10 posts tagged “training”

I have received confirmation that my entry has been processed. For anyone interested in entering, consider doing so sooner than later as places are filling in fast. Also make sure the cheque is addressed to LEL2009 Ltd as opposed to the name of the main organiser Melita Luxton.

Plans are being drafted and redrafted on a constant basis as there is clear need to balance getting fit for riding 1400k in 5 days and family life.

Current plans are as folllow:
April:  Moffat Toffee (200k) on 19 April or The Cambrian (200k) on 11th April + Elenith (300k)
May: Fred Whitton Challenge on 10th May, Brian Chapman Memorial (600k) on 16th May
June: Ardechoise's Meridionale Allier (600k), White Rose Classic TBD
July: London-Edinburgh-London (1400k)
August: Relax... and Cumberland Challenge (I intend carry on riding this one until we get good weather conditions!)
September: May be the three peaks cyclocross...

This morning I was chatting about how quickly the mighty Fred Whitton challenge is approaching. Al mentioned he has 1000 miles on so far this year but was fearing this year's Fred like never before. Stu has 900 odd miles. I said I probably had 600. I was wrong. 928 miles so far. Quietly pleased about that. I am not saying that I am going to be cocky when considering the upcoming Fred Whitton though. It is a hard one even with good riding conditions. I am just a little more prepared.

Wow.... First time cycling in the Lakes and boy oh boy... do they know how to make steep hills there.

The ride started at Coniston then Hawkshead, Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, and finished (for me) after Winlatter. The rest of the group carried on to Cold fell, hardknott, Wrynose to arrive back at base in Coniston.

The group: Stu, Allan, Glenn, Dave, Richard and me

Highlights: The scenery, Patient motorists, The hills, the weather (warm, sunny, no wind), the streams, the lakes, Allan's banana cake portions, the company, Stu's patience to pick me up in Buttermere after finishing the ride. Privileged to ride with people who know the lake district inside out and very experienced riding up and down the many Lake district passes. Meeting Stu's family.

Lows: The portion on the A66 going into Keswick, Dave's two punctures because of the bike shops lame fitting of rim take on the wheels, bike not adequate for climbing >20% ascents, having to abandon 3/4 of the way. The BONK. dehydration. being away from home. 25% downhills are freaking scary!!!

Lessons learned: I need a new bike (lighter and with more appropriate gearing)... I need a better pair of legs... I have to force myself to eat and drink constantly...

Shins are hurting (shins splints...), right knee is OK but probably not 100%.

I can't help to feel I have started my preparation all wrong. Done too much too soon and I am paying the price.

So... here is my plan: rest, refrain from running for a whole week and get back into it gradually starting with a gently 20 minutes stroll on my first run and go on from there should it all goes well.

January
Run 3 times a week (Sunday, Wednesday and Friday)
Including one 6 miles run on Friday.
Sunday is for longer runs. No "longer runs until knee is completely fine.

February
Commute twice a week on foot (6 miles each)
8-12 miles runs on Sunday

March
Continue commuting twice a week on foot. 12 miles on Friday every other week.
10th March: Dentale Run (Cumbria) - 14 miles
March 25th Gade Valley Harriers Marathon Training run - 20 miles

April
More of the same except on 1st of April: Bedford Harriers Oakley 20

May
Fred Whitton Challenge ;-)

Following my little scare between Christmas and New Year, I am slowly starting to run again. First run of the year was on Monday. I jogged slowly (as always) along the Oxford Canal for 15 minutes. No pain to report but a feeling that the knee was not 100% back to normal.

I have also played squash again. Once on Wednesday and once today. Fine on the court and enjoyed the games.

Also today I have commuted back from work. 6 miles at a very slow pace (1 hour). Minor twinges on my right knee.

Things are looking up.

Knee pain is gone. Stopped the ibuprofen and still taking glucosamine sulphate.  Saturday squash has been cancelled but I will try myself at a 20 minutes jog on Sunday and see how it goes... 

... now with added injury.

I was full of good intentions. A start to my training programme for the Ednburgh marathon this coming May.

It was supposed to be a walk in the park. a combined 8 miles jog and a game of squash.

On my way back from the sport centre (4 miles + a game of squash + 2 miles), I started to feel a slight twinge on the inside of my right knee. and it now hurts... The pain is not something I would describe as muscular. It feels quite deep within the joint.

It does hurt when I:

• do a twist on my knee,
  
• go up some stairs applying pressure on my right knee.
• keep my leg still and then try to move *for example, at night*
  

Edinburgh Castle

I have not received a formal notfication but it looks like payment has been taken of my account. That means I am in!

Better start training now and avoid fizzling it out like I did with Bedford Harriers Half Marathon.

That said... even with the best will in the world I would have missed out as my car's battery turned out to be flat on the day of the event.

Start of the game: 19:10
End of the game: 21:10

Set 1: 3-2
Set 2: 2-3
Set 3: 2-3

Ouch :-D

I supose this kind of game compensates a little bit for the lack of running before the Bedford Harriers Half for which I am utterly unprepared :-S

I was wondering if I should pull out of the race altogether as I do not have enough miles in my legs. Earlier this year the same amount of training saw me through the Reading Half marathon but... somehow I feel more tired (more stress at work) and less fit. mmm... choices choices...