Training

Friday 18 September 2009

Ha!  So much for saying I’d update this on a monthly basis, and thinking I’d do that at the *beginning* of September.  At least it’s in the month of September.

This is meant to be a re-cap of August.

August wasn’t kind to me.  I managed to do most of the training in my programme but continued to be plagued by a worsening shoulder. 

Many many visits to physio and nothing seemed to provide any relief.  I’d even had acupuncture.

I still found that my neck was stiff and sore the day following a long Sunday ride where I’d be using the aero bars.  I need to get my bike setup checked.

I’ve been struggling mentally and emotionally with my swimming.  I’m really not enjoying it.  I’m certain most of that is to do with the shoulder injury and the effect it’s having on my ability to swim.

I’ve looked at lots of websites to try and pick up tips to improve my technique.  I’ve downloaded a great app that Rachel mentioned, Mr Smooth.

Nothing it seems made a difference in improving my technique to lessen the pressure I was putting on my shoulder.

Aside from the shoulder, I can’t say I’ve viewed any of my training over August with much enthusiasm and therefore not much enjoyment.

Though I’d mentioned anything to anyone, there’s been quite a lot of soul searching about why I’m entered into the South Island Half Ironman.

I really want to be enjoying training.  During my Sunday bunch ride with Cameron, Emma, Hilary and sometimes Joe they will chat away about their training with so much excitement.  I know I’m missing something.  And I hate missing out. But I just don’t get what it is they’re talking about.  I want some of that.

I ended up with an upset stomach during one weekend so that put paid to training.  I find that so difficult.  I feel really bad when I miss out of weekend training. These are my important sessions.

Stupidly I decided to try and make up for the Saturday training by cramming it in on the Monday.  A stupid idea because I was totally wasted day 1 of the week and felt trashed the whole week.  When I look back at that week I only put in the same number of hours as had been originally planned, that’s because I cut out some smaller sessions because of adding so much into the Monday.  They were really hard hours training that week.  Had I known the outcome I’d have let the weekend’s missed training go and just put in a solid effort for the week.

Hindsight is a great thing.

So that pretty much wraps up my August training.

Monday 24 August 2009

Boy, it’s been more than a year since I updated this page.  Ok, lets see if I can be better.  I’ll try to come in each month and do a summary of the month.

So lets start with July.  The winter has been harsh and my spirits low.  I’ve managed to get out and do almost all of my programme but I’m tired.

There’s been no events during the month, just training on the bike to increase my endurance.  I’ve been following a swim programme that Challenge Wanaka has emailed and my running still seems to be good.

On the injury front it’s just been the shoulder (still).  All good apart from that.

Oh, and I had a week off work which was nice too.  Made the training much easier and I managed to get my bike setup done now that I’ve got the aero bars on.  Plus I got a new strength/core programme from Jen.

Wont be long and I’ll be doing a summary for August.

Monday, 2 June 2008
Well I’ve just finished the SBS 1/2 marathon. According to the Provisional results my time was 1:58:17. That was a few seconds quicker than 2 years ago when I last ran it. That time was 1:58:51.
You can read my race report here.

So now it’s time to decide what next to do. I’m toying with the idea of a 20km off road run called the Shoe Clinic Crater Rim Run. It’s on 12 October 2008.

Need to find more details first before I commit to it, but it’s looking promising.

Friday, 23 May 2008
Ok, so this is where you can check out my past and present training.  Or maybe lack of.

The only event I’m training for at the moment is the Christchurch Marathon – ok in my case the Half Marathon.

Richard Greer is my coach. It’s a tough job I’m sure. Even I can become sick of all my whining and excuses. Oh well he earns his keep.

I’m really happy with Richards coaching. I really need a push and he sets my programme up with objectives. Without objectives I’d probably lose motivation and fumble my way through making insignificant gains – if at all.