It's week 14 over here and it's a build week a tough one because it's two weeks before ironman specific training. That is the big dog the weeks that make you or break you.
So I thought I'd take you through a Monday to Sunday week of training. Plus I need some accountability, seriously. Motivation is waining and I am trying everything possible to make it happen. I thought in this blog program I'll have a few different sections - the sessions - motivation - and a little thought.
Monday 16/05/2011
Session 1 - The spin session was a hills 60min ride. You put the biggest resistance you possibly can and just cracking it out seated or standing for the duration of the time.
Session 2 - A two hour run. I ran all around the outer fence of Richmond a couple of times. Very straining on the body, as I'm no marathon expert, but on I went and finished with 25 km plus.
Motivation - Today motivation was zero, literally I had no want to do either sessions. At the back end of it, I realised, just do it and stop moaning and over thinking things.
Thought for the day - Don't think about it too much just get up and ride, run or swim!
Tuesday 17/05/2011
Session 1 - Gym session.
Time to get back to the weights, our program has us do some gym twice a week right up until we hit the MAN. So that's a 70 min work out and you feel quite pumped coming of this bugger, as I haven't touched a weight in a while.
Session 2 - Easy stretch, I always feel I can't call it a session but it is as important as a 5 hour cycle. If your muscles go, you go! So this is a 35 min job legs take preference.
All in a easier day, allowing for recovery after Monday. The distance running breaks the body. So rest out for tomorrow because it's going to be a bigger day.
Motivation - didn't need any. It was a easier day than pushing yourself over 2-3 hours.
Thought for the day - Weights benefit the body massively.
Wednesday 18/05/2011
Here we go, big day out.
Up at 04:50. First things first wake my wife up. She is like a 1920 airplane it took a while to warm up, a long while. By the time we hit serpentine she is just about all systems go. This is a 30 min bike ride.
Session 1 - a swim it's a sprint session working more on technique than distance. So all over in 35 minutes. A solid session, but do feel it could have been better.
Session 2+3 - number two saw me head out to Richmond park feeling pretty good after yesterday's easy does it day.
I headed out and did a good 3 hours. Back to work and then home again for session 3, a ride with my wife. This lasted all of 30 minutes both of us to weak to go on.
Motivation - The first sessions was good and I felt strong so all in not much needed. The third however was a dog show, but still time spent with her is never a waste.
Thought for the day - My beautiful wife and I can do many things together well, but mid week training not so much. We tend to motivate each other in a way that doesn't promote, the more is better point of view.
Thursday 19/05/2011
Session 1 - saw a quick gym session 50 min out and in. Feeling stronger than last week a lot of core and off we go.
Session 2 - interval running, saw me go off to the local track for those all out 400 m sprints. 10 of those puppies and 10, 200' s should do it. Easy 25 km ride off the back of that saw the end of Thursday. Along with that came one day closer to the Ironman.
Motivation - I'm still struggling to pull it out the bag, all the time. But at least it's getting done, one day at a time and one session at a time is all we have.
Thought for the day - keep going keep going you will get there.
Friday - 20/05/2011
Session 1 - The one and only for the day. The long ride 130 km saw me pushing the time machine through Surrey. The first 20 km on I hit a puncture and then came off the front of the bike. So standing with my bike I realized if I don't go and do this ride I have failed and failed big time. So on I went and pulled in to home with 130 on the clock job done!!
Motivation - there wasn't much from the kick off, but that's what all this takes. You can't always rely on motivation and emotion. You need to go in blind sometimes not thinking and feeling but just doing.
Thought for the day - I'm on my way I can do this and do it well. I feel I only get going after 90 km. So at least I know the endurance is in the post.
Saturday - 21/05/2011
Session 1 - Let's go up at 05:00 and off for the long swim at Thorpe lakes. Really a highlight of the week. It's a 1.5 km loop in a beautiful fresh water lake so good. The sun rises at around that time and as you swim you get a glimpse of that golden globe every other breath you take. God is good and His creation amazing. We always feel, so good after this swim and ready for what the week end holds.
