Preparing For The Big Year!

Fail to plan...plan to fail! I've heard that little saying plenty of times throughout my life and in relation to many pursuits. But another, that I have probably heard equally as often, is one which I am sure has rang true as much for you in your lives as it has for me in mine and that is 'Life Is What Happens When You Are Busy Planning Other things'. The month since my last post has reflected a mixture of both those statements ......I've been doing lots of planning in order that I might do my best not to fail in July and I had a big surprise too!

So what have I been planning. Well firtsly I'd like to share with you an outline of the training plan that I hope will see me getting to the start line in Zurich in the best condition that I can and will see me cross the finish line still on two feet rather than all fours. Before I do though I'd like to emphasise that while I have loosely based this plan on one provided on the Ironman website (Six Month Ironmman Plan) I've adapted it to what I think I can manage - if its useful to you as a guide then happy days but I'm no expert!

The first significant thing I did was change how I measured my training volume from distance based to hours based effort. I did this for the simple reason that given the time pressures involved in balancing work, family life and community commitments it's easier to calculate how I can fit training hours into my schedule as opposed to having to think ' I need to do 4K Swimming 30K running and 100 K cycling this week - now where do I find the time for that?' Also most of the commentary on Ironman training out there seems to refer to hours trained rather than distances covered.

Next I broke my time between the beginning of November and July 2014 into managable blocks, trying to take account of rest periods, events, holidays etc and then set myself a training volume for each block that I thought I could achieve e.g. Right now I'm in the middle of a four week block of winter training where I am aiming to achieve 8-9 hours each week divided between the three disciplines with the addition of a little bit gym work focused on building speed and strengthening my core. A typical week for me at the moment looks like:

• Monday - 45 Minute Swim (AM) and a 2 Hour Turbo Class
• Tuesday - 45 Minute Run
• Wednesday - 1 Hour Gym Session followed by a 30 minute swim
• Thursday - 45 Minute Run
• Friday - 1 Hour Gym Session followed by a 40 minute swim
• Saturday - Day Off
• Sunday - 1 Hour Run

I have 3 more 3 or 4 week blocks leading up to the 23rd of March and I will increase the training volume target at the beginning of each block to a peak of 10 hours. At this point 'winter training' ends and I take a two week break for recovery (meaning much lighter training) before commencing my more intensive 16 week program building on that 10 hour base. The plan during those 16 weeks will be to peak at a training volume of approximately 16-17 hours per week before I begin to taper about 2 weeks out. 

Throughout all of this as I say I will be putting effort into all 3 disciplines but I will definitely be placing additional emphasis on my cycling which is no doubt my weakest discipline of the 3.

An integral part of my training will of course be participating in in a number of events at the rate of about one per month. So far I plan on including:

• Jan/Feb/Mar - The three Naas Duathlon Series events
• April - Run Kildare Half Marathon
• May - I'm hoping to find a Cycling Sportive of approximately 100Mile distance
• June - Tri An Mhi CXIII Middle Distance Triathlon
• July - Tri Athlone Olympic Distance
• 27th July - IRONMAN ZURICH

Others, but not many, may be added to this list

My training and event calendar of course aren't the only things that I've been planning. I've also been trying to have a look at how I might raise a few bob for my chosen charity LauraLynn House. My biggest efforts so far have gone into setting up an event called 'GOING THE DISTANCE' where I have managed to enrol the the support and time of a number of eminent experts in the field of Endurance Sport preparation and participation. Making contributions in the areas of training, coaching, nutrition, psychology and motivation will be people such as:

- Gerry Duffy of 32 Marathons and Deca Ironman Challenge fame and author of 'Tick Tock Ten'

- Andy Holgate Author of 'Can't Swim, Cant Bike. Cant Run - Common Man to Ironman'

- Aisling Coppinger Ultrarunner, Coach and co-owner of Wheelworx Bike and Triathlon Shop

- Barry Murray Performance Nutritionist and Owner of Optimum Nutrition4Sport

- And a host of athletes with lots of Marathon, Ironman and Ultrarunning experience under their belts

The event will take place on February the 22nd in Wheelworx Bike and Triathlon Shop, Fonthill Retail Park, Lucan from 11am - 4pm and at a cost of €20.00 it is fantastic value with all profits going to Laura Lynn house. You can register at http://www.wheelworx.ie/Going%20the%20Distance or contact me for tickets.

