Hey folks! So sorry that I have not posted a blog for the last 2 weeks- things have been crazy as the end if the school year is drawing to a close. Reports had to be done, functions had to be attended to and my folks arrived too:) I also had to try and squeeze in some training somewhere in amongst it all. So I do apologise for this being WAY overdue!
So the title for my blog this week is beautiful France. Oh my word how beautiful it is! All you Londoners will be very jealous when I say that I have been in France for 8 days, soaking in the sunshine and better yet being paid for it! Did I mention that I love my job? :) so, me and 3 teachers and 35 AWESOME kids went away on an annual schools activities week in the Dordogne, France. (for those not knowing where on the map that is, I would say somewhere in the middle near Brive, and 2 hours drive from Bordeaux) and all I can say is what a PLACE! Absolutely picturesque- mountains, lake, villages. It was a great week of activities and so much fun was had by all. In the build up towards the trip I was extremely worried about how I was going to do my training when out there. I was going to take my bike but then decided against it at the last minute. It was a chance to focus on my run and swim and boy did I do just that:)
Day 1: We arrived on Sunday morning after a 20 hour coach ride to a Sweltering, blisteringly hot day (the hottest they had this year) it was a stinker! The kids did loads of team building and climbing activities all day. Then idiotically myself and the Kirk (My boss in the PE department and good friend) decided to go running to check out the landscape. We are set in the mountains so I knew it was going to be a tough one. After 1 hour of running up and down hills and breathing like asthmatic over weight pigs we were spent. Absolutely and truly spent! Every last bit of me was emptied. It was so so hot it was unbearable. My heart rate was ne'er below 175bpm! Now that's some serious interval training!
Day 2: We were a little wiser this time and the day started of with a 70 minute canter with my good mate Kirkwood. We went up and down hills, but it was better as it was a lot cooler. What a beaut of a day! After climbing that mountain and seeing that view and the sun rising up through the mountains I knew this was all such a blessing. being paid to be in France and experiencing such peace and surrounded by simple living. It's all I ever want and ever dream of- is simple living with a whole lot of love. I pray everyday that the Lord keeps humbling me so I will never take the simple pleasures in life for granted. That I savour every moment and hold that joy in my heart. Man it's great to feel alive!!!
That morning we left to canoe down the Dordogne river and stay there in a Bivi (makeshift shelter/tent) under the stars with the kids. What a perfect day and an even more perfect night. What an experience- lots of fun was had by all. The river was amazing and the sun she was shining! My tan report: lightly bronzed.
Day 3: Woke up to the river in front of me and the mountains behind it. It was superb. What an experience! After breakfast we packed the canoes and of we headed to round off day 3. Time was flying but we were all having an awesome time making new memories and getting to know the kids. What characters each and every one is. What a pleausre getting to know them all. It's like we are all a little family.
Tan report: sun kissed, slight short tan unfortunately. But sun is still there but was not as harsh.
Evening was great. Chatted with the locals, made new friends and enjoyed the evening sun.
Day 4, we on Wednesday: this was lake day. So I caught I glimpse of a Lake on the way into France but never realised it was that lake we were going to. Now let me tell you all, I have seen many a lake before- but THIS one, oh my, but THIS one is was just hands down the winner. It was absolutely beautiful. A MASSIVE man made lake, fresh water. It was huge. Not even kidding. So today was my swim and run day. Apparently you can run aroun the lake and it's about 8km. I thought it was more along the lines of 7km per lap. So as was planned, Kirky and I slipped out wetsuits on and gave the lake a good go. It was scary at first but I soon got into it and loved every second. I swam right in the middle and all around. It was awesome. After 1 hour and 10 minutes I jumped out and was then bombarded with questions from the kids. They couldn't believe it and thought I was mad. I just laughed:) we (the kirk, flemmers and myself) then put on our running shoes and proceeded to do a some laps. I wasn't sure how many I was going to do but I wanted to do 3. So after lap 1 Kirky decided to call it a day, then it was down to flemmers and myself and when stopping for a quick rehydrate after lap 1 I decided to drag a 6th former with me out from the lake. He was game and so then proceeded with the spontaneity and ran with us around the lake for lap 2 ( with his buoyancy aid on!) what a champ. After lap 2, flemmers was down and I was on my own. The rest was at lunch and the last lap was my victory lap. I gave it a good go even though my body was sore. It was great having finished. Afterwards the kids couldn't believe it and the questions started coming again. Something triggered though because when we got back to the village everyone went for a run! Ha ha haa;)
After lunch I tried my turn at stand up paddle board- man it was INCREDIBLE!!
