So Christmas has been and gone, I really hope everyone had a good one. Mine has been great regarding the kids, however it is has been tinged with much sadness.
We were in Kent for Christmas day itself with my sister, her husband and their 4 kids. However my sister and I are now back up in Newcastle for the next 24 hours so we can say our final goodbyes to my grandpa at Tynemouth Crematorium tomorrow. It is then straight back to kent so we are back in time to see the New year in and also celebrate her eldest sons 18th, which is a really scary thought as he is my godson!
On boxing day I received some very upsetting news, my friends husband lost his fight to cancer on Christmas day. I just want her to know that my thoughts and prayers are with her and her family, life really can be very cruel and unfair at the best of times. It has made me realise just how precious life is and we only have one chance in this world. So life should be lived to the full, with no regrets.
Finally regarding training..........ummmmmmm!!! Not great, but it is Christmas and the weather has been pretty rubbish. I have only managed 1 run in a week, oops! But it was a great run, after resting for that length of time I was flying, when not slipping on the ice. I felt like I could of run a marathon, which is reassuring as that is what I am going to have to do. I just won't concern myself quite yet about the 2.4 mile swim and the 112 miles on the bike that I must do first, before attempting my first ever marathon.
Tuesday 28 December 2010
Sunday 19 December 2010
Life can be crap!
I feel Numb.
Recently I have just seemed to have crap news. Today, December 17th in the early hours of the morning my grandpa passed away, I feel sick. It was only 4 weeks ago he had a huge heart attack and survived and seemed to be doing so well on the road to recovery. Tonight I had to break the news to the kids. I envy the way that at such a young age life can be so matter of fact. Jake has assured me that grandpa is now sitting with God and Jesus and granny is telling them all jokes, as she was a very good Joke teller; those were his words. I love the fact that we then sat there and Jake told me some jokes, they were terrible jokes, but he made me laugh.
And if that was not enough, before I got that call, I was sitting with a good friend who is going through hell with a terminally ill partner. Her whole life has been turned upside down in a couple of months, with nothing she can do to alter the outcome. As a friend I feel helpless trying to help her through such a difficult time, all I can offer her is a shoulder to cry on and a sympathetic ear and at this time of year it always seems even more unfair.
Anyway life must go on, so I am heading out tonight with my netball team, for our Christmas night out. Seriously thought about staying in, but decided to go out and if I turn into a weeping mess, I can always get a taxi. So I have my phone at the ready so hopefully photo's to follow.
Hey what can I say, great night out and what a HOT looking netball team, looking good girls! Well they certainly put a smile back on my face, I had an ace night.
Finally, back to the actual reason I am writing this blog, training. Had a good start to the week, managed both tri sessions, however 2nd session felt pretty poor this week. Just wasn't feeling focused at all, and my weekend session was definitely effected by too much alcohol on my Friday night out. However yet again I made my daughters early morning swim session, at this rate I could end up getting a name for myself on the pool side. Maybe I should learn to say no to drinking... nah that's just a silly idea, I love my boozy nights out, it's just the next day it goes horribly wrong (sometimes).
As if the week had not been bad enough, earlier on in the week I managed to put my back out again, it has been so frustrating. Anyway I put my SOS call into Jambo and he was only getting on a train to London, Arghhhh!
However tonight (Sunday) I have seen Jambo..... I think I have just been through a torture session. I am now known as the Screamer. I can handle a lot of pain but this was excruciating, my IT bands were knotted to the extreme. So Jambo first came at me with his hands, where I nearly hit the roof, so he opted for using a huge foam tube, and used it like a rolling pin up the side of my leg, owwwwwwwwwwww!! Next he found the problem with my back, owwwwwwwwwwwwww! again, upside I do feel better, but what a session. From now on I am seriously going to concentrate on trying to release my IT band on my own.
Recently I have just seemed to have crap news. Today, December 17th in the early hours of the morning my grandpa passed away, I feel sick. It was only 4 weeks ago he had a huge heart attack and survived and seemed to be doing so well on the road to recovery. Tonight I had to break the news to the kids. I envy the way that at such a young age life can be so matter of fact. Jake has assured me that grandpa is now sitting with God and Jesus and granny is telling them all jokes, as she was a very good Joke teller; those were his words. I love the fact that we then sat there and Jake told me some jokes, they were terrible jokes, but he made me laugh.
And if that was not enough, before I got that call, I was sitting with a good friend who is going through hell with a terminally ill partner. Her whole life has been turned upside down in a couple of months, with nothing she can do to alter the outcome. As a friend I feel helpless trying to help her through such a difficult time, all I can offer her is a shoulder to cry on and a sympathetic ear and at this time of year it always seems even more unfair.
Anyway life must go on, so I am heading out tonight with my netball team, for our Christmas night out. Seriously thought about staying in, but decided to go out and if I turn into a weeping mess, I can always get a taxi. So I have my phone at the ready so hopefully photo's to follow.
Hey what can I say, great night out and what a HOT looking netball team, looking good girls! Well they certainly put a smile back on my face, I had an ace night.
Finally, back to the actual reason I am writing this blog, training. Had a good start to the week, managed both tri sessions, however 2nd session felt pretty poor this week. Just wasn't feeling focused at all, and my weekend session was definitely effected by too much alcohol on my Friday night out. However yet again I made my daughters early morning swim session, at this rate I could end up getting a name for myself on the pool side. Maybe I should learn to say no to drinking... nah that's just a silly idea, I love my boozy nights out, it's just the next day it goes horribly wrong (sometimes).
As if the week had not been bad enough, earlier on in the week I managed to put my back out again, it has been so frustrating. Anyway I put my SOS call into Jambo and he was only getting on a train to London, Arghhhh!
However tonight (Sunday) I have seen Jambo..... I think I have just been through a torture session. I am now known as the Screamer. I can handle a lot of pain but this was excruciating, my IT bands were knotted to the extreme. So Jambo first came at me with his hands, where I nearly hit the roof, so he opted for using a huge foam tube, and used it like a rolling pin up the side of my leg, owwwwwwwwwwww!! Next he found the problem with my back, owwwwwwwwwwwwww! again, upside I do feel better, but what a session. From now on I am seriously going to concentrate on trying to release my IT band on my own.