So for my big surprise! Well as you can see Wheelworx Bike and Triathlon Shop feature heavily in 'GOING THE DISTANCE'. Its where I bought my bike and I've always been a big fan of the store and it's proprieter Rob Cummins who has 9 Ironman finishes to his name including two at Kona in the World Championships. Needless to say I was delighted when I needed a venue for the event that Rob and Aisling offered to host it at Wheelworx. Anyway during the course of setting it up an opportunity presented itself to work for them which I went for and I'm now a pround member of the Wheelworx team. Well they say if you do what you love it will never be work! My role is in the area of corporate sales with initial emphasis on promoting general uptake of the Government Cycle To Work Scheme and selling specifically the unique Wheelworx Cycle To Work Service including their renowned 'LIFETIME GUARANTEE'. Now forgive me for the unashamed sales line - If you would like to know more about the scheme and Wheelworx truly unique service offering please do get in touch with me or check out the Wheelworx website, the link for which has been a permanent fixture on my blog homepage since I launched it.

Well 2014, the year of my 50th Birthday, is upon us and it's shaping up to be a busy one filled with fun, challenges and excitement. For 2014 I'll be trying to do a little bit of additional posting on the blog to give you more regular updates on my training progress(about every 2 weeks) as well as my usual monthly post.

It only remains for me to thank you all for reading and sharing my blog in 2013 and to wish you one and all a very happy, healthy, fit and prosperous New year.

Remember if you like it share it and do think of LauraLynn house when you are looking at the One Percent Difference you can make in 2014.

Take Care 

John 

A Huge Step for Grandad a Giant Leap Towards Ironman

Hi as I begin to write this latest post I'm finding it more than a little difficult to motivate myself to even lift the pen (yes I do still write it first!) Not because I have little to say, that'd be a first, or because I don't want to give you my months news, I do, but simply because I am still in my 'post marathon recovery phase' and I have to take it easy! That phrase has a lovely ring to it and of course is missing only one word 'success' to be inserted neatly after marathon.

Taking part in the Dublin City marathon was of course the highlight of the month so I'll start there ....well not quite there. I'd like to take you back to July when I contracted pneumonia just at the time when training needed to be cranked up a gear. I'm not sure that I really believed at that point that 600 training and event km's later that I would cross the line of the first of what I hope will be many marathon finish lines.

Crossing the line while still upright was of course success in itself but having done so I have received a vital psychological boost on the way to Ironman completion next July. OK I still haven't completed all 3 elements at the relevant distances in the same event but now, having done so seperately, I believe is something that will stand to me in 9 months.

No.1 Fan, Ella my Grand Daughter and Aidan my Son

How did I find my first marathon experience? Well I'll describe it to you in the same way that I did to Mary, Aidan and Ella shortly after crossing the line - 'that was one savage test'. It tests fitness and stamina of course but it also tests perseverance, spirit, resolve, guts and patience and it is passing these tests about which I am perhaps proudest. My highlights from the day, apart from finishing the damn thing, were  undoubtedly hearing the cheers of my loved ones as I entered the finishing chute, (isn't it amazing how, amidst all the shouting, cheering, announcing and general din of the finish you can still pick out their voices the clearest) and the amazing support from the thousands who ran with me or lined the course. Do I hear you shouting 'what was your time John'? Well it was 4.49 and therefore 20 mins the far side of the goal time I'd set myself to break - but you know, and I didn't think it would, the time it took lost all significance about I second after stepping across that line!

What is significant however is the news that this month I got myself my first sponsor for the IRONMANAT50WTFN challenge. The Westgrove Hotel, Conference Centre and Leisure Club, Clane have generously agreed  to sponsor my training leading up to July. Given the level of swim and gym training that I will need to do it will present me with significant savings not just in terms of finance but also time- its literally around the corner from the house and in the same building as work!  And if that wasn't enough they have provided me with the services of their senior physical trainer, Niall Herbert, who has put together a training plan for me which will have me at 'my' peak fitness level by next July. Thanks to General Manager Jerry Russell, Michelle and Niall I'll display and wear the logo with pride.

Lest you think that I'm resting on my laurels I'm also well into my very tough turbo sessions with Niall at Wheelworx and putting together some nice plans for a bit of fundraising for LauraLynn house which  I will tell you more about in future posts.

