tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86504058535038937542024-03-28T20:33:36.644-07:00Tri Hard TrainingTri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-65197481312984852992024-03-28T20:32:00.000-07:002024-03-28T20:32:46.152-07:00Sri Lankan experience<p>Fri 29th March and sitting in the sun around the pool in beautiful sunshine.</p><p>We are day 3 of our Sri Lankan experience and currently at our 2nd destination of Habanara, staying in an amazing Treehouse.</p><p>We were up this morning at 4:15am for a 4:30am pick up to take us to Pidurangala rock, which was a relatively challenging climb in the dark to get up to the top for a wonderful sunrise. We managed the climb up in less than 20 mins so had plenty of time to see the sun come up just after 6am. Simply spectacular!</p><p>The rest of the day will be spent at the Treehouse resort around the pool, although we will get out again later today. My cough is a bit better (warmer climate) although I still haven't completely shaken it off. Need to get in some fitness, other than walking. I did bring my jump rope and it needs to see some action! Otherwise, I will be returning a few kilos heavier.</p><p><br /></p>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-12547490883701166832024-03-20T13:36:00.001-07:002024-03-20T13:36:31.250-07:00March update - not so cheeryThis last week has not been so great...<div><br></div><div>Very unlike me, but I have had a really bad cold, which I think I have mostly beaten, although I have a lingering cough I just can't shake. Fitness has taken a back seat to give my body the best chance to recover, but it is becoming a bit of a drag.</div><div><br></div><div>I go on holiday in a weeks time and I want to feel well (plus strong + fit).</div><div><br></div><div>It was only a couple of weeks ago when everything was going pretty well. I had completed the Brighton half-marathon with my family and loved running with my Son, although he eventually pushed ahead (with my blessing) and I came in slightly after him with a time of 1:47, not that great, however I thoroughly enjoyed the day.</div><div><br></div><div>In addition to my regular running I had been increasing the strength + weight sessions and even managed 10+ chin-ups on the pull-up bar. Still more training to hit a reasonable number of pull-ups, although I do have a program.</div><div><br></div><div>As I am writing this blog (over 2 days) another slightly odd and unfortunate evening in that I think I had another episode of kidney stones, which last hit me about 10-15 years ago. It certainly had all the painful symptoms, however today I have felt kind of OK. Let's hope it was a one off. Otherwise my holiday to Sri Lanka just became a little less certain!</div><div><br></div><div>Going to drink much more water, something I have struggled with over the years.</div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, let's hope for better news and a more positive update next time. Hopefully on the plane to Sri Lanka feeling fabulous.</div><div><br></div><div>P.S. Need another event or 2 in the calendar </div>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-14050524974010107462024-02-06T10:51:00.000-08:002024-02-06T10:51:55.708-08:00Flotation tank + 48 hour fast<p>A couple of activities (health related) to catch up on...</p><p>As planned, I managed a half-marathon distance training run on Saturday, from Hove to Saltdean, and back at a relatively comfortable pace. The return leg was slower but against the wind. This was closely followed (with tired legs) with a 45min session in a flotation tank.</p><p>I did enjoy the flotation tank session but probably won't be going back. It was good for relaxation and quite like a meditation session, but it didn't give me the buzz I had hoped for. I reckon I could get the same benefits (post exercise) from a sauna, at a much lower cost.</p><p>On Sunday we jumped on the road bikes for a local loop. My legs were relatively tired but I was pleased with my efforts. From there it was a shower on out for a nice lunch at the Perch, Lancing.</p><p>I then decided to start a 48-hour fast just to see how my body would feel plus determine any benefits - weight loss, reset of gut, changes to appetite etc. I did a bit of research prior hand and decided 48 hours was about right for most benefits and a decent enough challenge.</p><p>The first 24 hours whizzed past and I felt no hunger. The second, a little more challenging, although I never really felt proper hunger, it was more of missing the habit of eating, if that makes sense. During the fast all I drank was water, black coffee, green tea and a half of glass of slightly salted water.