So 3 km done we are off to face a day with the family.
Motivation - Don't get me wrong waking up on a Saturday at 05:00 am is no joke and no real fun. But once you get out there and get going it's out weighs the lying in by loads. It's just about finishing what you set out to do, probably the same in life have a vision have a plan and make it so! Failure to me has become not even trying. Try and fail, is not failure. Never trying is!
Thought for the day - Without support family and friends and God in our lives this journey would be a real dog slog.
Thanks guys and family we love you.
Sunday 22/05/2011
Yebo it's rest day! Have it my son.
Coming to the end of this week you realize, looking back that you put a lot in to this thing. You learn a lot along the way. This week saw me realize, just get cracking keep going if you don't do it you fail and will never realize what you are made off!
So give it a go and make it happen.
Much love have a great week!
AD
Bargain Gear!! :)
Fun with the Fosters
Sunday 22 May 2011
Game on!
I have quickly realized that one cannot water down Ironman training. You either are in or you are out. If you are half in you will always be anxious and you will constantly feel that you could have done more in the weeks coming and going. You will always feel unprepared. This will hang over you like a heavy burden.
I cannot believe that we have 2 months to go and then it is the race of my life. Time has flown and the weeks have just come and gone. I have had a knee problem for a year and can feel the fatigue in it at times. I haven’t been able to put in the running miles for weeks now and this concerns me. There is 2 months to go and I am not feeling ready. I know I will be able to finish and complete an Ironman tomorrow, but I know that I won’t enjoy it. I am competitive person and I don’t want to have to walk the marathon because of my knee. I want to run the thing and I want to smash it!! I want to walk to that start line and be ready, feel ready and be fit. I know I am fit but I am not fit enough and not where I should be. I know the first Ironman is a learning curve but as I said before, I am a competitive person and I want to feel ready. I pray I am ready!
This term at school is a busy one. There are lots of things coming up as the year is coming to a close. Lots of functions to attend to, activities weeks to go on (France) and reports to write. But that is life and sometime life will get in the way of your training. But you cannot keep making excuses. If you always have an excuse to not do it you will always have an excuse never to get the job done. That goes for all walks of life. I am tired of not putting it in, I am tired of making silly excuses. Now is the time to get stuck in and to step up the hours weekly from 7-8 hours to 15-18 hours per week. This is going to be a challenge but I know that it is only going to make me stronger and I know that coming out of my comfort zone and stretching myself will only be rewarded on the 31st July 2011. I have decided to run this week, run a lot and to see how my knee holds out. I need to step out in Faith and believe that my knee is healed and that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I am more than a conqueror. I will conquer this and not feel defeated!
On Tuesday and Thursday morning I went riding in Richmond Park at 5am for 2 and half hours before school. I cannot tell you how beautiful this time of the morning is. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping. To my surprise, there were many riders out, riding their bikes. What a pleasure! I am all the better for it and know that this is a great way to start my day.
This week my cousin gave birth to a beautiful 2.75kg girl. Mila Michelle Robert. She had a home water birth! What an inspiration and what an experience. I am so proud of them. What really struck me was that not many women in South Africa do this and it is unheard of. But what really hit home to me was that she stepped out in Faith and trusted her body- no drugs, no tubes- el naturel!! How beautiful is that and what an experience. It made me believe and trust in my body again. I am at the stage where I am fit, but now I need to push. I have the base but now I need to push myself and push to the next level- which is HARD. I need to start going long now. I am looking forward to it as I know that I need to be like Jules (my cousin) and ‘trust my body’ and know that everything will be OK.
This week is going to be yet another week of juggling. I am just going to have to put in training time wherever I can and when I can. As I said before, you can only do what you can when you can but don’t waste precious time. I can’t afford to anymore- no more excuses.