I'll finish this months post with a bit of a challenge to you. ...don't discount yourself as a potential marathon finisher, or any distance for that matter,...it might take time but if I can do it so can you. Decide, Sign up and Follow a simple training plan...don't put it off any longer take your own huge step.

Till next time.......

Another Perspective!

The 11th of October 2013 not only signals that I am now 4 months and counting from the magic number 50 but it also marks another very important date in my annual calendar.  The 11th of October is the day I married Mary, and this year makes it 28 years ago! Now I'm not going to get all gushy or anything like that but it has to be said that without Mary's support on my IRONMAN journey it genuinely wouldn't happen, she is always there cheering me on (her definition of which is sitting in the car and arriving at the finish line with minutes to spare!) and is the first smile I look for when I complete every event - For all of that and more I Love Her. 

She's been going on at me for ages saying that the readers of my blog don't really know the story of what it's like with the training, competing and preparing for my IRONMAN Challenge - that is of course, she maintains, because you haven't heard the story from HER perspective.So I told her to put pen to paper and write a post that would do just that...and she has....and here it is:

The Wife of an IRONMAN in training......The Real Truth!

To all you lovely people out there who so kindly read my husbands blog each month , Thank you. .. Having read Johns blogs I felt that I had to share my side of the story... “the no. 1 fan experience” so to speak of what it’s like to share life with John on his journey leading up to this Wonderful Iron Man Event..Zurich 2014!!!

A brief account of what happened the weekend we were going to Tri an Mhi.......

Its Friday evening , Yipee.. Finish up work for the weekend.  Arrive home and as I enter the house all I can hear is the Dolby sound blaring from the TV, Its like a Cinema ..Then I notice a bicycle race on the TV and it dawns on me that tomorrow -Saturday John is going to participate at the “ Tri an Mhi” event .. oh Sugar .. no wine tonight!

As we eat our dinner together (It has to be pasta and bread- Carbs for the race !!! not my favourite I might add! )the main conversation is about the IRONMANthat is replayed for the tenth time on the TV, from some country or other, the timings of races, the different bikes, the hills etc... mother of sweet divine .. its going to be a long night ! I better seem interested... “ a glass of wine would do the trick “

 John is very excited preparing for the following day...the madness begins    

He paces the floor scratching his head, about 5 lists of what to bring, I just wish he could put all the stuff in one box and have it ready, but NO it has to be a big drama.. then just when I sit down I get “ you didn’t happen to see my nose plugs “ nose Plugs ! even if I did I would probably not know what they were and would have thrown them in the bin.. I’ll play dumb .. No I say didn’t see them and I give him one of my very false smiles.. in order words will you stop wrecking my head..

Decision made,  I’m definitely having a glass of wine..

 I smile, you ok John? as he arrives in from the shed with the wet suit.. that wet suit is like a person in our kitchen and it really spooks me out.. especially if I come up for a drink during the night ..I get such a fright, it’s like a ghost in the kitchen – an instant reminder of what’s to come (mind you I do fancy him in lycra)!!       

Imagine This In The Dark - Especially After 3 Glasses of Wine!

                  

Not  1 , but 2 hours later  all seems to be packed, then suprise suprise he does a check list , ah for F... sake .. its at that moment that I come up with a plan, for the next Triathlon  I could go out the night before ? I’ll say nothing just yet..(my secret)

  

The bike rack has to be put on the car, another drama ! the amount of noise and fixing is unbelievable and this happens every time.. John I say don’t make to much noise the neighbours might be asleep! His look said it all - I think I ll have another glass of wine

Makes Talking IRONMAN Interesting!!

Eventually he’s all happy packed and ready to go !! I’m happy to after 2 glasses of wine, I might even have a 3^rd one !!!

 I casually ask what time we setting off at? John replied 6 am... well you could hear me in Meath 6 am !! oh good God..( now that’s torture)...I replied in Mrs Browns best voice  “THATS NICE!

So I guzzled the  3^rd glass of wine...6 am no longer seems to bad. and off we go to bed..

I open one eye, NO WAY am I getting up its the middle of the night, I hear Johns Alarm.. I try to reach over to knock it off so as we could sleep it in but no he is out of bed like a lark, I don’t think he slept all night.. I pretend I hear nothing.. no way I am getting up...All is quiet and then John arrives with a cup of coffee.. oh dear I better be nice and get up its 6am.. I look out the window and nearly collapse with palpataions its pouring , gale force winds am I dreaming or what. !

