Go Bedders! - Life, triathlon and looking forward to the next challenge.

Ironman!

2011-08-10T14:12:00.003+02:00

Back from IM Regensburg in one piece having ran a 13:23:09. Not overly happy with the swim nor the run but delighted with a PB for the bike in atrocious weather conditions as well. Transition times dreadful as I was shattered after the swim having to go sub 35 mins for the last 2km and having hammered the bike had nothing left in the tank at T2 for the run.

Splits:

Swim: 1:16:46
T1: 11.26
Bike: 6:33:20
T2: 10:25
Run: 5:11.12

Total: 13:23:09

Rank 1566

Div pos: 272

So, what's next: Outlaw 2012?

Number 487

2011-07-21T23:15:00.002+02:00

Well the number is confirmed and it's all downhill from here. Too late to panic and too late to worry!

Roll on IM number 2!!!

To be honest, I can't wait!!!!! Regensburg here I come.

Mo-jo returns just in time

2011-07-10T18:30:00.002+02:00

3km OW weedy swim yesterday and a 2.30 hour run today means that the IM Rengensburg is on. Lots of cycling still to do but with a bit of retail therapy (new Mavic wheels) it means that the bike is now flying.

Can't say the same about the rider.

Better wash that Pirate gear and start bulk buying SIS gels.

Short update - huge wobble

2011-06-03T21:22:00.006+02:00

No time to really write this blog as often as I wish - so events like the Lieden Half marathon a few weeks ago don't get mentioned although my time of 1:42 was pretty good considering I was only there for the fun and not trying sooo. In fact I was secretly delighted.

However the training it must be said is now getting me down. I have lost my mo--jo. Frankly I am not sure I can carry on with the 11-14 hours a week I need to in order to get the start line in IM Regensburg even though it is only 10 weeks away.

Anyone who knows me well is aware that I did the first IM for a reason - I had a great deal of frustration in me, it was 100% theraputic (I have been on BBC radio discussing this a few of times) and the finish line of IM Switzerland was actually the beginning of my new life - away from the rubbish that someone threw at me. A way of kick starting my life at 46 and a way of making new, exciting friends who I could trust, who supported me and frankly who cared for me.

And it worked - I have that now and as well as two lovely daughters who are so beautiful, supportive and loving and as well I have a special person who means a great deal to me.

So why am I pushing myself so hard is a question that I am now asking. I don't need to do it. Possibly something to do with the tough sportive yesterday making me rethink (those bloody hills!). I am not sure. But why not just do a few Oly distances or 70.3's? or even just stick to maras/sportives etc.....isn't one IM enough?

So a weekend away from sport - and a decision to be made - IM or no IM (well, IM or 70.3)

Steven Rooks Classic 2011 - the clue is in the name

2011-06-03T09:12:00.003+02:00

When I entered this sportive classic held yesterday, no one told me that Steven Rooks was a Dutch ex TdF rider who had won a number of mountain stages. Had I known this I might not have been so surprised to ride the rather hilly Steven Rooks Classic in Holland/Belgium yesterday. I have never been up and down more climbs in the my life in one ride. Every gear used and every hill conquered.

So 119km done. Watch said 5:24, so including the breaks we took for re fuelling probably completed the test in around 4:55. Polar ride time said 4:46 but I was late at one stage to turn it on.

Great day, lovely weather and ready to do it again next year.

Half Ironman done - in a weekend

2011-05-15T18:12:00.003+02:00

Quite unplanned but started off with a swim Friday before work. Every intention of doing 60 lengths turned into 80 in 53 mins. T1 lasted until Saturday morning when I decided rather than rest before the Leiden Half marathon (which was planned) I would join the TTL's for a 100km cycle round most of Holland. In the end cycled 98km in 3.30. T2 lasted until this morning when I went out and ran Leiden half marathon in 1:42:54

So feet up, glass of wine and pondering a good weekend's training.

Getting there.....century week

2011-04-29T18:36:00.005+02:00

Up to 160 lengths this week (Monday 100) and 7 hours plus cycling (100km today). As well as 2 hours plus running.

Training not as smooth as 2009 but nevermind - legs feel it, shoulders feel it and so does my brain but if I carry on at this pace I reckon I stand a great chance of making the start. This week will probably do just over 12 hours in total.

Signed up for Half marathon in a few weeks. See if I can get clsoe to a PB

OMG! Dutch hills do exist!

2011-03-31T08:56:00.003+02:00

That will teach me. Last night went bike training with TTL and we went hill training. It consisted of finding an MTB circuit and going up and down it three times. Had a mechanical problem up the first impossible gradient and the back wheel locked. Lovely.

Then we found a motorway pedestrian flyover and went up and down that 3 times. See how inventive these Dutch guys are!

Bike making wierd noise so will sort that out today. Probably doesn't like hills........

Reading Half 2011 - last minute change of tactic

2011-03-22T08:29:00.004+01:00

Tried a different tactic on Sunday at the Reading Half - no specific training, longest run since New York was 1:20 and went to the start line hoping for a 1:45 ish time to show some form for IM. But really even that was going to be a good one I thought.

But on the start line I decided to change tact as I was standing next to the 1:40 pace guy. I wondered how far I could keep up with him.........*note to self - if you do this next year it might be an idea to train a bit harder first?*

Well I kept up with him until about 17 km after which he went off into the distance and I ended up with a time of 1:41:31 which was ONE second slower than my Reading 2010 time.

Splits:

5km - 23:27
10km - 46:42
15km - 1:11:18
20km - 1:35:58

Dutch hills

2011-03-11T08:32:00.002+01:00

No such thing as a Dutch hill but we have the wind here to compensate for cyclists who wish to pretend that they are going up hill and was it windy yesterday! Cycled 2 hours and was in the lowest gear for about 15km - great practice but very tiring.

Slipped in a rather lethargic 60 lengths this morning.

Gradually coming together

2011-03-02T16:21:00.002+01:00

Gradually being the operative word.

Back in pool and up to 50 lengths with no reaction so that gets a tick. Running is OKish with no real long runs done but plenty of hour- hour and a half runs in place. Cycling as always taking back seat as it is still so cold here. Just can't get the motivation to get out and cycle 2 hours in 4 -5 degrees and in the wind. Still turboing but that has to be the world's most boring exercise. It even makes running on a treadmill seem fun.....

Reading Half in 3 weeks so looking for a 1:45 to show I am in some sort of shape before I really crack the cycling.

Slowly, slowly..................

2011-01-13T15:28:00.006+01:00

Up to 12 lengths in the pool now and reckon on adding 4 more per week until I get pain in the shoulder, at which point I will have to stop. At this this rate I will be doing the IM distance in about 35 weeks which is no good as IM is in 30. So there has to come a point where I just stay in the pool and keep going maybe adding 5 lengths per session? wow...frustrating stuff.

