This is a literal subject heading as my new bike is finally here!!!!
I'm so totally excited and desperate to get out and ride it but the weather and time is officially against me.
I'm slowly getting back to feeling more human and have gone out on my 'old' bike twice this week commuting to work but had to miss running club on Monday as I am still having breathing problems in cold weather. I am away this weekend seeing my mum and dad so I probably will eat more than I burn as always but that's the point of going home surely??? Next week I will hopefully get to ride my shiny, speedy new bike into work a couple of times and will be going to my running club on Monday and Wednesday evening.
The reason for this injection of exercise is I will be flying off to the very sunny state of Texas on Easter Sunday leaving my poor husband to fend for himself whilst I eat my 5 stone back on and meet up with old friends! I have registered with a gym in the town I'm staying in the vain hope I can actually get to it and do some form of exercise - I'm taking bets on this and the odds are stacked against me :)
So really my training schedule has literally been thrown at the wall. I'm seriously considering my ability to get to the Bristol 10K and not do myself an injury and the Wiggle Bike Ride in the Wye Valley which will almost certainly kill me.
Any messages of motivation or a reality check would be appreciated!!!!
Till next week X
Thursday, 21 March 2013
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Not again!!!!!!
After pressing publish on last weeks blog little did I know I had completely jinxed my weekend!!!!!
Having spent half and hour on the phone to my mum I started coughing and couldn't stop. I then woke up on Thursday feeling utterly awful and managed to drag my tired (as a result of coughing all night) and sick body through work. I picked up my husband up from work and on seeing me immediately cancelled our trip to Snowdon!!!! Nooooooo!!!!
I've got to say it wasn't a bad idea. Not only could I barely move throughout the weekend the weather in North Wales was hideous so I don't think we would have reached the summit even in a good state of body and mind.
This cold is a mean one..... Its all coughing and mucus and disgustingness and a general feeling of cruddiness. Having spent my long weekend in bed dosed up on cough medicine and lemsip I thought I should be fine to go running with my club on Monday night...... nope :( Although the girls did facebook me saying how unbelievably cold it was so I probably made the right choice although at the time I was extremely grumpy!!
I'm back at work now and inflicting my germs on the rest of my office with the least amount of moaning (ahem) but I'm afraid the training has suffered. I've literally done nothing for a week. We managed to get out for a walk on Sunday but I was so cold I could only manage 30 mins before wanting to go home again.
I've been doing a little research on this sickness thing and surprise surprise its not uncommon in beginners to sport. I think the term is 'over enthusiastic'! I've also got to get my diet in gear. Having been programmed with Weight Watchers for the past 2 years I am finding the propoints plan is not really intended for the over active and so I am not eating enough of the right foods before and after exercising. Another common problem which leads to sickness.
So my plan for the rest of this week is to rest. This will obviously help my knee and get me fit and fighting again. I've also developed an eating plan whilst training with lots of protein every day to keep me fighting all the bugs flying around at the moment.
So this week no running, no cycling and no swimming but lots of rest, fluids and eating healthy.
Bring on next week and hopefully I will be fighting fit by Monday.
On the sponsorship front I have reached my target!!!! Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me to take part in the Leonard Cheshire Disability Tri Together Triathlon. I would to now aim to double this and with plenty of time to do this in its achievable.
Any donation is appreciated - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ClaireMcLaren1
Till next time x
Having spent half and hour on the phone to my mum I started coughing and couldn't stop. I then woke up on Thursday feeling utterly awful and managed to drag my tired (as a result of coughing all night) and sick body through work. I picked up my husband up from work and on seeing me immediately cancelled our trip to Snowdon!!!! Nooooooo!!!!
I've got to say it wasn't a bad idea. Not only could I barely move throughout the weekend the weather in North Wales was hideous so I don't think we would have reached the summit even in a good state of body and mind.
This cold is a mean one..... Its all coughing and mucus and disgustingness and a general feeling of cruddiness. Having spent my long weekend in bed dosed up on cough medicine and lemsip I thought I should be fine to go running with my club on Monday night...... nope :( Although the girls did facebook me saying how unbelievably cold it was so I probably made the right choice although at the time I was extremely grumpy!!
