Let the Tapering Begin

So here I am .. 2 weeks out and actually feeling pretty good. Generally Tapering is a funny time. "Have I done enough?".... " Am i prepared ?"... Questions , questions!!But I think it is quite normal to ask ourselves these questions . I have asked myself these questions and my answers have been YES YES YES!!! I have done enough and I am ready and what will happen on the day will be something you can read about next week ...Will and I have had so much going on this week with the back yard it was actually easy to keep busy and not feel too agitated as some people can get during this time.


Monday morning off for a swim and then a very comfy 20km run in the afternoon ( Ok so who does a 20k run while tapering !!!!!). Today I forgot my watch and actually found it quite relaxing just running without constantly watching my pace.


Tues and Fiona and I had a 30km recovery ride in the small chain ring. It was off to the track for our regular track session in the evening. All the parking was closed off due to them getting the stage up for the weekends Stevie Nicks concert... looked great . Would love to be going! All up an 8km set.


Wednesday swim again with a Brick session in the evening on the windtrainer. Quite a different session tonight. Firstly the weather here in Perth hit 37 degrees today... what a stinker!!! So we set ourselves up out of the garage and on the drive-way instead. Lots of spinning and standing up on the bike recovering..70mins all up with a 15 min run off the bike.


Thursday...There was a lot going on in my day today so had to do a little re shuffling of the program. So today I swam on my own down at Craigie in the afternoon. It was so lovely to jump in the water after another really hot day... i think it got to 36 today. I had 10kms to run tonight and while still warm it was an awesome night to be out and about running . I felt really good tonight and managed my whole 10km at threshold pace!!! ( was that me saying I had a good run???? hope Coach Brad is reading this )


Friday Will, Brad and I headed out for 50k on the bike. The forecast was for a cooler day and with those hot easterlies gone we awoke to a stunning morning. Again I felt really relaxed and happy with my ride... just holding on to that feeling for next week.


Saturday was to be our last longish ride together before next weeks race.Leaving home I took a picture of the sun rise but it really didn't turn out that well. As many of you may know Margaret River down south has been hit with some of the worst bush fires. To date about 40 homes have been lost ... luckily no lives. Just so tragic.When we woke the sky was so smokey and the sun was blood red..., quite a sight.


The ride was 90kms down the freeway into a nice head wind but Mother Nature was kind to us and didn't change the wind direction and we just flew home... 2omins faster than on our way out!!! . This week we didn't see the resident magpie but it was so funny to see some other riders out there carrying trees above their heads to scare it off. I say a tree because that's how big the branch was that this guy was carrying. I couldn't stop laughing it looked so silly :-)


The rest of the weekend was spent doing some work in the back yard, Christmas shopping and writing out invitations for my son Jordan's 21st... so its all happening in this family.

The cedar lining up in the pergola North Coast Tri Club with some of its members competing in next weeks Ironman

Sunday afternoon I headed down to the Marina with quite a few North Coasters for a final good luck coffee for those of us doing Ironman . The buzz was certainly in the air, especially for the first timers. I am so looking forward to getting down to Busselton Thursday and settling in. The weather could be an issue BUT its out of mine and everyone elses control.

I love following the blogs of some of my friends also training for Ironman and this week in Cookies album he quoted from another guys blog "Balsam". I hope you don't mind Cookie but I just loved that piece and would really love to share it with the guys who pop along here everyweek

Progress in life is directly proportional to the dirt under our fingernails. Success comes from the strife we endure and the effort we exude.Life is made up of peaks and valleys. Stay humble in the highs, stay hungry in the lows.

It is said that we are at our happiest when we are attempting something difficult but attainable. It is that unknown,yet reachable territory that excites us. When we hit that territory, its magical. However, even after hours,days or months of work, we don't always get there.

But it's OK to eat a face full of grit cakes every now and then. It keeps us level. We always learn something along the way so no honest endeavour is ever a wasted one. It didn't work out as planned? Your life isn't going according to your "If Everything Was Perfect" memoir? I say good riddance! There is no substitute for busting your butt.

Struggling when chasing a dream reminds you that you need people to lean on, that we need to vent, regroup, relax , reset, rethink, retry and get ready to fight all over again. Our story will be a much better read when its all said and done. Moments of clarity in my life have always presented themselves after periods of uncertainty.

Embrace the suck. Enjoy the grit cakes. It's good for us. It will make us better. And if we're not trying to get better every day, shame on us. Always Be Better.

