The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new

Time to get a move on!

CHANGE.  All change. The past few weeks have been all about this.  It's crazy how fast things can change. But as they say, whoever, the f**k they are: 'You can't start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.'

Life has to move forward because everything has its time and everything ends. So with all these clichés in mind and without airing dirty laundry via my blog - with some magical memories and a pang of sadness I end one chapter, to begin writing my next.

Bridget Jones on a bicycle is back. The past few weeks I've been fuelled by Vodka and a lot of it! But. The. Fun. Must. Stop. Letting my hair down before IM mania kicks in - is acceptable - but come December 28th the road to dry-IRONMAN begins.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that one part of your life starts going okay, another falls spectacularly to pieces.  @BridgetJonesQuotes was another #epic Twitter discovery. 

Good. Old. Bridge Thankfully the Ironman training is going great guns.  My coached prescription training plan started two weeks ago.   Thanks to @P_Coach_Me I have been working on setting Heart Rate Zones through a series of TT's (Time trials) and tests. I'm learning more about myself and exactly what my body is capable of. Physically I am #feelingfocused. Mentally and emotionally, however, I'm #feelingabitfrazzled

Too often us TRY-athletes fall guilty of keeping exceptionally busy to bury our feelings.  I know, I'm guilty of this - but I believe that taking care of our emotional self is just as important as our physical well being.  Have you ever gone to do a workout/training session when you're angry, sad or just feeling empty and it's gone completely tits up, or resulted in a crash and burn out?

Without throwing a pity party blog - I took some time in-between training to think and reflect.  With the help of my good friend, Google- we researched the idea of Emotional Fitness. I've hashed together some waffle to help compliment my IM prescription. Think of it as weight training for brain - so, if you're ever experiencing an emotional dip - dip out from training and try these 12 Simple exercises to #Fightthefrazzle

 

1. Embrace what you have Look around you - look at everything you have in your life.  I don't mean possessions. Although my shiny Specialized bike makes me smile every time. Whether it's bright and bouncy nephews, a hilarious mad aunt - a friend who's full of life.  Make time for these people. Scoop them up in your arms.  Inhale. Write down a list of the things you are grateful for. Forget about what's lost and gone, It's now in the past.  Look forward - not back. embrace life with every breath.

2. Remember your mission Whether it's to create harmony and peace in your life, paint a masterpiece, run an ultra-marathon, become a mother - or create the family you never had.  Keep this in your mind.  Always.  Having a purpose and goal gives you a sense of who you really are and want to become or achieve.  I want to be an Ironman, did I mention it?

3. Be with Beauty  Without sounding image conscious - learn to surround yourself with things which make you feel beautiful . Beauty comes in many guises.  If you love flowers, surround yourself with them.  If you love art, immerse yourself in it. If music makes your heart dance - listen to it - loudly...If you love men in lycra, go on your local club ride (ha ha -jokes - you get the picture) Only be with things that make you feel great. Remove toxic people from your life and avoid the things which make you feel bad.   

4. Move your body  Anything from walking to power lunging.  Do more of what makes you feel alive! Get those happy Dolphins circulating around your bloodstream (endorphins).  Nothing will happen if you just sit around waiting. 

5.Remember who cares Phone a friend.  Ask the audience.  You are everything to someone.  Remember who these people are and make an effort to keep them in your lives.

6.Practice kindness This is one of my favourites.  Must. Be.  Sincere.  If you love what someone is wearing or how they are smelling - tell them.  Shout it from the rooftops.  A small compliment could mean the world to someone. (But don't say it if you don't mean it)  If you see someone stranded at the roadside with a flatty - offer to help.  Talk to everyone.  I do! Making one person smile can change the world - maybe not the world - but their world.

 

7. Laugh, play, have fun  Easy when you can surround yourself with children. Happiness really is child's play! The simple things in life.  Growing up - I wasn't surgically attached to my phone or social media - there's nothing more fun than a game of hide and seek with the nephews (except when they can't find you and your stuck underneath the bed for 30 minutes). Laughing is such a tonic. Make sure you do it often. I'm grateful for all the magical friends in my life who continue to keep me laughing and smiling.

8. Create  Yes, lets make and do My sister and I had a great book while growing up and we made all sorts of things from it.  Kept us quiet too. Simple tasks also quiet the mind. Jewellery making, drawing, Christmas card writing...knitting.  Writing!  How could I forget writing.  Blogging - so cathartic.  Life isn't about finding yourself - it's about creating yourself.

9. Indulge in healthy pleasures  I won't put what my initial thoughts are.  But you can probably guess. If you like chocolate - a little bit of what you fancy does you good.  What we learn with pleasure we never forget. (Oh sadly, isn't this just so apt)

10. Forgive and let go  Don't harbour on to negative feelings or jealousy either.  Remember when you forgive you heal.  When you let go - you grow. 

11. Forgive yourself  We. All. Fuck. Up. FACT. Realise what's done is done and move on from the experience! Dwelling on past bad decisions only allows those decisions to keep defining yourself.  Forgive yourself and MOVE ON!

12. Be grateful Again goes back to the start. EMBRACE everything in life.  We just never know when our time's up! The happiest people do not have the best of everything - they make the best of everything they have.

