I only went and did it!!!!!!!

So this morning finally came.  We were up at 6 and left the house at 6.30.  45 Mins later we arrived at Culford School, which was slowly filling up with cars,bikes, runners and swimmers!  I was feeling quite anxious, but also a feeling of 'let's do this!'

Registered, set up my stuff at transition (with the help of 2 very nice men who talked me through where and how to put it all!)  and attended the briefing, and then left Matt, Dylan and Jonathan,  to get ready by the pool.

First unsettlement (and nearly some tears!)  Due to a mix up with the chips and lining up, I missed my slot for the pool!  The man just said "you may not be able to do it " - and then I just wobbled!  I was also thrown initially by lots of front crawl swimming.. but after a while some of those people did change to breast stroke and some started with breast stroke.. so I felt better.  The people in the line with me were just amazing and so supportive.. I think my bottom lip really did quiver like a child!

However, it was sorted.. and I took the place of a gentleman who did not turn up.. Number 39.. I was originally Number 21 - so I was now a bit further down the swimming time which meant they would all be swimming fast than me!

I got in and off I went.  For the two lengths I gave my self a good talking too - calmed myself down and took stock.  I was in.. I was swimming and it was fine.  Along up and down, and then under for 12 lengths... YAY!

I actually did a little run to the transition area - that was strange, running in bare feet!  Into transition, stuff on (ha! it was a funny moment trying to get my cycling shorts on over a wet swim suit! Remember to make sure I had my helmet on before touching my bike ( tip from nice gentlemen... cycle helmet on my handlebars so I could not remove my bike without moving my helmet - thus reminding me to put it on!)

And off I went!

Ahead of me was 3 laps of a 7k route around the school.  Flat and actually ok! The sun was out, there were some down hill stretches to rest my legs... and although it did feel like a jolly long way - It was ok!  I was aided by my support team who stood by the gate of the school and saw me through each lap - shouting and hollering (in a good way!) at me each time.

3 laps done and then the transition I was not looking forward to. Off the bike, cap on.. and the 4k run was the last thing to do.  Sunny, Hot.. and the most jelly legged, wobbly legged feeling ever!   The first lap was slow, and hard.. I walked for about 1  min.. just to try and get my legs back again!  However, by the 2nd lap they started to feel better.  As I came into the last stretch, I was overtaken by a lady who I could see was running at the pace I would normally do.  I also realised what I was missing! Usually on my tough runs, I am running with someone else and generally they run ahead of me.. just in front. And I focus the whole time on their feet - not looking where I am, or where I have to go.. just at their feet. This gives me a rhythm and pace and a focus.  So.. I took up pace behind this lady.  I told her I was just going to run there behind her.. and look at her feet! (which she was fine about!).  This made SO much difference!  I got focus and pace back and it all felt manageable.  She was only on her 1st lap, so when we got back to the field I then moved next to her and we ran the last bit side by side.. had a High Five and off she went.. and I ran through the FINISH!!!!!!

So.. I have done it.  And I felt fine.  It was hard, but I enjoyed the change at each transition, and the sense of achievement is amazing.  Will I do another one.. Oh yes!  Ipswich Triathlon hold this again at the end of July - so I aim to go again and this time to feel more in control of everything.

Thank you to each and every one of you for your encouragement and faith in me.  For telling me I can!  I hope you have enjoyed my journey as much as I have!

In 3 days time....

In three days time - it will be over.

This week I am just doing something everyday.. but with no pressure, time watching, extra 'bits' or worrying.  Well, that is the plan.

I am anxious. The email came through at the weekend  with the rules etc. I am anxious.

I know I can do the swim, slowly but I can do it. I know I can cycle the 12 miles - and I have a speedy bike - and I know I can run 5k without stopping.  But all three, one after the other???  What am I doing!

I have been for a swim tonight. 20 lengths.. slowly and calmly. That is it now. Shopping trip tomorrow and a chilled day on Saturday.  Oh and a sports massage tomorrow afternoon (ouch!).

I had a lovely postcard and some fab marshmallows with my running pictures on, arrive in the post today.  I felt very loved.   Thank you to everyone who just keeps saying  ' yes you can!'

