 hour exactly again like yesterday! It used to take me another 10 mins to do that a few months ago so I am slowly improving.

When I got home I took off my runners to find my toes covered in blood. I got a big fright from it :eek: I had totally forgot about the pain at the start of the run.When I cleaned off the blood and looked in the sock, there was a tiny piece of hard stone with sharp corners in there.It was obviously bouncing around and making tiny cuts.They are only like paper cuts but its amazing the amount of blood that came out.The top of my runner is all tinged with red now too.There was only one cut that needed a plaster and the rest are ok now. I will be fine tomorrow and sunday to go running so its nothing to worry about! Phew!

CorkonianRebel

The good news is that my toe is all healed up and fine although my runner is still tinged with red from the blood on top.It looks like a war wound but thats ok! I thought it was important to get back out today after having 2 good days and want to keep doing something most days.

Yet again I went out a bit later than planned but I was determined to get out there and not be stuck on the couch! I decided to do 4 miles as my plan called for anything between 3-6 miles.I didn't think I would have been able for 6 again but as usual once I got out I wanted to do more.I felt like I could have but I want to stick to whatever distance I have decided at the start.Last year I did a lot more than I originally planned one day and then took ages to recover.I always try to do too much too soon!

It had rained earlier in the day but it wasn't when I went out but it was cold on the legs.The funny thing is once I was back home and finished it started lashing rain so I went at the right time.As I have said before running 'feels' easier now and thats a very good thing.

So I did 4.02 Miles in 39.27 mins with Avg Pace of 9.49.I started off slow as I felt tired but ended up really sprinting at the finish.Another good day!

CorkonianRebel

Today was another day that I went out later than planned but it was due to the Ireland/France rugby game! I thought France would be winning easy and I could head off but it didnt turn out like that.Close game! So off I went and thankfully it wasn't raining but just a bit cold.

My plan called for 4-8 miles with 4 being at least the minimum.I ran my usual route but took a detour down an area that I had never been before. I ended up going around a soccer pitch and cutting cross a huge grass area. My speed totally dropped while going across grass and made me think how Cross Country running must be very hard.

About 3 miles in, I decided to try and go for the full 8 miles. Whatever it is with me, I seem to find the first few miles of any run the worst then once I settle into the rhythm, I feel like I could keep going.I was doing a lot of gradients/hills in this run and I hope they will stand to me.It certainly was not flat.Once I hit 4 miles I said just do the same again!

At 6 miles I was at my usual hour mark and the last 2 miles felt easy.I ended up doing 10 min per mile and I was happy that I kept my speed level.Once I finished I did a stretching routine to ease out my leg muscles for around 20 min as I was worried about them stiffening up after running the longer distance.

I did 8.02 Miles in 1:20 with Avg Pace of 10 min.This is the first week done of my plan for the Waterford Marathon and I have done a total of 30 miles just this week so it's a great start.Really want to keep this going!!

CorkonianRebel

Last week was a bit of a washout due to an ear infection that I got from going swimming. I usually swim with ear plugs as I always get ear infections otherwise. While I was practicing my stroke one of them fell out and it totally ruined my week. The good thing is that its ok again now but it just takes time to go away.So Week 2 of my training was a total of zero miles!

I wanted to start off this week in a good way so I went off out tonight and did just over 6 miles and rounded it off by running up a hill that is almost impossible to walk up quickly. Its a hill that would be well known in the area in which I live and I started by just seeing how far I could get. Then I was halfway and kept going by pumping the legs as hard as I could!

Near the end of my run my phone reset itself so I lost my distance and time. :mad: I knew I was just coming up to 6 miles in about an hour and I did another half a mile after that then the hill.As usual I felt like Rocky at the top!

When I got in home, I decided to get on my bike that is on a trainer. I have the distance computer hooked up to the rear wheel even though its meant to be on the front. It mightn't be an exact readout of what I am doing but at least it gives me an idea of what I am doing.I did 10.7 Km or 6.6 Miles in 21 minutes.Its only a small start but its time I started using the bike more.

So it was a good night having done around 6.5 miles running and 6.6 miles cycling!

