The long route to Cork

NewCorkLad · 11-06-2018 12:37pm #1

Right have been thinking a while about getting this training log going not sure how long ill keep it up but need something to try and keep me on track.

My back story is I swam club until I was 11 and then stopped due to pool getting renovated and never went back. Had no running experience till last year. Very little cycling experience apart from ROK twice but this was done just to complete it, with it taking over 11 hours to complete cycles. Main sport throughout has been rugby, but this was given up when I started working weekends at 17 and taken back up at 25 when I was at a very low base fitness wise. Since then due to injury's and getting pissoff with people's lack of commitment, I have walked away from rugby about 5 times.

So last year at 33 I decided to try replace rugby with something I have always liked the look of Triathlon from afar so that was where I landed. Im a broad 6 foot and was 100kg when I started last year. I had a 6 month baby at home which meant finding time to train was fun but I managed thanks to a very understanding wife. I completed 2 official Sprint Tri's last year and a few training Tri's with my club my best time coming in at 1.21.00. My end goal for last season was to complete an Olympic Race which I did with the Hardman Olympic in Killarney. I found this race hard as the bouys were blown all over the place and had to slog through mud for about 150m which killed my legs but I completed it in 3.05.32 outside my target of 3hrs but was happy to finish.

After Killarney I again returned to my addiction and went back to rugby, doing very little Tri training until January when I got started again with my running/biking/swimming and ended up tearing my hamstring during a rugby game(definitly final nail in the coffin). Had to take a few weeks off running but got a pool bouy and kept swimming( thanks to advice from here) and got my bike onto the turbo trainer building up my time on this.

Since then I have been building up the training, my best week coming in at just over 10 hours. I have my weight down to 91kgs. Still having some trouble with my hamstring but it is only affecting my run which is getting better all the time. I have 2 70.3 races penciled in this year the Hardman in Waterville and Lost Sheep in Kenmare. 2019 was going to be my year for going full Ironman I wanted the bigger crowds to help me finish my first full event, was looking at Frankfurt or Maastricht as they were linking up with holidays, until the Ironman Gods decided to announce Ironman Cork which was too good an opportunity to pass up.

So on the week I registered for my first full IM I have had a poor weeks training, which is what decided me on getting this thread started.

I welcome all advice as I am a long way from knowing anything about this sport or endurance events

NewCorkLad · 11-06-2018 12:48pm

Fri 14km Run 83min
Sat 83km Bike 183 min with 681m Ascent
Sun Climbed Carrauntoohill
Monday Leisure swim around Fenit Lighthouse 2550m
Tues Club Training Sprint Tri 86min legs felt like logs after Carrauntoohill going into it so not too disappointed with time
Wed Rest Day ( Registered For Ironman Cork what was I thinking)
Thurs game of soccer with work 30min on the pitch( few pints after)
Fri Rest Day
Sat 17km Run 103min (4k Z2 4k Z3 30 sec rest 4k Z3 5k Z2)
Sun Load of work at home and too tired so skipped long cycle.

This brings me up to date for June and hopefully will stick to my more structured plan going forward

NewCorkLad · 12-06-2018 9:55am

Managed to drag myself out for an OW swim last night only for the zip to come apart on my new wet suit as I was tying it up. One of the other swimmers managed a quick fix to get me in the water but will have to drop it in over the weekend to be fixed or replaced.

Swam 2,150m in 41min, not happy with the swim kept waiting for the wetsuit to pop open and had trouble with my googles, but I am happy I managed to get out and hopefully back into a routine.

NewCorkLad · 13-06-2018 9:58am

Got out for a easy run last night staying in zone 2. Did 7km in just under 45min, a bit slower than normal.

Up this morning for an hour on the Turbo Trainer before heading off to work, again just an easy session maximising my effort while staying in Zone 2.

NewCorkLad · 15-06-2018 12:17pm

Into the pool for a swim last night. Havent been in the pool for 2 weeks and felt it. 2,000m doing 200m intervals with 20 sec rest, Free/Pull/Paddle. Average pace of 1.59sec/100m. New to using paddles, feel they are making a difference but will have to wait and see.

Out for my long run this morning, ending up getting out 15 mins late as I just needed to close my eyes for a sec before getting up and before I knew it my second backup alarm went off. Under a bit of pressure time wise but still got my 18k in, 4k Zone 2 2*4K Zone 3 with 30 sec rest and 6k Zone 2 to finish putting in an average pace of 5.51sec/km.

Every so often I get a real buzz out of doing this training, usually after a good OW swim which I love doing, but for the first time I got it this morning from my run. Set off with no route in mind just wanted to get the distance in, weather was perfect, bright a bit cool and only a slight breeze. Ended up running clear around Tralee even taking in Blennerville windmill and the lock gates at the end of the canal with the Slieve Mish mountains in the background. Definitely better than sitting on my ass at home.

Quick question, tomorrow Im down for a brisk session of 100min bike followed by 20min run, have been wondering would it be better to switch this to 2* 50min/10min bricks instead or is the longer bike session more benefical. Have a 3 hour ride down for Sunday.

NewCorkLad · 25-06-2018 3:31pm

16th: Ended up doing the long version of the brick, 1hr 40 bike followed by 20 min run. Felt good off the bike into the run but had to pull myself back a bit as I felt the hamstring tightening up after 2km.

17th: Got up for my long cycle and was exhausted after the brick the day before followed by putting together a huge wooden child swing set. Couldnt face the long cycle so set up the Turbo Trainer and did an hour and a half on this. This was the second Sunday in a row I was too tired to face my long cycle, on reviewing my routine I realised that my 3 long sessions(run, brick & cycle) all come one after the other. Im gonna try move my long run to earlier in the week and try an break them up.