Tan report: cheeky Burn through the clouds. Very sun kissed.
Day 5: we were also at the lake and I was preparing for a good one today. Weather report: hot. Health report: sore throat but pushing through. Body report: legs feeling super. Hornet juice is amazing! I was ready to absolutely cane this session! Started off with a super swim, very comfortable 70 minute swim. Then it was the run. I had my sights set on 4 laps today. That's just short of 30km. I had to do it! So the first 2 was with the lads and it was a steady but good pace. This time hotter so it made it slightly harder. I knew the route now so I knew what was coming... My mates then ditched me and I dis another 2 laps on my own. The last lap was a tough one, but mentally I am tougher now. I needed that. I felt so good after I finished and I couldn't believe I was injury and pain free. Absolutely epic! I thank the Lord for my body and what it is capable of! May I use this thing you gave me and use it well!
What a day- just rested for the rest of it and caught a great tan. Report update: super bronzed and very happy:) but missing my hubby. Wish he was there- he would have loved it!
That night: teachers quiz night. Our school one! Man we are brainy!! What a night:)
Day 6: excursion day.It was fantastic. The food, the sights- I have fallen in love with France!
Ending off: I miss my husband and it is going to be great getting home. It was an amazing trip and some good training was done!
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
God doesn't give everything to everybody, but what you have been given you have got to use to the max!!
What a statement! I was watching Wimbledon today, when the commentator uttered that very phrase about a player. This woman was 1,66 meters tall but packed a massive punch in every serve she gave. She ran like there was no tomorrow and she hit the ball with such vigor that her opponent had to stand up and take notice, even when she towered her in stature. She took all she has been given and made it work.
It's a bit like a story I read in my life training manual, it tells about a man that goes away and lives five coins with each servant. They take their coins and each one does something different with what he was entrusted with. Long story short, one of them took his coins and made the most of what he has was given!
Ok, so what has this got to do with Ironman, well what hasn't it! Ironmen are just normal run of the mill okes and girls that have taken the little they have been given talent wise and decided to make the most of it. Ironman like I have said, is really not the beginning and end of anything, but there is a lot to be said for the people that embark on this journey!
They are people that have a goal set out before them, they look at life and training through different eyes, they have discipline and embrace times of struggle. These I find are all lessons well learnt in life, many learn them the hard way through the journey of life, and many learn some valuable ones via Ironman.
I have read about all these principles in my best selling book of all time my life training manual. I have read these things before. I am now able to experience them first hand and also able to apply them.
Coming back to my first point, what are you doing with what you have been given? These principles allow me to think about things differently about life and what it holds for me. I am a over comer, I am victorious, I can and I will, I have the strength to survive, persevere and you will taste victory, learn from your mistakes, life and death is in the power of the tongue, and one big one giving up is not a option. I believe in Christ and I believe I can't do the above without Him, I need you to know this.
These principles now let me become all I know I can be. I can now take what I have been given and make a difference not only to Ironman, but in my daily life. With people I interact with, in my work, or just shopping. You take the bit and make a lot!
So where do you find yourself today as you sit and read this. Do you have any principles in your life. Are you using all you have been given? I might not always be heading in the right direction but man alive at least I'm heading some where!
Take your five coins and make more, life doesn't just happen you need to make it happen.
Have a great week much love AD
It's a bit like a story I read in my life training manual, it tells about a man that goes away and lives five coins with each servant. They take their coins and each one does something different with what he was entrusted with. Long story short, one of them took his coins and made the most of what he has was given!
Ok, so what has this got to do with Ironman, well what hasn't it! Ironmen are just normal run of the mill okes and girls that have taken the little they have been given talent wise and decided to make the most of it. Ironman like I have said, is really not the beginning and end of anything, but there is a lot to be said for the people that embark on this journey!
They are people that have a goal set out before them, they look at life and training through different eyes, they have discipline and embrace times of struggle. These I find are all lessons well learnt in life, many learn them the hard way through the journey of life, and many learn some valuable ones via Ironman.
