A week of some firsts......and hopefully some lasts

This week has seen a few firsts for me;

1. 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.
2. 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
3. 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!)

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. 

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 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