Restarting OF&H

I've signed up for a half ironman - 14th September 2014.

Need to start training properly - medals are won in the winter and collected in the summer.

Run:
08:56.37 from mums to debs
06:21.23 at debs
27:22.30 from debs back to mums via craddocks, bramley way, round by greville then back into the marld.
03:03.89 stretches outside number 22.

Quite tired, right thigh abit sore.
Plenty to work on.

Brighton half marathon 16th February 2014 is my first event of the season so is my focus at the moment. My new book Be Iron Fit from my tri buddy Katherine will be my bedtime reading for the next few months.

Oh and according to mum's scales I'm 12 and a half stone - so ideally I could do with losing a couple of stone - 28lbs before the half ironman at the latest.

Liz triathlete Carter has got her focus for 2014 - let's see how she does!!!!

Snap is of me just after my run today outside mum and dad's. The other snap is from the back bedroom looking out - lovely view, made me smile as I got changed after my shower.

The start of a busy Thursday

My alarm went off at 5.25am - I snoozed for 10mins.

Cycles to Southampton common to meet my fellow run gang members of Katherine, Stuart and Tamsyn. I got a lovely pressie from Katherine from Denmark and my new power paddles for swimming. Tamsyn got a lovely new skirt that Katherine's not wearing anymore. Stuart got nothing :(

We then set off on our run. We did park run route c. Stuart and Katherine gossiping ahead of Tamsyn and I who were also gossiping away.

The run was quite tough but we did chat our way round it so I could def go quicker and of course in race conditions would def go quicker as alot less gossiping!

5k in 33:45.28

I'm happy with that.
Great start to the day :)

Boxing and fat club later. Will also take a pic of my goodies from Katherine

w/c Monday 11th Nov = start of my Half Ironman training

Monday 11/11 – Tri Club swimming

34 lengths = 850m in 22:54.61

• 200m 5:00.88
• 200m 5:32.78
• 200m 5:20.77
• 200m 5:40.42
• 50m 1:15.24

Tuesday 12/11 - Boxing with Pam

OMG – my thighs are now in agony

The key indicator for me with boxing will be seeing how my ability to do press ups increases.
At the moment I can’t really do one – let alone the 200 we “did” on Tuesday.

Wednesday 13/11 – Bit of a rest day!

I was going to do LRR training at 7pm on the common but I could barely walk so had a lovely evening catching up on my TiVo recordings. I did do 10mins on the stationary bike.

Early morning Thursday 14/11 – Run gang on the common (me, Katherine, Stuart & Tamsyn so far)

Stu’s instructions:-

3 lots of 4 x 400m (i.e. 12 in total)

Liz - 2m 12 per 400m with 2m 12 rest between efforts. Tamsyn - 1m 56 per 400m with 1m 56 rest between efforts. Katherine - 1m 49 per 400m with 1m 49 rest between efforts Stu - 1m 25 per 400m with 1m 25 rest between efforts

After each 4 you get to slowly jog 400m as extra recovery.

This is what I actually managed:-

400m  2:17.33
Rest 2:00.45
400m 2:30.96
Rest 2:35.00 (I moved my bike)
400m 2:35.67
Rest 2:00.30
400m 2:35.90
Rest 1:00.54
400m slow jog 3:08.64
400m 2:32.37
Rest 2:00.43
400m 2:33.08
Rest 1:00.57
400m 2:28.46
Then easy jog 1:57.27

Total time = 33:16.97

So plenty to work on with run gang!

Will do some cycling this evening, then rest day on Friday, tri club swimming Saturday and maybe a walk on Sunday.

Follow my blog - http://operationfitandhealthy.blogspot.com/

Details of my next run for the charity I work for - http://www.everyclick.com/tri-ing4nolimits

My first park run

5k in 31:05 - my first park run - Southampton. Made me realise just how much training I need to do over the next 15 weeks to get ready for the half marathon.

1st 3km in 18:33.43, next 1km in 6:43.85 then the last 1km in 5:49.84

I was pretty much spent though at the end! Great fun - cup of tea afterwards at the Hawthornes - what a fabulous cafe they have there now. Katherine got a pb - 25:05

Have decided to do at least one park run a month maybe two and then tri club swimming once or twice a month.

Absolutly chucked it down for about five mins and then a beautiful autumnal day again.

Hmmmmmmm

I had a wonderful holiday in USA - got home last week. I did though put back on 7.5lbs so am back up to 12:5 - siiiiiigh.

Need to get back into Slimmers world. Need to lose at least 21lbs before Brighton half marathon. I have thrown myself down the gauntlet. Lets see what happens.

