Thursday, 8 October 2009
The Outlaw.....
Well this is not the story of my criminal past and I'm not in need of the Duracell's legal talent.
The Cape Epic will be done and dusted by the end of March next year and I know that I'll be kicking my heels at the end of the race. I'm the sort of bloke that needs a target, usually a big target and post Cape Epic I will be the same.
I was pottering about the internet and thinking about entering Ironman UK next year. Ironman branded races are brilliantly organised and come with the logo. They are not however the only Ironman distance triathlon events and there is a new non Ironman branded long distance triathlon in Nottingham called the Outlaw.
The Outlaw sounds like my kind of race - I'm not stuck on the IM label so I've decided to give this one a go. Moonwalker has kindly offered to make it my birthday present and I'm really pleased. She did mention that there are not many people that would be happy with a present that you have to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and then run a marathon to collect! That doesn't include the training....
My legs finally feel like normal today. I'm going to spin and run in the morning to test the recovery. I'm hoping that things will get back to normal quickly. I've missed not training this week.
I watched a programme tonight about 4 biggish ladies who were trained by the British cycling team in an effort to lose weight. It wasn't so much training based but seemed to be mind based. I'm pretty convinced that most things are played in the mind. Obviously for sports you need to put in the training and have the necessary skills but a strong mind will get you through many challenges. I have challenges with my eating patterns in that I love cakes and sweet stuff. The pyscologist on the show talked about the inner chimp - I must have an inner ape!!
Looking forward to getting out on the bike this weekend....
The Cape Epic will be done and dusted by the end of March next year and I know that I'll be kicking my heels at the end of the race. I'm the sort of bloke that needs a target, usually a big target and post Cape Epic I will be the same.
I was pottering about the internet and thinking about entering Ironman UK next year. Ironman branded races are brilliantly organised and come with the logo. They are not however the only Ironman distance triathlon events and there is a new non Ironman branded long distance triathlon in Nottingham called the Outlaw.
The Outlaw sounds like my kind of race - I'm not stuck on the IM label so I've decided to give this one a go. Moonwalker has kindly offered to make it my birthday present and I'm really pleased. She did mention that there are not many people that would be happy with a present that you have to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and then run a marathon to collect! That doesn't include the training....
My legs finally feel like normal today. I'm going to spin and run in the morning to test the recovery. I'm hoping that things will get back to normal quickly. I've missed not training this week.
I watched a programme tonight about 4 biggish ladies who were trained by the British cycling team in an effort to lose weight. It wasn't so much training based but seemed to be mind based. I'm pretty convinced that most things are played in the mind. Obviously for sports you need to put in the training and have the necessary skills but a strong mind will get you through many challenges. I have challenges with my eating patterns in that I love cakes and sweet stuff. The pyscologist on the show talked about the inner chimp - I must have an inner ape!!
Looking forward to getting out on the bike this weekend....
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
The Fit One's power pummels pedal
It was billed as an open event to anyone who was remotely connected with the posse to come and try 'Cycing under the stars'. Climbing Col du Cleish for those who may not be entirely confident cycling in the dark ........... except for lights, of course.
Turns out to be not a great night to launch. The Ironman was still recovering from his fantastic time in the Loch Ness Marathon. Junior II was unable to provide the engineroom for the Creepy Coupe, Santiago was otherwise engaged, The Duracell has not yet got energy back from the weekend,meaning the Ant Hill Mob would not be present on Chugga Boom and to top it all, Bigman having made a dash for the 17.00 train from Glasgow to get home in plenty time, got stuck on a train that broke down 7minutes after leaving Queen Street Station and did not get home until almost 3 hours later. Lady Luck ws not having a good evening .......... so far.
On the positive side, The Fit One led the posse well accompanied by The Marathon Man, who was trialling his inaugural journey under the stars. In addition an un-named alias joined the posse for the first time. On the basis he makes a return visit next Wednesday, an appropriate alias shall be awarded.
The night was superb with a carpet of stars showing Perth and Kinross. It was not too cold at 10 degrees and a great night was had by all.
And Lady Luck continued to be postied missing. The Fit One demonstrated his Jan Ullricht style of cycling by pushing so hard on th pedal he managed to sheer it off. Not to be discouraged, and in an Ironman sort of way, he pedalled manfully with one leg back to Dunfermline.