I will report back on Sunday - Let's hope I can do it!

Waving me across the road..... BLAH!

It has been a good week really, I guess!  A 5k run home on Monday, then a cycle,swim,cycle and then 1st run after cycle (only 1 mile!) - but I did it.. and it was ok ish...

And then I ran to the gym yesterday.. well.. I am not really sure you can call it running - but I got there on my own two feet- with no wheels in sight!

However.. I am the first person to advocate kindness. and in particular kindness to people who are out and about obviously trying to improve their lifestyle with exercise. But yesterday .. I was worn out..my legs hurt.. it was hot.. and HOW VERY DARE THEY! people kept stopping their cars and waving me on across the road! When each time I was looking for a, if only short, little stop..  chance to breathe, to catch my breathe... but no. Kind people kept smiling and waving me on.  Thanks!!!

Obviously, I smiled, and waved, and said thank you and carried on running... while inside all I as thinking of was "I WANTED TO STOP!!!!!".

So - a little ask to any of you who follow this, who live in Ipswich. If you see me running  (you will know it is me - slow, plodding, hot,bothered, over weight...46 year old who thinks she can actually run(?)!) and I am about to cross the road.. consider giving me a break.. smile and wave at me.. and drive on past - I promise, I will LOVE you for it!!!

2 weeks today, I will be there. And who knows what is going to happen.  Goodness knows!

Best Cycle Ever!!!

Normal training this week - it is gradually become part of my routine and it just happens.  Which feels a little surreal!

But today the sun has been out and it has been very hot. I dropped into the cycle shop to buy a pair of sunglasses (so cool!) and then got ready for what was the best cycle I have yet done!

Matt went off with Dom this morning to kayak all day, with a plan to meet myself and Sarah at the pub this afternoon.  We planned a route for me, which did not involve having to cross the A12 at a nasty point (but going under instead!) - 8.6 miles there and the same back.  So off I went.

Going was a little tough - legs need to warm up, tough park run yesterday, so they were tired.  Eventually I came down the last hill to the pub - so fab!  But I did have the  - I have to go back up again! feeling.

But going back was just great.. My legs coped with the hills - a sign they must be getting stronger, the wind was behind me (makes all the difference) and it was just the best.  Today.. it just felt amazing.. So good for the soul!

I also have to say that doing all of this is only possible because I have amazing friends who just keep pushing me.  Keep pushing.. this girl is actually quite enjoying the challenge!

Arriving in one piece at the pub x

Chillin' at the Maybush in Waldringfield

And I made it home!  17 miles - phew!

And we keep going.... with 2 weeks at ParkRun and seeing a new PB each week!

This has to be a result of the mix of training I am doing. I can feel my legs getting stronger and for the last 2 weeks I have managed to run up the two hills at Christchurch Park.  2 weeks ago, I had the pleasure of Jonathan running with me. He just appeared next to me and said "Hi! I thought I would run with you today!"  so he did. And he pushed me on and I got a PB. (he went on to run a fantastic London marathon the next day, as did Sarah!)  And this Sat, Sarah did the same.  These pals of mine.. they just appear.. and off we go!  This week though, I could not speak the whole way around.. She pushed me to my upmost limit.. but again.. a PB! I can now run 5k in  32mins and 5 seconds.  Delighted is not the word!

But as well as the running on a Sat, I have been running, swimming and cycling throughout the week.  On Thursday I did a 12 mile cycle home.. and get this - other cyclists acknowledged me.. a little hand raise off the handlebars.. and 'hi'.. a smile.. ME!   A half mile swim this morning and then a 10 mile cycle (there and back to Sarah and Dom's) this afternoon.

So.. I never thought I would say this, but I can see progress, I am getting fitter, and I am 'sort of' enjoying it all!

Lets see what another week brings!  Bring it on!!!!

Just plodding on - but doing ok!

It has been a couple of weeks since last posting.. but HEY! things have been going ok!

