The weekend weighed heavy on my mind and sadly on my stomach.
The Good Food Show was full of festive delights and treats and being a man who loves his food I didn't miss the opportunity - it was great. Anyway on return yesterday I was encouraged by a friend to have a fortnight of good food (i.e. good quality no rubbish!) and good exercise prior to the real start of the Christmas period. So I started a new regime today ( the exercise is basically the same as before but food content less reflective of a sumo wrestler in full training).
Day 1 - started with a 4 mile run on the treadmill. Unlike the Bigman's late burst of sunshine and hard training the hardcore Fifers have been left to face the baltic north winds - it was a cracking day if a little chilly. Food wise was good and I'm off to (yet another) good start - 48 hours is usually my threshhold! I'm not very good with food!
Tomorrow I'll be running and more spinning or cycling at lunchtime depending on our variable weather. Feeling pretty fit at the moment - I've been training pretty consistently during the past few weeks and it's paying off. I'm concious that the Epic is getting closer and the plan is to peak in March.
I've been so impressed with the Bigman and it's great to see that he's making the most of winter training camp. I'm going to be buying a rope to tie my bike on to his which is legal and in accordance with the rules.
Until tomorrow....
Monday, 30 November 2009
.................. gone with the wind!
Day 4 Winter training camp
After a few days in the saddle, Little Nemo opted for the ‘stay at home’ option today. Her day started at around 11:00 when the Stretch and Relaxation class got under way.
Bigman headed off in search of the Green Lagoon, the remnants of a volcano which has been eroded by the sea.
Overnight a storm had given the given the island a good clean with heavy rain. The wind had not abated and the cycle out was going to be straight forward however the return journey would be punishing. Even as Bigman climbed out of La Santa, early morning cyclists were returning down the hill wearing a grimace. This did not bode well. The bike was moving swiftly, the legs were turning smoothly, things felt good.
On ascending Fire Mountain, the wind supported downhill meant Bigman could not turn the pedals fast enough to maintain drive force on the pedals. The feeling of speed was awesome.
At Yaiza, it was a right turn under the main highway to Arrecife and a climb passed the lava ‘fields’ marked military zone. I have no idea why anyone would want to clamber over jagged lava rock in any event. Firing shells into it seemed an appropriate use of space. Space management as the Ironman would call it.
The Green Lagoon by the village of El Golfo was tucked around the headland and not easily accessible in cycling shoes and so I have shown a photo of the surrounding area. It should not take too much imagination to create a lagoon coloured green in your mind and you get the idea. Before you start suing for mis –representation, no-one said this blog was a tourist guide!
Bigman found a nice little restaurant for coffee, nestling by the sea shore. As a shower of precipitation arrived, coffee turned into a Spanish Omelette. Just after the order arrived Little Nemo sent a text advising she would wait till I returned for lunch. I guess the Spanish Omelette will need to remain a secret!
The return journey was everything it promised. The wind, if anything had strengthened. Carbon bikes are great for speed however when riding through hills acting like wind tunnels they have the effect of bouncing you around like the clothes in a washing machine.
It was a long climb back up over Fire Mountain. Bigman kept thinking of the climbs in the Cape Epic and hoping they did not suffer the same winds in South Africa that clearly frequent the Canary Islands. 110k+ on a mountain bike in these winds would indeed be a challenge and a half. Perhaps even a challenge too far! In Michael Hutchison’s book about his attempt on the Hour Record, he talks about the need to maintain an edge, that your challenge may not be possible, to keep you focussed on your training regime thus reducing the taste of failure.
The return to La Santa was in time for a second fine lunch. This was followed up by the Ab Attack class which had a particular focus on the Abdominals Muscles. It felt like you had not worked out yet your body felt it had gone nine rounds with Mike Tyson.
It set Bigman and Little Nemo up well for the Body Toning class which focussed more roundly on the muscles about the body. Armed with a metal bar ( for weight lifting) and an exercise mat, they were taken through their paces. Another non aerobic class yet your body new it had been through a workout.