Sunday 12 December 2010
Eaten alive
I really don't know what is happening to time at the moment, I just feel like someone has their finger on fast forward constantly.
This week I got my first training advice for my new coach, Woody. So I should be looking at between 6 - 8 hours training a week, concentrating on various areas. For my bike its all about low cadence and big gears and the swimming and the running, well I haven't got that far yet. Oh Loads of time.
I have managed 4 training sessions this week, one was particularly gruesome at tri club. However I think the reason I found it so hard was due to the effects from the previous weekend drink-athon. I have decided its not a good combination drinking then training even with a couple of days break between the two.
The rest of the week hasn't been that productive on the training front, due to other commitments. Friday night I had my eldest daughters Christmas swimming gala and we were in team Grease; great yet another reason to dress up, hooray!!
Somehow I had managed to volunteer myself for the parent race which was a IM relay with the kids. That really wasn't an issue, however when faced with a diving block which the kids told me to stand on, the whole prospect of the race changed. I really don't know when I last dived, let alone stood on a diving block, anyway not one to shy away from a challenge up I went. Apparently the dive was not beautiful or graceful at all, but who cares, I did it and swam the 50m, might I add minus the goggles, they had come off the minute I hit the water. So, pleased it was over and done with, I asked Polly what she thought, she answered "I don't know because I couldn't see, someone was in the way". I do wonder sometimes why I bother!
This weekend I have had my first experience of the 'Garra Rufa fish therapy Spa, awesome once you get over the initial shock of them eating your feet. Would definitely recommended it, however be warned it is extremely ticklish.
Finally a hilarious video has been drawn to my attention by a fellow member from the tri club, it is a classic and yet I feel it could be very true, if you want a laugh you have to watch it, especially if you are thinking or are doing an Ironman.
This week I got my first training advice for my new coach, Woody. So I should be looking at between 6 - 8 hours training a week, concentrating on various areas. For my bike its all about low cadence and big gears and the swimming and the running, well I haven't got that far yet. Oh Loads of time.
I have managed 4 training sessions this week, one was particularly gruesome at tri club. However I think the reason I found it so hard was due to the effects from the previous weekend drink-athon. I have decided its not a good combination drinking then training even with a couple of days break between the two.
The rest of the week hasn't been that productive on the training front, due to other commitments. Friday night I had my eldest daughters Christmas swimming gala and we were in team Grease; great yet another reason to dress up, hooray!!
Somehow I had managed to volunteer myself for the parent race which was a IM relay with the kids. That really wasn't an issue, however when faced with a diving block which the kids told me to stand on, the whole prospect of the race changed. I really don't know when I last dived, let alone stood on a diving block, anyway not one to shy away from a challenge up I went. Apparently the dive was not beautiful or graceful at all, but who cares, I did it and swam the 50m, might I add minus the goggles, they had come off the minute I hit the water. So, pleased it was over and done with, I asked Polly what she thought, she answered "I don't know because I couldn't see, someone was in the way". I do wonder sometimes why I bother!
This weekend I have had my first experience of the 'Garra Rufa fish therapy Spa, awesome once you get over the initial shock of them eating your feet. Would definitely recommended it, however be warned it is extremely ticklish.
Finally a hilarious video has been drawn to my attention by a fellow member from the tri club, it is a classic and yet I feel it could be very true, if you want a laugh you have to watch it, especially if you are thinking or are doing an Ironman.
Monday 6 December 2010
Breaking the Ice
So this week we have been hit really hard by the snow, it seems to be affecting everything.
On Monday we lost our telephone line, which also meant no internet. It has been awful not being able to go on line at home, and with no idea when BT are getting here, it could be a while till I do get back on the old net. Apparently our street has been classified as a health and safety hazard.
As if this was not bad enough the gym keeps shutting early, tri club was cancelled, the first of my nights out was been cancelled AHHH! However on the upside my kids school had its first closure due to the snow on Thursday, so dressed up and ready for action we hit the town moor or should I say cow hill. Managing to get the youngest taken care of, the twins and I had a great afternoon zooming down the hill; it was awesome, very refreshing.
So then the second night out was cancelled however this time I was not going to take no for an answer. A quick call round and with new friends to go out to play with I hit the town and 9 hours later with the urge of partying well and truly satisfied I crawled into bed. Four hours later and I was sitting on the poolside watching my eldest daughters first early morning swim session. Well what can I say except that it was an intense experience on such little sleep.
When I decided to write this blog I said I would be truthful on how everything is going, in all aspects of my life. Well this week things haven’t been great on the home front, it’s been brewing for a while to be honest. It is hard enough trying to juggle home life as it is with all the chores, work, kids activities and then somehow find time for each other (meaning spending time with my husband). When you want to train and the only available time to do this is the evenings due to all the other commitments and he is in the throes of running two relatively new businesses and doesn’t come home from work till 7.30pm every night which is when I go out to the Gym, tri club or netball, it kind of leaves little time for each other; not the best for a happy marriage.
So after a chat late one night which seems about the only available time to talk at the moment, from now on Thursday is declared as a night for us to spend time together (excluding the Thursday that my fixed netball match is on; I can’t help that), so whether we go out or stay in it shall be a night where we spend some quality time together. We do have the weekends of course but they tend to be full of kids parties and various other activities; nobody said this was going to be easy.
I think it is too easy sometimes to get absorbed in the things you have to do and the tasks ahead of you. The result is that you forget about the things that are around you that also need attention if a happy equilibrium is to be maintained.
Finally I want to share with you a piece of snow art I discovered on the back streets of Jesmond, I think it is brilliant, very creative and dare I say it very detailed. Enjoy the masterpiece.
Sunday 28 November 2010
No turning back now...
Where are the weeks going to? Just done some calculations and in 36 weekends time I will be in Germany preparing to race.The Hotel is booked, the flight is booked and hopefully by then my body will be like a finely tuned engine just ready to go....... Yeah right, I just think as long as it goes that is the main thing.
So this week I went back to see the fabulous Jambo Truong, for a lesson in stretching. We went through a routine of stretches that I need to be doing and he showed be how to breathe correctly. It was very relaxing and tranquil and I really felt the benefit of it when I left his.
So the plan is to do this every day, before and especially after I have trained.