I look forward to blogging next week and tell you all about my 16 hour week! So on that note, have an awesome one. Book that race you want to do, book that trip to climb that mountain you always have wanted to climb but never got round to doing, run that marathon you have been planning on running for years now, go and book that race or activity you always have wanted to do- as life is too short to procrastinate and to think ‘tomorrow I will go for that run, or hit the gym’ do it today. Life is a brevity- it is short.
Love you all and enjoy this sunny week ahead J
Blessings
Lou xxx
PS: All the very best of luck to my Lady Rugga Girl- Linda Dlamini. She made top 12 and am so proud of her! I back you my sista you are doing great things! Love you my Mfwazi xx
Sunday 15 May 2011
Come on!!
What a day, it's Friday and there are open skies. A beautiful amazing week end looming. I am slowly but surely finding that motivation is such a diverse term it has so many different shapes and forms. And just as you think it's over another one opens up, just like a lucky packet.
Doing the training for Ironman it probably has to. Sometimes it's a new bit of kit. This my friends, is the kriptonite you hear about in a superman movie! The weakness. You walk into the candy shop/ Tri shop and your eyes light up with all the possibilities. You purchase your bit of kit and boom you can't wait to take out that new toy for a trial run, no matter how tired you may be.
Sometimes the motivation is when you start seeing changes in your body. My vice has been the veins in my legs. They start to show themselves after about 3months of hard graft. As soon as you get of the bike your legs are pumped, you like what you see. (so vain sorry for the pun) This then motivates you to make even more changes. Push harder and do even more. Sometimes the motivation may be hearing of a friend also training for a Ironman that did a 180 km bike and a 20 km run in one day. This then motivates you to up your training and go even further. Being competitive is not always a easy thing, you strive to be better always.
Sometimes the unknown motivates me, how far can I go, how much more can I do. When its snowing and not many other people are out, its unknown and pushing yourself through that motivates me.
Sometimes it's the weather, I might be tired as a dog in a hurdle race, but if the sun is shining I'm all over it. You never know when it will come again living in London.
It could be a word of encouragement, somebody can have a supportive word that can push you to go harder even when you feel low. Just a simple you doing great bud, keep it up. All these things mean a lot when the chips are down.
But sometimes and this is more often than not, I get motivated by realizing how Blessed I am.
Sounds weird. I'll tell you a story about a woman that was born paralyzed from the waist down. She lived in Africa some where, where there was no medical help, to make her life a little bit easier. So from a young age she needed to pull herself everywhere she went. No wheel chair no crutches just hands knees and torso. Some missionaries came to her village and helped her where they could. They loved her, and did all they could to make life that little bit easier for her. A few years earlier her parents threw her out on the street by leaving her at someones door step, because she couldn't work or walk. She needed a operation desperately. These missionaries showed her love for the first time ever in her life and started finding the funding for this operation. Now the church was about 3 km away from where she lived, she so badly wanted to feel that love and be surrounded by people that care that she crawled to church every Sunday, pulling herself 3 km there and back.
Now I believe some people obviously tried to help her, but can you imagine crawling on a dusty road on your knees to feel that love and compassion. Long story short they got her the operation, she got healed and is now walking and is a mother as well.
Now when I go running or riding or even swimming I think of things like her story and I realize that this woman is a conquerer. She is much more than a Ironman or anybody I have ever met. This motivates me, because I am able to walk I am able to do so much. I however have no right to ever feel sorry for myself, not only in training but in life.
I hope to one day use this ability to help people like that woman. But that is probably the biggest motivation, even if you aren't doing it for her, I just feel if I push more I'm able to use what I have been given to the best of my ability, as she is using what she was given to the best of her ability!
You see in life there are many facets. In my life I need to be more career minded and less Ironman minded. Everyone I believe has something they can work on.
We have all been given abilities. What are you doing with yours. Squeeze that thing I'm sure there is more!!