 

Training week Monday 1st - Sunday 6th December

 

'I absolutely believe that people unless coached never reach their maxiumum capabilities.'

 

And so now my real coached journey begins.  Hello Training Peaks. Hello @P_Coach_Me I place my trust in you! Thou shall promise to follow your instructions as much as I can.  In return, I expect you to get ME (said, old Dobbin) race fit and chomping at the bit for #AustriaIM2015. I'm ready and I want to be the best I can be!

 

Swim Not the most adventurous or energetic of swim weeks. But coach did warn me that the first couple of weeks were about testing, testing 1, 2, 3.  In true typical numpty Sam style I forgot to take my HR monitor on my work trip to Cancun  which meant a few of my run sessions were jiggled about and a swim session forfeited. however I bashed out a couple of cool down technique sessions at the beginning of the week.  I had hoped for an open water sea swim in Mexico, sadly, the red flag remained up for the whole five days. Mad, yes, but I didn't fancy my chances of survival! Swim time: 1hour 5 minutes Swim distance: 3500m

 

Bike A good solid TT test on Monday on the Watt Bike. I felt I'd pushed hard enough and was thrilled with 10 miles in 28:02 minutes.  Perhaps there is hope for me next year when the road TT season kicks off. 17.2km covered in 30 minutes. With an average HR of 139 and a 30 min warm up and cool down each side. Job done. Then a blowy and wet two hour road ride on Tuesday dodging the wind as much possible banking a respectable 50km                                             Bike time: 3hr 3 mins Bike distance: 95.2km

 

Run Mexico. I love you.  You gave me my running mojo back.  Whether it was the heat, or the stunning surroundings, yes, even the Chavlar Cancun strip was mildly inspiring - it's back! I ran confidently free and happy! I had a few 'go girl' moments and a Mexican who High Fived me (my running appreciation dream come true) - which gave me an instant boost #Runninghappy Run time: 2hrs 55 minutes Run Distance: 29.3km 

 

Other activities: Strength and conditioning in the gym, barefoot walking on beach in sand,  Two pump classes, a Bodybalance class and a Partridge in a pear tree!  More than 11 hours of training but I still don't feel it was enough! #Mental Thanks for reading

 

 

 

Some seek the comfort of their therapist's chair, others head to the corner of the pub and dive into a pint - I chose running

 

You know you are a runner when your immediate response to any conflict or problem  life throws at you is 'I need to go for a run'

And boy does it give good results.  Issues, lets face it.  We. All. Have. Them. Some more than others, but none the less - whatever demons or worries you have - they're all relative - to you and you alone.  And no one else can help you overcome them - apart from yourself.  That's one thing I have learned in my 33 years of existence.

Behind every triathlete or TRYathlete like myself, there is a story.  I won't bore you with mine - but a lack of excitement drove me to the sport and not long after entering the wonderful world of triathlon a stagnant relationship failed and a new one emerged full of bikes, gadgets and lycra.  Then I wondered why anyone would want a relationship with all these fun exhilarating events to throw yourself into, huh!? Who was I tri-ing to kid

Jokes aside though - triathlon is a fantastic focus and has been a welcomed distraction for me in the past few years.  At first it was an o-so-social thing at my local health club, but as it's reeled me in - I soon became hooked. As I continue to develop and improve in the sport I find myself just wanting to push even more boundaries. Isklar Norseman Xtreme Triathlon anyone? Back to the point of running as therapy Samantha, dear.

For anyone who knows me - I am reactive.  I. Can't. Help. It. So when life throws a bit of shit my way I react rather than. STOP. PAUSE. RATIONALISE.  I am getting better at these three things, and we all cope in our own little ways.  But I urge any of you to STOP - THINK and then RUN before reacting or doing or saying something you later might regret. 

Someone once told me this quote and it has stuck with me for a long time:

'If you are depressed you are living in the past.  If you are anxious you are living in the future.  If you are at peace you are living in the present'

And isn't this so true.  I had a bout of anxiety this year and it was to do with worrying about things out of my control! So silly!  Anyway.  Living in the present (not one wrapped by Santa) but thee here and NOW - this is one thing I am getting better at . 

You cannot change what's happened in the past.  It's gone.  Forget.  Move on.  Do cherish those memories that are worth clinging on to - but remember they are just memories. And STOP worrying about the future and what it holds.  Sadly, no one has a big crystal ball to look in to and predict what's going to happen - and there's no point worrying about what you think might happen.  Be present in the moment.  And BOOM that's where running comes in.  Fall in love with your feet again.  When the worry hits grab your trainers and GET. The. Fuck. Out!  If you are like me you will only drive yourself bonkers overthinking shit that really isn't worth worrying about.  My great friend Russell B sent me a funny picture quote by text this week. (Another 'frwiend for life' who I met through local triathlon.)  He, knows how I love a good quote - but it made me roar with laughter.

 It reads: I've got 99 problems and 86 of them are completely made up scenarios in my head that I'm stressing about for absolutely no logical reason.'