The problem I seem to be facing is its not quite as relaxing at home. The other night I took myself upstairs to perform the stretches and was instantly invaded by the girls. So whilst I am trying to concentrate on my breathing the youngest is on then off then back on the potty, then I am having to reward the youngest for being successful on the potty, and Polly just didn't seem to stop talking, then they decide to join in. I think you get the picture, it was just chaotic not relaxing at all.
So the next attempt was done with no kids around. However this time the dog thought it was some sort of game, not the best game really with a dog when you keep needing to get on all fours. I really think it is something I will have to do out of the house.
This week we were hit by the snow big time. So its official now my decent road bike is now off the road and as I really don't fancy running outside in the snow, I have faced the fact most of my training will now be indoors, for the foreseeable future.
So to date this week I have managed the mammoth swim (approx 3.5miles), had a tri session with the club, done a weight session, and have another turbo session/swim to do at the weekend, must say I am feeling good. However next week might not be so productive on the training side, as it is the start of the Christmas nights out. Never one to say no to a few drinks out with the girls I have managed to book myself out on two nights next week, maybe like the ironman I should try and pace myself!!!! Who am I kidding I reckon if I could pace myself and say no, I currently wouldn't be in the situation of being entered in an ironman.
Finally, I think I have a coach. A guy called Woody (Alun Woodward). He lives in Hungary and is a full time coach & pro triathlete. He's the European Head Coach for 'ironguides'. So by all accounts I am in the best possible hands. This is the man who is going to be responsible for setting me my programmes and helping me with my diet and any other issues physically and mentally that I may encounter along the way. Just wondering if he has ever worked with a manic mother of three?...... there might be a lot of issues!!
So this week I went back to see the fabulous Jambo Truong, for a lesson in stretching. We went through a routine of stretches that I need to be doing and he showed be how to breathe correctly. It was very relaxing and tranquil and I really felt the benefit of it when I left his.
So the plan is to do this every day, before and especially after I have trained.
The problem I seem to be facing is its not quite as relaxing at home. The other night I took myself upstairs to perform the stretches and was instantly invaded by the girls. So whilst I am trying to concentrate on my breathing the youngest is on then off then back on the potty, then I am having to reward the youngest for being successful on the potty, and Polly just didn't seem to stop talking, then they decide to join in. I think you get the picture, it was just chaotic not relaxing at all.
So the next attempt was done with no kids around. However this time the dog thought it was some sort of game, not the best game really with a dog when you keep needing to get on all fours. I really think it is something I will have to do out of the house.
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| The Lovely Jambo Truong |
This week we were hit by the snow big time. So its official now my decent road bike is now off the road and as I really don't fancy running outside in the snow, I have faced the fact most of my training will now be indoors, for the foreseeable future.
So to date this week I have managed the mammoth swim (approx 3.5miles), had a tri session with the club, done a weight session, and have another turbo session/swim to do at the weekend, must say I am feeling good. However next week might not be so productive on the training side, as it is the start of the Christmas nights out. Never one to say no to a few drinks out with the girls I have managed to book myself out on two nights next week, maybe like the ironman I should try and pace myself!!!! Who am I kidding I reckon if I could pace myself and say no, I currently wouldn't be in the situation of being entered in an ironman.
Finally, I think I have a coach. A guy called Woody (Alun Woodward). He lives in Hungary and is a full time coach & pro triathlete. He's the European Head Coach for 'ironguides'. So by all accounts I am in the best possible hands. This is the man who is going to be responsible for setting me my programmes and helping me with my diet and any other issues physically and mentally that I may encounter along the way. Just wondering if he has ever worked with a manic mother of three?...... there might be a lot of issues!!
Sunday 14 November 2010
More dates for the diary.
Well another week has flown by. Yikes!
This week I have entered 2 more triathlons, with one more definite to go. They are seen as a must regarding the training for the Ironman. That word now just sends me into a frenzy; ooh ahhh!!
Next year so far the grand total of events entered is four (with one Olympic distance still to go), but the dates are as follows:
June 12th - Cleveland short course - 1500m swim, cycle 40km, run 10km (multi - terrain)
July 2nd - Cleveland Steelman - 2000m swim, cycle 90km, run 21km
July 31st - London Triathlon - 1500m swim, cycle 40km, run 10km
Aug 7th - Regensburg Ironman - 3800m swim, cycle180km, run 42.2km
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! What am I doing???????? Breathe, breathe and breathe again.
OK its possible, I think!! Well we will see. I am hoping that I am going to turn either into super girl or wonder woman in the coming months. Maybe I should get a tri suit made up to match my role models outfits, it might help me with my transformation, on the other hand I might just look like a complete nutter!! Probably the latter.
So regarding training this week, all has gone well. Got house bound for a couple of nights, so the turbo trainer got pulled out for the first time in a while. Seemed to go well, but I really don't think watching desperate housewives at the same time helped me produce the most focused session. However I did enjoy it!
Calum who took me for my swimming lesson last week very kindly forwarded me a training plan. OMG the word 'TORTURE' springs to mind. For those of you not into swimming it basically meant swimming 206 lengths of a 25m pool (not including warm up/cool down) at varying speeds and 128 of those were just with my arms; insane!!
1hour 55mins later and 5,150m later I am out the pool feeling elated but knackered, headed home thinking, 'I am going to sleep well'. But why oh why is it these nights you have your worse night sleep, just when you need it the most?
I fell asleep pretty much straight away, however I was rudely awoken 2/3 hours later by the worse snoring I have heard in a while. An hour into that musical, the dog joined in with some wining but trying to ignore her resulted in Molly sticking her nose in my face. So up I got and let her out but she just seemed to study the stars, ahhhh! Back to bed, the snoring continued, the dogs wining continued and then she started licking god knows what part of her body outside the bedroom door which really was not a pleasant noise. So up I got again this time dressed to go on the lane with the beast. Mission successful (she had a very upset stomach, sooo rank at 4am) I finally get back to sleep. The kids only went and woke up at 6:30am, they never get up that early, I could have throttled them... and so the day began.
What I can't figure out is, was it just a disturbed night sleep? I normally sleep through everything or can too much exercise late at night effect your sleep pattern? If so that is so harsh!
Molly enjoying her days up at Bamburgh Castle.
Located in the North East of England,
Northumberland.