Much love God Bless Ad
Doing the training for Ironman it probably has to. Sometimes it's a new bit of kit. This my friends, is the kriptonite you hear about in a superman movie! The weakness. You walk into the candy shop/ Tri shop and your eyes light up with all the possibilities. You purchase your bit of kit and boom you can't wait to take out that new toy for a trial run, no matter how tired you may be.
Sometimes the motivation is when you start seeing changes in your body. My vice has been the veins in my legs. They start to show themselves after about 3months of hard graft. As soon as you get of the bike your legs are pumped, you like what you see. (so vain sorry for the pun) This then motivates you to make even more changes. Push harder and do even more. Sometimes the motivation may be hearing of a friend also training for a Ironman that did a 180 km bike and a 20 km run in one day. This then motivates you to up your training and go even further. Being competitive is not always a easy thing, you strive to be better always.
Sometimes the unknown motivates me, how far can I go, how much more can I do. When its snowing and not many other people are out, its unknown and pushing yourself through that motivates me.
Sometimes it's the weather, I might be tired as a dog in a hurdle race, but if the sun is shining I'm all over it. You never know when it will come again living in London.
It could be a word of encouragement, somebody can have a supportive word that can push you to go harder even when you feel low. Just a simple you doing great bud, keep it up. All these things mean a lot when the chips are down.
But sometimes and this is more often than not, I get motivated by realizing how Blessed I am.
Sounds weird. I'll tell you a story about a woman that was born paralyzed from the waist down. She lived in Africa some where, where there was no medical help, to make her life a little bit easier. So from a young age she needed to pull herself everywhere she went. No wheel chair no crutches just hands knees and torso. Some missionaries came to her village and helped her where they could. They loved her, and did all they could to make life that little bit easier for her. A few years earlier her parents threw her out on the street by leaving her at someones door step, because she couldn't work or walk. She needed a operation desperately. These missionaries showed her love for the first time ever in her life and started finding the funding for this operation. Now the church was about 3 km away from where she lived, she so badly wanted to feel that love and be surrounded by people that care that she crawled to church every Sunday, pulling herself 3 km there and back.
Now I believe some people obviously tried to help her, but can you imagine crawling on a dusty road on your knees to feel that love and compassion. Long story short they got her the operation, she got healed and is now walking and is a mother as well.
Now when I go running or riding or even swimming I think of things like her story and I realize that this woman is a conquerer. She is much more than a Ironman or anybody I have ever met. This motivates me, because I am able to walk I am able to do so much. I however have no right to ever feel sorry for myself, not only in training but in life.
I hope to one day use this ability to help people like that woman. But that is probably the biggest motivation, even if you aren't doing it for her, I just feel if I push more I'm able to use what I have been given to the best of my ability, as she is using what she was given to the best of her ability!
You see in life there are many facets. In my life I need to be more career minded and less Ironman minded. Everyone I believe has something they can work on.
We have all been given abilities. What are you doing with yours. Squeeze that thing I'm sure there is more!!
Much love God Bless Ad
Aftermath
This time last week we had just come back from the Marshman in Kent. What an amazing experience it was. I did the marshman in 5 hours 27 minutes and I came 2nd in my age group and 9th overall out of all the women- quite a cloud to be on especially as it was my very first triathlon. Looking around quite quietly chuffed, then reality dawned as I took a cheeky peak on my calendar at school and realized the Marshman is done and Ironman UK and all its fullness is only 77 days away. So what’s the next step?
This week has been a testing one for me with regards to training. The aftermath of the Marshman left me with the stiffest legs EVER for 3 days straight. Going up and down stairs was a sure battle! Training was the last thing on my mind, riding the Marsh wave made me feel warm and tingly inside. I did it, I smashed it! But oh wait, lets for a second go back and assess just what happened: Flat course, 1X 70m steep hill, 0 X0m hill on the run and mild south easterly- perfect conditions for a rookie to smash the course.
“E yo mina uchampion” (I am a champion!) BUT, I then quickly descended from my mountain top or ‘Marsh cloud if you will’ back to reality. You see, what I didn’t realize was the Marshman wasn’t IT. It was only base camp and Everest was looming large! Eish.