What a hero. It will no doubt have built even greater strength for next week when the Creepy Coupe returns.
Turns out to be not a great night to launch. The Ironman was still recovering from his fantastic time in the Loch Ness Marathon. Junior II was unable to provide the engineroom for the Creepy Coupe, Santiago was otherwise engaged, The Duracell has not yet got energy back from the weekend,meaning the Ant Hill Mob would not be present on Chugga Boom and to top it all, Bigman having made a dash for the 17.00 train from Glasgow to get home in plenty time, got stuck on a train that broke down 7minutes after leaving Queen Street Station and did not get home until almost 3 hours later. Lady Luck ws not having a good evening .......... so far.
On the positive side, The Fit One led the posse well accompanied by The Marathon Man, who was trialling his inaugural journey under the stars. In addition an un-named alias joined the posse for the first time. On the basis he makes a return visit next Wednesday, an appropriate alias shall be awarded.
The night was superb with a carpet of stars showing Perth and Kinross. It was not too cold at 10 degrees and a great night was had by all.
And Lady Luck continued to be postied missing. The Fit One demonstrated his Jan Ullricht style of cycling by pushing so hard on th pedal he managed to sheer it off. Not to be discouraged, and in an Ironman sort of way, he pedalled manfully with one leg back to Dunfermline.
What a hero. It will no doubt have built even greater strength for next week when the Creepy Coupe returns.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Run fat (old) boy run
The famous Macleod shuffle.....
I'm on the far left with both feet welded to the ground. Just before the picture my pacer, Straycelt, had turned round and suggested I pick my feet up - obviously his cajoling had little impact!
Monday, 5 October 2009
A monster marathon
Ever since I started running I had a desire to race in the town I grew up in. This weekend provided my date with destiny. The Loch Ness Marathon.
Duracell has done LN before (I think) and yesterday was my chance to take on the 26.2 mile monster. We drove to Inverness from the hotel in Nairn. The car bounced as we chatted nervously about our race plans. There was four of us in the car KKD, the dark knight, barfy crampo and myself. We all had our own hopes and ambitions and were excited at the prospect of what lay ahead.
Traffic was mad so we parked up sort of the start and walked to the buses. No room on the buses - we queued along with a few other hardy but cold souls. Eventually we were told to get on and stand on a bus. As you can imagine, standing on a bus for an hour and a bit is not great prep for the race. To conserve the legs we sat on the floor, on the steps and in the luggage racks. The chaos continued on embarkation. The buses weren't moving and hoardes of runners were milling around getting colder by the second.
Soon we were off. The start was downhill. I was being paced by a good friend called Straycelt - a Scottish wanderer living in Wales. The course was at best undulating and at worst blooming hilly.
We started at 9 minute per mile pace and carried on at that. The sun was shining, Loch Ness was sparkling and running was a joy. We reached the half way point bang on target 1:57 ish. Straycelt knew within a second how far ahead or behind schedule we were at any given point - he was a fantastic pacer. During the second half we started passing other runners who had told us that they were also targeting a sub 4 time - they had blown up by starting too fast and were struggling with energy levels dropping.
We picked up the pace to 8:30 per mile. The strategy was going well. My foot which had been causing such problems had been fixed by Peter the Podiatrist in Dunfermline on the Friday before the race - a genuine miracle worker! There was no pain from my foot.
At 19 miles I flagged briefly - took on my final gel and got moving again. I was going fine - the crowds were building as we reached a sun soaked Inverness. I was on target.
Then like the dementor's in Harry Potter the life was sucked out of me. My legs felt like lead and I was shuffling along finding it hard to lift my feet. My pacer encouraged me every step of the way. I was moving as fast as the slow motion scene from Chariots of Fire! I could hear the music as I shuffled past the Bught Park. The last mile was still slow but as we finally turned the last corner we cranked up the pace and sprinted at a cantor to the finish. 3.56.35 - I'd broken the 4 hour barrier and finished 885 out of the 3000 entrants. Dead chuffed!
The race was done. Straycelt had finished his 27th marathon and told me it was the hilliest he had done - a PB on a monster course. I got quite emotional on the phone to Waverider - funny how the combination of exhaustion and energy depletion brings out your emotions.