18th Pool Swim, just a slow swim still tired after the weekend did my 2km and home.

19th Took a rest day.

20th: Long Run: Out in the early morning and got my 19km done. 4km Zone 2, 4km Zone 3, 30sec break, 4km Zone 3 and finished it out in Zone 2. Felt good about this only took an extra 2 min to add on 1 km from last week.

21st: Had to travel for work today so unfortunately got nothing done.

22nd: The wife was away, so turbo trainer set up in the living room in front of the big tv with the baby monitor along side for a good 2 hour session. How things have changed this time last year it would have been the same place but with a few beers and a pizza.

23rd: Short slow run, 7km done at a nice pace felt good. Followed by 4 hot horrible hours pulling out hedging.

24th: Time for another long bike, wasnt feeling it but forced myself to get out. Spent 3hr 10 min slogging along in the heat, but managed to get my 80km done with 710m of ascent thrown in. Not happy with how I felt out there or the effort needed to complete it but I am happy that I got out there.

25th: Meeting in the home town, so managed to get in for an interval swim this morning before work. 2km done 200m Free/Pull/Paddle with 20sec rests inbetween. No improvements in time this session but as Ive missed a few swims just happy I havent slowed down.

joey100 · 25-06-2018 3:40pm

Are you following any plan or have a coach or anything?

I'd keep an eye on the three big days in a row too, especially if your already finding it hard to motivate yourself to get out. I'd try spreading them out a bit too.

NewCorkLad · 25-06-2018 4:16pm

Im working off a time restricted plan I got on the interweb, which I rearranged around work/family/life.

I had been getting the brick session done on a Monday but had to change that a few weeks ago due to work, so without really thinking about it my 3 harder sessions ended up together and I have just been feeling it in the last few weeks. This weekend for all my complaining was better than the previous few weekends so moving the long run has helped.

Into my last hard week now before my taper begins, so Im hoping to get another good session in this weekend.

peter kern · 27-06-2018 10:27am

22nd: The wife was away, so turbo trainer set up in the living room in front of the big tv with the baby monitor along side for a good 2 hour session. How things have changed this time last year it would have been the same place but with a few beers and a pizza.

great stuff
and just built slowly in your case ( focus on the weight loss first and while doing that focus on cycling and swimmng) easy consistent miles will trump anything else

NewCorkLad · 03-07-2018 11:43am

26th Got my long run done in the morning, again happy with the progress ,on this 20km done. Only negative was suffered from my first case of chaffing, didnt feel anything until a stopped and then didnt know what was happening to my nipples, the shower after was pure agony. Looks like ill have to throw away some of my running tshirts.

27th Was meant to do a recovery run today but decided to jump on the bike to give my nipples a rest and with the wife away at the weekend need to build up some time on the bike before the weekend. 90mins easy pace.

28th Got in for a swim before work 2km consistent steady pace.

29th Rest Day

30th Mrs NewCorkLad headed off this morning for the night but I got 90mins in on the bike before baby duty kicked in.

01st Had planned to give my daughter to my parents for a while and get out on the bike but she has been a bit unwell so had to skip my long bike session today, priorities.

02nd I have now entered my first taper with Waterville 2 weeks away but wanted to make up some of my lost bike session so up at 5 to get in 2 hrs on the bike before work.

Got in for an interval swim in the evening, 1800m done 200m free/pull/paddle. Speed was down a bit but putting this down to it being my second session today. First time fitting in 2 proper sessions in a day and happy it didnt kill me.

03rd Dropping my bike in for a full service this evening, so got in a brick session this morning. 45min on the bike followed by a 4km run(Glad to report that the chaffing seems to have had no lasting effects). Thought my legs would be dead after the previous day but surprised how strong they felt, enjoyed pushing myself on the bike and eased into the run nicely.

Quick question. Is one water bottle enough for the 90km cycle as there is a water stop at the 46km mark or should I get a second cage?

BennyMul · 03-07-2018 12:19pm

NewCorkLad wrote: »

Quick question. Is one water bottle enough for the 90km cycle as there is a water stop at the 46km mark or should I get a second cage?

In this weather bring two bottles, better to have it than want it.

joey100 · 03-07-2018 2:29pm

I'd agree with Benny Mul, especially if you have an accident and drop a bottle or pops out of cage or something silly like that.

NewCorkLad · 11-07-2018 11:37am

04th Out for a quick 8km run this evening, legs feeling good and happy with my time without pushing myself.

05th Out for my first OW swim in over 2 weeks, water was so warm it almost got incomfortable in the wet suit but really enjoyed it over 1,800m swam in a time I was very happy with, being stuck with the pool for the last few weeks might not have been a bad thing.

06th Out for another 8k run, time down slightly for the same effort so happy with that.

07th One week to Waterville. Heading to Dublin today for the weekend so got in a quick hour spin in, having got my bike back the evening before with my new second bottle cage, I feel like a serious athlete now

. The bike had definitely needed the once over.

08th Rest Day

09th Got back from Dublin this evening and headed out for a quick 6k run before having to go to a bbq.

10th Interval swim this morning, 1,400m done 200m Free/Pull/Paddle with 20sec rests. Last swim before Waterville, not delighted with times but putting it down to a busy few days. Finally registered for Waterville this evening no turning back now.

11th Got out for an hour spin on the bike before work this morning.