So what now? Sitting at my desk reviewing, reflecting on what the game plan is. Getting home on Monday night my husband informed me of what this plan is. We are now entering into the ‘Ironman Specific Phase’ and the worst is yet to come. This is a HARD 4 week phase and requires some serious hours in the saddle, on the tar, and in the lake.
Fast forwarding to Saturday morning 5:10am the honeymoon is finally over! And as the alarm goes on a Saturday morning, I wake up to a reality check that although the Marshman was great there is still so much to be done. So taking the step in the right direction, we headed off with my best friend for an early morning dip in Thorpe Lakes. We proceeded to conquer a milestone and he swam 4.5km and I did 3.8- whooo hooo! I then jumped on the bike, while my husband headed to work. Clocking in 100km on my own was a feat. I was famished when I got off and ate like a machine (that’s why I love this sport!!)
Sunday night, a week later, and I am ready to take it to the next level. The Marshman was an amazing race and great confidence builder, but with that firmly under the belt I am looking ahead to what is waiting for me. I look forward to seeing just how fit I can get and how far I can actually go whilst enjoying the ride. Life is good. J
Have a super week everybody. Take it to the next level!
Much love
Lou xxx
Sunday 8 May 2011
Marshman done box ticked and what a tick it is!!
So here we were at the edge of a lake in a beautif Kent, at 06:30 am. My wife and I and all the training that has brought us to this point. First thing that came to mind was, what a privilege to be healthy and fit enough to take on this dog. That is what i love about it, it takes you places you might never have experienced and makes you realise something new about yourself every time! My wife stood next to me, very apprehensive of what was to come. The hooter went, and off I pulled into the expanse of this Masch.
The swim was a eye opener and with 600 meters to go I realised there is still a lot of work to be done here. But on I pulled and off on my time machine I sailed. The pooding, my desert. The place I'm most confident and the place where I make the time and positioning up. I moved. The gears churned and I was in control of this beast with it's brand new moving blades. 90km later I jumped off my bike, only to be met by Mr Run.
This is the place a race is made or broken and after a swim and cycle 21km on the feet seems like a long way. This is where the blog really starts. The first five k's was tough man, your body is still in the aero position haunched over the tri bars, and four minutes later you are thrown on to the tarmac with your chest out and back straight. Your hammy's are in agony and all you can think about is 21km to go. Fortunately the sun was beaming and all I had to do was pull this off! After getting a rhythm going and just getting on with it the six km mark loomed. My legs were b
now warmed up and ready to rumble. I kept telling myself you feel strong, so strong and on I went. That running high kicked in and I was flying, even over taking some okes and leaving them in my wake. 15km down the road the legs gave way to some pain and a weaker mind set. It took me another km to break that negativity and just believe I could. Was I going to walk, never, would I crawl if I had to yes I would. But above all, I was going to up a gear never mind the pain or negativity. Another runners high later and I was down to 2 km left. As I left transition after the bike a oke came flying by me, now he was walking with 1 km to go. A weak mindset wont get you any where, sure he was hurting, but I believe he was able!
I ran over the line, knowing I was one step closer to making that sub ten Ironman. Take pleasure in tribulation, because it will bring perseverance and perseverance will bring character and charter will bring hope! A little something from my life training manual.
Whatever the weather, you can dictate if you are going to make it or not. My wife smashed this thing in to pieces this week end because she was never ever going to be defeated! So so proud of her! It's your choice, your decision no one else can make that for you! I draw my strength from Christ and he has never let me down.
Half Ironman box ticked, I hope you all have a amazing week.
Much love Ad
Marshman 2011: Half Ironman 1.9km swim, 90k bike, 21k run.