I have read about all these principles in my best selling book of all time my life training manual. I have read these things before. I am now able to experience them first hand and also able to apply them.
Coming back to my first point, what are you doing with what you have been given? These principles allow me to think about things differently about life and what it holds for me. I am a over comer, I am victorious, I can and I will, I have the strength to survive, persevere and you will taste victory, learn from your mistakes, life and death is in the power of the tongue, and one big one giving up is not a option. I believe in Christ and I believe I can't do the above without Him, I need you to know this.
These principles now let me become all I know I can be. I can now take what I have been given and make a difference not only to Ironman, but in my daily life. With people I interact with, in my work, or just shopping. You take the bit and make a lot!
So where do you find yourself today as you sit and read this. Do you have any principles in your life. Are you using all you have been given? I might not always be heading in the right direction but man alive at least I'm heading some where!
Take your five coins and make more, life doesn't just happen you need to make it happen.
Have a great week much love AD
Sunday, 12 June 2011
If you are going to do something, do it right!
Man alive I'm sitting here at the fore front of the biggest day of training in our program. It's a Friday afternoon here in London and the weather has gone bonkers! I'm quite excited just thinking about what lies ahead tmrw. We kick off with a 3,5-4,5 km swim, of on the bikes then for a 150-170km ride and then a 15-20 km run at the back end of it. So all in a bone shattering day. Can we do it? Well we better, because we only have one or two goes at it.
So what does a Friday before a day like that entail, well a lot of eating exactly what you want and also drinking a lot of the H2O! The prep is crazy. Gels, bars and water bottles need to be prepared. Bikes oiled and pumped and left in a working state. Wetsuits packed out and protein shakes set out the night before. A bike route needs to be worked out and the transition clothes laid out. Man alive this sport is no joke when it comes to prep!
So with all that information shared we can get in to the blog! I learnt a valuable lesson today. Something I picked up from my dad when I was a snot head little boy. When you commit to something and you decide to do it, then make sure you do it right! I'm still struggling with that thing called balance in my life, but one thing I have learnt is, when you decide to commit to something then do it right!
You don't really realise what Ironman is all about until you finish one. You take a step back from it and you realize that running 25 km after riding 100 km is a bit excessive, but without doing it, the Ironman would not be possible. This is what I mean with doing it right! There are no back doors here or cramming sessions. You need to do it right or leave it.
This way of thinking spills into life for me, I have been putting work admin on the back burner due to training. This past week I had a little wake up call and realized that a attitude like that would get me no where. I decided to sort my admin and sort it the right way! I'm sure I can apply it in most facets of my life.
I think in life we don't have a lot of time. Especially not time to mess around doing all kinds of things in a half hearted kind of way, or with a fat lip! Balance is key and I'm realizing this more and more, but when you choose to do something pull hard or rather give it a miss is how I feel.
Another thing that played on my mind this week after having a mail chat with my Cuzin was to remember to enjoy this whole experience! Man alive that is key, you train, train and train some more to just get it done. You just forget to take five seconds to thank God that you are able to do it. This week end the swim was amazing, the sun was coming up and we could enjoy this whole experience with some friends. The ride produced some of the most beautiful scenery, and we took time to appreciate the creation!
So all in a great week to look forward to, but yet again some lessons learnt to take with me into this journey called life!
Are you taking something away from life each day, if not then just remember this, when you do it then do it right, and while you are doing it, don't forget to enjoy it! Life to short brew!
Much love Ad
So what does a Friday before a day like that entail, well a lot of eating exactly what you want and also drinking a lot of the H2O! The prep is crazy. Gels, bars and water bottles need to be prepared. Bikes oiled and pumped and left in a working state. Wetsuits packed out and protein shakes set out the night before. A bike route needs to be worked out and the transition clothes laid out. Man alive this sport is no joke when it comes to prep!
So with all that information shared we can get in to the blog! I learnt a valuable lesson today. Something I picked up from my dad when I was a snot head little boy. When you commit to something and you decide to do it, then make sure you do it right! I'm still struggling with that thing called balance in my life, but one thing I have learnt is, when you decide to commit to something then do it right!