Have decided it really is new bike time once I have swam 40 lengths in a reasonable time. Dilemma between a Cube Agree and a Kuota Khama. Sorry Colnago but you are just too pricey v value for money at the moment.

Back in the pool - just 20 mins but felt great!

2011-01-04T22:15:00.002+01:00

5 minutes slow front crawl followed by an even slower 10 mins breaststroke.

3.8km seems a long way off............but good to be back and got a nice welcome from the TTL guys after nearly a year's absence!

Sucker for punishment

2010-11-18T17:02:00.002+01:00

Just signed up for New York marathon 2011 - well, they say pain is temporary.....so next year I am all set for the two BIG CITY marathons.

New York and ..................Leiden.

New York Marathon

2010-11-10T09:53:00.015+01:00

Home in one piece after the new York Marathon in a PB time of 3:53:55.

Mixed feelings really as I was expecting to run 3:50 but the course was simply brutal in some parts and the Queensboro Bridge (see picture taken by my running mate NE) at 24-26km was so tough that simply getting over it felt like an achievement.

Reaching First Ave however made the climb all that more satisfying because the support was awesome.

Here are the stats:

Place 12008
Age place 1415
5km 26:21
10km 51:53
15km 1:17:56
20km 1:44:47
Half 1:50:51
25km 2:12:39
30km 2:40:11
35km 3:09:59
40km 3:40:45
ave 8:56 per mile

Splits on the day up to 30km were bang on target. After that the hilly nature of the course made it so tough that I inevitably slowed. In fact Central Park was more like a cross country!!

Superb marathon and the support was out of this world. Would I do it again? Yes, you bet!!

Good weekend training and........

2010-08-01T18:35:00.003+02:00

That was a goodie......105km cycled (ave 30km/h) and 21km ran (ave 5:32 min/km). Sore achillies could not dampen my delight at a great weekend.

Just need to get the swimming back and I'd be happy. Next attempt at swimming 1 Sept.

And saw my beautiful girls after a long break.......I love you and miss you guys so much......love Dad xxx

2011 and beyond

2010-07-15T17:40:00.002+02:00

Signed up for the Pirate shindig at Ironman Germany (Regensberg) for August 2011 so hope my shoulder is fixed by then!! Just about to order a new bike ........won't be ready till October so if a long waiting time means a good bike it should be a cracker. IM Germany looks a litle lumpy so am going to need all the help I can get.

NY Marathon training starts in earnest next week - going to do a mix of running and cycling so see if that works.

And just come back from a trip to China where I climbed the Great Wall on my day off. Awesome experience. And I am told that there is a Great Wall of China Marathon........now that's tempting maybe for 2012 if I can find someone to join me. That reminds me I must call NE........

First Duathon

2010-06-25T17:50:00.003+02:00

Bit of a first last week as I did my first Duathon - run 5km, bike 28km and run 2.5km. Had no idea how slow/fast I would do it but came in after a respectable 1:24:38 without any training and little planning. So might do one again.

Swam for the first time last night in 4 months - no good - shoulder still bad and I am now told it looks like I chipped a bone in the shoulder when I fell of my bike in Feb. That will teach me to cycle in sub zero temperatures. Looks like a long haul on this one but have decided to keep swimming and to just take it very, very easy.

Leiden Half Marathon

2010-05-19T13:35:00.001+02:00

Another PB but this time by the wafer thin margin of 11 seconds!!! 1:41:19 and the sub 1:40 is proving as ellusive as ever. Nevermind the Leiden run was actually quite tricky with lots of runners and sneaky, horrible tight steep bridges to negotiate in the last 7 km.

Kingston Breakfast Run

2010-04-14T16:31:00.003+02:00

Negative split time at Kingston last Sunday so very pleased. Somewhat unusual distance of 16 miles/26 km but finished in 2:13:09 with the first half run in 1:09:18 - a difference of around 4 minutes. Also got a pic to prove it was a Piratey sort of day - with Kanga and Neil also running.

Reading Half Marathon

2010-03-22T10:04:00.002+01:00

Just sneaked a quick PB for a half yesterday in perfect conditions in Reading. 1:41:30 which means I beat last years time but simply can't get under 1:40. Nevermind. Great race and will do Lieden half in May if I am fit enough in a few weeks as I decided I really like this distance.

New York Marathon place booked

2010-02-15T17:45:00.001+01:00

Right - place at New York Maratjon confirmed for Nov 7th. Now just need to get out a bit more when the weather decides to go above freezing. Still no swimming and cycling but lots and lots of running......

Injuries and New York Marathon

2010-02-05T18:00:00.004+01:00

So much for the comment that the swimming was going well. I should learn to keep quiet. Shoulder completely knackered so must stay out of the pool for 3-4 weeks. Thankfully I was well up on the schedule so no harm done training- wise. And it gives me a chance to get cycling. Have been for nearly 3.5 hours already this week. Avoiding ice and old ladies. Running is......let's not tempt fate.

And I have a guaranteed place in the New York Marathon on Nov 7th - best start saving for the airfare as I have no inention of coming back coach class. Actually looking forward to making that a short of holiday/Christmas shopping trip/marathon all in one go.

Here we go again.......

2010-01-19T09:13:00.003+01:00

Week 5 of the Roth training plan and at long last I have got back on my bike after a fall on the ice. So all back on track now for July.

Ran a 5km time trial last week with the Tri club I joined and surprsied myself with a 21:14 time which in snow & ice in the dark seemed to me to be OK.

In summary swimming going great, running going well, and the less said about the bike the better.

Still, 6 months to go so no panic.

IMCH in all it's glory.....

2009-08-09T18:58:00.002+02:00

We scrub up quite well don't we?

2009-08-05T18:37:00.002+02:00

The finish line conga party - Cougie, Crashie, Kanga and Bedders.......

My mentor FB

2009-08-05T18:34:00.003+02:00

FB put up with more stupid questions over the last 6 months before IMCH than I think most people could have reasonably put up with!

Cheers mate - without you it would have been twice as hard (and less fun!)

Run pic

2009-08-05T18:32:00.002+02:00

Looking reasonably good so must have been early in the run!

Crossing the line finisher video- number 1924

2009-08-05T17:21:00.002+02:00

The end

Video reminder

2009-08-05T17:01:00.003+02:00

If I ever forget what it was like I will go here and re live it again.........and again.........and again

IMCH splits

2009-08-05T09:56:00.004+02:00

Swim - 1:13.56.7
T1 - 6.39,7
Bike - 6:34.17,0
T2 - 8.54,0
Run - 5:07.31,5

Total - 13:11.18,9

Overall place - 1495

Place catagory - 232. M45

Pic of me and Gordon, the world's best sherpa and great mate.