Are you still going John? And I’m hoping he says NO ..Oh yes ..he says.. that sorts that out.. breakfast finished..ready to leave , and guess what another check list...

We start off on the way to Meath never seen the like of the weather before. Due to arrive to register before 9 am we were there for 8am!!

I take one look in at Lough Lene and you know what I think they are all stone mad... I look around bleary eyed and see people arrive, the excitement is mounting..

John registers, cars arrive and people from all walks of life arrive but yet they all look the same as they are dressed alike.. All ages all sizes...all freezing

John is engrossed looking at the various bikes and he is telling me all about  the different types ...  yippee so exciting at 8am does he realise how tired I am.. !!

I have to go to transition to see where his bike is placed ..on route I get the full run down .. then John needs the toilet, here we go again ... I hope he does not hold up the que!!

It’s time for the briefing I always listen to this, well I pretend to listen, I look around , the bodies are now shaking, Lough Lene is so rough. 3,2,1 ready to go and  I get the kiss , off he goes , I follow them down , it’s hard to pick out your own as the swim hats are all the one colour.. I say my silent prayer..

Look after him God.. I wait for him to arrive out , wet suit half off, into transition for the bike..off he goes....I’m going back to the car for a long sleep...

By now and after many events I know his timing, so I set my phone, Ill have a sleep for an hour and a half. Wake up and head back to finish line and wait..people start to arrive ..not many fans out today it’s so wet..10 minutes after his due time I see my John, my IRONMAN running down to the finish line, I’d know his run/waddle anywhere.. My heart leaps Thank God he made it.. he looks for me and we smile.. I get a sloppy sweaty kiss..I am so proud of him.. The getting back home is another long story but I will save that for some other time.

I will finish by saying despite my moans and groans and believe me I do a lot of that. I love to be part of this big challenge for John...I think I might even become his coach !!! so take care to you all and remember “LIFE IS NOT MEASURED BY THE NUMBER OF BREATHS YOU TAKE BUT BY THE MOMENTS THAT TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY”  ..ps..Marathon in  2 weeks !!  Mary

Thanks Mary......Love it....Happy Anniversary ......... but folks ..........don't believe a word I'm totally organised....Honest!

Till next time...Post Marathon

Take Care

Perfect Timing - But No Picnic!

My Teeth Were Actually Chattering

Its been another busy month on the journey to completing IRONMAN 1 but one which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Having created a nice platform with a decent run in the Frank Duffy 10Mile in the Phoenix Park I have been upping the ante on my training. This week I have started doing 12k as my routine training runs (3 days per week)and a 1K swim and 50K bike once weekly. For my long run I have peaked so far at 18K and this will rise steadily in the coming weeks till I compete in the Athlone 3/4 Marathon on the 6th of October. And on the 7th day....I rest!!!
While preparation for the D.C.M.on the 28th of Oct is my main focus for the coming weeks I have retained my Swim/Bike elements, mainly for the sake of variety however all research would suggest that they are good to provide a more holistic training regime than that which might be achieved by running alone.

 The fact that I had continued swimming and biking also told in my performance in my last triathlon of the season. Watching the weather forecast in the few days leading up to Tri an Mhi on the 7th of September I was not too hopeful for a dry event but nothing could have prepared Mary and I for just how wet the day was when we set off at 6.30am.....and not only was it wet but the car told me the air temp had dropped to 6deg...wet and cold....brrrr!

Flashing a smile!!

Transition set up was a bit more challenging than usual and any thoughts of having dry anything, including trainers went out the window.  The spirit of Triathlon is an amazing thing however and there is still a palpable buzz of excitement and anticipation in transition despite the weather.  During the time between getting the wet suit on and entering Lough Lene I got absolutely freezing and while anyone who has done a triathlon before probably won't believe me I am not joking when I tell you that the water in the lake was bath like compared to the air temperature and it actually warmed me up.  The lake was fairly choppy as the winds were also getting up a bit but after the usual early scuffling at the start I settled into a decent rhythm and exited the water about 20 minutes later..... to a very unusual sight for me...there were still bikes in transition !!!

