New Year. End of 2012

So, last Fatman blog update for 2012.

Nothing very exciting to tell this week. Been nice to have a week off & get a lot more cycling in than i have been able to. IT band issue seems to be resolved now but I'll continue to use the foam roller to try keep that injury from coming back.

Went back to park run for the first time in a long time yesterday. Really struggled with it. Amazing how a few days of stuffing yourself and getting pissed totally knackers your fitness levels. (mine were not that great to begin with) Still, managed a sub 26 min time which is decent for me, I've only managed a sub 25 min once before.

Park run will be a regular part of my Ironman training, i do hope i can get down to a sub 23min time before August.

 Last alcohol indulgence tomorrow night at the annual new years eve party at our friends, Dan & Billie. Oscars night theme so digging out the tux, last time i wore it i was 16 stone so it may look a tad large. That will then be my lot on the alcohol front until after the Ironman event in August.

Training

Weds - 12.6 mile bike ride - http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/215186660
Thurs - 20.59 mile bike ride - http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/215436892
Sat - 3 mile run
Sun - 44.13 mile bike ride - http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/216170562

Couple of pics from this week



My Lane!



Quick break by Wymondham Abbey

I mentioned in last weeks blog I was going to try and cycle to every medieval church in Norfolk during next years training. Over 650 to visit. Rather than clogging up this blog with Church pictures I have started a separate blog to collate all the pictures on. There are also links there to each church where some history can be found for those who are interested.
Here is the link - http://thecyclingnorfolkchurchspotter.blogspot.co.uk/

 

 

OK, that will do, wine time. everyone have great New Years celebrations, be merry, be safe!

 

Cheers

 

Andy

The Cycling Norfolk Church Spotter
http://thecyclingnorfolkchurchspotter.blogspot.co.uk/

The allotment Journey Blog
http://allotmentjourney.blogspot.co.uk/

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Christmas 2012

Only 5 hours work left to do in 2012, happy days. Finishing work at 2pm tomorrow, then taking Arleya to get a Christmas jumper she wants & home for the start of festivities.
I'm cooking Christmas lunch again, all timings written down and planned to military perfection :-)

Went out for a great bike ride today. 41 miles at a nice steady pace. Left off about 11am and faced some pretty strong winds, gusts up to 18 miles an hour for the first half of the ride. No rain though , 10 degrees & sunny so was all good. Even had to remove my winter gloves & snood as i got too hot.

Some of the roads were pretty badly flooded, including the aptly named Flood Lane.



Flood Lane. Flooded

Soon after Flood Lane. More flooded lanes, with added gunk.

Quick break at Lotus HQ

Was able to safely navigate through all but one flood, Intwood ford had to be circumnavigated as the rapids running across the road would have been better suited to a Colorado river.

As an added challenge I've decided to start taking pics of our Norfolk churches on my rides. There are 650 medieval Churches in Norfolk apparently. So, I'll plan my rides to see if i can visit them all between now & end 2013. Here's the first four.


All Saints, Weston Longville

All Saints, Mattishall



 

St Mary's. East Carleton

St Peter. Kimberley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, great day out on the bike. Furthest i have ridden in a long time & the legs certainly let me know about that. Cycling is yet again confirmed as my favourite pastime though.

 

Training this week has been pretty non existent due to prepping for Christmas.

 

Training

Tues - 3 mile run

Sun - 41 mile bike. Here's the route - http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/214586036

 

Only 14 more days till Ironman UK training starts proper. Be good to be back on a structured plan again.

 

Booked the following four week cycle maintenance course in Norwich. Since my disagreement with the Halfords boys I've decided to learn to do it all myself. Cant go wrong at £48  in my opinion.

You can also go down & hire their tools and bike stands by the hour for £4 to fix, maintain your own.

Course: Bicycle Maintenance Basics

An introductory level course for those wishing to know how to keep their bike in good working condition:

• Week one: wheels, tyres, tubes and punctures;
• Week two: brakes and cables;
• Week three: gears;
• Week four: putting it all together - working on your own bike.

To be run on Sunday mornings 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Tutor: Lucy Hall

Dates
13 January, 20 January, 27 January, 3 February 2013

Course fee · £48 adults · £56 adult and child working together

http://www.bicyclelinks.org.uk/course_maintenance_intro.shtml

 

 Also booked up my second event of 2013.
 

The Slateman

Full Slateman: (£59.95 individual or £75.95 per team, plus a small card fee which is outside our control)

• 1000m Open Water Swim in Llyn Padarn
• 51 km Road Cycle circular route taking riders over the Llanberis Pass, to Capel Curig, along the Ogwen Valley and return to Llanberis
• 11 km Trail Run through the incredibly spectacular Dinorwig Slate Quarries and Padarn Country Park
  

http://snowdoniaslateman.com/


As part of my 30 week training plan i need to incorporate an Olympic & Half Ironman event. The above will count as the Olympic, although a bit further than a normal one. Hopefully the added difficulty with the hills & terrain will pay dividends in my prep for the Boltons hills.