2014 season

So far I'm doing -

Brighton half marathon Sunday 16th Feb 2014

Leatherhead sprint triathlon Sunday 1st June 2014

Eastleigh open water triathlon Sunday 29th June 2014

Weymouth half ironman Sunday 14th September 2014

I'm also hoping to do the x3 Portsmouth duathlon series - March, April and May but waiting on Gears to let me know if I can stay at her place the nights before.

Will do the club triathlon in Lymington - no date yet but this year it was first weekend in august but as I was in Denmark I couldn't do it.

Plus will prob do the Polsedon Lacey 10k and the Ashtead 10k again.

And lots of LRR races, some aquathlons and open water swims plus plenty of long cycle rides - maybe even some organised long cycle rides.

Guess I need to crack on with my winter training!

2km sea swim on Sunday 8th Sept 2013

Gosh.
What can I say? I've swum 2km. 2000m. Equivalent of 80lengths of a regular pool. Non stop!!!!!

Very choppy, very wet - as in waves crashing over me left right and centre. Awful. And sea water is so flipping salty when you end up swallowing gallons of the stuff.

I was the last person out - I think under the 75minute time limit which is amazing as the conditions were the worst ever in 25years.

So chuffed and amazed at myself and what I'm achieving each week. I'm a true believer that pretty much anyone can run a successful operation fit and healthy campaign. Afterall if I can do it I reckon anyone can :)

How's the week been?

My last update was a week ago on Sunday 25th August - so how has this week been?

Well - Sunday I went through to Brighton to see Bernie - took my running gear but didnt actually use it.

Tuesday - my new washing machine was delivered!

Wednesday Pam was stuck in traffic so I went for a run - approx 7k around ocean village and over itchen bridge - about 45mins or so.

Thursday - met Pam at boxing. OMG - loved it. 30mins of boxing - went in the ring with Frank and did glove work. Then 30mins of strength work. I was able to keep up and did very well. Was of course purple by the end and dripping in sweat. Shower then fat club - minus 4lbs.

Friday up to London to meet Matt and Luc - Rupert pub in Soho then sketch for amazing meal then village in Soho for a quick dance. Just caught the last train home!!!

Saturday 31st August - really quite tired. Got ready for Weymouth tri but in the end Katherine realised way too knackered after Dundee. Quite pleased.

And now it's Sunday 1st September 2013.

25mins in the stationary bike - beads of sweat - check out pic.
Then lovely walk with Vik 6.4miles 2hours 12mins.

Great week - prob just as well didnt do the Weymouth tri...

Update 25/8/13

Gosh - one blinks and your big sis is all "of&h update?"

Today - lie in but then 10mins on the stationary bike - could make that a regular thing in my pjs and it'd be good to use it as more than just a clothes horse!

Yesterday 24/8
Run with Muts - approx 7km in 51:29.99

Friday 23/8
Wild camping in a field in Wiltshire - at least one bottle of red consumed.

Thursday 22/8
Plus 4lbs at fat club - eeeek

Wednesday 21/8
The last RR10 c/o Winchester running club at IBM centre Hursley - 4.4miles so about 6.5k? in 43:45.73 - was very pleased with myself as didnt stop once and managed a sprint finish.

Tuesday 20/8
Last run camp - sad face. 2km TT in 11:25.25 which was 14seconds faster than my time trial at the start of the 12week course so absolutly delighted - not so delighted though with the last of coach Ant's 3x3 strength sets. I won't miss those at all - although my running and stamina will!

Monday 19/8
Cycled from Wootton IOW to catch ferry back to mainland - 8.9km in 30mins - there were alot of hills!!

Sunday 18/8
Cycled to Wootton for an overnight with debs, mark and the girls.

Saturday 17/8
Cycled to Eastleigh lakeside for 7.15am and swam 3 laps of 300m in about 29mins - each lap slightly quicker than the last from 10:30ish to 9:47ish to 9:17ish. Then cycled to portswood, bassett, home then pub that eve in st.denys for viks bday drinks.

Friday 16\8
Home from IOW - cycled the long way as did some sightseeing. Fabulous week in the island with the family. Took tri suit, running gear, prescription goggles and bike - brilliant - got a couple of runs in, plants of swims amd splashing about in the sea plus some cycle rides.

Fabulous.

Holiday of&h update

Friday 9/8 - ferry to east cowes then cycled to brading 68mins 18.3km.

Saturday 10/8 Sandown beach - I must have swum about 4 times but not for any great length. Lil bro and I ran towards shanklin and back - 34mins. Not enough sun cream - burnt legs.

Sunday 11/8 - leisurely Sunday morning, bit of walking round the model village but mainly eating chocolate.

Monday 12/8 - great start 8.30am run with lil bro in the brading meadows - 30:24.07

Now we're off to blackgang chine

Wednesday 7th August 2013

Was LRR's RR10 race this evening so went along to help marshall and cheer/clap the runners. Had a blast. Lots of clapping and cheering - especially the slower runners as I know just how fab it is when you're tired and you get cheered!