</p><p>I ended the fast successfully at lunchtime today but probably ate the wrong foods - quite a large amount, albeit bias to protein (steak and prawns). It wasn't that I was that hungry it was simply 'back to normality'.</p><p>So, what did I learn and any immediate visible benefits from the 48 hour fast. Well, I did lose about 1.5kg but that might come back quite quickly, especially if I can continue to eat as I did this lunchtime! My first few mouthfuls of food did taste good and I enjoyed eating them slowly and savouring the flavours - felt a bit more intense. I certainly found the whole experience quite easy so maybe I should include in my diary each quarter (or month). This evening I did 30mins weights. Tomorrow I plan an interval run.</p><p>Back to it.</p>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-78273589241771497562024-02-01T08:58:00.000-08:002024-02-01T08:58:19.738-08:00Monthly check in - what has been happening<p>Thursday 1st Feb and reporting in...</p><p>Just had my 56th birthday. Feeling relatively fit(ish) - During January I have managed to reduce my weight down a couple of kilos but still need to do more work to get it back into healthy range. Drinking less alcohol has helped, albeit not a totally dry January (more 'damp' January). I do however, wish to continue the less alcohol drive through February, and beyond. It certainly helps, especially with my sleep quality. I generally get a good 8 hours per night but my Garmin sleep score if I had a drink in the evening is always around 50-60. With no alcohol is it mostly in 80's - there has got to be something in that.</p><p>Otherwise, I have increased my 'TRX and Weights' sets to 2-3x a week (previously once a week) and received some additional weights plus barbell as a birthday present - thank you Lucy x</p><p>I still need to work on my daily water intake plus creating a focus on protein over carbohydrates, each meal. I feel my bias to real food over processed options has continued to improve, not that it was ever that bad. I have also slightly reduced the intake of sweet and salty snacks - now much more of a treat.</p><p>So the weight + focus on strength is finally moving in the right direction.</p><p>The colder (+ wet) weather through January has resulted in less outdoor cycling (more Peloton based). My running is OK - I am probably a little behind where I wanted to be - need some longer/easy runs and some shorter/higher intensity sessions, especially as my half-marathon (Brighton) is less than a month away.</p><p>I do have an easy/longer run planned for this coming Saturday - I want my legs nice and tired prior to a flotation tank experience, the kids have treated me for my birthday, which I am excited to try out.</p><p>On Sunday we have a bike ride planned for the morning with a nice gastropub lunch for afterwards. I was then thinking I might try a 48-hour water/black coffee/green tea fast from around 1pm Sunday through to 1pm on Tuesday - pretty challenging, probably more mentally than physical. I am simply interested in how I would cope, how I would feel and if it help reset any markers plus assist with weight loss.</p><p>Hopefully providing some decent content for the next blog.</p><p><br /></p>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-57161636245389205402024-01-01T11:23:00.001-08:002024-01-01T11:23:01.304-08:002024 - thoughts on fitness, health and wellbeing for the year aheadSo it is 1st January 2024 and we are just back for a lovely few days in Malaga - we found the sun in December 😁.<div><br></div><div>Back home it is grey, windy and wet! Oh well, don't you just love the UK.</div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, we did manage a nice bike ride in Malaga - a slow start (Garmin navigation issues) but once we found the hills, it was amazing cycling. I have to admit I was very rusty and found one particular part of the climb (17% incline) very challenging, so much so, my legs cramped out and I had to stop for 5 - not great!</div><div><br></div><div>Back home I am thinking about the year ahead - as always my weight needs to be addressed - this must have been on my 'to do' or wish list every year for the last 5 years plus! But that recent mountain climb on the bike made me really think it needs to be sorted. I have the Brighton half-marathon in February and I want to give it my best - dropping 5kg must be part of my preparation for the race.