You don't really realise what Ironman is all about until you finish one. You take a step back from it and you realize that running 25 km after riding 100 km is a bit excessive, but without doing it, the Ironman would not be possible. This is what I mean with doing it right! There are no back doors here or cramming sessions. You need to do it right or leave it.
This way of thinking spills into life for me, I have been putting work admin on the back burner due to training. This past week I had a little wake up call and realized that a attitude like that would get me no where. I decided to sort my admin and sort it the right way! I'm sure I can apply it in most facets of my life.
I think in life we don't have a lot of time. Especially not time to mess around doing all kinds of things in a half hearted kind of way, or with a fat lip! Balance is key and I'm realizing this more and more, but when you choose to do something pull hard or rather give it a miss is how I feel.
Another thing that played on my mind this week after having a mail chat with my Cuzin was to remember to enjoy this whole experience! Man alive that is key, you train, train and train some more to just get it done. You just forget to take five seconds to thank God that you are able to do it. This week end the swim was amazing, the sun was coming up and we could enjoy this whole experience with some friends. The ride produced some of the most beautiful scenery, and we took time to appreciate the creation!
So all in a great week to look forward to, but yet again some lessons learnt to take with me into this journey called life!
Are you taking something away from life each day, if not then just remember this, when you do it then do it right, and while you are doing it, don't forget to enjoy it! Life to short brew!
Much love Ad
Adaptation
The countdown has started and I cannot believe it is a month and a half until the Ironman UK. (I think I will be saying that a lot in the coming weeks:) as reality is setting in and it is becoming VERY real! It is NEXT MONTH! Now that is a sobering thought, but an exciting one too.
After this weekend I can honestly say that things are on track. AD and I put in some serious hours yesterday and were busy for the majority of it. After a very long swim and an even longer cycle I can honestly say that my body has now arrived into ironman specific phase! yipeeee!! It's a great feeling. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would be able to do these disciplines for a long period of time. Adaptation is all about making the impossible seem possible and the unknown, known and being able to follow through with it. I think adaptation has a few sides to it:
1. Body- obviously being the biggest contender of them all. Here you take yourself to heights you never deemed possible. One of the biggest things I realised yesterday was that you can stretch your body as far as you choose to. At the end of the day you decide when enough is enough. Your body reacts to what you tell it is possible.
2. This brings me onto the mind. Your mind is the most powerful weapon when it comes to ironman training. Like take yesterday for example: AD and I had just come off the back of a 3.8km swim and we were now 30km into a 150km cycle up into Surrey, not feeling strong at all contemplating just coasting along the ride. AD then pulled in behind and gave me a big pep talk and encouraged me to push hard and not hold back for what's to come but just to live in the moment and push hard. After 90km later I realised my body has adapted to Ironman training. The last 60km was a breeze and on with the running shoes and off we went for a quick Transition run.
3. Now it comes to faith. Faith is having a faith in God knowing that He will get me through. It is a privilege to pray while I am on the bike, in the lake or on the run and it is a time when I can get closer to Him. You see, all this training and all this Ironman 'stuff'can get one addicted, but I have realised that nothing in this world will ever be able to fill me: no thing, no shop, nothing as much as God can and his love- there is nothing like it. I thank Him that I see through different eyes than what I used to. This journey has been one where I am learning so much about myself and what is important. I know one thing for sure is that it is not Ironman. But while I am doing this great thing I am loving every second and cant wait to cross that finish line knowing that months of blood, sweat and a lot of tears has gotten me to this point and I will be once and for always- an Ironman.
So, this is it. With just over a month to go and pushing through some tough sessions, I know the clouds are going to clear and the sun is going to shine through and everything will come together. It is an exciting few weeks ahead. My folks are arriving on Saturday morning which I am so excited about. I hope the sunshine comes out for them and this horrible rain goes away! :) It is going to be great hanging out with them and spending some quality time together in London town.
Have a great week everyone and know that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!
Lots of Love
Lou xxx
After this weekend I can honestly say that things are on track. AD and I put in some serious hours yesterday and were busy for the majority of it. After a very long swim and an even longer cycle I can honestly say that my body has now arrived into ironman specific phase! yipeeee!! It's a great feeling. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would be able to do these disciplines for a long period of time. Adaptation is all about making the impossible seem possible and the unknown, known and being able to follow through with it. I think adaptation has a few sides to it:
1. Body- obviously being the biggest contender of them all. Here you take yourself to heights you never deemed possible. One of the biggest things I realised yesterday was that you can stretch your body as far as you choose to. At the end of the day you decide when enough is enough. Your body reacts to what you tell it is possible.