Unfortunately I did have a slight accident when sourcing a spot to pee. Managed to walk into barbed wire - broke specs and got a cut right near my left eye. Luckily I had my sun glasses so had my shades on all eve.

Lovely to see my LRR chums and I thourally enjoyed the cakes that were consumed at the end of the race. Great fun. Fab evening.

Fab run camp 30/7/13

This evenings session was fab. Intensive, knackering and hot.

We ended with x2 1km runs with 3mins rest between each kilometer.

1st 1km = 5.31.40
Rest 3.19.33
2nd 1km = 5.34.36

Rather pleased with these times as they're pretty much the same. I'm def getting better at pacing plus I'm doing pretty much no chatting during each run which means I'm giving it loads of effort.

Was also first run for over a week. This summer has consisted so far of races then days of nothing. I need to keep up my strength training.

Oh and my next event is the Weymouth tri on Sunday 1st September.

750m sea swim
20k cycle
5k run

Fun!!!

July update... (run camps x2, 100k & 6 ferries, 10k race for life & new pedals!)

ooops - i haven't posted for a few weeks...

So, you last heard from yours truly a couple of days after i'd completed the Eastleigh Open Water Triathlon on Sunday 30th June.

9/7 Run Camp:-
1k 4:48.58; rest 4:51.07; 1k 5:00.28; rest 4:00.66 then cool down jog 1:29.27 
It's all about pacing!

13/7/13
100k, 6 ferries...

well 50 miles of cycling...

• Soton to Hythe (ferry #1)
• Hythe to Lymington
• Lymington to Yarmouth, IOW (ferry #2)
• Yarmouth to West Cowes (luncheon)
• West Cowes to East Cowes (ferry #3)
• East Cowes to Fishbourne
• Fishbourne to Portsmouth (ferry #4)
• Portsmouth to Gosport (ferry #5)
• Gosport to Warsash (via quick sea swim - 5mins)
• Warsash to Hamble (ferry #6)
• Hamble to Tooties, Southampton (3 scoops of ice cream)

14/7/13
Race for Life - 10k on Southampton Common

• 1k = 5:48.32
• 2k = 5:56.23
• 3k = 5:58.96
• 4k = 6:01
• 5k = 6:42.83

Total for 5k = 30:29.14

• 6k = 7:19.9 (includes water station & chat to Stuart & Tamsyn)
• 7k = 6:28.10
• 8k = 6:20.76 (left knee started to hurt)
• 9k = 7:30.10
• 10k=6:54.84

Grand total for 10k = 1:05.54 (includes 51.18secs - nipped back to get water bottle off Max at just after 5k) But it's still a new personal best! I'm delighted.

15/7/13
Tri Club swimming!!!! 1st time i'd swum since Monday 1st July - it was tough but another great leap forward with technique
Did my strokes at entering the water at ten to two - this reduced my cross over hugely which means i kept my legs together so kept my form which meant i went faster. Excellent.

16/7/13
Run camp - lots of hopping, hurdles and a suicide run at the end
sprint to 1st lamp post then 10 hops on right leg, sprint back, 10sec rest. sprint to 2nd lamp post, 20 hops left leg, sprint back, 10sec rest. sprint to 3rd lamp post 10 squat jumps, sprint back, 10sec rest. sprint to 4th lamp post, 10 alternate squats, sprint back, collapse, finish.

17/7/13
NEW PEDALS!!!! clips on one side, regular on the other. Gentle 10/15min cycle with Muts then platform for drinks and a burger. 

Post Tri training

Run camp this eve - nearly didnt go as still quite tires from Sunday's tri and Mondays swim.

Glad I went though - did a 2k time trial - 11:36.89
Was very tired when finished but very pleased with myself because didnt stop once even though I really wanted to.

Did quite abit of strength work - it totally killed but so important so just had to grit my teeth and do it. Ant does love his sets of three.

What's next?

That's a very good question...

Usual training of tri club swimming twice a week and run camp weekly.

13/7 is the 6 ferries 100k bike ride and 14/7 is the race for life 10k.

1st Sept - not sure but possibly the Weymouth tri

10th Sept LRR mile series

14th Sept - some 5k in Brighton where you get powder paint thrown at you - I have no idea what it is - apparently these runs are jolly popular in the States.

22nd Sept is the Ashtead 10k

Then I'm off to America.

I have signed up for the Brighton half marathon 16th Feb 2014. Not sure of I'll actually do it but it'll give me a good focus for strengthening my core so my knee is strong enough to make it round 13miles.

I need to have a proper think and make some plans. I will of course keep you all posted.

I've completed the Eastleigh Open Water Sprint Triathlon!

Wow. Done.
So how was it?
Great fun!