I'm back at work now and inflicting my germs on the rest of my office with the least amount of moaning (ahem) but I'm afraid the training has suffered. I've literally done nothing for a week. We managed to get out for a walk on Sunday but I was so cold I could only manage 30 mins before wanting to go home again.
I've been doing a little research on this sickness thing and surprise surprise its not uncommon in beginners to sport. I think the term is 'over enthusiastic'! I've also got to get my diet in gear. Having been programmed with Weight Watchers for the past 2 years I am finding the propoints plan is not really intended for the over active and so I am not eating enough of the right foods before and after exercising. Another common problem which leads to sickness.
So my plan for the rest of this week is to rest. This will obviously help my knee and get me fit and fighting again. I've also developed an eating plan whilst training with lots of protein every day to keep me fighting all the bugs flying around at the moment.
So this week no running, no cycling and no swimming but lots of rest, fluids and eating healthy.
Bring on next week and hopefully I will be fighting fit by Monday.
On the sponsorship front I have reached my target!!!! Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me to take part in the Leonard Cheshire Disability Tri Together Triathlon. I would to now aim to double this and with plenty of time to do this in its achievable.
Any donation is appreciated - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ClaireMcLaren1
Till next time x
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
A productive week
This week has been very productive from a learning point of view.
I went along to the Triathlon show 2013 at Sandown Park on Sunday and attended a running workshop with The Running School. It sounds corny but it truly was an enlightening experience. Mike Antoniades ran the course and had us all running around a paddock for an hour, improving our technique. At first it seems a lot to process and run and the same time but since that workshop I have been actively trying to 'run correctly' and the difference is remarkable. My speed has increased but I am not fatiguing as quick.
The Running School are offering free bio mechanical analysis at the moment (which I have signed up to) so anyone new to running I would recommend this.
I also sat in on a seminar about running techniques and links to injuries. It was led by some researchers at the University of Oxford and the project is called Run 3D. It was a fascinating seminar but I was eager to volunteer as a guinea pig but alas they have enough!
All in all it was a great day out and I took home lots of freebies and advice. I also went to the Tri-Together stand and had a chat with the lovely people there. It was great to meet them and really helped me focus on my training this week.
The last week
Thursday - Cycle 10 miles
Friday - REST
Saturday - 5K (not quite parkrun as I overslept!)
Sunday - REST (with a bit of running at the workshop)
Monday - Cycle 10 miles, Running club (4 miles)
Tuesday - Cycle 10 miles
Wednesday - Cycle 10 miles, Interval training over 5K
I decided against entering the ballot for the ITU London Triathlon as its open water swimming and they advise participants to have a wet suit - I'm not quite there on this investment yet so maybe we might go along as a cheering squad instead!
The sponsorship is still coming in thick and fast and I now only have £30 to go to reach my target so all donations are very much appreciated - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ClaireMcLaren1. Its for such a great cause and I promise to post 'knackered Claire' photos after the event as a treat to all who sponsored me.
This weekend I am off to Snowdon and depending on the weather (which currently doesn't look too good) we will hopefully climb this peak as part of our 3 peaks in a year challenge!! Fingers crossed the weather is clear otherwise I'll be down a copper mine!!
News on the knee front is.....it still hurts :( I've got a follow up appointment with my physio next week but it would be good to get an idea on what the cause of the pain is. I have been taking things easy on all runs this week but its not right.
Anyways that's enough from me. Hope you all have a fab weekend...... till next week x
I went along to the Triathlon show 2013 at Sandown Park on Sunday and attended a running workshop with The Running School. It sounds corny but it truly was an enlightening experience. Mike Antoniades ran the course and had us all running around a paddock for an hour, improving our technique. At first it seems a lot to process and run and the same time but since that workshop I have been actively trying to 'run correctly' and the difference is remarkable. My speed has increased but I am not fatiguing as quick.
The Running School are offering free bio mechanical analysis at the moment (which I have signed up to) so anyone new to running I would recommend this.
I also sat in on a seminar about running techniques and links to injuries. It was led by some researchers at the University of Oxford and the project is called Run 3D. It was a fascinating seminar but I was eager to volunteer as a guinea pig but alas they have enough!