Thats it then, have a Merry Christmas
 
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http://allotmentjourney.blogspot.co.uk/

 

Sports Personality of the year 2012

One year on from watching Mark Cavendish take this crown. Under normal circumstances we would be seeing another cyclist picking up the prize tonight, Bradley Wiggins. However, considering the fantastic year British sport has seen the competition this year is second to non.

Although i think Bradley should pick up the main prize tonight, it will probably be a close run thing with Jess & Mo there, the more mainstream nominees.

Surprise announcement tonight from Andy Holgate. His new book has been released early on kindel version. For those who have been inspired by his first book, grab the sequel at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cant-Sleep-Train-Stop-ebook/dp/B00AOOMR26/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355681467&sr=8-2


No training done this weekend due to too much partying on Friday night. Definitely getting to old for it, still feel knackered today, shame because the weather has been it's best for a long time.

Training

Mon - 1 hour coached swim session.
Tues - 2.29 mile run
Weds - 1hr 9min swim - new pb, 1.5 miles, furthest Ive swam all front crawl

Coached sessions was well worth going to, will be including that in my weekly training. Having someone watch you then offering advice on small improvements was brilliant. Just by the way i cut my hands into the water has improved my stroke remarkably.

Great news for cycling fans. Le Tour de France 2014 will start in England & host 3 stages, I will certainly be at each stage.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/tour-de-france/9744597/Yorkshire-will-host-the-2014-Tour-de-France-Grand-Depart-as-their-bid-beats-that-of-Edinburgh-to-the-honour.html

Other than that, not a great deal to report then this week. Will try and up the exercise next week, weather permitting, no more parties till new year thank god. Then that's it till after Ironman UK next August

Happy Training

Join the Facebook Group - The Ironman Journeyhttps://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/287319678021088/

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Silly Season

Silly season & Christmas parties are upon us.

Second works do nailed on Friday and thankfully i wasn't the person being photographed with an ice bucket on my head.



Big Tuna

Despite a heavy session i still felt pretty good on Saturday morning & was actually able to manage a half productive day, rather than writing it off like normal. So, one more party to go next Friday & then the New Years celebrations.

Training - calling it training but it's more just leisurely exercise tis month. It has been quite nice just going out for a run or ride without having to think about doing certain times or distances.

Mon - 3.36 mile run - http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/209666201
Weds - 1.3 mile swim
Sat - 8 mile bike - http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/211066293
Sun - 4.5 mile run - http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/211235885

New rechargeable bike light arrived yesterday, fitted it & went off for a test ride. Took in some of Norfolk's finest dark country lanes. It was brilliant, lit up the road really well. It has three brightness settings, you could go round the lanes on the lowest setting but it best on full.

With the beam angled down you could see clearly what was on the road ahead of you, then a faint glow from the main beam was enough to see the sides of the road as well.  When i came back in to street lit areas I switched to the lower settings.
I'll be able to continue riding right through the winter in the evenings now, which beats the hell out of having to use a turbo again in my book.



Night ride with new light & my super new
Trianglia windproof jacket. Snug as a bug :-)

The light has a cable permanently attached to it which you plug in to the rechargeable battery. Although they give you a little holster for the battery which can attach to your belt or bike, it would mean there is cable dangling. A problem easily solved by sticking the battery in my tribag on the cross bar, saves the need for doing any cable tying. You also got a head thing so you can wear the light on your head. Bargain at under £30

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121013631498?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT


Off to try a Trianglia coached swimming session tomorrow night. Looking forward to it but a bit apprehensive due to my weak swimming ability.

Finally, my daughter put together a before & after picture of me. Shows the years weight loss quite well. I cant believe how overweight  i looked at the beginning of the year.

Happy Training

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The allotment Journey Blog
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A look back at 2012

Last month of the year, first of three Christmas parties under my belt, 4 more weeks of over indulging to get through.

Low training week again, but that's how it's going to be until January.

Tues - 9.26 mile bike ride. Did this in the evening, quite enjoyed it although my £1 poundland light wasn't great so i had to stick to lit roads. Have ordered this light today off the back of a friends recommendation - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-1800-Lumen-LED-Cycle-Bicycle-Lamp-Bike-Light-HeadLamp-Headlight-/121013631498?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:3160

Sun - 20.67 mile bike ride - 3 degrees and still icy even at midday. Nearly came a cropper on numerous occasions so cut the ride short and headed back to Norwich on main roads. http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/209234055

Thought I'd use this blog to have a look back over what i have done this year. (it would be a bit short otherwise)

First sporty thing for 2012 was joining the Norwich park runs in January, my first 5k was just under 30 minutes but i gradually improved to just over 24 minutes.