</div><div><br></div><div>Thereafter I need to keep the weight off, or at least in check, as I do intend to enter a few more races - some local trail runs, maybe another SwimRun, and possibly a half-Ironman, yes, you heard it here - I really do want to get back into triathlon.</div><div><br></div><div>So, one step at a time - I am committing to 'dry January' and a reduction in snacks + sweet treats. The training volume needs to be increased (gradually - I don't want any injuries), the strength training needs to be properly included. Protein needs to be the focus of my meal plan and carbs/sugars reduced. Let's see where that gets me - hopefully to the start of Brighton half-marathon suitably prepared and a target of 1:40(ish) in mind.</div><div><br></div><div>Thereafter, I will report back with those next races and the all important half-Ironman attempt!</div><div><br></div><div>Happy New Year.</div>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-20247030944756291812023-12-12T06:36:00.000-08:002023-12-12T06:39:48.524-08:00Jump ropes, Peloton rides and more focus on strengthI am looking out the office window and the weather remains grim - I enjoy a cold-spell, blue skies and frosty underfoot, but all we are getting is rain and wind! Simply the worst weather for wanting to get outside and exercise. <div><br /></div><div>So more recently my focus has been on trying to burn a few calories indoors. I have followed up on my interest in the benefits of jump rope, thanks to the guys at 'Jump Rope Dudes' (check out their YouTube channel). My initial effort was a classic 'cock-up' in that rather than complete the recommeded 5-10 mins per day, every other day, I went straight into a 30 mins set of the same exercise, trying to build my total up to 800 jumps. All cleverly recorded via my Garmin and new 'Jump Rope' widget/activity.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, you can guess it - a stupid rooky mistake that messed my hamstrings up and meant I could hardly walk for a few days after. </div><div><br /></div><div>I did persevere with the jump ropes and have enjoyed a couple of additional sessions, post injury, this time around at a more realistic time effort of 10 mins each - reaching 400+ jumps and max reps of 50+ - getting better! I plan to continue with the jump ropes aiming for 3x weekly sessions - hopefully increasing the time, total jumps, max reps, cadence, and eventually mixing up the footwork - I am currently only focusing on the simple boxer's jump using both feet.</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition to the jump ropes I am also increasing my efforts on the Peloton bike (now that I have re-calibrated the bike) and time in the 'cave of pain': TRX and weights. Plus I have been more regular in my daily push-up habbit. </div><div><br /></div><div>None of this indoor work has helped much with the weight issue - still hovering around 86kg, however I do feel a bit stronger and have had less injury niggles. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let's hope the weather improves and I increase the bike and run (outside fun), however I continue to complement the triathlon training with some decent resistance training plus HIT.</div>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-57881639410187355212023-11-29T03:07:00.001-08:002023-11-29T03:36:53.382-08:00It has been a while since my last confessionIt has been a while since my last confession....<p>Since my half-marathon event back in October my training and diet has been a bit 'hit and miss' .</p><p>As always, fitness remains an important part of my life and I still seem to manage a broad range of activities and movement. However, there has been a lacking of structure and commitment, not totally unusual for this time of year but I feel I should be doing better.</p><p>My weight in particular has reversed and back to the levels I was uncomfortable with after my holiday in Vietnam (in April). So, my first priority is to get that back down into an acceptable range. I am a bit bored in telling the same story: 80kg to 82kg is the goal, 76-80kg is the stretched goal (maybe unrealistic) and 86kg is now where I find myself.</p><p>The good news is that I have recently found some focus on strength and spent more time in the 'cave of pain' with my TRX and weights.</p><p>I am also researching the benefits of jump rope (skipping) and will report back if that becomes part of the regime. Otherwise, I have also enjoyed a couple of cold-water sea dips, whether that does any good, or not.