Only had about 5/6hours sleep as so excited. Got to katherine's by 6.45 and we were enroute by 7.10am. Ended up parking in the concord club and joined the queue for registration.

Set up transition and only had to go back a couple of times to check everything was in order. We then had about 45mins to chat. Lovely. Nice and warm, sun coming out.

Wave 5 and we headed down around 8.45ish. Watched the wave before us and waved and cheered Pam as she entered and left transition for the bike leg.

Didnt really like the swim. Just find it hard work - don't really like swimming. Did mainly crawl but also quite alot of breast stroke but I knew I would take about 15mins which in thw grand scheme of things isn't that bad.

Decided not to wear socks - don't think I'll do that again - feet fine but by the end of the run I could feel my feet starting to rub abit. Flaffed about doing zip of gillet up but was out and running to the mount line within 3mins. Waved at chums but mainly focused on getting to the mount line and heading off. 20k cycle, two laps. Was okay.

Had a mini malt loaf snack and has to stop to do up gillet but overall I was making good time. Waved and said hi to Katherine and Suzanne enroute. Was getting abit tired but did the cycle in less than an hour.

Dismount and ran back to transition. Feeling okay. T2 was very fast and was off on the run within a minute!

Bumped into Suzanne on her second lap - going strong but just wanted to finish! Cheered as I swung round for my second lap. I didnt stop once but boy did I want to. Tired, thirsty and hot. Smiled at the marshalls and with every step I was getting nearer to the finish. I even managed a little sprint and was utterly amazed to look at my watch - 1:40:26 - nearly 20mins under 2hours!!!

Lots of congratulating each other, taking pics and reliving the race.

Finally collected the bikes and had luncheon in trego lounge, portswood. A wonderful morning. I'm now a sprint triathlete!

400m open water swim
20k bike ride
5k run.

The Eastleigh Tri is tomorrow!

Blimey. All those months ago when I first suggested I might do the Eastleigh tri and now here we are - less than 12 hours away from my first sprint triathlon. I'm constantly pinching myself cos I really can't believe it's actually happening.

Swam approx 1300m in about 33mins - although I can't actually remember to be honest. Was a good work out, coach kirsty is desperate for me to go abit faster! Then tea and scones with Suzanne in Tudor cafe.

Luncheon while watching le tour de France, shopping then 9.7k cycle to hedge end for a bbq. Great fun. Lots of carb and sugar loading but no alcohol. Cycled home. So have done at least two thirds of the tri already today!

Sorted out my kit - will pack it all up tomorrow. And now it's bedtime. Alarm set for 5.15am I think.

2 days to the Eastleigh Tri

Well... I may have mentioned about going for a cycle this eve when in fact all I did was cycle over the bridge to a chum's for food, red wine and an evening of chat and laughter. Great fun. And the wine was beautiful - so soft and smooth.

Swimming tomorrow then cycling to hedge end then early night at need to have set up bike by 7.50am Sunday and my wave - 4th one, is at 9am.

Excited but it still hasn't sunk in that I'm about to do a sprint triathlon!

3 days to go till the Eastleigh Tri

Have been at work all day so have done no tri training. In fact I've picked up a wii related injury on my right ring finger - managed to be a tad too energetic while playing Wii tennis and whacked my finger on a chair. Knocked skin off and it bled quite alot. Have covered with plasters but rather tender. Hopefully it won't impeded in my sporting prowess in Sunday!

I probably need to do something tomorrow - maybe a cycle? Plus I need to check which wave I'm in and I still need to clean my bike.

I don't think it's quite sunk in that I'm racing in Sunday - I'm feeling way too chiilled about it all.

4 days to the Eastleigh Tri

Gosh - I'm doing my first sprint triathlon in four days! Who'd of thunk it?! I'm still slightly stunned by my athletic prowess compared to just a couple of years ago.

Will be round at K's by 6.45am this Sunday as have to of registered and set up transition by 7.50am as first wave sets off at 8am.

I reckon it'll take me about 2 hours - will be done by 11am even if in last wave - will be able to continue the now traditional bacon sarney tea and cake afterwards. Also reckon they'll be quite a few familiar faces competing and in the crowds - I'm very excited.

Training wise - rest tomorrow, maybe a cycle Friday, Tri club Saturday and cycle to mate's bbq in hedge end. Early night after sorting out all my gear then triathlon Sunday morning. Probably won't get another run in - wonder how long my 5k will be after the lake swim and 20k cycle... Guess we'll find out within the next 4 days.

5 days to the Eastleigh Tri!

Eeep. I'm getting excited and abit nervous. Still abit sore from Sunday - left foot bit tender. Still can't decide about the RR10 in manor farm country park - hedge end and running sisters event.

Tri suits haven't arrived - one member of stc suggested sports bra amd running shorts would be all I needed. After run camp this eve I showered in sports bra and running shorts, pulled on top and trainers with new no need to tie laces and went for a run - shorts felt fine.

