Half a job

Why stop half way?

A week on since crossing the line in Staffordshire Half Ironman, [inaugural triathlon] and I've committed to the Full version in Nottingham, in July, run by those lovely people at OSB Events.

However much I try and convince myself that the Half was a significant achievement, then I just know that not attempting a Full would haunt me at some stage in the future.

With around 6 weeks to go, then I'm intending to spice up training with a few landmark weeks that will include, but not necessarily limited to;

  • A 100 mile running week
  • A 250 mile cycling week
  • A single cycle ride >150 miles
  • A 5,500 yard open water swim
I'm going to cobble together a personalised training plan, but in the meantime here is the activity for week-ending 17th June.

10th June

2,020m Open Water swim @ 1.53 min/100yd
56.39 mi Cycling @ 18.1 mph
12.85 mi Running @ 9.33 min/mi

That's the Half-Ironman and pretty much to plan with the exception of the run, which was slightly disappointing as had hoped for a sub 2-hour.

Celebrated a little too enthusiastically at Merckx Belgian Bar in Eccleshall on the way home. Had dreams of numerous pints of Stella Black on the final lap of Stafford, but surprised to discover it's been discontinued and consoled myself with something equally Belgian and potent.
 
11th June
 
16.87 mi Cycling @ 16.5 mph

Felt a little wooly after inappropriate hydration prior day with a combination of strong continental lager and a robust bottle of Malbec. 
Legs felt surprisingly OK, maybe I've discovered the perfect warm down....

12th June

3,363m Open Water swim @ 1.53 min/100yd
16.87 mi Cycling @ 17.7 mph
3.48 mi Running @ 8.23 min/mi

Super open water swim in the paradise pool that is Ellesmere, followed by an equally enjoyable pint at the Sun Inn on the way home.

13th June

Rest day - 18 holes of satisfactory golf at Lilleshall 

14th June

Swimming pool intervals

200m warm up and 500m warm down
5 x 100m swimming maximum effort [best pace 1:44 min/100yd]
5 x 50m swimming maximum effort [best pace 1:36 min/100yd]

7.19 mi Running @ 8.31 min/mi

15th June

51.76 mi Cycling @ 15.8 mph

Started slow, finished strong, although not aided by previous nights BBQ

16th June

Rest day - 18 holes of very poorly played golf at Lilleshall 

17th June

7.22 mi Running @ 8.07 min/mi

Thoughts of the week

  • Feeling ok in spite of excessive alcohol consumption
  • Left hamstring feels tight ish [cramped painfully in latter stages of 70.3 run]
  • Right achilles a little fizzy, but this is fairly common ailment since straining last year
  • Get a schedule sorted for the next 6 weeks
  • Can I watch England play football without a beer? 

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