Work Life Balance

Whatever! A disappointing week on the training front. Only 3 work days until on leave and work seems to have taken over!!! Although our HAG (hen and stag) this the weekend I really need to do the brick session on Sat morn and ride on Sunday, otherwise Im going to go crazy PS congrats to Nigel and Tina on the new family addition, wee Emma born today 13th April. EXCELLENT!

Swim swim swim

Wow it seems all of a sudden my swimming seems to be coming together with Saturdays ocean swim and this mornings session at Takapuna Primary School, I felt strong and are moving up the peaking order. Keep in mind this is the SLOW lane! so don’t get too excited.
Watched the ironman on TV this weekend (the half, given the full was cancelled this year). Always find it interesting to hear from the non-elites (i.e. jane and joe). Everyone has a story, something that has lead them down this path. Although I was there, unfortunately I couldn’t spy myself on the footage. Not a movie star yet.

Thanks to those who are leaving comments and showing your support!. Dad yes it will likely take me 16 hours, but all I want is to finish within 17 hours, so you better bring the scones for half time. And to everyone else yes Iam stretching! admittedly initially not as regular as I should, but now that I am starting to stiffen the stretching has become more important. Just got to squeeze in those core exercises.

First Group Ride

What a beautiful day! blue skies, light breeze!. Nice day for a ride. Today I meet a group of 8 (all tri club members) at smales farm, dumb cantab got lost, although I have been there many times. Not entirely sure where we biked but a few good hills and undulations and lots of other riders so clearly it must have been a secret to only me!. In the year that I have lived in Auckland I always found biking hard because the traffic is so heavy and the bike lanes are minimal, unlike home town Christchurch. Any how a good 2 hour ride, with a speed run down Albany hill (fun!). Much to my surprise I could actually keep up with the majority of the group, sweet!. Pete was like the sheperd watching over the flock, he clearly is fitter than everyone else, but he would drop back to talk the tailers up the hills, fixed a flately (not mine) in about 2min and generally just made sure everyone was tracking OK. The group is TOPS and very supportive!!! I really enjoyed the ride so will try to make it a regular thing on a Sunday.

Yesterday’s brick session was tiring, the 60min swim at Takapuna beach was great, about 50 + grazies, this week the dark wasn’t an issue but the sun glaring off the water made the bouy spotting hard work, Im sure we added a few extras ks heading in the wrong direction. The swim was good for me I felt energized and managed to make it to all the bouys before the group started to head back. Many are racing in a few weeks in the “people tri” so we practiced the mass swarm beach start. Suites me! a kick in the head a slap on the back or a boot in the stomach, this is what you get when 50 people are fighting over a couple of metres of start area. Ive done this a few times so can give back as good as I take it. On the ride I ditched the group as they headed to do time trials, I focused on a steady 50min bike ride. But once I got back to the car I was completely buggared, hence not so cheery when we went to try on wedding dresses and wonder around shops for hours. Might have had my grumpby hat on, sorry Liza, LOVE YOU!!!!! XXXX

No time to waste

Now Im in and its confirmed training has taken on a new meaning. It is Easter weekend which means plenty of time for training. Plus Liza is posting comments if I miss a session, so we can’t have that!. So Friday is a 70 min run, Saturday is a brick with a 60min ocean swim at Takapuna Beach, followed by a 60min bike, then a 10 run. Sunday is a 2 hour ride with the girls (first time so hope I can keep up!), Monday is a 70min run with some running drills to add in. Come Tuesday (back at work) I will need a rest. Only 6 working days before going on leave for our wedding and honeymoon.

Coach has taken it easy on me during the honeymoon, only have to run every second day!. How thoughtful !

Im In!

Yup Im in, it is confirmed !!!!!!!!
The credit card has taken another beating! Approx $900 + once you add on the photo package. But I promise to only do it once (assuming I make it within the 17 hours!)
It is hard to decribe how I feel, emotional (some tears), relief, overwhelmed. just happy to sit here alone in the quiet and contemplate the next 11 months.

Tick Tock Tick Tock …

The moment which will define how I will live life over the next 11 months is ticking closer. Not to be over dramatic as it is clearly not as important as getting married. But at 10:01 tomorrow morning a little mouse click will ultimately determine if I managed to secure a entry into NZ Ironman 2013. I will keep you posted!

Swim fit

mmm enjoying my morning coffee after a swim session down at Takapuna primary school pool this morning. I must be getting some “swim fit” back as I dont feel so buggared or perhaps I just did’nt work hard enough! Today is a double whammy day with swim in the morning then wind trainer in the evening. Not looking forward to tonights session as I stuggle on a stationary bike, I find I clock watch and the session just drags. And of course last week grandad tried to kill us (Liza and I) so hope he is not taking it tonight!

Bike seat bum, no more!

You get to a point when you no longer feel the consequence of sitting on a bike seat for several hours. After yesterdays ride I can say thank goodness I have reached that point. I had a sweet ride around Takapuna, where they have more bike lanes so although traffic is busier you don’t feel like your life is in danger. Liza joined me this late morning, very proud as she took on a rather steep hill (going down at a great rate of knots) and conquered all the up hills. Nice work honey, thumbs up !

Last year I was a sponsored athelete in that the bike I used was my sister in laws, so not long after moving to Auckland I splurged (with the encouragement of Liza) on a new flashy carbon bike, nice. The first time I took it out I was caught by a gust of wind which almost picked me up and pushed me off the road, just because the bike is so light. I must admit this spooked me a little and hence it has taken time for me and “contessa” (name of the bike) to bond. However after at least 3 bike sessions per week I am finally starting to feel comfortable, I believe Contessa and I will form a lasting relationship

Today is April 2nd, with Easter next weekend we only have 10 working days left until we take leave for the big day. OMG gotta go so much work to do ….