</p>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-16273425634923823322023-10-26T03:10:00.002-07:002023-10-26T03:12:53.404-07:00Race report (delayed) - Bath half-marathon<p>Sorry... not posted my post race report for the Bath half-marathon on the 15th October...</p><p>Just back from a nice easy local 10km trail run in the mud - kept it really easy (6:15 min per km) but enjoyed being out. My training post the Bath half has been pretty light, to say the least, although not been such great weather.</p><p>Anyway, onto the race report...</p><p>As I have peviously highlighted I went into the race with my Achilles (left foot) and Plantar fasciitis (right foot) niggles but fortunately they didn't give me too much trouble.</p><p>It took a good 2-3 hours to get to the start line, a long drive, although with no hold ups, and then some fun and games getting parked and into the City centre with the thousands of other runners who like us had opted for 'Park and Ride'. I was quite surprised at the size of the field, apparently some 15,000 runners!</p><p>We found Amalie, grabbed a coffee and headed for the start line. Just to note when I first got up at 6ish I made sure I had a good helping of porridge. We were in Bath by 10am and supposed to be off at 10:40am, a nice respectable time.</p><p>It felt good to be on a crowded start line once again (been a while) - Amalie (her first ever running race) was so excited and that was lovely to see. I wanted her to have a good race. Initially she wanted me to run with her, and set a steady pace to get her over the line within 2 hours. Then the goal changed to sub 1:50 and then on race day we agreed on a slightly more ambitious 1:45 - now this was going to hurt a bit!</p><p>With previous PB's (1:35 ish - a good number of years ago!) I thought a sub 1:45 was possible but we were going to have to push it. The race gun started and we were off. There were a lot of people and it took 2km to settle down, at that time we were already averaging more than 5 mins per km so our pace needed to increase to achieve our target. Over the next 10km we ran consistent 4:40 to 4:45 mins per km.</p><p>I thought Amalie would tire but she was loving it - she rows for Bath University and her fitness / strength is good (better than mine). Anyway, helped by all the crowd support we kept on pushing the pace right through the second lap and then to the finish.</p><p>About 0.5km from the finish (a short climb) we saw Lucy and Oliver who gave Amalie and I the final support we needed to push for the finish line. Amalie was on a high and you could see she wanted to sprint the final distance - I let her go and have her glory - she deserved it. She got around 1:43 on the clock and came around 20th in her age group. I followed her in 30 secs later to come around 50th in my age group - good enough for me!</p><p>A great day of racing - an amazing first race by Amalie (she is hooked now!) and a very respectable time for me.</p><p>Next one... I have booked the Brighton half-marathon but this time will be running with my Son, Alex.</p><p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the last few days I have been using a massage ball under my feet while I sit at my desk, which I hope is helping - who knows!</p><p>My last long(ish) run was on the 7th October, 8 days before the event - I managed 16km at a 5:08 min per km pace - not too bad, although it felt relatively hard and was also quite hot.</p><p>I should be OK on the day and hoping the chance of doing a big race with thousand of runners will motivate me, plus keeping up and setting a decent pace for Amalie.</p><p>Just 3 days now...</p><p>I will let you know how it goes. See you on the other side.</p>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-3197884570591560042023-10-05T11:27:00.015-07:002023-10-12T00:35:59.069-07:00Post-conference run from hotel to Windsor CastleJust pack from a 2-day industry conference in a beautiful hotel on the borders of Great Windsor Park. The workshops finished at 5:15pm and by 5:30pm I had my trainers on and was ready for a run through Windsor Park towards the castle.<div><br /></div><div>There were hundreds of deer and some impressive stags on route. My pace was OK(ish) but I still had a few ankle/heel issues - not so good considering I have a half-marathon in just over a week's time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I love getting in a run when I have these occasional business trips and I am in a new area - to run through a deer park and up to Windsor Castle was pretty epic. The hotel gym, pool, steam room etc. wasn't too shabby either!