The new bike is amazing! I have been out on some long cycles.. and my backside is gradually not hurting anymore and I am loving the time out on the bike. It is very liberating to be zooming through the countryside and now I have a better grip of the gears I feel that I am much safer than I thought I would be and really enjoying it.  It is fab to be able to go such a long way.. 10 miles is as far as I have gone so far, but need to get up to 15 - so work to do!

I am also enjoying the swimming.  During the hols I managed 1 mile in the pool - I got in, started swimming and just kept going! That was such a satisfying day - even if I did have to work through some 'lane' bullying.. which I did with grace and quiet muttering in my head!!

The least favourite of the 3 disciplines, is oddly (as it was the one I was doing first!), the running.  Plod, plod, plod.  Not getting any faster, not getting any easier.. and just a plod!  Mmmmm

My lovely running friend Sarah is off to London next week to do the Marathon - and then she has said she will come out on runs with me - the suggestion being I cycle to hers and then we run. This is something that I have to start doing at some point - the cycle and then the run transition is the one that is worrying me the most!

Will let you know how I get on. I did manage all my plans for last week, even though I was back at school, so hoping I can do the same this week.  Thanks for all your encouragement!

The bike has arrived!

1st week of the school holidays - a week to get myself back in the groove.. and then 8 weeks until the triathlon.  I have swam or run every day.. and then today.. I had my first ride on my new bike!

I picked the bike up yesterday from Cycle Revolution in Foxhall Road.  The bike was the only new purchase to enable me to take on this challenge.. and it was an expensive but Godly given one.  2 weeks ago.. I had a tax rebate of just under £500 - thank you God!  So picking it up was very exciting.. but also slightly petrifying too!  The very nice man at the shop (he really was a very nice man!) gave me an in-depth talk through the bike, and also inspired me to get on it - and go enjoy it!

So this morning  - my first real go.  I cycled to the Gym (2.5 miles).. swam 16 lengths.. sat in the jacuzzi for 5 mins (nice!) and then cycled back the long way round (5.5 miles).  And I am still alive!

So back on track.. tomorrow morning I plan on cycling to Park Run.. I will let you know how I get on!

And onward we go!

We now have a healthy house so all normality has resumed.  I have finally managed my first run for a few weeks, been back in the pool and even started to look for a fancy new bike!

I have made some decisions with regard to the actual event though.  I have cancelled my place in the Henley Tri (see.. using the in word.. 'tri!) and now planning on applying for 2 more -yes 2 !!!!!
These are both at the same place - Culford School in Bury St Edmunds, and they are 8 weeks apart.  So much closer to home. One at the end of May and one at the end of July.  So I have a plan!

The first one will be - 'just get round'... ' just get to the end'.. I will probably bumble and wobble my way around but hopefully get to the end.  And then I have 8 weeks to improve, reflect and then hopefully do it better.  These ones are slightly shorter too.. 300m swim, 20k cycle and a 4k run.  Which is a little appealing to say the least!

And here is the bike I am looking at!  My bike I have is so heavy and upright, so I have to really invest in a new one if I am going to do this seriously. Although Matt has made it very clear that I cannot get to the end and then say "Never again!"  At £500.. that would be a complete waste of money and a good bike.  We have been and had a look, and the most I can remember from our conversation with the young man who was really trying to sell it to us was " It will hurt your backside for a few weeks!"  OUCH!!!!!

So I am reading all I can about how to help with this ailment...   will keep you posted!

Florence Nightingale.. I am not!

What a week! I was recovering from a weekend on the sofa.. and had no energy to do anything at all. Matt then took a horrid turn for the worse and ended up in in A & E.. I then failed miserably to be a caring, patient  nurse.. I know... for someone who looks after everyone else's children all day every day.. it is very hard to believe... but I am a rubbish nurse, for people in my house.  I know I am.. and for that I am very very sorry (dear husband!).
So no fitness... No running.. no fresh air.. just tea, water, Beechams, antibiotics and me attempting to be Florence Nightingale.

And another week begins...

Running? Gym? Swimming? Nothing... not once.. this week... Rubbish!

Bad week.  But not really my fault.. I guess!