Almost there now, plan calls for a rest day tomorrow, a 30min spin on the bike Friday before Waterville Saturday.

Now for my weekly question. Just realised my tri suit doesnt have any pockets, for my long spins I had worn a cycling jersey where I kept a bar, banana and gels. I can store some gels on my race belt but not sure what to do with other food, or will I get away without it?

Doeshedare · 11-07-2018 12:29pm

NewCorkLad wrote: »

Now for my weekly question. Just realised my tri suit doesnt have any pockets, for my long spins I had worn a cycling jersey where I kept a bar, banana and gels. I can store some gels on my race belt but not sure what to do with other food, or will I get away without it?

People often tape a couple of gels to their bike frame, behind the headset. For my last HIM I ate a banana pretty close to the start and then left one in transition for the run start. According to the Hardman site there are SIS gels available at aid stations on the run (every 5k roughly). So if you have a couple on your belt, a couple on the bike, a banana and then take whats available on the run you should be covered. I will also have a High 5 energy drink in one of my bidons on the bike and I drank it plus another bidon during the recent Hell of the West which was half the distance (I sweat alot)

NewCorkLad · 11-07-2018 12:44pm

Doeshedare wrote: »

People often tape a couple of gels to their bike frame, behind the headset. For my last HIM I ate a banana pretty close to the start and then left one in transition for the run start. According to the Hardman site there are SIS gels available at aid stations on the run (every 5k roughly). So if you have a couple on your belt, a couple on the bike, a banana and then take whats available on the run you should be covered. I will also have a High 5 energy drink in one of my bidons on the bike and I drank it plus another bidon during the recent Hell of the West which was half the distance (I sweat alot)

Ya I have the High 5 energy drink which I planned on having in one bidon and the other water alone, Im with you on the sweating. I might go with a banana at the start of the bike and run and take what is offered throughout so.

Thanks

joey100 · 11-07-2018 2:38pm

Always the option to put a jersey on in T1 as well, with the stuff you need already in the pockets. A full zip jersey won't take a whole lot of time to put on really.

NewCorkLad · 11-07-2018 2:43pm

joey100 wrote: »

Always the option to put a jersey on in T1 as well, with the stuff you need already in the pockets. A full zip jersey won't take a whole lot of time to put on really.

Was more thinking about the added heat on the cycle, as the weather still looking warm, so I want to avoid that if possible.

NewCorkLad · 25-07-2018 3:53pm

12th Rest Day

13th 40 Mins on the Turbo Trainer just getting the legs spinning.

14th Waterville HIM

15th Rest Day (A few recovery pints to rehydrate watching the world cup)

Total for the week 10 hrs 6min

NewCorkLad · 25-07-2018 4:06pm

16th Planned second Rest Day to re-re-hydrate from watching world cup

17th 6km run to test out the legs a bit slow but was to be expected

18th 2km steady pool swim, held a decent pace but shoulders feeling a bit tight.

19th Rest Day

20th Out on the bike, 53km done in wet, breezy conditions, Im very much a fair weather cyclist so usually would have been on the Turbo Trainer on a day like this but needed to get out a climb some hills after Waterville.

21st Got out for a nice run 17.24km first 4k Zone 2 followed by 8k Zone 3 with1 30sec rest then Zone 2 home. Happy with the pace.

22nd First OW swim since Waterville, usually my favorite aspect of Triathlon but wasn't happy with how I performed this aspect down in Waterville and my problems continued with it. Swam 2.8km in relatively calm waters but had to fight the entire way, shoulders felt very stiff and found it very hard to extend my left arm fully without a fight. I was nearly 18 sec slower per 100m than I would normally expect swimming OW. Not sure if this is down to not enough stretching, warm up or not enough time in my new wetsuit.

Total for the week 6 hrs 32min (Reduced load this week as didnt want to push it after my first HIM)

NewCorkLad · 25-07-2018 5:20pm

Waterville Race Report

Ill start by saying that my stated aim for this was to finish it which I did so overall the day went as planned, however apart from that I had a time I wanted to acheive and I came nowhere near this.

Got up at 5 and had my coffee and porridge. Hit the road for 5:30, Waterville only an hour and a half away but preferred being there noice and early and getting the lay of the land. Drove over the hills so got to see the last third of the cycle including Ballaghisheen Pass, which looked tough but managable(I still laugh when I think about that thought). Only 2 racked before me, got checked in quickly and all set up. Went and got another coffee and ate a snickers that I brought with me. Got talking to some club members as they started arriving and the excitment started to build. As with most Hardman events the the race brief was fairly brief but gave me time to eat my first banana.

Swim 43.25

This is the part Im most disappointed with as it was under my control. I had counted on a time under 35min and while the swim was long according to my Garmin and everyone I talked to, it doesnt account for this. It didnt start well as most people swam out beyond the bouy to warm up, we were then called back for the start and as I went behind the bouy a shout went out to just go which ensued a scramble of about 5 of us trying to get back around the bouy. I ended up getting stuck behind three slow swimmers who I had to swim around and the race was on. After that it was mostly clear water for the rest of the swim but after a few hundred metres I was in a bit of trouble, my shoulders tightened up until I had trouble fully extending my left arm. As I could keep swimming, I just kept going rounded the first bouy and headed out to sea where being unable to fully extend my arm meant I found it hard to keep going in a straight line and kept veering to the left, so I had to increase my sightings to make sure I didnt end up back on the beach. Rounded the second bouy and more of the same back home. Putting this all down to a lacklustre warm up and not enough time in the wetsuit.