Thanks for coming along

"Better Late Than Never" I say

Well as some of you have been kind enough to bring to my attention I am a week behind in getting my blog up which means now I have to try and remember what I have done for the past "2 weeks". This should be interesting!!!!!

So here goes.. Week 15

Swim in the morning (2.8kms) with a 10k run in the afternoon

Tuesday was a 50k ride. From memory the weather was pretty horrible so I did it on the windtrainer, then it was off to intervals in the evening.

Wednesday another 2.8k swim with a 90min ergo session in the evening.

Thursday was a double day run. Fiona came over and we managed to get 16.5 k done in the morning. She is a much stronger runner than me but slows her pace down to run with me... great lady!!! In the afternoon it was a 18.5k to total 35kms for the day running.

It was a busy afternoon getting all my gear ready for our training camp down in Busso. Brad was picking me up Friday morning about 9ish. We were swapping wheels over and for some reason had some probs with the rear derailleur. After much messing around we decided to get on the road and take it to the bike shop when we got down there. We had a pretty good run down there and rocked up to the place we were staying at which was just amazing. Silly me didn't take many photos but this place was just perfect for a large group of people. 8 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. A massive kitchen, outdoor area, pizza oven, theatre room and more. There was 12 of us all together and and there was plenty of room for everyone.

Brad called a friend of his who now works at Fat Ducks Bike Shop and Cafe who even though he wasn't working came down and fixed my bike.... Thanks Justin!!

The aim was for everyone to try and get down to the house before 4. It was then Brad put a DVD on called RAAM...Race Across America!!! These guys ride over 3000 miles which they must complete within 12 days, with only a few hours of sleep , talk about endurance. There was a lot to take from the doco. In fact I think you really need to watch it a few times as there is just so much positive stuff to take away from it , whether you are racing ironman or not!!! The human body is capable of more than we give it credit for... and we are built to endure, to push extremes, and to test ones ability. It's just that we seem to have forgotten how to do that. Sitting at a desk or on a couch just doesn't allow us to let the body do what it was built to do!!!

After the DVD we headed of to Albies , one of the local pubs for a lovely meal and then it was to bed so that we could get an early start in the morning.

So today was to be another milestone for many of us .... "200kms". We were sent off at 5 minute intervals . There was to be no drafting , just like race day . 3 laps of the course then tack on another 20k for good measure. We were to also take our 180k split time. The morning started off well but as the time ticked by the wind picked up . I had my race wheels on (808's) and I was struggling in the last hour. Brad had given us a piece of paper the night before and had asked us to write one or two goals down for the ride in the morning. Number 1 for me was to complete the 180 k in the same or better time than last year. Last year I did it in 5hours 39 today I did it in 5hours 42.... not too far off so gotta be happy with that. My second goal was to go out , smile and enjoy. And to be grateful at how lucky I am to have the ability to do what I do.... goal accomplished!!!!!!

Needless to say everyone was pretty tired when they all got back in but also pretty happy with themselves at doing the 200k. We were pretty ravenous so after showering headed into town for coffee and food. Then it was back for a rest. We were to gather again around 4 for some chat time with Coach Brad. He talked to us about how far we had come and that the journey still called for a little more internal digging. By that he was saying that physically , we were ready,we have done everything we need to get us thru on the day. But if we allow negative thoughts to determine and take over who we are on the day, things will fall apart. We need to use both our Heads and our Hearts!!!! That's what will get us thru when everything is hurting and we feel like giving up!!!

After that it was a big feed !! BBQ with some yummy salads. A couple of the guys even went and organised a birthday cake and party hats for Coach Brad who celebrated his birthday the day before.

The next morning we were down to the Busso Jetty for a swim. It was unusually rough!!! Then transition straight onto the bike for 1 lap of the course (60k ) and then straight into an 18k run along the course we will be following on race day. Who would believe it but more bike trouble. This time the front derailleur. I couldn't get out of the small chain ring this time. So after we finished the session it was back to Fat Ducks for a great coffee while my bike got sorted out. Better to have these troubles now than on race day that's for sure. Again a big thanks to Justin.

So ... after a big weekend it was time to head home. The weekend was worth its weight in gold ,especially for the guys in the squad who got a chance to ride and run the course for the first time. Brad has imparted a wealth of information over the past 15 weeks and the weekend gave us more time together as a group to bounce stuff off each other and support each other when we were doubting our own abilities.

So all up this week was a total of 20hrs and 53mins of training

Swim 7kms...2hrs 40

Run 70.2kms...6hrs 34

Bike 356kms...11hrs 39mins

So now its on to week 16.