2. This brings me onto the mind. Your mind is the most powerful weapon when it comes to ironman training. Like take yesterday for example: AD and I had just come off the back of a 3.8km swim and we were now 30km into a 150km cycle up into Surrey, not feeling strong at all contemplating just coasting along the ride. AD then pulled in behind and gave me a big pep talk and encouraged me to push hard and not hold back for what's to come but just to live in the moment and push hard. After 90km later I realised my body has adapted to Ironman training. The last 60km was a breeze and on with the running shoes and off we went for a quick Transition run.
3. Now it comes to faith. Faith is having a faith in God knowing that He will get me through. It is a privilege to pray while I am on the bike, in the lake or on the run and it is a time when I can get closer to Him. You see, all this training and all this Ironman 'stuff'can get one addicted, but I have realised that nothing in this world will ever be able to fill me: no thing, no shop, nothing as much as God can and his love- there is nothing like it. I thank Him that I see through different eyes than what I used to. This journey has been one where I am learning so much about myself and what is important. I know one thing for sure is that it is not Ironman. But while I am doing this great thing I am loving every second and cant wait to cross that finish line knowing that months of blood, sweat and a lot of tears has gotten me to this point and I will be once and for always- an Ironman.
So, this is it. With just over a month to go and pushing through some tough sessions, I know the clouds are going to clear and the sun is going to shine through and everything will come together. It is an exciting few weeks ahead. My folks are arriving on Saturday morning which I am so excited about. I hope the sunshine comes out for them and this horrible rain goes away! :) It is going to be great hanging out with them and spending some quality time together in London town.
Have a great week everyone and know that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!
Lots of Love
Lou xxx
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Lessons Learn't
Like the great Murdoch would say: I love it when a plan comes together! In my case, it's not so much a plan but more when all the training comes together. In life I believe you must never forget where you come from or what you have been before. The same applies with training. With 56 days to go, it's great to have a little look back at how far you have come along. Those 5am winter wake ups, those snowy bike rides, those face freezing feet numbing swims, those 20km runs that shatter your hammys- make it all worth it when you know you are starting to reap the rewards. Today saw lou and myself doing the Weymouth middle distance, half ironman, tri. I can honestly say, I felt good from the moment that gun went off.
Even though I feel like a 23 year old, my birth certificate states that I am in actual fact now 30. So it was with great surprise that when I looked around this morning I was starting off in the 30-35 age group wave (these guys look old!) the swim was in the ocean which suited me with my untaught stroke technique. Coming around the last buoy I realized I was leading the pack. Running out to transition 1, I was struck by the thought that those saturday morning swims have finally paid off.
Onto the bike now, thinking more of the enjoyment rather than the pain of cycling 90km. My beautiful wife started half an hour before I did so knowing that there was a hare ahead of me I felt like a greyhound bounding toward the love of my life. This took a bit more work than I thought showing that her training is also paying off. 53km down the road we finally make contact. With a laugh and a smile I head out further and jump off the bike and onto the run.
The run consisted of 4 loops of 5km or 3 miles more or less. The first 4km off the bike is normally agony. But after the initial pain you settle into your stride and make the km's tick away. I had a cheeky house cat hook onto the back of me to protect himself from the wind. After about 5km's of not sharing the duties, I decided to lose the sucker and put foot in the 'hoek' (corner). I probably did the fastest half marathon off the bike yet. I felt like a champ!
While you are running and everything is aching and you are over cooking it, you decide to push even a little bit more you suddenly reach breakthrough- not only have you stopped aching but you have received a runners high as well that allows you to fly! The same principle applies in life- like my pastors always say at church, your biggest breakthrough comes right after a challenging and testing time. I want to encourage you this week to stare into that beast of a challenge whatever it may be and know that your breakthrough is near!
Have a great week
God Bless
AD
Even though I feel like a 23 year old, my birth certificate states that I am in actual fact now 30. So it was with great surprise that when I looked around this morning I was starting off in the 30-35 age group wave (these guys look old!) the swim was in the ocean which suited me with my untaught stroke technique. Coming around the last buoy I realized I was leading the pack. Running out to transition 1, I was struck by the thought that those saturday morning swims have finally paid off.