So instead of stressing put your best foot forward and get your run freak on! Music is also just as good, when mixed with running can provide AWESOME happy results as I discovered on today's run along the Cancun strip in Mexico.  All of my worries subsided as I just inhaled my surroundings - I couldn't believe it when a happy lil' Mexican high fived me!  #simplethingsmakemesmile. A lizard jumping out from the bushes and on to the pavement gave me the fright of my life, old ladies laughing and joking at the bus stop waiting for their ride.  It really is the simple things.  Go get out - and see what's about.  I dare you.

My top ten RUN HAPPY tracks (in no particular rating order)

1. Taylor Swift - SHAKE IT OFF - (does exactly what it says on the tin)

2. Jubel - Klimgande - Reminds me of good times in Lanza @hollie4kona

3. Delerium - Silence - Reminds me of my clubbing days and my bestie Kimbo

4. Danny Byrd - Sweet Harmony - Got to love a bit of D n B

5. OT Quartet - Hold That Sucker Down - Makes me want to put hands in air

6. Carte Blanche - Veracocha

7. Van Halen - Jump

8. Calvin Harris - Sweet Nothing

9. David Guetta - She Wolf

10. The Shapeshifters - Lola's Theme

'Give the girl the right pair of running shoes and she can conquer the world!'Amen to that running sisters and Tri bro's ha!

 

‘Obsessed is a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated’

Week: 31. Monday 25 November - Sunday 31st November

Another great training week, another tough call to pick an apt opening quote!  Jeez there’s just so many good ones out there to choose from. This week’s (above) is borrowed from my dudemuffin mate, Ben-jam- (who’s currently) in New Zealand lording it up.  So this one’s for you fishface - it was going to be: The distance between your dreams and reality is called discipline.’

And that I am. Disciplined. Yes,  I am taking this training seriously.  And guess what - I am actually blardy loving the focus and structure of this Ironman shizzle.  I am actually raring to go.  Lets hope I can keep this enthusiasm up for another 30 weeks! But lets not forget that I keep it fun - at all times.  You won’t find me skipping a group ride, or a run because I’m training in my ‘HR Zones’.

Two paragraphs of waffle and I’ve still not covered much.  So lets cut to the core.

Swim

'You NEVER regret a swim'  (well, I never do)

Sadly no Caribbean open water sea swims for me this week. Shucks.  Back to the chlorine pitt for some 25 metre pensioner dodging at Virgin inactive,  A chilled out warm down 1km swim/post jet lag cleanse on Monday.  Wednesday was a pool toy extravaganza working on technique - I find that drills make a 3km set whizz by. Got talking to a mate who recommended some strange looking finns,  Aqua Sphere Alpha Finns -  http://www.wiggle.co.uk/aqua-sphere-alpha-fins-1/

So they’re on order! Thursday had a post run 2.5km swim before jetting off to Lanza…but for business this time (#TFTS toflytoserve), not pleasure (cycling) #smilesintheaisles

Swim time: 2hr 15 minutes Distance: 6.5km

 

Bike: 

'Life is a beautiful ride'

Good old Sussex by the Sea.  I get to travel the world, but you really can't beat a ride here #homeiswheretheheartis in the crisp winter sun, along the waterfront, or escaping the roads for the hidden hills.  Monday I did a loopio up to Arundel just to blow away the post jet lag cobwebs. Tuesday I met my friend Sarah Jouault - truly incredible and inspirational woman. In the last 13 years she has raised more than 100k for a host of charities.  She's raced for Britain 7 times and ranked 1st in her AG at Bolton Ironman as well as the big Dance, The World Championships, Kona !  So I was happy for her to share all her top cycling tips with me as we attacked the four hills of Arundel in the rain.

Saturday I biked to my ‘happy place’ The Guarana Bar, Sydney Street www.guaranaco.com  YOU. MUST. GO! And treated myself to a wheatgrass special, Acai Smoothie and a warm Guarana Punch (new winter warmer - couldn't resist) I had already clocked up 40km through the rolling hills so I needed some fuel for the way home. And that is. Just. What. It. Is.  Google Guarana for the full benefits (what I tell everyone to do if hey need a full explanation for anything - surely you don't want me to waffle on) Anyway - it's like a natural stimulant - think speed for a health nut job like me. Anyway I'm always #buzzin after my fix.  I love the stuff so much that I've bought my own selection of powders to make my own smoothies.  They include: Jungle Love (said to be a natural aphrodisiac formula), Jungle Gym and Jungle Super Energy Boost with Acai.  I could tell you a funny story about the Jungle Love -but I don't want to cause any red faces, nor, do I want to embarrass that special person #DM.  Count yourselves very lucky because I'm sharing my favourite Banana and Berry Ball Bike Buster recipe below (no, it's not the Jingle Jangle Jungle Love one!)

Bike time: 7hrs 8minutes  Distance: 205.2km

 

Run

 The hardest part is deciding to go' AND.... 

Run like there's a hot guy in front of you and a creepy one behind you!