All in all it was a great day out and I took home lots of freebies and advice. I also went to the Tri-Together stand and had a chat with the lovely people there. It was great to meet them and really helped me focus on my training this week.
The last week
Thursday - Cycle 10 miles
Friday - REST
Saturday - 5K (not quite parkrun as I overslept!)
Sunday - REST (with a bit of running at the workshop)
Monday - Cycle 10 miles, Running club (4 miles)
Tuesday - Cycle 10 miles
Wednesday - Cycle 10 miles, Interval training over 5K
I decided against entering the ballot for the ITU London Triathlon as its open water swimming and they advise participants to have a wet suit - I'm not quite there on this investment yet so maybe we might go along as a cheering squad instead!
The sponsorship is still coming in thick and fast and I now only have £30 to go to reach my target so all donations are very much appreciated - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ClaireMcLaren1. Its for such a great cause and I promise to post 'knackered Claire' photos after the event as a treat to all who sponsored me.
This weekend I am off to Snowdon and depending on the weather (which currently doesn't look too good) we will hopefully climb this peak as part of our 3 peaks in a year challenge!! Fingers crossed the weather is clear otherwise I'll be down a copper mine!!
News on the knee front is.....it still hurts :( I've got a follow up appointment with my physio next week but it would be good to get an idea on what the cause of the pain is. I have been taking things easy on all runs this week but its not right.
Anyways that's enough from me. Hope you all have a fab weekend...... till next week x
Thursday, 28 February 2013
A week of some firsts......and hopefully some lasts
This week has seen a few firsts for me;
- Ran my first ParkRun session in Bristol on Saturday which was fantastic but absolutely knackering! I stopped twice but for only 10 seconds as the volunteers around the route really spur you on! I managed a not so embarrassing time of 32:08 for 5K so my goal is to get this under 30 minutes before Easter. It was such a good atmosphere though and I felt really proud to have actually completing the course.
- Ran my first 4 miles with my local running group which was amazing! It really is the highlight of my week running with these ladies and we all support and encourage each other along the way
- Cycled into work every day this week - clocking up a not so shabby 50 miles on the bike
I love trying new things at the moment and pushing my limits so hopefully there will be more of these in the coming weeks.
This week
Monday - Cycle 10 miles, Running club (4 miles...YAY!)
Monday - Cycle 10 miles, Running club (4 miles...YAY!)
Tuesday - Cycle 10 miles
Wednesday - Cycle 10 miles, Run 5K
Thursday - Cycle 10 miles, Swim 400m
Friday - Cycle 10 miles, Pilates
I'm going back to run my local ParkRun on Saturday but no cycling this weekend as I am away visiting family (seems a bit rude to disappear for a couple of hours!)
Cycling
No new bike as yet but having clocked up 40 miles so far (another 10 tomorrow) I am feeling pretty good!
Swimming
Bit of a disappointing week on the swimming front. For some reason my membership card to the local triathlon club was not ready and so I was unable to participate in the swimming session on Wednesday morning. I did take full advantage of this and stay in bed a little longer though!! I'm off to my local swimming pool tonight for 400m and will be timing myself.
Running
I'm really seeing an improvement week on week with the running but had a bit of an issue with my left knee after the ParkRun on Saturday. It was fine during the run itself but throughout the day my knee started to feel a bit peculiar. It wasn't painful but uncomfortable. It was like there was a bag of air surrounding my entire knee restricting any movement. It was more uncomfortable after long periods of sitting or going up and down stairs. It did subside on Sunday so I continued with training on Monday night and Wednesday lunchtime running 4 miles and 5K but it was definitely not improving (but also not getting any worse) so I booked an appointment with my chiropractor (its worrying when you have one on speed dial) and saw him last night.
Wednesday - Cycle 10 miles, Run 5K
Thursday - Cycle 10 miles, Swim 400m
Friday - Cycle 10 miles, Pilates
I'm going back to run my local ParkRun on Saturday but no cycling this weekend as I am away visiting family (seems a bit rude to disappear for a couple of hours!)
