Back in the Saddle

This weekend has been a bit of a break through for me. After a week of feeling ill and crappy I finally got out for a couple of sessions. I missed swimming in the weedy old lake enjoying my first night of proper sleep in a week. With the Eek away I was home alone and got on with all those great jobs that needed doing. Not immediately though as I was coxed into town for lunch with Dickie where we scoffed boxes of healthy tucker from the brilliant Alpha Bar. No it's not a bar as in pub before you all start assuming but a health food kiosk.

I finally returned home with new camo Berks and a shirt - you gotta love sales. With the lawn looking a jungle I fired up the mower and went about my domestic duties. I must thank Dickie for his great raking as I mowed. This meant a tedious job was over in seconds. With time ticking on I finally forced myself out for a run. With Ironman 70.3 Antwerp and Xterra both getting closer I decided speed and off road was the name of the game.

The run up to Shotover saw my heart rate climb quickly. I decided to go for a plod round and attack a few hills but keep it steady. At one point I was chasing a fox through the woods. I did become a little scared as it disappeared when the path narrowed and I was surround by high greenery unable to see below my waist. I was praying the fox wasn't hiding ready to bite my legs as I followed it in.

Luckily I made it through unscathed. It was time to hurt with some hills. I think I entertained those kicking around the car park as I ran up, stopped, staggered around breathless and stumbled back down the hill. By number ten I was completely out of it and trying desperately to hold my stomach contents in but pleased to complete the set. This time I happily staggered all the way down the big hill and ran along the road to spin my legs out.

After a chilled night with a little bike prep I took the P3 out for spin. The plan was to ride at threshold or do intervals if my legs weren't up to it. I had no idea as I haven't been near my bike for three weeks. The rolling route usually takes about 1:40ish and I was looking forward it. With tired heavy legs I set out feeling surprisingly good. With my power meter flat I had no idea what power or speed I was doing. This felt somewhat liberating but did keep to heart rate.

The further I got into my ride the better I felt. Drinking High Five's Extreme always gives my a lift. This stuff is dragon's juice and makes me wanna hammer harder whenever I swig it. That said, I didn't need to, riding steady all the way. I was shocked when I arrived home in 1:26. This is the first time I have done the route on a TT bike this year and can't believe the time. This certainly gave me a much needed boast after not doing much since Ironman Nice and feeling like I was wasting away.

My legs are sore now but I have a smile on my face lifted from the weekend's training. I am now looking forward to a week of good solid training before tapering next week for Antwerp. It's weird not having the Eek around as she's been off at a school reunion BBQ and visiting family. It's far too quiet for my liking although Ren is doing a good job of being the noisiest girl in the house. This will change, however, as she's on her way back now.

Forgot to add I managed to nab a place for Ironman Austria '09. It seems there's Iron fever in the air. Thoughts of Australia, Lanza and maybe something in North America are floating around my head. Watch this space. I did have some bad news though Andy KJ just signed up for Ironman Austria. While I am over the moon he has signed up I just didn't think he would ever do it. This means I have to do Tough Guy - a race I never wanted to do. Remember kids don't make silly bets because they might come back to bite you on the arse. My butts got a big chunk out of it as I type. Good work Andy!

Catch ya soon

The O boy x