T1 4.17

Out of the wetsuit ate my second banana and off on the bike. Was surprised how many bikes were left in Transition so this picked me up a little.

Bike 4.10.01

Im not disappointed with my bike but God did I underestimate how hard this was going to be. I set off well and held my own going up Coomakista( I have memories of this from doing the Ring of Kerry Cycle and found it much easier now). Through Sneem off to the left and up some nice country hills until Ballaghbeama Gap. This is where I got into trouble, I had not been expecting anything like this verticle wall of a road. Half way up and I had one in front of me and one behind me taking turns muturing expletives as we inched our way up and 50 metres ahead someone else walking their bike up who was nearly going as fast as us. I very nearly gave in and got off my bike but I knew if I got off here I wouldnt finiah out the day so stuck it out and got to the top of the Gap where I jumped off the bike and got some fresh water and stretched out my legs. However that wasnt the end of my troubles with the Gap. Back down I went taking it handy as it was very narrow and windy until I hit a nice flat stretch and got my legs going. First my left hamstring seized and while stretching that out my right hamstring seized so I unclipped my legs and came to a stop. Spent 5 mins stretching and off again until Ballaghisheen Pass. While the Gap didnt beat me the Pass sure did at this point my legs were beat and I didnt know what was gonna happen with the run so I ended up walking the last 400m. Im putting this all down to doig the majority of my cycling on the Turbo Trainer and not building in enough intensity, because while the hills beat me and I could only watch as I was repeatably overtaken, for the last 30 km back to Waterville I managed to take back a few of those spots and drive on.

T2 0.48(according to Sports Timings but I definitly took a bit longer than this)Arrived back to the encouragement of a few club members down to support and to hear the call as the third finisher crossed the line which was very deflating but I was there to finish. I got changed ate a snickers and off I went.

Run 2.23.20
At this stage I knew I would be happy to just finish, this would be my first time running 21km and I wasnt exactly in a fit state. It was 4 laps so early on I found a pace I could manage to hold down from what I had planned but all plans were out the window at this stage. Half way through the first lap a stitch started to dig in but a quick trip to the toilet for a piss which had been nagging me for most of the day helped releive that. I got into a routine after the first lap of 4 glasses of water and one energy gel per lap. Club memebers were offering me additional gels and water at various points of the run but at this point I was afraid to change anything in case my stomach went on me. Round and round I went got picked off by one or 2 and picked off 1 or 2 myself until I hit the finish line, slower than I wanted but I had completed my first HIM.

Overall 7.21.55

While overall it was slower than I wanted on a positive note I now have my base line which shouldnt be too hard to beat.

As a day it knocked me, at points I really felt I wouldnt finish, however having completed it( at a snails pace) it has given me the confidence to know I can do this

NewCorkLad · 01-08-2018 11:11am

Mon 23rd Short Run 9k , these are proscribed as Zone 2 runs but have decided to add 3*1k Zone 3 sprints to build some more intensity into it.

Tue 24th Interval Swim 2k 200m Free/Pull/Paddle

Wed 25th Long Run 21k with 8k in Zone 3 the rest as Zone 2

Thurs 26th Brick Session 95 min on the Turbo into 22 min Run all staying in Zone 2

Fri 27th Rest Day

Sat 28th 3 Hour bike had planned on heading out but weather was all over the place so jumped onto the Turbo Trainer, as would probably have cut it short if I went out.

Sun 29th OW Swim. First OW swim of the year with some proper chop. No one else was swimming so kept it shallow ended up cutting it short after 1350m

Total for the week 9 hours

NewCorkLad · 09-08-2018 11:56am

Mon 30th Short Run,9k continuing with the 3*1km sprints, these runs are slowly getting faster and I feel more comfortable doing them.

Tue 31st Interval Swim 2k 200m Free/Pull/Paddle

Tue 31st Got out of work a bit early so got in 1hr on the Turbo Trainer 2* 10min in Zone 3

Wed 01st Long Run 21k with 10k of it in Zone 3 with 2*30 sec rests

Thur 02nd Delighted I snuck in the extra session Tue as my alarm didnt go off this morning so started 45 mins late and then my Turbo Trainer wheel had a blow out 47 min in. Followed this up with a 24min brick run but was just a bit p**sed off with the morning at this stage.

Fri 03rd Rest Day

Sat 04th Swam as an angel swimmmer for the Tralee Tri, no intensive swimming but swam about 1.5k, nice to be out in the water enjoying it and not be worrying about times.

Sun 05th Wanted to get in some family time today so moved the bike to Monday and got out for a Short Run 9k with 3*1k Zone 3, loving seeing my times coming down at the moment, every run.

Sun 5th Got out for a 1k swim in Fenit without a wetsuit, very different feeling , happy with the time, without the added bouyancy.

Total for the week 7.15 hours(Time down a bit this week as I did no long cycle)

NewCorkLad · 14-08-2018 10:06am

Mon 06th Due to mechanical difficulty was unable to use my bike today but needed to get the legs turning so headed to the gym and did 90min on an exercise bike, not ideal and hopefully never to be repeated.

Tue 07th Interval Swim 2k 200m Free/Pull/Paddle

Tue 07th Long Run 21k with 10k of it in Zone 3 with 2 *30sec rests.( 13sec faster per km compared to last week

run done in the evening compared to early morning which might have had an affect )

Wed 08th Out on the bike for 90 min followed by a 4km Zone 3 brick run. It was nice to be able to do this session out on the road instead of on the Turbo Trainer for one.