Thanks for everything.

IMCH race report from RW site - part 3

2009-08-05T09:48:00.001+02:00

Run - well the first 10km was a run. Felt OK if totally sick of gels and flapjacks. The second lap and things started to go wrong. I felt sick and hungary at the same time. My legs had zero energy left in them and my mind was starting to play little games like "don't worry only 30km to go........". Mid way through lap 2 Kanga overtook me - then 3 mins later I over took him and this happened about 3 times before we decided that we may as well run together. Kanga's words were "slow and steady"...........and for the next 25km that's what we did. Living and eating off dried aprictots and soup as that was all my stomach could take. Barley joined us for about 2 laps and the three of us kept each other going. The support from the Pirates was superb. Guys - you were just brilliant. Major, Gordon (my sherpa), Oxy and the rest at Crazy Station were awesome and the Pirates at the end shute were just so motivational it was tear jerking stuff. With about 2km to go and Barley asking us if we would like to do another lap with him to keep him company (no thanks mate) we joined up with Cougie and Crashie (I think sorry guys if this is wrong as my mind was playing games at this point) and the four of us entered the finishing shute. A conga to the finish. I dropped back a bit as it was a very emotional moment for me. I had been playing this moment over and over in my mind for a year. Like everyone there, all the hard training, moments of doubt, up and down times in the last 12 months replayed through my head in the 200m to the finish. There to see me were FB (many thanks again mate for your wonderful mentoring) and Petal, TB and so many others. Finally my sherpa Gordon who was nothing short of exceptional the whole day. A finish time of 13:11:18

And to you, the Pirates. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. You made us newies most welcome before, during and after the event. I feel that this is just the beginning. All over the course supporters from all different countries were shouting "come on Pirates" - you seem to have really made an impact and i was proud to be part of it. Till the next time - see you all in Roth 2010

IMCH race report from RW site - part 2

2009-08-05T09:46:00.000+02:00

Bike - after about 150 m of the bike course something sounded horrible and I looked down to see my front wheel was stuck - a SIS gel had come free and lodged itself in a number fo spokes. Major D came running up seeing me stop and asked what had happened. I am not sure I was that lucid but a few swear words later and I was off again - "GO PIRATES" ringing out everywhere (even chalked on the road). I am not a strong cyclist and new this would be tough bit for me. In summary I was overtaken in the first 30 mins by around 1000 lycra bling-cyclists. As they flew past I just gritted my teeeth, mumbled "crap swimmer" and carried on. Up to The Beast for the first time. I was quite excited. Having no hills here in Holland to cycle up I was one of the few I reckon who was dead excited about seeing a hill to cycle up. But it did go on a bit - then Egg which I actually thought was worse. Anyway, on to HBH where, it has already been said many times, the suppport was stunning. Chalked on the road on the approach was JFDI and HTFU. If that didn;t inspire you then nowt would. The hill itself was steep but the Pirate supporters were at their best. It bought tears to me eyes literally. The onto lap two. Not much to report apart from the fact that half way up Egg I saw a few Pirates (Bryan et al) cheering and clapping and I did actually burst into tears. It suddenly came home to me that after a year of training, all that effort was about to pay off as I was going to make it. Last time up HBH and I nearly cracked again (what a softie!) as a lady came across my path and shouted "Go - you are an Ironman!" Home in 6:34 which was about an hour quicker than I expected so again could ot quite believe it.

T2 - after a comical dismount which gained a round of applause, I ran to T2 and could not find my bike rack. Completely lost. I stood for a few secs undid my helmet and tried to remember what number I was. Immediately I was called over by a marshall for undoing my helmet before racking.....in all wasted 8:50 in T2

IMCH race report from RW site - part 1

2009-08-05T09:40:00.001+02:00

OK. Here goes - a little background. I came into this having raced just two sprint tris last year so while having stuck to the Don Fink 30 week plan, I had no idea as to how I would cope.

Swim - I was a little late getting to the start line as I had decied that rather than wait for the potaloos to be free I would go back to the hotel, grab a quick coffee, "go" there and come back. So my plan to be at the back and on the left hand edge at the swim start eventually had me in the middle desperately trying to get across 2200 people and then as I tried to get to the back, the first warning sound thing went and that was it. I was swept into the water hopelessly out of position and looking forward to a real scrap. And I wasn't disappointed. I can safely say that for the whole of the first lap I did not see any clear water ahead of me. Simply loads of neoprene Germans and Swiss zig zagging their way in front of me. At about 300m I doubted my ability to even finish the swim let alone the rest but after a few duckings around the turn, decided on lap 2 to be as assertive as I could be. Lap 2 problem was that within 500m I had cramp of the whole of my left leg. So to plan B.... but there was no plan B so ended up simply swim using only my arms both as paddles and weapons of war. Was stunned and relieved to get out in 1:13:56. Fantastic Pirate support on the swim exit and it set the tone for the whole day

T1 - there is nothing like getting your monies worth so I got changed and spent a full 6:30 in T1. Next time I will swim with my cycling gear under the wetsuit. But gear on, jels in pocket and taped to tri bars and off to bike

IRONMAN!

2009-07-15T10:59:00.003+02:00

I did it. One year of training and a long and sometimes emotional journey to places that I had never been before.

13:11:18 on the day.

Delighted.

Ironman Switzerland - number 1924

2009-07-02T08:27:00.001+02:00

It's happening then. I now have my number and have started to taper. Too busy worrying about what is ahead to blog!

First Century ride

2009-06-14T09:42:00.003+02:00

I did it. A year ago my longest ride was around 30km and last week I rode for 170km ( just over 100 miles) for the first time. In 6:40, using it as a nutrition dress rehearsal for IMCH it all went well.

Only 4 weeks to go.

6 weeks to go

2009-05-31T09:01:00.002+02:00

Just after cycling and to prove that I am still in training and not simply enjoying the lovely sunshine. Check out the numpty sun tan that has to even itself up.

150 up

2009-05-22T09:48:00.002+02:00

Getting closer to the 180km mark I cycled 150km in 5:40:40 yesterday. Wind behind on the way out and against on the way back. Was pleased with the nutrition and legs held out. In fact having a cafeine gel at 100km was a smart move as I finished strongly. Well I didn't zonk.

This week I have tried to do the whole distance. So far, with Friday pm and the weekend to go I have swam 7000m, cycled 183km and ran 20km. I was hoping for a step back week next week but it just seems to get more and more up till IMCH in 7 weeks. A 2 hour run this weekend will see me over the total distance. I think for the second time since I started the 30 week plan.