I still need to clean my bike and sort out my kit. I'd like to cut off about 5cm of wetsuit at the ankles before Sunday plus figure out how to use the gas canister and see if my pump actually works on these valves.
Got to be there by 8am - registration closes at 7.50am. Early start again - early night Saturday!

I should prob let work colleagues know it's the triathlon Sunday...

Polsedon Lacey 10k

2012 I did it in 81minutes - today I did it in 73mins. 8mins quicker - I'll have to ask Coach Ant how big an improvement that actually is.

Would have been abit quicker but spent couple of mins checking a fellow runner who'd totally blown up - had a mare of a time with his pacing - had thrown up and was lying on the ground. Asked what else I could do to help - to tell his wife Petra that he was fine as she was waiting for him about 5mins ahead. Spent a minute or so telling her he was fine then headed off for the last bit.

It's a great feeling - knowing that you've just run 10k. Left knee bit tender - did more walking than I'd of liked and I wasn't absolutly knackered. Must sort this out because it's obvious I can run faster if not for niggling pain at about 50mins (approx 8k).
I really felt like I was middle of the pack but looks like I was again in the last 30 or so. We've all got better since last year!!

Weather was great - sunny and clear - instead of wind and rain which had been on the cards for awhile. Debs and the girls did the fun run and we met a few other ashtead chums which made the event even more fun.

Will def be doing it again next year. Plus it was so amazing to run in my club shirt!

13 days to the Eastleigh Tri & I'm definitely getting better at swimming.

Amazing!!!
At tri club this evening I did 700m in 17minutes & 21.23 seconds. I'm absolutely delighted. 


Plus I've got the Polesden Lacey 10k on Sunday - this is what I wrote about it last year:- 

• Polesden Lacey 10K 24/6/12 = 81minutes - knee was sore and i did do a lot of run/walking. I was 303rd out of 315

My first timed mile - 1600m

The second organised timed mile via the LRR was this morning on Southampton common just by the Hawthorne centre.
I now know that it takes me 8minutes 45.27 seconds to run a mile. It was so hard at first - like I was running through treacle - wondering if that's because I've over or under trained?
Eastleigh Tri is now just 14 days away and I'm abit concerned as to how tired I am at the moment. Am i doing too much?
Mabes Ben - as in Nevis, has taken abit more than I realised out of me.

Focus for this week
- Swimming Monday
- Run camp Tuesday
- Mabes a long bike ride Wednesday
- Fat club Thursday
- Perhaps a run after work
- Transition training Saturday morning at Fleming park then up to Ashtead.
- Polsedon Lacey 10k Sunday

- Monday 24 - possibly an open water session or tri club
- Tuesday 25 - run camp
- Wednesday 26 - 6th RR10 run
- Thurday 27 - fat club unless Muts and I do the Eastleigh aquathon
- Friady 28 - rest
- Saturday 29 - tri club then Di's bday bbq
- Sunday 30 - IT'S THE EASTLEIGH OPEN WATER TRIATHLON!!

Monday 1st July - I will mostly be strutting about wearing my finishers medal ( I hope!)

18 days to the Eastleigh Tri

Resting today - havnt really rested enough since climbing Ben Nevis.
Run camp yesterday was fab and really stretched out my thighs. Calves are still pretty sore though.

I'll list my 2013 season properly tomorrow as I reckon I've done about 8 events so far - more if I include our organised peleton rides such as the new forest ride and the one that included the cream tea and scotch egg stopover in Romsey.

This has got to be my most active year in my entire life and we're barely half way through it. Love love love my new active life!

I've climbed Ben Nevis!

Fabulous weekend 7-9th June in Fort William with Bernie.
Flew to Glasgow then drove through the highlands up to Fort William via Loch Lomond.

Saturday - set off at 9.25am - plenty of stops to catch breath, snack and take pics.
Summit at 2.10pm
Snow covered.
Beautiful.

Luncheon.

Started descent at 2.45pm - it was fine at first then it got tougher and tougher. Scarred I'd fall, legs really hurt going downhill. Finally back at the car by 5.30pm. Collected Bernie from visitors centre - she got down 15-20mins before me.

Hotel for a swim.
Pizza place for food that evening. Very early night.

Back to airport via scenic drive through highlands, detour to Glencoe and a snooze at Loch Lomond. Fabulous weekend,

Monday eve - thighs and calves still ache!

Snap of Loch Lomond plus one of the views from Ben Nevis.

24 days to go

Haven't really done anything today - bit of cycling but nothing training related.

Off to Scotland tomorrow - I will pack swimming and running gear so should get some gym time plus we're hoping to climb Ben Nevis Saturday.

Very exited.
Just need to pack tomorrow and make sure I have everything, catch the train to Gatwick and meet Bernie. Should be fine!