Onto the bike now, thinking more of the enjoyment rather than the pain of cycling 90km. My beautiful wife started half an hour before I did so knowing that there was a hare ahead of me I felt like a greyhound bounding toward the love of my life. This took a bit more work than I thought showing that her training is also paying off. 53km down the road we finally make contact. With a laugh and a smile I head out further and jump off the bike and onto the run.
The run consisted of 4 loops of 5km or 3 miles more or less. The first 4km off the bike is normally agony. But after the initial pain you settle into your stride and make the km's tick away. I had a cheeky house cat hook onto the back of me to protect himself from the wind. After about 5km's of not sharing the duties, I decided to lose the sucker and put foot in the 'hoek' (corner). I probably did the fastest half marathon off the bike yet. I felt like a champ!
While you are running and everything is aching and you are over cooking it, you decide to push even a little bit more you suddenly reach breakthrough- not only have you stopped aching but you have received a runners high as well that allows you to fly! The same principle applies in life- like my pastors always say at church, your biggest breakthrough comes right after a challenging and testing time. I want to encourage you this week to stare into that beast of a challenge whatever it may be and know that your breakthrough is near!
Have a great week
God Bless
AD
56 Days...
Today AD and I just finished our final triathlon before we are facing the beast in 56 days time! I can't believe that ironman UK is only 56 days away. It's a scary thought but it's an exciting one too! Crazy I know but am really looking forward to it.
Today AD and I did a half ironman distance triathlon down in Weymouth, Dorset. What a lovely part of the UK- it's so beautiful. This is one of the beauties of doing triathlon, you get to compete and see parts of the world- first hand. What the real privilege is of all in this is that you get to play in amongst nature and all it has to offer. There is never a set pitch, too strict set of rules. Your opponents vary every time you do a triathlon, you obviously being your biggest critic most of the time!
As I said above, the environment becomes your playground. This morning at 7am my husband and I stood wrapped up in each others arms staring out at a very choppy, windy and rainy ocean both of us contemplating a DNF (Did not finish!) but such is ironman!
A weekly training programme is set out and has to be achieved regardless of weather, moods, stiffness or physical wellbeing. With that said, I was lining up on the start line with all the pro triathletes and all the women and the gun went and it was every man for himself! I struggled to see the buoys through the chop and swallowed a mini porter pool of sea water, but it was over in no time. Obviously a luxurious event, the beach run left my feet in bits. I am still puzzled why they call it a beach when 'the beach' is made up of rocks, hard shells and pebbles! Tut tut.
Getting onto the race and how I have been feeling. The last few weeks I have had a few things going on so training had to take a back seat. So nerves were pretty high going into today's race.
The bike went well,but I held quite a bit back thinking that there were masses of hills to come but to my surprise not so many. Off the bike and onto the run, the real tester! As you may or may not know I have ITB friction syndrome which means I cannot run which is frustrating, but nothing myprodol can't fix! I went for a scan last week and that's when they broke the news to me. Too long too soon. Ah well! We learn! So haven't run much since the last half ironman we did a few weeks ago, so felt it this time on the half marathon. Felt good but there is room for improvement. I got to build the miles up!
Swim= up to scratch, happy
Bike= no problem, confident
Running= room for improvement.
Another thing that is good about this sport is that there is always something to work on and in this case it is running. I have 56 days to become confident in it. Base is there, now to fine tune:)
So this brings me to the next 3 weeks. The next 3 weeks of training is it. Make or the break. If you put in the hours the next 3 weeks it will make you and pull off a solid race. If not, your race will be filled with thoughts of I should have.
The next 3 weeks is, that if you miss a session you lose. I want victory and I don't want to hate my race come 31st July. It's going to be tough, but i want to at least know I gave everything, not only on the day but in everything.
So 56 days and counting. I plan on making every one of those 56 days count!
I also just want to end off in saying thank you to my best friend, my loving and caring husband. He has been so supportive and so encouraging every step of the way throughout this incredible journey. Growing together and learning together is such a blessing and privilege. He is self-less and has always put me first, making sure that I have everything I need and we are well prepared always. I want to thank him for pushing me when I need to be pushed and knowing when I just need a long loving hug. Lord I pray you keep this man safe on the roads and wherever he is- he is not only a blessing to me in my life but he is such a blessing to others around him. He is such an inspiration and has a mindset only one could strive for daily. I love you my babe, you make me smile so much. OK guys.. sorry I just needed to share my heart...
