My club has a London Marathon place going to ballot.
I am debating throwing my name into the hat.
Knowing my luck I’ll probably get it (in a cruel twist of fate and ridiculousness).
And if I did, I’d have to train for it. After saying I would never do a marathon.
Well.I’ve until the end of Sunday to decide if I;m going to throw my name in. I have, however, missed last nights and tonights run. I am off work tomorrow (job interview) so planning on running tomorrow morning and may use that time to contemplate life choices.
I feel like mission sub 30min 5k is back on. It’s been a long time coming but a few weeks out of the water and all my exercise consisting of running and strength training, I’m slowly seeing my park run time drop.
I know consistency is key to getting better – I talk about it a lot with the people I coach swimming too. Putting that into practice while in the stages where everything is hard – takes some doing.
Having a proper break from swimming and JUST running has been good for me. I’m nudging around the 31ish minute mark for my local parkrun and I am slowly finding myself enjoying running more – because I can feel myself getting fitter! Its always been something I find hard but it is genuinely easier to fit into my week at the moment compared to swimming.
All the events I have signed myself up for in the next four months are all running related, so maybe my running will see some good gains this winter. It’s the social side that is keeping me running and has kept the momentum. I’ve even managed some solo runs I mostly feel like I am in a good place – I just need to sort out the yoga habit and just be a bit stricter with myself!
I also want to get back in the pool – fingers crossed in the next few weeks I can fine tune the routine!
And maybe, before Christmas, manage a sub 30min 5k.
Last Saturday was Sundowner Triathlon, a particularly local race which we did in relay – the olympic distance. My last swim event of the year – and it wasn’t without it’s issues but nonetheless, it was a grand day out, followed by a pub tea. Win all round really. Saw in the last club member on the race too (never fun being the last one in).
This Saturday (today) has been equally pretty good but for different reasons. You can definitely tell we are heading towards the end of triathlon/duathlon season as there were few club mates out in the rain at park run this morning.
Mission was to run the whole thing and I nearly did – 20/30s of waking on the fourth lap – I probably could have just slowed it down and run it but pace is definitely improving. I cant decide how much I enjoyed it but I can definitely state that I am enjoying knowing I am getting fitter so something, somewhere, is working. Sub 30 might actually happen – its been a while – so taking that as a win!
This week though, I have generally sacked off swimming. I swam Monday night but I know full well that my shoulder needs pounding out as it is so so tight. It’s going to have to wait until payday anyway and now my wetsuit is off away – might knock the swimming down to twice a week. The students are back at the uni pool which means less decent swim opportunities anyway and, well, I need a break in general and to reacquaint myself better with my trainers!
I might be finding my run mojo again, which is slightly concerning!
Annual leave – if only there was more of it. I genuinely think I could retire and not be bored. First day of annual leave has been filled, to be honest, with lots of odd jobs and getting caught up on some admin for my own business however, there was one unexpected joy.
I was in two minds about swimming this morning. My shoulder is a bit tender – think it is tightness but a message from a mate made me get up and go. It was the last Monday morning swim at my local lake so I went.
I had the whole lake to myself. Granted, it isn’t the most beautiful lake in Yorkshire however, a member’s swim is only £4 and there is lifeguard support. I’ve lost a bit of pace with my ow swimming in the last few years and 3 laps took longer than it should have but it’ll pan out eventually – I probably need to do some really focused strength work over winter. I did feel a bit guilty having essentially my own personal spotter this morning but what a joy! I am so glad I got up and went. Still think swimming is my favourite way to start a day in all honesty.
Coupled with changing my bedding, feeling productive and some lovely conversations – unexpected joys seem to come in many shapes and sizes.
Looks like I’m swimming OW tomorrow morning too – if only summer was longer. (Although my bank balance is looking forward to me going back to tutoring in the next few weeks!)
I am determined that I am going to keep up the blogging habit – even if it’s a bit old hat now and everyone has moved over to Tictok or whatever.
The origins of this blog came out of heartache and change- this year has had a portion of that and it’s been a reminder of what it can be like to be in a relationship (the utter calmness was next level). It also coincided with a bigger change in that I bought a house and was in process of moving in when I was dating.