Wobble

2009-04-29T14:32:00.002+02:00

So not much blogging so far this last month or so as any spare time has been on the bike, at the pool or running. I said compared to my rather dull marathon training blogging this one would only focus on milestones. So having not even competed at IMCH I have found myself with a slot at New York Marathon in November. And in a moment of sheer lunacy I entered the the Virgin London Marathon ballot. Still little chance of getting in that in 2010 due to the shear numbers applying.

NE wants to to do an IM 70.3. Mad, but I will try and do it with him.

The wobble refers to the fact that it has dawned on me in the last few days just what I have let myself in for.

That's better

2009-04-15T12:59:00.002+02:00

Had two days off due to a cold and cough that my beautiful daugher CB gave me - a sort of Easter pressie. Thankfully Benylin came to the rescue.

Actually beginning to wonder if I counted properly as I swam the 3.8km distance this morning in the pool in 1:23. I am sure I did as my 2.500m time was 53:30. So big improvement on my previous best of nearer 1:35.

If only I could get the bike going better........still cycled 115km last week along the dunes in 4:23 so not so bad.

Half marathon milestone

2009-03-31T10:52:00.004+02:00

Blogging has taken a massive back seat to training for IMCH. Huge effort over the last few weeks with between 8-12 hours training per week seems to have paid off as I ran a 1:42 half at Reading on Saturday. I was very comfortable all the way round. HR all the way till 18km was 149-155. First time I had run on HR and not pace or time. Last 3km saw it go to 160+ but by that point it didn't matter.

Just back from a 3km swim. Loads to do still but am as determined as ever to get to the IM start line.......pirate gear about to come out as the weather warms up.

Swimming lesson

2009-01-30T08:17:00.002+01:00

I thought my swimming was going fine until last night when I had my first lesson. It would seem that I am doing pretty much everything wrong. Leg kick (what leg kick?), arm pull, catch etc...etc...but can still do 1000m in 20 mins!. Not sure if I carry on or just go with it and see if it does indeed benefit at all.

Another milestone - cycled 110 kms last week in 4:20. First time over the century.

Another milestone

2009-01-26T11:00:00.001+01:00

This morning, before 08.30 I swam the full Ironman distance of 3.8 km in the swimming pool in 1:35:23. So, whilst not super fast, I have proved to myself that at least I can swim the distance.

.....now where's that bike?........

And now we have a full blown ice hockey match at the bottom of the garden

2009-01-11T17:30:00.006+01:00

Dancing on ice

2009-01-03T18:04:00.002+01:00

When it is this cold even the idea of training makes me shiver - but didn't stop me riding for 2 hours today. All part of the madness.

Milestone

2008-12-21T21:42:00.002+01:00

OK. Not a massive one, but cycled 90km today in 3:38:00 and the last 45km into a massive headwind that only Holland knows how to produce. Knackered.

Twice that and I would have completed the Ironman cycling leg. Easy (?!). NOT.

Lots more to do. And it is only just dawning on me.

Still here and getting the mileage in

2008-12-20T08:19:00.002+01:00

Lack of posts does not mean lack of effort in training. I have recently come back from my Winter training camp in Australia a.k.a a holiday for 2 weeks, fit and healthy (well, healthy anyway) and I am desperately trying to get the bike mileage in. Every time I leave the house on the bike it rains. Nevermind. Swimming is going........swimmingly and the running is also OK. Just the bloody bike!!!!

To everyone I know who I have not sent a card to have a wonderful merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A lucky dad......

2008-10-22T20:58:00.004+02:00

when you have two fantastic daughters like this. Love you both xxxxx

Milestones

2008-10-21T09:42:00.001+02:00

On the basis that if I am not careful this blog will just end up as a very boring record of my training, I am going to keep the posts down to milestones on the way to IMCH.

Having cycled around 180km last week - in three bursts, today's milestone was that I swam 3.300m (132 lengths). The time of 1:15:31 was slightly irrelevant but what was a bit special was that I did this before 08:30.

Feeling remarkably fine afterwards I decided that I could have swam another 500m and that would have been IM distance. I really think my swimming is not a problem.

It's getting bike time that will be tricky. So as to not allow for any winter excuses I picked up my mountain bike last week and I am now set.

Saw my beautiful girls last night and a pic of them will appear here later - If I can get the camera off KT.

HR rate monitor lets me down

2008-09-25T10:07:00.000+02:00

Lots of training going on - 2.500m swim on Sunday, 11km run Monday, 1.500m swim yesterday morning and then a 60 km cycle ride last night.

Last week I bought a new bike gadget - a Polar 220 which does practially everything apart from cycle for you. It has a wonderful heart rate monitor which I have not had time to play about with yet so if you are under your target HR it bleeps and if you are over it, then it bleeps very loudly and continually until you slow down.

OK. So I was cycling across the dunes here in Holland towards the end of my ride last night when a young guy effortlessly flies past me. Instead of letting him go I tried to catch him. Which I did after about 500m. Then I tried to stay with him, right behind his back wheel. I did this for about 1km until a small hill approached. Not to be beaten I cycled my hardest to keep up with him and from nowhere, my HR monitor started to bleep loudly, furiously and quite obviously. Here I was trying to pretend that keeping up with him was a breeze and my HR monitor was telling him in no uncertain terms, "this guy following you is knackered!!!" Very embarrasing when you are trying to look cool.

I dropped back, my HR returned to normal and when I got home I turned the bleeper off.

Too much cadence

2008-09-20T00:53:00.002+02:00

I even know the jargon now!

Cycled 55km today and 45km yesterday, bought a mountain bike ready for the winter and now having a restful weekend in UK.

Perfect.....................will run tomorrow and swim Sunday so restful but know rest if you know what I mean.

That's more like it

2008-09-15T09:28:00.000+02:00

60 km on the bike yesterday and although on very flat land, felt fine. Well thankfully it felt fine as IM is 180km. Actually did 12km on Saturday as well and it would have been more had I not got ready and found my bike with a puncture - so had to replace the tube before I went out and only had an hour in total as CB and KT were with me.

Now I must find some hills.......

Running later today then travelling the rest of the week so won't go paddling until Thursday am.

Training goes to New York

2008-09-11T15:24:00.000+02:00

Been working too hard to find time to blog - sad but true. Swimming and running going fine - cycling not getting the KMs in so must focus on that for the next week.

Last week I was in New York on business - so I was able to run 3 times in Central Park - fantastic. It has to be one of the nicest places on the planet (in a large city) to run. Lovely weather, loads of other runners - a pure joy.