Cycling
No new bike as yet but having clocked up 40 miles so far (another 10 tomorrow) I am feeling pretty good!
Swimming
Bit of a disappointing week on the swimming front. For some reason my membership card to the local triathlon club was not ready and so I was unable to participate in the swimming session on Wednesday morning. I did take full advantage of this and stay in bed a little longer though!! I'm off to my local swimming pool tonight for 400m and will be timing myself.
Running
I'm really seeing an improvement week on week with the running but had a bit of an issue with my left knee after the ParkRun on Saturday. It was fine during the run itself but throughout the day my knee started to feel a bit peculiar. It wasn't painful but uncomfortable. It was like there was a bag of air surrounding my entire knee restricting any movement. It was more uncomfortable after long periods of sitting or going up and down stairs. It did subside on Sunday so I continued with training on Monday night and Wednesday lunchtime running 4 miles and 5K but it was definitely not improving (but also not getting any worse) so I booked an appointment with my chiropractor (its worrying when you have one on speed dial) and saw him last night.
After re-mobilizing my knee he gave me some exercises and told me it was a common complaint in new runners and will go in time (it was a more technical explanation but that's the gist!). This mornings cycle to work was a breeze so I will keep the exercises going and hopefully all will be well.
I've had an email from London 2012 about the ITU London Triathlon which has an open category for anyone to participate in. It takes place on 15th September and I am seriously considering entering the ballot. There is no guaranteed places and places are confirmed on 6th March. Anyone wishing to enter please go to this site http://london.triathlon.org/news/article/Open_Age_Group_Race_Ballot_Entry/
I've had an email from London 2012 about the ITU London Triathlon which has an open category for anyone to participate in. It takes place on 15th September and I am seriously considering entering the ballot. There is no guaranteed places and places are confirmed on 6th March. Anyone wishing to enter please go to this site http://london.triathlon.org/news/article/Open_Age_Group_Race_Ballot_Entry/
I am really tempted but the entry fee is a bit steep at £89 (Sprint option) so I am deliberating at the moment. The other possible issue is that the Tri-Together Triathlon is on 1st September so I'm wondering if they are too close together???
I've also booked in for the Tri-Together training session on 11th May so it will be so good to meet up with people participating and to learn all about what to expect on the day.
On the Tri-Together Triathlon my sponsorship is going great guns off line. Having found an ideal location in my office to put my sponsorship form (next to the cakes!) people have been sponsoring me like mad!! I'm on £50 off my original target but I obviously want to exceed this to get as much money for Leonard Cheshire Disability as possible.
Anyone who would like to sponsor me please go to my Virgin Money Giving site - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ClaireMcLaren1
Anyone wishing to participate in the Tri-Together Triathlon or find out a bit more about Leonard Cheshire Disability please go to - http://www.lcdisability.org/?lid=15807
As always I hope everyone is having a great week. Till next time x
Friday, 22 February 2013
Re-focused and feeling fab!
After feeling like death warmed up last week I have made a complete recovery and have started back on the training plan. I haven't gone 'full steam ahead' though as I don't want to end up poorly sick again :( It was all about ensuring I did enough but had sufficient rest days.
This week
Monday - Running club
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Cycle 10 miles
Thursday - Cycle 10 mile, Run 5k
Friday - Cycle 10 miles, Pilates
This weekend I am going to my local parkrun and doing my 5k and on Sunday instead of participating in the Chilly Duathlon I will be heading out for a longer bike ride.
Cycling
Bike news! - I have ordered my new road bike through the cycle to work scheme so I should hopefully be getting it next week or the week after. I went for a test ride last night and it felt like I was flying around Bradley Stoke. I honest won't know what's hit me when I start to use it. Its so light!!
Here it is - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2013.giant.escape.rx.1.w/11868/56911/
Swimming
I've taken the 'plunge' and signed up to my first swimming session with BADtri (Bristol based Triathlon club) next week. I have to be poolside at 6:30am(!!!) which is going to be a struggle considering I am usually still in bed at that time but we will see how it goes!
Running
I am really enjoying running club and had a great run on Monday night with the girls. We managed to do just under 4 miles and I didn't feel too knackered afterwards. I did the same route at lunch yesterday and it did feel a bit more of a struggle but I think that was lack of food more than anything!!