I've really got my running mojo back of late thanks to my Caribbean canters in Antigua.  Can't beat the Sussex sea air and just running free.  Those of you who've shirked on the run because of the weather. Man. The. Fuck. Up.  Once you're out it's positively refreshing. That's all I am going to say on this front.  Also, It's late, I am tired and I fly to MEXICO tomorrow.  (yes, I had to rub that in)

Run time: 2hrs 50minutes Distance: 23.3km

Total kilometres covered: 235KM BOOM

Other fitness related shenanigans:

BodyPump x 2, Bodybalance  x 1, Running up and down the Boeing 737 - touching the trolley, touch the galley top -

Sam’s Power Beetroot Smoothie

You will need:

Kenwood Smoothie2Go machine - or a substandard whizzer/blender

Ingredients

250ml Beet It - Beetroot juice

100ml Alpro coconut milk

1 teaspoon - or table spoon if you want to blast it of Jungle Super Energy Boost with Acai

2.5 Tablespoons frozen blueberries

1/2 or if you are feeling greedy a whole banana - I prefer the ones that are going black

3 cubes of ice

How to make:

Simples.  Add all the magical ingredients to the jug part of the blender and turn on full power for 2-3 minutes. (squatting while waiting for it to mix is optional as is dancing) but avoid making at unsociable hours as with the ice cubes it does sound pneumatic drill like.  Perfect if you want to wind up the neighbours.

Warning: 

You will be #buzzin after drinking this and will want to go put the fun between those legs (aka ride like the wind on your bike)

END NOTE: You have one month to finish the book of 2014.  Make the last chapter a perfect one.  Until next time folks!

‘Strive for nothing less than the BEST you can BE’

 

Week: Monday 17th November – Sunday 23rd November

 

I gave up comparing myself to others a few years ago - it was a different lifetime back then.  The media industry has a lot to answer for when it comes to peoples’ hopes, fears and dreams.  It can build them up and send them crashing down will one foul swoop of depictions, portrayals and headlines. Don’t. Get. Me.  Started. I won’t go off on a meedjia rant! As Baz Luhrmann wrote:  ‘Do NOT read beauty magazines – they will only make you feel UGLY.’

 

What’s this got to do with my Ironman journey? Well beauty magazines certainly aren’t going to be of any help getting me to the finish line, that’s for sure – but…. Hear. Me. Out.  With a plethora of books, magazines and more importantly top athletes out there winning races, left, right and centre it’s hard not to be slightly envious of their success – I sometimes find myself thinking ‘I wish I was as good as X, Y, Z.  It’s what we do. Comparing is human nature.  But unlike these trashy Z list celebs who acquire fame for no good reason – athletes certainly deserve their glory, after all, they train hard all day every day.  Back to your point Miss May. The point is – this is THEIR job.  It’s what they do – I’m not in it to win it so I must not feel bad for being mildly average in every way.  (Unlike Mary Poppins who is practically perfect). After all that waffle the outcome is:

 

‘Ironman training is not about being better than someone else – it’s about being better than you used to be.’ 

 

This Ironman experience is just six months of my life and I’m putting everything in to place to BE THE BEST I CAN BE. I want to rock up to that start line champing at the bit to race, knowing that I have done everything I possibly could to have the best day possible. Rah, rah, rah! This week I had a lovely long chat with my newly acquired coach on Wednesday and he's assured me that he can help with the racehorse shizzle! From December 1st I am in his safe hands @P_Coach_Me (poor man doesn't know what he's let himself in for) #needyironnewbie

 

This week’s blog post will mainly be dedicated to the Baz Luhrmann Sunscreen lyrics as it is one of my mantra’s to life.  If you have a chance – have a listen.  Whatever mood you are in – it’s a real tonic!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

 

 

(I’m currently listening on repeat as I write!)

 

Swim

 

‘Do one thing every day that scares you’

 

After knuckling down with revision last week I successfully passed all my SEP exams, which meant lucky me got to go to Antigua! Whoop de fook! Sometimes I have to pinch myself.  My job takes me to some amazing places, which just so happen to be awesome for training too! The thought of swimming in the bay At St James Club resort kept me going through the long days up at Heathrow.  During the week I’d managed to clock up an impressive 5km in zee pool over three different swim sessions – speed, technique and the usual fun. Mermaid mode had been activated. My first swim in the bay was so relaxing.  I am happiest when I am swimming free in the sea.  You can’t beat that feeling of just you and the ocean, oh ok, there were canoers, paddle boarders, pedolers (#isthatevenaword) but still, it beats chlorine, noisy children, slow lane hoggers and unhygienic changing areas any day.  I was able to lengthen my stroke up and down the bay and take it easy without the tediousness of turning every 25m.  What. A. Treat.  I’d clocked a house at the other side of the bay and had set myself the target to swim out to it around the perimeter of the bay on day 2. Full of great ideas me.  So even a storm mid paddle boarding didn’t put me off. (MadMay strikes again.) Thing is. If I set myself a challenge in my head I have to stick to it.  That’s. Just. Me. #Mentalist.  So off I went in search of the house.  The swim there was lush, easy and relaxed - I managed to get over to the house within 12 minutes, however, as I swam round the other side of the bay the tide had turned.   Waves were crashing in to my face and I was swimming and getting nowhere fast! I’d already been rescued by the safety boat on the Paddle board, but, no one knew where I was now - a black cap was also #stupidchoice, so it’s not like anyone could see me so far out!  I started to panic but got my head down and ploughed in to the waves – there was a boat heading towards me and I had visions of me being bulldozed and left for dead!  Hahah.  But I just kept on swimming like a Forest Gump of the sea. And gave myself a good telling off!  ‘Tho shall not be so adventurous on my next open water swim post storm down route.’ Well, perhaps next time I should at least tell the crew of my swim plans or wear a bright hat! This is a typical numptyism of Sam! Thankfully, I made it back in one piece and actually enjoyed the challenge. #sickbitch