A hectic work schedule, a trip to the O2 with school midweek (which.. by the way was AMAZING!) and then to end the week a really heavy cold has taken over my head and meant that today all I have managed to do is sit on the sofa, watch Prison Break, take Beechams.. and then.. the biggest sin of all - eat a Macdonalds.

So epic fail.  Not much more to say.. Apart from - another week ahead, and I am aiming for a clearer head and a most determined way back in.  Please do not give up on me - lovely blog followers. Things will get better again I am sure!

A little progress.. makes you feel great!!!

Monday - after work - time to run home. It is about 6k and after a long day it takes all my energy to even get out of my school clothes and into my running gear.  And this week I was going it alone... so it just had to be done!   Off I set.. in the dark.. heavy legs.  HOWEVER.. it actually felt ok! it really did.. I know! I feel a bit apprehensive even saying the words.. "it felt ok!"  Not very fast, just at my own pace, but I made it home and was not dying - and that surely must be progress!!!

And then on Wednesday the terror of the Gym, in January, with MANY people there!  I dropped Dylan off for his tennis lesson and walked into the most crowded space I have ever seen.  This did have a big downside. I had to wait for everything. Every machine, treadmill, even floor space.. but what was worse, that while I was on the machines, people were waiting for me! So I was being watched... horrid.. just horrid.  I could not do my normal moaning and groaning as I lifted the weights or went up and down while doing the plank. I had to look serene and fit - and as most of you know, I do not carry that off very well!!!
The only positive was that I did do 5 mins on the treadmill on a really steep incline in preparation for the hills at Park Run on Saturday - and it felt ok!

I have also signed up for a 5 mile trail run on Mothering Sunday - with Sarah by my side. A ladies only run, through Fynn Valley -  http://farmhousefive.co.uk  - have a look if you fancy joining me!

No spinning this week. Yep.. I gave in to the feeling of YUCK.. the weather was foul, I was tired, so I cancelled.  I do not really know what is happening to me though as at about 7.30pm I felt really guilty, and then cross with myself that I had not gone.  Me, cross, about exercise! Something really must be happening to my 46 year old brain and all this training!

After the disappointment of Thursday, I woke up ready for Park Run this morning - ready to tackle those hills. However more disappointment to hit. Cancelled in Christchurch Park due to icy conditions.  And yes.. that crazy 'I am sort of quite liking this exercise' brain kicked in again, and rather then stay in my warm cozy bed, I took a short hop to Kesgrave and really enjoyed the flat, bright and sunny (albeit cold) course there.. bringing home the fastest 5k run I have done for 18 months - 34.06 mins.  So I came home delighted!

So into another week I go.  It is so true that if you make it part of your normal routine, it becomes easier to manage.  If you take each session as it comes, no matter how you are feeling, at the end you can still say you have done it. And even if the weather is foul - you really should still do it - as my good friend Sarah said a few weeks ago "What are you going to do Sam if it is pouring with rain on the day of the Triathlon?!"  Wise words.. and so true!!!

1st week back at work and I do not feel I have done too badly!

Started on Monday with a 6k run home from work with Kay.. it felt fine and steady and we were both very pleased with ourselves!

I then went to my first ever spin class on Thursday evening - that was the most daunting thing ever!  I turned up 10 mins before the class started but it was already full of far too many 'fit' looking people who were already cycling to warm up... I hovered outside the door and had really decided to just go to the gym by myself.. when a voice behind me said brightly (!) " Are you coming in?"  - My fate was sealed!  It was the lady who ran the class and who immediately sensed my anxiousness - took me in - sorted out the bike and explained what was going to happen.  As I sat on the bike before it started I felt a little calmer - firstly it was dark - very dark! so in my head no-one could see me anyway!  Secondly the music was so loud no one would ever hear my moaning (and you know how I moan!).  So with feet strapped (yes strapped!)in, water bottle in front of me.. off we went!