Yesterday was fab - I really enjoyed the whole experience. Barfy Crampo finished in 3:50 - a fantastic 1st marathon effort. KKD, the dark knight and U-Kaz rolled in together in an excellent time having really enjoyed the run.
Dinner after was great fun as we shared our race stories. All up heading to home ground and achieving a PB was brilliant but to share the weekend with great people made it all the more special.
Life is good!
Sunday, 4 October 2009
The Duracell runs out of 'juice'
After the turbulent storms of yesterday, Fife was in comparative calm today. The sun was shining and the sky was blue, a great day for bagging some more cyccling miles.
With the bridge run abandoned yesterday, the posse opted to make a second bid for freedom from Fife. In the posse today, included The Fit One, Bigman, The Wee Yin, The Doc and The Duracell freshly energised from two days golfing. The storms led to the cancellation of the Dunhill Cup but, living up to the brand, the Duracell kept playing.
As the posse crossed into Lothians, the yachts were cruising below on the forth and several people were walking the mile long bridge for a Sunday afternoon stroll. The posse was heading for The Bistro Restaurant on the banks of the Union canal near to Linlithgow. As the team turned off the main road there is a slight rise up to the railway bridge, always a favourite spot for a bit of jousting as you race for the top. The Duracell on the Dawes Tourer, feeling fresh and energised from his golf, edged forward and was a half a wheel in front before the Bigman and The Fit One responded. It was as if someone forgot to put 50p in the meter and the lights of the challenge were extinguished. But this would not be the last dash for the line by The Duracell.
As shot of caffeine and malteser cake in the Bistro and the team were back on the road. But not before a text came through from the Ironman confirming his time at The Loch Ness MArathon. He will make public announcement later however, it is a brilliant time.
A breeze from the west carried the team back to Winchburgh and a left hand turn on to the link road with Newton. It was on the downhill, The Duracell saw the opportunity to make for a dash once again. What was less visible at that point was the rise after going under the M9. The Bigman and The Fit One agreed to let him build a lead as we would see him shortly. And so it came to pass, as the climb came into view, The Duracell nonchalantly eased off the gas in a sort of 'I didn't really mean to build a lead' sort of way.( ........... and hoping no-one would notice!)
As most were heading back to go out to five a sides, The Duracell opted to give the Mont Masterton a miss and take the direct route home. The remainder of the posse powered up the ascent as if it did not exist. Malteser cake can have that effect on you.
Another great day out and 56 kilometres nearer the Cape Epic.
With the bridge run abandoned yesterday, the posse opted to make a second bid for freedom from Fife. In the posse today, included The Fit One, Bigman, The Wee Yin, The Doc and The Duracell freshly energised from two days golfing. The storms led to the cancellation of the Dunhill Cup but, living up to the brand, the Duracell kept playing.
As the posse crossed into Lothians, the yachts were cruising below on the forth and several people were walking the mile long bridge for a Sunday afternoon stroll. The posse was heading for The Bistro Restaurant on the banks of the Union canal near to Linlithgow. As the team turned off the main road there is a slight rise up to the railway bridge, always a favourite spot for a bit of jousting as you race for the top. The Duracell on the Dawes Tourer, feeling fresh and energised from his golf, edged forward and was a half a wheel in front before the Bigman and The Fit One responded. It was as if someone forgot to put 50p in the meter and the lights of the challenge were extinguished. But this would not be the last dash for the line by The Duracell.
As shot of caffeine and malteser cake in the Bistro and the team were back on the road. But not before a text came through from the Ironman confirming his time at The Loch Ness MArathon. He will make public announcement later however, it is a brilliant time.
A breeze from the west carried the team back to Winchburgh and a left hand turn on to the link road with Newton. It was on the downhill, The Duracell saw the opportunity to make for a dash once again. What was less visible at that point was the rise after going under the M9. The Bigman and The Fit One agreed to let him build a lead as we would see him shortly. And so it came to pass, as the climb came into view, The Duracell nonchalantly eased off the gas in a sort of 'I didn't really mean to build a lead' sort of way.( ........... and hoping no-one would notice!)
As most were heading back to go out to five a sides, The Duracell opted to give the Mont Masterton a miss and take the direct route home. The remainder of the posse powered up the ascent as if it did not exist. Malteser cake can have that effect on you.