</div>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-57934867656693937812023-09-21T02:22:00.002-07:002023-09-21T02:22:53.016-07:00Post Bewl and thinking ahead to BathThis morning I managed a steady 6.5km run (local loop) at sub 5min per km pace - my first run effort since the Bewl SwimRun event. I was pleased that the body, legs and ankles felt OK and my pace was decent.<div><br></div><div>I was a little more wary of my heart rate - it did hit 157 today but the average over the 6.5km was 140. Looking at similar runs (same route and pace) my stats are about the same. On the 7km run section of the SwimRun my HR averaged 151. That all makes sense and doesn't concern me. Just need to get a bit more training running in a wetsuit.</div><div><br></div><div>So over the coming weeks my focus will switch to the Bath half-marathon on the 15th October - not long. I need to get in 1-2 longer runs (without injuring myself) and some sprint intervals plus tempo runs.</div><div><br></div><div>I will post my race strategy in a future blog but currently looking at an average pace of 5mins per km to hit around the 1:45 time. In theory, this should be a relatively comfortable half-marathon race pace for me (not PB territory), although I might be kidding myself a bit! Need to get the final training in so that it is more of an enjoyable experience. Another 1-2 kilos reduction would also help - just under 83kg today.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-56264059426028672052023-09-18T01:29:00.002-07:002023-09-18T02:58:22.663-07:00Race report - 21K solo SwimRun @ Bewl WaterWell I did it... My first SwimRun event and first proper race for many years.<div><br></div><div>I was a little nervous but enjoyed the overall experience. Nice venue and well organised.</div><div><br></div><div>A little disappointed with the overall result - 3:16 finish and middle of the field effort, although I was probably unrealistic in my goals - the winner only just got in within 2:40, so tougher than I expected.</div><div><br></div><div>The good news was my swimming (normally my weaker discipline), which was quite decent. On many of the swims I was overtaking other swimmers, sometimes the athletes that had previously passed me on the run sections. My arms didn't feel too bad from using the paddles the entire route and the pull-buoy worked well.</div><div><br></div><div>The bad news were the runs (normally my stronger discipline), which were really quite poor. The first 1-2 shorter distances were OK but the longer 7K and 4K sections were pretty awful - I found myself walking on some sections and not just up the hills. I simply struggled running in the wetsuit and couldn't get my heart rate down (constantly in the 150-160 range). My legs were OK, as were my ankles (although a little stiff today) but I just didn't to have the energy. I don't think it was anything to do with going to hard at the start or nutrition but more about lack of training running in the wetsuit and the compression effect.</div><div><br></div><div>So what did I learn and what would I do differently - I would like to have another crack. Well, number one is to train more running in my wetsuit. I think I should also cut off the arms on the wetsuit to release a little of the upper-body compression and provide more air. Losing weight would have helped - less compression, better wetsuit fit and easier to run. Maybe better pacing strategy, subject to the course and longer run sections. Possibly the swims took more of my energy than I thought.</div><div><br></div><div>Anyway I am certainly glad I gave it a go, although it is getting harder to wing these races - I am no longer Ironman fit (and haven't been for a long time!). Note to self... you cannot wing races anymore so there is a greater need for quality and consistent training.</div><div><br></div><div>So I am going to give myself a couple of recovery days then will be back on it. My next race is the Bath half-marathon. I need to get in a couple of longer runs, hopefully no ankle issues, and would ideally like to be 1-2kg lighter to make my life easier.</div><div><br></div><div>Will keep you updated.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am looking forward to the event, simply as it is something different and fit enough, or not, I am doing it. Even if the time is not great I reckon I can manage the distance - going for 'completion' rather than 'competing'.