However, sleep or no sleep, I have managed to do a quick windy 30 mile bike ride today with my friend Lisa. It was hell outbound (due to the wind) but heaven coming back in, I think we averaged about 25mph on the return journey, awesome!
The rest of the week as normal has entered the realms of manic mayhem. Work, Finger Print Management is busy at the moment with everyone wanting print done prior to Christmas. I also managed to make a start on the Christmas shopping; yuck!
Finally my organisational skills are back in use again. Every January I help organise a big charity night celebrating Burns night (a night in which the life and poetry of Robbie Burns is celebrated). It is in aid of the 'Clubs for Young People' which is a charity that helps to raise money to support the local clubs in the North East. Previous years I have run this event with my father John Shallcross, however this year I have a new partner in crime, local Business man Nick Manson, so the pressure is really on to continue the great work done by my father.
This week I have entered 2 more triathlons, with one more definite to go. They are seen as a must regarding the training for the Ironman. That word now just sends me into a frenzy; ooh ahhh!!
Next year so far the grand total of events entered is four (with one Olympic distance still to go), but the dates are as follows:
June 12th - Cleveland short course - 1500m swim, cycle 40km, run 10km (multi - terrain)
July 2nd - Cleveland Steelman - 2000m swim, cycle 90km, run 21km
July 31st - London Triathlon - 1500m swim, cycle 40km, run 10km
Aug 7th - Regensburg Ironman - 3800m swim, cycle180km, run 42.2km
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! What am I doing???????? Breathe, breathe and breathe again.
OK its possible, I think!! Well we will see. I am hoping that I am going to turn either into super girl or wonder woman in the coming months. Maybe I should get a tri suit made up to match my role models outfits, it might help me with my transformation, on the other hand I might just look like a complete nutter!! Probably the latter.
So regarding training this week, all has gone well. Got house bound for a couple of nights, so the turbo trainer got pulled out for the first time in a while. Seemed to go well, but I really don't think watching desperate housewives at the same time helped me produce the most focused session. However I did enjoy it!
Calum who took me for my swimming lesson last week very kindly forwarded me a training plan. OMG the word 'TORTURE' springs to mind. For those of you not into swimming it basically meant swimming 206 lengths of a 25m pool (not including warm up/cool down) at varying speeds and 128 of those were just with my arms; insane!!
1hour 55mins later and 5,150m later I am out the pool feeling elated but knackered, headed home thinking, 'I am going to sleep well'. But why oh why is it these nights you have your worse night sleep, just when you need it the most?
I fell asleep pretty much straight away, however I was rudely awoken 2/3 hours later by the worse snoring I have heard in a while. An hour into that musical, the dog joined in with some wining but trying to ignore her resulted in Molly sticking her nose in my face. So up I got and let her out but she just seemed to study the stars, ahhhh! Back to bed, the snoring continued, the dogs wining continued and then she started licking god knows what part of her body outside the bedroom door which really was not a pleasant noise. So up I got again this time dressed to go on the lane with the beast. Mission successful (she had a very upset stomach, sooo rank at 4am) I finally get back to sleep. The kids only went and woke up at 6:30am, they never get up that early, I could have throttled them... and so the day began.
What I can't figure out is, was it just a disturbed night sleep? I normally sleep through everything or can too much exercise late at night effect your sleep pattern? If so that is so harsh!
Located in the North East of England,
Northumberland.
However, sleep or no sleep, I have managed to do a quick windy 30 mile bike ride today with my friend Lisa. It was hell outbound (due to the wind) but heaven coming back in, I think we averaged about 25mph on the return journey, awesome!
The rest of the week as normal has entered the realms of manic mayhem. Work, Finger Print Management is busy at the moment with everyone wanting print done prior to Christmas. I also managed to make a start on the Christmas shopping; yuck!
Finally my organisational skills are back in use again. Every January I help organise a big charity night celebrating Burns night (a night in which the life and poetry of Robbie Burns is celebrated). It is in aid of the 'Clubs for Young People' which is a charity that helps to raise money to support the local clubs in the North East. Previous years I have run this event with my father John Shallcross, however this year I have a new partner in crime, local Business man Nick Manson, so the pressure is really on to continue the great work done by my father.
Sunday 7 November 2010
I am getting Stronger
I feel different this week in a fantastic way.
Last weekend on a strong recommendation I went to see a man called Jambo Truong, as I was worrying about my hips and the pain I was getting and this was from running only 6 miles. Jambo is a 'Multi-disciplinary practitioner that specialises in musculo-skeletal alignment and preventative medicine'. All I can say is WOW! My first consultation was 90mins, in which I spent most of my time lying on his medical bed, raising an arm and then a leg and then an arm and leg together etc, and seeing how much force I could apply. Then where needed he corrected my alignment, please don't ask me how he does this. He also did a couple of acupuncture points. Honestly, straight afterwards I really didn't feel any different regarding my body. But this week I have felt so much stronger, like there is more power getting through my body. He sent me away with some stretches to do, normally not very good at doing these, but I am now making the time as well as continuing my door hanging regime. I am really looking forward to my next appointment.
Also this week I have had a swimming lesson with Calum who is the head coach of Aquajets. Its another WOW. What a difference a lesson can make, its unbelivable. To get all technical, I now feel like I am actually catching the water and pulling myself through it, I really don't know what I was doing before but I feel so much smoother in the water now. 2.4 miles, easy, bring it on!
The rest of my week has just been MANIC!!!
Work has been busy, but it has been the youngest member of the family that I think has turned into the Tasmanian Devil, she is exhausting. As well as being her usual busy self, she has taken to getting changed up to 5 times a day. Every time she disappears she appears in something else, it's driving me up the wall. She truly excelled herself Wednesday night. The telly was banned so off she went upstairs, to appear again in some strange assembly of clothes, however upon my arrival to her bedroom I was greeted with this.
When I ask her why? Her response is; 'I wanted to'.
My only worry is, if this is what she is like now, what is she going to be like when she's 16? The term Wild springs to mind!
Finally I did a long run this weekend, well 10 miles, so long by my standards. It felt great, got up early and just took off. I am still not the quickest of runners, but I actually enjoyed it this time, which is a first. Will I enjoy it after cycling 112 miles and swimming 2.4 miles? Probably not!!!