Then in a moment of madness I decided on Sunday that I would do some cycling - in New York. I hired a mountain bike and cycled from South Central Park to Ground Zero. Just for a bit more excitment I took 5th Avenvue and Broadway all the way down. How I did not end up the exhaust of a few yellow cabs I will never know. It was fun but scary. However, the Americans were kind enough to lay on a bit of wind for me to make it like cycling here in Holland as the tail end of Hurricane Hana flew through the city just as I was pedalling my way south.

Was worth it as Ground Zero is such an iconic place now as when I was there just 4 weeks after the event 7 years ago.

I came back the scenic cycle path route by the river.

Back in Holland now and back to reality......swimming tomorrow morning. Least I don't have to get the wettie on. I have found a 50 metre indoor pool so will try that for a change.

Datchet again

2008-08-17T11:12:00.003+02:00

Datchet was a great deal quieter yesterday as many who went a few weeks ago had been preparing for the London Tri. Still I was up with other crackpots at 06:30 diving in and swimming.

Surprised myself again swimming this time 2250m in exactly 45mins. The loop is a 750m out and back and so three of those in what was reasonably cold water in 45mins was very pleasing.

Bought a new wet suit - I look like an alien in it but it does seem to work. Pure neoprene. And it makes a huge difference.

So last week I ran, swam and cycled. In fact I swam 1500m on Thursday am and then cycled 85km that evening. I also ran 40km last week so pretty pleased.

Back in the pool

2008-08-11T10:18:00.004+02:00

Last week was a diet of swimming and cycling. Over 150km cycle which in truth should have been much more and about 4.000m swimming. Running - about 20km. I am going to get a spreadsheet up on here that I can keep a record of what I have done. The running is not going as well as it should at present partly because I still feel a bit sore but also because having run a few marathons I think I know how to train for that bit. OK, I didn't run any of my marathons after swimming 3.8km and cycling 180km but that's just detail......

After a weekend of fun and games it's now back to the training with a 2.500m swim this morning.

Foot still hurting

2008-08-04T13:53:00.002+02:00

As I am still suffering from PF in the left foot, the running is taking back seat to swimming and cycling. Ran 8km yesterday and while it is not so bad, it still niggles me. So this morning went and joined my pensioner friends at the pool and swam 2.500m in 54 mins. Very pleased with that - but worried that my foot is going to be a pain up until next summer.

While the foot is healing it is a good chance to get a good swim and cycle base I suppose.

KT being beautiful and acting tall.......

2008-08-03T12:14:00.005+02:00

Pretending to be taller than me.......but I still love you xxxx

70km cycle ride today.......

2008-08-02T20:09:00.002+02:00

and got lost. Not doing that again as I found myself going along a motorway type of road with people hooting me to get off! Well once you have gone 1km you just have to keep going and get off at the next exit don't you!

A bit of this and a lot of that

2008-07-30T14:37:00.003+02:00

I have decided that my cycling must improve. I reckon my swimming will be OK - did 1500m yesterday morning and was quite pleased even though I had a row with a Dutch octagenarian halfway down the pool on lap 48.......simply would not get out of the way.

So last night I cycled 65km - it took me just over 2:10. But this is Holland so very flat. The thought of doing that three times is a bit frightening. Still only like running 15km and thinking that a Marathon is tough I suppose.

Anyway, running tonight but I might also try and get out on the bike while the weather is good.

So a bit of swimming a bit of runing and lots of cycling needed I think before next July.

Looked at buying a MTB for the winter today - that was after I realised the price of a 2XU wetsuit was way above my very small budget. Oh well, I will have to get a paper-round to fund this IM.

....and again

2008-07-27T12:08:00.002+02:00

It must have been the thought of a bacon bap that got me up again at 05:15 to swim at Datchet this morning.

This time I took my watch and swam 1500m in 28mins. It is so different from pool swimming. Now looking to buy a wetsuit and was offered a good deal for a 2XU Elite. Will probably buy it next time I am there.

So even though I am in the UK this weekend, I have swam 3km in OW and ran 10km - not bad considering it is about 26 degrees.

Open water swimming - OMG!

2008-07-26T21:37:00.002+02:00

If getting up at 05:15 wasn't bad enough then jumping in the lake a Datchet this morning at 06:30 was. However, after the first 750m I must admit to getting into a nice stroke and finding it quite fun. I swam 1500m, saw enough green weed to satisfy me for life and plan to do it again tomorrow.

What really shocked me (apart from seeing myself in a wetsuit) was the fact that there were around 300 other people doing the same thing. Still 45 mins later and a bacon butty in hand it didn't seem too bad.

Quietly getting on with it

2008-07-23T14:01:00.002+02:00

Lots of action but no blogging.

Swam 2.500m on Monday and went for a 50km cycle last night. The running fits in later today and that is about what I am doing. At least one discipline once a day and sometimes I am fitting in a swim in the early morning and a cycle/run in the evening. I was looking at the finishing time last night and I reckon if I start at 07.00 I may just finish around 22.15 (giving me 45 mins before the cut off). Quite a thought. Hotel is booked now just need to recruit a sherpa and get the travel organised. And do a bit more training.

Looks like there will be 70+ Pirates making the trip.

Am off to UK for a few days for work tomorrow but will stay over for the weekend and work on Monday. So am going OW swimming on Sunday morning in Datchet, trying out a few wet suits and then the weekend after I am going to the Ardennes to cycle up and down a few hills.

Not sure now if I can fit in the Amsterdam Marathon in October as I really need to get the mileage in on the bike. I will have to make a decision closer to the time and see how I feel.

I must be mad.

Hi Monk!

2008-07-16T21:32:00.003+02:00

The funky little monkey with the tiniest ears

My biggest fan

2008-07-16T20:43:00.005+02:00

Check out the specs!

The most beautiful 10 year old on the planet.

I love you to bits CB xxxxx

ps Where's Monk?

Henley splits

2008-07-14T16:59:00.004+02:00

Well not sure whether to give up now or pat myself on the back. Strange really as this tri thing depends so much on the course (unlike a run) that it is hard to know how well or how badly you have done. So here are the splits:

Swim: 7:52 PB 49th place out of 165
T1: 1:20
Bike: 55:11 81st place out of 165
T2: 1:32
Run: 26.50 109th place out of 165 (yuk!)

Total time: 1:30:33 placed 85 out of 164 (a few seconds seem to have been lost - no matter, makes no difference)

Now compared to Stratford that is a whole lot slower due to the fact that the bike and running courses were up and down hill and I know I only managed an average speed of 29.2km compared to 32+km in Stratford on the bike. But the the swim was much faster. Where was I in my age group?