I've been informed about a training session for beginners to triathlon that TriGirl are running. I am unfortunately (or fortunately) on holiday at the time of my local event but thought I would share it here as it looks like a great day with lots of useful information.
http://www.trigirl.co.uk/training/trigirl-training-days-2013/
Hope everyone has a fun and active weekend despite the chilly weather! Till next week x
This week
Monday - Running club
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Cycle 10 miles
Thursday - Cycle 10 mile, Run 5k
Friday - Cycle 10 miles, Pilates
This weekend I am going to my local parkrun and doing my 5k and on Sunday instead of participating in the Chilly Duathlon I will be heading out for a longer bike ride.
Cycling
Bike news! - I have ordered my new road bike through the cycle to work scheme so I should hopefully be getting it next week or the week after. I went for a test ride last night and it felt like I was flying around Bradley Stoke. I honest won't know what's hit me when I start to use it. Its so light!!
Here it is - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2013.giant.escape.rx.1.w/11868/56911/
Swimming
I've taken the 'plunge' and signed up to my first swimming session with BADtri (Bristol based Triathlon club) next week. I have to be poolside at 6:30am(!!!) which is going to be a struggle considering I am usually still in bed at that time but we will see how it goes!
Running
I am really enjoying running club and had a great run on Monday night with the girls. We managed to do just under 4 miles and I didn't feel too knackered afterwards. I did the same route at lunch yesterday and it did feel a bit more of a struggle but I think that was lack of food more than anything!!
I've been informed about a training session for beginners to triathlon that TriGirl are running. I am unfortunately (or fortunately) on holiday at the time of my local event but thought I would share it here as it looks like a great day with lots of useful information.
http://www.trigirl.co.uk/training/trigirl-training-days-2013/
Hope everyone has a fun and active weekend despite the chilly weather! Till next week x
Monday, 18 February 2013
Oh dear!
Well I'm a little late with my weekly update and here's why.....
From last weeks blog you will know I was suffering from a cold and hoping it was on its way out for a productive weekend. Well it got worse....much worse :( I was finally diagnosed with sinusitis and given antibiotics as they thought it had been in my system for over a week. I was old to rest, drink plenty of water and stay in the warm so as you can probably guess I did no training what so ever last week.
My amazing husband had booked a self catering apartment in Brighton from Thursday to Saturday as a valentines treat and so we did head on down South for some R&R which was lovely.
We had a massive spring clean of the house when we got home on Sunday which completely knackered me out so I know I'm not fully recovered yet.
I am going to take this week easy but I will be doing some training to make me feel a bit more alive.
Tonight I will be going to running club so very easy jogging and hopefully get a feel for actually moving again.
Till next week x
From last weeks blog you will know I was suffering from a cold and hoping it was on its way out for a productive weekend. Well it got worse....much worse :( I was finally diagnosed with sinusitis and given antibiotics as they thought it had been in my system for over a week. I was old to rest, drink plenty of water and stay in the warm so as you can probably guess I did no training what so ever last week.
My amazing husband had booked a self catering apartment in Brighton from Thursday to Saturday as a valentines treat and so we did head on down South for some R&R which was lovely.
We had a massive spring clean of the house when we got home on Sunday which completely knackered me out so I know I'm not fully recovered yet.
I am going to take this week easy but I will be doing some training to make me feel a bit more alive.
Tonight I will be going to running club so very easy jogging and hopefully get a feel for actually moving again.
Till next week x
Friday, 8 February 2013
This week I have mostly................been snotty
Yes the dreaded winter cold has struck me this week but did I let it affect me? Did I hell!
Now this post was supposed to have been written in a zen like state after a 45 minute relaxing and stretching session of Pilates. Unfortunately I was faced with people who do not book a slot for the session and end up taking mine. Although I moaned to reception who very quickly went upstairs to see who the culprit was I was no longer in a 'happy place' and decided to make a quick exit before the annoyed 'just kicked out' person came and found me (I know I'm a complete chicken!)