So our dear Kiwi friend Kirsty joined us for the night and she came to support and help us along the way. She was an absolute gem and she has the kindest most generous heart in the world. She is such beautiful person inside and out and was a pleasure having her come with us to Kent. The Marshman was held in the small town of Lydd. Before arriving we stopped outside an ancient church that has been there since the 1200’s! 400 years before South Africa was even founded! E yo! But Inside was just incredible. So so old you won’t believe. It was very special. We then arrived and we set up camp. Last year the wind was PUMPING A GALE through that place and so putting up tent this year was somewhat easier in sunnier and less hurricane wind conditions. Also 3 people are better than 2J It was done in a jiffy. We then set off to our favourite, neighboring Ancient town of RYE. This town is literally- ancient founded 1000 AD. The houses have doors that are half the size of the doors today. The roads are cobbled and the shops have been standing there since 1920 AD. This shop in particular is called ‘Simon the Pieman!’ ha ha! The whole town is just a treat to walk through- we did just that in about 20 minutes J We then went to the same Italian restaurant we went to the year before. We had a delicious meal then headed back to camp. Got the last few bits and pieces ready and did bike checks etc.
Unfortunately the nerves got the better of me and I tossed and turned that night. With 4 hours sleep we were up and ready to make breakfast- some yummy peanut butter and syrup sammies! My mom’s favouriteJ That’s all she ate when she had me in her belly, and that’s why I love them today! So great fuel food, with a banana and AD had some good ol Crunchy nut. We then went to register and put our things in the Transition area by the swim lake. It was just a perfect morning with little wind! The forecast the day before said rain with 30k/h winds. But nothing prayer can’t handle- we woke up to clear skies and perfect racing conditions. Now that is what I am talking about!!!
The Race
Now the first group went off (with my hubs in it) at 7am. By this point I was pretty nervous but I was ready. So off into the water we went for a swimming start. The hooter went and we were off. The first 600m I had to fight for my spot and kicked and pulled my way through. The swim is never flattering – it’s every man for himself! I turned around the last buoy with 600m to go and had a sneak peak at my time. I was on track. I pulled hard the home stretch and stammering out the water with good ol Kirst cheering me on was a treat. A real booster! Was glad the swim was done. Now to decide what to put on for the bike. I thought it was going to be chilly but it was mild. So after a good 5 minutes of decision making- I made the right decisions, but forgot to put on my shades! Oops! But it was fine. The bike course was super flat and fast. This was great practice for the areo position. After 60km in the aero, my lower back started to ache, but I changed my mindset and pushed even harder. It was a perfect day, wind, but not too much and the sun was belting- yes please! With 82km on the clock we pulled right into an army barracks stretch and this is near the base. I thought we still had 8km to go but then we pulled into the country lane towards Transition- I was too stoked! My speedometer has not been working too well recently so when we turned for the home stretch I was elated. Pushing hard on the pedals and finishing strong under 3 hours- well chuffed!
Off the bike I could hear my good friend Kirst the birst cheering me on. What a legend. Quick change, picked up my glasses and off we went. I have been battling with injury in my foot and on the side of my knee. I was just praying it would hold. I had strapping on and that seemed to be holding-just. 4km in I could feel my knee, but nothing good old myprodol can sort out! Popped one of those and said a prayer and it was gone. I got into a great stride and experienced runners high. I pushed hard thinking I can seriously do this! I can do this!! In a good time too! I am not just doing an event- I am actually racing itJ It was such an amazing feeling to be able to push your body to places you haven’t been before. When we turned around by the half way point the wind was in my face and I could start to feel the good ol leggies. So popped a gel and off I went. Slowed the pace down a little until I reached the 6km to go mark then decided to pick it up as best I could. Being out there in the country lanes and running besides fields of sheep and little lambs and running rivers in the hot sun was just great. That is why I do this! I then started to calculate my time and thought I could maybe get a good time so decided to push and hit my target. Nearing home and the last water station I asked them how much longer and she said 2km. I thought: Damn it I am not going to hit my targetL Then further down the road I see some more marshalls and when I pass them the one yells 500m left! I thought REALLY? WOW that’s Awesome I thought it was 2km! Was the best news all day and started to sprint my way to the finish to where my amazing husband was waiting for me and my special friend! Had a sprint finish and loved crossing that line into my hubbys arms. What a feeling. I reached my target (after recalculating) and smashed what I thought I would do it in originally. For me this is my first triathlon and I loved it. Loved the atmosphere and the experience. I thank my God that we were safe and that we finished and that He was with me all the way. He gave me strength I never knew I had!