Stratford 31st out of 87
Henley 11th out of 20

Could it be that I have already peaked? I think that what seems to have happened is that the course was harder but also there were lot less tri virgins running - most of the other guys seemed to have done this before (lots of IM tatts, Cannondale bikes and shaved legs) and compared to Stratford that was a big difference.

Anyway, far too much analysis. On to Switzerland.

IMCH booked and thanks to the most beautiful 10 year old girl in the world

2008-07-13T23:28:00.009+02:00

Oh well. My little sprint tri in Henley today didn't put me off - I am booked up for IMCH on July 12 2009 and that's about all I can say. Not sure whether to laugh, cry or seek some kind of phsyciatric help.

I had a wonderful weekend. Great Saturday with NE that made me think again about what I am missing out on still being here in Holland and a lovely meal on Friday night with someone special.

And Henley today. Great swim (my watch had it as 7:50), great bike which was so hilly I saw a few competitors walking it (and we had two loops so had to do it twice) but a slower run as that was up and down hil as well. Not sure what the official time was but I made it around 1:30:20

Also a few of the most important people in my life at the moment came and turned up to support. You know who you are and you were an inspiration so thanks from the bottom of my heart. And even though I gave simply the worse directions possible you were all smiling.......thanks xx

A final thank you to my wonderful daughter CB who wherever I am in the world and whatever she or I are doing, calls me at least twice a day to see how I am . And her wish of "good luck Dad for the triathlon" mean't more from her than had it come from millions of others put together. You are a star and a special little girl darling and I love you. x Please get better and hope to see you tomorrow.

So, who fancies a few days in Zurich next July then? The leiderhosen are on me.

Nearly ready for next tri

2008-07-05T11:08:00.005+02:00

Planning one or maybe two more tri's this summer. Next Sunday will be the first and maybe I will do another in Sept. Swiftly followed by Amsterdam marathon in October.

Swam 2,750m yesterday in about an hour then cycled another 30km later in the evening so I feel ready. I have also been running a bit - around 30km this week. All in all looking forward to being a Pirate again.

The big problem looks to be getting a starting slot at the IMCH as they seem to be offered and sold out in a matter of hours. I see that IDE sold out in less than 12 hours but last year IMA was done in 4! I am thinking of coming back to Holland late on Sunday evening, arriving home v late so that I have a reliable internet connection to try and register on Monday 14 July when IMCH opens. Must admit I didn't think it would be that difficult but it looks as if around 40 UK Pirates alone are going to do this - add in a few thousand Swiss and Germans and this thing may get booked up very quickly indeed.

Ton up

2008-06-27T17:23:00.002+02:00

Certified mad - swam 100 lengths (2.5km) early this morning. It took me 54 mins which I was pleased about. However two things happened - firstly I was soooooo bored it was scary and secondly the the marks left around my eyes by my swimming goggles stayed for about 6 hours making me look like a knackered panda.

I also ran (30km) and cycled (about 60km) this week.

Got to go as am out tonight and have to find a way of getting rid of what looks like two black eyes.

No lack of effort

2008-06-22T18:03:00.003+02:00

No blogging does not mean no running etc. Infact I have been so busy running, jumping and the such like that I have not had time to record it.

To summarise last week - think I ran about 40km, swam around 4km and cycled about 75km. Not mega distances but it all helps - and I worked v hard as well. I have had KT and CB here this weekend so it's a bit tricky to get out and long run/swim/cycle but next week I reckon I can up it a few degrees. Plus it is so lovely to see them.

Thanks to the lovely TA who knows who she is and is proving to be a great friend and confidant. Wish we'd hooked up years ago!!!! Still plenty of time to make up for "lost time" I hope. Et vous?

Time to taper already?

2008-06-17T11:19:00.005+02:00

It would seem that I am peaking a little too early - about a year to be exact.

Swam 84 lengths (2.100m) this morning (84, because after 83 boredom and cramp set in) in just under 48 mins. I know there is a long way to go but I was a bit pleased with myself. OK it was in a pool surrounded by lots of old people but even so....

Add that to the 30km cycle yesterday late afternoon (OK it wasn't 180km but who's counting)? and I am even more pleased (the bottle of merlot last night however was a bit rash).

Thew running seems to be taking a back seat at the moment. Will put that right tomorrow.

Now, where's that entry form for NE to sign..........?

Henley preparation stalls

2008-06-16T09:01:00.003+02:00

This weekend I only managed 20km running as I enjoyed myself far too much Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in England. So it's back to the salads for this week as I crank up my training for Henley on July 13. What pleased me was that after this weekends fun I have not put on a single gram in weight so there is some consolation that my Pirate gear still fits.

Friday night was great fun as I think after a lovely meal and lots of crazy discussion NE has decided that he may also do Ironman in Switzerland next year. That would be so good - if you are reading this mate, then it would be so good to do it together.

I received the photos from Stratford and will have to find a way to get them on here as one of them, with me finishing the run, is an absolute scream.

Ironman Switzerland 2009

2008-06-10T16:12:00.002+02:00

In a moment of madness I have committed to doing the Ironman Switzerland 2009 next July. Can't really understand why but there we go. So quick change of plan now means that the Amsterdam marathon in October becomes a sort of training run!

Blimey.

Thank goodness I went and swam 1500m this morning - no harm in getting the training in early is there. I do think however that this means not just a load of training but also a few life changes - in the eating and drinking department. Anyone who knows me willing to offer any advice?

That's better

2008-06-07T10:54:00.002+02:00

Lovely weather and yesterday a 60km cycle ride up and around the dunes near where I live. Completed in just under 2 hours so I was happy with that.

When I was running I was always envious of cyclists flying past me showing little peddle effort. Now I cycle past runners actually wishing I was running and not cycling as running is still my passion and however long I cycle I don't think it will ever give me the buzz that running does.

Still, if I want to get to an Ironman I have lots more cycling to do so I had better start to like it!

This is getting silly

2008-06-05T14:06:00.001+02:00

64 lengths of the swimming pool yesterday (1.600m) and because of the rain I still cannot get out on the bicycle.

Big effort needed

2008-06-01T22:32:00.004+02:00

OK. A whole week of fun has to stop. Only ran 20 km and swam 1500 m so now I must knuckle down to some serious training for Henley otherwise not only will I not fit into my Pirate gear (and it was petty tight-fitting at Stratford) but I will disgrace myself by being very slow.

Thanks to everyone for the lovely comments since I have been back blogging. The last 8 months have been pretty turbulent. But now I am looking forward rather than back - and it looks a whole lot brighter.

Roll on Henley/Amsterdam/NYC 2009/Ironman 2009.......................blimey, did I say Ironman?!!!

Now I know why I don't like swimming

2008-05-29T09:20:00.002+02:00

Dragging myself out of bed at 06.30 this morning to get into a cold swimming pool (having been out v.v. late on Weds in London and getting up at 05.30 yesterday to get a flight home), I realised why I never really wanted to get into swimming.