Last weekend on a strong recommendation I went to see a man called Jambo Truong, as I was worrying about my hips and the pain I was getting and this was from running only 6 miles. Jambo is a 'Multi-disciplinary practitioner that specialises in musculo-skeletal alignment and preventative medicine'. All I can say is WOW! My first consultation was 90mins, in which I spent most of my time lying on his medical bed, raising an arm and then a leg and then an arm and leg together etc, and seeing how much force I could apply. Then where needed he corrected my alignment, please don't ask me how he does this. He also did a couple of acupuncture points. Honestly, straight afterwards I really didn't feel any different regarding my body. But this week I have felt so much stronger, like there is more power getting through my body. He sent me away with some stretches to do, normally not very good at doing these, but I am now making the time as well as continuing my door hanging regime. I am really looking forward to my next appointment.
Also this week I have had a swimming lesson with Calum who is the head coach of Aquajets. Its another WOW. What a difference a lesson can make, its unbelivable. To get all technical, I now feel like I am actually catching the water and pulling myself through it, I really don't know what I was doing before but I feel so much smoother in the water now. 2.4 miles, easy, bring it on!
The rest of my week has just been MANIC!!!
Work has been busy, but it has been the youngest member of the family that I think has turned into the Tasmanian Devil, she is exhausting. As well as being her usual busy self, she has taken to getting changed up to 5 times a day. Every time she disappears she appears in something else, it's driving me up the wall. She truly excelled herself Wednesday night. The telly was banned so off she went upstairs, to appear again in some strange assembly of clothes, however upon my arrival to her bedroom I was greeted with this.
When I ask her why? Her response is; 'I wanted to'.
My only worry is, if this is what she is like now, what is she going to be like when she's 16? The term Wild springs to mind!
Finally I did a long run this weekend, well 10 miles, so long by my standards. It felt great, got up early and just took off. I am still not the quickest of runners, but I actually enjoyed it this time, which is a first. Will I enjoy it after cycling 112 miles and swimming 2.4 miles? Probably not!!!
Sunday 31 October 2010
Happy Halloween
I must start this week with a big announcement. I became an auntie again to little Alfie and he is gorgeous. So a massive congratulations to my brother and his wife.
Normally when half term holidays happen I find my training goes out the window, however I'm really pleased this week I have managed to juggle everything.
Monday saw me getting up at the crack of dawn for my first morning run since before the great north run. I actually realised that I have missed this time of day for running, its such a chore getting up but totally worth it. I am going to do it more often.
I have also managed a 40 mile bike ride 1 gym and two tri sessions this week which felt great apart from gaining some rather unsightly constraint marks around my ankle. That was an interesting one telling the husband, it did actually happen training in the pool, HONEST.
The rest of the week has encompassed the usual half term activities for the kids. We have had some good days out. Wednesday we spent the day with Grandma at her house which somehow ended up with me up a tree, I had forgotten what great fun tree climbing is. However half way up the tree I had a thought, 'What if I fell?' What was concerning me more about this thought was that all I could think about was the effect this would have on my training. I really think I'm becoming obsessed, my husband says he already knew that. The bigger worry is if I'm like this now what am I going to be like in 6 months? A psychopath!
Finally its Halloween, spooks and spells; love it. Paul and I went to a house party last night and I'm pleased to say we made an effort, it was spooktastic.
Normally when half term holidays happen I find my training goes out the window, however I'm really pleased this week I have managed to juggle everything.
Monday saw me getting up at the crack of dawn for my first morning run since before the great north run. I actually realised that I have missed this time of day for running, its such a chore getting up but totally worth it. I am going to do it more often.
I have also managed a 40 mile bike ride 1 gym and two tri sessions this week which felt great apart from gaining some rather unsightly constraint marks around my ankle. That was an interesting one telling the husband, it did actually happen training in the pool, HONEST.
The rest of the week has encompassed the usual half term activities for the kids. We have had some good days out. Wednesday we spent the day with Grandma at her house which somehow ended up with me up a tree, I had forgotten what great fun tree climbing is. However half way up the tree I had a thought, 'What if I fell?' What was concerning me more about this thought was that all I could think about was the effect this would have on my training. I really think I'm becoming obsessed, my husband says he already knew that. The bigger worry is if I'm like this now what am I going to be like in 6 months? A psychopath!
Finally its Halloween, spooks and spells; love it. Paul and I went to a house party last night and I'm pleased to say we made an effort, it was spooktastic.
 |
| HAPPY HALLOWEEN |
Saturday 23 October 2010
Egyptian... or maybe not
It has been my first week where I have felt really pushed for time trying to juggle everything, and I know it is only going to get worse.
Apart from the usual nightly training / netball, going to work, doing the supermarket shop at 10pm after training, walking the dog and then doing all the kids activities, I had homework to do.
For the past three weeks my twins homework was to create with mum or dad, in our case just mum (daddy has been really busy with work) an Egyptian costume for this Wednesday. Jake decided he was going to be a Pharaoh, whilst Polly wanted to be Anubis which is the god of mummification, a jackals head on a man's body. We started a few weeks ago painting paper and looking up ideas, so as to create the exact look. For Jake we made a great head piece and cut up a black sheet for a robe, whilst for Polly we made a dogs head to sit on top of her head and then dropped a piece of cloth over her face to hide it, perfect.
However Polly's teachers decided it was too dangerous to have a sheet over her face as she may have fallen and hurt herself (she could see fine through the sheet), so for health and safety reasons they cut some eye holes in. Hmmmmm... I feel this completely altered the look I was going for; I will let you all see and make your own minds up.
Apart from the usual nightly training / netball, going to work, doing the supermarket shop at 10pm after training, walking the dog and then doing all the kids activities, I had homework to do.
For the past three weeks my twins homework was to create with mum or dad, in our case just mum (daddy has been really busy with work) an Egyptian costume for this Wednesday. Jake decided he was going to be a Pharaoh, whilst Polly wanted to be Anubis which is the god of mummification, a jackals head on a man's body. We started a few weeks ago painting paper and looking up ideas, so as to create the exact look. For Jake we made a great head piece and cut up a black sheet for a robe, whilst for Polly we made a dogs head to sit on top of her head and then dropped a piece of cloth over her face to hide it, perfect.