 

Swim totals for the week:  Training time: 2hrs 43 minute Distance: 8km (BOOMSHAKALAKA)

 

Bike

 

Get plenty of calcium.  Be kind to your knees – you’ll miss them when they’ve gone

Ok, this quotes got nothing to do with cycling but its Baz Luhrman quote week remember:

I prefer: ‘Cycling – put the fun between your legs.’

 

Three long school days meant I had no time to bike during the week – apart from my single day off on Thursday.  Thank heavens for #WattBikes is all I can say! Although, I’d rather be out on my bike in the fresh air than sat like a twat on a stationary bike in a gym full of people - pedalling nowhere very fast.

 

I must treat myself to a Turbo Trainer soon – but my new living arrangements means I don’t actually have the space to drip with sweat in the comfort of my own home.  Thank heavens for Chrissie Wellington’s Ride Harder series. Get on the bike – pop in my headphones and hey Presto, I am being coached by a four time world champion telling me to ‘feel the burn, love the burn’.  Standard warm up then interval sets and blocks of riding hard, then fast with minute recoveries in between.  The first time I listened to it – the music was hugely motivating – but now on my 1005th playback it has become a bit of a drone. (That is my only complaint) Chrissie’s unique and infectious enthusiasm will never tire –and I find this programme hugely motivating – especially after a long day of learning.  Having someone to kick you in to touch is just what you need. And she is just a legend.  Anyone training for an Ironman should read her book ‘A Life Beyond Limits’.  What she has gone on to achieve in such a short space of time is truly remarkable and she has battled a few demons of her own.  There’s Ride Harder 1, 2 and 3.  1 is just 40 minutes, 2 is 60 and 3 is 97 – all are challenging and you will sweat buckets if you do them!  Depending on how long I have, and how long I can be bothered to sit indoors on a bike – I mix and match the tracks to the fit the amount of time I have available.  This week I did two one hour sessions.  Then on Thursday I hit the roads as it was dry and crisp and I felt strong and powerful powering up Bostal Hill (those sessions really do help!)  I just need to stop being such a pussy on the descent I get so #godarnscared. Perhaps I can practice in Lanzarote next month.  There’s plenty of hills to be found there!

 

Bike totals for the week:  Training time: 3hrs 20 minutes Distance: 94km (only 32 of them out on the road!)

 

Run

 

‘Remember the compliments you receive.  Forget the insults, if you succeed in doing this, tell me how’ 

I know, I’m going off on one with these Bazism’s but will explain later.  In the meantime:

 

‘Hills. We love them. We hate them.  They make us strong.  They make us weak.  I chose to embrace the rolling hills of Antigua’.

 

This was the week of the run.  Of late I have become slack and lazy with element of training.  Post ankle break I air on the side of over cautious in the wet UK terrain.  This week there was no excuse – I was off to the Caribbean with work for sun, sea and RUNning (of course). I’d banked a 5km run in creepy Crawley on Tuesday pounding the pavements at night… so come Saturday morning I was raring for a sunlight run. Antigua is great for running – as it’s so hilly.  An awesome way to strengthen those big engines while soaking up some of the Caribbean lifestyle.  I decided to ditch the Ipod so I could take it all in, Yah man. The first hill out of the hotel had me panting but as I got into a relaxed rhythm it felt comfortable. Everywhere in Antigua is beautiful, green and luscious no wonder Eric Clapton decided to live here. 3km in and I’m greeted by a man on a donkey carrying what can only be described as a sword… I’m a bit dubious, but none the less give him my widest nasher smile say ‘good morning’ and continue to jog on. Before I know it I’m 6km in and halfway up Shirley Heights - a huge hill 490ft above sea level.  But I don’t go to the top as I’m out of steam – I turn and trot back to the hotelio, after all I needed to save all my energy for paddle boarding fun! As I run through the little town locals clap and shout me and for a split second I feel like an athlete. One local shouts ‘you go girl, doing great.’ So I think of Good ol Baz and hold on to this compliment to power me home. Running strong, free and now confidently! On day 2 I treat myself to a barefoot beach run along the sand.  Great workout for the butt!

 

Run totals for the week: Training time: 2hours 46 minutes. Distance: 26km

 

Other fitness related activities this week:

 

The standard two Bodypump classes, a great tri specific strength and conditioning set with #tritart - And who could not forget my 45 minutes of Paddle boarding fun! There’s deffo a SUP tri event in me next year!

 

Total extras: 3hrs 10 mins

 

Total weeks training times: 11 hours 53 minutes. Not. Too. Shabby

 

I will leave you with this one last thought:

‘Don’t waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes your ahead, sometimes your behind… the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.’