Before I get on talking and waffling on about training , I thought I would post a few photos showing you the progress of our pergola.. I know its only a pergola, but I'm very excited about the prospect of having an area where we can finally have family and friends over , so its more than just a structure..

Looking good hey!! This week all the cedar lining goes up so should start to look even more awesome!!! Woo Hoo

Ok ... So Monday and its in the pool. I was feeling shattered after the weekend and really didn't feel like my legs were going to carry me at all.. But I kept thinking about what Coach Brad had spoken about over the course of the weekend and really tried to find something in my heart to keep me going. And while it probably wasn't my strongest swim session I was just so happy with my effort and the way I tackled the session!!!

A 20k run was scheduled for the afternoon and boy was it windy. I headed south with the prospect of a tail wind for the journey home!!! Not my fastest run but another tick on the program.

Tuesday morning and I was meeting Jenny, Jude and Lisa for a 100k ride south out on the freeway. Again a head wind for the first 50 and a nice tail wind to bring our tired bodies home.

I had a dentist appointment in the afternoon for 3 fillings and to prep for a crown. So with a numb mouth and some dribbling I headed off to intervals. Tonight we did something a little different. Brad had us team up into groups of 3. We then had 20 by 200's at race pace , kind of like a relay. It was fast and fun!!!

The anaesthetic was finally wearing off in my mouth and I had ulcers and blood blisters... not very pleasant. I didn't sleep well at all and missed the swim session Wednesday morning.

The temporary crown that they put on felt like it had such a sharp edge on it down both sides. My mouth was getting sorer and sorer all day.. not happy Jan!!!.

We had our final team meeting tonight and I just didn't want to be there. When I got there it appeared that many of us felt the same . We were all tired and poor June was getting a head cold.

I didn't hang around as I needed to get up at 3 in the morning to do a 90k ride before work.

So here I am ... 3 o'clock on Thursday morning and it just wasn't happening for me. My mouth was a mess. I felt like I was getting a cold and I was on the verge of tears. Poor Will!!! 3 in the morning and I'm like " I can't do this ... I just can't do this... sniff sniff". So back to bed , wake up at 6. . try and get thru a day of work with now 3 blood blisters and more ulcers in my mouth. You can probably guess I didn't get my run in this arvo either!!! Here's where all the self doubt just starting creeping in. In fact it was more like POURING in... and I was full on ready to give it credibility and believe it too!!!!

Friday and my mouth was starting to settle down. I had an appointment with the dentist in the arvo to try and sort out the problem . I hadn't been in a good head space the past two days.. however with no training I had in some ways had the rest I think I was needing. I finished work and rushed around so that I could squeeze in a ride. I knew I didn't have time to do the 90k from Thursday but I really just felt like I needed to get my butt on the bike and ride and get over all those negative thoughts I had been giving credence to. I managed 70k and then it was off to the dentist. Unfortunately they could only buff the edge off a little because of where it is, so I am still having some issues with it but it is certainly better than it was.

So today was supposed to be a rest day but don't forget I did nothing on Wed and Thurs , so this morning Will and I did the 14k run I was supposed to do Thurs afternoon. It was a beautiful morning along the coast and everyone was out and about enjoying the fabulous morning. After a quick coffee it was off to see the gorgeous Lisa from our training squad get married. What a wonderful wedding and reception. We had a great time and how wonderful to see two people just so happy together. Thanks Lisa and Geoff for a great day

Then it was off to Sue and Terries for dinner with some friends. Another night of wonderful food and some hilarious stories. I even managed to stay awake till about 11 ish .... most impressive.

Sunday was our last Open Water swim with Shelley Taylor Smith then another get together with some friends down at the MAAC Club..... 2 kilos heavier later..... OMG!!! All that food . . but well worth it as we had so much fun !!!!

So a much lighter week training wise (11hrs 38mins) but as far as where my head was at , certainly some ups and downs. Brad dropped in this arvo and had a chat with me and I have to say that really helped.While he is my coach he is also my brother, so it meant alot to me that he sensed how I hadn't been travelling too well . I'm actually really good giving other people good advice on getting thru those rough times but obviously have a problem with taking on my own advice .. ha ha!!! So Brad believes in me, Will believes in me and now I just have to believe in myself. So no more negative thoughts. As Shelley said today... lock them in a black box , they are no good to you or anyone else.

Bring on Taper week

Thanks for popping by :-)

Only 28 days to go!!!

OMG!!!! So here i sit , its Sunday afternoon and I have just finished my last session for the week.This time in 4 weeks I ,and a couple of thousand others, will be out on the course racing. It's so hard to believe!!