I had a fairly speedy transition by my standards and probably one of my most enjoyable 20k cycles followed. One problem I had in transition 2 was that I could not feel my feet and really struggled just to get my trainers on however less than 2 minutes later I was out on the road. I took on a gel for a bit of a boost but for the first couple of KM's I was not running comfortably .  However by 2 and a 1/2 KM I had settled into a rhythm enjoying the fact that on my way back towards the finish there was still a decent number of people coming to meet me. I crossed the line in a PB of 1.36.41 and immediately looked for my adoring fans... well fan...!! with whom to share my personal victory and she was no where to be seen ...... She says that such was my good time that she miscalculated when to be at the finish line...mmmm... I just think she had no intention of standing out in the wind and rain....couldn't really blame her it was atrocious for spectators. Weather aside it was a great day and another triumph for Tri an Mhi in terms of organisation. Oh! ... and I discovered why I was so uncomfortable for the first couple of KM on the run.. I ran the whole 5 k with my socks crumpled up in the toes of my  trainers .!!!

No Smile Now !!

The decision about which IRONMAN I would do as the pinnacle for this journey I am on was one, which in the end, I pondered over long and hard. I had done a lot of research and in the end thanks to an article forwarded to me by my friend Ken Kearney I realized that if my goal is to get to the finish line within the 17 hour time limit I needed to play to my strengths.....well at least minimise the impact of my worst weakness out of the three disciplines... which in my case is most definitely the bike. Now there is no easy IRONMAN but in some the bike discipline can have less climbing and therefore might be considered 'easier'.The one which in the end was jumping out at me, was still open for registration and could be traveled to with relative ease was ..... IRONMAN SWITZERLAND, July 27th 2014.  The total bike climbing on this 180km course is about 1200m compared to IRONMAN UK which is about 1600m - so a piece of cake then !!! With two hills which they have actually christened 'THE BEAST' and 'HEARTBREAK HILL' to be taken on twice in the two lap course and the fact that I have to it complete in 16 hours...not the 17 hours I had always been banking on means it isn't going to be a 'Picnic in Zurich'. So my friends that's where me and my fans....well fan.. are heading. The one thing I'll know for sure....the time will be right!

                    Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRide
               

Audrey Jones
Head of Fundraising LauraLynn House

My blogging month finished beautifully on the 11th of September when Mary and I visited LauraLynnn House to introduce ourselves, tell Audrey Jones, Head of Fundraising, a little bit about what I am doing and have a tour of their wonderful facilities. For a place which touches peoples lives at times of much pain, suffering and sadness you find it has a most uplifting energy. With its bright and colourful reception areas, vibrant multisensory playground and peaceful Butterfly Suite I can only imagine the sense of reassurance that it must provide to the families who have to cross its door. As you can imagine it costs millions to run a facility such as this and the fact that amazes me is that NOT ONE CENT for this service is state funded....its all done with fundraising efforts. I am all the more motivated by my visit to at least reach the modest fundraising target set and extremely proud to be associated with this fabulous organisation.

Laura and Lynn's Pictures Framed Top Left
..........and yes that is Mary's finger !!!

Well thats it for another month everyone. I hope you've enjoyed the read and that if you have you might decide to share it with some of your friends.

Remember comment, tweet etc at will and take care untill next time.

John

'STONEMAD' - Frank Duffy 10Mile Race Report

'But your better at making the porridge' was the response I got from my better half when  the alarm went off at 7am and I suggested that it was time to get up for the Frank Duffy 10mile. I was pretty sure that this was just a ploy to ensure that she would have another 20 minutes in the cot given that typically she tells me that my porridge is muck!

I had planned and prepped well from the night before so we were all ready to leave the house by 8.10. Having initially toyed with the idea of going to the Red Cow, taking the Luas and getting the shuttle, we decided to drive as far into the Pheonix Park as possible. You know I get more like my dad the older I get ! He would get to every appointment he had way before time and I mean way before - Doctors appointment at 2...he'd be there at 12.30..It used to drive my poor mother insane because of course he would drag her along! You see, I hear 5000 competitors and I think if we don't go on time we'll end up having to park miles away, walk for an hour, end up running cos we're late and be knackered before I start at all...well i'ts plausible is'nt it? Anyway it took us 20 minutes to get there and we were able to park in the park and as close to the start as made no difference......of course the refrain is still ringing in my ears 'I told you we were leaving to early'!