Thurs 09th Rest Day

Fri 10th 60 min on the Turbo Trainer 2*10min Zone 3

Sat 11th Rest Day longer session planned for tomorrow.

Sun 12th Got out with some club mates who are heading to Dublin next weeekend. 2,130m OW Swim followed by 80km bike and a 5km run. For some reason my swim speed is staying down around the 2min per 100m, a loss of around 10sec per 100m , cant get it back to where it was and dont know why it dropped but at least Im feeling fresh coming out of the water. Found the long bike session a lot easier when done with a group, would love to be able to do more of these but with my schedule will find it hard. Really enjoyed this as a session only 15km short on the run for the Lost Sheep, happy with the time and wasnt really pushing myself on the bike.

Heading into my last week before taper begins.

Total for the week 10 hr 55 min. My longest week to date.

NewCorkLad · 22-08-2018 11:38am

Mon 13th Out for my 9k run kept it in Zone 2 today as a recovery run following my longer session yesterday.

Tue 14th 1 hour 40 on the Turbo Trainer mostly Zone 2 with the final 30 min in Zone 3 followed by a fast 4k run.

Wed 15th Interval Swim Day, 200m Free/pull/paddle

Thurs 16th Rest Day

Fri 17th Long Run, I pushed onto 22k for my final run before taper, 19k of it in Zone 3 with 2*30 sec rests.

Sat 18th Couldnt get free today so jumped on the Turbo Trainer for an hour wihile my daughter was in bed 2*10min in Zone 3

Sun 19th Meant to get out for my long cycle but came up with some excuses and went to the pool instead, swimming 2,400m straight.

Total for the week 7 hr 20min

Finding my long cycle the hardest session to get out on, as it is my weakest discipline its something I have to get sorted. Not sure if its the thought of the long cycle, doing it on my own or actually down to the exhaustion of running around after my toddler all day on Saturdays. There are solutions to all the above so will get this sorted during my brief down period after Lost Sheep and before kicking on again.

NewCorkLad · 24-08-2018 11:34am

A question for the bike nuts, Im fairly bike illiterate, Im currenttly on a 6 year old Carrera that originally cost around €450 so fairly standard. 2 Gears on front and 8 on the back wheel. So while I know the main way to improve my cycling is to get out and cycle Im sure a bit of an ungrade cant hurt.

So my question, if I spend a few hundred on upgrades would it make a significant difference or would it just be a case of putting lipstick on a pig and I should just save up for a new steed?

Thanks

9Crimes · 24-08-2018 1:21pm

let me start by saying that nearly everyone that answers your question will have a different opinion! But hear is mine!

Use your bike to work to upgrade to a newer model. You might get a bargain this time of year as we head into winter.

If your better half has a bike to work use theirs too - to upgrade wheels, get clip on tri bars, lights, tyres, helmet, etc.

You can then leave the Carrera on the turbo full time and/or use it as your winter bike. (Also note: most road bikes have 10/11 speed on the back).

If possible speak to your work and better half's work and get them to pay by cheque/ bank transfer rather than bike to work vouchers as the vouchers take a % from the bike shop so if the bike shop is getting the full amount, they will be happier to negotiate.

Another tip - if buying tech (bike computer, watch, power meter) wait to Black Friday and buy online.

If you don't have bike to work, look at second hand, but beware there is a thriving business selling stolen bikes so beware.

joey100 · 24-08-2018 1:53pm

The main upgrades you would be looking at would be new wheelset or new groupset, other bits can be upgraded but more for comfort. Either of these your looking at around 300 euro to make it worth your while. I'd think your better off keeping that and putting it towards something newer. No rush to get it, your main goal race isn't til next year but the parts are only as good as the frame they are on.

NewCorkLad · 27-08-2018 10:26am

Thanks, that is what I was thinking but just trying to justify it to myself with a baby on the way.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/road-bikes/pro-carbon?utm_source=masonrybanner&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=MASRBProCarbon

Im looking at the two bikes for £999 which will come in at about €660 on the bike to work scheme with sterling the way it is. Anybody bought from this crowd before, are they dependable or would I be better off buying something closer to home that I can walk into?

Thanks for any help.

TriFirst · 27-08-2018 12:44pm

NewCorkLad wrote: »

A question for the bike nuts, Im fairly bike illiterate, Im currenttly on a 6 year old Carrera that originally cost around €450 so fairly standard. 2 Gears on front and 8 on the back wheel. So while I know the main way to improve my cycling is to get out and cycle Im sure a bit of an ungrade cant hurt.

So my question, if I spend a few hundred on upgrades would it make a significant difference or would it just be a case of putting lipstick on a pig and I should just save up for a new steed?

Thanks

If the Carrera you have is the one im thinking of it weights almost 12 kg , not helped by the deep section wheels that came with it that weight 4kg between them. If you spent about 150 euro youd get mavic aksium wheels which will weigh1.8kg , thereby saving you 2kg straight away. Replace the fork, handle bars, seatpost with carbon parts and you'll save another 1kg , now you have a 9kg bike. for less than 500 euro

NewCorkLad · 27-08-2018 2:46pm

TriFirst wrote: »

If the Carrera you have is the one im thinking of it weights almost 12 kg , not helped by the deep section wheels that came with it that weight 4kg between them. If you spent about 150 euro youd get mavic aksium wheels which will weigh1.8kg , thereby saving you 2kg straight away. Replace the fork, handle bars, seatpost with carbon parts and you'll save another 1kg , now you have a 9kg bike. for less than 500 euro

But would I not be better off getting a new bike through the BTW scheme spending roughly the same amount???

