First Century ride

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.