CorkonianRebel

I didn't do anything all week as I was busy with other things at work and trying to clear my desk before I was off for a while.I had to work overtime to do this so I didn't get to do anything.As I was off yeserday, I rested and today I went out for a short quick run of only 2.5 Miles.This was just a tune-up and to shake off the cobwebs before I actually do a race tomorrow!

Yes, Preparation this week has not been good at all but the main thing for me is taking part and finishing it.The race I am doing is the Mallow 10 Mile road race.I would love to follow the pacers for 90mins but I think its beyond me to hold that for the whole race. I want to make sure I don't go off too quick which is what happened to me in the Charleville Half Marathon.I was wrecked near the end and this time I want to be able to finish stronger.This means I am going to start off a gentle jog for the first few miles and then try to speed up in the last few.The course seems flat which is good but I wish I had been able to run more this week.

I am aiming for around 1 hour 45 but I will see how it goes. I know its slow but I like running and just want to finish it! I dont mind if it takes longer.Today I got overheated doing 2.5 miles and will definitely wear less tomorrow.I am looking forward to it as its my first race this year and hope I get into my rhythm early enough!

So today I did 2.5 miles in 24 mins with Avg Pace of 9.36 and this seemed like a gentle jog so I am happy with that.I felt good running and have no niggles or injuries so thats good.Best of Luck to anyone else taking part in this or any other race tomorrow!!!!!:D

CorkonianRebel

I had a good race today in the Mallow 10 Mile road race.I have been recovering since I finished but I enjoyed the run.There were a few probs at the water stations as they seemed to be swamped but when people donate their time and effort to do them, its still appreciated. My main problem was with groups of women running at least 4 or 5 abreast.This happened to me about 5 times with different groups.Having to put in extra effort to go around them is very annoying and I saw other people doing the same. Obviously they are friends and want to run together but taking up the whole space is very annoying. They wouldn't bunch up at all and I am not sure why. When there was anyone overtaking me I made sure to get out of the way! I am relatively knew to running but surely its common sense and courtesy.

At the start, I never saw so many people to begin a race! I stayed at the side so I wouldn't get swept along and go too quick! There was a good buzz tho and everyone was in good form.I saw some women with ipods but the running police never stopped them! I made absolute sure to start off very slow and sure enough a lot of people raced past me. I really had to keep my ego in check as we all want to keep up when we are passed out.Sure enough by mile 3, I passed a lot of these people out as I settled into my groove.I was going very well and felt good but I couldn't see the mile markers.They seemed very small but maybe I was not observant enough! I asked a guy next to me where were they and he told me they were down low. I happened to be looking high at poles!

I could see the 90 min pacers in front of me and I was trying to keep them within sight all the time.By 5 miles they were only a bit ahead and I was amazed that I was doing so well.At 6 miles I began to almost hallucinate as I was thinking that I was coming up to 8 miles! I hate when that happens! :pac:

I thought the second half seemed to have a lot of slopes which made it difficult but when people clap and give encouragement it makes all the difference! Maybe I thought there was slopes as I was tired though! At 8 Miles it felt great as there were just two left. I felt that I was going a bit slower than the 90 mins and sure enough the pacers seemed to disappear as they kept to their time. I seemed to have one last spurt and ploughed on and finally turned the last corner. The end was in sight!

I managed to keep pushing on and finished strong so thats what I was very happy with. I crossed the finish line a couple of mins after the 90 mins which is great for me as I thought I would at least be 105 mins at my best!! I think if I keep my training going I will knock more mins off that time. This was the first race where I kept a nice pace and felt okay throughout.I just need to keep running in the coming weeks and my times will drop further. I still can't believe I was just over the 90 mins and it shows I am improving!

CorkonianRebel

Well I had 2 days rest after the Mallow 10 Miler and decided tonight would be good to get out again. Last year after the Charleville Half Marathon, I took a break but ended up not running until over a month later! I was so happy having run it that I thought I deserved a break but then kept putting my return off!! I didn't want that to happen so I decided on tonight as soon as I was finished the race on Monday.