Good. Old. Baz.  Until next time peeps

'She turned her can’t into cans and her dreams in to plans’

What. A. Week. #epic! Follow me @tritheworldover

 

 It. Went. Like. This:

1. Decide what it is you want - Austria Ironman 2015

2. Write that shit down - (Here it is – the form of a blog)

3. Make a fucking plan (sorry Glenda, that’s another 50p for the swear tin) -plan is get a professional coach (he can take care of the training plan). Check.  Other plans included researching into getting a new bike. Check.  Being more social with the training. Check.  Getting to some more of my wonderful tri club (Tuff Fitty not Tuff Titty) coached sessions. Check

4. And work on it. Every. Single. Day -and yes, yes I have! And boy does it feel good! #eatsleeptrainrepeat #eatsleeptrainrepeat #eatsleeptrainrepeat yes, yes you get the picture!

For those of you who know me well you will know that indecision has let me down in the past year –This House of Prayer quote describes it well: (PS I’m not f@@king religious)

‘Indecision is debilitating – it feeds upon itself, it is, one might say habit forming.  Not only that – but it is contagious – it transmits itself to others.’

I am forever asking people – what do you think I should do – and why do you think this is?  Because I bloody doubt myself, when really I shouldn’t.  Hence the bumblebee/racehorse post.  Now we have that sorted and the self-belief bandwagon up and running hopefully indecision will no longer be an enemy of my progress in all areas of my life.  It may sound like I am talking in riddles.  I probably am.  But my dear friends will know what I am on about.  One thing I have learnt from the various mistakes I have made in the past year is that:

‘Time does not wait and indecision will only let opportunities slip by’ so, now I’ve picked my Ironman path I can walk confidently with my heart behind every step. Yada, yada, yada! Grab life by the balls people! JUST do it – whatever it is your heart is telling you to do! Go for GOLD!  Time waits for no, ironman!

So the first week of my Ironman training plan is done! BOOM I won’t forget it – all the threes 3thirtythree3.  One down 3thirtytwo2 to go and it. Went. A. Bit. Like. This:

Swim hours: 1hr 35 mins Kilometres swam: 6.1km

‘Home is where the pool is’

Swimming is a great love of mine – chorine it runs through my veins, I could swim all day every day – but not the channel ha-ha.  I think I used to be a dolphin or a mermaid in a past life because being in the water just feels natural to me. 

Unfortunately, I didn’t get much pool time this week. It started off well with a 4km endurance set with Mr Latham.  But the long monotonous cool down set got to my shoulders and I had exam revision guilt so I bottled it and got out after 3.3km.  I do loathe a long drill set - I tend to switch off past 400m. Also managed to get to a Tuffy coached swim session on Saturday, which was very good Lardy mixed it up with lots of tempo, speed and drill efforts.  And you can’t beat training with others.  A bit of banter in between sets always helps to keep motivated too!

Cycling hours: 7hrs 40 minutes Kilometres travelled: 244

‘Cycling releases a chemical that makes you feel utterly smug and superior for the rest of the day’….DISCUSS

Not sure I ALWAYS agree with this quote.  But this week the riding has been pretty awesome.  Yes, there’s been wind and rain, but no tantrums or toys thrown out of the pram and I even managed to keep up on the Sunday Tuff Fitty club ride (notoriously known for dropping people out – sorry @Totallyfuelled - had to be mentioned). I was hanging on for dear life at one point and was amazed to look at my Garmin and see I was managing to push 38kmph at one point on the flat. WTF! So my cycling in Lanza paid off and I have a very special person to thank for that. #DM

Anyway, being an amateur cyclist I have been known to cop the odd strop– quite simply because in the past I have not been fast, or good enough to keep up with this group riding malarky. Last year my quite simply legendary friend Jon C earned himself a medal in my Sam’s wall of awesome triathlon people.  He just put up with my teenage outbursts as did Kevlar. I will never forget my first 100 mile ride with the Bognor lot when I boinked at 70 miles with no nutrition and became snappier than a crocodile - he was there with his energy drink and dear words of encouragement.  Who could forget that fateful 100km Tuff Fitty winter ride where I got dropped and I wanted to throw my bike in the hedges.  I can laugh about it now, but at the time I was ready to tantrum that man is such a calming influence. So, thank you Jon!

I truly believe if it hadn’t been for all those long fat burning IM Bolton rides he invited me along to (and I’m sure dropped his pace) I would still be plodding along at granny pace.  Building speed on the bike is quite simply down to time in the saddle.  And this week I banked some great hours on the bike . (if you want a funny triathlon book – read  Sex, Lies and Triathlon by Leib Dodell – unfortunately there is nothing in there about how sex improves your triathlon times, or indeed anything about sex.  But sex sells, so think that’s why it’s in the title.  However, it talks about the importance of banking good bike and run miles when the weather is good - it’s also quirky and you can really relate to everything he writes about!)