For a while we sat watching other competitors arrive and they all looked 10 times fitter than me to a body. Again I let  that 'am I deluded?' question off its leash for a moment but quickly coralled it again by telling myself - 'no you've trained and your ready - now get on with it' 

c.I spent the next hour in the lead up to the start chatting to Mary, taking in the atmosphere, getting my bearings, changing, warming up and queing for the loo - 3 TIMES !! OK HERE'S A BIG REVEAL - in the words of Michael Caine - not many people know this ! I suffer from stage fright ! - C'mon I can't be the only one..you've got to know what I'm talking about lads! That need to perform and the complete and absolute inability to do so because you just can't get the thought of that queue of people, just outside the door, waiting on YOU! Doctor's surgeries are the worst, once that question is asked ' Now if you would't mind peeing into this, the Doctor is WAITING ON YOU !!! 

You see...it is a real condition....now stop laughing!

With relief finally achieved, I gave Mary a squeeze and slotted into my chosen Wave 2, 80-95 Minutes (90-95 was my goal). After a bit of soft shoe shuffling to the start we were off. I had decided to go out easy and steady for the first couple of KM's fairly confident that I could pick up any lost time as the race went on. Staying with the pack I knew would help with this, however with a couple of glances at the watch, although it felt I was running easy and comfortable, I was already in my goal pace zone - I put it down to excitement and adrenaline!

At about the 3KM mark I found myself on the shoulder of a lady wearing a luminous orange running shirt with the word 'STONEMAD' emblazoned on the back. I decided that 'STONEMAD' was going to be my run buddy for the rest of the race - apart from the fact that her shirt I thought accurately described the challenge upon which I am embarking, her pace and rhythm seemed one close to my own and I knew from previous experience that having a persons pace to focus on as well as my watch would help greatly. The next 10KM or so was pretty uneventful...and flat...I love flat. I tick tacked with STONEMAD and she with me...there wasn't a word spoken but I think she had made the same decision as me. I took on a Gel as planned at about 10KM and that gave me a much needed boost and I hydrated pretty well throughout..something I often forget to do.

Of course I knew the course was going to get tougher at some point and about the 12/13 KM mark they stuck a hill in which wasn't particularly steep but inclined for about 500 meters or so. Having already run further at this point than I had so far this year, the hill took its toll on my legs, lungs and the nice steady rhythm that I had maintained to this point which made the remaining, slightly more technical, 3km of the course a bit more of a struggle for me than I would have liked. I also lost 'STONEMAD' at this point the hill doing its worst on her efforts also.

The last KM was tough going and I was glad when I finally glimpsed the finish line ahead. Fearing that I might not make it in under my goal time I sprinted (Ha..Ha..Ha) in to complete in 1.34.28 - Just made it (it was a little longer than 10Miles!!) 

Overall I was delighted with my effort and really enjoyed the run. I had intended to turn around and watch for 'STONEMAD' to cross the line and thank her for being my 'run buddy' but all I could think of after crossing the line was satisfaction and fatigue. Did she finish...of course she did...of that I have no doubt.!

Looks like STONEMAD had been there before and was definitely wearing the SHIRT 1

A NEW PAGE & A GOAL ACHIEVED

Please check out my new page - RED BUTTON - I will be using to bring you additional features between my 11th Blog Postings. I hope you find whats included informative and useful....go on have a look.

Here's the stats from my Frank Duffy 10 Mile run in the Phoenix Park yesterday. Up until now I had not really been to bothered with setting myself time goals, I was always of the mind 'isn't it an achievement just to finish'. Of course it is but I think it inhibited my improvement ...and improvement was something I sought. It's such a confidence boost to set yourself a goal, albeit a moderate one, and to reach it...just. Try it if your not...you won't regret it!

Its only 'Man PNEUMONIA' - Get on with it !

When I hit the publish button for my blog last time I was sitting up in bed in my daughters apartment in Toronto having arrived there the previous day...or was it night...when will they come up for a cure for jet lag?

The memory of the surprised look on Niamh's face when we stood outside her apartment door is one that will never fade. Nor will the sense of pride that Mary and I have for her and Stephen for the life that they are building for themselves there.

Toronto - what a great city to visit. The highlights, apart from spending time with family that is, the CN Tower (we didn't go up - Mary took one look and just said NO WAY!); Niagra Falls; The Island; and of course the experience of running in a new city - sure you'd have to!