It was a very dark night and was raining when I started and it didn't help that I finished work later than I had planned. So off I went and the good thing about rain is that the paths were fairly free of people as I ran along.I wanted to do an easy pace as this is the first run after the race.

I wanted to do 6 Miles but even after a little bit I felt like stopping. Thankfully I broke through this feeling and kept going. I did the full 6 miles and then another half a mile! Then to finish off, I ran up THAT hill near my house as fast as I could. My legs were screaming going up it but its like a little win every time I get to the top! I did a warm down at the end to ease out my muscles finishing off the night.

So I did 6.51 Miles in 1:09 with Avg Pace of 10.41. Slower than usual but it was good to go out again.:D

In the 1000 Mile challenge I have done 131.14 Miles since the start of the year so its been a good year so far!!

CorkonianRebel

The past few days I have been taking a step back and deciding on the best way to go forward with my training after having done the Mallow 10 Mile race.The nights are a lot brighter and this means that I can get some cycling in outdoors. Everyone in other logs here, says it really helps to do cycling in addition to the running. I know I can do it in the dark but I much prefer the light so I dont need all the reflective gear and lights and so on.So last friday I was debating what to do and decided to go get more tubes as I didn't have any left. I had been out cycling just hoping I don't get a puncture but this was a good while ago!

I am going to make an effort with the swimming too. At least if I can get into the pool more so I become comfortable in the water it will be a great help. I will still need to get a couple of lessons down the line but its not a priority for now. I just want to get in the pool as its great for tired muscles and enjoying it is the main thing!

So I made out an updated plan on the weekend and started on it tonight.I want to try to fit in running, cycling and swimming more than I have been. It was a lovely night for a run with the sun being out so off I went.I had planned to do 6 miles and ended up doing 6.25 which ended with a sprint up THAT hill again. It was good to see people looking at me as they drove up and down the hill as they seemed amazed to see someone trying to run it. Its only a short hill but extremely steep.

I went straight in home and changed to go out on the bike.I wasn't rushing but I didn't delay either to keep the momentum.It was still a lovely night and I planned to cycle out for 30 mins then turn around and go back. This was just to get me going again on the bike! As I was just getting used to it again a group of kids saw me going by and used me for target practice with their football.I managed to avoid it and continued on.Then further on there was another group of even younger sproglets and one of them threw a full bottle of water at me!! :mad: He hit my bike but there was no damage and they thought it was hilarious. I wanted to get off and kick the crap out of them but I kept going.

After that I settled into the ride and really enjoyed it.I was just reaching the point where I was about to turn around when........sssssssssssssssss!!
I had a puncture in the back tire.Thank god I got the tubes! I set about changing it on the roadside for the first time. I was thinking it semed to be a bad luck night what with kids and a puncture but then a kind guy stopped his car to see if I needed help.I was tempted to say yes and throw the bike in the back and get a lift home! But I said no I was ok and finished changing the tube in around 15 mins. I was delighted with myself and went straight for home as it was a bit later than I had planned!

I finished ok and altogether it was a lovely ride.I did 10.13 Miles/16.3K in 52 mins so it was good doing it just after the run. It is a good start to the week getting both in!

So I ran 6.25 Miles in 1:06 with Avg Pace of 10.36
and cycled 10.13 Miles/16.3K in 52 mins

CorkonianRebel

Since the last update I had a lot of things going on such as 2 birthday parties and more importantly my wedding anniversary! I put everything on hold until yesterday (by that I mean sunday 8th) where I finally got out again. I was going to go out with the Cork Tri club for a cycle but I was away for the weekend. I took the bike with me and went on a cycle though! I wasn't sure how long I was going to do but just kept going.

I ended up doing just over 40miles/65 km which is my longest cycle ever. I should have brought some money with me to get even a banana/apple or chocolate as I felt very weak near the end. I had water but usually when I train in anything I always have an energy drink. Last time I went cycling I had an energy drink and felt fine. I had to stop 3 times in all and while I didn't mind the stop at 20 miles as it was halfway, the other two were more because I needed to clear my head a bit. I felt tired at the end but I was dying to get some food in me and once I ate, I felt fine again. It was awful passing shops but having no money!!