Run time: A disappointing 29 minutes Kilometres ran: 5:13km

‘Running  - cheaper than therapy’

So why the hell aren’t I pounding the pavements!? After all I need all the help I can get! HA. Hands up if this weather has caused you to lose that running mojo of yours, or is it just me? – I did, however, manage to claim a bit of it back.  But let’s face it -This weather is hardly run inspiring and it’s only going to get worse.  I thought about it a lot.  I looked outside. A lot.  I thought about it again. And the excuses came too easily: ‘It’s too cold, it’s too wet, it’s too dark.’  In the end I tweeted for inspiration @thisfatgirlruns told me to just get out and put one foot forward.  So after a glass of #manthefuckup I donned the trainers and opted for a safe promenade run.  Slow and steady. Next week is run week – I promise!

Other training activities worth noting:

A rather entertaining Insanity Class at David Lloyd, with the original coach, Paul P.  You can’t beat a bit of side shuffling and burpee-ing, and deep squatting – after all this functional sh#t strengthens those muscles. After all I need to be a #fitleanfightingmachine

Bodypump and BodyBalance

1000 rep challenge. 10 sets of 100 exercises! Go me! Lunges, squats… you get the picture!

All in all a very active and social week!

Total training hours banked: 13 ish

Thoughts for week 3thirtytwo2:

The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday

1.       More running

2.       More swimming

3.       Less biking!

The power of THREE!

It will be interesting to see how much training I manage to fit in with a full on week of SEP exams and returning to the skies.  Roger that. Over and out.

PS: I am not powered by fairy dust – but …. www.totallyfuelled.com  CHECK. IT. OUT! @totallyfuelled

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”

How I got here!

 

 

I first entered the triathlon world just over two years ago, having trained at my local David Lloyd in a 12 week group triathlon programme with fellow newbies. To say I was absolutely clueless about triathlon was an understatement. My sister and her partner had been trying to coax me into their world for years, but having explained the distances of their Ironman efforts, I thought the sport sounded a rather ludicrous.

 

Anyway, after my basic triathlon training and first sprint tri under my race belt (Virgin Active Brighton Triathlon formally Esporta Brighton Triathlon) I soon became hooked.

 

However, training smart didn't seem to sit very well in my vocabulary. I have always been an all or nothing girl, so triathlon was another all focus. I would get to some of my local club training sessions, continue with my regular gym classes and just swim, bike and run when I could with little or no thought to the volume or intensity. Looking back I probably over trained - giving my body little or no time to recover. I've never been good with routine and structure if I have to organise it. Partly down to my scatty nature and the fact my job sees me literally all over the place.  So training was all very mishmashed and without specific goals.

 

My first ever triathlon was at the end of the 2011 season, so the rest of that year was spent trying to run more than 5km without stopping and trying to enjoy it. The next year I entered a handful of local triathlons and enjoyed them, but did them to complete, not compete. It was still very much a social thing.

 

Swimming had always been my strongest discipline so when I entered the Worthing Sprint (sea swim) and finished ahead of fellow DL'ers this gave me my first taste of success. I knew if I could improve on my weakest disciplines, running and biking I could potentially be better than my peers. The next year I focussed soley on running and completed two sub 4.10 marathons. Again, my all or nothing approach had led me to focus on running. Although, this very same year I completed my first half iron middle distance (Swashbucker) in a respectable 5hrs 39 with a very random training plan I'd plucked from the internet. I completed a few other triathlons that year with very mediocre results and decided that 2014 would be the year I would train smarter, with the aim of posting better results. In Oct 2013, post Amsterdam Marathon I signed up for Berlinman August 2014, a middle distance tri, with the intention of making it a 5:30 finish with my ultimate goal being Austria Ironman 2015.

 

However, my training came to a complete halt when worst nightmare came true. I broke my ankle after losing footing in a pothole on a marathon training run on the South downs Dec 31st 2013 (Happy New Year me!) Thankfully I can now look back and see all the positives that came from what at the time felt the end of the world.

 

A Bloc waterproof sock became my friend and swimming my saviour. When my swim sets became monotonous and I lacked creativity, I moaned to a  friend who highly recommended that I looked online for swim sets and read The Triathlete Bible that she'd given me to swat up on having a smarter approach to training. Sustaining an injury changes the way you think - I could no longer carry on training like an insane mad woman.  I had to be safe and sensible in my recovery.  I certainly wasn't an athlete. But I thought, having signed up to Berlinman perhaps I needed to be a trigeek and plan my training to help me get to the start line, just fit to race, regardless of posting a decent time. Anything was worth a shot. I felt miserable and disheartened by the injury.

 

With some mish mash coaching advice from the tinternet and various tri friends in the past year I feel I have gone from. Try-athlete to potential triathlete in a matter of months .

 

Sustaining an injury is physically and emotionally exhausting. From day 1, having people around me that I could ask about my training helped me to focus on what I could be achieving.  

 

Putting together engaging swim and strength and conditioning plans plucked from the internet also helped to give me a clear structured focus. It was refreshing to complete creative and well devised swim sets.   Swimming became less monotonous  and varied with every swim session that I ticked off. It was even better when I managed to train with others, especially my good pal, Mike Latham, third time channel legend.

 

I soon felt not only stronger in the water, but also physically and emotionally and confident that I could recover well from my injury.

 

Recovering from an injury is a long and slow process and it's hugely encouraging to have triathlon friends on tap to put your mind at ease.