</p><p>Saying that, I do have some race goals:</p><p>1. Get across the finish line with a smile on my face and no injuries</p><p>2. Ideally complete the 17K+ of running and 4K+ of swimming (plus all transitions) under 3 hours</p><p>3. Stretch target would be 2 hours 40 mins</p><p>4. Get on the podium in my age group (50+), although that might happen by default if there are only 3 solo racers for the 21K above 50 years old</p><p>I expect my next post will be the race report and results.</p><p>Wish me luck!</p>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-37150066557065899302023-09-07T09:51:00.000-07:002023-09-07T09:51:05.599-07:00Full dress rehearsal - SwimRun training<p>The weather has been glorious so I used the opportunity yesterday morning for a full dress rehearsal and SwimRun training along Brighton seafront - 3 swims (500m+) and 4 short runs (1-2K each in distance).</p><p>I went with my preferred SwimRun gear - specialist SwimRun wetsuit (long-sleeves), Swimrun socks and trainers, pull-buoy (attached to waist), paddles (my original pair), collapsible water bottle (in back zip compartment), swim goggles and hat. I wore my speedo jammers underneath my wetsuit, which fortunately haven't given me any rubbing to date. Finally my Garmin Fenix 6 to record my effort - if it is not on <a href="https://www.strava.com/athletes/2773871" target="_blank">Strava</a> it didn't happen!</p><p>On the day I need to take a couple of small extra items - whistle and bandage (I think), which can also go in my rear zip compartment. I am not going with the recommended (but not compulsory) swim float as they are relatively short swims and in a lake - a lot safer than the sea. Plus simply more to carry.</p><p>Working on 2mins for every 100m swimming I should be able to complete the 4K swim in 1 hour 20mins and run the 17K at around 5:40 pace, which is around 1:35 to 1:40. So my goal is to finish under 3 hours, 2 hours 40mins would be a great result (stretch challenge).</p><p>The tough part of the course is going to run 7 (7.2K) and run 8 (4K), plus swim 7 (1K). The rest of the runs and swims are relatively short - lots of transitions!</p><p>Anyway, I am finally getting my 'head in the game' (about time) and trying to visualise the race more, even though I have no experience of an actual SwimRun race.</p><p>So humid today - I am waiting to after dinner to go on a run around the town.</p><p>Onwards and upwards</p>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-70077084103819645022023-09-05T01:19:00.002-07:002023-09-05T01:19:46.715-07:00What a wonderful morning!<p>Some times I take it for granted but my goodness I am a lucky boy - I live/work in a beautiful area...</p><p>This morning I cycled in (easy one - e-Brompton) from the South Downs to Brighton seafront. I stopped on the seafront as the weather was simply sublime - still, warm and bright. It was an opportunity to buy a nice coffee and sit on the beach for 5 mins simply to watch Brighton wake up - seeing people head for a sea dip, sitting on the beach jornalling, walking their dogs - warms the heart!</p><p>Another thing to celebrate is that my Achilles injury continues to improve and I have a decent week of exercise planned, especially since the great weather, I might even be ready for my upcoming races!</p><p>Have a fab day x</p>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-9464033382424472522023-09-01T01:08:00.001-07:002023-09-01T01:08:52.311-07:00Some better newsSo just back from my familiar 6km local loop and second run of the week. Finally the Achilles injury feels like it is on the mend. This morning I managed a sub 5min pace per km so hopefully I haven't lost too much speed (new carbon shoes help!)<div><br></div><div>I hope to increase the mileage over next fortnight with a short sharp taper to my SwimRun event at Bewl Water. I have to be careful not to overdo it as I will be back to square one and have no choice to pull out from the race.</div><div><br></div><div>In other news I treated myself to a beautiful Omega Seamaster, a watch I have always dreamed of. Don't worry my trusty Garmin Fenix 6 will still be my go to watch for training and day to day wear.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-39082653514540887052023-08-29T02:38:00.001-07:002023-08-29T02:38:37.769-07:00Update on injury and race preparation I wish I had more to tell...<div><br></div><div>My race preparation isn't going to plan - my Achilles injury is taking longer to heal than on previous occasions (I am getting older!) so my running has pretty much stopped over last month. I have done a bit of open water swimming and some mixed cycling (road bike and e-bike) but not enough be anywhere near race fit and to generally keep the weight off.