NewCorkLad · 28-08-2018 10:36am

Any opinions on the below bike greatly appreciated.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-vr6-tiagra-2018-road-bike/

joey100 · 28-08-2018 11:40am

Felt would generally have a decent name, my personal opinion would be to stay away from disc breaks at that price point, your sacrificing weight and probably money taken from other parts to go towards the discs.

Wiggle have one or two nice vitus bikes I have seen recently. Be worth keeping an eye out, some decent deals local too with the new 2019 bikes starting to arrive in shops.

BennyMul · 28-08-2018 11:58am

I would suggest getting starting with a bike fit, and from the measurements you will be pointed towards a bike geometry that works for you.
At the money you are looking at spending most bikes will feel similar and what will differentiate them is the groupset and wheels (both of which can be easily upgraded in time) but coming from what you have now any newer bike will feel amazing,

buying from wiggle and planetx.co.uk I would be surprised if you could use the B2W as they are English companies so might be one to think about.

if you could get a few B2W from work colleagues then you could combine them and get a more expensive bike for half the price, I know the Giant store in Cork will do this for you.

all set for the lost sheep ?

NewCorkLad · 28-08-2018 2:44pm

Feel like im going a bit stir crazy with tapering, possibly the reason behind my mad bike search at the moment. It seems you can use the B2W as long as you purchase the bike in the EU as long as your employer agrees. There seems to be good discounts around at the moment but I havent looked at bikes in years so these discounts could be available year round for all I know.

Re Lost Sheep prep, I feel like I could have done more climbing on the bike after what happened in Waterville but have been increasing my time on the bike, so I guess Ill see if it pays off this weekend.

NewCorkLad · 28-08-2018 3:13pm

Last Full week before Lost Sheep

Mon 20th 9k run in the morning with 3*1k in Zone 3
Mon 20th 2hrs in the evening on the Turbo Trainer in Zone 2 to make up for the skipped session in Sunday
Tue 21st OW Swim 1,600m in fairly choppy water
Wed 22nd 9k run with 2*1k in Zone 3
Thur 23rd Pool swim 1,700m straight
Fri 24th Rest Day
Sat 25th 10min Bike Zone 2 into 10min Zone 3 Run into 10min Bike Zone 3 into 10min Run Zone 2
Sun 26th 100min bike ride out in the wind and rain good experience which I needed.
Sun 26th 20min OW swim in Ballybunion being thrown around by the waves

Total for the week 7hr 20 min

NewCorkLad · 03-09-2018 4:03pm

Easy Week Leading up to Lost Sheep

Mon 27th 6k run done with 2k in Zone 3
Tue 28th 1,500m OW swim in very choppy water trying to concentrate on form, should be able for whatever conditions on Saturday
Wed 29th 65 min on the Turbo Trainer all in Zone 2
Thurs 30th 1,300m pool swim
Fri 31st Rest Day
Sat 01st Lost Sheep
Sun 02nd Rest Day

NewCorkLad · 03-09-2018 4:56pm

Lost Sheep HIM A story of 2 halves

Got down to Kenmare Friday evening happy to find out our Airbnb was at the turn off for the pier so only a 2 min walk to transition in the morning. Had dinner and went to register and attend the briefing, ran into a few club members and the excitment started to build.

Daughter woke up at 5:30 and as I was gonna be up early anyway, I got up with her as we were in an apartment and didnt want her screaming the place down. Had planned on porridge for breakfast but opted to just have the cookies given in the goody bag last night. 6:50 grabbed my gear and headed down. Forgot to have my banana with breakfast and forgot to bring some for the bike but I had plenty of water, high five, bars and energy gels so not an issue. Got racked by 7:00 and was ready to go, number 44 down by the water so will be out of the wetsuit quickly but a long run with the bike. Got speaking to a marshall who warned me of a pull across the bay to the left on the way out.

Swim
Quick briefing, final warning about Healy pass and into the water. A bit of swimming to warm up and I was ready to go. Found a club mate and was having a bit of a chat when the shotgun went off without any warning and it was on. Overall I was very happy with the swim. I concentrated on keeping my form and didnt push to try go faster, Found some feet on and off which I stuck with. From what I could see everyone seemed to cut a good line on the way out, however on the way back in, the majority of the field seemed to get pulled off to the right, I was worried for a while as every breath to the right I could see a huge pack of swimmers 100 to 150 metres off but I kept my line and was happy with my time. 34.59

T1
Nothing much to report out of my wetsuit quickly and into my shoes, it was a long run with the bike out of transition but had no problems everyone kept well in while changing. 3.18

Bike
Overall I was happy with the bike, the first 30k I got overtaken a good bit but I would expect that to happen to me for a long time yet but I managed to take back a few places in the last 15k without pushing myself too hard. Got plenty of water and nutrition on throughout the course. At no point did I have to contemplate getting off the bike and had no issues of my legs cramping, so overall very happy. 3.14.40

T2
Into T2. Was concious of the long run down transition again in T2 before I could offload the bike so decided to slip out of the shoes on the bike and run down in my socks. Never attempted this before and it almost ended in disaster as my left foot got stuck in the shoe and I panicked for a sec trying to pull it out, but managed it in the end. Into the tiolet for 2 min and off on the run. 5.27