However Polly's teachers decided it was too dangerous to have a sheet over her face as she may have fallen and hurt herself (she could see fine through the sheet), so for health and safety reasons they cut some eye holes in. Hmmmmm... I feel this completely altered the look I was going for; I will let you all see and make your own minds up.
Saturday 16 October 2010
A slow week
What a quiet week, whether it was from last weekends activities (most likely) or something else, I came down with a stinker of a cold and as a result I have taken it pretty easy this week.
Monday evening I managed an easy pool session, followed by a very quick bike ride Tuesday morning. It was a hard choice between my bikes however due to the addition of my new tri bars, the Giant won over the BMX this time; its always such a hard choice.
Wednesday all I managed was to coach netball, I think I was being pretty tough on the warm up drills, put it down to the frustration of not being able to join in.
Thursday I was off to the Carling Academy to watch Tinie Tempah, he was amazing, so much energy.
Friday night I was back in the Pool, had a pretty good session, chest still isn't great but it is a massive improvement to the start of the week and my asthma hasn't kicked off too much this time, so really pleased about that.
Finally we are at Saturday and it was an early start. Lisa and I were out on the road by 8am. The first 30 mins were wet but then it turned into a fab morning, well worth getting up for. A quick 40 miles later we were back in the house, I grabbed my running shoes and went straight out with my daughter for a quick half a mile. It's my new rule after every bike ride (time permitting) whether its 5 mins or 2 hours plus I must go staight out running so as to practice my transistion; hope it helps!
Going to get up early tomorrow and go running. I feel that I am paying no attention to this discipline at the moment which is a bad thing as this is by far my weakest area. I must start making myself run a decent run each week, so I have a good starting block in which to start from in the New Year.
I did get some good news last week, a friend called Kaleel who I did my first triathlon with last year (it was his first also), has just entered the same Ironman, whoop, whoop! I have decided there must be something in the water up here at the mo, I will get the exact number but I think it is about 12 people from Total Racing International that will be going to Germany to compete. Geordies on tour or what! Think we might need a tour bus!
Monday evening I managed an easy pool session, followed by a very quick bike ride Tuesday morning. It was a hard choice between my bikes however due to the addition of my new tri bars, the Giant won over the BMX this time; its always such a hard choice.
Wednesday all I managed was to coach netball, I think I was being pretty tough on the warm up drills, put it down to the frustration of not being able to join in.
Thursday I was off to the Carling Academy to watch Tinie Tempah, he was amazing, so much energy.
Friday night I was back in the Pool, had a pretty good session, chest still isn't great but it is a massive improvement to the start of the week and my asthma hasn't kicked off too much this time, so really pleased about that.
Finally we are at Saturday and it was an early start. Lisa and I were out on the road by 8am. The first 30 mins were wet but then it turned into a fab morning, well worth getting up for. A quick 40 miles later we were back in the house, I grabbed my running shoes and went straight out with my daughter for a quick half a mile. It's my new rule after every bike ride (time permitting) whether its 5 mins or 2 hours plus I must go staight out running so as to practice my transistion; hope it helps!
I did get some good news last week, a friend called Kaleel who I did my first triathlon with last year (it was his first also), has just entered the same Ironman, whoop, whoop! I have decided there must be something in the water up here at the mo, I will get the exact number but I think it is about 12 people from Total Racing International that will be going to Germany to compete. Geordies on tour or what! Think we might need a tour bus!
Sunday 10 October 2010
Mojito marathon...
Well what a night and I never want to see a Mojito again.
Had a fantastic night which started off with drinks at ours with two other couples, but due to a highball glass shortage we needed to improvise, so out came the pint glasses; don't think this was one of my better ideas.
The first of the night
Had a fantastic night which started off with drinks at ours with two other couples, but due to a highball glass shortage we needed to improvise, so out came the pint glasses; don't think this was one of my better ideas.
Friday 8 October 2010
I have a new activity!!
After I got over the excitement of my swim, it was straight back to the weekly grind of trying to maintain my fitness levels so I have a good starting block in January, when the serious training commences.
Monday night was a light jog, after all I did have a good swim on Sunday.
Tuesday was tri club, where I informed them some photo's need to be taken soon; they were oblivously delighted.
Wednesday was a rushed run squeezed in before school pick up. Then my very understanding husband was out that night. At the moment that is a rare thing as I seem to be out training most nights. He does have to put up with alot and I have a horrible feeling that it is only going to get worse.
Thursday night was netball night, which then became a night of pain. We had a tough netball match, losing by 3 goals Arghhhhhh! So frustrating. End Score 29 - 26. Afterwards went for a drink with some of the girls only to have to make a mad dash to the loo. Well, by the time I got home and into bed it had got worse and I spent the rest of the night awake and bent double cramping. Not pleasent and all I could think was "is this the start of blue green algae poisoning from the lake swim" which is a horrible thought at 3am. However you will all be pleased to hear I have recovered from the cramps, but not the lack of sleep.
Friday: After a rough start to the day I had my back appointment with an Osteopath in Jesmond. I feel great; Hooray! I was creaked and cracked, he thinks I may have a slightly bulging disc which is why I get the nerve pain, but my spine and hips aren't too bad at all. I don't need to take any time off from training which is good, but I do need to start hanging from doors daily to help stretch my spine, so I will commence my first hanging tonight. I have no idea what my husband is going to make of this new activity.
Tomorrow from lunch time onwards we have no kids; YEE HAA, due to the celebration of my birthday. So the fresh mint and limes have been ordered and it starts with Mojitos at 7:30 with a few close friends (pictures to follow). There is no plan to the night at the moment as I feel life is far too rushed and orgainised, however I am sure I will be able to demonstrate my latest skill to my friends at some point; DOOR HANGING.
Monday night was a light jog, after all I did have a good swim on Sunday.
Tuesday was tri club, where I informed them some photo's need to be taken soon; they were oblivously delighted.
Wednesday was a rushed run squeezed in before school pick up. Then my very understanding husband was out that night. At the moment that is a rare thing as I seem to be out training most nights. He does have to put up with alot and I have a horrible feeling that it is only going to get worse.
