Track Session Pain

I went training with the local athletics club recently. Oh man! I had forgotten just how hard speed work is! After focussing on longer triathlons for a while and the years taking their toll on my creaky bones I found this track work very uncomfortable! So much so that my legs complained vigorously and detached themselves from my feet so they didn't have to endure the pain any longer!

Further to this, most of the other guys running were about 30 years younger than myself. Time will tell whether this speed work pays off. I just have not got the time to complete the distance training so my thnking is to focus on shorter races; hence the need for speed - relative speed!

We did 10 x 300m with 2 min recovery. I was please in one way, inthat I maintained the pace throughout the set, hitting consistent time between 53 - 54 seconds (jogging pace for fast guys!). I sort of hit terminal velocity within 20 metres and just hung on. Whether I can actually increase the pace over shorter distances is questionable. but a resulting increase in speed over longer distances than 300m is the aim!

Single Speed Stuff

The single speed bike is out of surgery! Basically, I had worn the sprocket, chain and chain ring out. So I took the opportunity to try a different gearing option. I ride a specialised Langster and it came with a 42/16 combo. I was spending too many rides spinning out so I have gone for a 50/16 combo. It feels great and it's like having a new bike! Around Cambridgeshire, the hills (lumps?) all seem to be manageable in this gear. However, I have not experienced a strong headwind yet - Eek! I expect some serious grinding when the headwinds hit. All good training 8-)

I have still yet to get back to regular training and swimming is very dry at the moment!

A Long Time Ago!

August 1983 to be precise! In basic Supply Training at RAF Hereford. I am standing next to my buddy 'Ginge' O'MaHoney who is the only other person still Serving along with myself. I look just the same!!

Move - Phase 2 Complete

Well, it has been a while since I have had the time and access to update my Blog. However, move phase 2 is complete and we are settled into the house up in Staffs Moorlands. It really is a great place and take a look at the house:



Living here has it's associated problems but I won't go into those here. As this is a Triathlon Blog, I try and keep personal whinges/problems away from these posts. Needless to say, however,training has been very limited over the past 5 - 6 weeks. I am now getting some cycling done and the odd run. Swimming has all but dried up. I suppose I should do something about that but as I am unable to race any triathlons next year due to work comittments, my head is saying 'what's the point?'

Readers may remember that I had a sad end to the season, with a leg injury pretty much ruining my attempt at my first Ironman. Well that injury is all but gone . . . I think? I suppose it is hard to tell when training is sparse! Hopefully, the break will have helped me repair and I can run properly again.

As for the coming months, I am not really sure which direction to go in. My thoughts are leaning towards some running focus, whilst I tick over on the bike and swim. After a 2011 season focussing on Middle Distance and Ironman training, I think some shorter stuff, with a focus on run speed could be in order. Not sure if the old bones will take the bashing that comes with speed training; I am feeling my age lately and the swift races I produced during 2011 seem a life time ago already.

There is plenty of chat from RAF Triathletes relating to plans for 2012 and I will really enjoy watching the exploits of everyone. I love results and contrasting performances etc but I am sure I will be a bit whistful when I see some race results from events that I really would have liked to have participated in. Oh well, Let's see what the future brings. Roll on 2014 - new age group . . . . MMmmmmmmm