Flying solo in my late 30s and I think I have managed to make this house a home. This doesn’t mean to say that I wish to stay forever singe – see previous comment!
With all the change, it’s been a bit of an odd year but I do feel more settled. Somethings are easier now I have my own space and coupled with the summer holidays and less tutoring, I have actually had time to do things I enjoy. It all kicks off again in September but we’ll worry about that when we get there.
I have found a routine, work is currently settled – though in the process of applying for another role (promotion would be nice). I have a swim routine and did Coniston End to End again but not as quickly as I know I am able to… Things are good and I am feeling grateful.
On the up coming to do list:
This week – back into swim/training routine. Last week went to pot as I was dog sitting. Work will be mixed as colleague is off all week and no idea who else will/won’t be in. Tutoring will be quiet. General life happenings. Lakes on Sunday for 1500m swim event in Windermere – should be a laugh but think I’m going to day trip it.
Longer term – few odds and sods to sort in the house, continue training, plan what September is going to look like (check diary!), try to blog and hopefully review some of the research I started during Covid on women’s time trialing and cycling. Before someone else writes the book! Oh and to stop buying bedding.
Trying to read more too. Ned Boulting’s recent book has been finished, managed to sneak in another book but I also have about 3 copies of Rouleur to catch up on. I think I could retire and still be busy!
What’s been going on?! I’ve not blogged for a while – time to get back on it!
So it has been a LONG time since I wrote. Life has been busy. I was going to cancel my WordPress subscription and let the website go but then a couple of months ago the payment went out (misjudged that!). Thought I should maybe start blogging again? I’ve been keeping a diary again – that’s what heartbreak does to you! And it’s been a good reminder that I actually enjoy writing. Sixteen year old me would be having a field day at this….
So much has happened in the last year – can’t even remember the last time I put out a blog post? Definitely not the year!
I’ve bought a house! Admittedly with the help of Bank of Mum and Dad.
I’ve done the End to End Swim at Coniston again – honestly really should have blogged that whole experience after 4/5 years away from marathon swimming.
I’ve had a whirlwind romance – and well, still licking wounds and explains the dairy keeping. I appear to only write/keep a diary when I’m heartbroken or life is Not Good. Right bloke + wrong time = wrong relationship. Might write about it and my reflections. Might not.
So, it has been a long time since I wrote. Life is slowing settling into a routine, although summer holidays disrupt this in a good way, and hopefully I can find some time to share my ramblings with the world.
Next on the list – Epic Swim Windermere – 1500m thought- nothing mad!
Well it has been a rather mediocre summer really – the highlight being the two trips abroad cycling. Summer was late arriving and I feel I have wasted it a bit but on the plus side, I appear to be out of the funk I’ve been in for the last year or two.
I think a combination of factors has helped. I feel and am fitter than I have been for a while. More cycling will do that to you! A PB on the deadlift, my swim mojo coming back to life (slowly but surely….) and just generally being more active has lead me to actually ‘doing more’.
It’s been a long time coming. So in celebration of this new found enthusiasm for life – I’ve signed up to swim Coniston End to End again….
And apply for a new job.
I dislike winter and not enjoying the nights closing in, however hopefully there is enough enthusiasm to get me through to next spring…
Its been an interesting couple of years. Lack of mojo, lack of energy and a lack of enthusiasm/feeling of excitement. Although it feels like a corner has been turned!
Positives
Trying new stuff without too much planning: In May, I took a step out of my comfort zone and coupled with one of my friends we took the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam with our bikes, with only hostels booked. It was fabulous. So much so, I am taking my bike on two trains and a ferry to meet the same friend in Calais to camp and cycling around North France with even less planning….
Bring. It. On.
(After a £450/500 bill on a bike that originally cost me £450….)
Saying no/re-evaluating what I do with my time: I am stepping down from the committee I’m on and it’s looking like I probably wont be coaching much, if at all, in the autumn, which I cant say I’m upset about.
Mission mortgage: Is all systems go. I am willing to do the OT hours at work, but have to say, a bit of a break from tutoring over the summer is a welcome rest – grown up stuff.
Swim swim swim: I WANT to swim. I have started swimming more regularly and I am tempted to have another go at Coniston end to end.