Friday: After a rough start to the day I had my back appointment with an Osteopath in Jesmond. I feel great; Hooray! I was creaked and cracked, he thinks I may have a slightly bulging disc which is why I get the nerve pain, but my spine and hips aren't too bad at all. I don't need to take any time off from training which is good, but I do need to start hanging from doors daily to help stretch my spine, so I will commence my first hanging tonight. I have no idea what my husband is going to make of this new activity.
Tomorrow from lunch time onwards we have no kids; YEE HAA, due to the celebration of my birthday. So the fresh mint and limes have been ordered and it starts with Mojitos at 7:30 with a few close friends (pictures to follow). There is no plan to the night at the moment as I feel life is far too rushed and orgainised, however I am sure I will be able to demonstrate my latest skill to my friends at some point; DOOR HANGING.
Monday 4 October 2010
Flipping fantastic freezing lakes...
The weekend didn't start great, went for what was meant to be a quick 20 miles on Saturday morning and 15 mins in to the ride my reoccurring nerve pain in my left foot started up. This meant only one thing, I had popped out my sacroiliac again; really not happy. So that is a trip to the specialist this Friday to hopefully get it popped back in, and then it will be limited training (not good).
However yesterday, what an awesome day, I am still buzzing from it. I did (with one of my best friends Rebecca) 3.5 miles swimming in total, in four lakes. The lake temperatures were about 12 degrees, so it got pretty chilly, and trying to get our body temperatures up between swims was challenging. However it was great training as next year we are planning to take on the challenge of swimming a mile in each of the 13 lakes within 24 hours.
I took some pictures yesterday, to show you all what you were missing.
Lake 1 Buttermere
As you can see amazing. We were pretty chilly when we got out, but staying in wetsuits it was a quick drive to the next place.
Lake 2 Crummock water
However yesterday, what an awesome day, I am still buzzing from it. I did (with one of my best friends Rebecca) 3.5 miles swimming in total, in four lakes. The lake temperatures were about 12 degrees, so it got pretty chilly, and trying to get our body temperatures up between swims was challenging. However it was great training as next year we are planning to take on the challenge of swimming a mile in each of the 13 lakes within 24 hours.
I took some pictures yesterday, to show you all what you were missing.
As you can see amazing. We were pretty chilly when we got out, but staying in wetsuits it was a quick drive to the next place.
LOOKING GOOD
Lake 2 Crummock water
Thursday 30 September 2010
What a game!
Finally some photo's, yeeha. That's me in the middle on the top photo and the rather sweaty looking one top left in the bottom Photo. What a game, in our new very smart kit we were victorious 40 goals to 16. Well played ladies nothing like setting a high standard to maintain at the start of the season.
On the down side I wore some trainers that maybe weren't the best. I now have a rather large and painful blister on the sole of my foot; boo hoo. Decided I really couldn't complain as I need to be tough if I am going to be successful in my quest to do an Ironman.
The house situation hasn't really changed apart from I am back down to three children, the school run is going to be a breeze tomorrow. Also I lose the blind dog tomorrow. Not literally of course, that would be illegal, he is going back home to his mum. After that just a tropical kitchen and a fridge/freezer to sort out!
Tuesday 28 September 2010
Another typical week
Eventually I can get on my computer.
Five children in the house, four of them with club penguin and moshi monster accounts, dosen't leave much time for me to get on hence the lack of entries on Blogger recently.
Tonight I have just got back from Tri Club based at David Lloyd Newcastle. This is run by Total Racing International whom I recently joined and I must say I'm loving it. These are the guys (main man Phil Gray) who have taken on the challenge of getting me and about twelve others Ironman fit for August next year; good luck is what I say.
Going to have a night off training tomorrow due a hectic next few days. I have my first netball match Thursday, so hopefully will get some pictures for my blog. Training Friday and then on Sunday I am off to the lake district to swim one mile in each of four or five of the lakes. This is training for another challenge which will hopefully take place next year but I'll fill you in at a later date.
Then when I thought nothing else could test me at the mo I found out late last night that my granny had fallen and has broken her hip. At 98 years old she still has managed to refuse the bedpan. Go Granny!
Five children in the house, four of them with club penguin and moshi monster accounts, dosen't leave much time for me to get on hence the lack of entries on Blogger recently.
Tonight I have just got back from Tri Club based at David Lloyd Newcastle. This is run by Total Racing International whom I recently joined and I must say I'm loving it. These are the guys (main man Phil Gray) who have taken on the challenge of getting me and about twelve others Ironman fit for August next year; good luck is what I say.
Going to have a night off training tomorrow due a hectic next few days. I have my first netball match Thursday, so hopefully will get some pictures for my blog. Training Friday and then on Sunday I am off to the lake district to swim one mile in each of four or five of the lakes. This is training for another challenge which will hopefully take place next year but I'll fill you in at a later date.
A quick house update - Still have a tropical Kitchen,
Fridge/ freezer still knackered (thanks Samsung)
Five kids in the house, currently sleeping
Finally, still have a yappy blind dog, who is now insisting on sleeping on our bed.
Then when I thought nothing else could test me at the mo I found out late last night that my granny had fallen and has broken her hip. At 98 years old she still has managed to refuse the bedpan. Go Granny!
Thursday 23 September 2010
We all have days like these!
Finally feel like I have recovered from the weekend activities, no thanks to the torture I put my legs through yesterday. A free morning and lovely weather beckoned a bike ride, so a good chat later (with my cycling partner Lisa) and 30 miles covered, I was feeling pretty good. That was 'til the evening, when a supposed friendly netball match turned into a full sprinting, aggressive battle; have to say the legs were feeling pretty pooped again, I keep telling myself it is all good training.
Training tonight is consisting of drinking lots of wine. Currently doing this while I type so excuse the errors! Had a hard day juggling the house. First we have had a leak under the floor, so today the heaters came in to dry it out; my kitchen is currently the temperature of the tropics. If that is not bad enough I have been having fridge issues. So a very unhelpful, completely negative Samsung fridge man arrived today, only to leave 15 mins later, leaving me with no fridge/freezer until they see if it is still under warrenty, and if it is, it needs to be turned off for 48 hours 'til they come back. So then I had to make a mad dash to grandpa's to store my freezer and half my fridge contents before I lost the lot whilst our two year old was having a wobbler about being on tippy toes (EH!) and refused to put any shoes on. Finally, last but by no means least, tonight I have my two nieces moving in for nine days.
