What A difference a Week Makes
7 days after the mighty bonk and things couldn't be more different
after last weeks nightmare brick session, this week, things have gone a whole lot better. Just going to prove that everybody goes through ups and downs in training. It is what we all learn form those good and bad experiences that forms us into the athletes we are.
This weeks training program from Ian has been what I would describe as challenging and with the blow out earlier in the week, I could have been forgiven for thinking here we go, another test of mental strength. But to be honest it's been a good un as we say in the North West. I did the hill reps with my wing man Andy Turner (who is flying on the bike), did some run hill reps that nearly killed me (Thanks Ian), and some steady runs and bikes. The swim sets as always were hard, but that is mainly due to me swimming like an anchor as my mate Chris Heyes like to remind me frequently.
The acid test came yesterday when the 5 hour bike with intervals followed by a 40 minutes transition run turned up. My objectives were two fold yesterday
- Get the nutrition right at all costs and don't end up in the same shape as last week
- Have a first proper look at the Ironman UK bike course.
Firstly the nutrition. I did stick to it rigidly, eating and drinking every 20 minutes or sooner if required and this did I'm glad to say put me in good shape for the run. One word of advice for people doing 2 laps of the course would be to drive to the course and park somewhere safe, where you can replenish your drinks for lap 2, as 2 bottles will not be enough and you will be suffering, alternatively take some money and buy some drink from a shop. I prefer the former as I like to stick to my own drinks. Just a little food for thought for you all.
As for the course. Anyone who was jumping for joy after being told that we will only be climbing Sheephouse Lane twice, I suggest you stop jumping right away. Make no mistake, this is not going to be any easier, in fact, personally, with the wind as it was yesterday, I would suggest this will be as tough, if not tougher than previous years. The reason being mainly the course is more undulating with less time in the aerobars. It is also a lot more technical now and will definitely suit the strong cyclist. As if this wasn't enough, its also 114 miles long!!!
That said I got round OK and saw some others suffering along the way. I think anyone racing in July would really benefit from a recce, but I intend to break the course down in a blog within the next couple of week, to try and help a little.
Today, I followed up the bike session with one of Ian's long runs at Ironman pace, despite felling a little tired to start, I found me legs and felt pretty human. That said I am looking forward to rest day tomorrow!!
Before I sign off a couple of big well dones to two of my mates:
Firstly my pal Adam Critchley, who dumped me on Saturdays ride for a far more noble cause than training for Ironman UK. He has cycled from the Emirates Stadium in London, to Huddersfield FC (don't know what their ground is called) to raise money for the Air Ambulance via a charity called Pedal4pounds. Well done Mate x
Secondly to Chorleys finest, Katie Hewison Who yesterday finished 13th in the ITU meeting in CapeTown South Africa. Katie has cycled with us a few times during winter and also helped me with my swimming. She has also been fighting her was back to fitness after a running injury and all with a smile on her face (very important). She is a mega tough cookie and has put a few of our noses out of joint with her climbing prowess on the bike, so this result is thoroughly deserved. Well Done Katie x
And that's about it really. If you've read this and like the site, please spread the word and comment. I really do want to make this a great place for all age groupers to read and do what we do best. Have fun!!
Enjoy your week every one and those racing Horwich next Sunday I'll see you all there for a good old fashioned tear up!!
Joe D