And then it was onto the daily squash match. Little Nemo gaining confidence by the day that her ageing father would soon not keep up the pace. Again it went to three games with Little Nemo once again suffering from second game syndrome, i.e after winning the first, blows the second in a youthful ‘whatever’ sort of way. The last game went to the wire with Bigman saving the day for Age Concern with a fine volley.
Bigman lives on undefeated!
After a few days in the saddle, Little Nemo opted for the ‘stay at home’ option today. Her day started at around 11:00 when the Stretch and Relaxation class got under way.
Bigman headed off in search of the Green Lagoon, the remnants of a volcano which has been eroded by the sea.
Overnight a storm had given the given the island a good clean with heavy rain. The wind had not abated and the cycle out was going to be straight forward however the return journey would be punishing. Even as Bigman climbed out of La Santa, early morning cyclists were returning down the hill wearing a grimace. This did not bode well. The bike was moving swiftly, the legs were turning smoothly, things felt good.
On ascending Fire Mountain, the wind supported downhill meant Bigman could not turn the pedals fast enough to maintain drive force on the pedals. The feeling of speed was awesome.
At Yaiza, it was a right turn under the main highway to Arrecife and a climb passed the lava ‘fields’ marked military zone. I have no idea why anyone would want to clamber over jagged lava rock in any event. Firing shells into it seemed an appropriate use of space. Space management as the Ironman would call it.
The Green Lagoon by the village of El Golfo was tucked around the headland and not easily accessible in cycling shoes and so I have shown a photo of the surrounding area. It should not take too much imagination to create a lagoon coloured green in your mind and you get the idea. Before you start suing for mis –representation, no-one said this blog was a tourist guide!
Bigman found a nice little restaurant for coffee, nestling by the sea shore. As a shower of precipitation arrived, coffee turned into a Spanish Omelette. Just after the order arrived Little Nemo sent a text advising she would wait till I returned for lunch. I guess the Spanish Omelette will need to remain a secret!
The return journey was everything it promised. The wind, if anything had strengthened. Carbon bikes are great for speed however when riding through hills acting like wind tunnels they have the effect of bouncing you around like the clothes in a washing machine.
It was a long climb back up over Fire Mountain. Bigman kept thinking of the climbs in the Cape Epic and hoping they did not suffer the same winds in South Africa that clearly frequent the Canary Islands. 110k+ on a mountain bike in these winds would indeed be a challenge and a half. Perhaps even a challenge too far! In Michael Hutchison’s book about his attempt on the Hour Record, he talks about the need to maintain an edge, that your challenge may not be possible, to keep you focussed on your training regime thus reducing the taste of failure.
The return to La Santa was in time for a second fine lunch. This was followed up by the Ab Attack class which had a particular focus on the Abdominals Muscles. It felt like you had not worked out yet your body felt it had gone nine rounds with Mike Tyson.
It set Bigman and Little Nemo up well for the Body Toning class which focussed more roundly on the muscles about the body. Armed with a metal bar ( for weight lifting) and an exercise mat, they were taken through their paces. Another non aerobic class yet your body new it had been through a workout.
And then it was onto the daily squash match. Little Nemo gaining confidence by the day that her ageing father would soon not keep up the pace. Again it went to three games with Little Nemo once again suffering from second game syndrome, i.e after winning the first, blows the second in a youthful ‘whatever’ sort of way. The last game went to the wire with Bigman saving the day for Age Concern with a fine volley.
Bigman lives on undefeated!
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Little Nemo's big day out
Day 3 – Winter training camp
The plan was to awake with 08:00 alarm call. Well, what are plans for if not to let you know when you have changed plans!
The alarm did its part of the bargain, however, the budding athletes politely ignored calls for ‘Carpe Diem’, at least until 08:30.
There was an organised excursion to the ancient capital of Lanzarote, namely Teguise. Little Nemo was being given a treat as the local market was on this morning in Teguise.
