Whiff of a chance to get into an Ironman Distance Triathlon

Since my last post, work has been very, very busy and I also took on an additional portfolio to the the other two I already hold at work. As a result, I have had to put in long hours at work and by the time I have arrived home, I have just been too tired to train. The trouble with this is, that I was advised after my accident, that if I did not stay fit I would seize up and in a few years time be crippled. I already get a lot of pain with my still broken neck but the fitter I am, the better it feels. My posture also improves, as do my moods and to be fair, probably my work. A fit body = a fit mind!

I was therefore determined to work hard but at the same time ensure I get a work / life balance in play. Ultimately, my employers will benefit as by staying fit, I will not end up being sick (albeit I have never been one to take much in the way of sickness and even after my accident was back in work (stupidly in hindsight) with 48 hrs of the brace coming off, which had been on for the 3 1/2 months, 24/7 previously). I discussed this with my boss and to be fair he was very good and receptive to my concerns.

Coincidentally, a few days ago, I received an email from the organisers of The Outlaw Triathlon asking if I was still interested in a place (I had put my name down on the reserve list) as they had some cancellations.  If I was, I was to email the promoters my contact details. I've been  keen to enter as I became aware that this event was going to be the National Emergency Services Ironman distance Triathlon Championships 2013 and I thought this would serve as just the carrot I needed to get out there at "Silly  O'Clock" in the morning prior to going to work. I sent them my details and over the weekend, started some training. The whiff of a chance to do such an event got me outside.

I have to balance my training between my wife and 5 children, my wife's shift work and my work, which includes being "on call" for another role that I do within our organisation. So, to do an Ironman distance triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile marathon run) is going to take some planning and dedication. Hopefully, the next result will be, all round body fitness as well as a decent placing in the Emergency Services Championships that are incorporated into the event.

So, I have sat down and planned the next 22 weeks training.

Hopefully (work allowing) I will update this blog, more regularly than I have done until know to show that even with a wife, family and full time job it is possible to compete at such an event.

So, here goes;

Friday 1st February 2013

Bike - 1 hr base ride to Culdrose roundabout and back at BASE heart rate (75% of maximum)
Evening ride, with lights and good to be out there and clear my head after a longish day at work. After I had got in and showered, I was actually called-out to work again, so it was good to sneak that ride in. The time was actually slightly quicker because once I set the GPS off I then glove up and get going which takes slightly longer, so I expect my fist mile will always be the slowest in future.

Total - 15.37 miles in 58 mins.

http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/156134775/3490305



Saturday 2nd February 2013

My running, will mainly be around the beautiful coastline which is in a few minutes of my home. So off road shoes on, heart monitor on, I disappeared out of the front door during the late afternoon to complete an hours run.

Whilst quite chilly, I was sufficiently wrapped up and set off down to The Lizard Lifeboat station and then around the Cornwall Coastal Footpath in a clockwise direction, rounding Housel Bay, Lizard Point, Old Lizard Head and towards Kynance before cutting across the fields on the footpaths back to The Lizard village.

The run was at my BASE level (75% of maximum heart rate) and to be fair, whilst not fast, I was happy to be fit enough to run up and down and around the cliffs on muddy, uneven terrain without stopping for an hour. It was a glorious evening and I took a couple of photos on my phone and tracked my route on Edomondo.

Total - 4.77 miles of running in 57 mins and 36 secs

 http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/156134775/3490305

Above Lizard Lifeboat Station towards Black Head

Across Housel Bay towards Lizard Point and the Lighthouse (in the sun!)

Sunday 3rd February 2013

This was a rest day due to other pre-planned commitments.
 

Monday 4th February 2013

Up with the larks and out on the road on my bike by 5.30 a.m. That's not quite true, as I did the first 25 minutes on the turbo before getting out in the misty drizzle and darkness and rode for a further 1 hr and 35 mins. This ride was done at BASE (75%) and I took in Ruan Minor, Kuggar, Traboe Cross, towards St. Keverne/Coverack and back via Goonhilly, Mawgan, Culdrose and then back down the last 7 miles to home. It was obviously light by the time I reached home but it was great to be out there and I was really pleased to be out there once I had warmed up.

Total - 31.6 miles were covered in the 2 hrs

http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/156134775/3490305

Once at work, I received a call from the organisers of the Outlaw Triathlon and managed to secure a place. I was absolutely delighted.

I now secretly have a goal in mind of where I would like to be but that is a secret until just before the event when I will be able to say whether it is realistic or not.