Any low lights? - Thankfully only One - I got sick! I knew there was some little problem as I got off the flight - you know that tickly, annoying cough you get which sometimes disappears and then other times leads to a full blown cold - I put it down to being the former and put it to the back of my mind - Mary paying no attention to my whinging helped with that! I did toy with the idea of not running. Does that question come up for you like it does for me every time I'm sick? Should I run or not? In this case my 'training devil' put up a more convincing argument - you'll run this off John! You couldn't pass up the opportunity to run in a new city!

So I ran Friday...all good. I put up a good 10K on Sunday - I was feeling strong....my training devil was right after all! When I got up Monday I felt a little bit ropey and I thought I might have to pay the doc a visit when I get home after all - we were to be leaving next day anyway. On Tuesday I awoke with a very sore chest and within a couple of hours of getting up I was feeling really weak and tired. I lay down for a bit of a rest and the next thing I know I'm shaking uncontrollably, I literally had no control of my body. I was burning up and I knew I was going to have to see someone quickly. Luckily, Keiran, Niamh's flat mate, had 'just in case' given me some directions to a local clinic. About 20 minutes later I found myself sitting in front of a doc who was telling me I was a very sick man (think it was only then when Mary stopped calling it 'Man Flu') and that I shouldn't fly home today.....you have PNEUMONIA after all! As nice as it would have been to spend more time with Niamh it just wasn't an option and I asked the doc what was possible. He gave me an antibiotic which he described as a 'Bullet' and while I don't remember much of the trip home it certainly hit the target. The side effects of 'The Bullet'....lets not go there right now! Niamh, Stephen, Danika and Kieran - Thanks for making our Canadian adventure such a special one.

Mary, Stephen & Niamh - Niagra here we come!

View of Toronto coming back from 'The Island'

Our Niagra Adventure

Keiran, Danika, Stephen, Niamh , Mary and Me

           

I hate being sick - I lost two weeks of training, the most frustrating part of which is the backward steps you take in your level of fitness which you have to spend the next two weeks building back up. Anyway what can you do. You have your bit of a moan about it and then you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and go at it again.

With a couple of colleagues at work I had signed up to be the swimmer on a relay team that was entered for the Corporate Challenge section of TriGrandPrix, Kilkenny so I earmarked this as the first bit of exercise that I would attempt post dose. I was apprehensive about it as, apart from anything else, I hadn't been doing a whole lot of swim training and my two team mates were really up for it and I didn't want to let them down.We were also raising a few bob for Barretstown Gang Camp which is such a good cause.

http://www.barretstown.org/

I've never done Kilkenny as a solo and it's been a couple of years since my last relay swim but I wasn't expecting any surprises - I got two! There was no current, the Nore was like a mill pond - I'd be getting no help there then! I was also sure that the organisers had gotten the start point of the swim wrong...it was much further up river than I'd remembered. Unfortunately they hadn't got it wrong - I'd be swimming a full 750m this year.

Neither surprise dampened the buzz that I got on the day. The atmosphere of the whole event, which was as fantastically run as ever, was a reminder of what keeps me coming back for more triathlon. I also loved seeing the enjoyment that my two colleagues got from taking part and the pride in Carol's dad in particular when he seen her coming back after her storming bike performance. I got out out of the water in 15 minutes odd and Carol and Shaun played a blinder to help us finish 4th of out of the 9 teams taking part! - Thanks Carol and Shaun

Shaun, Me and Carol - Great Day!

Since then I've been back training in earnest. 6 Days a week: 1 x 1km Swim; 1 x 50km Bike; 1 x 10+km Run and 2 x 8km runs. I'm starting to really feel good again and improving all the time - On today's 10km I managed to break 6 mins per km for the first time in a while(5.46 to be precise).

I've also done a bit of event planning at least till the end of October:

• 24 August - Frank Duffy 10 Mile
• 7th September - Tri an Mhi Sprint Triathlon
• 6th of October - Athlone 3/4 Marathon
• 20th of October - Clane 10K
• 28th of October - Dublin City Triathlon - Goal time 3 hrs, 59mins, 59 secs !

That'll all keep me focused!

For anyone who is interested in a bit of motivational reading I've just finished a great book. It's called 'Can't Swim, Can't Ride, Can't Run - From CommonMan to IRONMAN'  by Andy Holgate. If you are in that 'Will I/Won't I' frame of mind about taking part in Triathlon, IRONMAN, Marathon running or even just going for a walk it will really get you going . Available as an E-Book from Kindle ! Thanks Andy for the inspiration.