25 days to go!!!

Didn’t do the RR10 #4 this evening – just bit too absolutely and utterly shattered!

Did a load of washing, all the washing up, ate a big supper and watched the cruel sea that I’d recorded this morning.

 

Feeling a lot less tired.

I also printed out boarding passes for my weekend away in the highlands – I can’t wait. Plus the hotel has a 50m pool and a gym.

NB schoolgirl metric/imperial error - NOT 50m pool - it's a 50ft pool which is in fact a 15m pool. aaaah well. I'll still get some swimming in.

 

And check this fab poem out -

 

Dust if you must but ask yourself why
you're not swimming a lake or doing a Tri
Or riding your bike or running a race
and frightening us with your glowing pink face

 

By Katherine Anteney.

 

Awesome.

26 days to go

Great run camp. Weather was gorgeous. Was dripping with sweat.

27 days to the Eastleigh Tri

Managed to get to swimming by 8.15 pm so got in 45mins of swimming. Did 500m pull then 200m swim. 4x50 of kick then swim then 150m of any drill finishing with 100m of backstroke and breaststroke. Hmmm - well at least I think that's what I did.

I really want to get a fancy Garmin that'll record how many lengths I've done so I know for def how my swimming is going. Also I'd like to know all my cycles and runs because my phone is shite at picking up the GPS signal.

Run camp tomorrow and then the next RR10 on Wednesday out Braishfield (I think) way. Can't wait - should be lovely as we were cycling round there Sunday.

28days to the Eastleigh tri

48,5km bike ride this morning with the gang. Quite knackering and I was at the back - even more desperate for clips now. I'm just not quick enough at thw moment.
2:14:28 - approx 37km
1:02:26 - cream tea in white something hotel in Romsey
39:12.41 - cycle back to soton

Great weekend of training.
Finished off the weekend with a mound of curry with the girls over at Vik's.

Hopefully swimming tomorrow, run camp tues, RR10 wed, fat club thurs then off to Fort William doe thw weekend.

30 days to the Eastleigh Tri

In 30 days I'll have completed my A race - the one that I've been training for since starting tri club neatly a year ago. I can't quite believe it's this month. I've learnt so much about doing a multisport event these last few months. I certainly feel as if I'm ready!
The next 4 week's will be training busy - must get quicker on bike, more swimming endurance and must get quicker running and learn to pace myself better so I am utterly spent by the finish line. Really looking forward to the next few weeks.

Run camp

Wonderful to be back at run camp this evening. Loved how improved my fitness levels are just from 5months ago - I'm just so much fitter now.

Also love how I'm introduced to new runners as a triathlete - makes me giggle every time!!

Very pleased.
Plus this Saturday I'll finally get back in the pool for a tri club coached swimming session. It will kill me. Can't wait :)

RR10 in Sway - 8k cross country

New Forest running clubs turn to host the RR10 and yet again it was a beautiful spring evening.

I didn't wear my top as the last two races I've wrapped it round my waist within 10mins of starting. The organisers had also said this was proper cross country so be very careful with footing and low branches.

I was just hoping to be round within an hour - there were a few hills!

51:23.67 mins later I jogged / limped across the finish line and collected my girls finisher pink raffle ticket - 129th woman home. Excellent.

Slightly concerned about my left knee as sore on the outside of it and was giving me pain from about 23mins. I'm hoping to join run camp again - need to work on my running technique and strengthen my core.

Great evening though.
I absolutely love being a member of the Lordshill Road Runners!

A restful week

Since the duathlon on Sunday I haven't really done much training - figured I could do with a rest.
So Monday instead of tri club swimming I ate pizza and bday cake
Tuesday I did cycle about 6miles
Wednesday I went for a 3.8k run round Southampton common in 27:23.17
Thursday had a holly dog walk on the common - about 45mins.
Today Friday will be mostly tea drinking work seeing an old friend and mabes watching star trek.
Tomorrow open water swim session then London for a 50th bday party where I will be doing alot of dancing!

First run since Sunday

It's been a tiring few days with work stuff so absolutely delighted I managed to get out in the late afternoon sunshine. Out for about 27mins, 2.4miles round Southampton common with holly dog.

Wonderful.

Southsea duathlon Sunday 12th May 2013

Blimey! Brilliant fun. Really lucky with the weather - sunny, warm, bit windy - lovely.
Stayed at mate's in southsea Saturday night as trains from soton Sunday morning wouldn't get me to the start by close of registration at 7.50am - the lifeboat station just by the Hayling island ferry.

Tri buddy Suzanne also did the event so it was fab to chat with her and mate Rachel before the start. Plus Rachel was able to look after her bag and take pics of her as well.
The event started promptly at 8am. 5k run along ferry road then a couple of kms along the sea front - so very very beautiful!
Tried to make sure I paced myself as had the cycle plus run again so didn't want to run out of steam before the end of the race.