Run
Heading out on the run I realised that if I could keep it together I could get finish this in under 6 hours something I would never have believed possible after the Hardman. My plan was to do 5.40/km which would get me home in under the 6 hours, managable for me without pushing it too hard. I finished the first k in 4.50min, I found this pace easy but I knew I was gonna get into trouble quickly if I didnt slow down. Managed to pull it back to 5.40min for the next few k's, however the heat seriously started to build and then I hit the hills. It was no longer easy to keep this pace and the course could really have used some additional aid stations. Kept it going until the 5k aid station got some water on and more over the head. I held my pace until 7k and hit a wall going up a hill and couldnt run any further, I had to walk. The next 14k were a misery of walking for 30 sec and running at a slow pace as long as I could, I tried to keep it to one walking session per kilometre but my body had completely given up. I dont know if it was the heat, the hills not enough water, energy drinks, the bananas I forgot that morning or if I need to take salt tablets with me but something went wrong. I had to forget about my 6 hour finish and the new aim was in under 6.21 to knock an hour off Waterville. But that was also not be be as for the last 4k my 2 calfs decided to cramp up and needed to be stretched on a regular basis. 2.24.03

Overall Time 6.24.30

If someone had told me I might get that time after Waterville I would have been very happy but I know I could have done better on that run, I just have to figure out now what went wrong.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 04-09-2018 12:06pm

Nutrition?

BennyMul · 04-09-2018 12:44pm

sorry should have looked for you to say hi, but I was pretty much the same died a thousand deaths on the hobble (cant call it a run), it was tuff out there the heat didn't help at all, but better to walk in the warmth than in cold rain

NewCorkLad · 05-09-2018 12:00pm

Jett Clever Checkers wrote: »

Nutrition?

Ya id say so, the heat and hills killed me but if I had been properly fueled it shouldnt have hit me so hard.

NewCorkLad · 05-09-2018 12:02pm

BennyMul wrote: »

but better to walk in the warmth than in cold rain

I knew there was a silver lining there somewhere

.

It would have been nice to have put some names to faces but Im not too sure I would have been able to string too many words together for a while after

NewCorkLad · 05-09-2018 12:29pm

So I have decided to go with the Don Fink plan for Cork. My plan is to complete the build and peak phases of the intermediate program. However as the program isnt due to start until the 26th of November and I feel that the intermediate base phase is a bit light, I plan on starting the competitive base phase next week and doubling up the weeks. I just feel that if I take off between now and November I will lose a lot of what I have built up and if I dont work to some plan I will definitly back slide or would there be some benefit to easing off until November?

Or is there any other plans I could work off until November to vary it up a bit???

NewCorkLad · 14-09-2018 10:30am

Quiet week last week focused on recovery and rest after Lost Sheep.

Tue 1000m pool swim followed by sauna
Fri 40min Run
Sun 60min Run

So starting on Monday I will be working my way through the Don Fink Intermediate Plan, had been thinking of starting on the Competitive Plan and dropping down later but feel it would be better to stick with a plan and just fit in longer sessions when I can. As I will be around 40 weeks out I have decided to double up on the build phase as I know if I dont work to some plan I will let what I have built up to date slide. This will also give me a bit of flexibility, in a few weeks when all my plans could be thrown out the window to drop some of the double up weeks.

Regarding my bike I have managed to pick up a Felt F85 second hand. It is practically new with very little use. While not a super bike, it is a bike I feel I can upgrade overtime. For now I will settle for getting some aerobars and a proper bike fit done, and my Carrera can stay fixed to my Turbo.

NewCorkLad · 21-09-2018 10:59am

Mon 10th Rest Day
Tue 11th 30 min run in the morning
Tue 11th 60min swim in the evening working to the fink program, felt like I got more out of it than my usual 2 unplanned swims a week. Some different drills and varied intervals. 2500m altogether.
Wed 12th Brick session this morning 30 min on the Turbo followed by 15 min run.
Thurs 13th 30min on the Turbo fast RPMs, was meant to get in my second swim this evening but collected my new bike instead will move swim to weekend
Fri 14th 55min on the Turbo, 5 min to go and my tire went flat, didnt miss out on much time but seriously depressing.
Sat 15th 56min swim Fink second swim program again more drills and then into intervals. 2500m
Sun 16th 75min run was meant to be 45min but missed out on a 30 min run during the week so just kept going a bit longer this morning.

Have had to rethink my plan for the moment. While the sessions are nice and short at the moment, there is more of them than I am used to doing, the swimming club is also back which has limited my access to the pool. Between that minding a toddler, being around to help Mrs CorkLad and the newest addition to the family due in the next 4 weeks, I am going to push the fink plan back to the official 30 week start time on Nov the 26th. In the mean time, the plan is 2 runs, 2 bike sessions, 2 gym sessions working on S&C and one swim at the weekend. That will give me Monday off one session a day for the rest of the week and doubling up on either Saturday and Sunday. With this I can be more flexible time wise and when my time gets limited I can drop back to 1 session each a week if needed but hopefully not for long.

NewCorkLad · 27-11-2018 12:22pm

Well Im back, my beautiful second daughter arrived a few weeks early back in September, everyone is happy and healthy. After a week of in and out to the hospital she came home. I have come to realise that having 2 kids is very different to 1 and while I thought I knew what was in store for us I was wrong. All training plans went out the window and I have been happy to fit in the odd run or turbo session when I could. Since my last update I have also hurt my back which lead to few physio sessions, been laid low by a bad case of man flue and the vomiting bug rampaged through the house.

But that is all over now as it 30 weeks to IM Cork and my training plan is kicking off. I have accepted that I will miss sessions, get little sleep and will need to be as flexible as I can with my sessions but Im optimistic I will get enough done before Cork as I have a very supportive wife.