Oh and I bought new trainers!  had to tell Mary they had engines to make me go faster to justify the purchase  - and they are not top of the range?

'Gel is Asics name for engine....isn't it?!' 

Anyway folks that's about it for this month. In the coming month I hope to add a 'RED BUTTON' to my blog (if its good enough for Sky and BBC.....) where I will add some mid month 'special features'.
In my next 11th post I'll definitely have more news on which organisation that I'll be fundraising for and, If I'm lucky enough to beat the registration rush, which IRONMAN I'll be doing in 2014.

Again please feel free to share, retweet, comment or anything else you feel like with this - I hope you enjoy the read.

Till the 11th take care

John

11/02/2014 - It's Flying In Fast !

The 11th of February 2014....Why don't you 'Google it' ...go on just for the crack! The date's just got nothing going for it...Google says so so it must be true. Ok so up comes a cruise timetable or two and you get the moon phases ....but nothing that gets the interest levels anywhere above.....well...BORING !!

And Yet...for some..it will be a very significant date indeed. Some will marry, some will celebrate special anniversaries, some will mourn the passing of loved ones and some, who are in my category, will celebrate their birthday. For me of course its not just any old birthday but the day that I officially turn into an 'over 50'. By the way, before anyone asks, there will be a hoolie.....but its a bit complicated so I'll tell you more in a future post!

Musing on turning 50 is not what this blog is going to be about, although I'm sure I will meander into a few asides from time to time (those of you who know me will know that I missed the 'How to focus and synopsise' lesson at school. However, if you'll homour me for just one paragraph..... I suppose turning 50 is a significant milestone on life's journey but I think I'm in agreement with those who support the notion that 50 is the new 30 and it in no way holds for me the same dread as it might have when I thought about the prospect 20 years ago. Of course it helps that a few things are converging to make my life a very wonderful place to be just now: I'm feeling better and fitter than I ever did (you will note that I didn't say anything about looking fitter - I'll leave that to you...that's what comments are for!); I'm working in a job I'm enjoying; I have two great kids who are doing well (and for bonus points have moved out !); I have the joy of two wonderful grandchildren and the love for and of a fabulous woman. All boxes are ticked and there's lots to look forward to - sweet!

Speaking of things to look forward to....I have been thinking for a while now about what would be a significant accomplishment with which to mark this milestone and I've come to a decision - I will complete an IRONMAN event and it will be all of the twists and turns on the road to achieving that dream that will inspire the content of this blog from month to month.

So what about a few facts:

• August 2010 - I weighed in at 17stone. That fact alone might give you some insight as to why I might begin to do a bit of running. But what really gave me a kick in the ass was a holiday pic of me in swimming trunks holding my beautiful Granddaughter Ella in the swimming pool......FLUBBER...Need I say more!
• 11 July 2013 - 12 st 4lb(ish)...I've come a long way
• 1st timed run - Great Ireland Run (10K) April 2011 - 1hr15
• Longest Run - Half Marathon Kildare Run May 2011
• 1st Triathlon - Triathlone Tri a Tri - July 2011
• Longest Triathlon finished - Tri an Mhi CXIII May 2012 - Half IRONMAN (I finished last...honestly!)

Last Place Finish at Tri An Mhi CXIII - Roared on like I was first...Fabulous Feeling!

• I've taken part in good number of Duathlon and Triathlon events and finished all attempted. ALL BAR ONE !!........
• Failed IRONMAN attempts - 1 - IRONMAN Wales, Tenby 2011. Thats a whole other days blog!

So that's it for this month folks. I'll be posting on the 11th of each month, to coincide with the birthday, until I achieve the dream and....well who knows after that.

There is a very worthy cause to which I will be aligning myself for the duration of this challenge and for whom I would love to raise a few bob - again I'll tell you more in a future post.

If your so inclined you can find me on Facebook. You can also follow my progress on Twitter @Ironmanat50wtfn

Please share, tweet and comment freely.

So until the 11th

Take care

John

PS. Which event I do is still to be decided but I will have to commit pretty soon as the registration is already open for some of the events in early 2014. I would love to hear from anyone who has been there, done that and wears the tattoo on your thoughts about choosing which event to do.