Most inhabitants of La Santa going to the market would be taking the bus, but why would you want to go 20km by bus when you can cycle on a road bike and take in the sites along the way.
The route was via Soo and down to the surfing capital in the village of Famara where all the surfing shops clearly showed ‘surfing dudes’ welcome here. Little Nemo is learning fast on road biking. As Bigman tore down the road to Famara, Little Nemo was tucked in behind enjoying the drafting and limiting power output for the undoubted hills we would ‘find’ to climb.
And so it came to pass. As the Posse Ecosse left Famara the road started to rise along the side of the cliff face. At least the wind was now our friend. Little Nemo was clinging to Bigman’s rear wheel whilst counting the cat’s eyes as she wound in the road to the junction leading to Teguise. She did indeed surprise herself with the technique, arriving at the junction before she had realised the hill climb was past.
The market town was buzzing with tourists looking for the bargain to take back to ‘friends’! The Posse visited a coffee shop frequented by the Posse on a previous visit. The owner remembered the Posse’s last visit and asked after Duracell, The Fit One and JR.
Little Nemo went off to scour for a bargain whilst Bigman enjoyed another coffee plugged in the i-pod and watched people meandering along the cobbled streets. Several children in prams were severely shaken as they rocked back and fore, with little cheeks bouncing up and down, on the uneven streets! At this point, Lanzarote enjoyed mild precipitation. Nothing by Scottish November standards but enough to clear the café seating. The Bigman remained and within 30 seconds normal sunshine was restored. It was certainly cooler today. As low as 25 degrees at one point!
And then it was time to go! As the pair raced down the hill out of Teguise, Little Nemo, hard on the wheel of Bigman shouted for more speed. My how the little one has progressed in a couple of days.
As they turned towards Famara a couple of unsuspecting cyclists were spotted on the horizon. As is tradition, the pace was increased and the ‘bandits’ were wound in and passed at pace with a friendly ‘hola’.
The scenery may be barren however the colour comparisons are stark with brilliant blue against the sands blown from the Sahara. At Soo, the Posse sought to stock up on food for the evening meal. The shop had no pasta, no meats, however the lady serving was very patient with a tourist with limited Spanish vocabulary and so it felt appropriate to buy at least something. Two Calypos were procured and easily consumed shortly thereafter. Another 50k travelled with lovely smooth surfaces below the rubber.
A brief lunch was enjoyed before rest and relaxation at the pool. Then Stretch classes at 16:00 before moving immediately on to the Body Combat class. As Bigman is choreographically challenged and the leader was moving a pace, the sight was not pretty. Lots of arms and legs flailing madly like some beached whale. A small consolation was that at least he knew he was uncoordinated ………. others had not yet identified that about themselves!
As has become the tradition, the day was rounded off by a three game set of squash. Little Nemo came close to claiming the scalp of Bigman …………. speaking metaphorically, of course.
Tomorrow is a planned trip to the Green Lagoon at El Golfo. Time for an early night.
The plan was to awake with 08:00 alarm call. Well, what are plans for if not to let you know when you have changed plans!
The alarm did its part of the bargain, however, the budding athletes politely ignored calls for ‘Carpe Diem’, at least until 08:30.
There was an organised excursion to the ancient capital of Lanzarote, namely Teguise. Little Nemo was being given a treat as the local market was on this morning in Teguise.
Most inhabitants of La Santa going to the market would be taking the bus, but why would you want to go 20km by bus when you can cycle on a road bike and take in the sites along the way.
The route was via Soo and down to the surfing capital in the village of Famara where all the surfing shops clearly showed ‘surfing dudes’ welcome here. Little Nemo is learning fast on road biking. As Bigman tore down the road to Famara, Little Nemo was tucked in behind enjoying the drafting and limiting power output for the undoubted hills we would ‘find’ to climb.