My 5k time was 30:33.50
I think that could be a pb.

T1 - hilarious - was 11:05.59 as it included eating jelly beans on the ferry over to Hayling island!
The cycle was out of this world beautiful. Amazing views of the water, rolling hills, boats, marsh land. I really wanted to stop and take pics but didn't.

Very glad I'd printed off the directions as there were maybe 4 marshalls for the entire 23kms stationed at particularly pesky and complicated spots. All other directions were following tiny fluorescent pink and yellow little arrows. Quite a few of us shot off in the wrong direction a couple of times - Suzanne even ended up on the A27 instead of the cycle lane - she climbed over the barrier pretty blinking sharpish once she realised!!

Cycling back to transition I couldn't quite  believe how quick I was going!
23k in 64:03.32

Much quicker than I thought I'd do. The getting off the bike and staggering into transition was hysterical - could barely feel my legs.
The second 5k felt so slow - especially first km or so. Felt like I was running in treacle. So tired. So slow - or at least that's what I thought..
.
As I staggered across the finish line and stopped my watch - I could not believe the time...
My second 5k was done in 33:29.31
Stunned.

Thourally enjoyed the event, excellently organised although I was very glad I had a printed copy of the cycle route with me.

Warm down walk to the 10th hole cafe for a well deserved mug of tea, bacon butty and cake. Yum.

Resting before racing

Yesterday I cycled to and from our work away day at Victoria country park - approx 7.5km cycle each way done in about 24/25mins. Today though I am chilling in Brighton then this evening I'll be in southsea eating pasta.

The trains on Sunday won't get me to the venue in time to register etc so staying with a very old friend tonight. She's up for supporting me Sunday! Excellent. I have though role hee to grab the Sunday papers and bring a flask.

I reckon I'll do the first 5k in around 35mins. T1 includes the ferry crossing to hauling island so will prob be at least 15mins! Then 23k cycle in mabes 75mins. T2 aiming for under 60secs them the second 5k in under 40mins.

Start time is 8am so I should be staggering across the finish line all smiles anytime after 10.30ish. I'm rather hoping we'll then go for a cup of tea and a bacon roll.

Knee feeling okay!

During the first RR10 at Victoria country park my right knee really hurt. I'm delighted that I had no such trouble at the second RR10 at stoney cross. Wednesdays run was 7k in approx 47:30. It was tough - cross country, muddy with hills but absolutely no shingled beach! My knees were very happy.

I really wanted to walk by the end but couldn't because of wearing the club shirt. Utterly shattered by the end!!!

Open water swim - 2nd time

Okay, it was better but I still can't go the entire way round without stopping. Not as cold - in fact I took my neoprene hat off by the second bouy - stuffed it down the front of my wetsuit!

Kinda enjoyed it - mabes 7 weeks till the open water tri.

To do:- I need to get better with my breathing as I'm still panicking when out on the water.

A civil partnership and three wonderful runs - what a fab long weekend!

Just heading home from Cornwall. Ran twice in carbis bay and then today with joey around crowan, praze n beable (not sure of spelling). Feeling great - especially as we then spent a fab couple of hours playing on the dunes at gwithian ( again - spelling). I'm now figuring out my training for the upcoming week seeing Aa it's the southsea duathlon on Sunday.

My plan -
Monday - nip into work for a few hours then open water swin early eve.
Tuesday - cycle to chandlers ford and back via some lovely scenic long route
Wednesday - the 2nd RR10 of the season - this time in stoney cross so I'm guessing it'll be a beautiful run
Thursday - fat club and another long scenic cycle ride
Friday - work away day in Victoria country park - mabes long way cycle there in the morning...
Saturday - elsie's bday in hove
Sunday - the duathlon - 5k run then 23k cycle then a 5k run.

Such a shame I have to go to work otherwise I'd be able to train alot more!

The snap is at gwithian - absolutely fantastic place - sand dunes, amazing views, huge sandy beach. Wonderful.

My Carbis Bay runs

Two wonderful runs in Carbis Bay - approx 2miles in 30mins and 4miles in 60mins. Would have been quicker but had to stop to take photos and admire the views. Also running on sand is quite tough and it's all rather steep around here - loads of killer hill work!

I may have converted a few of Cath and Sally's civil partnership guests to do triathlons!

Reflections while on a train

Heading to Cornwall for dear friends civil partnership. I have my running gear in my case - hoping to get out at least two times if not three. I still can't quite believe how far I've travelled this past year.

Didn't actually join fat club - slimmers world till this time last year, didn't join tri club till june last year, finally did the Brighton half marathon in feb then my first multisport even in march - Winchester duathlon with my first triathlon last month. Amazing. I'm still pinching myself!