It seems that swimmers go out early, get their swim done and then get home again, all before 08.00. Well, that's fine if you are not constantly knackered or travelling as I seem to be at the moment.

Still, swam 1500m in about 34 mins. Not sure if that if that is good or bad, but it was fairly leisurely so I was pleased.

Already looking forward to the next tri in July.

These guys were really good on TV on Saturday

2008-05-21T16:32:00.003+02:00

and the Mum was lovely as well!

Too busy to swim

2008-05-21T16:18:00.003+02:00

Up at 06:45 ready to go for a swim only to get to the pool and find it practically full. Don't the Dutch have anything better to do at that time in the morning?.

Nevermind, resourceful as ever I went home, worked for a couple of hours and returned. Even busier so i just threw myself in and tried to avoid loads of OAPs whose mid morning "swim-morning" I seemed to have disturbed. And they don't swim - they just stand at the end of the pool, talking and getting in the way. Next time I will swim early and just barge my way through the traffic.

Anyway, swam 1400m, in about 32 mins, got bored and came back home to work.

ps pic of KT looking cool. Her words not mine. Nice colour hair.........

All that way for a coffee

2008-05-19T16:15:00.003+02:00

Yesterday I had a decision to take - run the Leiden half marathon which takes place just around the corner from me and you can sign up pretty much up to the last minute, or go for a cycle ride.

Cycling won as it was a lovely day and I didn't really want to put anymore pressure on my over worked limbs by running an unplanned half.

So clippy shoes on I went out for a 60km cycle - 30 km out, stopped for a coffee, then 30km back (average speed 31km). What I am not quite used to yet in this cycling business is that I am not actually very good at it. So when I bust a gut to over take someone, seconds later they fly past me barely breathing deeply. I must learn to pick my targets better and not try and over take the fit ones.

Girls are coming round later which is real fun - attached pic of CB showing me how it should be done on the trampoline. Makes your eyes water...........

It's just the thought of it

2008-05-16T12:24:00.003+02:00

Having failed to get into NY I think NE and I have chosen to run Amsterdam marathon this autumn. Nice and flat, have never done it before, close to where I live and easy to enter. That's the easy bit.

It is just the thought of a marathon training plan that is so daunting. Hal Higdon has done me proud for the last 4 marathon's but now I think it is time for a change. I am on the look out for another training plan.

Still with half an eye on the Henley tri in July I was up with the larks today to swim for 30 mins. Probably swam about 1.500m in all but must say I lost count of the lengths so it could well have been more (but quite probably less).

First outing as a Pirate

2008-05-14T09:42:00.003+02:00

A short report on the sprint tri that I did on Sunday. Firstly, I could not believe all the preparation that was needed. It made running look positively straightforward - just turn up wth a pair of shoes and off you go. I was hoping to go under 1:30 :00

My splits were:

Swim 8:27 I had hoped to do it in 8:45 so that was a PB as all my training was around 9:00
T1 1.59 If I had heard the lady asking me for the swim cap back when I had got out of the pool and not had to run back to give it to her then I might have done this in half the time
Bike 44:45 This was the best bit. I surprised myself in averaging 32.5km for the bike leg
T2 1:30 Reasonable I suppose......not sure what time I should be doing this in.
Run 23.57 was the hardest part and frankly I was a bit disappointed in this time - but it was x country.....

Total time: 1:19:58 placed 247th out of 514

I was delighted to beat 1:20:00 and reckon that it may be hard to beat at Henley in July.

Thanks to NE for coming with me and putting up with the early start and of course to all the Pirates for the support.

Just found out last night that I did not get a place in the Lottery for the NY City Marathon in Nov. Oh well, that means a guaranteed place in 2009 as that is 3 rejections but I must now find something for the Autumn. I am so tempted to find a tri 70.3 but there again may run Amsterdam.

It's back..................

2008-05-13T07:01:00.004+02:00

Nearly a year since the last post and I'm back. Thank goodness that the technology seems to be pretty similar!

Due to the fact that KT and others asked me a few weeks ago to get it up and running and because I have so much to say, the Go Bedders! blog rises from the ashes.

Quite a bit has gone on since the last time - I have had a long injury to my foot which has kept my running down to a minimum during the winter (I pulled out of an Autumn marathon as I had planned to run Amsterdam) and I started to get a bit bored of the marathon training schedule. I said when I was 40 that I would run a marathon a year until I was 50 then take a rain check. So far so good.

What I didn't promise myself was that I would also take part in triathlons. I finished my first yesterday and will write up my experience later.

One of the reasons I have not written this blog is that since I last hit the blogging keyboard I have been rather busy divorcing my wife. While this is a running/tri blog and will remain that way, I say now that I have always used this blog to mentioned unusual/bizzare/ridiculous things that happen in my life and I now have an endless source of blog material thanks to my ex wife. Probably worth a blog on it's own. More later.

Anyway, it's back and hopefully will inspire others to get involved in running (and now cycling and swimming!)

By the way, a quick "hi" to KT and CB (who had her 10th birthday yesterday) without whom over the last few months I do know how I would have got where I am today. I love you both so much. Thanks for the inspiration.

Taking a blogging break

2007-07-30T20:24:00.000+02:00

I am going to be taking a blogging break for the next few weeks/months. There is too much going on at the moment to focus on this and to be honest I am lacking heart at the moment. All will be revealed in the fullness of time but for the moment, as I say, here comes a break

Keep on running

2007-07-18T08:29:00.001+02:00

Wasn't there a song called Keep on running? Anyway, I am now 4 weeks into the Hal Higdon training plan and have missed only a couple of sessions. Ran a cracking 21 km on Sunday as the time flew - I was thinking about goodness knows what but I can hardly remember much of the run apart from the fact it took me 1:55 and I felt fine.

Off to France for a week's holiday later this morning. The schedule is bound to take a bit of a battering but balanced with swimming and the like I should be able to keep up the fitness levels.

I have to be totally honest and say that after running Rotterdam in April I feel that I may give marathoning a break after Amsterdam - by a break I mean the training becomes so monotonous that I may need a new challenge. I am still planning to run New York in Nov 08 but I need something to do between October 07 and then. I have an idea but won't distract myself yet.

Back in the groove

2007-07-09T19:59:00.000+02:00

Well a sort of little groove in that I ran 10km on Saturday at race pace, 13 km yesterday at anything but race pace, and can you believe it, got on the bike in the clippy little shoes and cycled about 20km. I just needed some exercise as I had been at the PC all day and did not want to run.

I am still way off race fitness (or even any other fitness) but the good news is that I have keep it all going. And the sun came out.