Have a great week everyone and thanks to all who are supporting us and sharing this special journey with us.
Take care and God bless
Lou xxx
Today AD and I did a half ironman distance triathlon down in Weymouth, Dorset. What a lovely part of the UK- it's so beautiful. This is one of the beauties of doing triathlon, you get to compete and see parts of the world- first hand. What the real privilege is of all in this is that you get to play in amongst nature and all it has to offer. There is never a set pitch, too strict set of rules. Your opponents vary every time you do a triathlon, you obviously being your biggest critic most of the time!
As I said above, the environment becomes your playground. This morning at 7am my husband and I stood wrapped up in each others arms staring out at a very choppy, windy and rainy ocean both of us contemplating a DNF (Did not finish!) but such is ironman!
A weekly training programme is set out and has to be achieved regardless of weather, moods, stiffness or physical wellbeing. With that said, I was lining up on the start line with all the pro triathletes and all the women and the gun went and it was every man for himself! I struggled to see the buoys through the chop and swallowed a mini porter pool of sea water, but it was over in no time. Obviously a luxurious event, the beach run left my feet in bits. I am still puzzled why they call it a beach when 'the beach' is made up of rocks, hard shells and pebbles! Tut tut.
Getting onto the race and how I have been feeling. The last few weeks I have had a few things going on so training had to take a back seat. So nerves were pretty high going into today's race.
The bike went well,but I held quite a bit back thinking that there were masses of hills to come but to my surprise not so many. Off the bike and onto the run, the real tester! As you may or may not know I have ITB friction syndrome which means I cannot run which is frustrating, but nothing myprodol can't fix! I went for a scan last week and that's when they broke the news to me. Too long too soon. Ah well! We learn! So haven't run much since the last half ironman we did a few weeks ago, so felt it this time on the half marathon. Felt good but there is room for improvement. I got to build the miles up!
Swim= up to scratch, happy
Bike= no problem, confident
Running= room for improvement.
Another thing that is good about this sport is that there is always something to work on and in this case it is running. I have 56 days to become confident in it. Base is there, now to fine tune:)
So this brings me to the next 3 weeks. The next 3 weeks of training is it. Make or the break. If you put in the hours the next 3 weeks it will make you and pull off a solid race. If not, your race will be filled with thoughts of I should have.
The next 3 weeks is, that if you miss a session you lose. I want victory and I don't want to hate my race come 31st July. It's going to be tough, but i want to at least know I gave everything, not only on the day but in everything.
So 56 days and counting. I plan on making every one of those 56 days count!
I also just want to end off in saying thank you to my best friend, my loving and caring husband. He has been so supportive and so encouraging every step of the way throughout this incredible journey. Growing together and learning together is such a blessing and privilege. He is self-less and has always put me first, making sure that I have everything I need and we are well prepared always. I want to thank him for pushing me when I need to be pushed and knowing when I just need a long loving hug. Lord I pray you keep this man safe on the roads and wherever he is- he is not only a blessing to me in my life but he is such a blessing to others around him. He is such an inspiration and has a mindset only one could strive for daily. I love you my babe, you make me smile so much. OK guys.. sorry I just needed to share my heart...
Have a great week everyone and thanks to all who are supporting us and sharing this special journey with us.
Take care and God bless
Lou xxx
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Iron Will
Its getting close, very close. We are officially 61 days away from the big start and still a lot to do and many Km's to get through!
So here I am at the back end of a brilliant bank holiday week end in the UK. All I can say is, truly Iron will. This week end was always going to be a big one, but with the help of some friends I could pull through a lot of training. Most of it I would probably not have been able to do on my own. Ironman is a lonely business, you train alone most of the time. You have to persevere all the time. A long ride, or swim at 05:30am or even a run when everyone else is busy doing something fun is what it takes. Nothing less will do. At the end of the day that is what I signed up for, doing what not many are willing to do.