Up until that point I've actually been pretty good;
Saturday - 5K interval running (jog to one lamp post, sprint to the next)
Sunday - Rest (and a nice walk around the zoo with my parents!)
Monday - Cycle 9 miles and Running club
Tuesday - Cycle 9 miles and Circuits (the beginning of the snottiness)
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - Cycle 9 miles and 2 mile run (in 20 minutes)
Friday - Cycle 9 miles and dance lesson
The only bits left out were a 20 mile bike ride on Sunday (as I had my parents visiting I thought this might be a bit rude!), a second session of circuits and the painful subject of Pilates :(
My diet was looking good until last night when I really couldn't be bothered to cook and I wanted to spend quality time with the husband. We ended up in Gourmet Burger and my mantra with that place is "If you are going to do something wrong, do it right". We pretty much ate the menu!!
I've also found the perfect bike for training and possibly commuting. As I couldn't get on with the drop handle bars I am opting for this one;
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2013.giant.escape.rx.1.w/11868/56911/
Will be hopefully test riding this at the weekend to make 100% sure its right and then buying next week - gotta love the cycle to work scheme!
I'm really starting to see a difference with my running now as well. My breathing has greatly improved and I can go further without fatigue which is promising and motivating at the same time!
I'm in two minds whether to compete in the Chilly Duathlon in 2 weeks time. I don't think I'm quite at serious competing level, I don't want to come last and next weekend I am being whisked away for valentines so will probably get no training in then either plus I should have my new bike by then but hardly any practice.
On the swimming front I've been hopeless :( With the cold settling in I did not start with BADtri on Wednesday morning (still can't quite get my head around being poolside for a 6:30 start!). This weekend is looking more promising so I will hopefully get back in the pool on Sunday.
I'm going to leave this blog here but any aspiring triathletes out there please feel free to comment, feedback and post your progress here. It would be nice to know I'm not on my own out there........................
Till next week x
Now this post was supposed to have been written in a zen like state after a 45 minute relaxing and stretching session of Pilates. Unfortunately I was faced with people who do not book a slot for the session and end up taking mine. Although I moaned to reception who very quickly went upstairs to see who the culprit was I was no longer in a 'happy place' and decided to make a quick exit before the annoyed 'just kicked out' person came and found me (I know I'm a complete chicken!)
Up until that point I've actually been pretty good;
Saturday - 5K interval running (jog to one lamp post, sprint to the next)
Sunday - Rest (and a nice walk around the zoo with my parents!)
Monday - Cycle 9 miles and Running club
Tuesday - Cycle 9 miles and Circuits (the beginning of the snottiness)
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - Cycle 9 miles and 2 mile run (in 20 minutes)
Friday - Cycle 9 miles and dance lesson
The only bits left out were a 20 mile bike ride on Sunday (as I had my parents visiting I thought this might be a bit rude!), a second session of circuits and the painful subject of Pilates :(
My diet was looking good until last night when I really couldn't be bothered to cook and I wanted to spend quality time with the husband. We ended up in Gourmet Burger and my mantra with that place is "If you are going to do something wrong, do it right". We pretty much ate the menu!!
I've also found the perfect bike for training and possibly commuting. As I couldn't get on with the drop handle bars I am opting for this one;
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2013.giant.escape.rx.1.w/11868/56911/
Will be hopefully test riding this at the weekend to make 100% sure its right and then buying next week - gotta love the cycle to work scheme!
I'm really starting to see a difference with my running now as well. My breathing has greatly improved and I can go further without fatigue which is promising and motivating at the same time!
I'm in two minds whether to compete in the Chilly Duathlon in 2 weeks time. I don't think I'm quite at serious competing level, I don't want to come last and next weekend I am being whisked away for valentines so will probably get no training in then either plus I should have my new bike by then but hardly any practice.
On the swimming front I've been hopeless :( With the cold settling in I did not start with BADtri on Wednesday morning (still can't quite get my head around being poolside for a 6:30 start!). This weekend is looking more promising so I will hopefully get back in the pool on Sunday.
I'm going to leave this blog here but any aspiring triathletes out there please feel free to comment, feedback and post your progress here. It would be nice to know I'm not on my own out there........................
Till next week x
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)