Week 23 Training Log

Sports beans.
I came across these little energy bombs and thought I'd give them a try and report back to the shop that I got them from with my feedback. Basically you would'nt want to rely on them. They are however ideal for in between feeds. Especialy on a ride, you get into a rythem with your feeds, perhaps something like a banana or flapjack every 20 - 30 minutes. Sometimes you get caught short between feeds, that's when the beans come in. There are around 20 beans in a pack totaling 100Kcal so just 3 or 4 beans between feeds works really well. Good for runs aswell because you can have a little energy boost often rather than a whole gell. taste good too.

Again I'm at the end of another 17 days. Last week I think I spoke a little too soon about not craving the rest period. After another half marathon on Monday, I needed it. A tough run as most runs are around Pembrokeshire. It's never flat for long. Tuesdy, or session 2 Ride was murder. possibly one of the most unpleasant rides I've had in a long time, if not ever. An hour of strength training around a hill climbing route I have then 2 hours of not so hilly terrain. 1 hour to go, and around 16 miles the heavens opened and down came the rain, freezing cold rain that stung like needles. The rain then became harder and turned into hail. At this point the wind also got involved. Someone was determined to stop me getting home. My legs hurt and my face hurt too and worst still I was begining to get cold as I couldn't get and speed to keep warm. For a second I contemplated just laying in a ditch and waiting for it to pass over.

The words of Keanu Reeves in the film Point Break, (great film) "I caught my first tube today". sprang to mind yesterday when while swimming I did my first Tumble turn. It was by no means graceful or efficiant but it's a start and I can work on it. I know that tumble turns will mean nothing when swimming in the sea, but it helps to get the body used to not stopping even for a second every 25 metres.

Once again the three days of training was brought to an end with a Yoga class. A chance to stretch out those muscles and relax a little.
Four days off now to start planning the next 17 days.