So it was with this thought that is suddenly struck me at 06:00 am on a Saturday morning some where in a lake. I started out doing Ironman initially because I wanted to see what the human body was capable of doing, how far could you stretch it. I have always given 100% regarding exercise and fitness in life and I'll be a dog's ear if I am going to start slacking on that now!
So instead of coasting I tried to push more. I knew, I had an appointment to succeed and not to fail!
So on to the Blog we go. I realised a lot this week, after spending some time reading my life training manual I saw that death and life lies in the power of the tongue. I will, I'm strong, I can are phrases you need to adopt as you embark on this journey. As for me, I believe I wouldn't be able to do any of the above if it wasn't for my Christ. Through Him I am, and through Him I will succeed in all things.
On to Surrey a bit later in the day, 80 km down riding with two very fit individuals, Iron will started to show it self. Now I have cycled 130km the day before I swam 2.3 km that morning and this was at the back end of a very tough week. A week filled with a 25 km run, interval running and some more of that. We were ending off our ride with 30 km to go, moving up a 20 % gradient hill that I realised how true that statement was! Life and death is in the power of the tongue! I was just about to utter,"gents I can't" when I decided no I can. I dropped a gear and pushed with all I could, I saw the finish and made it along side them. That moment was a defining one, one never to be forgotten, one that needs to be pulled back when I'm struggling. You remember those moments they can make or break you in the thing called Ironman.
I call it Iron will! Where are you at the moment? Is everything that leaves you mouth negative, down talk. Or do you have the goons to actually step up to the plate and claim your victory. I realise Ironman is not my beginning or my end, it's an amazing learning school. One that I take a lot from regarding life each day. I will claim my victory in all of life's facets. I praise God for this and for that victor mentality.
I will claim my future as being a success and I praise God for granting me so much and more.
Take this week and claim it, speak life in to your situation and stop yourself being negative, but speak positive phrases into your daily life.
Life and death is in the power of the tongue! Believe it.
Much love God Bless Ad
So here I am at the back end of a brilliant bank holiday week end in the UK. All I can say is, truly Iron will. This week end was always going to be a big one, but with the help of some friends I could pull through a lot of training. Most of it I would probably not have been able to do on my own. Ironman is a lonely business, you train alone most of the time. You have to persevere all the time. A long ride, or swim at 05:30am or even a run when everyone else is busy doing something fun is what it takes. Nothing less will do. At the end of the day that is what I signed up for, doing what not many are willing to do.
So it was with this thought that is suddenly struck me at 06:00 am on a Saturday morning some where in a lake. I started out doing Ironman initially because I wanted to see what the human body was capable of doing, how far could you stretch it. I have always given 100% regarding exercise and fitness in life and I'll be a dog's ear if I am going to start slacking on that now!
So instead of coasting I tried to push more. I knew, I had an appointment to succeed and not to fail!
So on to the Blog we go. I realised a lot this week, after spending some time reading my life training manual I saw that death and life lies in the power of the tongue. I will, I'm strong, I can are phrases you need to adopt as you embark on this journey. As for me, I believe I wouldn't be able to do any of the above if it wasn't for my Christ. Through Him I am, and through Him I will succeed in all things.
On to Surrey a bit later in the day, 80 km down riding with two very fit individuals, Iron will started to show it self. Now I have cycled 130km the day before I swam 2.3 km that morning and this was at the back end of a very tough week. A week filled with a 25 km run, interval running and some more of that. We were ending off our ride with 30 km to go, moving up a 20 % gradient hill that I realised how true that statement was! Life and death is in the power of the tongue! I was just about to utter,"gents I can't" when I decided no I can. I dropped a gear and pushed with all I could, I saw the finish and made it along side them. That moment was a defining one, one never to be forgotten, one that needs to be pulled back when I'm struggling. You remember those moments they can make or break you in the thing called Ironman.
I call it Iron will! Where are you at the moment? Is everything that leaves you mouth negative, down talk. Or do you have the goons to actually step up to the plate and claim your victory. I realise Ironman is not my beginning or my end, it's an amazing learning school. One that I take a lot from regarding life each day. I will claim my victory in all of life's facets. I praise God for this and for that victor mentality.
I will claim my future as being a success and I praise God for granting me so much and more.
Take this week and claim it, speak life in to your situation and stop yourself being negative, but speak positive phrases into your daily life.
Life and death is in the power of the tongue! Believe it.
Much love God Bless Ad
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