Well... Mmmm... what can I say!  Proudly I managed to stay for the whole 45 mins (she said I may feel like leaving after 20 which would be fine for a beginner!).. however.. I could not do the hill climbs in the last 10 mins.. OH MY LORD!!!!! my legs felt like jelly,, I was sweating like a pig, and gasping for air.. not to mention my backside felt like it was on fire!  We got to the end.. (even had a shout out of "well done Sam for staying in for the whole session!") and I tentatively got off the bike. My legs felt like jelly... I ached all over.. and rather than go for a shower.. I got in the car, came home, and lay in a hot bath for a long time!

But I did it! and I have already booked into next weeks class - so hoping that it is a little easier.

Surprisingly I could walk on Friday - but certain parts of my body (which really shouldn't hurt) did hurt.. a lot.

But Saturday morning came - as it does. and Park Run loomed ahead.  A change of park, 2 big hills and it was a bit chilly.  First good thing is that Sarah said she would run with me - and Kay started with me too (but I have to remember she is 10 years younger than me and is just getting better quicker - Go Kay!).  This course has 2 big hills the first one being immediately after starting.. it is long and slow and horrid for the start of the 5k.. But once past that it is a nice course with a gently downhill at the end of the lap... HOWEVER.. there is then another shorter but much steeper hill to get up - but I was pleased that I managed to run half way up today.  Off we went on the 2nd lap with Sarah jogging (yes.. jogging.. she is a very good runner and is very gracious to run with me!) and I gave it my all at the end.  Time - 35.30... 15 seconds away from a PB!!!!!

In my head it has been a good week. I have maintained my planned sessions and eaten relatively well. But I am an impatient soul and I want to progress!  It would be nice for something to feel a little easier.. so I can see that I am getting better..  but as Matt said this morning - this is the end of the first proper week - give it some time!

Photo is myself and Sarah in the middle of the 1st lap - matching tops today!

The pain has started.. big time!  On Thursday morning I completed my first full session at the gym.  To say it was fun... would be a great big fat lie.. it bloomin' hurt!!!! However, I have been reliably informed that I need to work on my core strength and also my endurance. So I lifted some weights.. used a leg press and various other machines that look like torture contraptions.  I bravely used one machine in the 'scary' area of the gym - where all the very strong people go and lift very heavy weights!  I did manage to complete the programme though and came home feeling very pleased with myself.

I also have had my first 'swimming lesson'.  Half an hour 1-1 and I really enjoyed it. It was hard though as the young man (he was young!!) has encouraged me to learn how to do the proper breast stroke kick, rather than the made up one that I have always done. He assures me, that once I am doing it better, it will be more efficient and I will move quicker through the water.  My 46 year old brain found it really tricky to think every single movement - my legs just wanted to do what they had always done!  We decided, together, that it would be better for me to work on improving my breast stroke rather than completely start from scratch and learn how to do front crawl. Thank the Lord!

On New Years Eve, however... I woke up and could barely move!  I hurt in places you really do not want to know about.. really hurt. I apologise now to all of those who were with me on that day.. boy did I moan - every time I got up.. walked.. sat.. did anything!!!  I just had to keep telling myself that the pain meant I had done something worth while!!!

We are fortunate enough to have access to a very lovely cottage in North Norfolk. On New Years Eve we arrive there with our good pals, ready for a couple of days of rest, good food, good chat, board games and some good walks!  Just what was needed x  I am pleased to say as part of my training we did two 5 mile walks while away.. and even better... a 7k run!!!!  Being away with other runners means that the minute you hint that maybe a run would be a good idea... then they will all agree and the next thing you know, a time is planned and there is no going back!  My good pal Sarah is a keen runner and she knows not to accept the word no from me.. so at 9.30am on New Years day, myself, Sarah and Matt (long suffering husband!) set off for a short run to the beach and back.

The short run was actually 7k.. and I am so pleased that I managed to run it all! Only a few minutes stop half way for a quick stretch. Bless them.. they had to run slowly to keep with me - but they talked and distracted me and kept me going. And I did feel stronger.. I felt that the work I have only done in the last week, already was having a small impact on how I felt.   So today - I feel greatly encouraged!

Now to prepare for the return to school, and on the advice of Adam at the gym, I am going to plan my training sessions in advance to makes sure that I can fit everything in.. watch this space!