So plan was meant to kick off this morning with a small brick session but my 2 year old woke crying at 5(she has not been sleeping properly since the vomiting bug) and didnt get her back down till 6:30 so that session has been moved to this evening, hopefully not an omen of whats to come.

EC1000 · 27-11-2018 2:22pm

NewCorkLad wrote: »

I have come to realise that having 2 kids is very different to 1 and while I thought I knew what was in store for us I was wrong. All training plans went out the window and I have been happy to fit in the odd run or turbo session when I could.

Best of luck with it. My training went from relatively organised and focused (before kids) to progressively more hap hazard (after one, two, then three kids). In all honesty (and with the benefit of hindsight), unless you decide that your training comes before your kids (which I don't believe it should), your best bet it to accept that there will be many, many compromises and not stress when sessions are missed due to tiredness, sickness, kids' sickness, etc., etc.

As the kids get a little older and sleep patterns and timetables become less random, you can always improve things. Then again, they start their own activities then also!

NewCorkLad · 03-12-2018 3:50pm

Thanks EC1000. The family will always come before the training, so I will just have to be as flexible as possible with the training, I have already made adjustments to Finks plan to suit my schedule and im sure more changes will be made as I go along. No way will I hit all my training targets but ill get as close as possible without stressing too much about it.

NewCorkLad · 03-12-2018 3:58pm

So Sunday evening, set out my schedule for the week on the kitchen blackboard. As alreeady stated I will be following the Fink Intermediate plan but will be making adjustments to suit my schedule.

So first change to be made was the swims, my pool timetable really doesnt suit me as such, I will be fitting in one swim on Thursday morning before work but it will be a scramble every week. The second swim has been moved to Sunday, before my long run. Not sure how this will affect my long run but will give it a go.

The runs, as already stated I will be doing a swim before my long run on Sunday. Currently there are 2 slow runs in the schedule, but I have decided to go to my club interval run sessions on a Wednesday night, which will account for these slow runs, but as the slow runs increase I will add back in another run. All my training is currently solo so feel the need to join up with other people once a week at least.

The bike will be pretty much as per Finks plan(for the moment).

NewCorkLad · 03-12-2018 4:13pm

Week 30

Day 1 Rest day(all going good so far)

Day 2 Easy brick session planned for the morning, but older child woke at 5:30, couldnt get her settled properly so that was a no go. Changed till the evening and got session done. Feels good working to a program again.

Day 3 Club interval run. Got there a little early and sat in my car as wasnt too sure what was happening. Eventually 2 got out and started a warm up jog around the track, so I followed after. Eventually we got into the intervals 3 sets of 90sec on, 90 sec on and 120sec on, with rest's inbetween, then cool down jog and stretching. Felt like the interval session could have gone on longer but I suppose they have to cater for everyone. Will get out as soon as I get there next week and get a bit extra running in.

Day 4 First proper swim back in a while so decided to skip the swim program this morning and just bash out 2k in the pool, to get a feel for the water. Got a major shock, my swim fitness has disappeared, need a good bit of work there.

Day 5 30min Turbo Trainer Zone 2 low resistance high RPM.

Day 6 60 min Turbo Zone 2

Day 7 Should have checked the schedules when setting out the week, pool was booked up for the day. So decided to get out for my long run should have been 45 mins but pushed on for the hour, I have fallen way back here too but onwards and upwards. I will move this swim to Monday evening(should be rest day) as I cant afford to miss out on swims at this stage and the training load is still low at the moment compared to what I was used to 2 months ago, so I can afford to miss a rest day.

Total for the week is 5hr 15 min, not what was planned due to the missed swim.

NewCorkLad · 02-01-2019 5:19pm

Well I have been keeping up with the program but it has been a busy few weeks with parties and christmas.

Week 29

Mon 2.5k Swim Program 33, I shoved this extra swim in here to make up for the lost swim last week, getting a bit of feel for the water again.

Tue 30min on the Turbo Trainer followed by a quick 15min brick run

Wed Club Interval Run in the evening. Got here a little earlier and got straight into my warm up run which helped extend the total run out to the hour, feeling improvement from these sessions already.

Thurs Swim Program 34. Headed to the pool early in the morning hoping to get in to the water a bit early but there was club swimmers in the water so no access(dont have this problem during the summer) So unfortunately had to cut this session short by 400m to make work. Will just have to do this swim on Thursday evenings which I was trying to avoid.

Fri 30 min on the Turbo Trainer followed by a 15min brick run, flet fresher than the Tuesday run.

Sat 90min on the Turbo Trainer

Sun Swim Program 35 completed followed by a 60min run in zone 2

Total for the week 471min

NewCorkLad · 02-01-2019 5:29pm

Week 28

Mon Rest Day

Tue 45 min on the Turbo Trainer followed by a 15 min brick run

Wed Club Interval Run, got their early again to extend my run. Really enjoying this part of the training.

Thurs Swim Program 36 completed, christmas party this evening so gave me a bit of flexibilty to fit a proper swim in the morning. got 30 min done on an exercise bike then in the hotel before heading out.

Fri 45min Run the next morning on a treadmill, was very tempted to give this a skip, but managed to get it done, with zero energy left for the rest of the day.

Sat Swim program 37(Pool was booked up on the Sunday) completed first thing in the morning, followed by a hard 105min Turbo session that evening.

Sun 60min Run, felt very comfortable on this run, putting in my best average speed while maintaining my heart in zone 2 in a long while.

Total for the week 479min

Very happy with completing everything this week, I had some worries coming into it with the party on Thursday night.

The long route to Cork

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