So the lesson is learned the hard way but it won't happen again.I am very happy having gone so far as the most I have done up until now was only 25 miles.Now I want to get back to the running this week as I havent been out on the road in a while.

I did 40.3 Miles/65 Km Cycling in 3:27 (This includes breaks I took)


After the mini break I had, I want to get everything going again and it begins tomorrow!

CorkonianRebel

In typical what always happens style, I havent been out at all much this week.I got a cold and havent been able to shake it off all week. I have an important Kung Fu seminar tomorrow but I want to get out running and cycling again on sunday.

I was hoping to get clipless pedals and cycling shoes today but the shop didn't have my shoe size so I will get them next week instead.I am going to spring for the expensive ones as I am hoping they will last a good while!

CorkonianRebel

I went to my Kung Fu seminar on saturday and got through it but felt tired after it. It took around 4 hours and even though I wanted to go out on sunday to train, I rested the full day.

Tonight I got home from work later than planned but I was determined to get going again.It was really wet out and of course its off putting! I read the fantastic Bally8's report of the Nenagh triathlon and its just made me think of how that was going to be one of the races that i wanted to do at the start of the year.

I have to really get my swimming going soon as the cycling and running are ok but the swimming is way behind! So I went off cycling and while it was wet out, I was fine and happy cycling away! I wanted to do 20Km but as I started much later than planned I finished after about 17Km.

When I got in home I changed and went off running. I felt very good after the cold but I didnt want to do too much too soon especially in the wet weather.It was way later than I wanted to go out so all in all I just did 3.75 miles/6 Km. I just did it slow but it was like a Mini Duathlon and a good start to training again!

So I cycled 17Km in 44 mins and
ran 3.75 Miles/6 Km in 40 mins

CorkonianRebel

I had a really busy week and didn't get to do anything unfortunately until today.I got my clipless pedals finally so today I headed off early for a long cycle.I didn't know how long I wanted to do but just kept going like the Energiser bunny! I ended up cycling to Youghal and it ended up a nice day even though there was a rainy start.

The Clipless pedals have made a huge difference and I really enjoyed the cycle.I took a stop in Youghal and then set course for home.I got a puncture on the way back and while I changed the tube, I saw that Strava had crashed! :mad: very annoying!

The good thing is that I have a cycling computer too so I was able to see when I finished that I did 98 Km.This was my longest cycle ever so I am very happy with it. This was all due to my pedals as I got way more power each time I put the foot down.

I am feeling a lot more confident cycling now!

CorkonianRebel

Its a pity recently that I havent been able to do the training that I would like due to being snowed under at work. I think it will die down for a while now so it gives me a chance to get going again.

I went out for another cycle tonight and it turned into a very enjoyable one. I did about 30Km and it was good for my confidence on the bike.I want to try to do this as many times as I can during the week and then a longer one on the weekends.

I really have to make an effort now with my swimming as thats the only thing lacking at the moment.Again the clipless pedals make eveything a lot more enjoyable when I am cycling so thats a good thing. I want to try to get out for a run soon too to keep that side of things going but swimming will have to become a priority!!!!!!!!!!

CorkonianRebel

My training has still been hampered recently due to a lot of personal and work stuff but I went away for the weekend to Tipperary.I brought my bike with me and yesterday decided to go for a long cycle to help clear the head and get me back on track so to speak!

I started off in Nenagh intending to cycle to Roscrea and back so off I went.It seemed like a nice day and I felt fresh not having done anything in a while.All of a sudden there were some heavy showers broken up by sunshine so it was kind of strange! I got to Roscrea and decided to keep going onwards.I think I wanted to test myself and do a bit of penance for not training too!

I was full sure that I would stop and turn around in Borris in Ossory but when I got there I kept on going until I made it to Mountrath.It is a lovely part of the country and I was really enjoying the ride even though there were bouts of hail to contend with every so often.At Mountrath I turned around and headed straight back to Nenagh.

When I came back into Nenagh the sun came out again and it felt great finishing in the sun.I was tired but it felt good doing a really long cycle.It is the longest one I have ever done so far and I enjoyed it all.I definitely will do it again maybe slightly varying route or shortening it.