Kirsty was a sweetheart and it inspired her to get back on the bike and to compete again. So she will be doing this next year J My hubby did well and he smashed it. I am so proud of him!
I am now sitting on the couch and the myprodols have worn off- E yo! I will leave it thereJ All in all it was just an awesome weekend and I am so glad that I am privileged enough to be able to compete in things like this. It really is something special. My first triathlon and not the last. For the first time I was passing people and not people passing me! J
Have an amazing week everyone- you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!
“What the mind believes the body achieves..:) “ – Kirst the birst and Lou’s saying.
Love you all
Lou xxx
Sunday 1 May 2011
Looking Forward
Ai what a pleasure, I’m sitting here on the Sunday afternoon. The sun is trickling through our window into our lounge, I have had an amazing bowl of spaghetti from the hand of the most loving wife. All in life seems to be pretty good!
Well have I got a blog for you today! The answer to that question is yes please. I have been sick like a shanty town hound with three legs for three days. It all started Monday with some tummy cramps, it got a bit worse for wear as the day went on. Tuesday and Wednesday proceeded to be complete write offs and obviously being self employed this was not a good sign, especially with a three day week looming large. But as great health and a ‘ You will get better you big girl’s blouse’ attitude will have it I was back on my feet by Thursday and working. Praise the Lord.
Of course all of the above is detrimental to the bank account, but even more so to the training account, as these hours also need to be logged. Well with a bit of a feel sorry for myself body I mounted the bike on Friday with my wife and we quickly flew through Surrey with the howling wind on our backs. I always learn something new when going out for a ride with Lou, she is a never say die customer, it has taken a few months but she is coming together beautifully. When she tires she pulls up her shoulders and just pushes until she has caught up or conquered the hill. She never moans or groans. We have had a few tears, but this business does get emotional sometimes, I cried like a big baby last year after finishing the Ironman. Long story short she never looks back she looks forward and just keeps going.
When you are training on the bike or in the lake the last thing you can afford is looking back. I have recently put on my tri bars to become more aero dynamic and can I tell you once you settle down into these bad boys, you are focussed. The time for looking around is over and all your attention has turned to eyes on the prize mode. Last week end I moved the fastest I ever have on a bike by just looking forward and never worrying about what is going on behind me. The same is the case when we are in the serpentin. I call this time in the lake my switch off time, you need to get from one end to the other, and that is all your focus is on. It’s a bit like this phase of training as well.
The time has now arrived where we are about three and a half months off the real deal, the Ironman UK. The base has been set up over the past four months or so, and the blood sweat and tears are about to start. You see this is the time when you start to mentally as well as physically set your mind around doing a 3,8 KM swim getting off at T1 and doing 180KM bike getting off at T2 and running that marathon. Mentally you need to actually know you can accomplish all this, physically you have got to actually pull yourself through it, make your body go where it has never been before!
Man I love this part, why you might ask, because after I finished rugby I always wanted to see how far the human body could go. I have been given this vehicle for one ride and one only. I read this in a book form an ultra marathon runner once. He wants to finish this race called life with a car (body) broad siding, wheels screeching, flaps falling off knowing that he enjoyed every minute and made the most of every opportunity. I agree sir I agree, in fact I love it!
My life training manual says we must have faith like children, in other words we need to believe like kids do, unwavering never faulting. Have a look at a kid when he looks at his dad, that man is his super hero. Kids believe they can do anything , or practically anything, but as life goes on they realize that they can’t. Imagine if you could hold on to that. You would be able to accomplish so much more than you ever thought you could.