</div><div><br></div><div>Saying that, after a few false starts, I think I am finally on the mend and may be ready for a run this week - without pain would be good.</div><div><br></div><div>Lucy and I are just back from a lovely 3 days in the Lake District. We managed some lovely walks (bit of mist and rain) plus three open water swims in Derwent Water. My ankle was OK(ish) although I acquired a blister from the long walks to add to my collection. My left shoulder also had a few twinges - what is happening to me!</div><div><br></div><div>I really do not want to pull out of either of my races - SwimRun in mid September or half-marathon in October but it is getting close. I don't mind a bit of 'winging it' but I need to be sensible and not do myself any long-term damage (further injuries).</div><div><br></div><div>Anyway let's hope I have better news over the coming days - in an ideal world the Achilles injury would be better, I would be able to get a few dummy runs in (checking out race equipment) and I would be 2 kilos lighter - here's hoping (dreaming)!</div>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-46796497526010686262023-08-14T02:10:00.003-07:002023-08-14T02:10:54.717-07:00Achilles still causing me pain<p>I really enjoyed a nice cycle with Lucy on Saturday morning - 55km on the road bikes, one of my favourite routes that tooks us through Edburton, Fulking, Bramber, Botolphs, Shoreham and then to Hove, where we stopped for a coffee. Then back over the Downs and via Wickwoods, Langton Lane to home - sweet! Fortunately the wind was behind us along the coast.</p><p>On Sunday, I wanted to try out my new Asics Magic Speed 2 Eiken R carbon road shoes but was still a little wary of my Achilles niggles. The shoes were great and provided a lot of bounce (felt less effort) but it was probably still to early to run on the injury, despite all the strengthening exercises I have been doing over the last few weeks. Anyway, I returned home, loving the shoes but feeling I hadn't done myself any favours and likely delayed my recovery further.</p><p>So I plan to continue with the strengthening of my ankle and lay off the running for a little longer, although it is getting tighter what with my SwimRun event in September and half-marathon in October. Let's hope I get to the start line injury-free!</p>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-65132818091467890132023-08-10T09:39:00.001-07:002023-08-10T11:36:23.647-07:00Nice sea swim<p>Yesterday I cycled into work on my wonderful little Brompton, powered by Swytch - always fun. It was also a beautiful morning so I stopped along Brighton seafront for a coffee on the beach before heading into the office - what a way to start the morning.</p><p>As the weather was so great (finally) I was determined to get in a sea swim at lunchtime. I went down with Speedos, paddles and pull-buoy and swam around the buoys to complete a 1K swim - the water was a little choppy and the current was certainly dragging me around a bit - much harder one way than the other. I am so lucky to have an opportunity to swim, on my door-step, as such.</p><p>Lucy came and met me after work so I didn't have the return commute but I have another opportunity to ride the Brompton when I have to drop the car off for a service on Friday. Otherwise, my Achilles niggles are still stopping my rub training. Really looking forward to trying my new Asics running shoes (with carbon 😀).</p><p>My eating / drinking on holiday and post-holiday were not so great so back to 84kg (was as low as 82kg a couple of weeks back). My target of 79kg seems a long way off again - need to get back on it.</p><p>Still unsure of my gear choice for the Bewl Water SwimRun - do I go pull-buoy or calf-guards - thinking more pull-buoy at the moment as calf-guards quite warm and uncomfortable to run in - decisions, decisions!</p>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-74684515883138876892023-08-05T01:02:00.002-07:002023-08-06T14:31:51.124-07:00Running injury, cycling holiday and more new shoes!It is has been a while since my last post...<div><br></div><div>About two and a half weeks ago after a long(ish) run and previous ankle niggles my Achilles Tendon issues came back to haunt me. So since then (July 20) my training has been scaled back.</div><div><br></div><div>I have been on a short holiday to Slovenia where we cycled for 3 days including a long climb (1,250m height), which I managed on a heavy rental bike - slow and steady in the granny gear.</div><div><br></div><div>I also got a few swims in at Lake Bled, which was beautiful. Although I have had some minor left shoulder twinges since then - I am falling apart!