My health is of course much better and my size 14 trousers need a belt.

I wonder how long I'll be able to sustain this new lifestyle...

Now a member of LLR

17/4 joined lordshill road runners running club. 1st session we ran 400m marked out laps on the common at 5k pace with 100m slow recovery after each lap.

In 27:29.39mins I did 9x400m average time around 2:24 with 8x100m recovery approx 45secs each. So about 4.4km in just under twenty seven and a half mins.
Blimey.
Tired but well chuffed with myself!

The following week 24/4 I donned my LRR running top and took part in the first RR10 event which was in Victoria country park - 6.9km in 47:05.60

Outside of left knee was hurting by 23mins.

I am a tad worried about the duathlon next Sunday - although I reckon the running on the beach may have been the cause of my sore knee. I won't be running on shingle again - just sayin.

It worked!!!!

I have a feeling of&h is about to be smothered in random postings from yours truly.
Fun!

Blogging via email

Yesterday I open water swam for the first time ever. Today I am on my second attempt to blog via my mobile via gmail. I am not holding my breath.

Lets see if it works...

Test blog from mobile

Yesterday was my first open water swim, today is my first blog entry via my mobile.
I wonder if it'll work?!
FINGERS CROSSED!

I'm back and determined to blog every day...

I did my 1st ever open water swim last evening in Fordingbridge. 
was quite scared. and it was soooo blinking cold. 

luckily I had socks, my fancy "new to me" wetsuit, swimming hat and wetsuit swim hat so it could have been a lot colder.

the 4 blue buoys mapped out a rectangle of about 350/400m. I was a bit freaked out when treading water at one buoy knowing that I had the equivalent of 4 laps to swim to get to the next buoy with no opportunity to stop and rest by either holding onto the end or standing up in the shallow end.

i did 2 laps

1. 1st lap 11:59.17
2. 2nd lap 11:11.86

then Muts and I timed ourselves getting out of the wetsuits as we need to practice for the Eastleigh tri on 30/6/13.

• I look 1:20.97
• Muts at 3.30 had got both her arms out.

Run Camp - my first run since the half marathon...

oooh blimey - talk about stiff/sore - was fine by the end of the session but struggled at first big time. Plus I'm certainly feeling the session in my calves and thighs!

Run Camp on Facebook

Run Camp's website - definitely worth checking out, plus I've signed up for Ant's blog - really interesting and a great read.

Run Camp's blog

125 days till the Eastleigh Open Water Triathlon!

On Sunday 30th June 2013 I will be participating in my first ever triathlon.

1. 400m open water swim
2. 20k bike ride
3. 5k run

I'm very excited - Eastleigh Triathlon details

I've had a quick skim back at some of my posts last year when I'd just joined tri club. After week 3 I excitedly wrote that I could swim a whole THREE lengths - 75m without stopping & then in mid August - I wrote how I could now do 300m in FOURTEEN MINUTES and how amazing was that!?

well... Lizzie "elite athlete" Carter can now do 800m in twenty mins and today dear readers - Lizzie "awesome swimmer" Carter did a length in TWENTY NINE SECONDS!!!!!!!!!!

I reckon I'll be doing 100m in under 2mins which means 800m in under 16 minutes. OMG. How awesome would that be? I'm not there yet but i reckon I will be by June.

• Cycling - 20k is miles - nearly 13 miles in fact. That would take me over an hour at the moment.
• Running - 5k - my fastest on the treadmill at the gym was about 31 minutes - I'd like to be doing sub 30 mins 5k's on a regular basis.

So lots to aim for in season 3 of OF&H. 

FUN!

Brighton Half Marathon 17th Feb 2013

Did it! 
2:39:26 - knees were struggling by the end though...

• 6mile - felt fabulous, chatting with Bernie and Sarah, feeling all cocky and confident.
• 10k - fine
• 8mile - eeeeeeeeeeeeeeek, not feeling good at all - been running for 90 mins
• 9mile - little knee wobble, start of a lot of walking
• 10mile - quicker than the Great South Run - under 2 hours but hurting
• 11.5mile - OMG - if ever an athlete was in need of the support from her support team, it was yours truly.  Luckily for me i had my team of Cliff, Clare, Elizabeth, Karen, Toby, Rufus and Esme whooping and hollaring. They gave me the strength to carry on... (i feel like i may have nicked that phrase from a song...)
• From 800m we had a countdown 700m to go, 600m, 500m, 400m, 300m - in the home straight, can see the finish line, bit tearful, lots of pumping of clenched fist while squawking "i've done a half marathon" to anyone & everyone in the crowd. 
• FINISHED!

foil blanket, pics taken, crisps and mars bar scoffed.

Hoorah. My 2013 season has officially begun. 


http://www.everyclick.com/brightonhalfmarathon