I think this week has been a tough one for not just me but a few others in the squad. Trying to juggle work, family and training can catch up with you .. but.... like I said its only 4 weeks to go so we just have to hang in there!!

I woke up Monday just not able to get out of bed. I was so tired and my right shoulder was killing me. It's been good for a while now so it was a surprise to feel it so sore. Don't know whether I slept on it funny last night .. either the way I just didn't make squad. In the afternoon Will , Lisa and myself hit Hepburn Hill again for hill repeats,16k all up!! It was hot and muggy and the flies were out in full force..On the way back we ran past the surf club to see some of our crazy club members getting ready to do the Inaugural Zombie Run ( Halloween Night ). Everyone had gone to a lot of trouble and looked pretty awesome.

Dennis and Deb looking very scary!!!

Tuesday, Lisa, Will , Fiona and I hit the road for a 50k ride with 9 short hill repeats. It's getting so light now and just towards the end of our ride we saw North Coasters Tri Club heading out on their Tuesday morning ride. We were to later find out that one of the guys had come off his bike.. a broken elbow and broken knee cap. Poor Mike , just 5 weeks out from Ironman , and this happened to him last year on a ride with us where he came off and broke his collar bone and had to pull out of Ironman. Apparently he is in good spirits though so hopefully he'll be well and on his feet soon.

Then with heavy legs it was off to the track for a 9km interval set.

Wed..3.1k in the pool. After work it was straight over to the bike shop to get my new TT bike. I had ordered a Ceepo Katana a while ago and I was getting a little nervous about it not getting here in time so Ian ( the Ceepo Main Man) suggested putting me on the Ceepo Stinger which is of similar geometry . After a couple of hours of measuring , cutting and test riding I headed off home with my new bike... looking very much forward to riding it the next morning on the recovery ride.




In the evening it was our group windtrainer session. It was here at this session that the tiredness was obvious.... not in the session itself!! everyone gave 100% there, but normally everyone is a little more chatty and cheery and it wasn't quite that way tonight. But having everyone there to support each other was such a bonus and we all got thru it.

The forecast for Thursday was for rain and more rain and I really thought that I would have to do my 30km recovery ride on the windtrainier. I was disappointed as I was really keen to grab that short ride on the new TT bike before the long ride on Saturday. Well when I woke I was so surprised to see clear skies and ended up getting the ride on the Stinger in. It felt good but the real test will be Saturdays long ride.

Thursday afternoon and by this stage the rain that we thought was coming had arrived and had truly set in. Will and I were driving around trying to choose the paving that we wanted for the back yard. We were so lucky to see a beautiful Sandstone paver that we both loved AND was on special.. woo hoo!!! So with that done it was home to get my 20km run in. Now don't get me wrong , I actually like running in the rain , but this was heavy!! So we headed off to the local gym and did the run on the treadmill... sooo booooring!! I know you have the tv in front of you and all, but really for a long run not too much fun. Anyway at this stage I am just ticking off those sessions one by one , and that's what I did, 20km done, a big tick!!!!

Friday morning was busy with a swim and work and the afternoon with tradesmen coming over for quotes!

So Saturday finally arrives and its 170kms heading south on the freeway , straight towards the bad weather. ....... . . The new bike was feeling good but it was early days yet. About 60 to 70kms into the ride the rain started. It was heavy and quite difficult to see. But the rain was warm so at least we weren't sitting there freezing our little butts off. I was really making sure I ate and drank regularly and was feeling pretty good. In fact I came off at the end not feeling shattered at all which is really nice for a change. The bike was comfortable , and felt like it fitted me so much better than my previous one. From the ride it was off to my long time friends 50th lunch, then onto my massage, straight home and got ready for my brother in laws 50th birthday. With an early start in the morning I was off home at 10 to get ready for tomorrows run.

No sleep ins this week so it was up again Sunday morning at 4.30 so that I could be at Carine Open Space for our 34k run . Coach Brad was there on his mountain bike picking us each up for sections of the run. I did struggle today and didn't feel comfortable right from the beginning but I got thru it so am happy with that.

I'm trying to keep my eyes open long enough to write this blog and every time I re read over it I find a million different mistakes and errors!!! But I have to say its a good "tired ". A real feeling of accomplishment to have swum 6.1kms, ridden 300kms and run 79kms... throw an hour of core work in there for good measure and this week tipped over the 20hrs with 20hrs and 12 mins.

Continuous effort - not strength

or intelligence - is the key

to unlocking our potential

Sir Winston Churchill