Jan 2012 - TriAnglia Dualathon - My first event on the road to becoming a Triathlete. I was still rather chunky at this one, weighing in at 16st. I had to walk some of the second run leg as i was knackered

 http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/tri-anglia-dualathon.html



Run Fatboy Run

Feb 2012 Fritton Lake off-road Dualathon  - Managed to do this one without walking, funniest bit was losing my trainer in a muddy bog and having to wade back in to get it.

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/fritton-off-road-dualaton-2012.html

March 2012 Hethersett 60 mile cycle - My first Sportive. Loved this event, although the weather was shocking. I learnt a valuable lesson in pacing myself.

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/my-first-sportive.html

March 2012 - Snetterton rough ride, an off road sportive. Great day with the ladies, Fran,Tina & Helena

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/snetterton-rough-ride.html

March 2012 - did the Sports relief mile with Arleya

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/sports-relief-weekend.html

April 2012 Trowse 10k - My first 10k run, found it tough but managed to run the whole thing non stop & get in in under an hour

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/trowse-10k.html

didnt hurt

April 2012 East coast Triathlon - My first ever triathlon. Had to do the swim breast stroke as i couldn't swim front crawl

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/east-coast-triathlon-2012-my-first.html

Worst bit over

May 2012 Watisham Triathlon -My second Triathlon which had a slightly longer swim. Was a bit traumatic as the slower swimmers went first so everyone watched me flounder about in the pool, breastroking away.

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/wattisham-triathlon-2012.html


May 2012 Norwich 100 mile cycle - Nailed my first century ride.

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/norwich-100-2012.html

June 2012 - Boudicca sportive 100 mile cycle - Nailed my second century ride

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/boudicca-100-sportive.html

June 2012 Fritton Lake Triathlon - My first open water triathlon

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/fritton-lake-triathlon-2012.html

June 2012 - Swam the 2.4mile Ironman distance to see if i could do it & within the time limit. I could.

JULY 2012 - I can finally swim front crawl after 8 months of frustration trying to learn it.

July 2012 - Norwich Triathlon - Tough weekend. All day Saturday helping set up the event. Did the Sprint tri on the Sunday then helped pack up all the gear.

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/norwich-triathlon-2012.html

 

July 2012 Victory Triathlon - First Triathlon where i did the whole swim front crawl

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/victory-triathlon-north-walsham.html

August 2012 - Ely HALF IRONMAN - My first middle distance triathlon completed. Great weekend apart from the fish & chips Paul Quantrill & I bought from the three Chinese Alan's chippy.

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/ely-monster-triathlon-2012.html

August 2012 National club relay Championships - Fantastic, fun weekend & got to know some great people from Trianglia




http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/national-club-relays-2012.html

Sept 2012 - The Great Barrow Challenge - 4 day - 480 mile cycle - Toughest challenge of the year & left me injured. But a brilliant 4 days, this will be a regular for me each year.

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/the-great-barrow-challenge-2012.html

Oct 2012 - CTC rough stuff, poor event & crap attitude by one of the organisers. Wont be doing this again.

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/ctc-ruff-stuff-2012.html

Nov 2012 - Virgin Indoor Triathlon - Great fun & fantastic staff at Virgin Gyms

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/virgin-active-indoor-triathlon.html

Nov 2012 - Norwich half marathon - My furthest ever non stop run.

http://clearseaz-timetogetfit.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/norwich-half-marathon-2012.html



Medals for 2013



It's difficult to say what my favourite things this year have been, I have experienced so many great moments.

Learning to swim front crawl will be near the top because of the struggle i had learning it.

Riding through days of pain to complete the Great Barrow Challenge.

Finishing the Ely Half Ironman in sweltering heat.

Completing my first Triathlon.

Staying off the fags

All the fantastic friends i've made through the Trianglia & in the cyber world forums.

In fact, pretty much everything I've done this year has been up there.

 

& it's raised nearly £900 for Help for Heroes

http://www.bmycharity.com/clearseaz

 

& nearly £70 in Movember money

http://uk.movember.com/mospace/

 

Now looking forward to my Ironman UK campaign set for August 2013. Roll on January 7th when training commences for that.

 

Happy training

 

Join the Facebook Group - The Ironman Journeyhttps://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/287319678021088/

Say hello on the Fatman to Ironman forum
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http://www.bmycharity.com/clearseaz

The allotment Journey Blog

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