</div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, just back from my first run since the Achilles injury and it wasn't too bad. My legs were fresh and I ran in my short-distance Adidas (fast) trainers that are relatively new. It was only the last 200m I felt more pain, so stopped and walked.</div><div><br></div><div>I probably over did it and have put my recovery back further! Decided to order a pair of trusted 'Asics', albeit a carbon version. Let's hope they help.</div>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-34716222899082393822023-07-10T05:29:00.001-07:002023-07-10T05:29:20.225-07:00Another week - hopefully turned the corner<p>Well my lack of motivation and training volume has hopefully turned a corner. For the last 1-2 weeks I have pretty much skipped the recommended Garmin Coach runs and done my own thing (less focus). No major reason and certainly not because I am burnt out - most likely a few work/family commitments have taken priority plus I was getting a little bored with the repetitive nature of the Garmin coaching plan - all made a lot of sense but just became less interesting.</p><p>Anyway today I feel a little more up for the challenge with the clear priority over the coming weeks of more specific SwimRun training - get on my gear and practice run + swim along Brighton beach/sea. Today would have been a good day to kick that off (lovely day and sea quite calm) although I opted for a commute in on the bike and lunchtime run. The weather doesn't look so great over next few days although unless the sea is really rough that shouldn't put me off.</p><p>Let's hope my next post will confirm some action on the SwimRun front!</p>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-14892777203895367742023-07-02T11:47:00.001-07:002023-07-02T11:47:11.342-07:00Lacking motivationOnly 5 hours of training volume this week and a general lack of motivation (or enthusiasm) - all felt a bit hard work and effort.<div><br></div><div>It is not unusual and from experience I simply need to get back to it when it feels right (hopefully soon). As I have highlighted in a couple of recent posts I am likely to focus less on the half-marathon training (Oct race) and more on the SwimRun training (Sept race - 'A') so expect to have weekly sessions along Brighton seafront in my diary soon.</div><div><br></div><div>It has also been a weekend of slightly excess food/drink so need to make sure I don't undo the good work on the weight progress, albeit still a little way to go to meet my target of sub 80kg.</div>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-63718656587287625542023-06-26T12:11:00.001-07:002023-06-26T12:11:38.239-07:00Updates to shareIt has been a busy week, or so, on the work front so getting in all my planned runs (Garmin Coach) has been more difficult. Saying that I did manage a nice effort around London (in heavy rain) on the morning of a conference. Throw in a PB on a local route and a full half-marathon distance (easy pace), I suppose not really a bad week. There was also a commute in on the e-bike plus a few dips (not much swimming) in the sea.<div><br></div><div>The strength work has dropped again just after my Son (and PT) set me some decent online sets so need to pick that up again.</div><div><br></div><div>Otherwise need to transition to more specific SwimRun sessions over the coming weeks, which will be my focus during July and August.</div><div><br></div><div>One other point of interest - I was offered free entrance to a local 5km Tough Mudder event in September. Should be fun!</div>Tri Hard Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00489325550520023933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8650405853503893754.post-59216870466046392442023-06-19T00:01:00.000-07:002023-06-19T00:03:22.658-07:00Father's Day run with AlexSo just over 7 hours last week, which wasn't too bad. More strength sets included. I ended the week with a lovely 6km run with my Son, Alex (easy pace so we could talk) along Brighton seafront followed by coffee and pastries on the beach - so nice not to worrying about drills or pacing but enjoy the run plus sun and Son! <div><br></div><div>I am up in London today/overnight for a 2-day conference but there is always an opportunity to get in an early morning run along the river. I am now due to move the training to its second phase, more volume but also more specific SwimRun training, more on that in future posts.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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