So quick recap; tropical kitcken, no fridge/freezer, five children (ten and under, one with tippy toe issues) and hardly any food in the house. Oopps, nearly forgot, I also have my mothers blind dog staying for the week.
I am so pleased I can enjoy the finer things in life like wine at times like these, really not looking forward to the day they say I need to stop drinking due to the training schedule, but I suppose it might make some school runs easier.
Just had a worrying thought; hangover, five kids, school run... ahhhh!!
Training tonight is consisting of drinking lots of wine. Currently doing this while I type so excuse the errors! Had a hard day juggling the house. First we have had a leak under the floor, so today the heaters came in to dry it out; my kitchen is currently the temperature of the tropics. If that is not bad enough I have been having fridge issues. So a very unhelpful, completely negative Samsung fridge man arrived today, only to leave 15 mins later, leaving me with no fridge/freezer until they see if it is still under warrenty, and if it is, it needs to be turned off for 48 hours 'til they come back. So then I had to make a mad dash to grandpa's to store my freezer and half my fridge contents before I lost the lot whilst our two year old was having a wobbler about being on tippy toes (EH!) and refused to put any shoes on. Finally, last but by no means least, tonight I have my two nieces moving in for nine days.
So quick recap; tropical kitcken, no fridge/freezer, five children (ten and under, one with tippy toe issues) and hardly any food in the house. Oopps, nearly forgot, I also have my mothers blind dog staying for the week.
I am so pleased I can enjoy the finer things in life like wine at times like these, really not looking forward to the day they say I need to stop drinking due to the training schedule, but I suppose it might make some school runs easier.
Just had a worrying thought; hangover, five kids, school run... ahhhh!!
Monday 20 September 2010
OW OW OWWWWW
Well I have survived my longest run to date, 13.1 miles; yeah! But I am now paying the price, I can hardly walk, especially if it has to do with bending my legs like going up stairs. Also going to the toilet is proving a real challenge. It is a matter of gritting my teeth and dealing with the pain. On the up side I have raised over £700 for Tiny Lives so it is totally worth it.
However I am now really worried about the Ironman, the thought of running another 13 miles after the way I felt yesterday at the end of the race, seems like an impossible challenge, and to think I have to cycle and swim before that. Seriously thinking I need to check out some life insurance policies!
However I am now really worried about the Ironman, the thought of running another 13 miles after the way I felt yesterday at the end of the race, seems like an impossible challenge, and to think I have to cycle and swim before that. Seriously thinking I need to check out some life insurance policies!
Saturday 18 September 2010
Run Run Run
Tomorrow I will run the furthest I have ever run. I will be doing the Great North Run, 13.1 miles and in the process raising nearly £700 for 'Tiny Lives'. This charity is very close to my heart, as seven years ago I gave birth to very premature twins, weighing a mere 2lbs8oz and 2lbs9oz. Tiny Lives helps towards the cost of caring for premature and sick babies born in the North East.
My main aim for running was to raise money for the Charity, but now this distance will give me some feeling of what is in store for me in August next year (well half the feeling). However I feel I can't really complain about it as it is a fraction of what I have to do over all. Maybe I should be considering running/walking back from the finish so I at least get the feel of one of the disciplines, but if I know me the pull of the beer tent then the Metro home will win me over on this occasion. What can I say, I still have 10 months to go, or to be more exact 46 weeks; AGES!!
My main aim for running was to raise money for the Charity, but now this distance will give me some feeling of what is in store for me in August next year (well half the feeling). However I feel I can't really complain about it as it is a fraction of what I have to do over all. Maybe I should be considering running/walking back from the finish so I at least get the feel of one of the disciplines, but if I know me the pull of the beer tent then the Metro home will win me over on this occasion. What can I say, I still have 10 months to go, or to be more exact 46 weeks; AGES!!
Thursday 16 September 2010
Oh what have I done
Breathe; its done. I have entered. All I need to worry about now is the training, ahhhhhh!
Question: Is it really possible to train for an Ironman whilst also trying to hold down a job (part time), look after a family that consists of 3 young children, a rabbit and an old sometimes grumpy huge black dog?
I can honestly say life is hectic already. Like all mothers and some fathers, the day starts early with the school rush, followed by walking the dog, sorting child no. 3 out if I am off to work then collecting them from school, attending any after school activities, homework, feeding the tribe (normally 2 sittings in this household), bath time and finally the bedtime routine, which consists of 2 lots of spellings and 3 lots of stories. Then a quick tidy up of the house before my time can commence.
Of Course on top of all this you still have all the other things you have to do, i.e. food shopping, cleaning the house, washing the beds, floor, etc.
So what do I do? I enter an Ironman. For those of you who do not know what that is, it is a triathlon but a really long one. In one race I will swim 2.4 miles then hop onto my bike to cycle 112 miles and finally go for a little jog covering ahhhhhh! 26 massive miles. How long this will take me who knows; depends how I get on with the training and when I can find time to do it.
I have decided to log this epic journey of me trying to get myself race fit for August 7th 2011 when I will compete in the IRONMAN Regensburg.
Oh what have I done??
Question: Is it really possible to train for an Ironman whilst also trying to hold down a job (part time), look after a family that consists of 3 young children, a rabbit and an old sometimes grumpy huge black dog?
I can honestly say life is hectic already. Like all mothers and some fathers, the day starts early with the school rush, followed by walking the dog, sorting child no. 3 out if I am off to work then collecting them from school, attending any after school activities, homework, feeding the tribe (normally 2 sittings in this household), bath time and finally the bedtime routine, which consists of 2 lots of spellings and 3 lots of stories. Then a quick tidy up of the house before my time can commence.
Of Course on top of all this you still have all the other things you have to do, i.e. food shopping, cleaning the house, washing the beds, floor, etc.
So what do I do? I enter an Ironman. For those of you who do not know what that is, it is a triathlon but a really long one. In one race I will swim 2.4 miles then hop onto my bike to cycle 112 miles and finally go for a little jog covering ahhhhhh! 26 massive miles. How long this will take me who knows; depends how I get on with the training and when I can find time to do it.
I have decided to log this epic journey of me trying to get myself race fit for August 7th 2011 when I will compete in the IRONMAN Regensburg.
Oh what have I done??
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