Another great day out and 56 kilometres nearer the Cape Epic.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Biking Bagatelle
With The Ironman on athletic duty in Inverness this weekend the posse was reduced to the Fit One and Bigman. The original plan had been to do the two bridges route across the Forth Bridge, along to the Kincardine Bridge and back along through Culross.
The weather had a different idea. With storm force winds overnight, and forecast to continue into the morning, the Forth Bridge was closed to high sided vehilces (Bigman) cyclists and pedestrians.
Instead the pair headed east, along the coastal route to Kirkaldy. With storm force winds behind them it was no time before they arrived at Kirkaldy. The views of a turbulent River Forth were magnificent against a blue sky. Any precipitation was past in a flash.
The coffee stop was to take in a bit of culture in the art museum in the centre of Kircaldy with some very fine carrot cake. The taking on of water was also welcomed by Bigman who had enjoyed a fantastic evening with the Wingman at the Dunfermline Beer Festival which was accompanied by two superb local rock bands playing cover tunes. The plan had been to use the evening for re-hydration, however, the range of beers sampled apppeared not to carry the right level of hydration. At least the carb content would be useful.
It was predictable that the return head in to the Westerly wind over the rising and undulating road to Auchtertool was going to be a challenge of mind over matter. Every turn of the pedal was a turn nearer the crest of the climb.
Leaves rushed towards the guys at phenominal speed hopping, skipping, and jumping along the roadside almost laughing at two cyclists competing against the elements. It felt like being a ball in a game of bagatelle as the swirling winds bounced them around at will. Several broken branches brough extra challenge along the roadside.
Another motorist had clearly had a bad experience the previous night as their Vauxhall Corsa adorned a field of barley.
It was a great relief to crest the final climb with a bit of a downhill. The smoke from Mossmoran had barely cleared the stack before it accelarated horizontally and out into the North Sea. So far we had escaped the rain. And then it came. Short sharp, pin like iced droplets driving into the cheeks. This is going to be along winter.
The Fit One and Bigman are definitely not envious of the Ironman and his marathon run tomorrow.
Another 60km closer to teh Cape Epic all of 23 weeks away. A great run with great scenery but not in a time to write home about. The Fit One, always the optimist, reckoned today would build character for teh dark moments in South Africa. Only time will tell.
The weather had a different idea. With storm force winds overnight, and forecast to continue into the morning, the Forth Bridge was closed to high sided vehilces (Bigman) cyclists and pedestrians.
Instead the pair headed east, along the coastal route to Kirkaldy. With storm force winds behind them it was no time before they arrived at Kirkaldy. The views of a turbulent River Forth were magnificent against a blue sky. Any precipitation was past in a flash.
The coffee stop was to take in a bit of culture in the art museum in the centre of Kircaldy with some very fine carrot cake. The taking on of water was also welcomed by Bigman who had enjoyed a fantastic evening with the Wingman at the Dunfermline Beer Festival which was accompanied by two superb local rock bands playing cover tunes. The plan had been to use the evening for re-hydration, however, the range of beers sampled apppeared not to carry the right level of hydration. At least the carb content would be useful.
It was predictable that the return head in to the Westerly wind over the rising and undulating road to Auchtertool was going to be a challenge of mind over matter. Every turn of the pedal was a turn nearer the crest of the climb.
Leaves rushed towards the guys at phenominal speed hopping, skipping, and jumping along the roadside almost laughing at two cyclists competing against the elements. It felt like being a ball in a game of bagatelle as the swirling winds bounced them around at will. Several broken branches brough extra challenge along the roadside.
Another motorist had clearly had a bad experience the previous night as their Vauxhall Corsa adorned a field of barley.
It was a great relief to crest the final climb with a bit of a downhill. The smoke from Mossmoran had barely cleared the stack before it accelarated horizontally and out into the North Sea. So far we had escaped the rain. And then it came. Short sharp, pin like iced droplets driving into the cheeks. This is going to be along winter.
The Fit One and Bigman are definitely not envious of the Ironman and his marathon run tomorrow.
Another 60km closer to teh Cape Epic all of 23 weeks away. A great run with great scenery but not in a time to write home about. The Fit One, always the optimist, reckoned today would build character for teh dark moments in South Africa. Only time will tell.
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