 

Over the following few months of swim training plans, I became stronger in the water. I noticed my times had become quicker and my mindset had shifted from negative to a positive one. It was so rewarding to set goals and achieve them.           

 

I wasn't training any more than I had done in the past before my break,  but thanks to guidance  from my triathlete pals (got to love the Tuff Fitties) my once sporadic and slap dash approach had become smart and efficient and I was beginning to notice the gains.

 

Out of cast I worked on strengthening my glutes and I banked some quality bike miles. Less became more with running. I couldn't quite believe that after my first few runs back my times had actually got quicker. It was a revelation for a tryathlete like myself.  It was beginning to all sink in - I didn't have to train all day every day like a mad woman, like I had in the past.

 

Within the first three months of recovering from an injury and reading and talking to friends -  I had picked up more tips, skills, advice and knowledge in the space of three months than I had in the first few years of my TRYbie days.

 

Breaking my ankle gave me more time to focus on thinking, reading and planning  my training rather than just being 100 MPH and doing all the time! 

 

In July I went to Lanzarote and banked some amazing quality bike miles and met some incredible and truly inspirational friends (this is another blog post in itself..to follow)

 

My recovery year has been truly incredible and I have laid the foundations to build on for Austria 2015. I was amazed to cross the finishing line at Berlinman in a respectable time of 5:30:32. Which goes to show that Smart training pays off!

 

I want to continue to train smart so will be enlisting the help of a professional to keep me on track.  Watch this space!

Think Like A Bumlebee - Train Like A Racehorse

 

Everyone who knows me will tell you I'm mad. Mad in an Alice In Wonderland kind of way. After all - There. Is. No. Other. Way.

 

So over the years I've learnt to embrace the May Madness and often remind myself of this quote:

 

The Mad Hatter: 'Have I gone mad'

Alice: 'I'm afraid so, You're entirely BONKERS.  But I will tell you a secret.  All the best people are.'

 

 

I live my life through quotes.  I love them. They motivate and inspire me.  This blog will consist of ten per cent fact and 90 percent waffle/quotes/ramblings - so, for that I apologise.  Hopefully as I share my Ironman journey the writing will improve also - but for now, as Miranda would say, bare with!

 

So why is 'Think like a bumblebee and train like a racehorse' My new Ironman mantra?  Sounds totally bonkers, but makes total sense.  Let me explain.  Yonks ago a bunch of scientists made an enlightening discovery... the weight and furriness of the busy buzzy bumblebee compared to their slight and delicate wing span meant that scientifically - they SHOULD not be capable of flight.

 

However as you and I both know - they can.  And I betcha bottom dollar the bright little blighters never even once thought they achieved the impossible. They, just did it! So what's this got to do with Ironman I hear you say well, everything. These bumbly creatures never doubted their abilities - so they grew and flew and cowabunga they were away. Simples.  So.  If you think you can you are probably right.

 

I CAN... I CAN... I CAN.  I believe I can do Austria Ironman 2015 and I sure as hell have plenty of time to pack in the training needed. Thirty two weeks whole weeks and 6  days to be exact. Well lets say 31 if I add on the taper. (Not sure I am a huge fan of the taper to be honest.  Me and doing nothing don't mix)

 

So today couldn't be a better day to start this blog.  Apart from the fact, as per usual it is pissing with rain in the UK!  Hahaha... Again, those who know me - know that 3, really is my magic number.  Perhaps maybe why I was drawn to the wonderful sport of triathlon in the first place - who knows. So with 3thirtyfrickentwo2 weeks to go I shall begin the Birds Eye potato waffling...

 

Back to the quote Sam. Racehorse?! What's that got to do with a friggin bumblebee?!  Well the glossy sweaty thoroughbreds just stick to their training plans and race. Don't they? They don't sweat about the small shit.  They follow a plan - and stick to it.  Religiously. And they rock up to race ready to give it their best - knowing they have put in all the hours training needed to get them to the finishing line.  They don't care what other people around them are doing. These Black Beauties just want to get faster so they focus on themselves, their plan and they work like Trojans to get there without much concern about the immediate benefits - new fangled fads and gizmos.

 

This is me - now. I believe I can fly and with the right training, dedication and commitment I will not only get to the start line - but will finish.  Providing I stay injury free!  That's where my SMART training comes in to play.  My triathlon journey has been rather hap hazardous to say the least.  As I'm sure has many other try-athletes.  Since the tri seed was planted at the end of 2011 I have learnt the hard way - by mistake. The biggest one led to an ankle break - but I wont go in to detail as I truly believe everything happens for a reason!  Recovering from a broken ankle was a long and rewarding journey and the past year I have learnt a lot about myself and what my body is capable of.

 

I recovered safely and well and had my best season to date.  I wrote a reflection piece of my epic season after achieving what at the beginning of the year I had thought would be impossible- a 5:30 middle distance triathlon.  I will post at a later date - when I can find where I have put it!

 

There is nothing more rewarding than smashing a goal - or achieving something you have set out to do.  That's another reason for this blogging nonsense.  I want to look back in years to come and relive this experience.  I also hope I can inspire anyone thinking of signing up or attempting an Ironman event - that 'Anything is possible.'  If Mad May can - then anyone can.  Thanks for reading. Over and out.