And so it came to pass. As the Posse Ecosse left Famara the road started to rise along the side of the cliff face. At least the wind was now our friend. Little Nemo was clinging to Bigman’s rear wheel whilst counting the cat’s eyes as she wound in the road to the junction leading to Teguise. She did indeed surprise herself with the technique, arriving at the junction before she had realised the hill climb was past.
The market town was buzzing with tourists looking for the bargain to take back to ‘friends’! The Posse visited a coffee shop frequented by the Posse on a previous visit. The owner remembered the Posse’s last visit and asked after Duracell, The Fit One and JR.
Little Nemo went off to scour for a bargain whilst Bigman enjoyed another coffee plugged in the i-pod and watched people meandering along the cobbled streets. Several children in prams were severely shaken as they rocked back and fore, with little cheeks bouncing up and down, on the uneven streets! At this point, Lanzarote enjoyed mild precipitation. Nothing by Scottish November standards but enough to clear the café seating. The Bigman remained and within 30 seconds normal sunshine was restored. It was certainly cooler today. As low as 25 degrees at one point!
And then it was time to go! As the pair raced down the hill out of Teguise, Little Nemo, hard on the wheel of Bigman shouted for more speed. My how the little one has progressed in a couple of days.
As they turned towards Famara a couple of unsuspecting cyclists were spotted on the horizon. As is tradition, the pace was increased and the ‘bandits’ were wound in and passed at pace with a friendly ‘hola’.
The scenery may be barren however the colour comparisons are stark with brilliant blue against the sands blown from the Sahara. At Soo, the Posse sought to stock up on food for the evening meal. The shop had no pasta, no meats, however the lady serving was very patient with a tourist with limited Spanish vocabulary and so it felt appropriate to buy at least something. Two Calypos were procured and easily consumed shortly thereafter. Another 50k travelled with lovely smooth surfaces below the rubber.
A brief lunch was enjoyed before rest and relaxation at the pool. Then Stretch classes at 16:00 before moving immediately on to the Body Combat class. As Bigman is choreographically challenged and the leader was moving a pace, the sight was not pretty. Lots of arms and legs flailing madly like some beached whale. A small consolation was that at least he knew he was uncoordinated ………. others had not yet identified that about themselves!
As has become the tradition, the day was rounded off by a three game set of squash. Little Nemo came close to claiming the scalp of Bigman …………. speaking metaphorically, of course.
Tomorrow is a planned trip to the Green Lagoon at El Golfo. Time for an early night.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Bigman takes on an international field
Day 2 – Winter training camp
The morning was a leisurely time spent reading by the pool. It was blue skies and not a cloud on the horizon.
Much of the Cape Epic is about challenging yourself to exceed your expectations and to encourage other to be courageous and be inspired to do something new.
It was interesting, therefore, to read about an author who had found out that the most inspirational man he knew only reached his potential by helping a child reach his! Wow!
The Spanish Posse began to gather at 13:50. The ‘medals’ were subtle but nevertheless plain for all to see …………….shirts emblazoned with marathon this or triathlon that, or ironman somewhere else. Bigman boasted his Scotland cycling shirt ……….. and only he knew he was from The Posse Ecosse.
The warning was issued. This outing was for experienced cyclists only. At the first village (5Km) out, participants were asked to consider whether they could stay the pace. If not, they should self select and return to La Santa to avoid ‘spoiling’ the ride for others. Mmmm ……………… encouraging though Bigman.
The Posse left the meeting spot and gingerly began the climb to the village of SOO. No-one dropped out. The average pace was to be around 30km over the 75km. At least by cycling in a pack the Lanzarote breeze was minimised.
There were 24 riders spread along the road from many countries around Europe. On the smooth surfaces, it felt good to be in the pack. We had three escorts setting the pace and leading the group. After the next village, the posse started the climb to Teguise, the ancient capital of Lanzarote. It is a steady climb and the breathing of some of the pack was getting heavy. Bigman felt within his comfort zone. After all, he has his very own Ironman to contend with every Saturday. After Teguise, a puncture caused a respite in the driving pace in heat of circa 28 degrees. The waterbottles were being hit hard.