Cycling love: following on from the Netherland… I have finally bought a cycling computer (a Wahoo Bolt) and wanting to ride my bike more. Might even make the last TT race next week.
Negatives
Multisport races: Head is not in the game but I suspect that the cold and lack of OW swimming didn’t help. One aquabike booked – DNS’d it. No regrets but it was a cold day spectating!
My shoulder/back is not happy: Old niggle is back but coupled with a poor position at work i suspect. May need some more investigation.
Overall – more positives than negatives…. though the niggly back/shoulder is quite a major one atm…
….. I ran a sub 2 hour marathon then who am I to argue?
Went out for a run with a friend last night and it would appear the bike interval sessions I’ve been doing on the bike are paying off in terms of my running surprisingly (or not).
Last night was first time I’ve actually thoroughly enjoyed a run and it not feel like work from the get go in ages. 1k intervals. No idea what pace as I forgot my watch.
I actually think I run better without the watch. Mate had his on tracking interval length but I resorted to tracking on my phone in my pocket.
Stopped it, got in the car then ‘ping,’ form a friend in the group WhatsApp asking my to coach him to a 2 hour marathon. Leaving me wondering exactly what he was on about.
Well turns out I can run through time if the data is true (spoiler – definitely isn’t true!). I have never known any app be so poor at tracking and jumping some epic 5k time hops. Either way, looked impressive but actually wasn’t.
More annoyed though as it was, like I said, first run I’ve properly enjoyed and felt I was getting some fitness back in a while and it would have been nice to actually see the stats! Instead I’ll just bask in the glow of a good run and a nice confidence boost, while digging out and re lacing the new trainers. Thought it was probably about time….
Yesterday was a bit of a shock to the system (in a good way I think mostly). The biggest shock being how unfit I am! Although a few things were against me compared to normal summer riding but still. I am unfit. I accept this. So with this in mind, what else did I learn yesterday?
1. My winter bike is too big for me. This isn’t something new but more a reminder. My spesh was my second road bike and I bought her when I was still quite new to road cycling. I did get her fitted and she is comfy but compared to my ‘summer’ bike, she is huge and my handling skills aren’t as great as a result.
2. My winter set up is a bit retro by current standards. Claris group set, a triple, 9 speed, dork wheel still in place, reflectors still on. Mudguard. White bar tape (height of practicality). I don’t care – she’s pretty reliable and I have previously done 100 milers on her so meh. Saddle could do with replacing. And she now needs a wash. She is also quite heavy in comparison. But I am also heavier. I need to possibly lose some pounds!
3. Layering up in winter is hard. I have enough kit to shake a stick at but always find it tricky. Yesterday wasn’t too bad but couldn’t find shoe covers so had to make do with toe thingys. Cold toes but hey ho. New cycling gloves from Attaquer proved very good though (but also reminder that breaking and changing gears isn’t as easy with gloves or when your set up isn’t as good as on your fave bike.
4. Yeah the breaks on my bike – not the greatest.
5. Cafe stops on winter rides. Spent yesterday wondering if this was a good idea. My gloves had done an excellent job for first 20 miles but taking them off and putting them on again – but damp inside and therefore cold putting on. Issue didn’t last long…. Should have thought about finding cafe we could lock bikes up at and taken bikes rather than sitting outside. Nice day just cold and obviously got a bit cold – to be fair, soon warmed up heading back.
6. Mud and puddles. Just meh. It was quite nice out yesterday and only one driver was an idiot (so pretty good going). Will make me appreciate summer riding more. I’m sure riding in winter is FAR harder physically and mentally than summer.
7. Riding with friends is good.
8. Warming up and nattering at friends after. Also good.
9. Cycling is/can be faffy. Summer is easier – usually. Less layers and I usually have my basics near back door to grab and leave but winter riding? I didn’t help myself as I’ve barely ridden outside in winter for years. But urgh the amount of stuff! And trying to find stuff too. Loaded car up to get to friends to ride from hers – just stuff everywhere. Now need to unload car of said stuff and sort it.
10. And possibly wash bike. I should do this but might have to wait. I’ve a bit of a to do list to crack on with!
11. Did I mention that I am massively unfit? I have my work cut out for me.
More turbo sessions. More cycling outside. More hills.
The Jilted Triathlete 