What a week...........

2007-07-06T19:39:00.000+02:00

No details I'm afraid but I hope I don't have a week like this again for a long while. Just about everything I have touched has gone wrong - and even those things I haven't touched have gone pear-shaped. If bad things come in 3's then I have had about half a dozen this week.

Remarkably, I have still kept to my running schedule. What a drag, but on the other hand, quite theraputic (not sure I can spell it but I know what I mean).

and it's still raining.....

Roll on next week - QUICK

Lack of blogging but no lack of running

2007-07-03T12:09:00.000+02:00

OK,OK, I have not been at my blogging best recently. Thanks to those who have kept in touch by email etc.. you know who you are and I really appreciate it.

The running is back on schedule, however so is the eating and drinking, so it is a net:net for my body weight. Long runs are going well but would be a whole lot better if I could have just 2 hours when it didn't rain. I think I have been rained on at least 80% of the runs I have made in the last three weeks.

Last week I found myself running through a storm to get home and a bolt of lightening must have landed pretty close as I was sort of "blown" across the road a few metres. I didn't fall or anything but felt the power alright. Then someone who knows tells me that if it thunders etc again, just make yourself small and curl up - don't stand under a tree etc.. Yeah sure, so I don't get hit by lightening but get run over by a driver who thinks I am a kind of large, very wet, hedgehog?

My advice is just to run like hell, as fast as you can, back home.

A patchy start

2007-06-25T09:29:00.000+02:00

Being three days last week in Bucharest did not help but I managed all but one run last week - and this weekend had two very good if not-so-slow long runs. Not slow because I was trying to get out and back before I got soaked. Saturday I failed in my attempt to keep dry and ended up practically swimming home.

This week is another challenge as I am once again travelling but so be it. I am determined not to run on the hotel running machines as I reckon I have had more injuries running on those than is normal.

First day of training for Amsterdam marathon

2007-06-19T21:27:00.000+02:00

Oh well, only another 900km or so to go before Amsterdam so here we go with another Hal Higdon program. I do wonder some times why I do it - then I jump on the scales and the reasons come flooding back.

Every now and again

2007-06-15T21:28:00.000+02:00

Every now and again you get those weeks where you simply cannot run. Forget people who say "ahh, you can always find time if you want". No. I have had the week from hell travel wise - missed connections. Paris when I should be in Kiev. Luftwaffe (should read Lufthansa) being deliberately German etc....etc...

So no running but lots of Airmiles

Back on the case tomorrow with a tricky little 8km

Well it seemed to work

2007-06-04T15:03:00.001+02:00

Thanks everyone. Much better yesterday. A good 8km up and down the now famous canal and at 5:07min / km felt just about fine. It was supposed to be a LSR but as a kind of punishment to myself I ran it at pace.

I realised yesterday that the trick of training for the marathon isn't the number of training runs you do that you find OK/easy, it's those that you do that you frankly don't want to, but know you must do, that make it so hard.

Not easy is it

2007-06-02T21:27:00.000+02:00

When you really don't want to run but force yourself out of the door thinking "I'll feel better once I've gone out" - and never do, you realise how hard this running lark is. This is what happend to me tonight and I just could not get going.

So I cut it short - in total I have run around 30km this week but not what you'd call a quality week's training.

Oh joy a nice long run tomorrow looming.

Back up and down the canal

2007-05-29T18:28:00.000+02:00

Well, back to the running and before I start on the Hal Higdon 18 week Amsterdam program, there is just time to get a little bit back into the running groove. So having run 22km this weekend I feel better and quite motivated.

And to prove that I was actually working in Asia here's the proof - what more do you want?

Shame about the result

2007-05-26T12:19:00.000+02:00

A bit of self indulgence last Wednesday as I put work behind me and enjoyed some fantastic hospitality at the Champions League final in Athens. Not the best of games, but at the time, a terrific occasion. Thanks Heineken for a fantastic evening.

Stop I want to get off

2007-05-21T21:45:00.000+02:00

So 7 days in Asia, 24 hours in Holland, a weekend in UK, 24 hours in Holland and then tomorrow off to Greece. It really is getting pretty horrid and tiring. Anyway, next week is a holiday week and I have told myself that I will begin to run then. This week is a complete no-no. I am not really complaining as off the see the Champions league final courtesy of Heineken and then follow up with a couple of meetings, fly back Friday.

But as for running, sorry, back next week.

Hello Amsterdam

2007-05-17T06:57:00.000+02:00

After a week on business in Asia I returned to find that I had not actually got a place at the NY marathon through the ballot so, decision taken - it's Amsterdam in October.

A quick calculation tells me that I can eat, drink and be merry until June 18 week then it's back to a marathon training schedule. As I have done far too much of that in the last week I think this weekend is the final blowout then it's back to running. I have had 5 weeks break since Rotterdam so no more excuses.

I did not run in Asia as I am now refusing to run on treadmills in hotel gyms. A little personal protest at how boring I think they are (which will obviously have no effect at all, but makes me feel better).

Wide Awake Club

2007-05-07T14:54:00.000+02:00

For all those of us in the Wide Awake Club, I had a good 8km yesterday during which my back problem seems to be resolving itself. OK, so I have to run looking a bit silly by keeping my back nicely arched, but it's that or a return to Sparky the Physio - so, silly running styles win.

For those of us who are in the Fast Asleep Club, having got up so early this morning, I hope your run was successful and you didn't get the rain that we had here. I mean, running early is one thing, but doing it and getting wet at the same time is not fair on anyone.

I couldn't resist it

2007-05-05T10:03:00.000+02:00

This morning I got up at 5:15am because I couldn't sleep, did a few emails and some admin, went back to bed for half an hour then ran a sneaky 8km because I could not resist it. Now I know some readers of this blog will think I have become on of those middle of the night runners, but fear not as it was I can assure you a one-off.

Also I have pinpointed my latest little injury I think - a return to a bit of sciatica that I had a few years ago. Best get it out of the way now rather than have it after an 18 week training program.

Time to take a running break

2007-05-01T14:39:00.000+02:00

Running last week was harder than I thought and now I have picked up a small but rather irritating injury I think I will do what I had planned to do and have a real two week break from running. The downside of course is that the weight piles on, but, as was pointed out to me by BZ there is plenty of time before the next marathon. And you don't realise how much 42.2km take it out of you (well, you do, but you just try and ignore it)

I am traveling next week to Asia and doubt if I will take my running shoes etc as it only means hotel treadmills and my history with those is well documented. Plus I am genuinely going to be too busy to run (unless I get up in the middle of the night......).

ps good luck KB on the exams coming up - thought I'd post a pic of you revising......