Today I rested after doing it but its another good cycle!

So I did 114 Km/70.8 Miles in 4:49!

CorkonianRebel

Ok it was the start of a new week and yet another 'new dawn' for me!

I have thought about where I am and obviously I need to put more effort in to my swimming. I haven't swam in ages.I have decided to try to get into the pool more often to try and get at least being in the pool second nature to me. It still feels strange and I am still afraid most of the time!

I went in today to the pool and tried to work on my breathing and stroke. Of course it took me a while to settle down and relax in there because being in water still feels weird! I nearly drowned as a kid and up until recently I was terrified of water. This is why I had group lessons a while back and I was doing quite well at the end of them but now it feels back to square one. I stayed in there for 30 mins trying to settle down and work on my breathing as I have watched loads of videos and going back over what I did in those lessons.

I will still need more lessons but my main objective for now is to get comfortable in the water. Near the end I was beginning to get the idea again so it will take time! Then I hopped into the Jacuzzi for around 12-15 mins again and it was lovely! I am trying to associate happy thoughts with water!

Then I went home and later went out for a run after I got my running gear sorted. Again it felt like I had never done it before as I didn't do much last month at all.:o I went for a gentle jog more so to get out and get going again rather than anything else and it did feel good when I was finished. It seemed like a reset button or a way to shake me up and get going again.

I did 4 miles in 43 mins which is very slow but I did take a wrong turn at one stage! I was wondering where a path went that was winding up a high bank but then it just stopped up there! lol I had to take it easy coming back down so I ended up walking back down.I sped up near the end of the run and felt strong.My intention was to only do 2.5 or 3 miles but felt stronger near the end!

When I got home I went on the turbo but took an age setting up the wired computer for the rear wheel. I used an extra one I had and ran the wire up the crossbar so I could see it. In future I will have this done beforehand!

I just did 16 mins on it as it was getting late and next time I will up the resistance as it was too easy! It was like cycling downhill but these teething problems will be sorted out for next time! I did 16.2 km/10 miles but as I said it was far too easy.

All in all a nice night but I want to try to have everything ready in future as loads of time wasted getting out clothes and setting bike up etc...

CorkonianRebel

Wow! I havent been doing much training recently with so much going on in my life. My trip to the USA fell through at the last minute so I didn't get to go. This was why I wasn't training as I thought I would be over there and I had other work/personal stuff going on too. It annoyed me because I could have been training for the Cork Marathon all along and have been able to do it as I would have been in Cork for it.

I am going to focus on my running for the most part but I still want to try and keep doing bits of cycling and swimming whenever I can. Swimming is something that I will have to get lessons in order to improve. For the cycling I might try to go out with Cork Tri club this sunday to see what they are like but I will have to see.

The main thing is to realise one on my dreams this year and the main one of the Cork Marathon did not work out! Its going to be a while before I do a triathlon so I have set my sights on the......wait for it.........

The Sligo City Marathon! Ta daaaaaaaaaaa! When I was looking it up last night it said there was 100 days until it starts and that will give me time to train. I have never been up in Sligo so it will be a good excuse to travel up there and stay there as well!

CorkonianRebel

Well..... due to various things happening in regular life, everything fell through last year so here I am again! I am going to try and train properly this year!:rolleyes:

I have made a resolution to run at least 1 Mile every day.:eek: This is just my way of making sure I get out the door and its already worked this week!

So far I have got out for the first five days this year doing a total of 11.5 miles and I have also done a kettlebell workout. This is after doing nothing for 2 weeks over Christmas so I am happy. I am trying to make running just natural for me by running every day.

I am going to still do cycling,swimming and martial arts too this year but the main target will be the Cork City Marathon. I am doing the Ballycotton 10 and the Mallow 10 also.I just want to complete the marathon and then next time improve my time.

The first few days have been good so far with me just getting out to do my mile at least and then I end up doing a bit more. From tomorrow onwards I will update on my actual runs/cycles but as I said earlier I have done 11.5 Miles so far this year!

Run Distance this year - 11.5 Miles / 18.5 Km

Cycle Distance this year - Zero