In life I believe look forward, believe you can and make it happen!
May God Bless you all this week
much love Ad
Royal Wedding
Oh what a day it was! AD and I woke up early on Friday morning and headed down to the city to soak up some wedding vibe! We were in Hyde Park and near Buckingham Palace. It was packed and we couldn’t get closer. We were on our bikes so we couldn’t see much, but it was enough to feel everyone’s energy and excitement. I was not too fazed about the wedding until the night before. Just watching the news and seeing how these Brits were going all out for it made me excited. I was hooked. That was me. I tried to make AD get on my same wave length but it was not going to happen. Pity! He nearly got there when we went into the city, but when we got home and switched on the telly he was not all that fussed. I was GLUED!! Just like the rest of England and some parts of the world. What an occasion and what a day to remember- one day when we are old and grey and Will and Kate’s little chokka is tying the knot- we can reminisce! “Those were the days my love, those were the days!” She looked stunning!! So that was our Friday. We then went for a great bike ride up to box hill after the wedding. Felt so good on the bike which I am pleased about. I also realized how important nutrition is and that is a big factor that I need to get right on the weekend and in my training. I don’t know what it is about me. I get hungry SO quickly! Especially on the bike! Friday morning AD and I had 2 bagels each with jam and cheese and then a beeeg bowl of maize meal. We then went for the ride. Pushing hard the first 40km then I became VERY hungry! I even got the shakes! I know now that I need to eat often and fuel my body. I don’t want no shakes next Sunday!!! Preparation is Key my friends… Thank you Lord for that banana I could throw down my gullet.
This week has been good. Have done some training. I have also been naughty and taken the odd day off here and there. I have enjoyed the time I have been training and did some good sessions. I am coming into that period where I do enjoy the training. I am getting fitter which is great! Yet I am skipping too many workouts. I need to be consistent even if it is not a massive session, I still need to get out there and do something to keep it ticking over. Running has been a problem for me as I have runners knee so need to take it easy. But that is healing and I know I will be ready for next weekend!
This time next weekend we would have finished the Marshman (half Ironman) in Kent. What a feeling! I am looking very forward to it and am going to use it as a trial run for nutrition and use it as a solid training session. I haven’t done much running recently so trying to do it for time will just be silly. I am going to enjoy every minute as it will be my first triathlon EVER!!!! Friends are joining us so it will be a great weekend of camping:)
It is another long weekend here in the UK, so we had Friday off and we also have Monday off (tomorrow). It has been so awesome just chilling out and spending time with my husband. When I was watching the wedding I thought to myself that I am so grateful that I already have my Prince, and I am so grateful that he doesn’t need to hold back any affection from me, even when the “çameras” are on. I wish there was another way or word to describe the love I have in my heart for him. I treasure the time we have together and I thank God that it just keeps getting better and better. I know that there is a plan for our lives- whatever it may be. I also know that the best is yet to come! So, this weekend has been a good one. We have trained somewhat and have really enjoyed our time together. School starts properly for me on Tuesday, but this term is SUPER short so it all goooood :)
I am enjoying the training, I know that the volume does increase as we are moving into Ironman Specific Phase, so I am sure that in 3 weeks time I am going to be singing a different tune J But for now it is going well and it has become a new way of life for me and I can’t imagine my life without it, like swimming in the Serpentine in Hyde Park in the mornings. It is tough at the time but looking back I think what a privilege to be experiencing all of this.
Ending off, this week is going to be a chilled out week- we are going to be tapering for the weekend. Some days I think I already started my taper- 2 weeks ago! Ha ha, but no we are going to lessen the ‘load’ if you want to call it that and prepare for the weekend. Next Sunday evening you are going to hear all about it:) I look forward to going through all the ins and outs of the race next week. Whoop whoop! So tune in for next week’s edition of “THE MARSHMAN” – MISS IT MISS OUT!
Have an awesome week everyone. We love you lots and thanks for all the support.
God Bless
Lou xxx
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