A right turn after the climb to the windmills and back round to Teguise. From there it was a sprint down to Nazaret before heading to San Bartolome. At this point a few riders decided to take the direct route back. This left 21 riders to head out to Fire Mountain and Uga before returning to Blanca Mancha. As the posse passed through village after village, you could almost imagine children being shepherded indoors as the posse passed through at pace.
At the top of the hill down to La Santa a race broke out. Just goes to show cyclists are the same the world over. Close to home and it’s a race. Bigman could sense it in the air. The smell that oozes from The Fit One when he is contemplating a break. And then it happened, a break from the pack. Bigman joined the breakaway. About half way down the hill, the rider in front blew up and Bigman had to lock the brakes to avoid crashing into the back of him. A quick pull out and the busted biker was history. Bigman could see the leading two ahead of him and kept the pace down the hill. The breeze was tough and definitely not your friend. By the time the speed limit in La Santa was passed Bigman had achieved a credible fourth place. Good fun.
75km covered in less than 2 and a half hours, averaging around 30 km per hour, including some tasty little climbs. This felt like how it is going to be in South Africa in little over 15 weeks.
For sure, Scotland is not going to provide the temperature challenge in training sessions that will exist for 8 days in South Africa.
A final challenge at Squash ended anther fantastic day just as the sun set on day two of the Winter Training Camp.
The morning was a leisurely time spent reading by the pool. It was blue skies and not a cloud on the horizon.
Much of the Cape Epic is about challenging yourself to exceed your expectations and to encourage other to be courageous and be inspired to do something new.
It was interesting, therefore, to read about an author who had found out that the most inspirational man he knew only reached his potential by helping a child reach his! Wow!
The Spanish Posse began to gather at 13:50. The ‘medals’ were subtle but nevertheless plain for all to see …………….shirts emblazoned with marathon this or triathlon that, or ironman somewhere else. Bigman boasted his Scotland cycling shirt ……….. and only he knew he was from The Posse Ecosse.
The warning was issued. This outing was for experienced cyclists only. At the first village (5Km) out, participants were asked to consider whether they could stay the pace. If not, they should self select and return to La Santa to avoid ‘spoiling’ the ride for others. Mmmm ……………… encouraging though Bigman.
The Posse left the meeting spot and gingerly began the climb to the village of SOO. No-one dropped out. The average pace was to be around 30km over the 75km. At least by cycling in a pack the Lanzarote breeze was minimised.
There were 24 riders spread along the road from many countries around Europe. On the smooth surfaces, it felt good to be in the pack. We had three escorts setting the pace and leading the group. After the next village, the posse started the climb to Teguise, the ancient capital of Lanzarote. It is a steady climb and the breathing of some of the pack was getting heavy. Bigman felt within his comfort zone. After all, he has his very own Ironman to contend with every Saturday. After Teguise, a puncture caused a respite in the driving pace in heat of circa 28 degrees. The waterbottles were being hit hard.
A right turn after the climb to the windmills and back round to Teguise. From there it was a sprint down to Nazaret before heading to San Bartolome. At this point a few riders decided to take the direct route back. This left 21 riders to head out to Fire Mountain and Uga before returning to Blanca Mancha. As the posse passed through village after village, you could almost imagine children being shepherded indoors as the posse passed through at pace.
At the top of the hill down to La Santa a race broke out. Just goes to show cyclists are the same the world over. Close to home and it’s a race. Bigman could sense it in the air. The smell that oozes from The Fit One when he is contemplating a break. And then it happened, a break from the pack. Bigman joined the breakaway. About half way down the hill, the rider in front blew up and Bigman had to lock the brakes to avoid crashing into the back of him. A quick pull out and the busted biker was history. Bigman could see the leading two ahead of him and kept the pace down the hill. The breeze was tough and definitely not your friend. By the time the speed limit in La Santa was passed Bigman had achieved a credible fourth place. Good fun.
75km covered in less than 2 and a half hours, averaging around 30 km per hour, including some tasty little climbs. This felt like how it is going to be in South Africa in little over 15 weeks.
For sure, Scotland is not going to provide the temperature challenge in training sessions that will exist for 8 days in South Africa.
A final challenge at Squash ended anther fantastic day just as the sun set on day two of the Winter Training Camp.
Finding Little Nemo finding her way on a road bike
Day 1 – Winter training camp
The alarm shouted at 08:00 time to get up and ‘seize the day’. First activity was to secure the bikes for the week. A nice Cannondale Six for Bigman and another Cannondale for Little Nemo. She has never cycled on a road bike and so this will be a whole new experience ………………. either positive or negative!
They decided to head for the route through the National Park and up through the lava fields and the crusty bowl of an extinct volcano and on across to Yaiza to a coffee shop visited last year. The roads are superbly smooth yet they cannot take away the long climb up to Mancha Blancha fro La Santa.
It was good to see Little Nemo could retain a positive mental attitude and even manage a smile as she crested the last climb before the downhill to Yaiza. By the time we reached Yaiza, Little Nemo had come face to face with a four legged friend who did not retain a positive mental attitude! Hordes of tourists were queuing to ride a camel up to the mouth of the volcano.
A quick coffee supplemented by carbs from an ice cream and it was back on the road again, back to La Santa in time for swimming a kilometre in the 50m outdoor pool. This brought an excellent opportunity to relax the muscles and warm down before the spin bike class at 17:00. It was not too strenuous however did manage to ooze out a few more gallons of sweat.
Next challenge was the squash courts at 19:00. It was a closely contested competition however age and experience won the day over youthful exuberance. At least, it did on this occasion.
A fine meal restored the carbs and the pair were ready for a new day. Tomorrow, Bigman will be joining an international field for a 75km road bike tour. Only seasoned cyclists need attend said the billing!
The alarm shouted at 08:00 time to get up and ‘seize the day’. First activity was to secure the bikes for the week. A nice Cannondale Six for Bigman and another Cannondale for Little Nemo. She has never cycled on a road bike and so this will be a whole new experience ………………. either positive or negative!
They decided to head for the route through the National Park and up through the lava fields and the crusty bowl of an extinct volcano and on across to Yaiza to a coffee shop visited last year. The roads are superbly smooth yet they cannot take away the long climb up to Mancha Blancha fro La Santa.
It was good to see Little Nemo could retain a positive mental attitude and even manage a smile as she crested the last climb before the downhill to Yaiza. By the time we reached Yaiza, Little Nemo had come face to face with a four legged friend who did not retain a positive mental attitude! Hordes of tourists were queuing to ride a camel up to the mouth of the volcano.
A quick coffee supplemented by carbs from an ice cream and it was back on the road again, back to La Santa in time for swimming a kilometre in the 50m outdoor pool. This brought an excellent opportunity to relax the muscles and warm down before the spin bike class at 17:00. It was not too strenuous however did manage to ooze out a few more gallons of sweat.
Next challenge was the squash courts at 19:00. It was a closely contested competition however age and experience won the day over youthful exuberance. At least, it did on this occasion.
A fine meal restored the carbs and the pair were ready for a new day. Tomorrow, Bigman will be joining an international field for a 75km road bike tour. Only seasoned cyclists need attend said the billing!
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
24 Hours from La Santa
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The Posse In Lanzarote in 2008
It is not related to Christmas .................................... it is related to winter training camp.
Bigman is off to do some serious winter training in bright sunshine. He has promised to bring back a photograph of sunshine to the Posse
Monday, 23 November 2009
Be afraid, the Posse is on your tail!
A large jump in the volume of unique visitors to the blog site is down to its addition to the official Cape Epic website.
Clearly the competition are researching the Epic Caper Team Scotland!
Be afraid, the Posse is training hard.
Clearly the competition are researching the Epic Caper Team Scotland!
Be afraid, the Posse is training hard.
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